Chez Sam's

Egypt is mourning :-(

2012-02-02T15:32:00.012Z

You go out to watch a football match with your friends, and you end up dead ... burnt alive, at best!

74 dead and the number maybe rising, and hundreds injured

And now everybody is talking again, acusing everybody else ... and more protests ...

While the people at home are mourning the dead ... and the Egypt they know ...

Only a year ago, Egyptians went out at all hours of the day or night to buy something, or for a bit of fresh air ... no more!

It's now fear instead ... and it is terrifying!

Who done it? I don't know, who is benefiting? ... and ....

What next?

My Scroll ... January 2012

2012-02-01T20:12:00.000Z

“History, whether bad or good, should not be forgotten.”

January 2

PM 2012 New Year message with [video] and more hope and [optimism]

January 4

Impossible crystals are 'from space' [click] ******* Academic performance at school linked to exercise [click] ... Midwife uses make-up mirror to deliver her own baby [video] ******* Asmaa tackles HIV stigma in Egypt [video]

January 6

Nursing standards: PM aims to tackle 'care problem' [click] ... David Cameron may wield second veto over dispute [click] ******* Obama unveils new strategy for 'leaner' US military [click] ******* Mubarak must die! [click]-: ... Women of Tahrir: Frustration at revolution's failures [click]

January 7

Business boosting measure announced [click] and [video] ... David Cameron takes aim at Britain's 'health and safety culture' [click] ... Cameron: industry is returning to Britain [click] ******* Have politicians ‘gelded’ the medical profession? [click] ... Scans 'show mindfulness meditation brain boost' [video] ******* The books that shaped history [video] ******* Are supplements the secret to better health [video] *******

January 8

David Cameron won’t let the socialists have fairness all to themselves [click] ... David Cameron: my vision for a fair Britain [click] ... David Cameron: I will block EU financial transaction tax [click] ******* Health Workers Reject Pensions Final Offer [video] ... Medics surveyed on pensions action [click] and [more] ******* Brain function can start declining 'as early as age 45' [click] ******* Egypt's foreign reserves drop to $18.12 billlion [click] ... Campaign calls for canceling Egypt's debts amid credit rating downgrade [click] ******* Bizarre hotels show a new trend in travel [click]

January 10

Cabinet meeting in Stratford [No 10] ... Cameron calls first Cabinet meeting of year on Olympic handball court 200 days before Games begin [click] and BBC [video] and [more] ******* Obama: the US can no longer fight the world's battles [click] ... Germany sells six-month bonds at negative yields [click] ******* Dark matter images reveal widest view of dark mystery [click] ... Scientists discover soldier bees [click]

January 11

David Cameron: 'Nursing needs to improve' [video] ... Nurses 'are losing their sense of compassion’ [click] ... Aspirin benefits are 'overstated', researchers warn [click] ******* Leveson outlines thinking on PCC alternative [click] *******
Anger over appearance of ex-Egyptian finance minister at LSE lecture [click] ...
US ambassador: We fully support the Egyptian economy [click] ... US to offer more Egyptian companies duty-free access to American market [click] ... The veil, the chair and the virtue police [click] ... Thomas Friedman draws jeers as he talks Islamism, democracy at AUC [click] ... Free Egyptians party announces boycott of upper house elections [click] ... Muslim Brotherhood met with Mubarak after his ouster [click] *******

January 12

Join us for a Red tape web Challenge chat [No 10] ******* No more 'arty' British movies: Cameron restricts funding to mainstream
[click] and [more] ... Foreign Ministry not sparing efforts to extradite ex-finance minister [click] ******* Jimmy Carter doubts military will fully submit to civilian rule [click] ... Ganzouri meets with US deputy secretary of state in Cairo [click] ******* Astronomers weigh in on Milky Way's true colours [click]

January 13

Cameron flies to meet Saudi Arabian rulers [click] and [more] ******* Azhar rallies Islamists and liberals behind 'democratic' vision for Egypt [click] ... Islamist 'Morality Police' to train volunteers in using electric batons [click :] ... Naked images of Pharoahs are heresy, says Salafist leader [click] ... Salafist dig at Naguib Mahfouz is 'worrying,' says ElBaradei [click] ... Revolutionary activists take fight into cyberspace [click] ... US increases outreach to Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood [click]

January 14

David Cameron signals rethink on child benefit cuts [click] and [more] ******* David Cameron on first trip to Saudi Arabia [video] ... Cameron visits Saudi king on first trip to country [click] and [click] and [more] ******* Saudi king dismisses religious police head [click] and [here] ******* One in eight UK scientists has witnessed research fraud [click] ... Misconduct pervades UK research [click]

January 15

Mohamed ElBaradei drops Egyptian presidential bid [click] ... Mohamed ElBaradei quits Egyptian presidential race [click] and [more] ... ElBaradei withdrawal from presidential race stirs confusion among activists [click] ******* Egypt's radical Salafists approach secular rivals [click :] ... Former US President Carter describes Egyptian women’s parliamentary share a 'disappointment' [click] ... Egypt’s morality police: Islamic fanaticism or elaborate hoax? [click] and [more]

January 16

ElBaradei’s withdrawal from presidential race raises hopes for revolutionary change
[click] ... ******* ... ElBaradei: Military council tried to dissuade me from withdrawal [click] ******* Doctors Syndicate condemns treatment of Egyptian doctors in Saudi Arabia [click] ******* UN chief urges end to Israeli 'occupation' [click]

January 17

David Cameron: Samantha and I have weekly date night [click] and [Hello] and, he's not podgy! [click] and [more] ... David Cameron Calls Katy Perry's Music 'Appalling' [click] and [here] and [more] ... ******* U.K. says 'time is running out' for Middle East peace [click] and [more] ******* John Lewis and a new vision for capitalism [click] ******* Ban Ki-moon: Mubarak should not face death penalty [click] ... Brotherhood secretary's remarks on women spark controversy [click] ... ElBaradei supporters reject 'fake' revolution celebrations [click]

January 19

Cameron steps up efforts to heal EU rifts [click] ... The wishes and worries of a parenthetic revolutionary [click] and more [click] ... Coasting schools a "hidden crisis" with pupils failing to reach their full potential [No 10] *******
GP: Professional uncertainty [click] ******* Piano prodigy passes Grade 8 music exam at age eight [click]

January 20

Co-operative Bill will' build a fairer economy' [No 10] ... David Cameron says UK must build 'a better economy' [with video] ... Sketch: David Cameron's vision for a cuddlier capitalism [click] and [more] *******
London's health plans: why the need for an overhaul is urgent [click] ... Foetus parties: Womb with a view? [click] ******* Religion for Atheists by Alain de Botton - review [click] ... The 42 commandments of Ma'at [click] and [here] ******* Star factories snapped by infrared telescopes [click] *******

January 21

For Britain to flourish, so must capitalism [click] ... David Cameron pledges era of 'popular capitalism' [video] ******* The rise of the overclass [click] ******* Will the health bill increase private activity in the NHS? [click] ... T-rays technology could help develop Star Trek-style hand-held medical scanners [click] ******* A first, with honours, for the student who rejected Oxbridge [click] ******* A place where women rule over men [click] ******* Brotherhood leader asks media to support democracy [click] ... Egypt: Hosni Mubarak a 'man with clean hands' [click]

January 22

Singing Obama [video] ******* NHS changes: Clegg says plans must go ahead [click] ******* Turning weed into gold [video] ... Animals [pictures] *******

January 23

Live updates: Egypt's first post-Mubarak People's Assembly convenes [click] ******* What's the business in you [No 10] ... Set up your companies in one of my Government departments, David Cameron tells Britain's entrepreneurs [click] and [more]

January 25

PM speaks Chinese! [video] and Happy Chinese New Year from [No 10] ... David Cameron shrugs off welfare battles to soar in poll [click] and [The Mail] and [more] ... David Cameron calls for reform of European court of human rights [click] and [more] ******* Diplomats spell out 'January revolution' in lights on FM building [click] ... Military head ends state of emergency, except in 'thug-related cases' [click] ... Blow by blow: The People's Assembly's first day [click] ... FJP committee nominations produce first parliamentary crisis [click] ... Hundreds gather in Tahrir Square ahead of revolution anniversary [click]

January 26

PM speech on the European Court of Human Rights [No 10] and [more] ...
Cameron will use Davos platform to lobby Brussels on burden of regulation [click] and [more] and, he's NOT arrogant! [@@] ******* US praises lifting of Emergency Law, seeks clarification of 'thuggery' [click] and Egyptians [too] ... Egypt's anti-SCAF protests eclipse Tahrir Square anniversary festivities [click] and [pictures] and [video] ... Mixed emotions on Tahrir Square for Egypt anniversary [click] and [more] ******* The Muslim Brotherhood is not the Taliban [click] ... Artists march on new parliament for freedom of expression [click] ******* Genetic testing: NHS 'must back revolution' [click] ... Magic mushrooms’ effects illuminated in brain imaging studies [click] ********

January 27

Davos 2012 PM's speech [N0 10] and [Video] and [more] ******* Andrew Lansley calls BMA 'politically poisoned' for opposing NHS shakeup [click] and [more] ******* Iranian leader: Egypt’s new parliament a step toward Islamic regime [click] Grand mufti: Parliament should decide about Sharia law [click] *******

January 29

Baradei proposes Egypt transition roadmap [click] ******* Anti-matter atoms to address anti-gravity question [click] ******* American NGO workers prevented from leaving Egypt [click] and [Egypt] and [more] ... AUC denies El-Adly lawyer's claims that it killed protesters [click] ... Brotherhood figure meets US officials at US ambassador’s residence [click] ... Palestinian leader: Talks with Israel over [click] ... Brotherhood vows to shun Israeli officials [click] ******* Twitter to begin censoring Tweets in certain countries [click] and [reaction] and more from [Egypt]

January 30

We too should ban the burka [click] ******* Low turnout, glitches in Shura Council elections [click] and [more] ... and, there is No 'dignity' in begging minister! [click] and [more] ... EU ambassador: Brotherhood and Salafis against restricting freedom of belief [click:] ... Obama reads Tantawi the Riot Act [click]

January 31

EU treaty will not 'place obligations' on UK, says PM [click] ... EU and the euro: Where they stand [click] ... David Cameron ready for fresh Spanish rumblings on Rock of Gibraltar [click] and [more] ... PM urges restraint on future RBS bonuses[click] and [more] ******* Check your facts, Sarkozy! [click] ******* Gorillas grin 'to reassure pals [click] ******* 'Rift btwn Egypt’s revolutionaries, Brotherhood widens in anniversary aftermath [click] *******

"We have differentiation from other communities. Our history is the critical differentiation. We should be out shouting it from the roof tops - we are an historic community. We are a real town.”

Made in ... ;-)

2012-01-31T13:26:00.035Z

When it cometh to 'Industry' ... The Lord hath his mysterious ways ....

;-)

Song: Nathalie by Gilbert Becaud

Big Society

2012-01-27T19:40:00.020Z

Once I heard a man say that if the world had half of it's current population, everybody would be happy because the rest will all be better off, rich ... and there would be no more poverty.

At the first instance, I thought yes, It would be brilliant! After all, 'if poverty was a man I would kill him', right? ... and having done that, killing the poorer half of the population living on earth, we'd all be rich, and happyyy forever after ...

