No, this is not a reference to the latest Big Brother news, but I'm delighted to post and announce that Kate, the partner to my eldest nephew, Mark, gave birth at 1.15 this morning to Ellie!!
So, welcome Ellie to the family, to your Mum and Dad and big brother, Luke, and this great-Uncle is over happy for them all. Mum and daughter are doing just grand......
Thursday, 31 May 2007
Friday, 25 May 2007
Health Secretary keeps her job.... others in NHS lose theirs or are moved around
Patricia Hewitt survived an effective vote of no confidence the other evening in the House of Commons after a debate brought forward by Tory MPs over her handling of the NHS.
Now, I'm finding this quite difficult, but perhaps if MPs had voted her out my Labour Government may finally have woken up to see the mess and chaos that the NHS is in. Staff morale gets lower every day. The wonderful PFI schemes are failing, new wards close almost as quickly as they open. Hopsital Trusts are expected to balance the books and by this force staff to be redeployed in the hope of avoiding paying out redundancy payments and lay off Doctors and Nurses, whilst expecting those that remain in the NHS to work longer hours.
Of course, we now have the disgraceful shambles of patients' details being sent off to India, Pakistan and South Africa and a colleague in the office that I work in found out yesterday that she is being "redeployed" as the majority of her work goes to India, on a personal basis, I'm relieved because if it hadn't been her, it would have been me.
Yet whilst all of this is happening, we have managers galore being appointed and their duties appear to be hold meetings to then arrange meetings to talk about targets, whilst having a sub-group to look into this, make a few lowly people redundant or freeze posts, so another manager can be appointed to sit on a task force, hold a consultation event which creates another committee, shut down a few beds, lay off a nurse or three, appoint a new manager and report that the Trust has just about broke even.
But at least Patricia Hewitt is secure in her job. She is failing the health service and has lost the plot and yes, she has lost my confidence. And you know what hurts more than anything, it was Labour that created the NHS, appeared to be saving the NHS in 1997 and now is overseeing it die off, so message to Gordon Brown, fewers managers and start caring about patient care when you become Prime Minister in a few weeks time get rid of Patricia Hewitt and some of the yes-men in the department of health (sic).
Now, I'm finding this quite difficult, but perhaps if MPs had voted her out my Labour Government may finally have woken up to see the mess and chaos that the NHS is in. Staff morale gets lower every day. The wonderful PFI schemes are failing, new wards close almost as quickly as they open. Hopsital Trusts are expected to balance the books and by this force staff to be redeployed in the hope of avoiding paying out redundancy payments and lay off Doctors and Nurses, whilst expecting those that remain in the NHS to work longer hours.
Of course, we now have the disgraceful shambles of patients' details being sent off to India, Pakistan and South Africa and a colleague in the office that I work in found out yesterday that she is being "redeployed" as the majority of her work goes to India, on a personal basis, I'm relieved because if it hadn't been her, it would have been me.
Yet whilst all of this is happening, we have managers galore being appointed and their duties appear to be hold meetings to then arrange meetings to talk about targets, whilst having a sub-group to look into this, make a few lowly people redundant or freeze posts, so another manager can be appointed to sit on a task force, hold a consultation event which creates another committee, shut down a few beds, lay off a nurse or three, appoint a new manager and report that the Trust has just about broke even.
But at least Patricia Hewitt is secure in her job. She is failing the health service and has lost the plot and yes, she has lost my confidence. And you know what hurts more than anything, it was Labour that created the NHS, appeared to be saving the NHS in 1997 and now is overseeing it die off, so message to Gordon Brown, fewers managers and start caring about patient care when you become Prime Minister in a few weeks time get rid of Patricia Hewitt and some of the yes-men in the department of health (sic).
Bank holiday weekend, bound to rain
Well, it's that time again, yup the good old English Bank Holiday Weekend and the weather looks like it will pee down, typical.
Anyhow, after my surgery tomorrow I shall be popping up to Royston to join family as we celebrate my Nan's 94th birthday, so Happy Birthday to a very special lady in my life!!! After that will be going all over the houses to get back to Wood Green because of engineering works on the train lines. I'm sorry, but it has to be said, it is all well and good for everyone trying to be environmentally-friendly, but of course people will use cars rather than trains, it really is far more convenient and I believe safer in terms of personal safety. Nuff said, after getting home I will then spend time seeing my friend from Saudi. More than nuff said.
Have a good one - oh and I'll be watching Dr Who at some stage thanks to teleport replay and beware of the scarecrows!!!
Anyhow, after my surgery tomorrow I shall be popping up to Royston to join family as we celebrate my Nan's 94th birthday, so Happy Birthday to a very special lady in my life!!! After that will be going all over the houses to get back to Wood Green because of engineering works on the train lines. I'm sorry, but it has to be said, it is all well and good for everyone trying to be environmentally-friendly, but of course people will use cars rather than trains, it really is far more convenient and I believe safer in terms of personal safety. Nuff said, after getting home I will then spend time seeing my friend from Saudi. More than nuff said.
