Top British songs of 2013

For my last 2013 show of London's Calling on Pet Rock Radio ((if you haven't checked out the show or station yet...DO IT!!!) http://www.petrockradio.ca/ ) I decided to pick my favourite British songs of 2013 that I have played on the show this year. If you're interested, here's the list:

Eugene McGuiness - Fairlight
The Vaccines - Melody Calling
Younghusbands - Silver Sisters
Treetop flyers - Things will change
Splashh - All I wanna do
The Courteeners - Van der Graff
Paul McCartney - Struggle
Temples - Keep in the dark
Wolf Alice - She
Street Parade - Famous
Lovechild - Black cat bone
Palma Violets - We found love
Arctic Monkeys - Stop the world I wanna get off with you
Miles Kane - Better than that
Jake Bugg - What doesn't kill you
The Family Rain - Reason to die
Stereophonics - We share the same sun
Ed Harcourt - Murmur in your heart
The Broxton Hundred - She brings the light
The 45s - Around and around
Cosmo - Yalla
Emily Moulton - No way out
These Ghosts - The Great Unknown
Turin brakes - Guess you heard
London Grammar - Strong
La bete blooms - Home
Novella - Marys gun
John Newman - Cheating
Gentlemen - Children of the Setting Sun
James Blake - Retrograde

My point of view on this week's events

I cannot believe it is already mid-December, where the feck has the time gone. Things have been busy in the world of lissysergi (that's me lol). I have moved to the idyllic settlement of Millbrook. I love Peterborough but I love being out in the country more.

So this week has been another jammed pack week of news stories. Here's my take and views on some of the stories occurring.

• Yesterday was the last day mourners could view Nelson Mandela's casket before his burial. An estimated 100,000 South Africans lined up in Pretoria but about a third of the overwhelming crowd were sent away without being able to file past the bier. There are a lot of things I could say about Mandela that have already been said and you've probably read. I have to say one of the best articles I have read since the death of Mandela is CBC News' Neil Macdonald's piece. Give it a read, it's a goodun: http://www.cbc.ca/news/world/mandela-s-gut-check-for-the-political-right-1.2459082

• Demonstrators are arriving in Kiev ahead of a mass rally on Sunday. Hundreds of protesters remain camped out in freezing temperatures on Independence Square, behind barricades of snow and ice, reinforced with pallets, benches, metal barriers and wire netting. As we all should know, protests erupted last month after President Yanukovych pulled out of an association agreement with Brussels, which would have been a crucial step towards the country's integration into the EU. Amid a violent crackdown that occurred on Nov 30th, which was met with international outcry, a Ukrainian court has now freed nine people arrested during the clashes between pro-EU protesters and riot police. There is a lot of talk that Russia is pressuring the Ukraine administration to tie themselves more to them than the EU. Yet even though some protesters are calling for closer ties with the EU, what Ukrainians want is a free-democratic country with a government that represents their needs without corruption or manipulation. Whether the EU could provide them with that and a more open and transparent economy will remain to be seen. I do find it slightly intriguing that the US has spoken so readily about their support for the Ukrainian people. I wonder if they would care if it was another Eastern European country or if it is just because of the Ukraine's existing ties to Russia, America's old enemy. Some things in world politics never change eh! 

• In a week where the UK and US have both suspended aid to Syrian rebels, word has it that talks may begin again with the Assad regime. After all they did cooperate with the UN regarding chemical weapons and with several extremist rebel groups being reported, maybe this is the way to go. The crisis in Syria may yet take a long time to resolve and who is to say that is the best outcome for the Syrian people. Hopefully a free-democratic country but here's wishing. What can be done is aid to the millions of Syrian refugees who have had to flee their country. Almost 97 percent of Syria's refugees - estimated by Amnesty to be 2.3 million in total - have fled to five neighbouring countries: Lebanon, Jordan, Turkey, Iraq and Egypt since fighting began. Now the EU is under fire over refusal to provide safe haven for refugees. It's hard to imagine your country being war-torn, making the difficult decision to leave and then be met by such hardship and terrible conditions when you think you have made it to a safe haven. Whilst you're enjoying this festive period maybe take a second to appreciate how lucky you are and even delve into your pocket of change and donate to one the many charities supporting Syrian refugees.

