What's 'Wahala'?

Just watching or rather listening to Call my Bluff on BBC 1 this morning. The word Wahala pricked my ears - surprised it's now in the dictionary. It's one of those convenient words that saves a lot of talking - can be used on it's own as a slang or exclamation - as a verb, noun, adjective etc - I still use it without thinking.

Originally a Yoruba word but now generally used in West Africa (mainly Nigeria) - means complexed, mixed up, difficult to sort out, confusion, trouble, problematic, argumentative. It's one of my favourite words - descibes so many people I have to deal with (especially some Lib Dems).

Had an email enquiring if I received my replacement vacuum withing two days - amazed such interest and pleased to say yes - by special delivery. Now to return the old one is 'Wahala'. Got to follow their long-winded procedure - waiting for special packaging so I get my refund. Until then it's stuck in a box on the landing in front of my flat door.

Don't have comments on my blog - have a special email box so anybody who wants to contact me can. I do reply (unless they're 'Wahala' rude or sarcy) but it sometimes takes me time to get round to them. Some of the emails are interesting. Noticed that the number of hits (and emails) depends on the subject matter. The days I write abut my life always get many hits - noticed that the two postings that generated the most hits.
Liberal Democrats own Cyberman and Islington - Gunners' new home - enough said.

Argos has just solved the problem of taps for my bathroom refit. Looking for them has been another 'Wahala'. Decided to buy my own taps with a shower mixer (washing my long hair is 'Wahala'). Unfortunately the bathroom walls are all plaster-board and old (sure they're not within the current standards guideline) so fixing a shower on the wall is impossible. Had to find the old fashioned cradle type with matching taps for the wash basin. Couldn't find them anywhere except way above my price range. The new Argos catalogue came out yesterday - my friend Robert found just what I was looking for and brought them round.

All the hype about the new 'The Big One' catalogue (it's certainly heavy). Robert said that yesterday the Argos store in Holloway Road (superstore) had balloons everywhere like a childrens' party with special bags for the new catalogue (very sensible - it's 'Wahala' carrying it). I'm presuming that now Index has closed down, Argos will get all their business.

Well everythings ready - I'm expecting 'Wahala' when they come to strip out my bathroom next Wednesday - they claim it will only take two days - we'll live to see. I'm concerned about having no loo and how they will get everything up and down stairs. I'm very curious to see what they find under the floorboards (a property over a 100 years old must have some secrets).

My son Sule called this morning - he's definitely a 'Walaha' person when it come to his and my relationship. Always wonder why he calls ( he's not one for quick chats) - usually involves needing me to do something at the last minute or picking my brain for something.

Since being made redundant he went to America and bought an embroidery machine (franchise arrangement). He set up a small business designing and making logo's and badges which is now taking off. I've kept out of it because I didn't want the 'Wahala'. It started via the so called 'Black Brothers network' with caps, tee-shirts, sweat shirts and hoodies. He created his own website 2cold - exciting to see his caps on MTV and his jackets on the Budget car adverts. Now through word of mouth he's developed into supplying some impressive corporate clients. The standard of work is first class. He even produces for Lib Dem Image (Lib Dem shop) - all above board so no conflict of interest for myself as a party member. Sells to a few local parties who contact him so they can make some profit toward their campaigning funds - some members in Southwark where he lives (Simon Hughes's constituency) also phone him for gear.

Now he's creating a corporate website - important so the two worlds don't clash. As he rightly says he can hardly put Lib Dem caps, Budget jackets and Mayfair clients on the same website as MTV - it sends out the wrong message. His corporate business will vanish overnight.

Now back to another 'Wahala' - the back garden. Going to put down the weedkiller but don't want to mistakenly poison the neighbours dogs.

Update - 20 Feb 2009: I stand corrected by those who know it is originally a Hausa word hijacked by virtually all the languages in Nigeria. It literally means suffering!

Winter Gardens Blackpool

Just checking out the Conference venue in Blackpool - Brings back child-hood memories. Doesn't seem to have change very much.

Was looking for a photo of the Winter Gardens but the interactive layout of the ground and first floor seems more fun.

Islington - Gunners' new home

Halfway point - Construction of Arsenal's New Stadium

Arsenal's (Gunners' ) new 60,000 capacity Emirates Stadium in Ashburton Grove, Holloway, has passed the halfway point and is on track for the scheduled opening date of August 2006.

I'm not a football fan but driving through parts of Islington north you can't help admire the regeneration of a whole area.

Emirates Stadium Picture Gallery

In a recent news report, Manager Arsene Wenger said:

"This is a very exciting time for the club. Now we can really start to look forward to the great future ahead of us in our new home."The £350million project is one of the largest regeneration schemes in the country which will create more than 2,000 new homes and 1,800 new jobs in the borough".

The project took a long time to fine-tune all the details and Islington's Lib Dem run council have to be commended for working into the deal, mass local re-development to help the community.
It has not only affected the new site but includes the regeneration of the existing site - Part of which is on hallowed ground and includes listed buildings which cannot just be demolish.

Artists Impression of the New Stadium

The Arsenal redevelopment relates to three sites:
Ashburton Grove
Highbury Stadium
Lough Road

So it's possible to appeal against a Standards Board decision and win

I 've been following some of the London cases up before the Standards Board - quite baffled at some of the rulings.