Sounds good, doesn't it? ... then let's decide to kill off the poorer half of the world population, to get to 'rich'. Only, with that, it will also be a world of takers and no givers, since with riches foreverybody, there would no longer be any need to give or help anyone! Then a world of vultures ripping each other's eyes out at every opportunity. Because by defining 'happy' with money alone, and without having to give, morality will also disappear ... in short, the new world would be a savage jungle! ... and no, I don't want to be here when that happens, so please get me out of here if and whenever this is nearing real! @@

... and that person, the he who wanted to get rid of the poorest half of the world, what an immoral and dangerous fool! ... because it is giving that makes us human, not taking only for that's the habit of predetors; or beasts! Of course beasts can come shaped like humans too ... and if you imagine society as shaped one class above the other like a pyramid [similar but not same terminology as this ancient one below], usually those who are most generous and most giving are at the bottom. That's because they are in the same predicament and so, they take care of each other and that generosity usually gets smaller and smaller the higher you go up. Again, that's because as people become more self suffecient, depending on others diminishes and is replaced little by little with 'protection' of aquisitions instead, then of wanting more until you reach those at the other end of the spectrum at the top bit, the takers only sitting at the top levels of the pyramid.

A Big Society therefore aims to flaten the tip at the top, and strive to make the bottom narrower; flatter at the top and and narrower at the bottom, all the time ... and keep on doing that again and again ... forever.

This is done by painting the whole pyramid with good ethics and sound moral values first. Then encourage people to do what those higher up do, 'help themselves' - but since most of those at the bottom do not know how, then the same principal also encourages those who do know the how from the layers above to lend a hand to those in need next to them and help pull up those below. Not only through charity, although this is a must, but by 'caring' in any way to help those below climb to their level. This can be by, for example, educate by giving them knowledge and expertise, aid, sponsor, anything. At the same time, those below must be ready and want to cooperate and have a real will to climb that first step ... and with the emotional help they are accustomed to from their peers as well as this new more caring surroundings, they should be able to ...

In theory, tops should flaten as the height of the pyramid is reduced because you no longer have takers only. While at the same time, the bottom of the pyramid should become narrower as people on the lower levels become more prosperous with all this peer support plus that new care coming from above and all the resulting eduction. providing the 'help yourself' ethos is constant all the way and is encouraged and motivated by the presence of 'will', 'strive', that in turn will create new 'ability' to climb and move upwards.

To ensure the whole operation runs best until it ryhmes like a clock 'tic toc tic toc', or smoothly, somebody needs to sit outside the pyramid to watch as people strive to move up the levels - helped by those on the same level plus those right above, and occasionally from even higher levels whenever possible ... the 'watchers' are always there creating new opportunities, always supervising, facilitating [steps may need a bit of polish to make it easier to climb, etc], motivating, cheering and urging the pyramid crowd to keep on moving on and on. Those watchers only get involved if and when necessary, otherwise they leave the pyramid crowd well alone. Hence, the watchers promote and not provide since they are sitting outside the pyramid as 'owners' of the operation - and since nothing is dearer than 'own', those watching are and must always be sincere ... and it's chop chop on those tails that will become vacant below, or build those bits that needs widening at higher levels ... and do that all the time ... until the operation achieves it's goal of reducing that bottom and falttening the top enough to achieve equality and fairness for all according to ability and endeavour.

In theory, 'if' ability is constant, the pyramid should then flip upside down after a while, that's if everybody on every level also kept on being sincere in their will to help themselves and help others too.

... only, people are not machines hence, nothing is constant, nor is everybody so sincere, or have the same energy or ability to climb. The reason why the pyramid will never flip upside down as there will always be some who will fall from higher levels and rest on the bottom again as well as those who will never have the drive to help themselves move up and will always depend on 'the watchers', who will never give up on helping them so long as they are in real need, at the same time as promote, create opportunities and encourage them to help themselves ... and so on, and on ...

This is the model I think is envisaged by our government now. So, it is the Brits on the Pyramid, and the government sitting outside facilitating and watching. This is why they want and need, for example, to integrate health and social care - and why the NHS will never be privatised - because without the NHS, the 'watchers' won't be able to help those at the bottom or those falling down from higher levels - and since lots of health needs needs special expertise and can not be provided by 'self' or peers, or a little higher, the government keeps this responsibility providing it is real need.

So, in short; the NHS will have to stay universal, available to those in 'real' need, and free at the point of delivery. The 'only' time it can be disposed of is if the whole pyramid flips upside down - and that will never happen!

... and if it does, who cares about the NHS then, eh? ;-)

... and the reason why the Tories are looking at other things that can be based on the same principal, including 'greedy' takers at the top - like executives pay, for example ... and everything else too .... so, it's all a matter of principal, and the government has absolutely no intention of neglecting it's duty to that IMHO

This is a Big Society ... always going up .... providing it helps itself!

As for that ancient Egyptian pyramid below, it is a dictator's pyramid, as most ancient Egyptian rulers were. They even had a semi-god status! Oh, the power! ... bute here there is no principal, just 'self' on the part of most of those at the top. And that's what the people of Egypt are now trying to dismantle. By the way, you know those 'Government officials' just below the Pharoah? Those were mostly the priests - and they were of even a higher status than the army! Why? Because, unlike armies, they knew how to keep those at the lower levels veeery placid, or else the gods would be really angry and you never know what punishment those gods can inflict on that busy slave or humble farmer! Poor fearful slave, and poor fearful farmer ...

... only this 'clergy' trick never worked on the merchants and the scribes because those were educated, they knew things because they were clever. They were enlightened enough to communicate above as well as below as you see. That's why they are right in the middle of that pyramid between the slaves, the farmers and the artisans, and those ' above - so, it's their duty and their responsibility to care for those below, even seek the help of the the artisans, whose job was to make those below happy and those above entertained and fulfilled, then give lots of love and care to the farmers and the slaves - and not just leave them to the mercy of those takers and never givers above.

You see, The Big Society Pyramid works, always.

Care to help build the Pyramids?

... and I'll tell you about the powerful priests, and what havoc they did to king Akhenaten, and his son king Tut Ankh Amun another time ....

:-)

Prime Minister Questions: 25 January 2012

2012-01-25T22:28:00.008Z

Question-by-question guide

youth unemployment
Scottish referendum
Economy – growth
IMF funds
health bill – NHS reforms
North sea oil safety regulations
benefits for cancer patients
Coryton oil refinery
control orders for terrorists
renewable energy
holocaust education
benefits cap
lobbyists – ministerial code
welfare reform bill
bank lending
National Audit Office report of the work program
disability benefits
allocation of landing slots at Heathrow
Lee Heath Murder trial

And Media [reaction]

Egypt ... first session in parliament!

2012-01-23T14:30:00.046Z

" Four for a tenner!", loudly chants the street peasant as he pulls his large horse driven cart ladden with just off the tree tangerines and other fruit and vegetables. Hearing his distinct chants, I take some money and run to my balcony where baskets tied to long lines drop out of many balconies at the same time. "Too expensive, make it 5 for ten [kiloes], and how much are those potatoes?" ... then you pull your basket up and le voila, your vegetables and fruit shopping is done! ... and your daily news papers too, for at the same time, news paper man arrives on his tricycle with it's large wire basket piled to the top. How he doesn't drop them, I have no idea ... or maybe he does, and picks them up again, who knows? Only, I've never seen that happening ... and he gets shouting too, but you don't need to drop the basket for him. You know, I am always mesmerised and 'full of awe' watching this skinny man as he rolls up those papers, then wraps an elastic band around then, and hoooooppp ... he catapults those papers with his bare hand to any balcony, up to the fourth floor! Puuuure Genius! ... and he never misses!

We know them all, local young and old, for those street sellers have been roaming this area for years and years, sometimes handing over the business to their off spring as they retire too. And so, we know the children too, "Boy, come up, I've got a pair of trousers and a shirt for you", "Doesn't your son have a pair of shoes to spare as well?" ... Ah, here is the molasses and tahini man .... it's getting too noisy in here ... and I love it! "Stop buying all this junk! ... the cupboards are full! ... and you've made a mess stacking things anywhere you can find, and out everywhere too, what are you going to do with all this!" screams my mother, what's the matter with her now? She must be losing it, you know! "I'll eat it all of course, what is it to you!" @@

That's Egypt. A close net peaceful, albeit noisy, society that wants to get on with life, without hassle ... and with that sunny climate all year round, they may not be as rich as their counterparts in the west, but they are accepting and contented with their lives, they are happy people ... you don't get to meet real Egyptians on the tourists trail, but such is tourism, isn't it? ... and most of the time, you never get to meet the real locals in any other country either ... such is the shame!

What am doing writing all that now anyway?! This post is meant to be about that 'historical', though I am tempted to call it 'hysterical' event that took place yesterday. Of course, I mean that first all new 'democratic' parliament meeting following the 'revolution' of exactly one year ago tomorrow. Well, I didn't watch it all, no! Just the first half an hour or so, and that was enough for me! I must say that I am not that happy how this 'revolution' evolved, nor do I see any achievements at all, yet. On the contrary, I am now somewhat sceptic about Egypt's future under this new all Islamist set up where I wasn't before, so it remains to be seen how things will evolve soon enough. I am not alone in this for those who were excluded from the 'democracy' business are very sceptical too, they have decided not to participate in any further elections as they envisage the same pattern happening again, and again.

Following three sets of fairy elections, the new parliament is now 70% Islamist, with only six elected women members plus two more appointed by the head of the Army; FM Tantawi, so 8 out of 500+ in all! Those sat in that room like roses amongst all the men, very placid women too! Four together on one group right in the middle so that the TV cameras can get them, then two ... by two ... hurragh, hurragh ....

There was an air of happiness around this parliament too as members shook each other's hands to congratulate each other on their fantastic win of a piece of the cake, and fantastic it was too! Then they elected their speaker ... and he's the same Brother, who was nominated by the Muslim Brotherhood a few days before hand, so, well done brothers ...

... then everybody broke into a kissing spree as MPs raced to congratulate their new top man. Poor speaker, his cheeks must be hurting so much now ... the women 'MPs' stayed put of course, very placid! ... and I couldn't help shouting at the TV screen ... "No, no, no, no kissing! You're in a democratic parliament now, no kissing allowed! ... you're supposed to kick each other's backside for Egypt, you know! And, you need to forget about this 'togetherness' for whenever you are in that big room! ... and you must never hand kiss your top ones when the cameras are rolling either!

... and now that everything is done and dusted, I think tomorrow will pass

peacefully ... since a year of hassle is enough for the Egyptians, and it will be time to remember those who died or got injured instead. As for the Advisory Council and the presidential elections, already there is a bit of name calling that has driven two more candidates out of the presidential race ... another one is also being called a 'feloul' or 'remnant' of the old regime. Who will make it to either that council or to the top office? I do not know, most probably we haven't seen that face yet ... However, the majority of the people I meet with have already decided not to participate in more elections, no point, they say ... but like myself, many think that with a parliament that is predominantly Islamist, a negligent Liberal minority, and with 50% assigned by law to peasants, farmers and labourers, and that stark exclusion of women or a whole half of Egyptian society, who else does this parliament represent but Islamists, so people are wary of what laws will come out of that men's room?!

This is why many believe it is best if the army keeps an eye of what comes out of that big room because five years is a looooong time, and you never know ... religion is meant to aid life, not become a noose around one's neck, so please take note everybody ... Personally, I don't care what anyone does so long as it is legal, or if they want to cover their women in carpet either, providing that's what those women want to do ... but, in return, we want other women to have their freedoms too, and not have curtailing impositions forced upon them or on their families, fair.