• Uruguay passed a bill this week so that there is direct state control of the cannabis market. Whether good or bad, the effects of the government's pioneering move are certain to be scrutinised and analysed by both opponents and supporters of cannabis legalisation not just in Uruguay but across the world. What I found even more interesting whilst reading up on this story was that I had no idea that Portugal had decriminalised drugs back in 2001. How did I not know this! The results have been astounding; Health experts in Portugal said that Portugal’s decision to decriminalise drug use and treat addicts rather than punishing them is an experiment that has worked. I'm not advocating drug use but drug addiction is an illness not a crime and should be treated as so. If you would like to read more about this check out the following link: http://m.spiegel.de/international/europe/a-891060.html#spRedirectedFrom=www&referrrer=https://www.google.ca/

Street Parade Interview

I sent the lovely guys of Street Parade some questions. Check out their great answers and awesome album while you're at it
http://m.soundcloud.com/jointhestreetparade 

 How long have you been together as a band?
We've been together for 2 years but have been in a band before this 1 as well

How would you describe the bands sound?
I'd describe it as indie/dance, but we plan on going abit more down the funk route soon!

Who are your main music influences?
So many different styles between the three of us, but mainly reggae, dance, soul and hip hop and decent rock n roll. Bands we all agree on are Oasis, the clash, the doors, kasabian and reverend and the makers

What are your future plans for the band?
We plan on recording again next year and playing festivals as much as possible

What's been your favourite venue/city to play?
We really enjoyed Galtres festival and would love to play there again, and also the humber street sesh in hull is a great one to play

Any funny stories you'd like to share from gigging?
Funny stories, our gig at Tribfest earlier this year I snapped a string on my guitar within the 1st 20seconds of the 1st song, and later in the gig another 1 went leaving us with a 4 string guitar!

Who's your favourite British artist/band out right now?
I love the Palma Violets, reverend and the makers, a band called " young Kato" are cool but there seems to be bands with just a good song and when u listen to their albums, just a bit average really! I agree!

If you could come to Canada to play a show, where would be the first place you'd like to check out?
It would have to be Ottawa, simply so we could do the sightseeing as well, if you fancy booking us some flights we'd love to come and do a show for you haha. I'm on it boys lol!

I definitely owe the chaps a pint next time I'm home. Wishing the band all the best.

Beautiful Fall

I know I have been pretty slack when it has come to my blog recently but I have just been so busy and more importantly enjoying life in this beautiful country of Canada. I have to say over the past month or so Ontario scenery has literally took my breath away. The seasons Canada experiences is one of the fav things about this country and this fall has surpassed itself ten times over. The vivid colours, changing of the leaves and lovely fall temperatures have made it an absolute joy to even drive to work every day. I thought I would share a few of my photos that I've taken with you wonderful people. Enjoy!

Blue Jays!

So this blogpost may be a few days late, but hey, I've been busy. So I finally I got to see a Blue Jays game for the first time this past Saturday. This has been totally overdue and I'm not even really sure why it took so long, especially since I have been getting more into baseball.

We go to the game a little after it started and the Royals were already up so I was kind of worried it would be a whiteout and the Jays would just give in. Fortunately, in the 7th inning, the Jays came back and Kawasaki came on the field. The crowds response to this guy was amazing and it really got everyone hipped up.

NOSEBLEEDS!!!

I have to say the atmosphere of the game was completely different to watching any sport back in the UK. All I can say is that it is very North American with the chants, horn noises, and music. I feel like it's more about having fun at the game with your friends and family than actually the game itself, but maybe that's just my opinion. I certainly would have still had a good time even if the Jays lost, but getting behind the Jays to make a comeback to win 4-2 definitely only added to the good times.

Jays win!

I am very much looking forward to seeing the Jays play again, especially if they play Prince - Let's Go Crazy!

Civic holiday weekend

I finally managed to get some time off over the Civic holiday weekend to enjoy this beautiful country that I live in. A friend I use to work with back home came up from the States where he's now working for the long weekend. We managed to hit up two provincial parks, and I knocked off a couple of firsts. We went to Pres'quile Provincial Park near Brighton which I have never been to before. It was lovely and even though it was a little windy I finally went swimming in Lake Ontario. First tick off of the weekend. The next day we went to the Algonquin. I have been there several times before but every time I go I'm still blown away by the absolute nature and stunning scenery. This visit was topped off by my first experience of seeing a moose in the wild. I feel more Canadian! 