Brilliant News - Lib Dem Coleen Gill, a Liberal Democrat Councillor on the East Riding of Yorkshire, who was disqualified from the authority in December has won her appeal in the High Court again the Standards Board's decision. Her case has generated so much party and public interest.

Coleen set up a campaign website to raise awareness and raise funds (it costs money to mount an appeal).

On 16th December I was disqualified from my position as East Riding of Yorkshire Councillor. This was the result of a 2-year battle against red tape surrounding a very important issue.For the facts of exactly what happened, and what they think I did wrong, please see the Series of Events page.

Party spokes-persons have issued statements:

Sarah Teather MP, local government spokesperson, 06/07/2005

The Standards Board was supposed to salvage the reputation of local government but the Board itself has been discredited. It must be abolished. Councillors should be subject to the same checks and
balances as MPs, AMs and MSPs, with final accountability at the ballot box.

Mark Alcock, ALDC Political Officer, 28/07/05 - about the case:

This is a highly significant decision. The Standards Board acted in a completely inappropriate manner, coming down like a ton of bricks on a councillor attempting to do her best for one of her constituents. It is significant that when challenged in the High Court the Standards Board backed down completely, dropped all their arguments and did not even attend court. It shows that if people are prepared to stand up to the Standards Board when they act inappropriately, they will capitulate.

Batty Labour Peer

Just an interesting story - nobody is above the law.

Lord Watson of Invergowrie, a current MSP and former MP, is to face trial on fireraising charges after a curtain was set alight at the Scottish Politician of the Year award last year

The Crown Office has served Lord Watson of Invergowrie with an indictment in relation to an incident at Prestonfield House Hotel, Edinburgh, on 12 November last year. Further details of the charges have not been released.

A taste of what we can expect at Conference

Many of us are waiting with bated breath to read some of Simon Hughes's proposals which are expected to be debated at conference in September. Simon's no nonsense radical ideas and actions since he was elected party president are filtering through via various committees and certainly making waves.

What's interesting is that following Simon's announcement at the Spring conference that he intends to have three (speciality) V-P's, we already have a member jumping the gun by advertising himself in the media and on his business card as the Deputy President of the Liberal Democrats. His appointment has also been reported in several papers. Appointed by whom and when is my question?

The issue is not the position - who is elected or appointed but simply that we haven't had a constitutional change - this can only be done by a vote at conference. How Simon's proposals will play out is another matter because the party already has three VP's or does he intend to have three deputy presidents.

Simon's comments in today's Guardian report
Wanted: Lib Dem MPs, no experience necessary is a taste of what we can expect.

The Liberal Democrats should advertise for would-be MPs in newspapers, women's magazines and on the radio, their president urged yesterday. Even non-members could apply to stand as a Lib Dem parliamentary candidate under plans introduced by Simon Hughes. Mr Hughes argued that the party would only gain a more diverse group of MPs by looking beyond its existing members. At present nine of the party's 62 MPs are women and none is black or Asian.

His comment,
"We have to get out of the mindset whereby only people who have been activists for 15 years and have delivered a million leaflets can be candidates," will certainly upset many die-hard members.

I can't in my heart of hearts disagree with him. It's difficult for newcomers to make inroads within the party especially if you don't fit in with the old establishment's point of view about what it means to be a true Liberal. Anybody a bit different is looked upon as a loose cannon. Unfortunately Simon being Simon, he generally bulldozes his way through - he also has a knack of seeing potential in a person others may ignore.

Another Liberal Democrat to keep an eye on - Ajmal Masroor. Following the recent bombings in London and the concerns about the Muslim radical element amongst young British born Muslims, one young man who is regulaly interviewed by the BBC is Ajmal Masroor (he was on BBC News again tonight ). He's definitely a potential future MP. Ajmal has charisma, is an eloquent speaker and has his feet firmly on the ground. In all his interviews I've seen so far he hasn't mentioned being a party member.

In another development today. BBC news report
Parties agree anti-terror action

The cross-party consensus on new anti-terror plans sends asignal to terrorists of "our unity to defeat them", Tony Blair has said

It seems for once all the parties are singing from the same hymn-sheet.

Wondering what's going to happen next.

Some peoples lives are so well organized, mine seems to be nothing but one crazy unplanned situation after another. Makes life interesting but it can be annoying at times.

Early Saturday morning - at long last my table and chairs were returned from the GE campaign office - bit peeved that one chair is missing. They are a set and I like everything to match. I can't be annoyed with Monica, she's a darling making the effort to deliver them - just have to wait for the key figures to come back from their hols to sort it all out. They say patience is a virtue - as I've said before it's not one of my better qualities - I'm getting a bit annoyed about it all.

Later, trying to do some work for LDO (Liberal Democrats Online), my son Sule phoned to say he is passing by with my grandson Naim. All change - the carpets in my flat needed a quick going over - thought as Naim's started crawling, better to make sure no unhealthy bits for him to pick up and eat. I managed to vacuum one room then what happened? - the damn thing just stopped. Checked all the usual things like filters, fuses and blockages - still wouldn't start. Oh! I was mad - it's one of those flash new vacuum cleaners still under guarantee.

I'd forgotten how quick babies develop. Had to keep Naim in the clean area with some musical toys but what did he go for - my cactus plants (I collect them and some are over 3ft high). Good to see him anyway - he's cute now he can kiss me, say ta and wave bye-bye. Now I've got to put all the dangerous things out of his reach and buy a safety gate - a tall order in my small flat.

