Amazon Author Page
Monday, September 10, 2018
Wednesday, September 05, 2018
NEC retreat
The NEC retreat will only encourage the hate campaign against Jeremy Corbyn to demand more. Margaret Hodge explicitly opposes free speech on Netanyahuism. AN ATTACK ON JEREMY CORBYN IS AN ATTACK ON ALL SOCIALISTS.
Monday, September 03, 2018
Local Author Fair
We attended the last one of these and I recommend other writers to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration & Fees
How do I register for a table at the Author Fair?
Registration is available via Eventbrite until 30th September 2018. Spaces will be allocated on a first come first served basis, so please be aware that registration may close earlier than 30th September if all spaces have been filled.
How much does a table cost and how do I pay?
Tables cost £20 and payment will be taken in cash on the day. We unfortunately cannot accept pre-payment or payment in any method other than cash.
Can I bring people with me to help set up and run my table?
Due to limited space, we recommend that authors bring no more than one additional person with them.
Why is there a charge for tables?
This event is chargeable for authors to cover the cost of room hire and of additional staff to manage and oversee the event. This event requires a significant amount of planning, promotion and set-up on the day, for which we do need to charge.
However, registering for a table will enable authors to:
• Promote and sell books to customers
• Network with local authors and publishers
• Benefit from our online marketing, including social media posts and our county-wide eNewsletter, which reaches x (where x="a large number") people
• Have their work displayed on a scrolling presentation screen throughout Crawley library
•
Do the public have to pay to attend the event?
The event is free for the public to attend and does not require registration.
Can I cancel my place at the fair?
If you no longer need your space at the fair, we politely request that you cancel your space to enable us to open the space to others. You can cancel on Eventbrite via the following steps:
• Login to your Eventbrite account
• Click on your name in the top right-hand corner and click on “Tickets”
• Click on “Local Author Fair” in your list of tickets
• Click on “Cancel Order” and confirm cancellation
I’ve registered my space on Eventbrite. Is there anything else I need to do?
Once you’ve registered your space, please also send us:
• A JPEG image of one of your book covers
• Your name as you would like it to appear in our programme
• A description of your writing in under 140 words
This information will be used in promotional material and on our scrolling presentation boards around the library.
Travel/Parking
How do I find the library?
The library is situated in Crawley town centre on Southgate Avenue, postcode RH10 6HG. Head for the Denvale Retail Park at the Bath Store and you’ll find the library car park on the right. Crawley train station is a 5 minute walk away and a bus station is available on the opposite side of the shopping mall running regular buses. Further information including a map is available online.
Where can I park my car?
Authors are able to use the limited staff parking onsite, but this will be first-come first-served. Once this is full, there is a small pay and display car park outside the library that allows parking for a maximum of 4 hours. Alternatively, the RCP car park on Telford Place allows 24 hour parking for a fee – please click here for more details.
When can I arrive and start setting up?
Authors may arrive anytime from 10am. Doors will open to the public at 11am.
When does the event finish?
The event finishes at 2pm and we politely ask that authors vacate their tables no earlier than 1.30pm and no later than 2.30pm.
Who do I report to when I arrive?
The event will be held in the meeting rooms on the first floor of the library. Please follow signage to the meeting rooms where a member of library staff will greet you.
Is there a loading bay I can temporarily leave my car in while I unload my equipment/books etc?
We unfortunately do not have any suitable spaces for authors to leave their cars while they unload. However, the library car park is situated next to the library, and other pay and display car parks are a short walk away.
Will someone be available to help me unload my car?
Library staff are unfortunately unable to help authors unload materials. The event is on the first floor of the library but there is a lift you can use. However, if you need assistance due to an accessibility requirement, please contact us.
On the Day
Will you provide tables and chairs for authors?
Each author will be provided with half a table and one chair.
Where will my table be?
Unless you have an accessibility requirement, we cannot guarantee an exact location for your table. Tables will be allocated after author registration has closed, and authors will be appropriately grouped, most likely by genre.
How large will my table be?
Authors will be allocated half a table each, allowing for approximately 75x75cm per author.
Will a display board (for posters etc) be provided with my table?
Tables will be left plain with a sign displaying your name. Display boards will not be provided with tables, but authors are encouraged to bring display materials such as pull-up banners.
Are there any restrictions on what I can bring with me?
We recommend authors decorate their tables – you are welcome to bring books to sell, posters, leaflets and pull-up banners with you. You are welcome to bring laptops and electronic equipment with you, but please ensure your equipment is fully charged as plugs are extremely limited.
Can I sell books at the event?
Authors are welcome to sell books at the event. All we ask is that you handle all sales yourself and provide your own cash float if required.
Would the library be able to buy a copy of my book?
We are unfortunately unable to buy books from authors on the day, but would happily welcome donations and will process these in line with our donations policy. A copy of the policy is available from Kirsty Franks by emailing kirsty.franks@westsussex.gov.uk.
