Sule Lamido, a mother's pride

Got a call to say there's a writeup about my son Sule (Jay to some of his friends) in the Feb Addition of the Young Voices magazine. As a mum great exitement to see what had been written.

The Voice newspaper is sold everywhere but the mags not available locally. Had to get the vender to order it.

Great expectation but today it arrived. There it is, on page 25 there's a whole page about his business. 2Cold and 2Cold Business. There's even a photo of the LibDem caps and t-shirts he produces under the Business - Organisations and Parties link.

To be continued....

The blog they don't want

Had to eat humble pie yesterday. Somebody with whom I come into regular contact politically, a sensitive soul got his knickers in a twist about one of my postings. He put a completely different spin on what I wrote. Least he was up front about his concerns. Might not agree with everything he said but he's one of the good sort so I hope our chat cleared the air. Can't promise to be goody two shoes but I really don't like upsetting people even if it's unintentional.

Honestly, the way some party members take this blog is absolutely ridiculous. Apparently it fills some people with horrors. Seems I know too many people in the party - what I might write scares the hell out of some of them. From left, right and centre I'm continually getting lectures on what I should or shouldn't write about. All with good intentions I'm sure but? People keep going on about my blog as if it's something unusual. Am I the only one writing a blog? There's a paranoia about the so called opposition having blog food for negative campaigning. Which opposition, well that depends on where one is standing. Around where I live is the fear of the dreaded Labour. Not supposed to complain about anything locally in case it is deemed a criticism of the Camden or Islington LibDem administrations. 'B' to that. If it's an issue concerning the community and it doesn't get sorted it WILL get blogged.

Seems to others, the wide readership is more of an irritant than what is actually written. Imagine the hit counter is being monitored. What a scream. Can't win can I? It's a case of how dare an old fogey, perceived to be past her sell by date, write a blog and speak her mind about politics or local issues. One's supposed to follow a pecking order within the Party hierarchy down to a local level. Shiver my timbers, that's all well and good if they know what they are doing in the first place. Sorry but I can't be wishy washy and just write to please others. What for? I've no interested in climbing a greasy pole. I'm not going to be kicked around like a ball by the internal cliques. I've kept my gob shut for long enough.

I'll always support candidates I feel will be good as MP's but not those that are just rubber stamps. Yes, I do know this blog is read by the other parties, the media, people in Parliament and a host of others so what's new?

Noticed Iain Dales has written an article about Why do so few candidates have blogs - sort of touches on the same thing. Well I'm not a candidate nor am I likely to be.

What does gives me a special kick is to see so many people linking to my blogs. Don't really care who they are when I notice them or they contact me, if they are not vile or inappropriate I add a reciprocal link. Why not? Each blog has it's own readership and it definitely has a knock-on effect by increasing readership. When there is a sudden rush I check the link monitor. It's so exciting to see the sites' referrals. Anybody else want a link just let me know?

Mind you, after checking out some of the links, you really have to have a sense of humour. I've been called all sorts of things in my time. Theo's blog (A Labour blogger from Camden) has me listed under his Enermy heading and to add insult to injury has me tagged as Steve Hitchins fanclub. Ta Theo for the link.

Some people have emailed me about nasty comments. Honestly I've given up caring. There's nought as queer as folk so let them say what they want. Told some LibDems have turned yellow bellies and are now afraid to comment on my blog using their own names in case somebody tells them off. Oh yes I got the dreaded lurgy.

Well the blogs not going to stop. Apart from the positive aspect of disseminating info, it's good fun. Anybody who upsets me in the future will have a posting. That's not a threat it's a promise. Seems a good forum for getting things off my chest.

Just another special granma moment

Half term hols coming to an end, yesterday Natasha brought the grandchildren round to spend some time with me. There's no stopping Naim now, he's like a little old man. Takes my flat like a second home, he knows where everything is.

He's into Bob the Builder at the moment so was delighted to see a BB towel hanging in the bathroom. Ran into the bedroom to find his BB duvet cover still in the cupboard waiting for his next sleep-over. He's got BB slippers, pj's and other bits and pieces plus his pride and joy, his BB bicycle. Such a funny chap, had my lesson on who all the characters are. He knows them all off pat.

Baby Aalia, it was the first time I've really had a close look her. At eight weeks her face is developing into her own. She doesn't look like her brother and is slightly darker. Surprise surprise, she looks a bit like me. Certainly recognise my turned up nose. I was a bit shocked to be honest looking at her small face. What can I say but poor kid. It will be very interesting to see how she develops.

Niam is very good with her but it was only yesterday it dawned on him that I am also Aalia's grandma as well. He wasn't too sure about it at first.

Update: What is it about babies that always brings out the gushiness - say hello to Master Elliot Horatio Newman(ia). Never mind his dad's a Tory, he's a real cutie.

My cookie Monster has done it again

Hope everybody will have as much fun as I have and reading this. It's really quite cleverly written. What kind of mind can go to so much trouble to write such a tale which he undoubtedly believes is the truth. Had to read it a couple of times to understand where he is coming from. It took me some time to digest his thought pattern - my old grey matter is not as sharp as it was. He's sort of mixed up situations, some going back yonks, analysed them the way he feels is correct and spit out his own conclusions all higgledy piggledy.