Decided what the heck - to leave the heavy cleaning until the vacuum cleaner is sorted out. The bane of modern living - we depend so much on technology to do chores. Had to draft the LDO newsletter and write another report for my meeting on Monday - decided to at least get them out of the way in the event of something else unexpectedly happening.

Sunday morning - the messy state of my flat was depressing . Phoned up the Swan helpline who confirmed I will get a replacement vacuum (Swan is now part of Littlewoods who no longer repair items under guarantee) but not the same model ( it's now been upgraded) by Tuesday. Used the chaos of my flat as an excuse to clear my head - dashed out to look for shower mixer taps (out of stock everywhere - even online) and to buy some weedkiller for the backyard. It was no joke lugging that home. Must admit I had help this time.

Back home - it sounded like a herd of elephants overhead - couldn't help wonder what on earth was going on - didn't dare investigate just in case I became involved with something else to further complicate my life. Should have known better - about to eat when my neighbour upstairs started calling me. He'd decide in his hazed state to take his cooker to his sister. I had to shift everything - move all the other plants in the hall and the bath panels for my bathroom (the refit is scheduled for 3rd August). What a nightmare - where did everything go but on my sitting room floor - it looks like a cacti garden.

Had no choice but to help him in case he injured himself and we have to call the emergency services again. What a palaver lifting the cooker downstairs - can't argue with him when he's had a few. It was a struggle to position it inside a Safeway shopping trolley. Didn't dare ask how the trolley got there in the first place. Imagine a cooker balanced inside a supermarket trolley. How he planned to push it all the way to Upper Street - Islington South is anybodies guess. Not seen him since - when we do it will be another drama - it usually is. I could write a book on the goings on around here.

Monday - had my day planned in my head (schools closed). Got woken up early by the phone which just didn't stop ringing until after lunch - one call after another. Seems everybody presumed I'd be at home. Some calls about the Lib Dem conference stuff (there's a deadline). So thankful that Lynne Featherstone has stepped in and agreed to be a speaker at a fringe event 'Successful Lib Dem blogging' - she's a real star.

Another irritating sales call from a call center, obviously in India (most annoying as my line is supposed to be TPS protected) - I no longer get such calls from UK based promotion companies but it seems respecting TPS numbers doesn't apply to those overseas. I suspect they probably just ignore TPS listed numbers.

Mariam, my foster son's wife phoned from Dundee to say she returned from Nigeria on Sunday night (she took her children to her mum) to have her emergency hip replacement operations later today. Mariam has sickle-cell anemia. What she suffers, from one crisis to another is frightening. A life on drugs and for her condition to deteriorate so drastically as to need two hip replacements done is so upsetting - she's so much younger than me and it seems life deals a heavy blow to some people. Now she needs my support and how I'm going to do that I'm not sure at the moment.

I managed to complete most of my important paper work. Dressing for my meeting at the Town Hall, I realised I'd been concentrating so much I'd forgotten to eat. Nothing I could do as the PFI meeting was important. Luckily it was a short summation meeting so I was back on the bus in a little over an hour.

Talk about it never rains but it pours. Just near Highbury Fields the exit doors refused to close. I tried to help but they were firmly stuck. The driver came from his cabin and after fiddling with the electrics managed to close them. Then it happened. The wind blew his cabin door shut and he was locked out so couldn't drive the bus - we were locked in. It was like a comedy show - everybody started laughing when the driver asked for keys, hooks or slim hands. It was a contortion act - after about half an hour it was sorted. The driver apologising in his funny way made it even more hilarious. Eventually we were off and amazingly none of the passengers were even annoyed.

Back home feeling rejuvenated wondering what tomorrow will bring.

Kishwer Falkner - Another taskforce will solve nothing

An interesting article in today's Sunday Telegraph written by Kishwer Falkner
(Liberal Democrat peer - Baroness Falkner of Margravine).

What is needed now is not a quick-fix taskforce

With July 7 still fresh in our minds, we needed little reminding on Thursday of where we have just been. The repeated near-horror of indiscriminate killing by those among our own is almost too much to bear...

When I took the call on Monday inviting me to a Downing Street summit on Tuesday morning, I was not entirely surprised. News of the meeting had been in the media for some days. The attendance list was also predictable because we knew which of the Muslim organisations the Government wants to engage with...

Patience is running out

Shoot-to-kill, effective-targeting, shoot-to-protect, aim-for-the-head. I don't know whether to be shocked or relieved the police have adopted this strategy against suspected suicide bombers. Never thought the day would come when we'd see armed police in the UK.
I've witnessed this happening in other parts of the world - it sure takes a strong mind to get used to it. I still get flash-backs of things I've seen - you do become hardened to it in the end.

The shooting of a man at point blank range on the platform at Stockwell tube station today will undoubtedly have frightened and shocked so many people. Split-second decisions like this, where there's a clear threat to public safety ; we just have to trust the police. One thing's for sure, the majority of Londoners have no sympathy with any of the terrorists. Quite bluntly they deserve all they get.

Personally I'm concerned there will be a backlash from other terrorists and suicide bombers. With retaliation from far right troublemakers.