Will you be taking pictures at the event? Can I take pictures?
At the event, all authors will be given the option to consent to having their picture taken and used for promotional purposes (e.g. on Facebook). Without your written consent, we won’t take or post any photographs of you. We encourage you to share your own pictures of the event on social media, but ask you not to include any images of other people.
Accessibility
Will the event space be wheelchair accessible?
The event will be held on the first floor of the library. However, Crawley Library is wheelchair accessible and there is a lift and disabled toilets onsite.
Who do I contact if I have an accessibility requirement that may affect where my table is placed or how it is set up?
Please contact Kirsty Franks on kirsty.franks@westsussex.gov.uk.
Comfort & Extras
Are there tea and coffee facilities onsite?
Complimentary tea and coffee will be provided to exhibitors, and there is an onsite café.
Is there anywhere nearby to find lunch?
There is a café onsite, or alternatively cafés and restaurants are available in and around Crawley town centre. Please be aware that hot food is not permitted inside the library, but cold food and hot/cold drinks are permitted.
Who do I contact if I have any other questions?
Please contact Kirsty Franks on kirsty.franks@westsussex.gov.uk if you have any additional queries.
Thursday, August 30, 2018
Various Pets Alive and Dead
Marina Lewycka
ISBN: 9781905490912
This book by the author of "Two Caravans" tells two parallel stories
about a 1970's hippy commune and the adventures of two of its children
in the 21st century. A lot of the humour comes from ridiculing some of
the more ultra-left views current in the 1970s and then contrasting
the morality of the parents with the immoral world in which Serge -
one of the children - has become embroiled.
I don't intend to ruin the plot but the banking world is summarised
for Serge thus:
"Imagine gambling in a casino. Everything you win, you keep. And every
time you lose, a kind-hearted donkey called Joe Public comes along
with a sack of gold and pays off your debts .... He just has to keep
the government onside by keeping them running scared."
Drawn into this world because of the easy money, Serge develops a
whole new meaning for the term "fictitious capital." The parts of the
financial plot which seem most bizarre, like making money out of a
downturn, are the parts which are most accurate.
In the hippy commune, the attempts to explain the role of marriage -
or the "pastry arky of the domestos fear" - to young children are a
salutary warning about fitting your language to your audience.
Marina Lewycka does not spare anybody, left or right, from her comic
ridicule. This is a thoroughly good read.
Amazon Author Page
Wednesday, August 22, 2018
Tis
Frank McCourt
ISBN 0684865742
Every teacher has a book inside them. In some cases it is as well if it just stays there. In Frank McCourt’s case I can only say I am glad it came out into the open.
In prose a bit like a stream of consciousness, he writes about his life in Limerick and the problems of moving back to New York and trying to make headway against poverty and prejudice. So far so depressing but he manages to make it come alive and make it highly readable.
And then in the second half of the book is his life as a teacher. His description of his first lesson with a sassy New York class is a delightful and frightening evocation of the problems everyone encounters as an NQT. I can recommend it to anyone who has ever come into a classroom and found the pupils know how to handle the situation much better than they do!
He is very open about his feelings even when these are discreditable, especially when these are discreditable. He does not give himself the benefit of the doubt or cloud his emotions. When he wants to be extremely rude to his mother or father he gives his exact feelings but concedes that he didn’t actually say any of these hurtful things.
He compares being Irish and being expected to be interested in “irishness” with being black and expected to be interested in specifically “black issues.” He adds that at least he could (if he wanted) have changed his accent but not the colour of his skin.
(Grammatical note – my use of the word “they”is wrong as any English teacher will readily assert. However the Oxford English Dictionary (no less) acknowledges, perhaps reluctantly, that “they” can be used as a substitute for “he or she” where the latter would be clumsy.)
Every teacher will find something to like in this book
Amazon Author Page
Friday, August 17, 2018
Sexual Harrassment on the subway
An astonishing 81 percent of American women say they have been sexually harassed. And a surprising amount of this harassment is taking place on the tube, called the subway in the US.
The BBC video about this is here
Jeremy Corbyn has been subjected to a torrent of abuse from Tory Party "sock puppets" on the Internet for suggesting a policy of zero tolerance of sexual harassment. It tells you which side the Tories are on over this issue.
Labour policy will encourage the victims to speak out and get action. Sexual harassment in the workplace is repeatedly trivialised but it is just another form of management bullying and should be treated as such.
The BBC video about this is here
Jeremy Corbyn has been subjected to a torrent of abuse from Tory Party "sock puppets" on the Internet for suggesting a policy of zero tolerance of sexual harassment. It tells you which side the Tories are on over this issue.
Labour policy will encourage the victims to speak out and get action. Sexual harassment in the workplace is repeatedly trivialised but it is just another form of management bullying and should be treated as such.