He writes like butter wouldn't melt in his mouth so it all sounds plausible but if you read between the lines it a load of sanctimonious twaddle. The problem is, the way he writes most readers would take as gospel. He's very clever with IT - can't deny that. All that ISP/IP stuff, well I know mine.

Had to think hard about the picture he's mentioned. Sudden flash he's referring to the one I took of Simon Hughes with his brother and wife taken at the special ethnic minority hustings. It was meant for the leadership campaign website. I sent it in and he didn't add it to the site. He never explained why. Now he says Simon's brother looked drunk (click on the pic to enlarge it). Absolute rubbish - where was the alcohol being served.

Am I guilty of anything he wrote. Yes one thing which I will reveal later. There are other people involved and I don't want to blow their cover.

The rest of it is a bit sad really. The only thing that does get my goat a little is that because he's gay to disagree with him somehow in his twisted head is taken to be homophobic. Load of crap - personally couldn't give a fig where he sticks his what's it - excuse my momentary lapse of crudeness. The irony of it all is that it was only after my long birthday chat I even knew he was gay. It's not written across his head and I never gave it a thought before. He's the one who keeps banging on and on about it. What for?

I know we have some eccentric oddballs in the party but for somebody so young he's definitely boarding on the lunatic fringe. Wish I could look into the future and see what kind of person he's going to turn into when he's older. I shudder to think.

Bush and Blair good for Osama - Rageh Omaar

Hat tip from Tom Watson MP - BUSH AND BLAIR GOOD FOR OSAMA" - RAGEH OMAAR 19-02-2007

It says, Rageh Omaar who reported on the fall of Baghdad for the BBC has warned there’s no way Britain and the US can leave Iraq with their honour intact. And he said that George Bush and Tony Blair were Osama Bin Laden’s idea of “perfect enemies” because they re-inforce everything he says about the West. The Somali born reporter was speaking at Warwick University yesterday where he drew an audience of around 200 to hear a discussion chaired by Stirrer editor Adrian Goldberg.

He gave an exclusive no holds-barred interview to The Stirrer. After listening to him it's obvious he has a great understanding of what's going on on the ground. (video link bottom of the page)

The video (for link scroll down left column) is a must for those concerned with the Iraq / Kuwait situation. The Stirrer blog/website generally is also very interesting - claiming news that matters and campaigns that count for Birmingham, the Black Country and beyond.

Goody, goody gumdrops my email from Tony Blair

Somebody was a busy bee in the early hours of the morning. Couldn't have been our Tony plodding away on the keyboard. Must have been one of his army of staff. Well at least I got a copy of the much publicised email response to the e-petition asking the Prime Minister to "Scrap the planned vehicle tracking and road pricing policy". Just shows what technology can do these days. My little PC doesn't have the capacity to send out an email to 1,797,481 bods in one go.

Trust the PM, it's so long I haven't really got the time to go through it at the mo - expect it will be the topic of conversation on the news and other blogs. Just thought that for those who didn't sign the petition and are curious about what he's supposedly written, you can read it here.

from 10 Downing Street 01:53
date: 21-Feb-2007 01:53

subject: E-petition: Response from the Prime Minister

Thank you for taking the time to register your views about road pricing on the Downing Street website.

This petition was posted shortly before we published the Eddington Study, an independent review of Britain's transport network. This study set out long-term challenges and options for our transport network.

It made clear that congestion is a major problem to which there is no easy answer. One aspect of the study was highlighting how road pricing could provide a solution to these problems and that advances in technology put these plans within our reach. Of course it would be ten years or more before any national scheme was technologically, never mind politically, feasible.

That is the backdrop to this issue. As my response makes clear, this is not about imposing "stealth taxes" or introducing "Big Brother" surveillance. This is a complex subject, which cannot be resolved without a thorough investigation of all the options, combined with a full and frank debate about the choices we face at a local and national level. That's why I hope this detailed response will address your concerns and set out how we intend to take this issue forward. I see this email as the beginning, not the end of the debate, and the links below provide an opportunity for you to take it further.

But let me be clear straight away: we have not made any decision about national road pricing. Indeed we are simply not yet in a position to do so. We are, for now, working with some local authorities that are interested in establishing local schemes to help address local congestion problems. Pricing is not being forced on any area, but any schemes would teach us more about how road pricing would work and inform decisions on a national scheme. And funds raised from these local schemes will be used to improve transport in those areas.

One thing I suspect we can all agree is that congestion is bad. It's bad for business because it disrupts the delivery of goods and services. It affects people's quality of life. And it is bad for the environment. That is why tackling congestion is a key priority for any Government.

Congestion is predicted to increase by 25% by 2015. This is being driven by economic prosperity. There are 6 million more vehicles on the road now than in 1997, and predictions are that this trend will continue.

Part of the solution is to improve public transport, and to make the most of the existing road network. We have more than doubled investment since 1997, spending £2.5 billion this year on buses and over £4 billion on trains - helping to explain why more people are using them than for decades. And we're committed to sustaining this investment, with over £140 billion of investment planned between now and 2015. We're also putting a great deal of effort into improving traffic flows - for example, over 1000 Highways Agency Traffic Officers now help to keep motorway traffic moving.

