Hopefully JJ will have a great game and remind everyone again what we've been missing since he's been out. Lennon, of course, bound to be a star again.
COME ON YOU SPURS!
Wednesday, 31 January 2007
Carling Cup semi final tonight
Excited already... Big match tonight and have my ticket (pictured) on me already, so no panic later. Who is it we're playing again? I forget.
Hopefully JJ will have a great game and remind everyone again what we've been missing since he's been out. Lennon, of course, bound to be a star again.
COME ON YOU SPURS!
Hopefully JJ will have a great game and remind everyone again what we've been missing since he's been out. Lennon, of course, bound to be a star again.
COME ON YOU SPURS!
Tuesday, 30 January 2007
Blackpool rocked by casino decision & Spurs news
Strange news this lunchtime - Manchester has been picked as the site of the first (and possibly only) UK super casino.
Blackpool was the frontrunner and the only thing stopping their bid being successful seemed to be the desire to make something useful of the Dome at last. But, unexpectedly, Manchester has got the nod today.
At conference last September I saw the detailed regeneration plans for Blackpool based on the casino plan and they looked excellent. I took a special interest, as I went to school in Blackpool and so am only too aware of the regeneration needed in parts of the town.
Clearly some people are against the concept of super casinos - or even gambling - completely. But I feel the plans were key to regenerating Blackpool and really boosting the town's vital tourist trade and am very disappointed for them. Also, Manchester is the worst result for Blackpool, as the casino will now be close enough to draw even existing visitors away from the town. Manchester is my hometown and also needs continued regeneration - but has done well on that front in recent decades. The need for this is clearly greater in Blackpool.
In other news, Edgar Davids has completed his move back to Ajax. He played his part at Spurs, last season particularly and it was (I hope) a good experience for both fans and the player. He clearly did not fit in to future plans, which I think all fans realised - but I'm sure he will be remembered fondly and we all wish him well.
£10m for a 17 year old? That's the price Spurs have apparently bid for Southampton's Gareth Bale. Still, it's not my money. Hang on a minute, it is really - sometimes it feels as if I've spent that much on supporting Spurs in a year. But it is a lot of cash for someone who seems to look like a cross between Greg Rusedski (bottom half) and Tim Henman (top half). Seriously though, I'm happy for the club to splash the cash, potential is what we're all about. And he's Welsh too.
Blackpool was the frontrunner and the only thing stopping their bid being successful seemed to be the desire to make something useful of the Dome at last. But, unexpectedly, Manchester has got the nod today.
At conference last September I saw the detailed regeneration plans for Blackpool based on the casino plan and they looked excellent. I took a special interest, as I went to school in Blackpool and so am only too aware of the regeneration needed in parts of the town.
Clearly some people are against the concept of super casinos - or even gambling - completely. But I feel the plans were key to regenerating Blackpool and really boosting the town's vital tourist trade and am very disappointed for them. Also, Manchester is the worst result for Blackpool, as the casino will now be close enough to draw even existing visitors away from the town. Manchester is my hometown and also needs continued regeneration - but has done well on that front in recent decades. The need for this is clearly greater in Blackpool.
In other news, Edgar Davids has completed his move back to Ajax. He played his part at Spurs, last season particularly and it was (I hope) a good experience for both fans and the player. He clearly did not fit in to future plans, which I think all fans realised - but I'm sure he will be remembered fondly and we all wish him well.
£10m for a 17 year old? That's the price Spurs have apparently bid for Southampton's Gareth Bale. Still, it's not my money. Hang on a minute, it is really - sometimes it feels as if I've spent that much on supporting Spurs in a year. But it is a lot of cash for someone who seems to look like a cross between Greg Rusedski (bottom half) and Tim Henman (top half). Seriously though, I'm happy for the club to splash the cash, potential is what we're all about. And he's Welsh too.
Monday, 29 January 2007
The Elgin Marbles & Mile High, a clash of cultures
When I was in the British Museum for the photography exhibition at the weekend, I also popped in on the Elgin Marbles. The photo shows part of the East Pediment from the Parthenon.
I first saw these just before a school trip to Athens about 15 years ago. We stopped off in London "on the way" to see the bits which we wouldn't be able to see when we got to their original home in Greece.
Yesterday I picked up a British Museum leaflet entitled "THE PARTHENON SCULPTURES in the British Museum, Athens and other public collections". With apologies to the writers of the bus slogan in the film 'Brassed Off', it should perhaps have been finished off with "but mostly the British Museum".
The leaflet is not quite up to the flash standard of the insidious PR work of Nestle I've seen in the past - but it did amuse me. It attempts to explain how the marbles ended up in Britain (fair enough). Then it lists other world museums that also have marbles from Athens (bit of a weaker point there - "well, everyone else was doing it").
The back of the leaflet explaining the British Museum's position exposes how weak their argument is though. It can be summed up by the opening sentence:
"The British Museum's Trustees argue that the Parthenon sculptures are integral to the Museum's purpose as a world museum telling the story of human cultural achievement."
It then details the exhibits from all the other parts of the world also at the British Museum. The argument basically breaks down into nothing more than "we wanna keep them".
I'm not saying that I don't appreciate the variety of history you can see at the British Museum, I really do and admire their work in providing a world class home for so many excellent exhibits. But the Parthenon sculptures are so unique and such a vital part of Greece's history, they should be returned.
Enough culture, time for a brief trash tv round up.
Just wanted to say that I watched half an hour of Mile High, for the first time recently. That's the Sky drama about cabin crew, been around for ages. I couldn't believe how bad it was - bearing in mind that I'm not averse to mindless tv, Hollyoaks is one of my favourite programmes. It really was truly awful.
In late from tonight's Overview & Scrutiny, just watched half an hour of Prison Break, the much hyped and relentlessly advertised drama on Channel 5. First time I've seen that and it was entertaining enough. It was no Mile High anyway.
Wanted to watch Skins when it started on E4 this week, but missed it because of council. Still, I'm sure E4 and Channel 4 will make sure I get about a million chances to catch up on it over the coming months...
FA Cup 5th Round Draw: Fulham v Spurs
Very good of the FA to arrange to do the draw for the next round in my lunchbreak.
The news is that we will be going to Craven Cottage. Please, please, please let it be more exciting than our recent league match there was. Can't say I'm especially excited by the draw - but certainly there could have been harder draws. I expect Fulham fans are probably thinking the same too.
And, as I went to school in Blackpool and have been to Bloomfield Road to watch them a few times (as well as to Cardiff when they won a play-off final), good to see they've got a "glamour tie" at Stamford Bridge... If they win their replay against Norwich.
The news is that we will be going to Craven Cottage. Please, please, please let it be more exciting than our recent league match there was. Can't say I'm especially excited by the draw - but certainly there could have been harder draws. I expect Fulham fans are probably thinking the same too.
And, as I went to school in Blackpool and have been to Bloomfield Road to watch them a few times (as well as to Cardiff when they won a play-off final), good to see they've got a "glamour tie" at Stamford Bridge... If they win their replay against Norwich.
Sunday, 28 January 2007
The Past From Above and JJ's return
A busy weekend to finish a very busy week.
But all good - the Spurs won of course, which helps. Jermaine Jenas made a triumphant return from injury and Aaron Lennon was excellent. To be fair, a pacy, tricky winger like Azza is always going to look disproportionately amazing against a lower league side.
JJ really made a difference to our midfield and Michael Dawson was a rock as always. Talking of rocks, Ricardo Rocha had a very assured first game. Lee was very good again too and Radek Cerny deputised very ably, as he always has done. JJ being back has given me more confidence for the trip to Emirates, but we will miss Berba badly.
Visited my sister on Friday and little Tamsin is increasingly not so little and more vocal. But still just as cute and maybe *even more* cuddly.
Also went to the British Museum, primarily to see the photography exhibition 'The Past From Above'. I did Classics as one of my A Levels, so still have an interest in archaeology and Greece in particular.
The exhibition was good and, as usual on the rare occasions I go to the British Museum, also popped to see all those bits of the Parthenon which are here "for safekeeping"... I've got a bit more to say on that actually, but will leave it until tomorrow...
This weekend my uni mate Paul was visiting for the football, also met up with another uni mate Richard on Saturday night and we all went to my favourite Chinese - the unimaginatively named but excellent London Chinatown on Gerrard Street. Must have eaten there getting on for 100 times and it never disappoints.
Anyway, a very busy week ahead again, so an early night now...
Looking forward to the FA Cup draw tomorrow too - bring on the Chelsea!
But all good - the Spurs won of course, which helps. Jermaine Jenas made a triumphant return from injury and Aaron Lennon was excellent. To be fair, a pacy, tricky winger like Azza is always going to look disproportionately amazing against a lower league side.
JJ really made a difference to our midfield and Michael Dawson was a rock as always. Talking of rocks, Ricardo Rocha had a very assured first game. Lee was very good again too and Radek Cerny deputised very ably, as he always has done. JJ being back has given me more confidence for the trip to Emirates, but we will miss Berba badly.
Visited my sister on Friday and little Tamsin is increasingly not so little and more vocal. But still just as cute and maybe *even more* cuddly.
Also went to the British Museum, primarily to see the photography exhibition 'The Past From Above'. I did Classics as one of my A Levels, so still have an interest in archaeology and Greece in particular.
The exhibition was good and, as usual on the rare occasions I go to the British Museum, also popped to see all those bits of the Parthenon which are here "for safekeeping"... I've got a bit more to say on that actually, but will leave it until tomorrow...
This weekend my uni mate Paul was visiting for the football, also met up with another uni mate Richard on Saturday night and we all went to my favourite Chinese - the unimaginatively named but excellent London Chinatown on Gerrard Street. Must have eaten there getting on for 100 times and it never disappoints.
Anyway, a very busy week ahead again, so an early night now...
Looking forward to the FA Cup draw tomorrow too - bring on the Chelsea!
Haringey's CCTV: could do better
On Monday night (29th January) the report of my scrutiny review into the borough's CCTV goes before the Overview & Scrutiny Committee. Unfortunately it means I also miss a governors meeting at Fortismere, but that's unavoidable from time to time.
A short quote from the report covers the situation well:
"CCTV coverage across the Borough is variable. A particular cause for concern is the CCTV system used in the shopping areas of Muswell Hill and Crouch End, where coverage is clearly inadequate."
