Whose Side Are They On?
This is the title of a leader in The Times today, questioning the motives of those who belong to the British Syrian Society. The co-chairman is Sir Andrew Green, who is always popping up on the media as spokesman for MigrationWatchUK.
Surely he has a conflict of interest here, as the actions of President Assad against the Syrian Uprising, must surely mean we’re going to get more immigrants. Let’s face it, if I was in Syria now, I’d be digging my way out like crazy. Even a slum in some of the worst places in Europe or the United States would be better, than the life I’d be leading now.
David Cameron’s Biggest Problem
Rowan Williams decision to retire as Archbishop of Canterbury, may have given David Cameron his biggest problem. Although, as the Telegraph puts it he makes the decision from a short-list of one.
Dr John Sentamu has been installed by bookies as their favourite in the wake of the Archbishop of Canterbury announcing that he will step down by the end of the year.
David Cameron, the Prime Minister, will name Dr Williams’ successor after being given a “preferred name” by the Church’s appointments commission, which is made up of three clergy and three members of the laity. It is chaired by a civil servant.
Dr Sentamu is on the commission and will have to step down if he intends to be considered to be Archbishop of Canterbury.
He would be the first black leader of the Church of England and as primate would inherit an Anglican communion badly split over how to deal with homosexuality and whether women can become bishops.
Dr Williams himself conceded that his own attempt to prevent schism in the Church over the issues was likely to fail.
But if a large number of the Anglican Community don’t like the choice, David Cameron will get the blame.
Perhaps he should give the decision to Nick Clegg, as he doesn’t believe in God.
There is a Black Market for the New iPad
I’ve never got this thing about Apple products. So when I see there’s now a black market for iPads in last night’s Evening Standard, I’m reminded of the phrase about there’s one born every minute.
The full article is here.
What happens if the computer you buy, is the rare one that fails?
I sometimes think that the only good thing about Apple is that every product sold means a royalty for a company called ARM in Cambridge. And that can’t hurt the British economy!
Three With More Money Than Sense
The BBC is reporting that three bids have been received for Glasgow Rangers. Apparently Croesus hasn’t submitted a bit, as he has looked at the losses of past owners and the unrealistic demands of fans.
RBS Six Nations Trophy
A quite elaborate trophy is presented to the winner of the Six Nations Rugby Championship. Here’s some details.
The idea of a Trophy for the Six Nations Championship was first thought of by the Earl of Westmorland, and was first presented in 1993 to France (the winners that season). It is held in trust by the Six Nations Championship Trophy Trust.
The Trophy is made of 200 ounces of sterling silver and is insured for £55,000. It was designed by James Brent-Ward, a silversmith designer, and made by eight craftsmen at the London silversmith firm William Comyns. The inside of the Trophy was originally silver, but it became so tarnished from repeated fillings with champagne that it has been lined with 22 carat gold to protect it.
There are fifteen sides to the Trophy, representing each player, and three handles representing each official ie the referee and two touch judges. Around the wooden base of the Trophy is the emblem of each of the six national unions.
The handle, or finial, on the lid is interchangeable and represents the current champions. The finials of the five challenging teams are kept in a hidden drawer in the plinth throughout the Championship.
According to this piece it pre-dates the Royal Bank of UK Taxpayers sponsorship of the Championship. So this is one thing, where Sir Fred isn’t guilty.
The United States Looks After Its Own
The fact that Sergeant Robert Bales, has been quickly returned to the US is no surprise to me.
In areas around the US bases in the UK in the 1970s, there were a couple of cases of death by dangerous driving caused by US servicemen.
No prosecution in the UK ever happened and in one case familiar to my late wife, a barrister in Suffolk at the time, nothing more was heard of the case, after the perpetrator was returned quickly to the United States.
The current case is very different and I suspect that he will face a Court of Law.
The East India Dock Basin
Travelling towards the River Thames, you come to the East India Dock Basin, which is now a nature reserve, is described here.
As you can see, it is well-laid out and has good views of the River Thames. The island in the middle of the basin is growing using the same method that salt marshes do in places like Norfolk. There were quite a few birds about with sheld-duck, tufted duck and coot easily spotted. Apparently, there’s a local kingfisher too! There is a lot of good information. What would Jack Dash have thought?
There are plenty of places to sit and considering how close it is to the end of the 277 bus route and East India station on the DLR, it’s an ideal spot to go for a picnic.
The Luck of the Irish
Only the Irish would strike oil a few days before St. Patrick’s Day as is reported here.
Then they win the Gold Cup at Cheltenham today.
So what will happen tomorrow in the rugby. It’s obvious.
Even this van had the flag out.
The Irish Are Flying The Flag
I don’t wish the Irish bad luck tomorrow. But I do hope England win!
The Southern End of the River Lea
The River Lea meanders its way into the Thames in a rather lackadaisical way. Today I took the 277 bus all the way to Leamouth and followed the signs behind the Esso garage. I’m mentioning the garage as it seems to crop up in a lot of directions.
A sign pointed me to the River Lea Walk and a couple of minutes later I was there.
These pictures show that The Lea isn’t the most attractive of rivers.
What Would Jamie Oliver Think of This Rubbish?
A report on the BBC has said that so-called ‘pink slime’ is being withdrawn from school dinners in the United States.
No wonder the country has so many problems, if this is considered an acceptable food for children.
They make the dreaded turkey twizzlers, so hated by Jamie Oliver, look perfectly edible and wonderfully nutritious.
The Anonymous Widower 