But all the evidence shows that improving public transport and tackling traffic bottlenecks will not by themselves prevent congestion getting worse. So we have a difficult choice to make about how we tackle the expected increase in congestion. This is a challenge that all political leaders have to face up to, and not just in the UK. For example, road pricing schemes are already in operation in Italy, Norway and Singapore, and others, such as the Netherlands, are developing schemes. Towns and cities across the world are looking at road pricing as a means of addressing congestion.

One option would be to allow congestion to grow unchecked. Given the forecast growth in traffic, doing nothing would mean that journeys within and between cities would take longer, and be less reliable. I think that would be bad for businesses, individuals and the environment. And the costs on us all will be real - congestion could cost an extra £22 billion in wasted time in England by 2025, of which £10-12 billion would be the direct cost on businesses.

A second option would be to try to build our way out of congestion. We could, of course, add new lanes to our motorways, widen roads in our congested city centres, and build new routes across the countryside. Certainly in some places new capacity will be part of the story. That is why we are widening the M25, M1 and M62. But I think people agree that we cannot simply build more and more roads, particularly when the evidence suggests that traffic quickly grows to fill any new capacity.

Tackling congestion in this way would also be extremely costly, requiring substantial sums to be diverted from other services such as education and health, or increases in taxes. If I tell you that one mile of new motorway costs as much as £30m, you'll have an idea of the sums this approach would entail.

That is why I believe that at least we need to explore the contribution road pricing can make to tackling congestion. It would not be in anyone's interests, especially those of motorists, to slam the door shut on road pricing without exploring it further.

It has been calculated that a national scheme - as part of a wider package of measures - could cut congestion significantly through small changes in our overall travel patterns. But any technology used would have to give definite guarantees about privacy being protected - as it should be. Existing technologies, such as mobile phones and pay-as-you-drive insurance schemes, may well be able to play a role here, by ensuring that the Government doesn't hold information about where vehicles have been. But there may also be opportunities presented by developments in new technology. Just as new medical technology is changing the NHS, so there will be changes in the transport sector. Our aim is to relieve traffic jams, not create a "Big Brother" society.

I know many people's biggest worry about road pricing is that it will be a "stealth tax" on motorists. It won't. Road pricing is about tackling congestion.

Clearly if we decided to move towards a system of national road pricing, there could be a case for moving away from the current system of motoring taxation. This could mean that those who use their car less, or can travel at less congested times, in less congested areas, for example in rural areas, would benefit from lower motoring costs overall. Those who travel longer distances at peak times and in more congested areas would pay more. But those are decisions for the future. At this stage, when no firm decision has been taken as to whether we will move towards a national scheme, stories about possible costs are simply not credible, since they depend on so many variables yet to be investigated, never mind decided.

Before we take any decisions about a national pricing scheme, we know that we have to have a system that works. A system that respects our privacy as individuals. A system that is fair. I fully accept that we don't have all the answers yet. That is why we are not rushing headlong into a national road pricing scheme. Before we take any decisions there would be further consultations. The public will, of course, have their say, as will Parliament.

We want to continue this debate, so that we can build a consensus around the best way to reduce congestion, protect the environment and support our businesses. If you want to find out more, please visit the attached links to more detailed information, and which also give opportunities to engage in further debate.

Yours sincerely,

Tony Blair

If you have read this far you are a star. Might be the appropriate point to congratulate Peter Roberts who started it all.

A joke to make you smile

So nice sometimes to get an email that's not about politics. Matt a 'slow' blogger who regularly reads mine, often emails me snippets of news and other interesting stuff. One of his jokes is a classic which I thought to share with others.

I make no apologies if you have heard it before. I'm not usually big on jokes but this one is funny and worth passing on. He wrote,

An old Italian man lived alone in the country. He wanted to dig his tomato garden, but it was very hard work as the ground was hard. His only son, Vincent, who used to help him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and described his predicament:

Dear Vincent, I am feeling pretty badly because it looks like I won't be able to plant my tomato garden this year. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. I know if you were here my troubles would be over. I know you would be happy to dig the plot for me. Love, Dad

A few days later he received a letter from his son:

Dear Dad, Don't dig up that garden. That's where I buried the bodies. Love, Vinnie

At 4 a.m. the next morning, FBI agents and local police arrived and dug up the entire area without finding any bodies. They apologized to the old man and left. That same day the old man received another letter from his son:

Dear Dad, Go ahead and plant the tomatoes now. That's the best I could do under the circumstances. Love you, Vinnie

That feels better, now back to normal posts.

Posh sounding who?

One has to really laugh at some things people write on blogs. Just wonder sometimes what planet they belong. It was only 10th January I wrote about Rob Fenwick - See his pretty pic right, I found on the web. Didn't think his antics would crop up again so soon that would justify another post from me. Today reading the long 124 comments on Iain Dales post Let the Blog Wars cease I came across this,

Rob said...
Hmmm - I'm in a similar position to you right now Iain. On one blog I'm being 'hailed' as a leading light in some sort of gay conspiracy within the Liberal Democrats (conspiracy to do what? stage clandestine musicals?) - and the person / people from that blog are leaving comments over the blogosphere drawing the craziest conclusions - and have been for months. But, like you, I won't be firing missiles back.