Chairing the review has been very interesting and we have come up with what I feel are very productive recommendations. These include closer working with the police, urgently seeking funds to replace and upgrade cameras and more involvement and communication with local residents.
Another key recommendation is something I think people will be pleased to hear clearly defined:
"That the priority of community safety over parking enforcement be clearly articulated to operators and included in the written procedures of the control room."
It sounds simple, but I think it needs saying. Local residents can see that the parking cameras work by the vast number of tickets being issued, but they have less confidence in the safety cameras. It is important that we are clear that personal safety must always take priority - even though preventing illegal and selfish parking is also necessary.
Hopefully the Labour Executive will accept all the recommendations and we will see an increase in confidence in CCTV locally.
If you'd like a copy of the full report, please email me (address at top left).
A short quote from the report covers the situation well:
"CCTV coverage across the Borough is variable. A particular cause for concern is the CCTV system used in the shopping areas of Muswell Hill and Crouch End, where coverage is clearly inadequate."
Chairing the review has been very interesting and we have come up with what I feel are very productive recommendations. These include closer working with the police, urgently seeking funds to replace and upgrade cameras and more involvement and communication with local residents.
Another key recommendation is something I think people will be pleased to hear clearly defined:
"That the priority of community safety over parking enforcement be clearly articulated to operators and included in the written procedures of the control room."
It sounds simple, but I think it needs saying. Local residents can see that the parking cameras work by the vast number of tickets being issued, but they have less confidence in the safety cameras. It is important that we are clear that personal safety must always take priority - even though preventing illegal and selfish parking is also necessary.
Hopefully the Labour Executive will accept all the recommendations and we will see an increase in confidence in CCTV locally.
If you'd like a copy of the full report, please email me (address at top left).
Friday, 26 January 2007
Australia Day as the Open reaches its climax
With the number of Aussies working in our comms department, it was no surprise that we got a pretty decent Australia Day feed today.
There were Tim Tams, Jaffas, those hundreds and thousands biscuits and a pile of other Oz related stuff. Plus, one of my colleagues had brought in a tape of Australian songs and there were Kath & Kim tea towels as well as Australian flags, football tops and t-shirts.
The tennis is nearly over, just the finals to go. Graeme Dyce, the British Junior I mentioned the other day, won the doubles - so congrats.
The first Taiwanese players to make a grand slam final missed out (ladies doubles) but the line up for the senior singles finals is decided now.
It's Gonzalez to try and stop Federer. Although I like Tommy Haas, was glad Gonzalez won the semi (and mightily impressively as it happens), as he's likely to give Federer a better game. Still can't see him stopping the near-unbeatable Swiss (last player he lost to was, of course, Andy Murray), but you never know.
For the ladies, it's Sharapova versus Williams (Sereena). Either going to be a classic or a stinker I think... and wouldn't like to call it either way.
The big sporting event of the month is Spurs' trip to the Emirates on Wednesday, of course. But, one step at a time, my mate Paul is coming down for the FA Cup tie against Southend tomorrow...
COME ON YOU SPURS!
There were Tim Tams, Jaffas, those hundreds and thousands biscuits and a pile of other Oz related stuff. Plus, one of my colleagues had brought in a tape of Australian songs and there were Kath & Kim tea towels as well as Australian flags, football tops and t-shirts.
The tennis is nearly over, just the finals to go. Graeme Dyce, the British Junior I mentioned the other day, won the doubles - so congrats.
The first Taiwanese players to make a grand slam final missed out (ladies doubles) but the line up for the senior singles finals is decided now.
It's Gonzalez to try and stop Federer. Although I like Tommy Haas, was glad Gonzalez won the semi (and mightily impressively as it happens), as he's likely to give Federer a better game. Still can't see him stopping the near-unbeatable Swiss (last player he lost to was, of course, Andy Murray), but you never know.
For the ladies, it's Sharapova versus Williams (Sereena). Either going to be a classic or a stinker I think... and wouldn't like to call it either way.
The big sporting event of the month is Spurs' trip to the Emirates on Wednesday, of course. But, one step at a time, my mate Paul is coming down for the FA Cup tie against Southend tomorrow...
COME ON YOU SPURS!
Child pornographer goes free because prisons "too full"
BBC Online is currently leading with this story about a man convicted of having child porn on his computer and not being sent to jail because the prisons are too full.
If you read the article, strikes me that the quotes from the man are a bit odd - it's almost as if he's been primed to say the things most embarrassing for the Government.
Anyway, the story raises the wider issue of the benefits of sending people to prison. With the UK's prisons full to bursting, are new prisons and prison ships the answer? Or do we need to look again at how we deal with people who break the law?
For me, there are three considerations when thinking about custodial sentences.
1. Is this person a threat to others and will they reoffend if they are not incarcerated?
2. Will this person benefit from being in prison and be in a better position to contribute to society on release?
3. Is there a better way of dealing with this person?
I believe that we do send too many people to prison. I worry especially about younger people and those committing minor offences going to prison and coming out more likely to offend - and more seriously. Also, the serious impact being in prison will have on all aspects of a person's life, social and work, cannot be underestimated.
For these reasons, prison should always be a last resort. Community service might be seen as a soft option, but it doesn't have to be - and can be a much more productive option for the offender *and* victim or society as a whole.
But I also believe that there are times when sentences are not long enough. Whether murder, rape or another serious offence, if someone is convicted and sentenced to prison they should clearly not be released if they have not been rehabilitated.
Politicians often appeal only to the base tabloid "lock 'em up" emotions when it comes to law & order, which dictate that prison is the only sensible option. That is just short-sightedness and we all lose out in the long run.
It sounds simple, but as well as addressing the root causes of crime we need to take a serious look at how we deal with offenders.
If you read the article, strikes me that the quotes from the man are a bit odd - it's almost as if he's been primed to say the things most embarrassing for the Government.
Anyway, the story raises the wider issue of the benefits of sending people to prison. With the UK's prisons full to bursting, are new prisons and prison ships the answer? Or do we need to look again at how we deal with people who break the law?
For me, there are three considerations when thinking about custodial sentences.
1. Is this person a threat to others and will they reoffend if they are not incarcerated?
2. Will this person benefit from being in prison and be in a better position to contribute to society on release?
3. Is there a better way of dealing with this person?
I believe that we do send too many people to prison. I worry especially about younger people and those committing minor offences going to prison and coming out more likely to offend - and more seriously. Also, the serious impact being in prison will have on all aspects of a person's life, social and work, cannot be underestimated.
For these reasons, prison should always be a last resort. Community service might be seen as a soft option, but it doesn't have to be - and can be a much more productive option for the offender *and* victim or society as a whole.
But I also believe that there are times when sentences are not long enough. Whether murder, rape or another serious offence, if someone is convicted and sentenced to prison they should clearly not be released if they have not been rehabilitated.
Politicians often appeal only to the base tabloid "lock 'em up" emotions when it comes to law & order, which dictate that prison is the only sensible option. That is just short-sightedness and we all lose out in the long run.
It sounds simple, but as well as addressing the root causes of crime we need to take a serious look at how we deal with offenders.
Thursday, 25 January 2007
Anglo-Finnish relations
Two photos from last night's game. The first is the aftermath of the celebration of our second goal when everything was peachy. The second is just a random shot of Aaron Lennon from the second half, when everything was much less peachy.
Game of two halves? You could say that.
Oh well, we still have a fighting chance for our trip to the Emirates next Wednesday - and we're all bound to be in good voice however it goes.
Thanks to everyone who emailed and texted to tell me that Spurs have been given that bye through to the UEFA last 16 (though Feyenoord could still appeal to independent arbitration), as well as Colin Ross who I haven't spoken to for ages but who left me a voicemail. Was all handy, as I was just too busy at work to even look out for the announcement. Good news, as looking at our lads last night there are plenty who could really do with the extra rest.
Got to read the rest of my papers for tonight's Audit Committee, kick-off 7.30, so best go for now.
Just quickly, good news from the Australian Open, where British junior Graeme Dyce has made the final with his excellently named partner Harri Heliovaara (from Finland, as my friend Zoe will no doubt know).
Tuesday, 23 January 2007
Funniest sporting injury ever
The new signings haven't been coming thick and fast for Spurs this transfer window - not that I'm particularly bothered, because while it would be nice to add a Steven Gerrard or Owen Hargreaves of course, I'm pretty happy with the squad. Shame that Ashley Young has gone to Villa, he could have been useful.
But today we have signed Ricardo Rocha from Benfica, who will give us good cover at the back - especially after Calum Davenport's departure to West Ham. I don't really know anything about him, but he's supposed to be able to play anywhere across the back four, has some good experience and is a Portugese international. Looks like a good addition and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action.
The tennis news hasn't been so good. Well, although I didn't get to watch any of it, seemed like the Murray-Nadal match was an absolute corker even if Murray did miss out in the end. From the reports I've read, he was fantastic even if he didn't quite beat the world No.2. I still think Murray will make at least one Grand Slam semi-final this year, if not better.
Had a relatively quiet night yesterday for a change, was supposed to go to the theatre with some colleagues but backed out in favour of some council budget preparation and exciting things like tidying my room and doing washing. Tonight am doing a couple more hours council work, but then heading out for a drink with an old friend from home (Lancashire) who I knew from my tennis club, who I haven't seen for about 10 years.
Of course, tomorrow night is the big game. And as I've got tickets not just for that but for the away leg at the Emirates next Wednesday, we really need to do well... I don't want to be going to the away leg already a goal down or something, that could make for a very depressing trip.
Van Persie won't be playing against us after he broke a bone in his foot celebrating his goal on Sunday. Actually, looks like we might be facing the same sort of young side that beat Liverpool in the quarter finals at any rate. But the Van Persie story reminds me of the funniest sporting injury of all time...
1996 Hopman Cup, the mixed doubles international tennis tournament. It's the final and Marc Rosset and Martina Hingis have several match points at 5-4 in the final set against Goran Ivanisevic and Iva Majoli. They don't convert those points and in frustration, Rosset punches the hoarding at the back of the court. Unfortunately for him (and especially Hingis), he breaks a bone in his hand - the Swiss pair then have to default at 5 games all and the Croatians win the title.
Now, that's not a very clever thing to do at any stage of a competition, let alone in the final after the singles matches have been shared and in the deciding doubles you're a game away from winning. I bet Hingis was delighted with him. You can read more about that tournament here.