Some say it was the army who intended for events to unfold this way, I do not know if this is true, but even if it is, it doesn't matter now. What matters is that they have 85,000,000 mouths to feed and defend, and that's now their number one priority ... it's the best option there is, until the old girl is sorted out, proper! ... plus, it goes to show ... those boys are good at what they do, soo good, by far! ... Ma always knew that ;-)

Have I ever told you? There are no women in the Egyptian army, but I was an army soldier for two weeks when I was sixteen, yep! To entice me to go, my high school mistress told me 'the trip' to that army camp was a reward for something or another, I can't remember what ... and I fell for it! And so I went, for two weeks, two veeery looong weeks! ... of no visitors, of waking up way before dawn, of tidy your bed, of iron your issue uniform and polish your army shoes, of spot clean those filthy army toilets ... then, of line up to salute the flag before being head to toe, and finger nails too, inspected by really angry looking officers with a chip on their shoulders, and with a "We have it in for you mate so, beware" grudge! And they don't budge! ... then you got split into groups, one to cook for the whole camp in pots that were huuuge, so big if you fell inside them, you became history! ... or, do some paving, tiling, carpentry ... etc, etc ... then run around the camp loaaadsa times! 'Hard labour', for 'girls'?! ... the knieving 'bees'! Of course, Ma here did each chore once, but she couldn't and wouldn't allow her spoilt self any further participation in that disguised and well organised, and legalised, slavery! So she got thinking, and she got clever ... and she was able to convince those all male officers she was too good for that type of endeavour, and that she was excellent at competing for the honour of the army instead! ... and that came in the form of hours and hours ... and more hours of practice at shooting, what else, it's an army! ... and that's when she knew absolutely naught about it to start with, but survival is the best inspiration, always ... and Ma survived! ... and got an army medal at the end o f it too, after winning a few competitions of course!

Not Ma, but, I think, more girls on that 'trip', if it still exists ... I hope one of them made it to that Men's room ... just one!

... and I could've shot that headmistresses when I went back to school, if only to wipe that vindictive, ugly and slimy smile off her face! Why young and placid me? I have nooo idea! ;-) ... but they made a man out of Ma, and Ma is still an army soldier inside to this day!@@

In the evening, the officers became really nice, they gave us an 'I love you Egypt' singing and games party every day. We enjoyed that a lot ... and I still love doing some shooting, so it wasn't that bad youuu old headmistress b*! ... I remember 'the trip' with lots of affection to this day ...

So, Mr Parliament speaker, would you next time address the ladies too? You never know but maybe there is a female soldier in there, and she won't like being so invisble! So, to address those members, it is not just about 'Sada', or 'gentlemen', but 'Sayedat and sada' [ladies and gentlemen] instead, even those there is too few females so please take note as people are watching ... and 'Trust'? That you have to earn ...

Welcome to politics Brothers, and few placid sisters ... and to 'democracy'!

... and now, a song we used to sing in that camp ... and it's all Egyptians now need to do, Sing Loud ... to put Egypt first!

Hope for Egypt with me :-)

مصر مصر مصر امنا .....وفخرنا وعزنا ومجدنا
Mesr Mesr Mesr omona, wfakhrona wezona wamagdona
Egypt, Egypt, Egypt, our mother - our pride, our prosperity and our grace

نيلها الحياه منة الاله ...... شعبها الابى وجيشها فداه
Neeloha elhaya menato elelah, shaboha alabion wa gaishoha fedah
A god's gift, her Nile is life - her people proud, and an army ready to sacrifice [to protect]

يا بنى الوطن يا بنى الهرم .... ان جيشكم اقسم القسم
Ya bani elwatan ya bani elharam, en gaishakom aqssam alqassam
People of our nation, you builders of the Pyramids, your army has sworn,

يطرد الطغاه يهزم البغاه......يسترد مالكم من سؤدد وجاه
Yatrodo el toghah yahzemo aelboghah, yasstareda malakom men so'ododon wagah
To fend off aggressors, to protect your wealth and defeat injustice

مصر مصر مصر امنا .....وفخرنا وعزنا ومجدنا
Mesr Mesr Mesr omona, wfakhrona wezona wamagdona
Egypt, Egypt, Egypt, our mother - our pride, our prosperity and our grace

عيشى يا بلادى فى امن وسلام .....جيشك الامين للحق لن ينام
Eishy yabeladi fi amnen wasalam, gaysheki elaminon lelhaq layanam
My country, live secure, in peace - and standing by what's right, they will never sleep

قد عقدنا العزم نملك الزمام ......فإنهضى وسيرى دوما للأمام
Qad aaqadna alazm namleko elzemam, fanhadi wseeri daowman lelamam
They have vowed to keep your reins - so stand and proceed forward, for always

مصر مصر مصر امنا .....وفخرنا وعزنا ومجدنا
Mesr Mesr Mesr omona, wfakhrona wezona wamagdona
Egypt, Egypt, Egypt, our mother - our pride, our prosperity and our grace

يا شباب مصر يا رجالها .....إهتفوا لمصر واعملوا لها
Yashabab Mesr yaregalaha, ehtefo lmesr wa'malo laha
Men of Egypt, her youth, chant her name and work for her

أعلنوا الجهاد وإرفعوا العماد ......حصن مصر يحيا حرا بالجهاد
E'leno elgehad warfa'o el'emad, hessn masr yahia horan belgehad
Declare your will to work, defend and protect her, for Egypt's fortress will stay free with such continuous endeavour

[Sung by Army personnel]

'The secret group ruling Egypt,' the deep state and its collapse [click] and [more] and [more] and [more]
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood in contact with ex-ruling party officials [click] and [more]
ElBaradei suggests People's Assembly elect interim president [click] and [here] and [more]
Egypt's women missing from formal politics [click]
Liberal Free Egyptians party opposes handing over power to parliament [click]
Blogger filed incitement suit against Salafi preacher [click] and [more]

Will Egypt's first post-revolution parliament make a difference? [click] and [more]

Sweet, so sweet!

2012-01-19T04:00:00.038Z

Nyaaahahaha ... eeeha!

No more horrible 'Anti-sentiment', but true friendship ... and harmony ... at loooong last! You know, it was never 'Antisentiment' really, but rather, it was 'disappointment', and that is very different ... but it doesn't matter now anyway, does it?!

"US ambassador to Egypt Ann Peterson visits Muslim Brotherhood HQ in Cairo, discusses political and economic relations between the two nations

Ya! Gooodieee! :-)

US ambassador to Egypt Ann Peterson met senior members of the Muslim Brotherhood on Wednesday at the organisation’s headquarters in Cairo.

Peterson discussed political and economic relations between Egypt and the US with Supreme Guide Mohamed Badie and Secretary General
Mahmoud Hussein.

Hussein reported that Badie told the ambassador that US support for dictators had damaged the country’s popularity, and that the US must act positively to solve the Palestinian issue if it wanted to improve its standing in the Arab and Muslim worlds.

Peterson admitted that the US made some mistakes in the past and hoped they would not recur in the future. She added that democracy would help build a stable partnership between the two countries.

Badie told the ambassador that Egypt suffered from the misallocation of resources and the upcoming period required all political parties and powers to work together.

He went on to say that Sharia law is the principle source of legislation in Egypt and is the biggest guarantee of freedom because it protects freedom of religion and personal freedom for all citizens.The ambassador said the economic situation in Egypt was difficult and the country needed to accept loans from the World Bank. In response, Badie said the loan should be discussed by the newly elected parliament."

Brrrilliant! ... Really Brilliant! ;-)

... but her excellence didn't need to trouble herself that much really ... meanwhile ....

6 women in the all NEW nearly 500 strong parliament, what an achievement! It's what 'the people' wanted, init?!

Incidently, did you happy, smiling, and friendly folk discuss how to bring Egypt's runaway tourists ... and investors back? ... no time? Then maybe not, eh?

BTW, has anybody seen those anywhere?

I must go look for them ... Tourists! Investors! Where are you?

... hey world and seven seas ... can you hear me? Anyone out there?

... heee-aaayyyy ... haaaaaaa aaaaaaaah aaaaa ....

First post-Mubarak parliament holds session [click] and [more]A year of revolution: Lessons learned [click] Egypt's new People's Assembly swears in today, but powers are dubious [click] US, Egyptian military, Islamists engage in precarious dance [click] Human Rights Watch: West should do more to support democracy [click] and [here] Egypt: Testing America's tolerance for Arab democracy [click]Egypt's Islamic parties win elections to parliament [click] and some Egyptian [views] and [more] and [more] and [more] and [more] and [more] and [more]

Comment [click]

Salafis prepare an Islamic constitution [click]

Style on the Nile: Why this is the ideal time
- and perfect way - to discover Egypt [click]

What kind of an adventurer are you? [Click]

Egyptian frustration as tourists stay away [click]
Unrest in Egypt sparks 30 per cent drop in visitor numbers
[click]

Prime Minister Questions: 18 January 2012

2012-01-18T22:58:00.000Z

Question-by-question guide

academies – national funding formula reform
unemployment rise: youth unemployment, female unemployment, Welsh unemployment
help for veterans with mental illness
Clyde Coastguard station closure
draft water bill
legal sanctions – financial services regulation
benefits cap
health bill – NHS reform
disability benefits
gambling regulation
Falklands
EU working time directive in NHS (junior doctors)
trade with Asia
inheritance tax
Syria – arms trade
West Africa crisis – international response
drug driving
ECHR – human rights ruling
child kidnappin
Leveson Inquiry

In loving Egypt ...

2012-01-15T11:51:00.022Z

Translated: In loving Egypt

When you become a parent and have a young family, your first priority is make sure there is food on their table, and make sure they stay healthy, then you have a duty to educate them so that they grow upright and flourish like a young green tree; a pleasure to look at and useful to themselves and their surroundings - then you can sit back and enjoy that green sunny field either from within, or from a distance.

That basically sums up what a good parent is, and good leadership too. Because what works for the family will always work for the country too. Hence if you are no good at parenting, you won't make a good leader either ... and like everything else in life, it comes naturally to some and not to others, no matter how long you train them. Because, be it little or large family, it's that bonded 'selfless' love which makes you dedicated, and only when you have that, can you take and cope with the responsibility of caring, raising and maintaining a family, and very much enjoy it on the way too.

Of course, 'rulers are the exception to this rule' ... trained or not, do they consider their people family? ... think 'self' ....

Mohamed ElBaradei is a good parent, yet he has just thrown in the towel and won't be running for the Egyptian presidential race anymore. At the first instant you think, if you love your family so much, as you have shown so many a time, then why did he do that?! And the answer is, how many times do good fathers leave because 'wife' no longer likes them?! It's the same principal! ... but then it's the 'kids' who will always suffer at the end ... I am sad Mohamed has left the race ... but I don't blame him, because 'wife' did not want him there ....

When it was evident that he can impact, then make a difference, ElBaradie was subjected to the most vicious of tarnishing campaigns! 'They' left nothing! He was ripped apart; his integrity, his honour, his professionalism, and his family too - nothing was left in that quest to destroy him, and I am sad to say that it worked, for Mohamed's popularity has been gradually going down since that campaign against him started ... and what a loss to Egypt, and to those without much choice ... and a win to his enemies whoever those are. I wonder, do those love 'the family'? Will they be as dedicated and as responsible as Mohamed is? Keep watching ...