Our day was not without its eventful happens. Before going on one of our many walks we accidentally locked the keys in the car. School boy error! After some friendly passer buyers and a quick phone call later, we managed to get a company to come out and unlock the car. Needless to say, I kept the keys extra close to me for the rest of the weekend.
After a great day of exploring the Algonquin trails, we wound up at our accommodation for the night; an authentic teepee. I'm not sure the guy we rented it off was very confident of two Brits' chances staying in a teepee but we got a fire going and slept like logs.

Overall it was a great weekend with great people. Thank you Canada.

My top 7 of Canada

Happy Canada Day to all the crazy canucks out there!

This surprisingly is my 7th Canada Day so I thought what better way to help celebrate this national day than to do my own top 7 things I love about Canada. So here goes in descending order:

7. Four seasons
So some people may complain about the weather here but trust me when I say that you are a lucky country to actually experience four unique seasons. Ok maybe there wasn't much Spring this year but usually you have all four seasons and all the lovely traits of each one.

6. Poutine
Fries, gravy and cheese curds. This dish is delicious, especially after a night out...enough said!

5. The Tragically Hip
Now there are other artists and bands that I prefer but the thing about the Hip is that they represent and relate to so much of Canadian living. They are the the backdrop to a lot of memories I have here. For me they are the Canadian Oasis.

4. Tim Hortons
Ok so you can't come to Canada without going to a Tim Hortons, it's impossible! Trust me I've tried. From your daily coffee, a quick snack, to a respite on a road trip, Timmies is wholesomely Canadian.

3. Maples
Whether it be the tree, its leaves or the syrup, maples are a quintessential Canadian symbol. You even put a leave on your flag! Personally, I love maple trees. They are one of my favourite things to photograph here.

2. Landscape and Space
When people ask me why I love Canada so much I always reply with "I like the space". That may seem weird but it's true. You have A LOT of space here and the numerous beautiful landscapes you have are breathtaking. Canada is truly amazing.

1. The people
So this may come across a bit sappy but I'm saying it anyway. Canadians are some of the best people I've ever met in the world. With your lovable ehs, fantastic hospitality, caring nature and fun living, you're AWESOME! Times with Canadians are good times. Plus you even like to take a dig at Americans.

I feel blessed to be in Canada and hope that I can continue to celebrate your national day in this wonderful country.

The Spirit Level

I just finished the book; The Spirit Level - Why Equality is Better for Everyone, and I wanted to share this remarkable piece of work with you.

I have to admit it has taken me a while to read this, as it is like reading a text book at times, but it is well worth the time put into it. It is definitely one of those books that leaves a long lasting impression on yourself, and your ideology.

As the blurb states; This groundbreaking book, based on years of research, provides hard evidence to show:

• How almost everything - from life expectancy to mental illness, violence to illiteracy - is affected not by how wealthy a society is, but how equal it is
• That societies with a bigger gap between rich and poor are bad for everyone in them - including the well-off
• How we can find positive solutions and move towards a happier, fairer future

Now this may seem a bit preachy or airy fairy to some of you, but trust me when I say that some of the research and results really are thought provoking, and profound. It really makes you look at the bigger picture, and questions the current Western society standpoint. I personally enjoyed every quote, graph and statistic the book offered. Even the cartoon images are hilarious but provocative.

I encourage anyone to read this, even if just for the facts, as in the end of the day you can't argue with those. I thank my brother, Oliver, for sending the book my way, and if anyone wants to borrow the copy I have, I would gladly loan it out.

Rob Ford v Boris Johnson

Rob Ford, Mayor of Toronto, and Boris Johnson, Mayor of London, have both had run-ins with the media in their respective countries. As I was scrolling through pages online, I thought it would be fun to do a comparison of some similarities and differences between these two political figures.

So here goes:

Ford

Versus


Johnson


1. They both like the ladies;
Ford was accused by political rival Sarah Thomson of grabbing her ass during a photo and telling her she "should have been in Florida with him last week because his wife wasn’t there."



Boris with the infamous Cheeky Girls


2. They both take part in sporting activities in the wrong attire;

Ford can't even say on his feet!

Boris is focused.


3. Immigration viewpoint;

Ford: "Those Oriental people work like dogs ... they sleep beside their machines,'' he said. "The Oriental people, they're slowly taking over ... they're hard, hard workers."