But today we have signed Ricardo Rocha from Benfica, who will give us good cover at the back - especially after Calum Davenport's departure to West Ham. I don't really know anything about him, but he's supposed to be able to play anywhere across the back four, has some good experience and is a Portugese international. Looks like a good addition and I'm looking forward to seeing him in action.
The tennis news hasn't been so good. Well, although I didn't get to watch any of it, seemed like the Murray-Nadal match was an absolute corker even if Murray did miss out in the end. From the reports I've read, he was fantastic even if he didn't quite beat the world No.2. I still think Murray will make at least one Grand Slam semi-final this year, if not better.
Had a relatively quiet night yesterday for a change, was supposed to go to the theatre with some colleagues but backed out in favour of some council budget preparation and exciting things like tidying my room and doing washing. Tonight am doing a couple more hours council work, but then heading out for a drink with an old friend from home (Lancashire) who I knew from my tennis club, who I haven't seen for about 10 years.
Of course, tomorrow night is the big game. And as I've got tickets not just for that but for the away leg at the Emirates next Wednesday, we really need to do well... I don't want to be going to the away leg already a goal down or something, that could make for a very depressing trip.
Van Persie won't be playing against us after he broke a bone in his foot celebrating his goal on Sunday. Actually, looks like we might be facing the same sort of young side that beat Liverpool in the quarter finals at any rate. But the Van Persie story reminds me of the funniest sporting injury of all time...
1996 Hopman Cup, the mixed doubles international tennis tournament. It's the final and Marc Rosset and Martina Hingis have several match points at 5-4 in the final set against Goran Ivanisevic and Iva Majoli. They don't convert those points and in frustration, Rosset punches the hoarding at the back of the court. Unfortunately for him (and especially Hingis), he breaks a bone in his hand - the Swiss pair then have to default at 5 games all and the Croatians win the title.
Now, that's not a very clever thing to do at any stage of a competition, let alone in the final after the singles matches have been shared and in the deciding doubles you're a game away from winning. I bet Hingis was delighted with him. You can read more about that tournament here.
Hossam Ghaly & Lynne Featherstone photos
Couple of photos of Hossam Ghaly at the launch of the Safer Neighbourhoods league at Spurs that I blogged about last week.
The first one shows Lynne with Hossam and the captains of the teams from Noel Park along with one of the key organisers
, the second shows Lynne talking to Lorna Reith, with Hossam caught in a bit of an interesting waxwork/catalogue pose.
Just realised only as I'm typing this above the photos that I'm on that one as well in the corner...
By the way, when I get hold of the photo taken of me with Hossam I'll post that too - if I don't look like too much of a grinning idiot standing next to him.
The first one shows Lynne with Hossam and the captains of the teams from Noel Park along with one of the key organisers
, the second shows Lynne talking to Lorna Reith, with Hossam caught in a bit of an interesting waxwork/catalogue pose.Just realised only as I'm typing this above the photos that I'm on that one as well in the corner...
By the way, when I get hold of the photo taken of me with Hossam I'll post that too - if I don't look like too much of a grinning idiot standing next to him.
Monday, 22 January 2007
Five point prescription for Hornsey Central Hospital launched
My Lib Dem colleagues Lynne Featherstone MP and Cllr Richard Wilson, our Spokesperson for Health and Social Services today launched a Five Point Prescription for Hornsey Central Hospital. The photo was taken outside the currently disused hospital.
There is clearly backing for the £7 million bid for investment in a new building to provide local health services. But there is also the need for concerns of local residents about the impact on existing GPs and pharmacists to be addressed.
The prescription sets out five key areas:
1. More GPs and clinic sessions provided - not just the existing GPs and clinics we already have reshuffled and centralised.
2. Real engagement and consultation with patients, residents, voluntary organisations and health workers over the development and relocation of services.
3. Improve public transport to Hornsey Hospital, to ensure it is accessible – particularly for older people and parents with young children.
4. Protect our community pharmacies by working with existing pharmacists and carrying out an impact assessment before opening a new pharmacy at the Hospital.
5. Save NHS land by not selling off property to developers before the new Hospital is built and unless the sale is vital to financing new facilities
Although the PCT are going ahead with selling off Fortis Green clinic, I did manage to get assurances that services would not be moved out of Muswell Hill/Fortis Green without a full public consultation. It is possible, when the new hospital opens, that residents will like the idea of moving clinic sessions there.
But unless residents start telling me otherwise, I still feel that it is vital that the services remain local to our area and am hopeful that their new homes within Fortis Green will be a success and popular with local residents – not just a temporary stop on the way to Hornsey.
But I’m also looking forward to a top rate facility at Hornsey, for everyone in Haringey.
There is clearly backing for the £7 million bid for investment in a new building to provide local health services. But there is also the need for concerns of local residents about the impact on existing GPs and pharmacists to be addressed.
The prescription sets out five key areas:
1. More GPs and clinic sessions provided - not just the existing GPs and clinics we already have reshuffled and centralised.
2. Real engagement and consultation with patients, residents, voluntary organisations and health workers over the development and relocation of services.
3. Improve public transport to Hornsey Hospital, to ensure it is accessible – particularly for older people and parents with young children.
4. Protect our community pharmacies by working with existing pharmacists and carrying out an impact assessment before opening a new pharmacy at the Hospital.
5. Save NHS land by not selling off property to developers before the new Hospital is built and unless the sale is vital to financing new facilities
Although the PCT are going ahead with selling off Fortis Green clinic, I did manage to get assurances that services would not be moved out of Muswell Hill/Fortis Green without a full public consultation. It is possible, when the new hospital opens, that residents will like the idea of moving clinic sessions there.
But unless residents start telling me otherwise, I still feel that it is vital that the services remain local to our area and am hopeful that their new homes within Fortis Green will be a success and popular with local residents – not just a temporary stop on the way to Hornsey.
But I’m also looking forward to a top rate facility at Hornsey, for everyone in Haringey.
Home Office data collection
Just a cartoon, which I'm posting having done the very hi-tech thing of taking a photo of it from my copy of Private Eye.For better quality cartoons and more Private Eye stuff, go here.
I know it's a slightly old story now and it *could* be a moot point if the proposed Justice/Security split goes ahead.
However, interesting that the Home Office wants to store all our personal details on a huge ID card database - but actually aren't very good at keeping even basic records of some pretty important stuff.
Sunday, 21 January 2007
Norfolk ace no longer flying the flag down under
Today started rather more leisurely than I was expecting... I had managed to mix up the days I had a ward meeting scheduled with my Fortis Green colleagues Sara Beynon and Martin Newton. I only realised yesterday afternoon that I had left them waiting for me that morning while I was at home oblivious to it all... I'd put the meeting in my diary for this morning instead. Which was rather annoying, all the more so for them.
Anyway, have been spending some time sorting out a few issues around my panel's CCTV scrutiny review which is due to go to Overview & Scrutiny next week and also yet more budget work. Shortly am heading up to East Barnet to deliver leafelts for their by-election (polling day February 8th). Our candidate, Sean Hooker, is a great bloke who lives in the ward and already has a proven track record of campaigning in Barnet, having been a councillor before.
The Australian Open is still ticking along... Although unfortunately Xavier Malisse got knocked out in the 1st round, the good news is that Daniela Hantuchova is still going strong. Well, still going anyway. She had a tough match against American Ashley Harkleroad, winning from a set and a break down. Andy Murray, having demolished the guy who beat him in the 1st round last year (Chela) will be playing Nadal in the 4th round.
But the big news of yesterday was Amelie Mauresmo, the defending champion, losing to Czech world number 70 Lucie Safarova. Sadly, Norfolk lad James Auckland also lost this weekend, after a good 1st round win with his Australian doubles partner. But no shame in losing a very topsy-turvy match to a very experienced doubles partnership, the Israeli 7th seeds Erlich & Ram.
(By the way, in the unlikely event anyone is wondering what happened to my post a few days ago about James Auckland's victory and other tennis stuff, I managed to delete it accidentally, nothing sinister)
Anyway, have been spending some time sorting out a few issues around my panel's CCTV scrutiny review which is due to go to Overview & Scrutiny next week and also yet more budget work. Shortly am heading up to East Barnet to deliver leafelts for their by-election (polling day February 8th). Our candidate, Sean Hooker, is a great bloke who lives in the ward and already has a proven track record of campaigning in Barnet, having been a councillor before.
The Australian Open is still ticking along... Although unfortunately Xavier Malisse got knocked out in the 1st round, the good news is that Daniela Hantuchova is still going strong. Well, still going anyway. She had a tough match against American Ashley Harkleroad, winning from a set and a break down. Andy Murray, having demolished the guy who beat him in the 1st round last year (Chela) will be playing Nadal in the 4th round.
But the big news of yesterday was Amelie Mauresmo, the defending champion, losing to Czech world number 70 Lucie Safarova. Sadly, Norfolk lad James Auckland also lost this weekend, after a good 1st round win with his Australian doubles partner. But no shame in losing a very topsy-turvy match to a very experienced doubles partnership, the Israeli 7th seeds Erlich & Ram.
(By the way, in the unlikely event anyone is wondering what happened to my post a few days ago about James Auckland's victory and other tennis stuff, I managed to delete it accidentally, nothing sinister)
"They're not very cooked"
Yesterday I dragged my mate Cos to watch Spurs at Fulham (he's a Liverpool fan). The day started off well, as we watched Liverpool thrash Chelsea. We found an alright pub in Fulham, and the crowd of Fulham fans, Spurs fans and one Liverpool fan all had some common ground - and enjoyed every minute of the match.
If only our match had been quite that exciting. I've been to Craven Cottage three times, twice to see Spurs and once with my friend Sarah to watch Man City and every time it has been an incredibly dull match. You'd think I'd learn my lesson. There was very little skill on show for most of the match, I suppose we can count ourselves lucky that we did at least get a couple of goals at the end - even if they were a penalty and a scrappy little one their keeper should have kept out.
Still, it's a nice spot of London to visit. And as the half time sausages were being served up looking suspiciously anaemic the Spurs fans did get to chant at the vendors "You're trying to poison us" and "They're not very cooked, they're not very cooked, they're not very, they're not very..." etc. That was probably the highlight of the match.
In the evening went for dinner for Monica's birthday, with a bunch of her friends, a pleasant night out and a fairly late finish.