In raising a young family, we Muslims follow a teaching that says 'Norture for seven [years], discipline for seven, then befriend for seven, then let go ... with lots of unconditional love all the way, and beyond ... and if you think about it, apart from 'norture' like you spoil and care for a young green shoot, 'discipline' is to teach and instill values, otherwise things will go out of hand ... or how else can 'kids' make the right choices when you let go? ... so if you do that right, then, and only then, you can 'befriend' ... and that is 'democracy' ... no other way!

Mohamed hasn't given up on that Big family, he says that he will still continue his fight for freedom for those without choice, but rather than being restricted by the responsibilities of the office, that he is now free to teach and 'unite' unhindered ... I know he will do that very well too ... because this is the kind of love, of dedication, and of the calibre of man he is ...

Mohamed is continuing with his green and sunny vision for Egypt ... hopeful

With lots of love ...

I've just started following him on Twitter, even though I'm not that familiar with the chirpping site, but loads do, you know .. all hope to hear more of his news soon ...chirp chirp ... anyone there? :-)

It's in Arabic, but I want to keep a copy of this video here ...

"By Samia Zeitoun:
Losing baradei is a loss for the revolution itself. As a liberal and a humanist his progressive concepts are in direct opposition to a repressive and antiquated leadership. The results of the election giving political Islam supremacy in the parliament also does not forecast a modern ,civil nation based on the rule of law and human rights advocacy."

Let the showdown begin [click]
In search of a parliamentary alliance [click]
Salafi party opposes coalition with forces who reject Sharia [click]
As Islamists sweep elections, western media softens rhetoric [click]
Brotherhood close to achieving its ultimate goal, says Badie [click]
Egypt's transition to democracy grows messier [click] and [more]
Presidential hopeful warns about 'calls to disgrace' armed forces [click]

In memoir, ex-Muslim Sister paints an unflattering picture [click]
Sisters' bid for parliament: a real or cosmetic move? [click]
Candidates jostle to be Egypt parliamentary speaker [click]
Brotherhood candidate announces formation of joint committee with Salafis [click]
Six-way deal gives Muslim Brotherhood parliamentary reins [click] and [more]
Brotherhood to choose heads of parliamentary committees [click]
Brotherhood party to support head of Advisory Council for president [click]
SCAF, ministry plan for battles with 'rioters' during anniversary [click]
Free Egyptians Party quits Egyptian Bloc [click]
Lawyer: Military was in charge at time of protester deaths [click]
Presidential election draft law unconstitutional, says Egyptian court [click]
Al-Azhar to demand speedy transfer of power in Tahrir on 25 January [click]
Thousands of leaflets distributed calling for 25 January demonstration [click]

ElBaradei’s withdrawal from presidential race raises hopes for revolutionary change [click]

ElBaradei: I'll be on front line of 25 January demonstration [click] and [Twitter]

"Resistance to the organised mass can be effected only by those who are as well organised as the mass itself"

Prime Minister Questions 11 January 2012

2012-01-12T00:10:00.006Z

1

Question-by-question guide

international exports
rail fare increases
High Speed Rail 1
winter fuel allowance
standards in nursing care
Scottish referendum
forced marriage
police funding formula
bail laws
social care
taxing the highest earners
post offices in rural areas
EU treaty
tax exile
funding cuts to science and engineering for women
Guantanamo bay
fifty pence tax rate
Bombardier contract
executive pay
housing benefit
health service in Cumbria
forced eviction of Palestinians
bone marrow donation awareness
cadet forces and schools

PS: All forms of denial of human, civil rights and social oppression against women, including forced marriage, should be made illegal, not just in Britain, but in the world

Mabsout ya Seedi? ...

2012-01-10T14:51:00.021Z

"My dog was banned when the guards changed at my apartment - dogs are seen as unclean in certain Islamic cultures. I just told the guard it wasn't a dog - that it looked like a dog but it wasn't - they were too confused to do anything."

No, this post is not on the subject of that quote above. I've just come back from meeting a few nice friends and their friends at a social club. They all feel so ... well, confused ... you know, Egyptian elections and stuff ... politics, they now say; "Been there, done that, enough" ... who is Master? Who knows? Not the one above, definately not! Then again, who cares anymore, it's done! ...

So, that's done and out of the way, we sat and to watch a classic film together ... and was that lounge full!

It's about a poor young man who invented something quite promising. His close friend liked it so much, he pushed him to go to a big company owned by a Pasha to try and sell his invention and make loooads a money, and prestige too ... "Pasha?!, my god! A whooole Pasha?!", the young one said ... but after a lot of push from his friend, and lots of hassle and hesitation, he went. First, he met a small employee who saw the potential and moved it higher, and higher, and higher, until it went right to the top, to the Pasha himself, oh dear! But Pasha seeing the opportunity of loooadsa money himself, the process and 'negotiations' took 'some' time to agree a deal. Meanwhile , the poor inventor had met a pretty girl and they fell in love, only, unknown to the young man, Pasha was her dad ... and he found them out. Of course dad then ordered the young man to leave his daughter 'immediately', but he wouldn't. Furious, the Pasha accused him of stealing his own invention from himself[Pasha] ... and "guess who would the police and the courts believe", he told the young man! .... but don't worry, of course love won at the end ... it's a classic!

In that clip, young man with Pasha, and that friend, in Pasha's luxurious car. They are being shauffeur driven to the nearest police station for Pasha to hand the young inventor in. In a predicament and not knowing what to do, he fabricates a song, anything and everything, classic language mixed with slang, pleading mixed with bitterness and praise, and with humour ... and he found a voice to sing to the Pasha "ya Pasha ya Pasha" ... and a talent at playing a musical instrument he never touched before too, there is even a funeral march, his own, there! Well, they say need is mother of innovation after all ... and as they drive, the Pasha likes what he hears and passes many police stations but never stops as he wants to hear more 'singing' ... and as the singer adds yet more and more of his new found talent every time they approach another police station ... and as his hope of survival rises, his voice gets better at singing too ...

We used to sing this song to our professors at university, during exam times ... and it worked, sometimes ... I hear it is still being sung, by some, to profs to this day ... and it's not just for profs of course ... but to any 'dog owner' around too ...

They say translation is like a precious carpet, if the original text is the nice part you see, then translation is like the back which rests on the floor ... indeed, No one can ever do this song justice, so, enjoy that back ... and ....

Are you a dog? ... or a cat person?:-)

يا سيدي امرك .. امرك يا سيدي
Ya seedi amrak, amrak ya seedi
At your peck n call Master, at your command, O Master

ولاجل خاطرك .. خاطرك يا سيدي
Wlagl khatrak, khatrak ya seedi
Servant to your pleasing, your pleasure, O Master

مقدرش اخالفك لاني عارفك
Maqdarsh akhalfak la'eni arfak
I can't go against your will, because I know

تقدر تحط الحديد في ايدي
Teqdar tehot elhadid fi edi
You can iron cuff my hands, anytime

اسمع .. اسمع يا سيدي
Esma'a, esmaa ya Seedi
Listen, oh listen more, O Master

---

بالذي اسكر من عرف اللما
Belazi asskara men orf ellama
To he who got me drunk, without wine

كان في حاله وجت له بلوه م السما
Can fi halo gatlo balwa men elsamaa
When while minding my own business, catastrophe fell over from the sky

والذي اجرى دموعي عندما
Walazi agra demmoy endama
To he who made my tears run and flow, when he ...

كان هايبعتني لاقرب محكمه
Can hayba'tni le aqrab mahkama
is about to send me to the nearest court of law

مبسوط يا سيدي .. ياسيدي
Mabsout ya seedi ... ya seedi
Are you feeling happy Master?, O Master?

مبسوط يا سيدي ..
Mabsout ya seedi?
Are you happy Master?

مقدرش اخالفك لاني عارفك
Maqdarsh akhalfak la'eni arfak
I can't be against your will, because I know

تقدر تحط الحديد في ايدي
Teqdar tehot elhadid fi edi
You can iron cuff my hands, anytime

اسمع .. اسمع يا سيدي
Esma'a, esmaa ya Seedi
Here, listen, listen to more, O Master

وحقك انت المنى والطلب
Wahaqek anta elmona waltalab
By your 'rights' to me; you are my desire, and want

والله يجازي اللي كان السبب
W Allah yegazi elly kan elssabab
... and God, pay well those whe were reason for all this [his friend]

ولي فيك يا والدي قصة ..
W li feeka ya waldi qessaton
... and father [Pasha], in you, I have a story

تغير مجرى حياه الطرب
Togayro magra hayat et-tarab
That will change art appreciation, forever

مبسوط يا سيدي .. ياسيد
Mabsout ya seedi ... ya seedi
Are you happy now Master?, O Master?

مبسوط يا سيدي ..
Mabsout ya seedi?
Are you happy Master?

مقدرش اخالفك لاني عارفك
Maqdarsh akhalfak la'eni arfak
I can't go against your wish, because I know

تقدر تحط الحديد في ايدي
Teqdar tehot elhadid fi edi
You can cuff my hands with iron, anytime

اسمع .. اسمع يا سيدي
Esma', esma' ya Seedi
Listen, listen to more, O Master

---

حبك يا سيدي غطى عالكل
Hobak ya Seedi ghata alkol
Your love O Master has become my most cherished of all [emotions]
.. عالكل يا بوي
.. Alkol ya Rouhy
Chorus: Of all, O dearest ...

يجعل نهارك زي الفل
Yegaal neharak zay elfol
Let the Lord fill your day with Jasmin
.. والورد يا بوي
Welward ya rouhy
Chorus: ... and roses, O dearest

حبك يا سيدي على راسي من فوق .. وحياه روحي
Hobak ya Seedy ala rassy men fouq, wehyat rouhy
Your love rests right at the top of my head O Master, by my soul

خايف اقول على قد الشوق .. لاتطلع روحي
Khayef a'aoul ala ad elshouq la tetala' rouhy
I'm afraid to tell of the real depth of my longing, lest you do, get my soul out [as in kill me]

مبسوط يا سيدي .. ياسيدي
Mabsout ya seedi ... ya seedi
Are you happy Master?, O Master?

مبسوط يا سيدي ..
Mabsout ya seedi?
Are you happy Master?

مقدرش اخالفك لاني عارفك
Maqdarsh akhalfak la'eni arfak
I can never go against you, because I know

تقدر تحط الحديد في ايدي
Teqdar tehot elhadid fi edi
You can cuff my hands with an iron chain

اسمع .. اسمع يا سيدي
Esma' .. esma' ya Seedi
Here, listen, O listen Master

---

انا قلبي عليك .. عليك قلبي
Ana albi aleek, aleek albi
My heart only cares for you
Chorus: My heart, for you

كان فين دا ياناس ومتخبي
Kan feen da ya nass w metkhabi
[looks at his friend] Where was all this hiding?!

وبغنى قديم .. وانا ايه ذنبي
W baghani aleem, wana eeh zanbi
I sing my pain, and, why me?!

اعمل لك ايه يانا يا
Aamel lak eeh yana ya gholby
What more shall I do to you, oh poor me?

مبسوط يا سيدي .. ياسيدي
Mabsout ya seedi ... ya seedi
Are you happy now Master?, O Master?

مبسوط يا سيدي ..
Mabsout ya seedi?
Are you happy now Master?