Thursday, August 16, 2018
Two lives
Vikram Seth ISBN 0-316-72774-1
“Don’t take the black man” were the first words Henny Caro first said about Shanti Seth when he was proposed as a lodger in her family home – hardly a promising start to a relationship which was to last the rest of their lives.
Shanti and Henny Seth were not famous, at least prior to the publication of this book. Their lives spanned a fair proportion of the twentieth century and they were dominated and changed forever by the rise of Nazism and the second world war.
Shanti, born in 1908 and brought up in India, was sent to study dentistry in Berlin in the 1930s although he did not speak a word of German. It was there that he met Henny who came from a patriotic “intensely German” family. In addition to her initial hostility, she was also engaged to someone else.
She was able to get out of Germany and went to reside in London where they became close friends. He lost his arm at the battle of Monte Cassino but went on to pursue a successful career despite his disability. It was only after the war that she learned that her mother and sister died in Auschwitz. The book traces her search for the truth about their fate.
This close intimate portrayal of their lives by their nephew is a powerful work of art and will not leave any reader unmoved.
Interestingly as well as dealing in detail with the plight of the Jewish families in Berlin during the war it also deals with the less well-documented suffering of Germans in the post war period.
It also deals with the effect on Henny’s group of close friends in Berlin, Jewish and non Jewish, one of whom became an apologist for the Nazis. The personal is political in this novel but there is nothing but the most superficial of political analysis on the part of the writer; the reader has to provide that.
In addition to spanning the century, the narrative spans the globe, from India, Germany, Israel and Palestine to Britain where they lived most of their lives.
Reflecting on the story which he has been telling, the author concludes, “Behind every door in every ordinary street, in every hut in every ordinary village on this middling planet of a trivial star, such riches are to be found.”
Read it.
Amazon Author Page
“Don’t take the black man” were the first words Henny Caro first said about Shanti Seth when he was proposed as a lodger in her family home – hardly a promising start to a relationship which was to last the rest of their lives.
Shanti and Henny Seth were not famous, at least prior to the publication of this book. Their lives spanned a fair proportion of the twentieth century and they were dominated and changed forever by the rise of Nazism and the second world war.
Shanti, born in 1908 and brought up in India, was sent to study dentistry in Berlin in the 1930s although he did not speak a word of German. It was there that he met Henny who came from a patriotic “intensely German” family. In addition to her initial hostility, she was also engaged to someone else.
She was able to get out of Germany and went to reside in London where they became close friends. He lost his arm at the battle of Monte Cassino but went on to pursue a successful career despite his disability. It was only after the war that she learned that her mother and sister died in Auschwitz. The book traces her search for the truth about their fate.
This close intimate portrayal of their lives by their nephew is a powerful work of art and will not leave any reader unmoved.
Interestingly as well as dealing in detail with the plight of the Jewish families in Berlin during the war it also deals with the less well-documented suffering of Germans in the post war period.
It also deals with the effect on Henny’s group of close friends in Berlin, Jewish and non Jewish, one of whom became an apologist for the Nazis. The personal is political in this novel but there is nothing but the most superficial of political analysis on the part of the writer; the reader has to provide that.
In addition to spanning the century, the narrative spans the globe, from India, Germany, Israel and Palestine to Britain where they lived most of their lives.
Reflecting on the story which he has been telling, the author concludes, “Behind every door in every ordinary street, in every hut in every ordinary village on this middling planet of a trivial star, such riches are to be found.”
Read it.
Amazon Author Page
Unison fights bullying of police staff
There is now a Unison report on the sexual harrassment of police staff.
UNISON is the main union for police staff with 33,700 members across all forces, apart from
the Metropolitan Police and the Police Service in Northern Ireland. They do not represent police officers.
The figures are astounding and thank God Unison are taking up this issue. Without a union these workers would have nobody to turn to.Codes of ethics are very nice but only a strong trade union can make sure anything is done about them.
One can't help wondering, if this is how the police act towards their own staff, how do they treat the general public?
UNISON is the main union for police staff with 33,700 members across all forces, apart from
the Metropolitan Police and the Police Service in Northern Ireland. They do not represent police officers.
The figures are astounding and thank God Unison are taking up this issue. Without a union these workers would have nobody to turn to.Codes of ethics are very nice but only a strong trade union can make sure anything is done about them.
One can't help wondering, if this is how the police act towards their own staff, how do they treat the general public?
Thursday, August 09, 2018
The Girl who kicked the Hornet's nest
The Girl who kicked the Hornet's nest
Steig Larsson
ISBN 978-1-84916-274-6
The Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson is a fascinating series of books which deserves an audience beyond the devotees of crime fiction.
The girl of the title is Lisbeth Salander. She is a victim of horrifying childhood abuse at the hands of a respectable psychiatrist. She develops skills as a computer hacker which she uses to wage a campaign against men who torture women.