If only our match had been quite that exciting. I've been to Craven Cottage three times, twice to see Spurs and once with my friend Sarah to watch Man City and every time it has been an incredibly dull match. You'd think I'd learn my lesson. There was very little skill on show for most of the match, I suppose we can count ourselves lucky that we did at least get a couple of goals at the end - even if they were a penalty and a scrappy little one their keeper should have kept out.
Still, it's a nice spot of London to visit. And as the half time sausages were being served up looking suspiciously anaemic the Spurs fans did get to chant at the vendors "You're trying to poison us" and "They're not very cooked, they're not very cooked, they're not very, they're not very..." etc. That was probably the highlight of the match.
In the evening went for dinner for Monica's birthday, with a bunch of her friends, a pleasant night out and a fairly late finish.
Worst kept secret finally out
Hillary Clinton has declared that she is looking to run for president - with a statement that includes the line:
"Only a new president can regain America's position as a respected leader in the world."
Which is a little odd, as the one surefire thing about the 2008 election is that America will have a new president of some sort... it's as if she's expecting Baby Bush as her opponent.
But not a genuinely weird thing to say on your announcement, unlike Senator Sam Brownback, a Republican, who has also declared his intentions with:
"My family and I are taking the first steps on the yellow brick road to the White House."
Rrrright.
Anyway, the Democratic race is shaping up nicely to be a corker. Hillary, Edwards and Obama are the main ones I know about - anyone got any strong feelings about any of the others so far?
"Only a new president can regain America's position as a respected leader in the world."
Which is a little odd, as the one surefire thing about the 2008 election is that America will have a new president of some sort... it's as if she's expecting Baby Bush as her opponent.
But not a genuinely weird thing to say on your announcement, unlike Senator Sam Brownback, a Republican, who has also declared his intentions with:
"My family and I are taking the first steps on the yellow brick road to the White House."
Rrrright.
Anyway, the Democratic race is shaping up nicely to be a corker. Hillary, Edwards and Obama are the main ones I know about - anyone got any strong feelings about any of the others so far?
Friday, 19 January 2007
Noel Park lads, Hossam Ghaly & Spurs
Was chatting to our MP Lynne Featherstone yesterday and she was telling me about the chaos being caused by the storms locally, with roads closed by fallen trees. Fortunately no one was killed.
This big tree had been uprooted in Alexandra Park, I saw it on my way to work this morning, now it's lying mostly in the pond.
I was on my way to Tottenham with Lynne, for the launch of a Safer Neighbourhoods football league for teams from the Noel Park area. Noel
Park is part of Hornsey & Wood Green which Lynne represents - and I know it reasonably well myself, as I spent a lot of time campaigning there with Cllr Catherine Harris, Cllr Fiyaz Mughal and Balan Sisupalan during the local elections last year.
The football teams themselves were there for a formal handover of kit and one of the Spurs players was there too - Hossam Ghaly. He seemed like a nice guy and though I was there to take photos of Lynne, I did manage to get one taken of me with Hossam too - thanks Lorna (deputy leader of the Council, who was also at the launch). I asked him if his teeth were better after the kick on New Year's Day.
After the photos, some of the lads had a bit of a match against a police team and Hossam joined in for the start of that as well. Just watched for 5 minutes and it was unbelievable how good and how fast he looked comapred with everyone else - even though he was in jeans and I'm sure the Noel Park lads are pretty handy themselves.
Good luck to the teams and the league - and the hard working organisers - and it's a good example of how different groups can work together.
Thanks to the police driving this forward, a great opportunity for local players.
You might be interested to know there is also a yellow/red card system in place for any of the players found engaged in any antisocial behaviour!
This big tree had been uprooted in Alexandra Park, I saw it on my way to work this morning, now it's lying mostly in the pond.
I was on my way to Tottenham with Lynne, for the launch of a Safer Neighbourhoods football league for teams from the Noel Park area. Noel
Park is part of Hornsey & Wood Green which Lynne represents - and I know it reasonably well myself, as I spent a lot of time campaigning there with Cllr Catherine Harris, Cllr Fiyaz Mughal and Balan Sisupalan during the local elections last year.
The football teams themselves were there for a formal handover of kit and one of the Spurs players was there too - Hossam Ghaly. He seemed like a nice guy and though I was there to take photos of Lynne, I did manage to get one taken of me with Hossam too - thanks Lorna (deputy leader of the Council, who was also at the launch). I asked him if his teeth were better after the kick on New Year's Day.
After the photos, some of the lads had a bit of a match against a police team and Hossam joined in for the start of that as well. Just watched for 5 minutes and it was unbelievable how good and how fast he looked comapred with everyone else - even though he was in jeans and I'm sure the Noel Park lads are pretty handy themselves.
Good luck to the teams and the league - and the hard working organisers - and it's a good example of how different groups can work together.
Thanks to the police driving this forward, a great opportunity for local players.
You might be interested to know there is also a yellow/red card system in place for any of the players found engaged in any antisocial behaviour!
Spurs through to UEFA Cup last 16?
A mate told me earlier this afternoon that the UEFA appeal against Feyenoord had ended with an even harsher verdict than expected... they've been thrown out completely.
Which *probably* means we get a bye now instead - quite nice as will cut down our congested fixture list... and I can get my £52 back!
Which *probably* means we get a bye now instead - quite nice as will cut down our congested fixture list... and I can get my £52 back!
Thursday, 18 January 2007
A costly way of dealing with your problem
There are signs like these attached to frames around the trees outside my office.
For the last couple of years, they have been constantly either annoying or amusing me - depending on my mood on any given day.
I should probably just get over it.
Good luck Calum
Saw the news this morning that Calum Davenport has transferred to West Ham. He has actually been very good for us this season and played some excellent games - wish him all the best for his future career.
Happy Birthday Monica
Today is the birthday of my colleague Monica Whyte, councillor for Hornsey ward - and an active worker on various party bodies too.
Monica is the only person I know who checks my blog on a regular basis - along with about a million other political blogs.
So, Happy Birthday Monica - do take *some* time off campaigns and casework to celebrate!
And, see you for lunch...
Monica is the only person I know who checks my blog on a regular basis - along with about a million other political blogs.
So, Happy Birthday Monica - do take *some* time off campaigns and casework to celebrate!
And, see you for lunch...
Wednesday, 17 January 2007
Lipstick. Check. Purse. Check. Balaclava?
Saw this yesterday. Amusing.
I don't even know what Rawl plugs are.
Well, amusing at face value, but not very amusing for people who wasted their money.
I don't even know what Rawl plugs are.
Well, amusing at face value, but not very amusing for people who wasted their money.
The Lives of the Saints
The Institute of Contemporary Arts is screening a new film set in Haringey - specifically around Harringay ward, as it's based around Green Lanes.
According to the blurb, The Lives of the Saints is "set amidst a streetwise world of criminals, schemers and dreamers".
You can read more about the film and screening times here.
I'm going to try and get down to the ICA and watch it. Will see if my Lib Dem colleagues for Harringay ward, Cllr Karen Alexander, Cllr Carolyn Baker and David Schmitz - want to come along too!
According to the blurb, The Lives of the Saints is "set amidst a streetwise world of criminals, schemers and dreamers".
You can read more about the film and screening times here.
I'm going to try and get down to the ICA and watch it. Will see if my Lib Dem colleagues for Harringay ward, Cllr Karen Alexander, Cllr Carolyn Baker and David Schmitz - want to come along too!
Tuesday, 16 January 2007
Political blogging: navel gazing or useful debate?
Today received an e-mail from a colleague with some forthright views on political blogs, after having spent "half an hour or so reading various inane conversations being carried out by the usual list of party-jonny-no-mates".
In the email there were some examples, with the end result being the summary:
"What can I say, other than it seems to me that, for most, blogging is simply a continuation of NUS politics by other means.
"I’d rather waste my time reading about what you think about Andy Murray and bagels (which was a reference it took me a while to work out)..."
I think that was meant to be a compliment. Of sorts.
In the email there were some examples, with the end result being the summary:
"What can I say, other than it seems to me that, for most, blogging is simply a continuation of NUS politics by other means.
"I’d rather waste my time reading about what you think about Andy Murray and bagels (which was a reference it took me a while to work out)..."
I think that was meant to be a compliment. Of sorts.
Andy Murray on course for whitewash?
Andy Murray has just won the first two sets of his 1st Round match against Alberto Martin 6-0, 6-0. So he should be good for the 2nd Round, you'd hope.
You can check the latest score here.
Unfortunately, Alan Mackin fared less well, going out 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
UPDATE: Murray got to 6-0, 6-0, 5-0 - but then Martin managed to win a game. So the triple bagel opportunity goes missing. But not a bad start to the tournament anyway - Martin is still ranked 60th in the world.
You can check the latest score here.
Unfortunately, Alan Mackin fared less well, going out 6-4, 6-4, 6-2.
UPDATE: Murray got to 6-0, 6-0, 5-0 - but then Martin managed to win a game. So the triple bagel opportunity goes missing. But not a bad start to the tournament anyway - Martin is still ranked 60th in the world.
Monday, 15 January 2007
Hecklerspray: David Beckham, Tom Cruise & Aaron Lennon
After a long night discussing next month's budget setting meetings, some light relief was needed.
I got it on Hecklerspray, reliable as always. And this article is especially good because, as well as the usual wit, it's also nice about Aaron Lennon.
As is the same with all links I post on my blog, I'm not responsible for the content (or language) of external websites.
Incidentally, would be nice if Becks would do us a favour and come to Spurs on loan for the rest of the season.
But it isn't going to happen, so good luck in LA to him - and the good lady wife plus bubbas.
I got it on Hecklerspray, reliable as always. And this article is especially good because, as well as the usual wit, it's also nice about Aaron Lennon.
As is the same with all links I post on my blog, I'm not responsible for the content (or language) of external websites.
Incidentally, would be nice if Becks would do us a favour and come to Spurs on loan for the rest of the season.
But it isn't going to happen, so good luck in LA to him - and the good lady wife plus bubbas.
Australian Open 1st Round: good luck Alan Mackin
Aside from football, tennis is my favourite sport. Actually, the only difference with the two for me is that sadly I was always useless at footy, but used to play a lot of tennis.
A couple of years ago I managed to do a sort of spectator version of the Grand Slam - i.e. I went to the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open all in the same year.
Anyway, the Australian Open first round got underway today (or yesterday, depending on your timezone).
Tuesday's matches include Brit Alan Mackin - who came through three rounds of qualifying, which is great going. He's got a tough match against Nicolas Lapentti, but hopefully he'll continue his roll.