Eid Milad Majeed :-)

2012-01-07T15:20:00.037Z

All pictures above are of: The hanging Church - Old Cairo - Egypt

St George Church - on the same site - Old Cairo

On the same site: The remains of the orginal Babylon fortress, said to have been built with Pharoahnic stones ... mostly from the original covering of The Pyramids

When The Holy Family arrived to Egypt they lived for a brief period of about a week or so in an area known as Old Babylon in Old Cairo, and this is where one of the the first ever Christian churches was built around this site. The orginal church is in an underground cave and consists of a room and a simple altar [first two pictures here]. In the 4th century another church was built on top while preserving the original Abiserga church, but it wasn't until the year 798 when The Hanging Church was built and is the one remaining to this day as one of the most beautiful churches in the world. On the same vacinity stands the magnificent St George Church and the coptic Museum. The area is nown now as MarGergis and is one of the most visited sites in Old Cairo ... and is only 20 minutes walk from across the brige on the other tip of the island where I live when I'm in Cairo ;-)

'Copt' means Egyptian and was used to describe all Egyptians until Islam aarrived to Egypt in 641 ... and those who followed the new religion became known as Muslims, while the Christians remained coptic. Hence Egypt is the only country in the world where every Muslim was born out of a Christian, since all of Egypt were Copts ... amazing history and people that are so intertwined, you can even tell by the architecture of the beautiful heritage here too ... unique Egypt!

Happy Eid El Milad El Majeed brothers and sisters in Egypt, and cousins celebrating the holy birth around the world. I hope this year will be peaceful and prosperous for all Egyptians, and the world too ...

Peace and lots of love ...

Merry Christmas

:-)

Evangelical Christmas with a nationalist flavour [click]

A reaction equal and opposite in direction!

2012-01-05T03:25:00.018Z

Extreme will be met with extreme! Is this video below the opposite reaction to the islamistisation attempts of Egypt?

Title: Scandal of New Year's eve party in a mosque in Nasr City [Cairo]

The persons who filmed the incident say that they were surprised to see flashing red and blue lights in the windows and hear loud dance music coming out of their local mosque on New Year's eves. As the Minister of Religious Endowments lives only 500meters away, they went to ask him to come and deal with the youth who said they hired the functions room, usually allowed for quiet wedding ceremonies, and paid 500 Egyptian pounds. Minister said he does not have the power to stop them since it was a private mosque and a private deal. After pleading with him he sent his son with those complaining to have a look. They also said that the organisers were seen selling tickets for the party outside as well ... keep watching ....

I have a feeling that perhaps this is a reaction to the ultra conservative Islamist views that we have been hearing for the past few weeks?

When will they understand?!

Egypt is 'NOT' Tunisia!

Egypt is 'NOT' Saudi Arabia!

Egypt is 'NOT' anywhere else!

EGYPT IS EGYPT!

The Question of culture in the ongoing struggle [click]
Egypt’s liberals and the elections [click]
Tunisian universities face pressure from Salafists [click]
Saudi vice committee to force cover women with 'tempting' eyes [click]
MB met ex-president? [video]

Egypt: Happy New Year from Tahrir Square :-)

2012-01-03T13:33:00.020Z

And I was there for a while too ...

The sound is not that good ... or the picture, it's only mobile phone quality, but ... what a party! The Square was FULL! Well known artists too ... loads, fr free! ... and a proper stage ... well, nearly!

... and they stayed up all night, and the kids too ... a spontaneous big party, starring a big happy society singing to mother Egypt ... all happy together ... show the world again, and ....

Happy New Year Egypt

... with lots of love :-)

And there are loads more mobile phone clips on youtube, double click and see for yourself ...

Now, just a thought: Isn't it that Islamists consider such parties 'haram' or forbidden? Will those too be outlawed soon then? Will those happy people singing and dancing together here accept that, ever?! Then, how are they going to Islamistise those people this time, those Traders in Religion', the hypocrates?! ... and what do we do with hypocrates?! ... not follow their example at the very least, and fight them! ... right! Well, here we are then ... ;-)

Ah, this last link in Arabic says just that, that those 'Islamists' are but traders wrongly using religion to advance their own agendas, currently, this current lust for power regardless of what will happen to Egypt [look at how the Egyptian Exchange dives everytime they gain ground!] ... they stole the revolution from the people and want to impose a free fall to the abyess instead. They intend on curtailing freedoms and imposing a Frankenstien like view of Islam that many Egyptian wholeheartedly reject and oppose as a valid interpretation of what our religion is about, which is 'peace' and 'harmony', honesty and respect ... etc

During these last two round of elections the Islamists stopped at nothing to get those vulnerable votes belonging to up to 70% of the Egyptian population, and they did! The 'honourable' tactics used ranged from making it a sin [in mosques] if you vote anyone else but their candidate, to having a desk complete with loads of personnel and a laptop by the entrance to the polling stations to ask you then access your details on the elections website [and keep the information for present then future reference, your name, address, and National ID number? Well, they had papers and pens and were writing things down!], then 'advice' you which room to go to as well as telling you who to vote for and making a mark for that chosen4u person on their leaflets and handing them out in big numbers, to [inside the room itself] physically tell those who can't read or write to mark certain boxes, to distributing food and money in exchange for votes ... to rigging the boxes after, to making mistakes in counting votes to give them an advantage ... that put them in the lead, yeppeeeee. They say they expect similar or better results in the current and final round which started today too! Are those 'fair' elections? Are these results what the people really want?

I know this above is true, I was there in 4 different polling stations during the first round, in different areas too, mostly poor, and we spoke to many people. We told them to take the money, then vote whoever they liked, but obviously this was not enough given the rediculous results as fear won over freedom

... and all the money for the extravagant campaign, the huge banners, the leaflets, the loud speakers, the desks, the laptops by most if not all polling stations across the country, the huge number of personnel, etc, etc, etc! Where did it all come from, and with what funding ... and by whom?! What is there to stop the islamists, again in the mosques, to again make it a sin if you don't select their favourite Shura [advisory] Council, or even favourite nominnee for president?! One month or so ago, one of their prominent leaders said on TV that they are preparing such presidential candidate whom they will tell of closer to the time [not one of them, oh no! ;], and that he is sure 'the people' will like him a lot! 'Like him a lot?!' I shudder at the thought!

Egypt is currently investigating some NGOs's funding, licences to operate, etc. They think that some of those organisations, who mostly do great social work, may have recieved money to do one thing, but in the middle of all the mess, cunningly did another, most probably without the consent of their donors or even those knowing of the extra 'activities'. Well then, I hope the Ministry of Justice will also answer the questions above re if this extravagant funding of Islamists is being investigated too? Where did the Islamists get all huge sums for their OTT campaigns?! ... and those questions are not mine alone, but belong to the majority of the educated class regardless of religious affiliation, all those who feel badly sidelined by this abuse. In Egypt now, forget about 'Democracy' or even the hope of, it is a transition to 'hypocricy' ... and for that, those decent people celebrating their country here in this huge party, they deserve an answer too.

And the author of the article in this link says that he would choose what he describes as the army's h*ll over the heavens of the 'unknown streams' anytime ... Amen to that ... is there any other choice?! BTW, he is head of a political party that promises lots of things, other than that, I know nothing about them, nor do I support/not in any way

Let's hope ...

Updates: Citing FJP violations, judge in Qalyubiya halts voting [click] and [here]
US says Egypt stalemate on NGOs 'unacceptable' [click]
Morality police claim that millions of Egyptians approve of their work [click]
Egypt's former mufti says any 'moral police' must be state-run [click]
Do Islamic groups in Arab Spring nations threaten U.S. interests? Yes

Read more here: http://www.sacbee.com/2012/01/07/4170465/do-islamic-groups-threaten-us.html#storylink=cpy [click] and 'No' [click]
Strength of Egyptian Islamists proves a test for Obama [click] and [more]
Islamists taking the pulse? [click]
A New Year in Tahrir [click]

Happy 2012 to the world

2012-01-01T02:29:00.011Z

Have a happy, hopeful and optimistic 2012

Yep! Always look on the bwite soid ...

And

Pray for Peace on earth with me

... while you're at it!

:-)

David Cameron' s New Year message from No 10 [click] and from 'The Sun' with [video]
London's New Year's Day parade in pictures [click] and [more]
London's new year fireworks set to music [video]
Celebrate New Year’s Eve ‘in memoriam… in revolt’ [click]
New Year celebrations around the world - in pictures [click]

Happy New Year 2012! [video :]

Song lyrics here

My Scroll ... December 2011

2011-12-31T14:06:00.005Z

“History, whether bad or good, should not be forgotten.”

December 1

Message on World's Aids Day [click] and PM's [hope] and [more] ******* Cameron 'relishing' confrontation [click] and [more] ... David Cameron describes pensions strike as 'futile' [click] ... Fury as David Cameron axes £113m funding of public sector union salaries [click]

December 3

Debt crisis: as it happened December 2, 2011 [click] ... Eurozone crisis: Cameron and Sarkozy in Paris talks [click] and vows to protect British interests [video] ... and more [click] ******* UK banks charging as much as 800,000% on overdrafts [click] ******* Norway massacre: Breivik declared insane [click] ... WHO issues Europe measles warning [click] ******* Egypt election officials announce 62% turnout [click]

December 4

Animal test firms given your NHS data [click] ******* Euro doomed from start, says Jacques Delors [click] ... Germany: a reason why fiscal union and ECB funny money won't happen [click] and [more] ******* MATT [click] ******* Legal experts differ over possibility of elections [click] ... Al-Hayat newspaper: Islamist win in Egypt's first round ofhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif elections “worries” SCAF [click] ... Egypt Brotherhood says won't impose Islamic values [click] ... Egypt: Testing America's tolerance for Arab democracy [click]

December 5

Poll boost for David Cameron ahead of EU showdown [click] and [more] ******* David Cameron ready to put chunks of NHS up for sale, says Labour [click] and [more] ******* Furies and Bullies [click[ ******* Brotherhood addresses the West after elections success [click] ... Egypt's ElBaradei: Liberals 'decimated' in vote [click] and [more] ... Moussa: Islamist success will make constitutional debate tough [click] ... Egyptians tweet on disorganized but peaceful elections [click] ******* Guereza colobus monkeys join dawn chorus to 'show off' [click]

December 6

Everyone 'to be research patient', says David Cameron [video] and [more] ******* What phantom limbs and mirrors teach us about the brain [click] ******* S&P warns euro nations of possible credit downgrade [click] ******* Egypt elections: Low turnout for first round run-offs [click] ... Arab Spring myths: misconceptions about the uprisings [click] ... Electoral violations, scuffles and a low turnout reported in run-offs [click] ... Islamist election success shatters secularist hopes [click] ... An evening at the High Elections Commission [click] and [here] ... the Egyptian Exchange [click]

December 7

Eurozone crisis: PM 'may refuse to sign EU treaty' [click] ... David Cameron: Europe must become more competitive [click] ... Debt crisis: as it happened December 5, 2011 [click] ... Hammer blow to eurozone: French and German rescue plan at risk as 17 nations crushing credit downgrade [click] ... Next Diplomatic Summit Won't Fix Europe Crisis; European Central Bank Is Key: Analysis [click] ******* Kepler 22-b: Earth-like planet confirmed [click]
... Cancers could be prevented by lifestyle changes in over 40% of cases: study [click] ******* Salafi Nour Party mulls parliamentary coalition with Brotherhood [click]

December 8

Eurogeddon [video] ... Eurozone crisis: Late night summit talks to save euro [click] ******* Anything can be addictive [click] ... ******* Riot rumours: how misinformation spread on Twitter during a time of crisis [click]