Johnson accused Britons of being lazy and having themselves to blame for losing out on jobs to more hard-working foreigners.

4. Drinking;



Ford is said to have a drinking problem



No British man can resist a room temperature pint of beer

5. Opinion on cycling and bike lanes;

As per his appearance you can guess that Ford isn't a keen cyclist. Here he compares bike lanes to 'swimming with the sharks'??

Johnson, on the other hand is trying to get more people on bicycles and make the London less intimidating to new cyclists, as well as promising new bike lanes.





Conclusion:
Now Ford's in a smoking crack video scandal, whereas Johnson has announced he is going to write a book about Winston Churchill. Even though both these gentlemen have colourful personalities and I wouldn't vote for either, I'd take Boris over Rob any day! How about you?



Monster Truck...

Monster Truck (@Monster_Truck_) tweeted at 11:14am - 27 May 13:

Furiosity is out now in the UK! Grab it via @iTunesMusic: bit.ly/Zov4fJ (https://twitter.com/Monster_Truck_/status/339036820702629888)

Don't know what I'm talking about, well you should. Ontario rockers Monster Truck have just released their album FURIOSITY to raving reviews. If you don't believe me check it out; http://www.metalhammer.co.uk/news/exclusive-were-streaming-the-new-monster-truck-album/

I have had the privilege to see these guys rock out 3 times now, and ever time they blow the place down. They are truly a great live band. With blaring riffs, smokey vocals and good depth to their sound, Monster Truck are one of my favourite Canadian acts. Let them become one of yours too.

More political unrest in Europe

Sunday saw Bulgaria vote for a new Parliament. Bulgaria has been led by a caretaker government since February after Boiko Borisov resigned as PM amid protests against poverty, high utility bills and corruption.

The results from the election body today show that the 42nd Bulgarian General Assembly will be divided equally between the Socialists and ethnic Turks on one side, and the centrist GERB and the nationalist Ataka on the other. Again, another European country's electorate are split in terms of ideology and what is the best avenue for their country.

This election hasn't been smooth with allegations of more corruption and even vote-rigging. Protesters have been rallying during the whole electoral process. There seems to be little hope for the people of Bulgaria. The Balkan state of 7.3 million remains the EU's poorest member, and 1 in 5 Bulgarians live under the poverty line.

It is still unsure whether a coalition government can be formed, but without a stable government the country looks like it will still be turmoil.

The British NHS

Those that know me well are aware that I have had to have some tests and procedures carried out over the past 8 months or so. Thankfully, I am fine, but it has been difficult fitting in appointments while I am back in the UK. I wanted to write this post to show my appreciation of the collective British National Health Service. I know that many people complain about the NHS for many reasons but as a British citizen I am extremely proud of it and think it is one of the best things about our country.

During the Second World War there were agreements that post-war, "a complete health service to be available to every member of the community" should be set up. After the war and under Clement Attlee's Labour government, The National Health Service Act was passed in 1946, and the rest they say is history. Even though they have been several reforms to the NHS over the decades that have since passed, the service remains largely free to anyone and everyone. Some people may not agree with free healthcare, but personally, and having lived in a country where I had to pay for my own healthcare, I think it is a service that should be available to everyone in the world. After all, isn't health a basic human right. The World Health Organisation Constitution states:

"the enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being..."

Maybe I'm an idealistic person. I just don't think that individuals or private corporations should profit from the sick and needy. Wouldn't it be nice to not have to worry about insurance or possible medical bills every time you travel. I am not saying you have to agree with me, but to all the British people that read this, please be thankful of the NHS we have, as trust me, I'm sure you would complain a lot more if the NHS was abolished.

It wouldn't be Britain without a nice cuppa!

St. George's Day

Today is St. George's Day, England's national day to celebrate all that is English and it's patron saint. Yet, how many people actually celebrate. Unlike our fellow nations of the UK, who celebrate their respective patron saints, we in England usually let this day go by without even a thought. Why is this?

Nice work Google!

I believe it may be that a lot of us feel or are made to feel ashamed of our English past and imperialistic ways, and think celebrating this is inappropriate. Is it because the idea of some sort of English collective togetherness doesn't exist anyone? I am very proud to be from the North of England but what do I have in common with someone from Essex, for example. Maybe, the nation of England is too diverse for a common nationalistic empathy, or perhaps we only feel this when we are faced with adversity, or England manage to reach the later stages of a sporting World Cup (here's wishing).