Andy Murray is starting his campaign too - as the 15th seed. He's looking really good at the moment and I'd be surprised if he doesn't make a Grand Slam semi-final (at least) in 2007. He's got Alberto Martin in the first round.
One of my favourite (non Brit) tennis players is Xavier Malisse. He's the 29th seed in Melbourne and has a potentially tricky first round tie against Arnaud Clement on Tuesday. He's great to watch - plays interesting tennis and you never know if he's about to have an amusing strop as well.
Sadly no British ladies qualified. But some other good matches in prospect - Martina Hingis is back again and Dinara Safina (Marat's sister) is 9th seed and looking in top form.
And Daniela Hantuchova is in action too - so expect Court 6 to be absolutely rammed. She is great to watch, both for her tennis and her, ahem, style - at Wimbledon you really have to be determined to get to the front of the crowd to see her. But I usually am.
Just a shame that British television only bothers with tennis during Wimbledon (and the Stella Artois at Queens).
A couple of years ago I managed to do a sort of spectator version of the Grand Slam - i.e. I went to the Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and US Open all in the same year.
Anyway, the Australian Open first round got underway today (or yesterday, depending on your timezone).
Tuesday's matches include Brit Alan Mackin - who came through three rounds of qualifying, which is great going. He's got a tough match against Nicolas Lapentti, but hopefully he'll continue his roll.
Andy Murray is starting his campaign too - as the 15th seed. He's looking really good at the moment and I'd be surprised if he doesn't make a Grand Slam semi-final (at least) in 2007. He's got Alberto Martin in the first round.
One of my favourite (non Brit) tennis players is Xavier Malisse. He's the 29th seed in Melbourne and has a potentially tricky first round tie against Arnaud Clement on Tuesday. He's great to watch - plays interesting tennis and you never know if he's about to have an amusing strop as well.
Sadly no British ladies qualified. But some other good matches in prospect - Martina Hingis is back again and Dinara Safina (Marat's sister) is 9th seed and looking in top form.
And Daniela Hantuchova is in action too - so expect Court 6 to be absolutely rammed. She is great to watch, both for her tennis and her, ahem, style - at Wimbledon you really have to be determined to get to the front of the crowd to see her. But I usually am.
Just a shame that British television only bothers with tennis during Wimbledon (and the Stella Artois at Queens).
Au revoir, not goodbye, to Sardine Man
As the photos of me dressed as a sardine were so popular when I did that launch in December, I thought I would post another one - the one that seemed to be the most popular with the press. Bear in mind that I couldn't actually see these ladies through the costume, so thanks to them for stopping to have their photo taken.I've posted this really as a goodbye to my colleagues at Transport 2000, where I finished working last week. I really enjoyed working with a very committed and knowledgeable bunch of people and wish them the very best for the future.
Although the above turned out to be my one and only outing as Sardine Man before I said goodbye, he/she will be back - in newspapers and on tvs - to see you in the coming months.
So, for more information about Transport 2000's Growing the Railways campaign, please contact them - and in the meantime please contact your MP to put pressure on the Government to increase capacity on our rail network.
Sunday, 14 January 2007
Koopa make chart history
As someone who used to take an interest in the chart to disturbingly geeky levels, this is big news for me.
Saturday, 13 January 2007
Kylie cancels concert halfway through
A friend whose brother was at the Kylie concert tonight texted me a while ago. Apparently she cancelled the concert - did a few songs and then walked off the stage.
Hope she's okay. Flu, I believe.
Just seen Benayoun's two goals on Match of the Day - really class. Not enough to get West Ham the three points though.
Hope she's okay. Flu, I believe.
Just seen Benayoun's two goals on Match of the Day - really class. Not enough to get West Ham the three points though.
Especially for you
Just arriving back into London on the train after a night of Kylie at the MEN Arena yesterday. Shame that I couldn't stay up in Manchester a bit longer, but have a meeting with one of my Lib Dem colleagues this afternoon to discuss the council budget.
Off work yesterday to head up here - went into our HQ in the morning to do some campaigns work and then got into Manchester about 4pm.
Got the tram to Stretford and dropped stuff at Nic and Julie's before we all headed into town. Had a couple of drinks in Zinc, just by the Printworks, which was a pretty nice bar. Met up with my old school friend Sarah along with a couple of her friends - and her Mum, who I hadn't seen since Sarah's 21st, so that was really nice.
Sarah did tell me her brother (who I won't name, to protect the innocent) has joined the Labour Party though. So he's a Man City fan AND a Labour party member, that's a tough life. Only joking, Ben (oops, just blew his cover).
My sister and brother-in-law were up from St.Alban's for it too, so along with their friends it was a pretty social occasion. Then, when we got into the arena, bumped in to two of my Lib Dem colleagues from Camden, Russell and Ed, which was a bit bizarre. Russell and I were involved in Lib Dem Youth & Students together... Seems a long time ago now!
Anyway, the concert was good - though I did see Kylie once before at the Apollo, which was much better... really just because it's a small venue and I was standing right at the front. Our seats were alright last night though - next concert is the Killers in February at the NEC, seats something like Row ZZ in the 17th tier. Will probably be like watching ants running around on the stage.
After budget discussions today, hoping to meet up with a mate for the cinema, then it's Spurs v Newcastle tomorrow. Really need the win to keep in touch with the top six and not slip back. Confident the lads will turn on the style though.
Off work yesterday to head up here - went into our HQ in the morning to do some campaigns work and then got into Manchester about 4pm.
Got the tram to Stretford and dropped stuff at Nic and Julie's before we all headed into town. Had a couple of drinks in Zinc, just by the Printworks, which was a pretty nice bar. Met up with my old school friend Sarah along with a couple of her friends - and her Mum, who I hadn't seen since Sarah's 21st, so that was really nice.
Sarah did tell me her brother (who I won't name, to protect the innocent) has joined the Labour Party though. So he's a Man City fan AND a Labour party member, that's a tough life. Only joking, Ben (oops, just blew his cover).
My sister and brother-in-law were up from St.Alban's for it too, so along with their friends it was a pretty social occasion. Then, when we got into the arena, bumped in to two of my Lib Dem colleagues from Camden, Russell and Ed, which was a bit bizarre. Russell and I were involved in Lib Dem Youth & Students together... Seems a long time ago now!
Anyway, the concert was good - though I did see Kylie once before at the Apollo, which was much better... really just because it's a small venue and I was standing right at the front. Our seats were alright last night though - next concert is the Killers in February at the NEC, seats something like Row ZZ in the 17th tier. Will probably be like watching ants running around on the stage.
After budget discussions today, hoping to meet up with a mate for the cinema, then it's Spurs v Newcastle tomorrow. Really need the win to keep in touch with the top six and not slip back. Confident the lads will turn on the style though.
Thursday, 11 January 2007
Fortis Green health services & budget cuts
At tonight's meeting of Overview & Scrutiny, the main business was the public concern over the proposed sale of Fortis Green clinic. There were a number of very passionate and eloquent speakers, all worried about local access to health services.
The PCT have belatedly come up with plans to relocate the services from the clinic to Pages Lane and Colney Hatch Lane, both also in my Fortis Green ward. This is great news - the services will still be easily accessible for local residents.
But originally the long term plan was to relocate these services to the new Hornsey Hospital. Fortis Green clinic is to close earlier than originally planned (the PCT is expected to take the decision on January 24th) and the new sites were offered as a temporary (18 months plus) option.
I was very concerned that the services might then be automatically transferred to Hornsey. That would be a serious loss of local services. I got the PCT to commit to a full public consultation if they were thinking of moving services out of Muswell Hill/Fortis Green - and they are putting that in writing.
This is very important, as there has been no meaningful public consultation on the sale of the clinic itself, which is highly regrettable. In an ideal world, the PCT would have also deferred the current decision.
But what we have ended up with is better than I hoped - the facilities which the clinic's services are going to move to are within around 400 yards and better than the clinic. Also, there seemed to be genuine consideration to retaining these health services in the area - and the commitment we got to a full and proper consultation is a great result that means we don't have to worry for the future of local NHS services... for now.
The meeting was a long one and didn't get finished until 10.15 - mostly taken up by the debate on Fortis Green clinic and the future development of Hornsey Hospital (which will be an excellent asset to the Haringey community when it finally arrives).
But we did also look at Labour's proposed last minute additional budget cuts.
We recommended rejection of a number of them, including: cuts to voluntary sector funding; massive cuts to the popular "community clear up" programme for rubbish collection; reductions in planning department staff; and further increases to the cost of parking permits.
Whether the Labour Executive takes any notice of these latest O&S recommendations remains to be seen...
But all in all a very productive meeting.
The PCT have belatedly come up with plans to relocate the services from the clinic to Pages Lane and Colney Hatch Lane, both also in my Fortis Green ward. This is great news - the services will still be easily accessible for local residents.
But originally the long term plan was to relocate these services to the new Hornsey Hospital. Fortis Green clinic is to close earlier than originally planned (the PCT is expected to take the decision on January 24th) and the new sites were offered as a temporary (18 months plus) option.
I was very concerned that the services might then be automatically transferred to Hornsey. That would be a serious loss of local services. I got the PCT to commit to a full public consultation if they were thinking of moving services out of Muswell Hill/Fortis Green - and they are putting that in writing.
This is very important, as there has been no meaningful public consultation on the sale of the clinic itself, which is highly regrettable. In an ideal world, the PCT would have also deferred the current decision.
But what we have ended up with is better than I hoped - the facilities which the clinic's services are going to move to are within around 400 yards and better than the clinic. Also, there seemed to be genuine consideration to retaining these health services in the area - and the commitment we got to a full and proper consultation is a great result that means we don't have to worry for the future of local NHS services... for now.
The meeting was a long one and didn't get finished until 10.15 - mostly taken up by the debate on Fortis Green clinic and the future development of Hornsey Hospital (which will be an excellent asset to the Haringey community when it finally arrives).
But we did also look at Labour's proposed last minute additional budget cuts.
We recommended rejection of a number of them, including: cuts to voluntary sector funding; massive cuts to the popular "community clear up" programme for rubbish collection; reductions in planning department staff; and further increases to the cost of parking permits.
Whether the Labour Executive takes any notice of these latest O&S recommendations remains to be seen...
But all in all a very productive meeting.
Tuesday, 9 January 2007
A French celebration of New Year
Sounds like an unbelievable match at Anfield tonight. Didn't see any of it, as had a governors meeting at Fortismere School.