Ho hum. Was it Robin Oakley who said that politics was a free hedge trimming service? Stick your head above the parapet and someone'll come along in no time at all to cut it off... 1:49 PM .

Instantly recognised Rob Fenwick talking about my blog. Not a problem, I'm used to him by now with his ranting and raving. He's obsessive and so biased he doesn't even accept comment from me on his blogs anymore. However reading further down ID's comments, a response comment had me in hysterics.

dm said...
Rob said... "Hmmm - I'm in a similar position to you right now Iain". That's Rob Fenwick the "love me I'm a god and can do no wrong. My partner plays an Oboe", LibDem kid.The obnoxious twit. How dare he compare himself with Iain Dale. He's not in the same league. Not fit to lick his boots. 11:21 PM

My partner plays an Oboe - What's that supposed to mean. Tell me more? It's obviously written by somebody who knows him well. Sounds so pompous. It's not the Oboe playing that's the laugh after all somebody has to play the flute like instrument and I know I can't. It's just using the words as a topic of conversation as if it's an entry into a special club or something that's the giggle.

Now lets get the story straight. Haven't got a clue about any partner of Rob but I can just imagine him saying such a thing. He likes to be noticed. Known to be a parliamentary groupie, he is desperate to be seen to belong to the so called middle-class as if it's a step up a magical social ladder. That's probably why his personal blog has the rather strange name The posh sounding Northumbrian. Looking at his profile on that blog it says: A music fan, but not a music buff, I sing in the Parliament choir (director of music: Simon Over of the Southbank Sinfonia). But T’other half is more musical than I.

Am told by those who know Rob that singing in the Parliamentary choir is his idea of having made it and is forever blowing his own trumpet (metaphorically speaking) for anybody who will listen. Just wonder what he's going to come up with next.

By sheer coincidence it was only yesterday, discussing with some political friends about the PPC candidate selection and the seats where an MP is standing down. Naturally Mark Oaten's name came into the frame.

Camden Cllr Ralph Scott's mother lives in Winchester. She mentioned some time ago the impact that Oaten's antics had on the voters. When Martin Todd was selected as Mark's replacement PPC it was expected that a media splash would emanate from Cowley Street with a big welcome from Chris Rennard. Seems Rob Fenwick's action of publicising it in the Lib Dem Voice with Martin's picture put the kibosh on that plan - the media had already grabbed the news. Some of the higher ups weren't best pleased with it but the damage was done, the so called big event became a non-story. Was told that Rob's protected by Mark Pack who passes on some of the confidential HQ stuff he claims are scoops - naughty, naughty. The big question is why?

Some people think I've something against Rob. Not really, he just makes me laugh. He's so irritating like a wasp that won't go away. The next thing you will probably read from him after he's read this is that I've either done something, I'm homophobic or something just as daft. Reminds me of my baby sis, Jean who lives in Grantham. She behaves exactly the same way. She keeps going on and on like a broken record living in the past trying to stay posh. Anybody know Jean Shaw?

Lynne Featherstone: Those were the days

Couldn't help smile at Lynne Featherstone's Valentines Day posting.

Now, when I was a just a young lass and burning my bra - a wolf-whistle from a workman was to be reviled, put down and spat back - let alone appearing in a 'top totty' poll. However, age has mellowed me. Now - I am just grateful!

As age-mates I can completely empathise with her. Know how she feels. Somebody called me feisty the other day and a cheeky so 'n' so actually called me 'Fit' for my age. Don't really think he cottoned on to the fact I know what the slang term 'Fit' now describes. When I was younger I would have probably told them off. Now any kind of backhanded compliment just gets a smile.

Did write a supporting comment after her posting which hasn't been released. Probably Mark Pack, her moderator and her secret admirer (according to the LibDem gossip pool she's the love of his life) hasn't approved it.

Least I can say I did get a bouquet of flowers this year so that made me feel somebody cares.

Free the Guido

Not been keeping up to speed with the Smith Institute/Brown/Guido issue. It's heavy reading and I've only had the time to skim-read it all.

So very surprised this week to receive several emails from readers advising me to to remove a potentially libellous reference link somebody had added under anonymous comments. Thanks to Tim, Mark, Matt, and Clive. I'm just not good with cryptic short messages as if I'm a mind reader. Sorry Tim, I'm an old granny, that's my excuse - it took me ages for the old grey matter to register what you were getting at. It was Clive who actually explained the reason plain and simple.

Now I've read the Telegraph story Political blogger warned he could be jailed

It says, The Charity Commission has warned an online blogger he could go to jail unless he submits information he has gathered about the activities of the Smith Institute, the left-wing think tank under investigation for links to the Labour Party.

The formal direction was issued to Paul Staines, who runs the Guido Fawkes political website, ordering him to release documents relating to the institute by Friday.

Guido's response as expected - Never Was Good at Deadlines. One has to admire his making light humour of it all.

Love the Guido in Jail graphic but let the real Guido stand up as he's so much better looking.

Islington: Cllr Terry Stacy drops a clanger

Bit taken aback this week to read in this week's Islington Tribune that Jo Michie's supposed to be a secret member of the Lib Dems. The news report says Secret Lib Dem quits her post

It's just plain ridiculous for somebody to suggest there's anything secret about her membership. Both she and her husband Alistair have been members of Hillrise Ward as long as I can remember. As the former local party membership secretary they were on my lists and have always been recognised as respected staunch members. Over periods of time they have sat on several internal local party committees.