Whatever you feel about this national day here are some facts you may or may not know:

• Despite the fact that St George has been England’s patron saint since the 14th century, a recent survey showed that only one in five people know that St George’s Day falls on April 23.

•  A popular custom in bygone years was for people to wear a red rose in their button hole, the national flower for the national day.

•  St George’s flag was adopted by Richard The Lion Heart and brought to England in the 12th century. Soldiers wore it on their tunics to avoid confusion in battle.

•  St George is also considered a martyr in Islam as well as Christianity.

•  Not only is there no evidence that St George ever slayed a dragon (which seems unlikely), there’s very little evidence he ever existed at all. If he did, he was probably born in what is now modern-day Turkey, to a Turkish father serving in the Roman army and a Palestinian mother.

• St. George is said to have been beheaded for resigning his military post and protesting against his pagan leader, the Emperor Diocletian (245-313 AD), who led Rome’s persecution of Christians.

• Aside from England, other countries that celebrate St. George’s Day include Canada, Croatia, Portugal, Cyprus, Greece, Georgia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the Republic of Macedonia.

Rest in peace Mrs. Thatcher

Like many people in Britain today, I have been following the news about the death of Baroness Thatcher. I wasn't sure if writing a blog post was a good idea but I felt compelled to write something about this extraordinary woman, after all, regardless of your political standing, you can't argue against the fact that she shaped British politics and has had a lasting effect (good and/or bad) on the state of the United Kingdom as we know it today.

 

Growing up in a Conservative constituency and from a family that did benefit from some of her government's policies, I have always had a lot of respect for Mrs. Thatcher. In a political world ran by men she made her voice heard and will go down as one of the most powerful women in modern history. It was only as I became older and started to study politics that I began to see the kinks in her neo-liberalism armour.

It has been over 20 years since Thatcher was in office and yet many people in the UK still have deep wounds and dislike for Britain's first female Prime Minister. Hindsight gives us the ability now to evaluate her politics. What you can't contest with is the democratic process that re-elected her to power during her time as PM, winning a landslide victory in 1983 and a majority in 1987. Whether you liked her or not, the electorate still voted for her, even through the troubled times many British people were facing.

I expect to get a few negative comments about writing this post, however much I have tried to keep it away from discussing political views. I, myself, have mixed opinions but nevertheless I hope that 'The Iron Lady' will be allowed to be laid to rest peacefully. The time for political reflection can come at a later date. A woman, a controversial woman at that has passed away, and her loved ones should be able to say goodbye to her in a dignified way. There will definitely only be one Margaret Thatcher!

Tenerife airport disaster anniversary

On this day 36 years ago, the world's deadliest accident in aviation history occurred. Two Boeing 747 passenger aircraft collided on the runway of Los Rodeos Airport on the Spanish island of Tenerife, one of the Canary Islands, resulting in 583 fatalities.

I was totally unaware of this tragedy until a friend of mine told me about it last week. We were being particularly morbid and talking about how we would react if you were ever in a major disaster, and what we would do to try and survive. I thought I was very strange as I do often have these thoughts when I travel but the group of friends I was with admitted to similar apprehensions. Maybe it is a human instinct to prepare yourself for the worst. I have to say I am lucky in the fact that apart from a couple of unscheduled stops due to medical emergencies, I've never had to even experience an emergency landing aboard a plane, and I have taken several flights every year since I was a few months old. I remember when I was a child always being fascinated by air travel and getting excited about flying. Even though these days flying to me is pretty mundane, I still find it amazing that in a few hours you can be in a completely new destination, thousand of miles and oceans apart from where you took off. That is probably one of the reasons why I love travelling so much.

Going back to the 1977 Tenerife airport disaster, even though it was a horrific event, it highlighted problems in aviation procedures which have since been rectified so that a disaster on this scale should never happen again. If you are like me and find these incidents historically interesting then check out this mini documentary:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1SWe_zi4-o&feature=youtube_gdata_player

Mothering Sunday

Today is Mothering Sunday in the UK. This is a Christian day celebrated on the 4^th Sunday in Lent, therefore this day changes every year, along with the time of Easter.  In the USA, Canada and several other countries, however, ‘Mother’s Day’ is celebrated on the 2^nd Sunday of May due to a modernisation of the day.

This made me laugh!