The 21st century slave trade – in which girls from the former USSR are duped into working as prostitutes in Sweden and subjected to rape and torture often by respected members of society – is one of the less-documented stories of the collapse of communism loudly trumpeted by the apologists of capitalism as “the end of history.” .
The books themselves develop as exciting detective dramas with a background in fact. They talk openly about the corruption at the very highest levels in Swedish society. The author was himself a campaigning journalist who exposed the dirty work of Swedish and international capitalism.
So it is hardly surprising that Salander's co-worker is the charismatic journalist Mikael Blomkvist. He is also portrayed as being irresistible to women. You might think this is a little wish fulfilment by Mr Larssen, I, of course, couldn't possibly comment.
The links between big business, the security services and neo-nazis are explicit in the books but all under the guise of fiction of course. Stieg Larsson himself met an untimely and unexpected death. Truth really can be stranger than
fiction!
The first two books “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Girl who played with fire” have been turned into excellent films and I for one look forward to the film
version of this one.
Journalism (noun)
telling a story the people in power do not want to be told. Anything else is just advertising.
Steig Larsson
ISBN 978-1-84916-274-6
The Millenium Trilogy by Stieg Larsson is a fascinating series of books which deserves an audience beyond the devotees of crime fiction.
The girl of the title is Lisbeth Salander. She is a victim of horrifying childhood abuse at the hands of a respectable psychiatrist. She develops skills as a computer hacker which she uses to wage a campaign against men who torture women.
The 21st century slave trade – in which girls from the former USSR are duped into working as prostitutes in Sweden and subjected to rape and torture often by respected members of society – is one of the less-documented stories of the collapse of communism loudly trumpeted by the apologists of capitalism as “the end of history.” .
The books themselves develop as exciting detective dramas with a background in fact. They talk openly about the corruption at the very highest levels in Swedish society. The author was himself a campaigning journalist who exposed the dirty work of Swedish and international capitalism.
So it is hardly surprising that Salander's co-worker is the charismatic journalist Mikael Blomkvist. He is also portrayed as being irresistible to women. You might think this is a little wish fulfilment by Mr Larssen, I, of course, couldn't possibly comment.
The links between big business, the security services and neo-nazis are explicit in the books but all under the guise of fiction of course. Stieg Larsson himself met an untimely and unexpected death. Truth really can be stranger than
fiction!
The first two books “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Girl who played with fire” have been turned into excellent films and I for one look forward to the film
version of this one.
Journalism (noun)
telling a story the people in power do not want to be told. Anything else is just advertising.
Matter by Iain M Banks
Iain M Banks' Sci Fi novels novels are a romp through the ideas of Science Fiction – always interesting and always surprising. In that he resembles E E Doc Smith for the sheer exuberance of his writing. Fortunately he does not have Smith’s obsession with projectile weapons.
Banks’ novels often centre on a socialist society – known as “The Culture”. It is a society of abundance in which there is no poverty or war. "Matter" concerns how The Culture relates to the rest of the galaxy where war and poverty have not been abolished.
The Culture is a society where artificial intelligence has reached its highest expression and is regarded as equivalent to human beings – or vastly superior depending on your viewpoint! The wit and wisdom of the AIs and their relationship with the human members of the culture is part of the novel’s attraction.
The Shell Worlds are a theme of this novel. They are artificially created worlds which host a variety of life forms. One character from a shell world joins The Culture and then returns home to the relatively primitive society into which she was born when her father is assassinated. However in her absence she has become a member of the part of the Culture called “Special Circumstances” – an organisation of humans with enhanced powers. Special Circumstances alternately upholds and violates The Culture’s principle of non-interference with other life forms at every turn.
Instead of going back to grieve for her father she ends up with a mission to save the world. This is a book for science fiction fans and socialists. Iain M Banks is always good value for money.
Banks’ novels often centre on a socialist society – known as “The Culture”. It is a society of abundance in which there is no poverty or war. "Matter" concerns how The Culture relates to the rest of the galaxy where war and poverty have not been abolished.
The Culture is a society where artificial intelligence has reached its highest expression and is regarded as equivalent to human beings – or vastly superior depending on your viewpoint! The wit and wisdom of the AIs and their relationship with the human members of the culture is part of the novel’s attraction.
The Shell Worlds are a theme of this novel. They are artificially created worlds which host a variety of life forms. One character from a shell world joins The Culture and then returns home to the relatively primitive society into which she was born when her father is assassinated. However in her absence she has become a member of the part of the Culture called “Special Circumstances” – an organisation of humans with enhanced powers. Special Circumstances alternately upholds and violates The Culture’s principle of non-interference with other life forms at every turn.
Instead of going back to grieve for her father she ends up with a mission to save the world. This is a book for science fiction fans and socialists. Iain M Banks is always good value for money.
