Saturday, January 31, 2009
MUSIC TO LIFT THE SOUL
I really recommend Seal's new Album. Called Seal (Soul) it is brilliant, it is huge and I have loved his music from the begining. If you have any cash to spend for an extra treat yourself. Love Granny
THE NIGHTMARE BEGINS
If we are not careful the biggest financial world disaster ever that we are going through will spiral into massive disorder. The signs are there already, strikes and violence across the world. We have to stand together to get through it. I pray for us all. Love Granny xx
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
RHYDIAN
I am unashamedly sentimental. I want to offer a review in that vein. If you saw the X factor when Rhydian Roberts was the runner up...I felt then a sense of injustice for him. I have waited for his album to come out. It is outstanding and I feel that he shows wide power of voice and diction. He can do the big sounds and the soft sounds. He sings some of my very favourite songs, I purchased it today and immediately played 'Impossible Dream' which stands high on my list. I believe in the concept of striving for the best you can be, appropriate for today 20th January 2009 - and hope, optimism, duty, sacrifice and service.
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM WITH AN OPEN MIND AND BE LIFTED UP. love Granny xxx
LISTEN TO THE ALBUM WITH AN OPEN MIND AND BE LIFTED UP. love Granny xxx
TO DAY IS THE DAY
Barack Obama will become President of America and I pray for him and his family. To Hope. Love Granny xxx
Friday, January 09, 2009
ANNE FRANK
This last week there has been a fantastic BBC drama based on the Diary of Anne Frank. This was a superb production, with fantastic acting. I have always been a 'believer' of this story. So I wonder even more why the Isrealis do not see the behaviour they are replicating is what the Jews went through in the 1930's. I noted one particularly resonant line in this production which says it all really Anne writes "We wait for the allies to rescue us but all we get are bombs" so speaks a child across the decades. Following the last episode there was a playing of the documentary 'Anne Frank Remembered' again a programme worth watching in itself. How do you live in a society where so much is that is about you is banned.
Yes I know that the Hamas have been lobing bombs and that should be challenged and Yes Hamas are using the people as a human sheild. Why can't anybody see that to defeat these types of people you resist yes but show them up for what they are 'dastardly' and show yourselves to be better than them. Ostracise politically mindless thugs, dont kill the innocent. Love Granny
Yes I know that the Hamas have been lobing bombs and that should be challenged and Yes Hamas are using the people as a human sheild. Why can't anybody see that to defeat these types of people you resist yes but show them up for what they are 'dastardly' and show yourselves to be better than them. Ostracise politically mindless thugs, dont kill the innocent. Love Granny
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
THE COLD WAR
Forgive me from being cynical but with Russia once again turning off the 'Gas' to Ukraine could it be a huge coincidence that those most affected are ex soviet block states? A new 'Cold War' by any other name. I cannot think of a more cynical time, less than subtle, than at this time of year to complain about non payment of bills, when it is at its coldest.
None of the current world situations (other than the financial one) seem to be playing up to the up coming new US president.
I have been having serious debates and arguments with people about the Isreali and Gaza situation. I have always been strongly anti Nazi and so have read extensively about the rise of the Isreali state. I have argued many times that the Jews had a right to a state. In those arguements others always pointed out the terrorist activity of the Jews against Britain in Isreal (ie King David Hotel) and that many of the early political leaders had been terrorists. Indeed they were and I knew this because these were the books I had read. I say now as I say then one man's 'Freedom Fighter' is another mans 'Terrorist'.
If, as appears clear, people knew about these cross border tunnels from Eqypt - why didn't anybody fill them with cement, does not matter howmany times you have to do it, if you have to refill them constantly the enemy has to either re dig or relocate - keeping them engaged and off balance, they will get bored. Then if these rockets are as primative as they are said to be keep coming, why not deploy anti missile sites along that area and take them out before they reach their target! that is self-defence.
There - absolutely - has to be a way for two soverign states to exist in a difficult physical and finanical environment side by side to the benefit of both their peoples. Moderates must stand up against the radicals on both sides. Children are being killed which is unacceptable because the children are the future for both. Those young that will survive are now going to be radicalised - even more dangerous than before given the power of the internet in passing on information. If the Isrealis had been canny they could have long ago won the war against terror by being modern, forward thinking and engaging in new inivative ideas that soften up the enemy a bit like a laxitive you need to effectively expel them and this is done by isolating them from their potential support... To achieve the aims of peaceful statehood both sides have to stop sitting on the past and religious attitudes as justification for their actions - break the cycle by creating a new tradition, that is real selfdefence. I use the term 'Bullies' for both Isreal and Hamas.