Since my Mother is in the UK, I am celebrating today. Hopefully my Mum has received her card and flowers. Thankfully, due to the wonders of modern technology, it is very straight forward and easy to sort out, which is great as sometimes I can be slightly forgetful and disorganised. I do feel very bad that I cannot spend this day with my Mum. I haven’t been able to be with her for the past two Mother’s day and birthdays, therefore I would like to dedicate this blog post to my wonderful Mother as a way of hopefully making up for my absence.

Not only am I extremely grateful to have such a loving and brilliant Mother, she is also one of the most amazing and inspirational people I have ever met, and I am very lucky to have her in my life. She has always taught me to be a strong, independent woman and encouraged me to achieve anything I’ve wanted to. Anyone that knows my Mum will tell you that she is not only wise but full of funny stories, with an infectious personality to boot. How she managed to put up with myself and older brothers when we were younger, I don’t know, but I have the utmost respect for her.

Happy Mother’s Day Rona

My Mum and I at the Trevi Fountain in Rome

Taken when I was still a student!

Writing this blog has made me realise I need some nicer pictures of myself and my Mum lol, and has also got me emotional and nostalgic which doesn't happen a lot.

Have a lovely day Mum, and if I end up looking like you when I'm older, I'll be very happy lol :-)

R.I.P Hugo Chavez

Officials in Venezuela have called for peace and unity after President Hugo Chavez's death yesterday. Vice President Nicolas Maduro will assume the presidency in the interim, before elections will be held in 30 days.

The future of Venezuela is uncertain but whether or not you agree with Chavez's policies, he will have a lasting legacy in his beloved country. Chavez was President from 1999 until his death. During this time Chavez, following the political ideology of Bolivarianism and 'socialism of the 21st century', implemented sweeping constitutional reforms, nationalisation of several key industries, such as oil, and increased government funding of health care and education. 

Chavez had not only supporters and opposers within his country but also abroad. I personally advocate him for making a positive change in his country for the benefit of the majority of Venezuelan people. In a Western world anyone in left-wing politics is open to criticism. One of the most resonating quotes by Chavez is as follows:

Democracy is impossible in a capitalist system. Capitalism is the realm of injustice and a tyranny of the richest against the poorest. Rousseau said, 'Between the powerful and the weak all freedom is oppressed. Only the rule of law sets you free.' That's why the only way to save the world is through socialism, a democratic socialism... [Democracy is not just turning up to vote every five or four years], it's much more than that, it's a way of life, it's giving power to the people... it is not the government of the rich over the people, which is what's happening in almost all the so-called democratic Western capitalist countries.

As someone who is a true believer in democracy, I think it speaks volumes. My hope for the future of Venezuela is that democracy will prevail and the people get the representation they want.


I end this blog on a musical note, courtesy of the wonderful Arkells:

European politics

With all domestic votes from Italy's election counted, Pier Luigi Bersani's centre-left bloc won the lower house vote but has failed to secure a majority in the Senate. Control of both houses is needed to govern. A protest movement led by comedian Beppe Grillo won 25%, but the centrist bloc led by current Prime Minister Mario Monti came a poor fourth, with about 10%.
The Senate is split between left and right, causing more anxiety in the eurozone. There may be an attempt to form a wider coalition to govern the country but it is unlikely to survive.
The election has come at a pressing time for not only the eurozone but Italy itself. They are amid a deep recession and tough austerity measures.

The rest of the EU are worried that a stable government cannot be formed from the results and that another election will be in needed within months. This could in turn lead to paralysis for the country's economy like seen in Greece. Greece itself has a wide range of elected political parties, from far-right Greek nationalists to Marxist-Leninist communists. This growing split in the electorate's ideology hasn't been seen in Europe for years. With Europe in such a weak state, many voters are turning to more extreme policies to provide solutions to their country's problems. With trying times, radical action is sometimes needed...political history can show us that.

In France, the Constitutional Council rejected a 75 per cent upper income tax rate to be introduced in 2013 in a setback to newly elected Socialist President François Hollande’s push to make the rich contribute more to cutting the public deficit. The fact that politicians are proposing such drastic measures is refreshing to see, especially when that's what their supporters want. With mass rallies and populations expecting a real change, the time for the people of Europe to have their say is upon us!