The Tribune reports, A magistrate who sits on the Town Hall’s independent standards watchdog has quit her post after it was revealed she is a secret member of the Lib Dems.

It says, It goes on to reveal that Jo Michie, who has been a key member of the Standards Committee for about six years, stood down last Wednesday.

The committee, chaired by Father Jim Kennedy, upholds decency and probity in public life, ensuring councillors keep to a code of conduct. Members are expected to declare any political affiliation and not be active if they belong to a political party. It is understood that Mrs Michie, from Whitehall Park, Archway, was seen going into a selection meeting for the Lib Dem’s 2010 General Election candidate.

She was unavailable for comment last night (Thursday) despite repeated attempts by the Tribune to contact her. High-ranking Lib Dems yesterday (Thursday) said she had only been a party member for a few months. According to a Town Hall source, members of the Standards Committee have to make declarations naming their interest and Mrs Michie never mentioned she was a member of a political party.

It's not illegal for a member of the Standards Committee to be a member of a political party. It may be that Jo didn't declare her interest in the party. As a magistrate, she is a responsible lady and I can quite believe it had always been her intention to declare her membership but never actually got round to it. Rather than cause a fuss she has now quietly resigned from the post.

What is most annoying is for Councillor Terry Stacy to shoot off from the hip and say something which can be proved as not being true rather than checking facts first - he's a cabinet member for goodness sake. The report goes on and claims he said, “(Mrs Michie) only joined the party towards the end of last year and missed the cut-off date for declaring (party membership) by a few days.” In this kind of sticky situation, why didn't he just say schtum and say nothing.

Jo has always been visible during campaigns and I'm quite sure people living locally must know she is a member of the Liberal Democrats.

Update: See comments - Jo has stated her side of the story.

Further Update: A general war of words has been going on between Islington Labour and LibDems for years. Just knew Labour would resist getting in their penny worth, Another clanger

gweirdo: May the Force be with us

The Blog war, we have all heard about the 'Flaming' blog war. Iain Dale has tried to calm it down though the Ministry of Truth had to butt in with his Open Letter to Iain Dale. Found myself squashed in the middle of his long post.

Wasn't going to say a word but an email today from somebody who called himself gweirdo leaves me no choice. Fascinating and a real laugh. He wrote,

**The Blog War is over clickey here**

gweirdo loves you...

in the spirit of valentine's day we are looking for other blogs to spoon with, if that you (you lucky devil) just email me back

Gweirdo

**The Blog War is over clickey here**


If ya want an actual and factual account of the whole blog wars thing, have a look at iaiaiaiaiaiaian dale's piece, but frankly life IS too short.

May the Force be with us

As its Valentine's Day let's spread some frickin love around

A new blog to me. His May the Force be with us Google video is so amazing

Hope Iain Dale, Guido, Tim Ireland, Pickled politics, Tom Watson and everybody else involved will view it just to see how ridiculous all the mud slinging has become.

NB: Just remembered I've also received a sarcastic email from Tim Ireland. To be honest I'm not sure what's his beef is and he hasn't answer my enquiry. Can only think he got out of bed on the wrong side the day he sent it.

Jo Shaw is Winning here

The news I have been waiting for all evening - Holborn and St Pancras constituency members tonight selected a new prospective parliamentary candidate to fight the next General Election.

She is Jo Shaw, a barrister who lives in Camden Town, and who has been active in the constituency in the past few months.

Thanks to Jill Fraser, the present Mayor of Camden whose success in the 2005 election in achieving an 11.3 per cent swing to the Liberal Democrats and reducing Labour's majority to less than 5,000 had transformed Holborn & St Pancras's prospects as a seat the Liberal Democrats can now seriously hope to win.

The photo is of Jo during the Kentish Town by-election where she proved to everybody her determination and commitment since she moved into the borough. She has a youthful vibrance about her and a sunny disposition which has endeared her to everybody with who she comes into contact. A tireless campaigner, local residents can expect to hear a lot from Jo in the coming months.

It's possible we may be losing our campaign HQ - hope not. The Apollo studio, Nicks penthouse flat. With it's panoramic view of the area, it's such a marvelous place to work and socialise - just near my house so burning the midnight oil is no problem. Had envisaged that when the GE campaigning starts we can have some huge banners made with Jo's name displayed. Would be good to see the LibDem bird and Jo's name wafting in the breeze so high up. That would annoy the opposition.

Archway UFO Video: Anybody have a logical explanation

The funniest news in the local papers is the sighting of UFO's in Archway just up the road from here. The Islington Gazette claims to have extraordinary video footage giving first-hand evidence of the Archway UFO phenomenon which brought the area to a standstill.

It is claimed The "squadron" of around 15 orange lights spread panic among passers-by who witnessed it at around 5.30pm on January 31.

Click here to view clip and judge for yourself.

Sign of the times I suppose but it just shows how people react when something strange happens. The Police were inundated with 999 calls. With cars stopping suddenly, people screaming in the street - some fearing it was a terrorist attack, it was pandemonium for some time.