Have a good one - oh and I'll be watching Dr Who at some stage thanks to teleport replay and beware of the scarecrows!!!
Tuesday, 22 May 2007
When to rest, only if a difficult vote happens
It seems that the Lib Dem MP for Hornsey and Wood Green has shingles and I wish her a speedy recovery.
She has been told to rest, but it seems that the ever hard-working all year round MP will only take some days off, whilst working on others. For example, doing yet ANOTHER radio broadcast, oh ensuring she is seen at an area assembly meeting in Muswell Hill and being at last night's annual council meeting.
However, when it matters for her to be in the House of Commons and vote, she pulls a sickie, yes you've guessed it, Lynne was not in the House for last Friday's vote on the Freedom of Information Act exemptions for MPs.
Now I am not claiming for one moment that Lynne wasn't well, no actually, it makes you wonder. She has been our MP for two years now and sometimes you have to take tough decisions and this is what neither Lynne or Lib Dems can do, for example they are meant to be against foundation schools, yet a Haringey Lib Dem councillor who tries to pretend he is to the left of Labour sits on the fence, and why? They don't want to make the decisions and upset middle-class voters.
It's why for seven years the Lib Dems refused to sit on the Alexandra Palace Board and if truth be told, they are probably secretly delighted at not having won the council last year for the fear of having to make decisions on the Palace and Park and winding up their own supporter(s).
Another example, you'll recall how the Liberal Democrat councillors in Haringey spoke and all voted against an increase in members' allowances last November, of course they have taken the money - all 27 of them, not a single one has declined the increase, which they can do if they want.
Perhaps a few more might fall ill for key votes, at least then they can claim they were not there when the vote was taken....
She has been told to rest, but it seems that the ever hard-working all year round MP will only take some days off, whilst working on others. For example, doing yet ANOTHER radio broadcast, oh ensuring she is seen at an area assembly meeting in Muswell Hill and being at last night's annual council meeting.
However, when it matters for her to be in the House of Commons and vote, she pulls a sickie, yes you've guessed it, Lynne was not in the House for last Friday's vote on the Freedom of Information Act exemptions for MPs.
Now I am not claiming for one moment that Lynne wasn't well, no actually, it makes you wonder. She has been our MP for two years now and sometimes you have to take tough decisions and this is what neither Lynne or Lib Dems can do, for example they are meant to be against foundation schools, yet a Haringey Lib Dem councillor who tries to pretend he is to the left of Labour sits on the fence, and why? They don't want to make the decisions and upset middle-class voters.
It's why for seven years the Lib Dems refused to sit on the Alexandra Palace Board and if truth be told, they are probably secretly delighted at not having won the council last year for the fear of having to make decisions on the Palace and Park and winding up their own supporter(s).
Another example, you'll recall how the Liberal Democrat councillors in Haringey spoke and all voted against an increase in members' allowances last November, of course they have taken the money - all 27 of them, not a single one has declined the increase, which they can do if they want.
Perhaps a few more might fall ill for key votes, at least then they can claim they were not there when the vote was taken....
We have a new Mayor
Congratulations to Tottenham Hale Labour Councillor, Sheik Thompson, who was elected the new Mayor of Haringey by 30 votes to 26 at last night's annual council meeting.
The new deputy mayor is Labour councillor for Bruce Grove ward, Councillor Dilek Dogus and our Borough's first Kurdish person in the Mayoral offices, so well done to Dilek.
All but one of the Councillors were present last night, former Lib Dem chief whip, Ron Aitken, was not present, either having got lost in coming back from Scotland where he stood in the Scottish Parliament elections (he was a "local" candidate you know) or just miffed that the Liberals have picked a new chief whip. So, Ron is now out of power, who will he defect to next? I mean he's been in almost any party that will have him, except Labour, and times may be slightly hard, but we ain't that desperate!!!
But all that aside, good luck to the new Mayoral team as they will do their best to represent the whole of Haringey in the year ahead.
The new deputy mayor is Labour councillor for Bruce Grove ward, Councillor Dilek Dogus and our Borough's first Kurdish person in the Mayoral offices, so well done to Dilek.
All but one of the Councillors were present last night, former Lib Dem chief whip, Ron Aitken, was not present, either having got lost in coming back from Scotland where he stood in the Scottish Parliament elections (he was a "local" candidate you know) or just miffed that the Liberals have picked a new chief whip. So, Ron is now out of power, who will he defect to next? I mean he's been in almost any party that will have him, except Labour, and times may be slightly hard, but we ain't that desperate!!!
But all that aside, good luck to the new Mayoral team as they will do their best to represent the whole of Haringey in the year ahead.
Friday, 18 May 2007
More Sontarans come to DVD
Huruh!!