Religion in my view is not necessarily a force for peace, the intolerance shown by various religions for others or even within their own institutions often leads (has often led) to conflict. Just look at the Orthadox Christians having a punch up over who does what in the holiest of Christian sites in the Holy Land - really it was handbags at dawn, silly rediculous behaviour from people who should know better. How can suicide bombers ever be held in esteem by religious leaders? Clearly good things have been done but these should never happen just to recruit new converts. Charity should have no religion nor should it be used to say one group is better than another.
I have just been very shocked by a TV programme 'Paul Mertons China' don;t get me wrong great programme. But please tell me that is wrong,as I see here, that families go to China to adopte abandoned female children. Frankly I was shocked that one family had a grown up family and now wanted to 'fill the nest'. Yes, of course there are elements of being able to give a better chance but at what cost. One woman said, she will be my child - an American child - while another women said of course you cannot hide different ethnic backgrounds so it is important that you introduce your child to their birth country. Clearly this separation of approach is not a good thing. Having said that I would have taken every child myself, mostly female given the one child policy and the desire for that one child to be male - what was I saying about bullies? My husband would say that I have entirely emotional responses, well yes indeed. Really adoption tourrism!!!!!
Actually I have never had a child of my own, much as I would have loved to, it was not to be my fate. I believe that it is not my right to demand as a woman that I be allowed to have to have a child, by any means. Children are bought into the world by many who show little thought as to how their child will grow up. Down I beleive to indivduals poor birth control and very often simply not saying NO. I believe that we have to help these children not just by adoption but by reorganising society. I have helped my husband with his three children and I now enjoy being a step grandmother to five. I think there is a role for surrogate grandmothers - being able to offer their love, advice and time. With an ageing population there will be plenty of candidates. Children are our responsibility not our property. They should not be for sale. Love Granny xxxx
None of the current world situations (other than the financial one) seem to be playing up to the up coming new US president.
I have been having serious debates and arguments with people about the Isreali and Gaza situation. I have always been strongly anti Nazi and so have read extensively about the rise of the Isreali state. I have argued many times that the Jews had a right to a state. In those arguements others always pointed out the terrorist activity of the Jews against Britain in Isreal (ie King David Hotel) and that many of the early political leaders had been terrorists. Indeed they were and I knew this because these were the books I had read. I say now as I say then one man's 'Freedom Fighter' is another mans 'Terrorist'.
If, as appears clear, people knew about these cross border tunnels from Eqypt - why didn't anybody fill them with cement, does not matter howmany times you have to do it, if you have to refill them constantly the enemy has to either re dig or relocate - keeping them engaged and off balance, they will get bored. Then if these rockets are as primative as they are said to be keep coming, why not deploy anti missile sites along that area and take them out before they reach their target! that is self-defence.
There - absolutely - has to be a way for two soverign states to exist in a difficult physical and finanical environment side by side to the benefit of both their peoples. Moderates must stand up against the radicals on both sides. Children are being killed which is unacceptable because the children are the future for both. Those young that will survive are now going to be radicalised - even more dangerous than before given the power of the internet in passing on information. If the Isrealis had been canny they could have long ago won the war against terror by being modern, forward thinking and engaging in new inivative ideas that soften up the enemy a bit like a laxitive you need to effectively expel them and this is done by isolating them from their potential support... To achieve the aims of peaceful statehood both sides have to stop sitting on the past and religious attitudes as justification for their actions - break the cycle by creating a new tradition, that is real selfdefence. I use the term 'Bullies' for both Isreal and Hamas.
Religion in my view is not necessarily a force for peace, the intolerance shown by various religions for others or even within their own institutions often leads (has often led) to conflict. Just look at the Orthadox Christians having a punch up over who does what in the holiest of Christian sites in the Holy Land - really it was handbags at dawn, silly rediculous behaviour from people who should know better. How can suicide bombers ever be held in esteem by religious leaders? Clearly good things have been done but these should never happen just to recruit new converts. Charity should have no religion nor should it be used to say one group is better than another.