With the BNP in mind, had a quite look at the watch links tonight - The BNP Watch posting A National Disgrace is a concern to all of us. They are obviously planning to stir up anti-Muslim feelings and create trouble.

Both the British National Party and the National Front are planning to spread their message of hate-filled threats this weekend, 23-24 July. The BNP will be distributing a double-sided leaflet, probably illegal, as it incites violence against all Muslims with the slogan "Don't Get Angry Get Even".

Noticed the LibDem watch has posted Catching Up. Bit sarcastic about some unfortunate recent incidents but I suppose that's the aim. What does annoy me is to see a distorted upside-down LibDem bird as it's logo. I'm curious to know who owns this blog.

The Labour Watch posts regularly. This blog does belong to a LibDem councillor - best to keep my mouth shut as to who he is.

I've often wondered why some people go to the extent they do to fish out information. There are 'Watches' about everything on the web. It's sad but the world of politics is all about stealing a march on your opponents and dishing up the dirt.......

Other news just coming in from CNN - car bombs have just gone off in Egypt's resort at Sharma-el-Sheikh near Naana Bay. Another beautiful place in the world being spoilt and for what?

Just noticed the time - it's now Sat - as I've not been to sleep I'm still in Friday mode.

Oh no! not again

Got back home feeling so annoyed with all these bombings and the disruption to people's lives. A cup of tea to calm me down - opened the Islington Gazette. Wow! the letters page has one of my contributions. A quick read and noticed they only changed one word. Well that made my day after everything else going pear-shaped.

Supposed to attend the G8 meeting at party HQ. It's one of those meetings that I had a pile of papers to print off from an email attachment - took ages to sort it all out. An hour off work - all dressed up smart and ready to go. My neighbours' again - the whole family came to tell me a bomb had gone off at Warren Street and the tube is closed. (Sometimes it's like living in a goldfish bowl - but it shows they care).

The news on the telly claimed some tube lines had reopened so I decided to at least attempt part of the journey by bus - not one of my best moves as we only got as far as Kings Cross. Police were everywhere and all the main roads were cordoned off. A body-line of armed police stood blocking the Tube entrance so that put paid to my plans. Had no choice but to join the masses of people walking and find my way home.

A momentary surprise - police sirens flashing - police jumped from two cars and grabbed a young couple. (It's obvious they'd been monitored on CCTV somewhere for the police to have targeted them - though from their features they were unlikely bombers) - They had back-packs and a something big tied up in brown paper. It looked like a musical instrument to me. The poor woman was terrified but the police insisted they opened it. They must have been part of a group because the taxi rank along York Way suddenly had people all obviously carrying musical instruments, packing inside taxi's trying to get away from the area.

Thought I was going to have to walk home but by some miracle an empty bus come along going to the Archway garage and the driver picked us all up. I didn't care about an overcrowded bus because at least I got home - admittedly a bit frazzled.

Tory leadership saga & the man of hate dies

It's like a never-ending story - news report today :
Tory MPs back new leader rules - by 127 votes to 50 - a change in party rules for electing a replacement for leader Michael Howard.

Currently MPs select two candidates and ordinary party members vote. This is the only true democratic way. Well Tory big-wigs being what they are don't even have respect for their members. How can anybody be a member of a political party and not have the right to decide who should be their leader - incredible.

Wonder who will be the final contenders? I'm not impressed with any of them so far- they're all stuffed shirts. It seems.
Alan Duncan has quit the Conservative leadership race saying its "moralising wing" could condemn it to oblivion. "If the 'Tory Taliban' can't get that they'll condemn us all to oblivion." ............

Yesterday's news -
BNP founder JOHN Tyndall dies before race-hate trial is no loss to the nation. He is believed to have suffered a heart attack - His body was found at his home in Hove, East Sussex, by his wife, Valerie.

My only comment - God in his wisdom has released a man full of hate - his far-right politics inciting racial tension has in some areas done so much damage to community relations - his untimely death has cheated the people of justice.

More interesting is Labour's ideas for reforming the Lords - News report Lords could be renamed in an overhaul by Labour - in what would be a fundamental break with 700 years of constitutional tradition, some members of the second chamber would be elected directly by the electorate to serve six-year terms. Labour's willingness to change is great - just wish they would impletement the changes sooner rather than later.

Most of the World News is depressing - I've Craig David singing in the background 'What's your flava' and it's cheering up the mood. Not everybody's cup of tea I know but who cares coz I like his music.

Peasants' Revolt

Which is worse the National Media or the Liberator - some party members are more scared of being mentioned in the Liberator Magazine - especially the Radical Bulletin. The sarcasm and satire can be embarrassing if you're the one in the news - informative but funny to the rest of us. They really get hold of the juicy bits about who and what is going on in the party.

Went to a meeting last week where it was specifically mentioned that the matter should be kept within the four walls because "we don't want the Liberator getting wind of it".

The July edition - Radical Bulletin 303 - comments on the Liberal Democrat parliamentary party - the various camps and the recent internal intrigue surrounding the election of Paul Holmes MP as it's Chair, defeating incumbent Mathew Taylor.

My friend told me part of the story but it certainly filled in the blanks - well worth a read.

What brought the Liberator to mind at this time of night? - two emails. One moaning about the Mag - another hoping the collective will pick up the factual info about proposed constitutional amendments reported to be debated at conference. The next publication is due out around then.

Elect the Lords Campaign: Blog for Victory!