Xavier is a bookworm
I don't mean he reads a lot of books, although he does
I mean that he plays the free online game “Bookworm”
It improves your vocabulary and spelling.
It is free but will continually try to sell you a “better” version
So it also builds your resistance to advertising!
Bookwords has a lot of unusual words which are accepted by Bookworm
So it is quite useful for Bookworm, Lexicon, Bananas, Scrabble and other word games
Even more usefully it also has definitions
And yet more usefully you can add your own words to it if you get addicted to Bookworm
Ah did I mention Bookworm is addictive?
Well there are worse things to be addicted to
When you go to download Bookwords then Dropbox will invite you to join Dropbox. You do not need to do so, you can just download the file.
Others
Others
James Herbert
ISBN: 0333761170
Whenever a mother has a child she hopes the baby is going to be OK, not the kind of person who will suffer a lifetime of pain and abuse and ostracism. Most babies, apart from an unfortunate tendency to look like Winston Churchill, are like that. Some have disabilities which attract sympathy. Then there are the “others” of the title.
James Herbert is a top horror writer and resides in Sussex (this novel is set mainly in a realistic and recognisable Brighton). I read horror stories when I was a young teenager because a good horror story (and that is what James Herbert writes) take the reader to a world where they can escape the ordinary. This book however locates the extraordinary firmly in the ordinary.
I won’t put in too many spoilers here but it is a fairly standard narrative. Why do evil doctors have this strange need to tell heroes all their plans before they make improbably inefficient attempts to kill them?
However the main theme of the novel is the way society treats “others” and of course Brighton is teeming with “others” of various kinds. It is not a book for the queasy and the kind of horrific description at which James Herbert excels is there in abundance. It is highly readable for people who like this genre.
I repeat the warning. To read it is easy but it is not for the queasy.
The book was first published in 1999 and is available in a large print edition. Avoid reading the blurb on the back of the book by the way because it gives rather more spoilers than I do
.
James Herbert
ISBN: 0333761170
Whenever a mother has a child she hopes the baby is going to be OK, not the kind of person who will suffer a lifetime of pain and abuse and ostracism. Most babies, apart from an unfortunate tendency to look like Winston Churchill, are like that. Some have disabilities which attract sympathy. Then there are the “others” of the title.
James Herbert is a top horror writer and resides in Sussex (this novel is set mainly in a realistic and recognisable Brighton). I read horror stories when I was a young teenager because a good horror story (and that is what James Herbert writes) take the reader to a world where they can escape the ordinary. This book however locates the extraordinary firmly in the ordinary.
I won’t put in too many spoilers here but it is a fairly standard narrative. Why do evil doctors have this strange need to tell heroes all their plans before they make improbably inefficient attempts to kill them?
However the main theme of the novel is the way society treats “others” and of course Brighton is teeming with “others” of various kinds. It is not a book for the queasy and the kind of horrific description at which James Herbert excels is there in abundance. It is highly readable for people who like this genre.
I repeat the warning. To read it is easy but it is not for the queasy.
The book was first published in 1999 and is available in a large print edition. Avoid reading the blurb on the back of the book by the way because it gives rather more spoilers than I do
Wednesday, August 08, 2018
Space Dog Alfred Worksheets
These worksheets are also available on the TES website.
Space Dog Alfred 1
Space Dog Alfred 2
Space Dog Alfred 3
Space Dog Alfred 4
Space Dog Alfred 4 Answers
Space Dog Alfred 5
You do not need to join Dropbox to download. The link takes you to Dropbox and you can just click on DOWNLOAD
Space Dog Alfred 1
Space Dog Alfred 2
Space Dog Alfred 3
Space Dog Alfred 4
Space Dog Alfred 4 Answers
Space Dog Alfred 5
You do not need to join Dropbox to download. The link takes you to Dropbox and you can just click on DOWNLOAD
Worksheets for Methold House class computer class
Control Codes
Word Basics
Ask Google
Digital Safety
Websites
Using the Internet 1
Using the Internet 2
Using the Internet 3
Using the Internet 4
Using the Internet 5
Using the Internet 6
Using the Internet - Pick and Choose
You will be invited to join Dropbox if you click on the link. You do not have to do so. You can just click on DOWNLOAD to download the worksheet.
A useful website for the course is
https://www.learnmyway.com/
It does ask too many questions but I always advise students not to use your real name or give a real email address and to refuse to answer impertinent questions!
Word Basics
Ask Google
Digital Safety
Websites
Using the Internet 1
Using the Internet 2
Using the Internet 3
Using the Internet 4
Using the Internet 5
Using the Internet 6
Using the Internet - Pick and Choose
You will be invited to join Dropbox if you click on the link. You do not have to do so. You can just click on DOWNLOAD to download the worksheet.
A useful website for the course is
https://www.learnmyway.com/
It does ask too many questions but I always advise students not to use your real name or give a real email address and to refuse to answer impertinent questions!