But it means we have two matches against the team formerly from Woolwich in the coming weeks. Hopefully they won't score six over both legs, let alone in one...
Anyway, got home just in time to see the goals on Sky Sports News and then the start of the new series of Shameless. One of the few programmes I bother tuning in for, a good way to finish a busy day.
Oh, and while I remember, meant to post this earlier - an amusing New Year's story a French colleague passed on...
But it means we have two matches against the team formerly from Woolwich in the coming weeks. Hopefully they won't score six over both legs, let alone in one...
Anyway, got home just in time to see the goals on Sky Sports News and then the start of the new series of Shameless. One of the few programmes I bother tuning in for, a good way to finish a busy day.
Oh, and while I remember, meant to post this earlier - an amusing New Year's story a French colleague passed on...
An e-mail from George Bush
Following my e-mail to Dubya about Guantánamo Bay (through the Amnesty website), I got a very speedy response direct from the keyboard of the man himself.
Well, I got the automated response below anyway. Do still e-mail the Whitehouse with your concerns anyway.
---Original Message-----
From: "comments@whitehouse.gov"
Sent: 09/01/07 18:12:21
On behalf of President Bush, thank you for your correspondence.
We appreciate hearing your views and welcome your suggestions.
The President is committed to continuing our economic progress,
defending our freedom, and upholding our Nation's deepest values.
Due to the large volume of e-mail received, the White House
cannot respond to every message. Please visit the White House
website for the most up-to-date information on Presidential
initiatives, current events, and topics of interest to you.
In order to better receive comments from the public, a new system
has been implemented. In the future please send your comments to
comments@whitehouse.gov.
Thank you again for taking the time to write.
Well, I got the automated response below anyway. Do still e-mail the Whitehouse with your concerns anyway.
---Original Message-----
From: "comments@whitehouse.gov"
Sent: 09/01/07 18:12:21
On behalf of President Bush, thank you for your correspondence.
We appreciate hearing your views and welcome your suggestions.
The President is committed to continuing our economic progress,
defending our freedom, and upholding our Nation's deepest values.
Due to the large volume of e-mail received, the White House
cannot respond to every message. Please visit the White House
website for the most up-to-date information on Presidential
initiatives, current events, and topics of interest to you.
In order to better receive comments from the public, a new system
has been implemented. In the future please send your comments to
comments@whitehouse.gov.
Thank you again for taking the time to write.
Guantánamo Bay: Five years of injustice
Thursday (11th January) is the 5th anniversary of the first incarcerations at Guantánamo Bay.
Amnesty are holding a series of protests to push for some sort of justice for the detainees. You can find the details HERE - unfortunately for people with work, the London one at least is being held during the day, but there is other action you can take if you can't make the protest itself.
Five years on, not a single detainee has been put on trial. If they ever do get a trial, it is planned to be a military tribunal - weighted to get a conviction, not to give a fair trial.
Why are around 300 of the over 400 people still held at Guantánamo Bay not scheduled for trial or transfer to another country's custody? Is it because many of them are men like the one HERE, where there is no evidence and a trial would lead to their release?
All governments not doing all they can to end the injustice of Guantánamo Bay should be ashamed.
Amnesty are holding a series of protests to push for some sort of justice for the detainees. You can find the details HERE - unfortunately for people with work, the London one at least is being held during the day, but there is other action you can take if you can't make the protest itself.
Five years on, not a single detainee has been put on trial. If they ever do get a trial, it is planned to be a military tribunal - weighted to get a conviction, not to give a fair trial.
Why are around 300 of the over 400 people still held at Guantánamo Bay not scheduled for trial or transfer to another country's custody? Is it because many of them are men like the one HERE, where there is no evidence and a trial would lead to their release?
All governments not doing all they can to end the injustice of Guantánamo Bay should be ashamed.
This sounds more like a yodelling cow being fed through a wood chipper.
Just one of those random titles of spam e-mail - one that I received to my inbox today and which amused me.
Don't know what was in the actual e-mail, probably altogether less amusing.
Don't know what was in the actual e-mail, probably altogether less amusing.
Morrissey to follow in footsteps of Abba, Bucks Fizz and, er, Jemini
Morrissey to do Eurovision?
I thought it was an early April Fool's Day story when I read THIS.
When you get to the end of the story, you do see that he is in talks to *write* the next Eurovision entry, rather than perform it. But if we're lucky, maybe he'll be persuaded to sing it as well.
I thought it was an early April Fool's Day story when I read THIS.
When you get to the end of the story, you do see that he is in talks to *write* the next Eurovision entry, rather than perform it. But if we're lucky, maybe he'll be persuaded to sing it as well.
Photos from Cardiff v Spurs 07.01.07
Couple of photos from the Cardiff game on Sunday.One shows the Spurs boys warming up before the game - it looks like a nice sunny day, but that is actually just the floodlights...
The other was taken towards the end of the match when a couple of flares were lit in the Cardiff section to the right of where the photo was taken and there also seemed to be some confrontation with the Cardiff fans to the left of our stand too.
It doesn't quite show how many police there were at the match, but gives a bit of an idea... There was a very heavy police presence. And, at the end of the day, no serious trouble that I'm aware of.
Communication from the police with the Spurs fans, after we left the ground, could have been much better, but everyone got home safely (albeit late) as far as I know - which is the main thing. Hopefully the communication issue is a lesson that will be learned and then shared for best practice around all football grounds.
CCTV and Labour propaganda
At Full Council last night, I raised the issue of substandard CCTV with the Executive Member for Crime and Community Safety - and she essentially agreed with me that the systems in Crouch End and Muswell Hill are not fit for purpose. My CCTV scrutiny review will be reporting soon, so hopefully the Executive will take our recommendations on board.
There was a question on the council's magazine 'Haringey People', with the Executive Member telling us that 90% of respondents to their survey thought it was great. I was going to ask if they had been told in the survey how much it cost the taxpayers - but was beaten to a question by my fellow Lib Dem Cllr Susan Oatway, who asked another good one: 90% sounds good, but how many actual *people* does that mean? We're waiting on that answer.
'Haringey People' is delivered, at great expense, to every house in the borough. With the council budget setting meeting coming up in 4 weeks, I'd be interested to hear what your views are about it - please email me, address above.
There were a number of other useful issues that came up too, including answers to several written questions on different topics.
At around 9pm, a motion on transport and climate change was discussed. As I currently work for Transport 2000, I had already declared a prejudicial interest and so left the chamber. I'd actually been off work sick during the day and still wasn't feeling good, so I didn't wait to see if another motion was reached, but dragged myself back to my sickbed... an earlier finish for me than usual.
There was a question on the council's magazine 'Haringey People', with the Executive Member telling us that 90% of respondents to their survey thought it was great. I was going to ask if they had been told in the survey how much it cost the taxpayers - but was beaten to a question by my fellow Lib Dem Cllr Susan Oatway, who asked another good one: 90% sounds good, but how many actual *people* does that mean? We're waiting on that answer.
'Haringey People' is delivered, at great expense, to every house in the borough. With the council budget setting meeting coming up in 4 weeks, I'd be interested to hear what your views are about it - please email me, address above.
There were a number of other useful issues that came up too, including answers to several written questions on different topics.
At around 9pm, a motion on transport and climate change was discussed. As I currently work for Transport 2000, I had already declared a prejudicial interest and so left the chamber. I'd actually been off work sick during the day and still wasn't feeling good, so I didn't wait to see if another motion was reached, but dragged myself back to my sickbed... an earlier finish for me than usual.
Cardiff police, crammed trains and football flare-ups
At Full Council last night, one of my Labour colleagues, Cllr Ray Dodds, raised the issue of the policing of the Spurs game in Cardiff. I also asked the Leader about that - and also about what the Council has been doing (or not) to try and get improved train services in Tottenham on matchdays.
I'm not going to say too much about the actual match here - there's not much to say. Berba and JD looked lively - for about the first 20 minutes, after that it was fairly dire. The Cardiff fans were a lot quieter than I expected.
Well, they were until the trouble started towards the end of the match. How can people actually manage to get flares into a football ground? Anyway, there wasn't anything too serious and *plenty* of police around.
The away fans were kept in the ground for about half an hour after the match - which was fine, especially as before the match started we'd all been told by the police, individually, that would happen.
The police then walked us as a group to the railway station. This took around 45 minutes for a 15 minute walk, which was obviously a bit annoying and made us miss our booked train, but was probably a good idea. There were a couple of Cardiff fans trying to start trouble along the route, but nothing major broke out.
But when we got to the station, it seemed that the police didn't know what to do with us. Or they did, but failed to communicate with us (as they had done pre-match about being held back at the ground). With a large crowd and the police just holding us outside the station, for over 20 minutes in the end, there was pushing and the police looked as if they didn't know what they were doing.
My colleague Ray Dodds was pointing out to the Leader that people who had driven to Cardiff were marched to the station and forced onto a train to London. This meant that they had to get off at the first stop (Bristol) and make their way back to Cardiff. This is unfortunate, as they could have stayed in Cardiff.
My mate and I got to the station with everyone else, but didn't get on that train as it was crammed like a cattle truck, and there was one half an hour later. Once the crammed train left, the police went too and we were free to wander around outside the station - so those with cars could have then returned to them.
It's clearly difficult to police a footballl match. And as far as I'm aware, any serious trouble was avoided - clearly the main role of the police here, so top marks on that. But it did seem that when we got to the station there was just no plan of what to do.
As well as the trains being cancelled in the morning, they were also late in the evening - I only just made the last tube. And did I mention the game was dire?
All in all, would only be fair if the club gave those of us who suffered that day out free tickets for the replay at White Hart Lane next Wednesday.
Can live in hope I suppose.
Incidentally, the Leader of the Council is still hoping for a Victoria Line extension in Tottenham, but has been told there is no funding for at least 10 years.
Lib Dem Assembly Member Graham Tope is taking up the issue of One's services from Liverpool Street to WHL for me, and the Leader also said he had lobbied for a wider track on that route.
I'm not going to say too much about the actual match here - there's not much to say. Berba and JD looked lively - for about the first 20 minutes, after that it was fairly dire. The Cardiff fans were a lot quieter than I expected.
Well, they were until the trouble started towards the end of the match. How can people actually manage to get flares into a football ground? Anyway, there wasn't anything too serious and *plenty* of police around.