Received a request from Lib Dem activist James Graham to take part and sign up to his : Elect the Lords Campaign: Blog for Victory! I can only help to promote the campaign by encouraging other bloggers to support and sign it.

I'm writing to you, as a Lib Dem blogger, to see if you would be interested in taking part in an event the Elect the Lords Campaign is organising. 10 August is the anniversary of the Parliament Act 1911 receiving Royal Assent, which its preamble states was intended as an interim measure prior to replacing the House of Lords with a second chamber constituted on a 'popular basis'. 94 years later, that still hasn't happened. We're attempting to mobilise as many bloggers as possible to mark this anniversary to blog about the need for Lords reform, and link to the Elect the Lords website on that day. So far, using the PledgeBank website, I've attracted 17 people to commit to it, with more than a month to go. I just need 3 more people to make this a real go-er.This is shaping up to be quite an exciting event, and I am hopeful we will be able to attract media interest in it.

If you are interested in taking part, all you need to do for now is go to the link below and sign up:

Elect the Lords Campaign: Blog for Victory!

Many thanks,
James

I've just signed and I would encourage regular readers of this blog to also do so.

I've not come across the Pledge Bank before but it could be a useful tool to add to personal and community websites. Could possibly help activists understand some of the issues in their community

Three's a crowd

Peter Haine MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and for Wales seems to have a real 'bee in his bonnet' about the Lib Dems.

In his article in Labour's Progress Magazine Three's a crowd

Indeed, in eight of the 12 seats Labour lost to the Lib Dems, they came third as recently as 1997. Cambridge and Hornsey and Wood Green are stark examples of where the Lib Dems mounted sustained local insurgencies and vaulted over both Labour and the Tories to win. Furthermore, the Lib Dems have clawed their way up from third in eight of the 10 most vulnerable Labour seats. In some constituencies, they have seemingly come from nowhere, displacing the Tories in seats that were previously textbook Labour-Conservative marginals.....

Another article in Wale's Western mail - 'Lib-Dems could pose a threat to a significant number of Labour MPs'

FORGET the Tories and Plaid Cymru - Peter Hain has warned Welsh Labour to wake up to the challenge of the Liberal Democrats.

He has promised as he say to "take on" the party that is the biggest threat to the Labour administration reaching a fourth successive term.

This happy bunny is off to sleep

Not seen anything on the news yet but just heard we've won the Cheadle by-election and Mark Hunter with 52.15% of the votes cast is now our new MP.

Emails are flooding in from members all over the country - shows I'm not the only one whose been waiting up anxiously.

Can't take in all the figures at this unearthly hour but who cares at the moment - we won, we won, we won and that's all that matters.

All the number crunchers and political analysts will have their say later today. This happy bunny is off to sleep.

While we wait for the result

After getting home, watched the spelling challenge 'Spelling Bee' on ITV - such long words. I can honestly say I knew what every word meant but to spell them - not a hope. I can't even spell the simplest words - the worst thing is when typing I often can't even see that a word may be spelt wrong - my brain just doesn't register the fact. Need my dictionary and the computer spell check to do anything, even for my emails. Often my blog gets posted late because I need somebody to check it. Would feel such a plonker if what I wrote doesn't make sense. I'm no longer embarrassed having to admit being dyslexic - forgotten what classification they gave me (there are different forms) - it's on an official document somewhere if I need it, but it's been the bane of my life.

Don't ever dare go out delivering or canvassing on my own in a strange area far from a main road. Got lost many times even going to places near where I live - it's a nightmare. Thank God for mini maps now printable from the web and mobile phones. Names, telephone numbers and dates that I should know often go clean out of my head at the most awkward moments - I have a laugh sometimes to cover my own embarrassment - can't even remember my own mobile number and worse still, the names of people I see every day. Sometimes I unintentionally get myself into a problem because as they say, I do something without thinking it through properly. Nevermind! it all gets sorted in the wash......

Waiting anxiously for the results of today's Parliamentary by-election in Cheadle as I know who most of the key party activists are. Will probably wait up for the late news or until somebody phones me. It's the first by-election I've not played any part - feel bad about it but other commitments made it impossible. Have been receiving calls from strange mobiles since last week - members who normally call me from home but who have been helping in Cheadle. Keeping my fingers crossed all the hard work has been worthwhile. Personally I feel confident we'll win - patience is not one of my best virtues but we'll know in a few hours............

The hot weather seems to be distressing some people or making them behave strange. Police were called across the road after some women were fighting in the street - even their partners tried to intervene. Not the sort of women you would associate with that kind of thing which made the whole show interesting.

On the corner by the station some local drunks were fighting over a can of beer. What a spectacle they made of themselves. One of the children almost got hit by a car chasing his friend across the road with some ice-poles. He really frightened himself. My heart skipped a beat - if the car hadn't stopped abruptly it might have been a different story.

Got home to find an ambulance flashing outside the house. One of the residents who couldn't be revived after convulsing was been taken to the hospital......

Now it's back to answering my emails whilst I continue to wait for the result.

A day Past, Present and Future collide.

On Sunday not able to go to Cheadle to help in the by-election, decided to go and help our candidate Brian Mathew who is contesting a council by-election in Harrow Road ward, Westminster local party. A quick call to Brian - he advised the nearest tube station was Westbourne Park on the Hammersmith & City line. On the tube map, it looked straightforward. Just shows how we in London don't give much thought to how to get from A to B on the tube.