Tuesday, August 07, 2018
Project Fear
Bog-standard Blairites like Alistair Campbell are on the BBC seemingly every day advocating a second referendum on the EU. If they succeeded in getting a second referendum and the vote went in favour of the EU, this would be construed as a victory for the EU policies of austerity and privatisation.
For Blairites, this is preferable to a general election because they are too busy fighting the Labour Party's current leadership to be bothered fighting against the Tories. An election would place before the voters a clear choice between the EU policy of austerity and privatisation and a Labour alternative. That is a choice the Blairites do not want presented.
In the event of a second referendum, they can rely on the BBC to present their own "dodgy dossier" of "facts" on Brexit. You will all be starving, there will be troops on the streets to quell social unrest and keep essential supplies moving. If that is the BBC "fact check" on Radio Four then I wonder what their fiction department is like. Project Fear with knobs on!
Their stock-in-trade is lies.
The fight to bring down this ramshackle government is one which will have to take place without the help or hindrance of bog-standard Blairites. They are good for nothing.
For Blairites, this is preferable to a general election because they are too busy fighting the Labour Party's current leadership to be bothered fighting against the Tories. An election would place before the voters a clear choice between the EU policy of austerity and privatisation and a Labour alternative. That is a choice the Blairites do not want presented.
In the event of a second referendum, they can rely on the BBC to present their own "dodgy dossier" of "facts" on Brexit. You will all be starving, there will be troops on the streets to quell social unrest and keep essential supplies moving. If that is the BBC "fact check" on Radio Four then I wonder what their fiction department is like. Project Fear with knobs on!
Their stock-in-trade is lies.
The fight to bring down this ramshackle government is one which will have to take place without the help or hindrance of bog-standard Blairites. They are good for nothing.
Friday, August 03, 2018
Frank Field
Field notoriously voted for the Iraq war and became an accomplice of mass-murdering war criminal Tony Blair. Tom Belger's ill-informed and pathetic attempt to paint him as a radical on the basis of his campaigns during the last century do not alter the facts.
Amazon Author Page
Forget you had a daughter
For example, anyone who has read Midnight Express will have felt sympathetic to the protagonist but still felt, 1) he was a drug smuggler carrying an improbable amount of dope for his own use and 2) he seemed to have a contempt for the people and the country where he was imprisoned.
"Forget you had a daughter" by Sandra Gregory is the story of a drug smuggler who wound up in prison in Thailand and how she coped with the experience. She wound up in the infamous Lard Yao prison, jokingly referred to as the "Bangkok Hilton". If anyone begins this book thinking it is another "Midnight Express" they are soon disabused.
Sandra Gregory, who wrote the book with Michael Tierney, steers clear of that. The early chapters express her love for Thailand and the story ends with her regret that she can never go back there. She makes no bones about her guilt and/or stupidity. Moreover, she earned the disapprobation of some white prisoners because of her friendships with Thai prisoners and she has harsh words to say about the treatment of prisoners in British jails where she spent the last years of her sentence.
It doesn't sensationalise the sexual tension in a women's prison but doesn't skirt round it either.
The corruption in the prison was remarkable, prisoners could get most things on the black market but woe betide them if they couldn't pay their debts: "On one occasion a Nigerian woman had her bottom lip bitten off and fed to a cat, for not keeping up the repayments." I have to warn you that that is mild compared to some of the things reported in this book. It is not for those who are too fastidious.
Sandra Gregory is not obsessed with herself, throughout the book she observes and tells the stories of other prisoners. This is no sob story. Although it contains graphic descriptions of the conditions in prison it is written with some humour and is a very readable narrative.
Amazon Author Page
Thursday, August 02, 2018
BBC hate campaign
The BBC still hasn't produced a single anti-semitic remark from Jeremy Corbyn. Neither have any of his detractors among the bog-standard Blairites. This is passing strange.
However, the website evolvepolitics has drawn attention to the fact that the right-wing media just branded a Jewish Holocaust SURVIVOR as antisemitic to smear Jeremy Corbyn.
The article is here
The allegation amounts to guilt by association. People who have attended a meeting which Jeremy Corbyn chaired have said things he disagrees with. Isn't that the whole point of holding meetings? Views are exchanged and people don't necessarily agree. How on earth is there to be peace in the middle east if people who disagree won't hold talks?
However, the website evolvepolitics has drawn attention to the fact that the right-wing media just branded a Jewish Holocaust SURVIVOR as antisemitic to smear Jeremy Corbyn.
The article is here
The allegation amounts to guilt by association. People who have attended a meeting which Jeremy Corbyn chaired have said things he disagrees with. Isn't that the whole point of holding meetings? Views are exchanged and people don't necessarily agree. How on earth is there to be peace in the middle east if people who disagree won't hold talks?