December 9

No 10 [click] ... David Cameron: ''What is on offer isn't in Britain's interests'' [video] and [here] ... Eurozone crisis: Angela Merkel defends 'hard rules' [video] ... Nicolas Sarkozy: We will find our own solution [video] ... If the euro fails, there is only one culprit as far as France is concerned – the City [click] and [more] ... PM: "I did the right thing" [video] ... City hails David Cameron's hard line on Tobin tax [click] ******* Nanoparticles offer medical leap [click]

December 12

EU treaty: Britain wanted a deal – not a row – in Brussels [click] ... ll Britain is isolated from is a looming eurozone disaster [click] ... Merkel's Teutonic summit enshrines Hooverism in EU treaty law [click] ******* Andrew Lansley demands new inquiry into NHS regulator [click] ******* Black holes: don't get sucked in [click] ******* MATT [click]

December 13

"I negotiatedhttp in good faith" [video] ... Britain remains 'important partner' despite veto: Germany [click] ... Sarkozy: There are now clearly two Europes [click] ... We’re right about the euro - that’s why Europe is angry [click] ... European fiscal union missteps are distractions [click] and [more] and the [liberals] *******

December 14

DUP motion backing PM's euro stance gets Commons support [click] ... Cracks In The Euro Deal And They're Not Just David Cameron's Fault [click] ******* Whistleblowers 'not safe in NHS' [click] ... NHS whistleblowers call for better protection [video] ******* The science of Higgs boson explained [video] ... Higgs boson 'may have been glimpsed'[click] and [video] or [not]*******

December 15

EU tensions between UK and France rise as Cameron agitates treaty deal [click] and [here] ... British PM snubs calls to renegotiate [click] ... Europe's hopeless last stand in defence of the single currency [click] ... Merkel calls for a sustainable solution to Europe's problems [click] and, impatient Euro [click] ... [more] ... Is austerity working in Greece? [video] ... Has there ever been a time when so many politicians were both stupid and dishonest? [click] and [here] ******* Birds of paradise [click]

December 16

Tackling troubled families [click] and PM [speech] and [more] ******* David Cameron was right, and now has the allies to prove it [click] ... UK officials 'to observe negotiations' over EU deal [click] ... La Perfide France [click] ... French call to downgrade UK first [click] and [more] ******* Hunt for Higgs boson closes in at LHC [click] ******* MATT [click] *******

December 17

David Cameron's treaty veto delivers poll bounce [click] ... French seek to heal rift with Britain as suddenly they are the isolated ones [click] and [here] ******* Finance woe 'will prompt major NHS revamp' [click] ******* Snake in a box [click] *******

December 18

SCAF to hold press conference Monday in response to Cabinet crackdown [click] ... Napoleon's 'Description De L'Egypte' lost to fire amid clashes [click] ... Archaeological committee to inspect burnt Geographic Society building [click] ... Market Update: EGX30 tumbles 3.3% in Sunday's session [click] ... Egypt clashes continue into third day – in pictures [click] ... What will Salafists' election success mean for Egypt? [click] ... A year of momentous change for Middle East [video]

December 19

Rioting arsonists should be shot by police, review finds [click] and [here] ******* Abou-Ismail urges Egyptians to defend protesters [click] ******* Best holidays of 2011: writers pick their favourite trips [click] ... The Egyptian Exchange [click] ******* Hopes to save endangered bird [click]

December 21

Britain to double aid to Middle East NGOs [click] ******* Tory MP rebuked over 'morbid fascination' with death of David Cameron [click] [click]... Close to the bone: what's a little morbid fascination between colleagues? [click]-: @@ ******* Salafi party claims commitment to peace treaty with Israel [click] ... Which Turkish model? [click] ... Is Egypt becoming another Pakistan? [click] ... Tahrir calm for first night since Friday [click]

December 22

Heading for disaster [click] ... Moody's downgrades Egypt, on review for further downgrade [click] ... Market Update: Egypt stocks slump in early Thursday trading [click] ... Egypt's interim prime minister calls for national dialogue to resolve ongoing political crisis [click] ... Eye on elections: Citizens campaign outside polling station in Giza [click] ... Intisar Abdel-Monem tells her story with the Muslim Brotherhood [click] ******* Review of the year: the most discussed Twitter pictures of 2011 [click]

December 23

GDP revised up: British economy surprises with faster growth [click] ... Britons are happier than the French or Germans [click] ******* The Welsh are 'Deeply concerned' [click :] ... Europeans migrate south as continent drifts deeper into crisis [click] ******* Imperial College 2011 Magazine Podcasts [click]

December 25

No.10 Downing Street's Christmas Tree [video] ... Cameron shoulders his duties as a dad: PM goes Christmas bargain-hunting with baby Florence in a back pack [click] and [more] ... The end of pester power [click] and [more] ******* Review of the year: the most discussed Twitter pictures of 2011 [click]

December 27

How can we remain silent while Christians are being persecuted? [click] ... Christmas without Christians in the Holy Land [click] ... Christmas in Gaza [click] ... Israel eases Christmas movement for Palestinian Christians [click] ... Beit Shemesh ultra-orthodox Jews clash with police [click] and [here] ... Salafist Nour Party denies link to morality police group launched on Facebook [click] ... Egypt Salafists tell Israel they will keep the peace [click :D *******

December 28

Revolution in Egypt is an opportunity for difficult change: UK minister [click] ... Culture minister voices rejection of military, religious rule [click] ... Leading Brotherhood figure allays fears over Islamists’ effect on tourism in Egypt [click] ******* Foreign Ministry calls on Egyptians abroad to contribute to national economy [click] ******* 'Planned 49% limit' for NHS private patients in England [click] ... The Problem With Female Doctors [click] ... Women doctors are safer. So why are medical chiefs worried there are so many of them? [click] and [more]
******* In pictures: 2011 as seen from space [click] ******* Polar bear cub is cool in care [click]

December 29

I'd put a tenner – but not a ton – on the Higgs-Boson existing [click] ... LHC reports discovery of its first new particle [click] ... Metal undergoes novel transition under extreme pressure [click] ******* Egypt’s sinking economy belongs to the Islamists now [click] ******* Ice hotel [video] *******

December 30

Arab spring leads surge in events captured on cameraphones [click] ******* US 'deeply concerned' after Egyptian forces raid NGO offices in Cairo [click] ... Egypt authorities raid and close 17 NGO offices in Cairo [click] ******* Christmas with the Nutcracker: Cairo Ballet Still Hopeful [click] ... Only 2 films?!: Short independent films at Bibliotheca Alexandrina [click] ... Political & religious pressures restrict our operational freedom: Minister of Culture [click] ******* Priests brawl in Bethlehem's Church of the Nativity [click :] ******* Predictions for 2012: BBC http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifcorrespondents look ahead [click]

December 31

What is life? [video] ... CMS - the Compact Muon Solenoid experiment at CERN [video] ... Higgs boson [click] ... Schrödinger's cat [click] and [video] ******* We should scour the moon for ancient traces of aliens, say scientists [click] ******* Dancing Bird of Paradise GETS REVENGE [video] and [more :]

"We have differentiation from other communities. Our history is the critical differentiation. We should be out shouting it from the roof tops - we are an historic community. We are a real town.”

Merry Christmas :-)

2011-12-25T00:40:00.008Z

There is a certain Love
that is formed out of the
elixir of the East.
There is a certain cloud,
impregnated with a
thousand lightnings.
There is my body,
in it an ocean formed of his glory,
all the creation,
all the universes,
all the galaxies,
are lost in it.

Sincerely wishing you a Peaceful and loving day

... and lots of joy

Merry Christmas

:-)

The 'science' of Santa [click]
Christmas 'is not just for Christians' [click]
What Prayer Does to Your Brain [click]

An isolated Christmas [click]

Egypt: Black day; 17 December 2011

2011-12-21T17:11:00.015Z

The burning of L'Institut D'Egypt

Titled: Fire engine being stopped from putting out the fire ...

Summery of what's being said;

Girl - Let them put the fire out

Protester - Why put it out?

Another protestor - Let it burn

Girl - Put it out, go put it out

Different protestors - No

... and another ...

... and the protesters ...

Titled: Honourable protesters in front of Cabinet Office building rolling drugs

Molotov bombs ...

And a 'Molotov' for the Authority of Roads and Bridges close by ... Fire did run and it's now, and it's contents and documents, burned ... and looted!

And those are ...

Peaceful protests? :-(

Walls go up [click]

Egypt: Terrifying 'Democracy'!

2011-12-18T11:05:00.040Z

Less than one year ago Egypt was a moderate, very safe, stable and thriving country looking towards a bright future. Eleven months on, policing is down, economy and investment are down, tourism is down, her ex president and her top business brains are in jail awaiting trial with some even calling for their execution ... while corrupt former 'employees' who embesled loads are still running free ... and that won't alert them, no! Basically, all that is left of her institutions now is her protectors; her army ... and 'they' are deliberately trying to bring that down too! ... and put the brakes on her healthy grawth to bring that completely down too ... and keep it down! And you'd think it's all meant to be; to deliberately and forcefully organise to dismantle and bring down a whole nation ... and s*d it's over 80,000,000 innocent inhabitants on the way, don't you? May well be the case, otherwise, why do all these sparks happen whenever she tries to stand on her feet? And, who are 'they'?!

Heartless monsters! ... who and where?

Well, your guess is as good as mine ... and there are loads of guesses flying about!

Or, maybe I am, and loads more Egyptians are wrong and what is happening is 'transitional', a few pains to that elusive democracy ... or, lots of pain, and the Egyptian people are enduring all that in exchange for what?

For 'democracy' ... of course, or the hope of ... anyway ....

Egyptians can now go to the local polling station, and elect 'someone' ... that's 'democracy'

... and following that, you'll have an elected 'parliament' ... that's democracy

... and 'they' will make you a new 'constitution' ... hallelujah ... at least you can then have a few nice jokes! ... and a few 'things' to keep your mind busy ...

... and eeeverybody has a view on Egypt's 'democracy', but the Egyptians! Oh, sorry, they are allowed to elect now, aren't they?

You know what you 'democracy' folk? Why don't you take that democracy of yours and go to .... and stay there! Yes, you read that right! ... whoever and wherever you are ....

Because, that is 'the' only solution to this mess, me thinks!

The 'protesters occupied the prime treelined road where the elegant offices of the Prime Minster as well as the parliament building are located and stopped the Prime Minister from entering for more than a week prior to these clashes and to date, thus forcing him, and all those working there to get in from the back door! Is that 'protesting'? And then, amidest all their tents and their graffetti, etc, they, in large groups, started playing football in that street and the ball went over the fence, and when the soldiers refused to give it back, they broke the brick walls fronting the garden to the PM building and used the rocks to hit the soldiers, who had to hurl them back in self defence, then it escalated!

Institut d'Egypt, built 1798 and housing 200,000 books written in all subjects by top Egyptian as well as world renown writers

The protesters then set fire to parts of the two buildings as well as to a research and science library with valuable scientific heritage, including precious books safe in Egypt since Napoleon burned to ashes! The building now is unsafe and yesterday the TV reported that the building's IT system was vandalised and/ burned. Individual laptops included, and stolen too. The large number of books that were saved from the huge library somehow were lining the street awaiting rescue! Some trees were burned too! Despite being asked several times, the 'protesters' refuse to leave ... TV now reports that 12 trucks where loaded with the remaining books and research papers, now in dire condition, it doesn't say where those were taken to ... scientists and researchers are distraught, they are now openly crying on TV ... they say that loads of historic books, many the envy of the world and are thought by researchers from the world over, were burned. Of those saved, some were ruined by the water used, presumably, to put out the raging fire ....