The away fans were kept in the ground for about half an hour after the match - which was fine, especially as before the match started we'd all been told by the police, individually, that would happen.
The police then walked us as a group to the railway station. This took around 45 minutes for a 15 minute walk, which was obviously a bit annoying and made us miss our booked train, but was probably a good idea. There were a couple of Cardiff fans trying to start trouble along the route, but nothing major broke out.
But when we got to the station, it seemed that the police didn't know what to do with us. Or they did, but failed to communicate with us (as they had done pre-match about being held back at the ground). With a large crowd and the police just holding us outside the station, for over 20 minutes in the end, there was pushing and the police looked as if they didn't know what they were doing.
My colleague Ray Dodds was pointing out to the Leader that people who had driven to Cardiff were marched to the station and forced onto a train to London. This meant that they had to get off at the first stop (Bristol) and make their way back to Cardiff. This is unfortunate, as they could have stayed in Cardiff.
My mate and I got to the station with everyone else, but didn't get on that train as it was crammed like a cattle truck, and there was one half an hour later. Once the crammed train left, the police went too and we were free to wander around outside the station - so those with cars could have then returned to them.
It's clearly difficult to police a footballl match. And as far as I'm aware, any serious trouble was avoided - clearly the main role of the police here, so top marks on that. But it did seem that when we got to the station there was just no plan of what to do.
As well as the trains being cancelled in the morning, they were also late in the evening - I only just made the last tube. And did I mention the game was dire?
All in all, would only be fair if the club gave those of us who suffered that day out free tickets for the replay at White Hart Lane next Wednesday.
Can live in hope I suppose.
Incidentally, the Leader of the Council is still hoping for a Victoria Line extension in Tottenham, but has been told there is no funding for at least 10 years.
Lib Dem Assembly Member Graham Tope is taking up the issue of One's services from Liverpool Street to WHL for me, and the Leader also said he had lobbied for a wider track on that route.
Sunday, 7 January 2007
Spurs are on their way to Cardiff...
...by a very slow and tortuous route.
Trains from London to Cardiff all cancelled this morning - our reserved seats not particularly useful. Train to Reading and then a bus to Swindon - an hour to wait here before train to Cardiff. Heigh-ho.
It wasn't a good feeling having to get off a train a Reading... reminded me of our league game there where we played like muppets. Hope it wasn't an omen.
Plenty of time still anyway and still excited about (hopefully) seeing little Aaron back in action.
COME ON YOU SPURS!
Trains from London to Cardiff all cancelled this morning - our reserved seats not particularly useful. Train to Reading and then a bus to Swindon - an hour to wait here before train to Cardiff. Heigh-ho.
It wasn't a good feeling having to get off a train a Reading... reminded me of our league game there where we played like muppets. Hope it wasn't an omen.
Plenty of time still anyway and still excited about (hopefully) seeing little Aaron back in action.
COME ON YOU SPURS!
Saturday, 6 January 2007
Timewasting
Justin has "tagged" me to stick 5 random things about myself on here.
I wouldn't normally bother with that sort of thing... But I don't know if it's rude to ignore these requests in the blogging world? And the Liverpool FA Cup match isn't too interesting any more...
1. I used to play the cello. Not very well.
2. My pillow was once on fire during the night. It burnt through two pillows my head was on but didn't wake me up.
3. I used to be in the Bangles fanclub. It was called Bangles'n'Mash.
4. I spent Christmas Day 1985 on an oil tanker on the Suez Canal. In 1986 I was in Istanbul for Christmas.
5. When I was 11, I got a black eye playing table tennis. I hit myself with my bat.
Think that'll do. That's the first and last of these I'm doing.
I wouldn't normally bother with that sort of thing... But I don't know if it's rude to ignore these requests in the blogging world? And the Liverpool FA Cup match isn't too interesting any more...
1. I used to play the cello. Not very well.
2. My pillow was once on fire during the night. It burnt through two pillows my head was on but didn't wake me up.
3. I used to be in the Bangles fanclub. It was called Bangles'n'Mash.
4. I spent Christmas Day 1985 on an oil tanker on the Suez Canal. In 1986 I was in Istanbul for Christmas.
5. When I was 11, I got a black eye playing table tennis. I hit myself with my bat.
Think that'll do. That's the first and last of these I'm doing.
Not dying of boredom
If only he was called *Danny* Blanchflower... then the absolute truth would be assured.
Slap in face for Migration Watch
But I think he probably is right anyway.
Slap in face for Migration Watch
But I think he probably is right anyway.
Friday, 5 January 2007
Give Pace A Chance
Tomorrow is a big campaigns day.
We all go and help together in different wards regularly - it's more fun than just delivering/canvassing in your own ward all the time, teamwork!
That'll take up pretty much the whole day, but we'll probably work in a good pub lunch or dinner too - we're lucky, our HQ for Hornsey & Wood Green is based above the Three Compasses on Hornsey High Street. It's a great pub with great food, just what you need after a session of delivering in the cold/rain.
Early Sunday morning I'll be making the trip to Ninian Park with Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane.
Well, I doubt they'll be on the 08.37 from Paddington with me and my mate Dan, but the good news I heard today was that they are back in the squad and expected to travel. Get in! Could both be a big help as Spurs try to beat Cardiff in the FA Cup.
Let's hope Berba and Defoe can do the job upfront anyway.
So Sunday's going to be a long day too. Bit worried about having to make a connection in Bath on the way home... No, I'm sure it'll be alright.
Well, either way it will be alright if we've managed to win and stay in all 3 cups (UEFA included) for a little bit longer...
We all go and help together in different wards regularly - it's more fun than just delivering/canvassing in your own ward all the time, teamwork!
That'll take up pretty much the whole day, but we'll probably work in a good pub lunch or dinner too - we're lucky, our HQ for Hornsey & Wood Green is based above the Three Compasses on Hornsey High Street. It's a great pub with great food, just what you need after a session of delivering in the cold/rain.
Early Sunday morning I'll be making the trip to Ninian Park with Aaron Lennon and Robbie Keane.
Well, I doubt they'll be on the 08.37 from Paddington with me and my mate Dan, but the good news I heard today was that they are back in the squad and expected to travel. Get in! Could both be a big help as Spurs try to beat Cardiff in the FA Cup.
Let's hope Berba and Defoe can do the job upfront anyway.
So Sunday's going to be a long day too. Bit worried about having to make a connection in Bath on the way home... No, I'm sure it'll be alright.
Well, either way it will be alright if we've managed to win and stay in all 3 cups (UEFA included) for a little bit longer...
How do you eat yours?
Three months early - what's it to you?
I see in this morning's paper that a religious group is complaining that Tesco's Easter egg range has already gone on sale.
Then as I got off the train I spotted Crème Egg posters announcing "they're here".
Happy Easter everyone!
But why do people complain about things like this? When Christmas stuff hits the shops in September (or earlier), it generates endless "news" stories.
Retailers are running businesses - if no one was buying things for Christmas in September or Easter eggs in January, they wouldn't waste valuable shelf space on them...
So just chill out. If you don't want to buy, don't.
I'm going to buy a box of Crème Eggs at lunchtime.
I see in this morning's paper that a religious group is complaining that Tesco's Easter egg range has already gone on sale.
Then as I got off the train I spotted Crème Egg posters announcing "they're here".
Happy Easter everyone!
But why do people complain about things like this? When Christmas stuff hits the shops in September (or earlier), it generates endless "news" stories.
Retailers are running businesses - if no one was buying things for Christmas in September or Easter eggs in January, they wouldn't waste valuable shelf space on them...
So just chill out. If you don't want to buy, don't.
I'm going to buy a box of Crème Eggs at lunchtime.
Thursday, 4 January 2007
Migration Watch in "Immigrants give you money" shocker!
Saw a little bit in the paper this morning, quoting Migration Watch UK - yes, the anti-immigration group. Seemed to be saying that the net financial benefit to the UK of immigration is positive - not negative, as they would usually have you believe.
Of course, they *still* try and make this sound like immigration is A Very Bad Thing. Apparently, the financial benefit to "each member of the native population of the UK from immigration is worth about 4p a week - or less than the equivalent of a small Mars bar a month".
The paper I saw went for the "only a Mars bar" angle too, which is not surprising as it makes for better copy than "immigrants give you money".
You can look at Migration Watch's full story, if you wish.
Of course, they *still* try and make this sound like immigration is A Very Bad Thing. Apparently, the financial benefit to "each member of the native population of the UK from immigration is worth about 4p a week - or less than the equivalent of a small Mars bar a month".
The paper I saw went for the "only a Mars bar" angle too, which is not surprising as it makes for better copy than "immigrants give you money".
You can look at Migration Watch's full story, if you wish.
Let the train take the strain
When I wrote the post comparing the cost of tube travel with the potential cost of flights to Malaysia on Richard Branson's proposed budget airline venture, I think I didn't make it clear enough which part I thought was scariest... Because, scary as the massive tube prices are, they're not a patch on how scary global warming is.The photo above was taken on the climate change march in London in November, it's me with Hornsey & Wood Green MP Lynne Featherstone.
The biggest problem of course is short-haul flights. Why fly to Paris or Brussels when you can take Eurostar? Why fly London to Manchester when you can take the train? And, yes, I know that trains are not perfect (either environmentally or for the passenger). And I know that they are exorbitantly expensive if you just turn up and buy a ticket on the day.
But airlines are expensive if you buy a ticket on the day too. Have just done a quick check - if you don't have an advance ticket and want to travel London to Manchester this evening, a British Airways ticket to fly is around £170. A train ticket would cost you £58.50.
It's just that people are used to booking non-flexible flight tickets in advance for the cheapest prices but don't have the same attitude towards the train.
Also, city to city, the train is usually by far the best option. Airports generally leave you outside the city - often with an overpriced airport train to take, which can cost more than your budget airline ticket.
And how much time do you save? Well, factor in your time getting to the airport, checking in, waiting, boarding, getting off, reclaiming bags, travelling into the city, etc etc. Then compare that with getting to the train station, getting on, getting there and getting off... in many cases you're not saving time at all.
Reducing our *need* to travel is essential, by reducing commuting and ensuring housing developments are sustainable, with the necessary infrastructure. But I'm not suggesting we shouldn't travel for leisure - in the extreme, to protect the environment, you could argue for no travel at all and for us all to live in self-sustainable communities.