Glad nobody mentioned little green men. If they had I would have bust a gut laughing.

Certainly better than politics. Least it's news with a difference. Something happened, that's for sure but there has to be some logical explanation. Will be interesting to know exactly what it was. Used to be a case for the Men In Black. Definitely one for the X-Files or whatever the real world equivalent is these days.

Snow, Barnet by-election and Camden all in one day.

A photo to remind bloggers the day it snowed heavily in London. What a picture postcard image taken first light from my flat's kitchen window. Looks like an old black and white pic.

So nice crunching the snow underfoot early in the morning. The kids around here went to school but most were wet from snow ball fights before they arrived and had to go home to change. Lunch time the schools closed. A sensible decision all round.

Wish my son Sule lived a little nearer because I miss a lot of magical grandson moments. An excited Niam looked out the window to see what he called Christmas outside. Out of the mouths of babes.

His mother was out with him throwing snow balls early in the morning. His father helped him make a snow man later in the day. A little over-excitement, he tried to explain it all to me on the phone later in the day. Bless him, he's only two after all. Least I understood the gist of it all.

Had a flash thought about the by-election taking place in Barnet today. All the will in the world, it's not very likely the LibDems will win this one. Just can't see it myself. It's staunch Tory territory. Wish Sean Hooker hadn't stood as the candidate, they'll spifflicate him. Having lost his seat last May in Mill Hill ward then standing again in another ward so soon after smacks of egotism. Personally I feel it was the wrong judgement call. We'll know the result tomorrow.

Earlier this evening struggled in the snow to attend a Holborn and St Pancras social event. Glad I braved the elements and made the effort to go. So nice to be with people who are all so welcoming and inclusive of everybody. Usual great chat and posh nibbles. Good that all the PPC candidates were present. Normally would have had my camera to hand but it's a little sensitive when it comes to selections so thought better not to make any waves in case it upsets anyone. We will know the outcome next week.

Back home now with a cuppa in hand writing this before bed. Roll on tomorrow.

LibDem gay mafia saves one of it's own

Today is my birthday so it's happy birthday to me. Got some cards and a nice plant - much better than cut flowers. I'm not really big on birthdays anymore - woman's vanity I'm afraid. Nice though to get a morning call from my grandson Naim with a happy birthday Nana.

The best part of the day was some calls from LibDem friends. Am always up for some light-hearted chat. I'm often in a fit of giggles with some of the titbits that get relayed via the gossip circuit. Today after a long one and a half hour session I was laughing my head off. Tears were coming out of my eyes.

Must admit I'm more than bemused by the term being brandished around some of the blogs lately - recycled Lib Dems PPC's or recycled candidates. Very apt in some seats. Can think of several names that hat fits.

Then regarding people, wouldn't call myself particularly naive, just ignorant of the obvious mainly because some things just don't enter my head. In general terms I just take people as I find them. Then when I hear something about somebody it knocks me for six. Often wonder where my head is - in the clouds probably..

I hadn't any idea until recently there was a powerful group within the party which has many branches referred to as the Gay Mafia or GAFIA for short. Have often wondered how some LibDem stories and people link via the grapevine even over the generation gap when under normal circumstance there is no obvious relationship. Now it all makes sense.

Couldn't really give a stuff about a person's sexual preferences as long as it is not rubbed in my face. It's not really anybody's business but I feel those aspiring to public office should be open and above board about their life so that no skeletons can be picked by the media up later. Think the party has had enough of that.

My first real experience of association with the gay set was within my local party Islington. There is a higher percentage of members than average or so it seemed when I was the membership secretary. Took me completely by surprise. Had to learn a complete new skill of social interaction specially with gay men. Pretty unnerving at times. Got to the stage now I just ask male politicians directly if they are gay when I first meet them socially. Saves any embarrassing situations later on.

This week we saw LibDem congratulations to two candidates selected in interesting, winnable seats. Cllr Chris Maines (photo left) has been selected to fight Lewisham East, and Ed Fordham (photo above) has been selected to fight Hampstead & Kilburn. Both belong to this category of members. Whilst Ed is open about his lifestyle so it's a none issue, it's open news amongst certain blogs that Chris prefers to remain in the closet.

He's suddenly become the hot topic of gossip at the moment. Definitely rebranded and recycled, he's been recycled over and over again - what a laugh. Why all the interest in him you may ask. Well Chris has been a candidate for Orpington 4 times - until today I thought he'd only stood 3 times. At the last GE he was defeated with rather embarrassing numbers. He moved residence and stood as Mayor of Lewisham which he didn't win and also as a councillor last May, which fortunately he did. He's now been selected as Lewisham's PPC. It's claimed he gets a lot of support from the GAFIA network. According to Rob Fenwick who claims Chris as a close friend, he's trying for the post of London Mayor as well.

As a credible PPC I can't make much comment. I don't know him well enough. Have to admit he has always treated me with the highest respect the few times we have come in contact for one reason or another. There's nothing special about him that makes him distinctive except perhaps his cheeky smile. However having lost so many times in Orpington it makes one wonder how he comes across to the electorate.

As for putting his name forward as a possible Mayoral candidate. We live to see. If he is successful the only thing that will do is raise the public recognition of him. Unfortunately Ken Livingstone will have him for breakfast.