... Now, totally burned ... only around 25,000 books were saved, with huge numbers needing serious repair because of fire and/or water! The ministry of Roads and bridges closeby was burned beyond repair too ... and the battle continues ...

Those are the 'peaceful protesters'! And when this keeps on happening during such critical times for the country;

Egypt Stocks Fall on Deadly Cairo Clashes; Tadawul Extends Gains [click]

Then those who take part through conspiracy, payment by third parties, or because of sheer ignorance and idiocy, then they deserve whatever happens when they occupy vital places of government, then turn to violence and attack the army and/or the police resulting in this;

Egypt: eight killed as new clashes in Cairo threaten to reignite mass protests [click] and [this] or even [this]

The majority come first!

Egyptian heritage comes first!

Egypt comes first!

Da*n it!

:-(

And the 'protesters' are threatening more violence: Third day of deadly clashes in Cairo [click]
Egypt Clashes: Third Day Of Violence In Cairo Protests [click]
Egypt Economy Falters as Stocks Slump, Bill Sale Misses Target [click]
Clinton says deeply concerned by violence in Egypt [click] and [more] and [here] and [here]
UN condemns Egypt protest violence [click]
Uninformed 'vital for democracy' [click]
Cairo clashes reveal deep divisions [click]
Egypt: Cairo clashes run into fourth day [click]
Women against the SCAF [pictures]
US, Egyptian military, Islamists engage in precarious dance [click]
A black Saturday for Egypt [click]
Irreplaceable historical documents burned in Egypt clash [click]
Who burned Napoleon's Cairo library? [video] and [more]
Sawiris: Islamists should offer concessions in spirit of consensus [click]

Prime Minister Questions: 14 December 2011

2011-12-14T23:07:00.015Z

Question-by-question guide

enforcement of financial regulations
unemployment
European Council negotiations
local broadcasting
citizenship and the National Curriculum
financial education for young people
doorstep money lenders
“pocket money” price alcohol
Teeside Airport
immigration
Child Tax Credit
tourism
climate change in developing nations
prisoner transfers
Military Covenant
receivership
retail sector
recycling Christmas trees
register of lobbyists
deaths from diabetes
benefits for disabled children
West Coast Main Line

Egypt: Make yourself free ...

2011-12-12T01:41:00.010Z

Translates: Egypt, land of freedom ...

Make yourself free from self at one stroke!

Like a sword be without trace of soft iron;

Like a steel mirror, scour off all rust with contrition.

Rumi

Egypt's economic woes mount [click] and [more]

"I did the right thing!"

2011-12-10T15:13:00.024Z

“The only distinctions which should be recognized are those of the soul, of strong principle, or incorruptible integrity, of usefulness, of cultivated intellect, of fidelity in seeking the truth.”

“Nothing is more noble, nothing more venerable than fidelity. Faithfulness and truth are the most sacred excellences and endowments of the human mind.”

They say "Fidility is the sister of Justice", so did the man with the Big Heart who pledged fidility and went for action and not just words 'Isolate Britain'?

... and the answer is;

No! He Protected Britain!

For what was on offer was a Trap for Britain! ...

He did do the right thing! So ...

Well done Prime Minister, and as they say;

" Always a winner he who consults his heart at the same time as his head"

And to those who doubt, I wonder, what would you have said if he had signed that treaty?

As for 'friendship', Britain has already done a lot for her friends, and it works both ways ... and the Great Island is going nowhere ...

:-)

PM Statement on 12 December 2011

La paix:-) Germany, Poland leave door ajar for talks with Britain on euro [click]
Cam is a hero [click] and more [news]
Germany wants to 'build bridges' with UK over Europe [click]
Germany 'has no hidden agenda' on European treaty [video] and [more] and [more]

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.”

Prime Minster Questions: 7 December 2011

2011-12-08T01:19:00.005Z

Question-by-question guide

the European Council
the Eurozone crisis
repatriation of powers from Europe to the UK
the UK financial services industry
public sector strikes and pensions
UK’s role in Europe
Prime Minister’s Christmas plans
ways to promote growth in the Eurozone
borrowing for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)
breaking up nationalised banks to increase competition
financial education for young people
effect of cuts on young people
Council Tax freeze
subsidised travel for faith school pupils
early intervention and support for young families
cutting VAT on home improvements
cuts to Armed Forces pay
local planning powers
regulalation and red tape on SMEs
child poverty

Eurozoom! :-)

2011-12-04T00:07:00.064Z

Cameron demands law to protect City [click]
David Cameron and Nicolas Sarkozy clash as leaders wrangle over euro deal [click]
Cameron faces showdown with Sarkozy [click] and [more]
Weekly Standard: Cameron Tells Euro To Drop Dead [click] and [more]

Song: Je reviens te chercher by Gilbert Becaud

Prime Minister Questions: 30 November 2011

2011-12-02T01:21:00.007Z

The Prime Minister answered questions on:

Enterprise Zones
funding of search and rescue services
public sector strikes – negotiations with the unions and pensions
tax credits
OBR unemployment forecasts
Autumn Statement
cutting the deficit
rights of women in Afghanistan
cost of full-time trade unionists to business
child tax credits
volunteers guarding UK borders
attack on UK Embassy in Iran
protection of overseas British territories
payments to BAE Systems
Red Tape Challenge and cutting bureaucracy
child poverty
bank levy
Corporation Tax

My Scroll ... November 2011

2011-12-01T16:02:00.005Z

“History, whether bad or good, should not be forgotten.”

November 1

Cameron warns colleagues on talking down UK [click] ******* UK economic growth picks up to 0.5% [click] ******* US cuts Unesco funds over vote for Palestinian seat [click] ******* Monkey business [video]

November 2

Cameron lays into 'macho' parliament debate [click] ... Britain, Watching Europe, Seeks to Preserve Influence [click] ******* Bailout loan withheld from Greece [click] ... Eurozone crisis explained [click] ******* Concern over level of junior doctor training [click] ... Junior doctors raise doubts over quality of consultant supervision [click] ... How to predict the future [click] ******* Counting seal pups [video]

November 4

PM launches global governance report [click] ******* House of Lords health bill debate 14 October 2011 [video] ... Peace breaks out in the Lords on the NHS Bill - for now [click] ... Plenty more fun to come as peers work on the NHS Bill [click] ******* Change is long overdue in university admissions [click] ******* Early humans' route out of Africa 'confirmed' [click] ******* World's tallest building opens in Dubai [click]

November 7

Greeks agree 'New' coalition government without Papandreou [click] ... How might Greece leave the euro? [click] ******* Youngest millisecond pulsar shines in gamma rays [click] ******* The leap second [click]

November 8

PM statement on G20 summit [video] and [script]David Cameron pushes for more Germany action over eurozone crisis [click] and [more] ******* A message for Eid Al-Adha [video :] ******* UK manufacturing output increases more than expected [click] ******* MMC Specialty Training 2012 [click] Good luck all doctors applying this year :-) ******* 'fly me to the Moon' [click]

November 9

Prime Minister David Cameron backs London's bid to host 2017 World Athletics Championships [click] ... David Cameron: St Paul's protest is not the Big Society [click] and [more] ******* IMF chief warns of a 'lost decade' for global economy [click] ... Cameron squares up for row over bank bonuses [click] ******* Rescuing Europe [click] ... Joseph Stiglitz: Austerity not the way to go for Europe [click] ... and [more] ******* US denies any extraterrestrial contact [click] ******* MMC Specialty Training 2012 [click] Good luck all doctors applying this year :-)

November 10

Eurozone crisis: David Cameron says ECB must act now [click] and [more] ******* Medical technology innovations from 75 UK companies on display at Medica 2011 [click] ******* Top surgeon: Junior medics face job crisis [click] ... Andrew Lansley dilutes plans to give patients unfettered choice of GP [click] and [more] ... Clock change 'stops outdoor play [click] ...'Stayin' alive - does music have a role in CPR? [click] ******* Sluggish UK economy means slower Lloyds revival [click] ... Is corporate America the key to US job growth? [click] ... Dubai's banks report losses [video] ******* Rerecording history? [click]

November 12

David Cameron backs London's bid for 2017 World Athletics Championships [video] ... and we'll host it! [click :] ... Exporting for growth event [click] ******* In this week's New Statesman: The NHS 1948-2011, so what comes next? [click] ... Retired docs: can you still be a Good Samaritan? [click] ... Crowdsourcing Darwin's experiment on human emotions [click] ******* Frozen plants: Naughty corner [click] *******

November 14

What are Cameron's Eurozone options? [Click] ******* Science channels explode onto YouTube [click] ******* The mathematical law that shows why wealth flows to the 1% [click] ******* Leonardo da Vinci: 'An artist who deserves every bit of his fame' [video] ******* MATT [click :] *******

November 15

We shall shame schools that 'muddle through’ [click] and [response] ******* Where's Larry when you need him? [click] ... PM 'threw a fork at No 10 mouse' [click]: and [more] ******* Germany's 'secret plans' to avoid economic disaster if the Greeks have to exit the eurozone [click] ******* NHS watchdog faces investigation as concerns mount over patient care [click] ... Fraudsters fleecing NHS of £3bn a year: Bosses 'look the other way' [click] ... How much private sector in NHS? [click] ******* Amnesiac cellist astounds doctors with musical memory [click] *******

November 16

PM speech at the Lord Mayor's banquet [click] and [video] and [response] ... David Cameron rejects Angela Merkel's vision for Europe [click] ... NHS reform: ignore ideology and look at the evidence [click] ******* Circle, the Hitchingbrooke Financial Recovery Plan and Productivity [click] ******* Mystery bird [click] ******* Affairs of the heart, part one: the story of a single heartbeat [video]

November 18

In a globe full of holes; Sam's 'Blue hole' [click] ... BBC's 'Bleu Hole' [click] Oooopsss! :-D ******** Singing in a choir 'brings both health and happiness' [click] ... Myth that antibiotics cure coughs and colds still rife [click] ******* releases sharpest ever Moon elevation map [click] ... LHC reveals hints of 'new physics' in particle decays [click] ... Glaciers [click] *******

November 19

Eurozone crisis: Cameron and Merkel stress unity [click] and [more] ******* Change course, Germany, or the Eurozone will collapse [click] ******* Andrew Lansley warns unions that strike action 'is premature' [click] and [more] ******* Tumours ramp up recycling efforts [click] ******* Acknowledging mistakes is key to advancement – and not just in science [click] ... Shining moment for maths [click] ... Test breaks light speed again [click] *******

November 20

David Cameron: Big society 'holds key transforming economy' [click] ... Cameron meets first Big Society community organisers [click] and [more] ******* Britain v Germany: how do their economies compare? [click] and [more]

November 21

Fresh violence in Egypt threatens David Cameron with a Blair-Gaddafi moment [click ] :-( ... Hague optimistic [click]

November 23

"We need to go for growth" [click] ... David Cameron: our plan to cut debt is failing [click] ... Cameron wants to re-shape EU as a 'network' [click] ******* US State Department: Elections are the only solution to the Tahrir crisis [click] ... LE90 billion in investments suspended due to upheavals, says ministry [click] ... Unrest sends Egypt pound to weakest since Jan 2005 [click]

November 24

US State Department: Elections are the only solution to the Tahrir crisis [click] ... Egypt: between the devil and the deep blue sea [click] ... Revolution! [click] ... And the winners for now are ... the Brotherhood [click] ... Steady Egyptian pound faces pressure [click]

November 25

White House wants transition in Egypt "as soon as possible." [click] and [click] and [here] ... Understanding Egypt: The danger of revolution on an empty stomach [click] ... Pound slides on unrest [click] ... cbank hikes rates as currency slips [click] ... Egypt Pays Record Yields, Misses Sales Goal in Bill Auction After S&P Cut [click] ... Egypt foreign reserves post largest drop since April [click] ... Egypt Horses Dying After Revolution [click] :-(

November 27

Revolutionary movements name Baradei prime minister in national salvation government [click] ... ElBaradei says ready to head salvation government [click] ... A president for Egypt ... [click]

"We have differentiation from other communities. Our history is the critical differentiation. We should be out shouting it from the roof tops - we are an historic community. We are a real town.”