At my station on Sundays there's nobody to ask about delays so had to use my own grey matter to get there - realized Kings Cross and possibly Euston would be closed. Had to travel to Moorgate (talk about going back on yourself) to connect the H & C line. The train travelled back through Kings Cross. It was then the full impact of the horrors of Thursday's bombing really hit me. As we slowed down passing thorough the closed-off side of the KC station, there were security police everywhere - no-entry ribbons and dimmed lights. It was all so eerie - a shiver went down my spine - just had to look away.

The train terminated at Baker Street (Edgware Rd closed) - we were instructed to get a shuttle bus to Royal Oak (30 minute wait) to connect another train to Westbourne Park - no alternative as the Circle and Jubilee lines were closed. The whole journey took me two and half hours (I was late for the meet-up) - the weather so hot I almost gave up but the Brian's reassuring voice on the phone was comforting.

Had to wait a bit but Brian turned up with Baroness Sarah Ludford MEP who had also came down to help. Sarah is a real marvel, the way she visits all candidates when elections come up. She & I are from the some local party but often see her when something is going on in London.

A quick drink and we were off. Brian and I hit it off straight away - seem to have some sort of affinity, he having lived in Africa for so many years like myself. He has so much energy and determination to win or at least try - love people like that. Leaflet delivering turned out to be fun

Completely forgot about the Commemoration Day, marking 60 years since the end of World War II - suddenly above us Brain and I witnessed the spectacle low flying formation fly-past (we were standing under the flight path). I was transfixed - it was a real historic moment, visually seeing the Lancaster Bomber, B25 bombers, Spitfire and Hurricane fighters still operational - some of the aircraft must have been well over 60 years old. They were so distinctive in the sky.

Later in the evening Brian offered me a lift to a more central tube station - jumped in his car and driving towards central London saw the 390 bus which goes passed my house - bit surprised having never given a thought to the route before, further than Oxford Street. Decided there and then, better to sit on a bus for an hour knowing I would get home rather than the hassle of the tube again. Brian put his foot down and raced to the next stop in the nick of time. Unusual for me but went upstairs - at the back of my mind was if I'm going to sit on the bus so long in the heat, better to view the route.

Passing Kings Cross the area was tight with police security - across the road from the station media cabins were set up. Bus turned slowly down York Way passing the fenced off commemorative area for the victims of last Thurday's bombing - it was touching to see so many flowers and people looking at all the photos of missing people stuck on the walls. Must admit a lump came to my throat - the pain some people must be going through.

Further down York Way we passed Kings Cross - Euro line development and regeneration project. It's been going on for some time so haven't given it much thought recently. This time from the top of the bus vantage point, now all the old rundown abandoned buildings have been cleared, I could see everything and the changes taking place. It's a mammoth impressive project covering a huge area - when completed, the regeneration of the whole area will bring prosperity to the local community. Already a former run down dilapidated area has a bright new look.

Arrived home tired but what an unusual fun day.

Liberal Democrats own Cyberman

It's good to have a laugh sometimes - early in the morning rushing to go out to help in a by-election just heard a shout - "quick come and see
Brian Orrell (Cyber Lieutenant)". UK Gold are showing all the old Doctor Who series - today it was 'Attack of the Cybermen'. Trying to clean off my nail polish - in haste I almost dropped the open nail polish remover bottle but just had to see him for myself.

Brian is the ex English candidates chair and the current London Region candidates chair - worlds away from the man we know and the Cyberman character in Dr Who.

Must admit I didn't know what Cybermen were but had a good laugh as they were being killed and all that green stuff was spraying out of them. When I was younger it was all so scarey and I didn't like the programme very much. I remember the first series but the 80's series passed me by - I was in Africa.

Now with the current series there seems to be a cult following. Many Lib Dems write about it on their blogs. Seems there's more interest in Brian these days than in some of our other more famous personalities......

About to leave and my foster mother phoned - forgot her 70th birthday, I'm in big trouble now. She started to reminisce about old times. After all these years when she calls I just can't argue with her - it's like being a child all over again with mother speaking and not being able to answer back. Least she now votes Lib Dem and takes great interest in what I'm doing. She's a Boxer dog breeder and a Champion judge who retired to Wales. They have their own networking and during elections she's there reminding her friends to vote. As a joke the ex Chair of the Welsh party once remarked that's why our vote is going up.

Had to tell her I'm off to campaign. She enquired how I was going to get there if Kings Cross is closed - God! up to then I'd not even given it a thought. Better leave that for tomorrow's blog. What a day - it was a traumatic journey - still wondering what's going to happen when everybody goes back to work tomorrow.....

Islington Mayor's call to wear 'Make Poverty History' white bands

Islington's Lib Dem Mayor Jonathan Dearth has called on all 48 councillors to wear the white wristbands throughout July in support of the campaign 'Make Poverty History'.

Good on Jonathan for taking the initiative - It goes without saying I'd wear one after all my years in Africa distributing aid from Nigeria through to Cameroon, Niger, Chad and Sudan. Took me some time to find where they are being sold locally but eventually bought my band last week at Oxfam for £1 - if anybody else is looking for one, call in at your local Oxfam shop.

Jonathan is running an International theme this year as mayor, part of which celebrates Africa in Islington.