Who's a pomegranate then?

They say small things amuse small minds. Suppose I've got to wear the cap today.... but I've got a warped sense of humour anyway or so I'm told. Couldn't help but laugh at the CNJ article - Pomegranate-gate spat hits Town Hall

It's disappointing how things get leaked to the press the way they do but anyhow what's done it done.

Seems an embarrassing email row has flared up between Camden's Liberal Democrat councillor Arthur Graves and the Town Hall’s most senior lawyer, The New Journal claim, A trail of messages – leaked to this newspaper – reveal how borough solicitor Alison Lowton told rookie councillor Arthur Graves hat he was “unnecessarily offensive” and “inappropriate”.

Leaving aside the issue, Arthur really made a clanger with his trying to be funny remark but on the other hand he probably didn't expect it to be leaked to the press.
The trail continued yesterday afternoon when Cllr Graves, clearly annoyed at the short shrift received at the legal adviser’s hands, wrote back and said: “If this is a complicated issue then I am a pomegranate.”

Looking for any Labour Blogs in Islington and Camden on the web. Noticed Camden's Labour party blog or rather Theo Blackwell has taken great delight in hyping up the story . Belgrave ward, Lib Dem councillor Arthur Graves, aka Pomegranate Strikes Again

Can foresee Arthur is now stuck with the name. They are not going to let him live it down. Already Alexis Rowell, the LibDem's Camden eco-champion has been dubbed "Nut Roast".

Seems to irk Theo Blackwell that Belsize coucillors especially Alexis are making such an impression impact on the lives of Camden residents. The Guardian's Diary column of 18 January refers to him as Belsize's "thrilling young blogger ". "Who would have thought", the columnist writes, "politics could inspire such passion?"

The photo above Arthur Graves, Chris Basson and Alexis Rowell - Two down, one to go. Wonder when it will be Chris's turn.

Islington: Emily Thornberry MP off on the Arctic Challenge

Most exciting for Islington residents, less than one week to go before the Arctic Challenge. Islington South & Finsbury's MP, Emily Thornberry is taking part.



Photo of MPs Emily Thornberry (Labour), Jenny Willott (LibDem), Ed Vaizey (Con) & Tobias Ellwood (Con) meet the dogs before beginning their husky dog training.

Info from the website:

Starting 9th February 2007, a cross-party team of Members of Parliament will travel across the Arctic wilderness by husky dog sled. The team will travel through Finland, Sweden and Norway. The current MP team includes Emily Thornberry (Lab), Ed Vaizey (Con), Tobias Ellwood (Con), Nick Clegg (LD) and Jenny Willott (LD).

It is the aim of The Westminster Challenge to arrange an expedition every two years and hope to include, on average, two challenges during each Parliament with a new team of MPs participating in each challenge.

Support the Arctic Challenge Now! To make a pledge and keep up to date with the trek by visiting.

Text ‘ICE’ to 84858 to donate £3 immediately (minus network charge)

Media: The Guardian and ITV are confirmed as our official media partners for the Arctic Expedition.

Couldn't resist this wonderful photo of LibDem MP Jenny Wilmot husky training.



It's an adventure to capture the immagination of many people. As ITV are one of the sponsors we should get some decent media coverage. How I wish I was going just for the experience. It's the kind of hard task, daredevil activity I used to get involved with.

Islington: Tragedy at the junction

This week's local newspapers, Tribune & Gazette, all have large articles about the accidental death of former actress and opera singer, 88 year old Sheila Whittingham.

It is believed that Sheila was killed after dashing in front of a 15-tonne tipper truck with her Zimmer frame at the pedestrian crossing at Junction Road, Tufnell Park Road junction.

The accident happen around 12.30 am on Tuesday at the corner of my road. As luck had it I just arrived home from the doctors when I heard the school kids shouting and turned back from where I had just walked. There was pandemonium everywhere. I just thought 'oh no' not again another accident. Just a few weeks ago at almost the same spot a bus knocked down a boy from the school.

Seems an off-duty doctor rushed to help, firefighters from Kentish Town and Euston raced to the scene.

For once I have to commend the efficiency of the police. I couldn't believe the numbers who turned up. They quickly cordoned off the road and diverted the traffic. I think somebody somewhere realised the incidents location to the school and the time being just before lunch break. The rapid reaction of the police saved many children from witnessing a rather gruesome scene.

An air ambulance landed on a soccer pitch at nearby Acland Burghley School in Burghley Road, Tufnell Park. Quite impressive to see it flying overhead and landing so near to home.

For once I'm glad I minded my beeswax and stayed by my gate watching from a distance. From all accounts it was pretty traumatic. At the time I hadn't known who it was but later we all realised it was Sheila. An accident of this kind is horrible but it's worse when you know the person.

Sheila Whittingham was a local character. At her age with her blond hair, she always dressed up like a movie star. She talked and behaved like the world was her stage. Always impatient, she raced along the road with her zimmer frame. The way she got on and off the 4 bus with it was actually quite remarkable. All the regular drivers knew her. I hadn't actually realised how old she was.