The BBC and 2entertain have announced more classic Dr Who DVDs to be released later in the year.
In a couple of weeks time the first story featuring fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, 'Robot' will be released - Tom has done a commentary with companion, Lis Sladen and Producer, Barry Letts, and writer, Terrance Dicks. On 9th July, 'Timelash' comes out. This is one of the best ever Dr Who adventures with classic acting, well-thought scripts, ok, actually, it's a bit crap and is actually one of the poorer stories, but eh, who cares, it's another DVD. Stars Colin Baker from 1985. Then on 6th August a double-bill starring Peter Davison, 1982's 'Time-Flight' and 1983's 'Arc of Infinity' - the latter of which was filmed on location in Amsterdam. Commentary on this DVD will feature Peter Davison and Colin Baker, who played a Time Lord called Maxil.
Janet Fielding, who played one of the Doctor's companions, Tegan, is giving her first t"to-camera" DVD interview. I've met Janet and she is a really lovely person and is a real good laugh.
And today, it has been announced that the Jon Pertwee story 'The Time Warrior' will be released in early September. This came from Pertwee's fifth and last year in the role and saw thr first appearance of a race of monsters called Sontarans. I remember this story really well when it was first shown in December 1973 (I was only 7 at the time) and really took to the Sontarans, though was not keen on the Doctor's companion, Sarah (played by Elisabeth Sladen). Oh, how times change.....
At the end of September, 26 episodes will be released from Tom Baker's 1978-79 season, 'The Key to Time' which will feature six complete stories.
And finally, just announced is the 1975 story 'Planet of Evil' also starring Tom and Lis Sladen. DVD extras are yet to be confirmed, but one thing is for certain, this Who fan is just so looking forward to reliving some childhood memories of fun and being scared....... a bit......
Now, what did I do with that sonic screwdriver? (Don't ask!)
The BBC and 2entertain have announced more classic Dr Who DVDs to be released later in the year.
In a couple of weeks time the first story featuring fourth Doctor, Tom Baker, 'Robot' will be released - Tom has done a commentary with companion, Lis Sladen and Producer, Barry Letts, and writer, Terrance Dicks. On 9th July, 'Timelash' comes out. This is one of the best ever Dr Who adventures with classic acting, well-thought scripts, ok, actually, it's a bit crap and is actually one of the poorer stories, but eh, who cares, it's another DVD. Stars Colin Baker from 1985. Then on 6th August a double-bill starring Peter Davison, 1982's 'Time-Flight' and 1983's 'Arc of Infinity' - the latter of which was filmed on location in Amsterdam. Commentary on this DVD will feature Peter Davison and Colin Baker, who played a Time Lord called Maxil.
Janet Fielding, who played one of the Doctor's companions, Tegan, is giving her first t"to-camera" DVD interview. I've met Janet and she is a really lovely person and is a real good laugh.
And today, it has been announced that the Jon Pertwee story 'The Time Warrior' will be released in early September. This came from Pertwee's fifth and last year in the role and saw thr first appearance of a race of monsters called Sontarans. I remember this story really well when it was first shown in December 1973 (I was only 7 at the time) and really took to the Sontarans, though was not keen on the Doctor's companion, Sarah (played by Elisabeth Sladen). Oh, how times change.....
At the end of September, 26 episodes will be released from Tom Baker's 1978-79 season, 'The Key to Time' which will feature six complete stories.
And finally, just announced is the 1975 story 'Planet of Evil' also starring Tom and Lis Sladen. DVD extras are yet to be confirmed, but one thing is for certain, this Who fan is just so looking forward to reliving some childhood memories of fun and being scared....... a bit......
Now, what did I do with that sonic screwdriver? (Don't ask!)
New School will be run by the Council!!
Really excellent news has just come through that Haringey's new secondary school, which will be in Noel Park ward and the Haringey Heartlands will be really local, it will be a community school that is part of the local authority.
The decision has just been made by the School Adjudication Panel and comes after support for this from local residents, teachers, parents, governors and councillors and MPs (yes, both Labour and Lib Dem) and a brilliant performance both at the public meeting and public hearing by Haringey's Director of Children's Services, Sharon Shoesmith.
So, well done to all involved, this is a marvelous day, oh and one in the eye for acadamies. The emphasis will be on education for children, not how much money can be raised for shareholders. I am really excited by this opportunity and look forward to having a secondary school again in Noel Park ward.
The decision has just been made by the School Adjudication Panel and comes after support for this from local residents, teachers, parents, governors and councillors and MPs (yes, both Labour and Lib Dem) and a brilliant performance both at the public meeting and public hearing by Haringey's Director of Children's Services, Sharon Shoesmith.
So, well done to all involved, this is a marvelous day, oh and one in the eye for acadamies. The emphasis will be on education for children, not how much money can be raised for shareholders. I am really excited by this opportunity and look forward to having a secondary school again in Noel Park ward.
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