Wednesday, August 01, 2018
Letter in the Guardian re freedom of speech
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/jul/31/palestinians-in-the-uk-speak-out-for-the-right-to-freedom-of-speech
Amazon Author Page
The fundamental right to free expression, guaranteed by article 10 of the Human Rights Act, is first and foremost the right to “receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authority”. We write to provide news of our existence, in the face of current attempts to negate it.
As British Palestinians, some citizens, others still stateless refugees, we remain bound by our common history, when previous generations of Palestinians were violently denied the right to self-determination by the British colonial power ruling Palestine from 1918. Deprived of our sovereign rights to our land, we were dispossessed of it by force in the establishment of the state of Israel, which the British colonial occupation oversaw through 1947 to 1948. There exist vast bodies of publicly available records, scholarly evidence and official testimonies to affirm these facts.
The reality of the Palestinian people’s ongoing dispossession belongs to the public space: Palestinian people have the right to impart information about these present and past injustices, as every British citizen has the right to hear this information, along with the ideas and arguments that emerge directly from it.
Accordingly, any use by public bodies of the IHRA examples on antisemitism that either inhibits discussion relating to our dispossession by ethnic cleansing, when Israel was established, or attempts to silence public discussions on current or past practices of settler colonialism, apartheid, racism and discrimination, and the ongoing violent military occupation, directly contravenes core rights. First, the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, who remain protected by international laws and conventions; and second, the rights of all those British citizens who stand by our side, in the solidarity of a common humanity.
We call on public bodies to actively protect and to promote accurate information about current and past events in the life of the Palestinian people, as part of Britain’s ongoing, and outstanding, colonial debt.
Omar Al-Qattan Chairman of the board of trustees, AM Qattan Foundation,Atallah Said Chairman, British Palestinian Policy Council, Professor Kamel Hawwash University of Birmingham, Professor Karma Nabulsi Univerity of Oxford, Nadia Hijab Author and human rights advocate, Dr Aimee ShalanCharity chief executive, Ben Jamal Director, Palestine Solidarity Campaign,Mazen Masri Managing director, Edgo, philanthropist, Sawsan AsfariPhilanthropist, founder educational charities, Zaher Birawi Chairman,Europal Forum, Salma Karmi-Ayyoub Barrister, Professor Suleiman SharkhUniversity of Southhampton, Professor Izzat Darwazeh UCL, Dr Adam HaniehReader in development, Soas, Dr Dina Matar Soas, Abu Helal Editor-in-chief, journalist, Dr Nimer Sultany Senior lecturer in public law, Soas, Dr Ghada Karmi Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter, Akram Salhab Refugee and migrant organiser, Karl Sabbagh Author and publisher
Omar Al-Qattan Chairman of the board of trustees, AM Qattan Foundation,Atallah Said Chairman, British Palestinian Policy Council, Professor Kamel Hawwash University of Birmingham, Professor Karma Nabulsi Univerity of Oxford, Nadia Hijab Author and human rights advocate, Dr Aimee ShalanCharity chief executive, Ben Jamal Director, Palestine Solidarity Campaign,Mazen Masri Managing director, Edgo, philanthropist, Sawsan AsfariPhilanthropist, founder educational charities, Zaher Birawi Chairman,Europal Forum, Salma Karmi-Ayyoub Barrister, Professor Suleiman SharkhUniversity of Southhampton, Professor Izzat Darwazeh UCL, Dr Adam HaniehReader in development, Soas, Dr Dina Matar Soas, Abu Helal Editor-in-chief, journalist, Dr Nimer Sultany Senior lecturer in public law, Soas, Dr Ghada Karmi Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies, University of Exeter, Akram Salhab Refugee and migrant organiser, Karl Sabbagh Author and publisher
Amazon Author Page
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Sajid Javid the grim reaper.
In a cowardly capitulation to the "hang-em and flog-em" brigade on the Tory back benches, Sajid Javid has argued that the killing of "non-British" citizens is no concern of the British government. The jihadis have simply been deprived of their British citizenship to enable the government to effectively re-introduce the death penalty. The decision was revealed without parliamentary debate and only through a leak.
The fake argument has been used that Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh should not be allowed to "walk free". In point of fact "walking free" and the death penalty are not the only options. Sajid Javid is well aware of this. He does not stop his supporters from saying it though.
Anyone can be deprived of British citizenship and condemned to death under this new policy. It could be you. It could be me.
The Tory right are rubbing their hands with glee. The Sun is calling for blood and more blood. This is a shameful attempt to divert attention from a government which is falling apart at the seams. Sajid Javid should not be allowed to get away with it.
Amazon Author Page
The fake argument has been used that Alexanda Kotey and El Shafee Elsheikh should not be allowed to "walk free". In point of fact "walking free" and the death penalty are not the only options. Sajid Javid is well aware of this. He does not stop his supporters from saying it though.
Anyone can be deprived of British citizenship and condemned to death under this new policy. It could be you. It could be me.