He used to live in Kenya and currently works for the World Development Movement, which campaigns for debt cancellation and fairer trade rules, so he knows from first hand experience as I do, how important this is.

Islington - A1 Tram proposal

Islington's Lib Dem council are proposing a tram service from Archway to Angel (A1 route) to be completed before the 2012 Olympic games. It's a brilliant idea - will also help fans to and from the new Arsenal football Stadium but links to the King's Cross International Terminal wil help local businesses long term.

If anyone's been to Manchester and travelled on the trams from the City to Altrincham, they'll know how quick and comfortable it is - no cars and no hold-up. They now have four routes. If Islington has one too and it's successful, maybe it will be extended in the future. It's certainly a faster and a more environmentally friendly way to get around.

There seems to be many good initiatives in the pipeline. The borough can expect an influx of visitors during the 2012 Olympics - I know the council will pull out all the stops for the benefit of the local community.

Other news - Islington dustmen will now be working on bank holiday - good for us residents who usually have collections on a Monday.

Statement from the Council - it recognises that disrupted rubbish collections during bank holidays were "unpopular and confusing" with some of the 20,000 residents who have a Monday collection. (Islington Tribune)

They got that spot on - I used to dread bank-holidays because it took the dustmen several days to catch up on their rounds. Now all we need is for the dustmen to clear away all the mess they leave behind when black bags split. My dream is to have wheelie bins which hold so much more and means less black bags being dumped everywhere.

As an after thought, a quick update for those who have been following my stories about reycling - It's two weeks since the collection of food waste was introduced. As I mentioned before - don't really have a lot of waste except teabags, peelings and leftovers but it's enough to half fill the big bucket. So far so good. The collection is regular (Thursday) and amazingly there's no mess - had visions of gunk droppings in the street.

The best thing is the collection of plastic (Friday) - it makes all this recycling worth while. I honestly hadn't realised how much is used in packaging. This week almost had a black bag full and that's without another bag of papers.

Make Poverty History banners for blogs & websites

Noticed 'Make Poverty History' banners appearing on some blogs and websites.

Checked the link Make Poverty History and found it very easy to put on my own blog. As there seems to be many people regularly reading this blog, thought it a good way to spread my support.

The size and position can be changed - Dave Smithson has it positioned large right on his blog

Ed Davey MP has it positioned the same as mine small left .

For those more adventurous - if you don't like banners there are all kinds of buttons & gizmos you can add. Would encourage anybody supporting the aim with a website or blog to add something.

It's in the lap of the Gods

Yesterday had a feel-good feeling - like millions I waited with bated breath for the IOC announcement - who would host the 2012 Olympics. There was ecstatic jubilation everywhere when the word 'London' was relayed round the world. Stupid me - in all the excitement, I punched a box to break it up for recycling and torn my thumb nail - gosh it hurt and still does.

Proud of the British Olympic team's achievement - my real joy was for the planned development and expected financial investment in East London - a dilapidated and rundown part of London - the legacy which will live on long after the games.

Rushed back home late and had to finish an important Lib Dem committee report. Tired and cross-eyed looking at the computer screen - thought better to wait until morning to recheck it when the brain is fresh.....

This morning don't know what possessed me - put everything on hold to review my report and submit it. Trying to concentrate quite oblivious to the news on the TV in the background - irritated with the continual noise of police and ambulance sirens rushing pass the window - couldn't hear myself think. Emailed the report and about to go out. Suddenly the shock news - 'series of bomb blasts in London' registered in my brain. Then again the words Kings Cross and tube - I sat down dazed not sure what to do. Just couldn't believe it - my usual route, just down the road.

It's in the lap of the gods - somebody is looking after me. I have a morbid fear of being on a tube train stuck in a tunnel and not being able to get out. When there was the massive power-cut in London a couple of years ago, I was at party HQ late and going home, the gates at Westminster Tube station were closed in front of me. 5 minutes earlier I would've been one of those on the train that was stuck for several hours. Had nightmares thinking about it. Today a Lib Dem report stopped me going out - shivers ran down my spine.

A call from my son Sule checking to see if I'm OK brought me back to reality. Another from my foster son Shehu in Scotland, my niece Ayida in Plymouth - in the space of an hour my mobile and land-lines didn't stop ringing. Many emails and again this evening more calls even from overseas. I'm so touched that family, friends and political buds thought about me - surprised that the mention of Kings Cross registered in their brains as near my home and on my usual travel route.

Went out but no buses or trains and everywhere quiet - it was a matter of walking for everyone.

Following the dreadful events of the day on the news this evening is horrifying - my heart goes out to all those who died or are injured. We won't know the casualty list for a couple of days - hope there's going to be no personal shocks. Felt pity for the masses of people walking to get home - some for miles. I couldn't have done it - quite sure about that - probably would've been one of those who checked into a hotel for the night. Couldn't believe my eyes when my friend Robert arrived this evening having actually walked all the way to my flat from his flat in Dalston(Hackney) - says it took him one & half hours.

The initial report suggests it's terrorists - possibly suicide bombers (it's barbaric). Delighted that world leaders issued defiant messages to the terrorists Reaction to London bombings.
I hope the security force find out who is behind it and bring them to justice.

