A review of “West Beirut”
May 1st, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Two months after we visited the Levant, I still can’t get the region out of my mind.
This weekend, we saw the independent movie “West Beirut” which I’ve reviewed here.
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)
Why the Arab Spring might spread south
April 30th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
The last few months have seen astonishing change in one Arab country after another – and the convulsions are far from over in Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, Yemen, Bahrain and Syria. But, south of the Sahara, there are many other countries where democratisation is desperately needed.
Could the Arab Spring spread south? Four reasons why it might happen are explored in this article.
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
Why is it called the Union Jack?
April 29th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
The national flag of the United Kingdom is not seen in everyday life anything like as commonly as the national flag of some other countries, most notably the star and stripes in the United States. It has been much in evidence today, however, because of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton.
The flag is usually called the Union Jack. But why? The most widely held explanation is that it comes from the Latin version of the name James which in turn was the name of the first monarch to rule both England (as James I) and Scotland (as James VI). James became king of both countries in 1603 and promoted a flag for the two countries in 1606.
Posted in British current affairs, History | Comments (2)
The Arab Spring is spreading
April 29th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
An unelected ruling family has brought the people of Britain out onto the streets. Senior religious figures are stirring the masses. There have been demonstrations and arrests.
Military aircraft have flown low over the crowds.There is a massive security presence and soldiers are marching through the capital.
The Arab Spring is spreading!
Oh wait …
Posted in British current affairs | Comments (1)
Is this the most eccentric man in Britain?
April 29th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Britain is still such an odd, old-fashioned nation. It’s the kind of place where a royal wedding can still bring the country to a halt (oh yeh, it’s today).
The British have a great tolerance for eccentricity and we embrace oddity in a rather charming way whether it is media personalities like Russell Brand or politicians like Dennis Skinner. Today I want to introduce you to someone you’ve never heard of who may be the most eccentric person in British public life.
So, what does it takes to be truly eccentric?
- An odd name is a good start. The Third Viscount Monckton of Brenchley fits the bill. He is otherwise know as Christopher Walter Monckton.
- An odd appearance helps. He has protruding eyeballs. This is not his fault – it is the result of a prolonged illness called Graves’ Disease.
- Some real talent is desirable. He is a really bright guy who obtained his first degree from Cambridge University and he has developed two incredibly complicated geometric puzzles called Eternity and Eternity II. He is a very accomplished public speaker and media performer.
- A sense of charm and humour is welcome. He is warm and witty and immensely sociable.
- Most of all, strange, idiosyncratic and iconoclastic views are essential. He is a leading Eurosceptic who wants the UK out of the European Union. He has developed something called Resurrexi which he claims can cure all sorts of diseases. Above all, he is a passionate denier of the argument that human activity is causing dangerous levels of global warming.
You can read more about my nomination here.
Posted in British current affairs | Comments (4)
A view from the Arab world
April 27th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
I send out a Thought For The Week by e-mail (if you would like to receive this E-mail me). This week’s thought is: “Just because you’re breathing doesn’t mean you’re alive.” My e-mail goes out to almost 1,700 people all around the world and I had this response from one of my Arab readers:
“Yes; the prove is what happens in some arabic countries. people
breath but are not alive. the paradox lies in the idea that they feel
alive when they chose to die for freedom. in arabic languagr we
have a sayiny that means the same thing
ليس بالخبز وحده يحيا الانسان
that means ‘man does not live only on bread’.”
Posted in My life & thoughts, World current affairs | Comments (0)
Could Canada have a Left PM?
April 27th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Canadians go to the polls in General Election on Monday but, if you live outside of Canada, you probably don’t know this. Even British and American media have neglected to cover the event. Of course, this blog mentioned the election in a posting one month ago.
The election has just become particularly interesting because of the unexpected popularity of the New Democratic Party at the expense of the Liberal Party as explained in this story. My good friend (American) Eric Lee has even speculated excitedly on his blog that the veteran NDP leader Jack Layton could be come Prime Minister of an NDP-Liberal Coalition.
I would love to see it but I doubt that it will happen. The NDP has in the past done well in mid election campaign and then not turned that support into votes. A lot of its new support comes from young people who are less likely to vote. And then Canada – like the UK – uses a first part the post electoral system which means that support in votes does not necessarily translate into a proportionate result in seats.
I fear that Canadians could be heading for their fourth successive minority government. But let’s see what happens …
For background, you might like to read my “Short Guide To The Canadian Political System”.
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (1)
What did Big Ben say to the Tower of Pisa?
April 27th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
“I’ve got the time if you’ve got the inclination.”
Forgive my recollection of this schoolboy joke, but I’m prompted to share it with you because of the news this week that, after two decades of being covered by scaffolding for a major restoration and clean, the Leaning Tower of Pisa can now be seen in its full glory.
I’ve actually been to the top of the tower twice: the first time on 4 September 1975 and then again on 10 August 1989. I recommend it. It gives a new angle on life.
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)
25 years after the Chernobyl disaster
April 26th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
On 26 April 1986, exactly twenty-five years ago today, reactor number four at the Chernobyl nuclear power facility in what is now Ukraine exploded. It was – and remains – the largest civil nuclear disaster in history.
I once met a trade union official who went to Chernobyl shortly after the disaster to check on the conditions of his members working there on the containment and clean up. He showed me the identity card which recorded his exposure to radiation. He’s dead now.
A set of amazing photographs of the site and local area can be viewed here.
Posted in History | Comments (0)
The top 300 pieces of classical music
April 26th, 2011 by Roger Darlington
Each Easter, the radio station Classic FM takes four days to play the 300 top pieces of classical music as voted by its listeners in what it calls its Hall of Fame. The station is our favourite and we listen to the play-down on and off throughout the weekend.
You can check out this year’s 300 pieces here. How many do you know and are your favourites there?
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