Apart from a hello or a wave I only ever had one conversation with her whilst waiting for a bus. I can't quite remember how dancing came into the discussion but she mentioned about being a Tiller girl. That struck a chord in the old memory box because my mother always talked about them. It sort of explained her agility at her age even with the Zimmer frame. Keep meaning to ask my sister about our mothers connection. Noticed the Gazette has made brief reference to it.

It's such a tragedy that someone should get to that age and instead of dying peacefully, go in such a sudden and violent way.

One has to have a little sympathy for the driver. Those trucks being used for the local road repairs don't actually travel very fast. They are big and heavy. In recognition of health and safety regulation a great deal of care is being taken by the companies when manoeuvring them in and out of the road repair segments. At that particular 5 way-junction there is not much space so most drivers are careful especially during school hours because children run across the road anyhow. The driver must be gutted to have experienced somebody walking in front of him.

Islington: Oh dear, LibDems re-select Bridget Fox

Anticipating a snap General election to be called there is a rush to fill the PPC seats in time.

Didn't envisage any surprises locally. As expected Bridget Fox (Miss Prissy Knickers my mental image of her) has been reselected as the LibDem PPC for Islington South & Finsbury to contest Emily Thornberry's seat. It's was known months ago that Dominic Mathon offered to front her campaign and since then there were moves in the background to ensure she was reselected.

Personally I wish the local party members had chosen somebody else this time around. I've nothing against Bridget personally except she is a bit frosty and definitely not a people person. Have to laugh sometimes. She's so prissy, she reminds me of a classic old school ma'am. The overriding problem is that she comes with a lot of historic baggage associated with the Hitchins adminstration which will definitely affect her chances of becoming an MP.

I find it very annoying the way some party anoraks regard the electorate as dodos. They firmly believe and in fact insist the party is paramount and that everybody votes for a party blindly because of policy irrespective of who is the candidate. As far as I'm concerned that is absolute bullshit. People have long memories when it comes to known candidates. It's not the number of bits of literature you put through the door that will make any difference. Don't LibDems just love their paper? A lot of wounds will be opened when the campaign starts. The opposition and the media will have a field day and take delight in slaughtering Bridget.

She was dreadfully upset when she lost her council seat during last year's May elections. She never envisaged that her Barnsbury ward voters would turn against her. From being a cabinet member to nothing was naturally a big blow to her self-esteem.

It's a sad thing to have to say but Bridget has no charisma or anything special about her persona that would endear bods to overlook past issues and vote for her. The electorate want to see an MP with a bit of spunk, something sadly lacking in Bridget. There is just no sparkle about her. We know she desperately wants to be an Islington LibDem MP. Having lost by just 484 votes at the last general election, the party consider the seat to be a prime target seat (coined moving forward seat) which they expect to win this time around. Can't see it happening myself with Bridget as the candidate but if she is to have an iota of a chance, she needs a serious makeover.

Can envisage this campaign is going to be a very dirty one. Already Dominic has been trying to dig up dirt against Emily Thornberry to put out in literature. Unfortunately I think the local party have just committed political suicide with their choice of candidate and are wasting their time.

Cholesterol what is it?

So far it's been a funny old week. Monday, in my new capacity as Islington's PFI 2 Chair had to go down to Partners Office for a meeting. It's located at Angel, sort of in the back area near the antiques market. Memorising venues is a problem for dyslexics. I'm forever getting lost even in places I frequent regularly. I sort of have to fix a landmark in my mind everytime I go somewhere. How sad is that but the landmark I have in my mind for this one is Steve Hitchins house. I know when I get to St Peter's Street that it's just around the corner.

The meeting was successful. Nice to feel one's opinion is valued. The team are planning a residents newsletter to be sent out in the coming week. Yours truly had to pose for pics. Bit of a laugh really moving my head around up and down in different situations. At least there must be one good shot amongst them.

More when we see the layout of the leaflet.....

Tuesday morning, had to go to the docs for my MOT blood test results. For one who hates doctors like the plague I seem to be going a lot lately. I am gently being persuaded to at least have the regular check ups as and when due. Didn't really expect to find anything serious because I've had several blood test lately for different reasons. Completely taken back back to learn I have alarmingly high cholesterol. Something in my wildest dreams I didn't think would affect me.

Thought that was something related to diet, dairy products and saturated fats. Well all I can really accuse myself of is overdosing on Steam veg, Soya products and Smoothies. I don't eat dairy items except eggs and don't even have cooking oil in the house other than olive oil.

To be honest don't really know what having cholestrol is all about. Picked up the hype from the media but haven't really taken much notice. Something I've definitely got to look up on the web. My friend described it as having something similar to limescale in the blood blocking up the pipes. Least they have given me some high dosage Simvastin tablets. My libDem best buddy having a laugh said I should think about it as the human equivalent of putting Calgon (limescale remover) in a washing machine.

Not sure what the tabs are supposed to do for me. Reading the long list of possible side effects is quite disconcerting. Have to go and see a food specialist on Monday. Have been told that there is natural cholesterol which is produced by the body and can go into overdrive as well. Nobody has explained yet what triggers it off.

Have had a quick butchers of sites on the web. Anybody in the blogosphere who is knowlegeable on the subject and can point me to some simple reading links, it would be sincerely appreciated.

That's all I can say on the subject for now but expect an update when I know more myself....