Something to gladden the heart - away from politics

A sight I've not seen since I was a child - two Robins. Don't know much about the varieties of British birds (pure ignorance on my part) - apologies to any ornithologists. Actually thought I'd made a mistake but no, there are definitely two robins nesting somewhere in one of the tall trees in the back. They hop around the ground I recently dug up, looking for snails (there's a colony of them crawling about).

In another tree there are Blue Finches - at least that's what I was told they are - but their lovely blue tails are magnificent -also spotted a pair of Magpies. These are the bullies of the bird world and I'm sure they'll muscle out all the little ones in due course.

At the moment the cherry tree in the adjacent garden has lovely cherries - too high for the tenants to collect - they've tried with ladders. The lush fruit attracts a variety of birds and the chirping is such a lovely sound early in the morning (dawn chorus) - it lightens my mood.

Bring back cheery Charlie

"Is your party having a change of leadership?" I was asked a few days ago. The question knocked me for six - Charles Kennedy has just been re-elected unopposed as the party's leader - Where does this rumour come from?

Can't help feeling furious (I'm actually thumping mad) about supposed comments from some of the party's key politicians at a private meeting - recently reported in the news papers. OK there may be some internal post-election discussions going on but why leak to the press.
Leadership doubts hit Lib Dems - all this is doing is feeding unnecessary media speculation.

Then again - Bring back cheery Charlie
David Mellor's article Evening Standard Monday 4th July

Liberal Democrat leader Charles Kennedy is under pressure again, with no shortage of evidence that some of his senior colleagues are leaking against him. I wonder why he puts up with it. In his chat-show Charlie days, he was a joy to know, someone whose company I actively sort out during the long parliamentary nights. Now he's sombre and morose and his life seems to have become a burden to him. "He hates every minute of it," a top Liberal confided to me the other day........

From the public's positive response to Charles's TV appearances and in the street, it's obvious that his style contrasted so dramatically from the other 'leaders' - He's seen as a leader to be trusted (what you see is what you get).

Charles comes across to the public as sincere and honest which is his plus point - if anyone, it's his insensitive support team that needs to be taken to task. All the fuss over the council tax gaffe (7.30 am press conference) - just after his son was born. The criticism must have come from those who can't have experienced the upheaval of a first time new born - it's a shock to the system. He should've been given some quality paternity leave to get his brain in focus - two days is just too short.

The majority of party members like Charles - his speeches at conference stir the heart - for anybody to even talk about change of leadership at this time has lost their marbles. One of the positive things about our party at the moment - of the three, we're the only that doesn't have a problem with leadership - the media seems obsessed with whom the next leader will be, trying to dig for something that's just not there.

Happy Slapping madness

Had a call from neighbour's friend asking if I could advise her who to contact about her child being bullied by local kids - he goes to a school that has a uniform as it's dress code - the children causing the problem go to another school that doesn't bother.

Her story is a bit scary - she's also worrying about 'Happy Slapping', this new dangerous and upsetting craze. Heard stories on the news but when it's in your backyard it brings it closer to home. Had to do some research for this one - found a very useful website (colourful and young people friendly) Bullying Online - it's a real eye-opener.

Apparently Bullying Online started to get complaints about happy slapping in November 2004. The first incidents took place in the London area, often on buses and trains, and quickly spread to the school playground and streets. There's a lot of advice on how to deal with it and other forms of bullying - Advice for young people and a 24 hour emergency helpline.

Have to agree that Happy slapping is the wrong description for an assault in which the attack is filmed - there's nothing happy about it. Their descriptions of the term Happy Slapping - couldn't find better words;

The assault usually involves a stranger being hit over the head while other members of the gang take photographs/video on their camera phones. The pictures are then circulated by mobile phone or put on the internet. In recent months happy slapping has become an unpleasant and dangerous craze in which many people have been hurt, some seriously. Where this has happened in school playgrounds pupils have been afraid to return to school. Anyone who thinks this is just a bit of harmless fun should think about the consequences because some of these attacks have been so violent that eventually someone will be killed.

ANTI-BULLYING CONFERENCE: They are holding a free conference in London on July 18, 2005. The conference, I Power I, takes place in Stoke Newington and you can get details on their website.

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In another developement a BBC report today - Under-16s frequently become victims of crime in the UK - but it is difficult to know exactly how many are affected The hidden victims of crime?

Lynne's news column - Life in Parliament v GLA

Lynne Featherstones' latest news column - about life in Parliament compared with the GLA is very funny. Her light-hearted approach is a world away from the usual dry, boring style of most MP's.

Q. What's the difference between the House of Commons and the GLA?
A. Testosterone and Ken!.....

In Parliament the divide is absolute - you are a Member or you are a Stranger. It actually feels like a type of apartheid - which indeed it is...

It's interesting and well worth a read.

Clamping is to be banned on Islington's streets

It's been widely reported that because of complaints by drivers -
Clamping is to be banned on Islington's streets . It means the borough, the last in London to introduce clamping, in 2003, will be the first to scrap it. Last year about 11,000 vehicles were clamped in Islington, bringing in £700,000..........

The move could see dozens of other councils following Islington's lead. Camden Council and Westminster Council are already considering scrapping clamping...............

UK's Euro Presidency Website

For those following EU issues know that UK takes over the Presidency of the European Union today - for the next six months.

There is an official website UK Presidency of the EU 2005 (not the most innovative design in the world) which has some useful information.