The Tory right are rubbing their hands with glee. The Sun is calling for blood and more blood. This is a shameful attempt to divert attention from a government which is falling apart at the seams. Sajid Javid should not be allowed to get away with it.
Amazon Author Page
Friday, July 20, 2018
Domain of Dreams
“Domain of Dreams” is a book of short stories. It has something for everyone – adventure, romance, mystery and humour. Science says we cannot travel in time but in dreams and reveries, we can go to any place and time. The Domain of Dreams is the realm of your imagination. There are no limits.
Books are expensive and I am keen for readers to get Domain of Dreams from libraries for free. The ISBN is 978-1539351900 .
Educational Resources linked to Domain of Dreams are available free from the Times Educational Supplement on their website.
https://www.tes.com/teaching-resource/domain-of-dreams-worksheet-1-11448747
Thursday, July 19, 2018
Teaching about the Internet - free worksheets
I gave up teaching definitely, definitively and never to return six years ago. Ahem. Well, I am now teaching people who are older than I am if you can believe that. Guildcare is a wonderful local charity in Worthing and I am pleased to be a volunteer with them.
It costs nothing to download the worksheets I am using from the TES website.
It costs nothing to download the worksheets I am using from the TES website.
Amazon Author Page
Tuesday, July 17, 2018
Who Is America? (2018) | First Look | Sacha Baron Cohen SHOWTIME Series
Sacha Baron Cohen gets NRA and right Republicans to advocate arming three year olds. No wonder Palin said he was "evil".
For Sacha Baron Cohen to say these things is just a comic being outrageous. For the lawmakers of America to say these things makes you wonder if they are safe to have in power.
Amazon Author Page
Sunday, July 15, 2018
Pride report
We attended
Worthing Pride with the National Education Union. We were right
behind the Unison LGBT group. There were people from a variety of
political parties and of none. The West Sussex fire brigade
provided three fire engines which were a spectacular addition to
the parade.
We were marching to the beat of the Celebration Samba Band. I am very pleased so many people turned out including the police and the scouts.
No event in Worthing would be complete without the town crier, Bob Smytherman and he was there in full voice with his bell.
It is a coincidence that the Commander in Chief was visiting the UK at the same time but it is one in the eye for his prejudiced attitudes. If Pride has reached a traditional Conservative stronghold like Worthing it denotes a sea change in attitudes and it shows how homophobia is widely opposed in the UK.
There was a drone overhead and we assumed it was being used to take photos for local media. The couple from "Inspired by the Sea" were taking photos and a good percentage of the marchers had their mobile phones out too to record the event.
The parade was a lovely colourful, good-natured event and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Amazon Author Page
We were marching to the beat of the Celebration Samba Band. I am very pleased so many people turned out including the police and the scouts.
No event in Worthing would be complete without the town crier, Bob Smytherman and he was there in full voice with his bell.
It is a coincidence that the Commander in Chief was visiting the UK at the same time but it is one in the eye for his prejudiced attitudes. If Pride has reached a traditional Conservative stronghold like Worthing it denotes a sea change in attitudes and it shows how homophobia is widely opposed in the UK.
There was a drone overhead and we assumed it was being used to take photos for local media. The couple from "Inspired by the Sea" were taking photos and a good percentage of the marchers had their mobile phones out too to record the event.
The parade was a lovely colourful, good-natured event and we thoroughly enjoyed it.
Amazon Author Page
Saturday, July 14, 2018
Monday, July 09, 2018
Boris "buggeration" Johnson.
The Foreign Secretary who knew as much about Africa as he did about Merseyside: he won't be missed.
Johnson has defended the history of colonialism, saying that it would be best if African countries were still colonised, and has also used language to describe black people which many consider racist - for which he has apologised.
He accused Liverpool of wallowing in "victim status" over the murder of Ken Bigley and the 1989 Hillsborough football stadium disaster.
Johnson has defended the history of colonialism, saying that it would be best if African countries were still colonised, and has also used language to describe black people which many consider racist - for which he has apologised.
He accused Liverpool of wallowing in "victim status" over the murder of Ken Bigley and the 1989 Hillsborough football stadium disaster.
Sunday, July 08, 2018
Data Protection Act fraud
The GDPR supposedly prevents organisations from charging for a subject access inquiry. In other words if they have information about you they have to hand it over and not charge you an arm and a leg to look at it. This means that inaccurate information can be corrected. For example if someone is refused a loan because they are listed as being bankrupt they can challenge the information. (based on a real case)
In fact the weasel words of the Data Protection Act are as follows
Requests for information are usually free. However, organisations can charge an administrative cost in some circumstances, for example if:
- you’re asking for a large amount of information
- your request will take a lot of time and effort to process
For example the police response to a subject access inquiry in the past was that they held data under 16 different headings and they could charge ten pounds for each heading. Most people would choose not to have the information!
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