Being able to see the sights of Britain, visit friends and family, go to other countries and experience other cultures is all an important part of the world we need to protect for future generations. We need to be responsible about our travel, but we shouldn't stop doing it.
Ethan Hawke - a better author than actor
Last night I wasted 100 minutes of my life watching a version of Hamlet starring Ethan Hawke (it's five or so years old I think).
Now, I admit that the Venn diagram showing the sets "people reading this blog" and "people likely to be planning to watch the Ethan Hawke version of Hamlet" is less a Venn diagram and more just two circles. But I thought it was my duty to play it safe and warn people anyway.
I love Hamlet, it was one of my texts for A Level (along with A Winter's Tale - complete rubbish). The fact this was a "contemporary adaptation" was not the problem, I'm not some sort of stuffy purist who only wants to see Shakespeare at the Globe. Loved the DiCaprio/Danes version of Romeo & Juliet.
No, this was just a clumsy mess of a film. Badly contrived, largely badly acted and managing to make probably the best play ever written seem incredibly dull. Nothing good to be said about it. Won't harp on about it, got it off my chest now.
If you have some time spare, skip this film and read one of Ethan Hawke's novels instead. 'Ash Wednesday' and 'The Hottest State' both surprisingly good.
Shame, as last couple of films I watched - The Edukators and Maria Full Of Grace - were both pretty good, thought I was on a roll.
Anyway, Harry Hill's TV Burp was on after that. That made up for the dodgy Hamlet attempt. Never found Harry Hill that funny really, but think he found his niche with TV Burp...
Now, I admit that the Venn diagram showing the sets "people reading this blog" and "people likely to be planning to watch the Ethan Hawke version of Hamlet" is less a Venn diagram and more just two circles. But I thought it was my duty to play it safe and warn people anyway.
I love Hamlet, it was one of my texts for A Level (along with A Winter's Tale - complete rubbish). The fact this was a "contemporary adaptation" was not the problem, I'm not some sort of stuffy purist who only wants to see Shakespeare at the Globe. Loved the DiCaprio/Danes version of Romeo & Juliet.
No, this was just a clumsy mess of a film. Badly contrived, largely badly acted and managing to make probably the best play ever written seem incredibly dull. Nothing good to be said about it. Won't harp on about it, got it off my chest now.
If you have some time spare, skip this film and read one of Ethan Hawke's novels instead. 'Ash Wednesday' and 'The Hottest State' both surprisingly good.
Shame, as last couple of films I watched - The Edukators and Maria Full Of Grace - were both pretty good, thought I was on a roll.
Anyway, Harry Hill's TV Burp was on after that. That made up for the dodgy Hamlet attempt. Never found Harry Hill that funny really, but think he found his niche with TV Burp...
Wednesday, 3 January 2007
I am not a chess club
As predicted earlier, without needing to use any Mystic Meg skills, no one at my surgery tonight.
Well, no one bar a disappointed chess player who had got his days mixed up.
Still, 15 minutes to go, could be a late rush...
Well, no one bar a disappointed chess player who had got his days mixed up.
Still, 15 minutes to go, could be a late rush...
Covent Garden to Leicester Square £4, Manchester to Kuala Lumpur £43
On the overland train back from work, on my way to do a ward surgery. I would be absolutely amazed if any residents turn up in the cold tonight - they probably assume that as it's so close to New Year it won't be happening. Well, it is, just in case.
Just remembered the rather depressing - and scary - comparison in the title of this post, which came from stories in yesterday's paper.
Another massive hike in tube fares - unless you use Oyster, Ken's helpful I.D. card prototype. A basic journey with your I.D. card costs £1.50, but for those who don't want or can't afford one the cash fare is now a whopping £4. Even at a much lower rate there was always a stat flying around that it was more expensive per metre to get the tube from Leicester Square to Covent Garden than to fly Concorde to New York. How long before tube travel becomes more expensive than space travel?
The other story was about plans to set up a low-cost long-haul airline. It said that flights to Malaysia could start from £43. Sitting in Manchester planning your week off, it could be cheaper to fly to Malaysia than go to Europe, get a ferry to Ireland - or even get the train to York.
So, Leicester Square to Covent Garden = £4, Manchester to Kuala Lumpur = £43. You do the math.
The other thing to remember though is that the £4 tube ride in the West End can (for most people) easily be done on foot. There aren't too many alternatives to the plane when it comes to getting from Manchester to Malaysia.
Just remembered the rather depressing - and scary - comparison in the title of this post, which came from stories in yesterday's paper.
Another massive hike in tube fares - unless you use Oyster, Ken's helpful I.D. card prototype. A basic journey with your I.D. card costs £1.50, but for those who don't want or can't afford one the cash fare is now a whopping £4. Even at a much lower rate there was always a stat flying around that it was more expensive per metre to get the tube from Leicester Square to Covent Garden than to fly Concorde to New York. How long before tube travel becomes more expensive than space travel?
The other story was about plans to set up a low-cost long-haul airline. It said that flights to Malaysia could start from £43. Sitting in Manchester planning your week off, it could be cheaper to fly to Malaysia than go to Europe, get a ferry to Ireland - or even get the train to York.
So, Leicester Square to Covent Garden = £4, Manchester to Kuala Lumpur = £43. You do the math.
The other thing to remember though is that the £4 tube ride in the West End can (for most people) easily be done on foot. There aren't too many alternatives to the plane when it comes to getting from Manchester to Malaysia.
Tuesday, 2 January 2007
United Nations
Now, I know for all you experienced bloggers - and for those who get a lot more visitors to their site than I do - this will be of no interest. Actually, this will be of no interest to anyone but me.
Was just looking at my visitor stats and though there have been plenty of occasional overseas visitors to my blog, tonight there has been a little record of 8 consecutive visitors from different countries.
China, Belgium, Germany, France, Brazil, United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, as you asked.
Was just looking at my visitor stats and though there have been plenty of occasional overseas visitors to my blog, tonight there has been a little record of 8 consecutive visitors from different countries.
China, Belgium, Germany, France, Brazil, United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, as you asked.
Bakko
Continuing my very occasional series of restaurant recommendations (I think I mentioned Muang Thai in Camden), you should all make the effort to go and eat at Bakko, a Kurdish place in Muswell Hill. It's worth the trip to our neck of the woods for that restaurant alone. Was there again on Saturday night - absolutely excellent as always.
http://www.bakko.co.uk/
And I'd recommend just going for the Bakko Choice set menu... you won't be disappointed.
http://www.bakko.co.uk/
And I'd recommend just going for the Bakko Choice set menu... you won't be disappointed.
Shall we build a ground for you?
That's the view from the back of the away stand at Fratton Park. The queue is for the snack stand and the toilets are in that little building too.
There is no roof on the away stand at Portsmouth. Apparently at one stage the Pompey fans were doing their usual chant of "You're wet and you know you are" but it was difficult to hear them because of the hailstones crashing on to our heads and the fact that we were singing "Shall we build a ground for you?".
But grounds like this give the Premiership more character. I went to Filbert Street for our away match the last season that was in use and it was unbelievable - made Fratton Park look like Old Trafford. But you get better atmosphere than at most new grounds and you feel like you're back in the "good old days" of football (whatever they were).
I'm off to Ninian Park for our FA Cup tie on Sunday. Have tickets on the terrace - have to admit that I thought Championship sides had to have all-seater stadiums like the Prem, and only League 1 & 2 could get away with terraces. That should be fun - haven't watched from a terrace since a couple of trips to Bloomfield Road to watch Blackpool a few years ago.
It was a good trip to Portsmouth all round, aside from the combination of luck, David James and Matt Taylor stopping us from getting all three points. The only real downside was some of the chanting about a certain ex-Spurs captain. That he lied and betrayed the club I think is fair game for chants, but as usual there are some football fans who just don't know where to draw the line.
Santa didn't give me my 12 points
Four points from four games... it's not exactly Champions League qualifying form is it? But quite used to Spurs failing to impress over the festive period - and actually if we look at the four games then it doesn't seem all that bad...
Newcastle v Spurs 23rd Dec - I didn't go up to Newcastle for this one, though I have been to St James Park to see us play before. As I blogged at the time, a nightmare start and a disappointing game - but the Barcodes are a team in form and making St James Park a very difficult place to get a result. So, maybe not many positives from the 3-1 loss, but still nothing to worry about.
Spurs v Villa 26th Dec - Villa were one of the weakest sides I have seen at White Hart Lane this season (tho they were a bit thrown by early substitutions forced by injury). Should have won far more comfortably than 2-1, but we played confidently and with style and got the three points in bag.
Spurs v LFC 30th Dec - A disappointing result. The game was not a good one and it is difficult to say either team deserved to win - but if anyone could have perhaps deserved a 1-0 win it was us, not Liverpool who actually got it. Having said that, we played like muppets for the first hour, only seemed to get a move on when the rain started absolutely tipping it down. A draw would probably have been a fair result, but in truth both sides were disappointing and certainly wouldn't have worried any potential Champ League contenders on that performance.
Pompey v Spurs 1st Jan - A 1-1 draw, which was probably a fair result although we certainly had chances to win and David James was in top form. Just after I'd said to my mates I was with something along the lines of "he's useless isn't he?", he pulled out some cracking saves and stopped us taking three points. But a draw at Fratton Park has to be a good result. The photo above is taken from the away section, with Robbo in goal as Pompey were about to take a free kick. A bit more about that game will be in my next post.
So 4 out of 12 points-wise, but if I had to give the team a mark for their results over the four games I guess they'd come in around 6.5/10. It was just losing to Liverpool that really let us down. Still in 7th though, and now just need to push on a bit more... Aaron Lennon, Get Well Soon!
p.s. Welcome to Spurs to Adel Taarabt and Ben Alnwick.
Haringey's political blogging spectrum now complete
Haringey politics now has a full range of political blogs.
A Conservative activist, Justin Hinchcliffe, has just started a new one at http://hunterandshooter.blogspot.com
And of course, the original and the best, Lynne Featherstone started hers when a councillor on Haringey. Now she is the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green (which covers half of Haringey):
A Conservative activist, Justin Hinchcliffe, has just started a new one at http://hunterandshooter.blogspot.com
One of my Labour colleagues on the Council, Cllr Emma Jones, already had one before me at http://emmajonesbrucegrove.blogspot.com/
And of course, the original and the best, Lynne Featherstone started hers when a councillor on Haringey. Now she is the MP for Hornsey and Wood Green (which covers half of Haringey):
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