Valentine's Day

As you all know today is Valentine's Day. This is the second year running I have been single on this day but that is not the reason why I am cynical about this holiday. Even when I have been in relationships, I have ever been keen to celebrate. I feel the whole day has become materialistic and over the top. Who do I blame for this...yes, America, you. You shouldn't feel like you have to spend money to be romantic and show your love how much you care for them. After all, every day with your partner should be a special one.

Valentine's Day dates back to pagan and Roman times but some say was first romanticised by Chaucer.
The earliest surviving valentine is a 15th-century rondeau written by Charles, Duke of Orléans to his wife, which commences.

Je suis desja d'amour tanné
Ma tres doulce Valentinée...

At the time, the duke was being held in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt, 1415.

Poets have been writing Valentines and love poems for centuries. One of my favourites is A Red Red Rose by Robert Burns:

O my Luve's like a red, red rose
That's newly sprung in June;
O my Luve's like the melodie
That's sweetly played in tune.

As fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
So deep in luve am I;
And I will luve thee still, my dear,
Till a' the seas gang dry:

Till a' the seas gang dry, my dear,
And the rocks melt wi' the sun;
I will luve thee still, my dear,
While the sands o' life shall run.

And fare thee weel, my only Luve,
And fare thee weel awhile!
And I will come again, my Luve,
Tho' it ware ten thousand mile.

  

Maybe your Valentine this year would appreciate a heartfelt handwritten poem over a box of chocolates or flowers. Every woman loves a true gentleman and romantic gesture.

I have to end this blog on a comical note however, as I always think of this Simpson's episode on Valentines:

 

Aw poor Ralph!

You could also send this card if your Valentine is anything like me

 

 

The Syrian Conflict

In a week that saw over a hundred dead men pulled from the Alpecco river, President Obama announcing $155 million in aid to the Syrian rebels, and possible retaliation against Israeli air strikes, the conflict in Syria was again all over the news with no real end in sight.

Syria has an interesting history with countless conquests and re-conquests, empires rising and falling, and people flourishing and vanishing. No wonder it is so hard to understand what exactly is best for the Syrian people when the people themselves are divided and the West, Russia and the Middle-East all have some stake in the country.

I came across a very good article by Malik Al-Abdeh about his understanding of the Syrian revolution. Check it out: http://syriaintransition.com/2012/03/01/how-i-understand-the-syrian-revolution/
Malik is an excellent independent journalist and his blog aims to offer as true a picture as possible of what is happening in Syria and why.

Whatever your opinion is of what is occurring in Syria, I think you have to remove yourself from your or our Western perspective. Whether military intervention will happen, I don't know, and whether or not it is the right choice doesn't matter as, the forces causing it would do it regardless. I just hope the death toll of civilians will not increase and that some sort of stability will transpire so that a peaceful outcome will result in democracy and human rights for the whole Syrian population.

Onesies!

When you hear the word 'onesie' does your mind instantly think of a garment designed to be born by infants?

Most probably, yet onesies are becoming a new fashion trend.

My cousins bought me one of Christmas

Snazzy eh?

I have to admit I have worn a onesie before! It was on rugby tour and we had to dress as babies/toddlers. Not my favourite costume theme but come the end of the night, passing out in my tent in my comfy onesie was a blessing.

People are even having onesie parties...looks fun.

You can get so many different onesies now, from American flags to zebras

Hello sexy

I'm sure there's one for you.

It's you again!

I have been on a bit of a movie marathon of late and one guy keeps popping up in the films. Who is this guy...the one and only Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

He plays cop John Blake in The Dark Night Rises

the sexy Joe in Looper, which is a better movie than I thought it would be

Abraham Lincoln's son Robbie in the epic Lincoln

I have to say I think he is a great actor and he's obviously been a busy bee. His upcoming comedy Don Jon's Addiction which he wrote, directed and starred in has just received great reviews at the Sundance Film Festival. There's no stopping this guy! He's definitely come a long way from playing Tommy Solomon on 3rd Rock from the Sun.

Locked out of heaven

I don't usually follow the music charts, let alone like most of the songs, yet I have to admit that I do like Bruno Mars' current song - Locked out of heaven. This song has been no.1 on the US Billboard charts for 4 weeks which I think deserves some congratulations as it's a great upbeat song and has a funky bass line which is always a winner in my book.

I have to point out that I think the reason why I like this song is that it reminds me of several The Police records. Check these out and see if you agree.