The Ottomans on BBC2

Great and very interesting new series on BBC2 about the origin and the expansion into Europe of the Ottomans. The Ottoman empire was as large as the Byzantine and lasted for a period of 700 years but has been ignored largely by historians of modern times. The Ottomans were of course a small tribe  in what is today modern Turkey but modern Turkey did not come into existence until 1912. Very interesting programme with Ragi Omar who approaches the subject with care and attention to detail worth watching!

Is the Greek coalition government handling the crisis correctly?

The coalition government in Greece between the Conservative, Socialist and Real Left parties is of course incapable of making a halloumi sandwich in a coffee bar. Everyone knows this. The collection of weirdos that make up the cabinet is enough to confirm this.

First of all the so called government takes its orders from Berlin. We now have a situation where the old country should be called as the German Democratic Republic of Greece. The Troika is making this ass holes cut more and more and making ordinary people poor. In addition there are instructions to remove all defence industries from Greece. This makes people think that they are preparing for the final submission of the once proud country and some are unfortunately moving to the far right. The 'Golden Dawn' party has got around 20% of the vote more than any other country in Europe. People are simply angry and they are expressing their frustration by moving the the extreme!

On the other hand there is no real opposition as there is very little to oppose! Not much is left the old political elite have moved their money abroad and don't give a fuck!

The solution is for those who are members of the Trades Union movement to form a party of salvation and non political party that will deal with issues in a practical way.




Nick Venedi

Animal cruelty

A harbour seal named Larry who's gone blind. Two sea lions named Baker and Sandy who have had to spend two months in dry cages because of eye damage from questionable water. More than a dozen whales who have mysteriously died in the last ten years. It's all allegedly happened at Marineland -- and now, they're trying to cover it up.
After an investigative report by the Toronto Star last year revealed horrifying conditions at Marineland according to former employees, the marine mammal park sprang into action -- but not to improve the lives of their animals. Instead, they're suing the Star, as well as at least two protesters who have demonstrated outside the park itself. They've also bought land around the park so that protesters outside of it will be considered "trespassing."

These are cowardly, evasive maneuvers that are just distracting from the real issue at hand: the safety and health of the whales, dolphins and sea lions that live at Marineland. They deserve better than to be ignored while the park tries to silence their critics. Sign the petition to tell Marineland to clean up its act.

Party conference season

How relevant is the party conference season to Tom Dick and Harriot? The answer must be its not it just reminds people of what idiots are either running the country or trying to get our votes. This explains why there has been a major fall in membership for all parties. The only party of interest to most people I know is the one taking place every Saturday night in Clapham at the Rose and Bananas!!

Alistair Campbell and the dirty politics of Britain

It is correct for the Labour party machinery and the PR people they have to react to the nasty story printed in the Mail about Ed Milliband's father. Bringing in the memory of someone who is dead is not morally right.

On the other hand the Labour party lost an opportunity by bringing in Alistair Campbell who appeared on Newsnight last night presenting a pathetic attack on the editor of the Mail. The way he handled things makes him look like a bully and reminded people how disliked he is. Did he therefore mess it all up? I think he did and that's what the people I know are saying this morning. He belongs to an ere of spin doctors who were able to manipulate the media. I am hoping that Milliband is not looking at AC as his saviour because he will achieve the opposite.

Ed Milliband. What did the Mail want to say?

I am not one of Ed Millibands greatest admirers in fact I think he was the wrong choice of Leader. But it is unacceptable for the Mail or anyone else to bring in the memory of his father as he is dead.

There are of course those who think ( not saying I am agreeing ) that the Mail is choosing to make this into an issue to remind the electorate that Ed isn't a WASP? I of course wouldn't think they will sink to such a low level but there are those who say the Mail isn't interested in EM's father but his origin. They forget that Di Israeli made a reasonably good PM and that we live in the 21st century. I hope all who think the Mail is up to no good are wrong! Alistair sleazy Campbell coming to ED's defence is not good news either. The Labour PR machinery should have selected someone with a better reputation to defend ED!

Greece. Golden Dawn leaders arrested

The Greek state ordered the arrest of some of the leadership of right wing Golden Dawn party. The leader, Michaloliakos and spokesperson, Kassidiaris were arrested for being associated with an organisation involved with violent activity. Some cynics say that the state only acted when GD seemed to be gaining 20% in popular support.

I am hoping that the justice system will find anyone guilty of crimes guilty and that they are sentenced but the political class in Greece that are totally responsible for the downfall of the country have a lot of answering to do. They should also be arrested and charged for crimes against democracy and the state. They have allowed a once proud and creative country to become a satellite of Berlin and other foreign powers. Those responsible should be tried for treason!