I have just been very shocked by a TV programme 'Paul Mertons China' don;t get me wrong great programme. But please tell me that is wrong,as I see here, that families go to China to adopte abandoned female children. Frankly I was shocked that one family had a grown up family and now wanted to 'fill the nest'. Yes, of course there are elements of being able to give a better chance but at what cost. One woman said, she will be my child - an American child - while another women said of course you cannot hide different ethnic backgrounds so it is important that you introduce your child to their birth country. Clearly this separation of approach is not a good thing. Having said that I would have taken every child myself, mostly female given the one child policy and the desire for that one child to be male - what was I saying about bullies? My husband would say that I have entirely emotional responses, well yes indeed. Really adoption tourrism!!!!!
Actually I have never had a child of my own, much as I would have loved to, it was not to be my fate. I believe that it is not my right to demand as a woman that I be allowed to have to have a child, by any means. Children are bought into the world by many who show little thought as to how their child will grow up. Down I beleive to indivduals poor birth control and very often simply not saying NO. I believe that we have to help these children not just by adoption but by reorganising society. I have helped my husband with his three children and I now enjoy being a step grandmother to five. I think there is a role for surrogate grandmothers - being able to offer their love, advice and time. With an ageing population there will be plenty of candidates. Children are our responsibility not our property. They should not be for sale. Love Granny xxxx
Saturday, January 03, 2009
DREAMING OF SUMMER
You will have noted that I have posted some pictures of Skopelos taken in 2007, it is to try and send friends and readers a bit of sunshine. They show clearly why we like this Greek Island imagine sitting and having a coffee and letting the world pass you by. I am looking to project some positivity.
In my very cold garden today, there were 7 pigeons, a blackbird, a squirrel all challenging for the food put out. They always lift my spirits. Love Granny xxxx
In my very cold garden today, there were 7 pigeons, a blackbird, a squirrel all challenging for the food put out. They always lift my spirits. Love Granny xxxx
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!
I am probably going to step on some toes with this post. I am really tired of listening to the Israeli spokespersons who rabbit on about 'self defence' in their current action. The situation is unacceptable in the new world.
I do realise that the rockets into Israel from Gaza are wrong, but two wrongs do not make a right. Air strikes on such a scale over such a long period are totally disportionate and I believe that the 'Blockade of the Gaza' should be lifted. This is a self fulfilling prophecy and creates a cycle, the young people who are living through this bombardment will be radicalised and Hamas will benefit. The alternative is stronger than bombs, currently the Israeli actions are proving Hamas's point written in their charter. The Hamas are saying - see we told you so.
I do believe that Hamas are wrong but I do also think that when Israel remembers the Holocaust as a time when they were targeted, ghettoised, subject to attack because of their religion or perceived influence perhaps they will understand they are doing the same thing. They are doing the job of radicalising the young Arabs better than Hamas, they have put the militants in the Gaza area as the victims and themselves as aggressor in the eyes of some of the world.
History tells us what has happened in the past, it shows us the mistakes, it gives us a key to the future -just why is nobody listening. The children on both sides do not deserve this.
Granny sends her love to all people across the world what ever their religion. xx
I do realise that the rockets into Israel from Gaza are wrong, but two wrongs do not make a right. Air strikes on such a scale over such a long period are totally disportionate and I believe that the 'Blockade of the Gaza' should be lifted. This is a self fulfilling prophecy and creates a cycle, the young people who are living through this bombardment will be radicalised and Hamas will benefit. The alternative is stronger than bombs, currently the Israeli actions are proving Hamas's point written in their charter. The Hamas are saying - see we told you so.
I do believe that Hamas are wrong but I do also think that when Israel remembers the Holocaust as a time when they were targeted, ghettoised, subject to attack because of their religion or perceived influence perhaps they will understand they are doing the same thing. They are doing the job of radicalising the young Arabs better than Hamas, they have put the militants in the Gaza area as the victims and themselves as aggressor in the eyes of some of the world.
History tells us what has happened in the past, it shows us the mistakes, it gives us a key to the future -just why is nobody listening. The children on both sides do not deserve this.
Granny sends her love to all people across the world what ever their religion. xx
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