Egypt first!

2011-11-27T12:20:00.014Z

I have been here in Egypt for very near to three months now. I didn't intend to stay that long but as disturbance started then escalated, I just couldn't leave my elderly parents not knowing what will happen next, and return to England. It since and because of the current situation became a duty that I must stay ... and I don't know for how long more, as long as it takes I suppose ...

The children took it upon themselves to phone in turn so that I get a call from one of them everyday, and on three seperate occasions one of them came to visit for a week. I am very grateful because without this continuous contact, I think I would have ...

And it's that interaction that really sums up what Egyptians are. I don't mean it to be a lesson, but by how I behave with my parents do my children learn how they will need to behave with me if and when I too need support. Indeed, this is an ingrained tradition that has been a feature of Egyptian society since ancient Egypt, and maybe even from beyond that ... that's the respect that is 'a duty' from younger generations to their elders ... and Egypt wouldn't want to lose that ... forever.

... and I never raise my voice [let alone push her to the floor and have her injure her knees as happened to me by some revolutionary youth in Tahrir] on my mother, when it is serious, even though I am mother of young people myself ....

I think this is the main reason for the current divisions between the Tahrir Square revolutionary protesters and those who stand in support of the Army in Abasseya Square, about 1/2 miles away from Tahrir. I was in Abasseya Square the day before yesterday and it was populated by ordinary Egyptians including people of all ages and many families who more than anything else want stability restored in the country, and don't we all. They were there also because they vemently oppose Tahrir's continuous belitteling and the disrespectful name calling of the Army. They feel that the revolutionaries have lost that customary respect and are for that reason not worthy of support. Yes, it is as bad as that despite that what those revolutionary call for is 'mostly' out of love for Egypt too.

Indeed, as everyone keeps accusing and piling blame on the Army asking for the ruling council to be ejected, then there are those who also call for the council to be put on trial for the loss of life, injury and/or the so called 'brutality', that I myself too begin to sway to the Abasseya side. That is because although heart breaking, very sad and regrettable, there will always be victims to confrontations and clashes, let alone as a result of a people's revolution.

That's how I and many Egyptians feel even despite knowing that it may very well be much better if rule is handed over to a 'rescue' civilian government sooner than later.

But then, many of us keep following the economic situation and get this nagging feeling that, well, really, really, the Army are 'protectors' not rulers, and definately not political and/or economic powers able enough to effectively help Egypt safely pass this now very critical phase on their own. We feel that Egypt now needs real change to save her, otherwise the consequences may be horrible for all Egyptians ... and we keep on thinking ...

From very early on, I had a preference for Mohamed AlBaradie for the calibre of man he is, and for his amazing vision for a democratic Egypt. Now, given the current divisions as well as the highly volatile charged atmosphere, the dire economic as well as messed up political situation, I now feel that his appointment has become an absolute neccessity for a safe transition and to put an end to the chaos Egypt is in today ... for the sake of Egypt, or god only knows where will the old girl will go from here! He is the only one who knows about true democracy too ... and can and will teach Egypt!

Only that has to be done properly following our traditions; with our genuine respect and appreciation for each other first, then for the our honourable men, the Army who sided with the will of the people during the January revolution. Who also most probably were the reason why the ex-president left so soon after the rising without causing the major bloodshed we see around the Middle East today. Egyptians are grateful for that. They also have a lot of respect for Field Marshal Tantawi in particular, because he firmly stood against Mubarak's efforts to hand over power to his son Gamal for many years prior to the revolution as if Egypt was personal property to be bought and sold how father and son, and mum too, liked. I will never forget that stand for FM Tantawi, nor will the majority of Egyptians forget it either.

Today, FM Tantawi spoke on TV . He said that the place of the Army in the new constitution must remain the same as is now. I personally agree to that and I am sure most Egyptians would be happy with that too. From the scene in Abasseya Square, I feel that should the Army decide to hand over power to a civilan rescue government, that it is the people's wish that they should do so without fearing they would, for any reason, have blame piled upon them. Most ordinary people feel their Army has done the best they can given the exceptional circumstances. Most people wish that should they hand over power, that all Egyptians should unite and they should be thanked and appreciated as the honourable Egyptians they are. Any new government should take note of that too ... if only because it is the wish of the Egyptian people.

FM Tantawi also said many a time that his council does not wish to cling to power and I believe him. I know he is still in place out of his love and sense of duty to Egypt, effectively always putting her welfare first! Indeed, like himself, I too feel that it is the Army's duty as protectors to only hand over to the right people ... but with an equally good and trustworthy man as Baradei now on the scene, I feel the right time is now.

And revolutionaries, maybe those of you who forget should remember our 'suited to all times' Egyptian traditions a bit more, if only to preserve them for the good set of values they are.

Let's unite Egypt!

Let's put Egypt FIRST!

Then together ...

Let's hope ....

Prime Minister's Questions: 23 November 2011

2011-11-25T15:06:00.004Z

Question-by-question guide

public sector strikes
youth unemployment
the work programme
bonus tax
the deficit
Autumn statement
the economy
women
council tax
stalking
residential over-development
Northern Rock
Enterprise Zones
Arch Cru investment fund
defence budget
Local Authority services
Thomas Cook
cancer death rate improvement
motoring taxes
Chief coroner
Children In Need
Afghanistan

Egypt: Spiders, thugs, and the politically naive

2011-11-23T10:54:00.069Z

The clairvoyant
قارئة الفنجان

جلست والخوف بعينيها
Galassat wel khouf beaynayha
She sat, with fear in her eyes

تتأمل فنجاني المقلوب
tata'mal fengany elmakloub
Staring at my upside down cup

قالت يا ولدي لا تحزن
Qalat ya walady la tahzan
She said; son, don't be sad

فالحب عليك هو المكتوب
Falhobo alayka howa elmktoub
For love was written in your book [destiny]

يا ولدي قد مات شهيداً
Ya waladi qd mata shaheedan
Son, he dies a martyr,

من مات فداء للمحبوب
Man mata feda'an lel mahboub
He who dies for his beloved,

يا ولدي
Ya walady
My son.

... their PEACE!

بصرت ونجمت كثيرا
Bassarto w nagamto katheeran
I've seen, with certain insight

لكني لم أعرف أبداً فنجاناً يشبه فنجانك
lakeny lam aqra'ao abadan fenganan yoshbeho fenganak
But I have never seen a cup like yours

بصرت ونجمت كثيراً
basserto w nagamto katheeran
I've seen, with much insight

لكني لم أعرف أبداً أحزاناً تشبه أحزانك
Lakeny lam arofo abdan ahzanan toshbeho ahzanak
But I've never encountered melancholy that resembles yours

مقدورك أن تمضي أبداً في بحر الحب بغير قلوع
Makdouraka an tomdy abadan fi bahr elhob begayr qelou'
Your destiny is to eternally sail,
In love's ocean without sails

وتكون حياتك طول العمر كتاب دموع
Wa takouno hayatak toul elomr ketab demou'
That your life's length will be a book of tears

مقدورك أن تبقى مسجوناً بين الماء وبين النار
Makdourak an tabqa massgonan bayn alma'a w bayn alnar
A destiny of imprionment between water and fire

فبرغم جميع حرائقه
Faberaghm gamee'a hara'ekaho
But despite all the fires,

وبرغم جميع سوابقه
Wa beraghm gamee'a swabeqho
And despite all the recurrences,

وبرغم الحزن الساكن فينا ليل نهار
W beraghm elhozn alsaken feena lail nehar
And desapite all the sadness living within,
in the day and in the night,

وبرغم الريح .. وبرغم الجو الماطر والإعصار
Wa beraghm el reeh .. wa beraghm algao almatter wale'ssar
Despite all the high wind, the rain,
And the hurricanes,

الحب سيبقى يا ولدي أحلى الأقدار
Alhob sayabqa ya waladi ahla alakdar
Love will remain your sweetest and most cherished destiny,

يا ولدي
Ya walady
My son.

... and more peaceful rock throwing

بحياتك يا ولدي امرأة
Behayataka ya walady emra'aton
There is a woman in your life my son,

عيناها سبحان المعبود
Aynaha sobhan almaboud
Her eyes were made by god's grace,

فمها مرسوم كالعنقود
Fameha marssoumon kal onkoud
Her lips painted with the sweetest wine,

ضحكتها أنغام وورود
Dehket-ha anghamon wa wer'oud
Her laughter is music and roses,

والشعر الغجري المجنون
Walsha'ar el'agar almagnoun
And that crazy gypsy hair,

يسافر في كل الدنيا
Yossafero fi kol eldonia
Traveling the entirety of life and universe,

قد تغدو امرأة يا ولدي يهواها القلب
Qad taghdo emta'atan ya waladi yahwaha alqalb
She is far more than a heart's sweet lover,

هي الدنيا
Heya aldonia
She is life!

Peaceful protest ... and amunition

لكن سماءك ممطرة
Lakena sama'aka momterton
But now your sky is thundering,

وطريقك مسدود مسدود
Wa tareeqaka massdoudon massdoud
And your road is closed, closed

فحبيبة قلبك يا ولدي
Fahabibato qalboka ya waladi
Because your sweetheart my son,

نائمة في قصر مرصود
Na'ematon fi qassron marsoud
Sleeps in a secure, well guarded palace

من يدخل حجرتها .. من يطلب يدها
Man yadkholo hograteha, man yatlobo yadaha
Whoever tries to enter her room
whoever asks for her hand,

من يدنو من سور حديقتها .. من حاول فك ضفائرها
Man yadno men soura hadeeqatoha,
man hawala faka dafa'erha
Whoever draws near her garden fence,
Whever tries to undo the pleats of her hair

يا ولدي مفقود .. مفقود
Ya waladi mafqoudon mafqoudon, mafqoud
Will be lost my son, lost, lost, lost!

يا ولدي
Ya waladi
My son

Peacefuls

ستفتش عنها يا ولدي في كل مكان
Satofatesho anha ya walady fi kol makan
You will search for her everywhere my son, everywhere

وستسأل عنها موج البحر وستسأل فيروز الشطآن
Wa satass'alo anha mowga albahr
w tass'alo fayrouza alshot'an
And you will ask the sea waves, and the corals,

وتجوب بحاراً وبحارا ..
Watagoubo beharan w behara
And you will travel seas .. and oceans,
وتفيض دموعك أنهارا
w tafeedo demou'oka anhara
and your tears will flow like rivers

وسيكبر حزنك حتى يصبح أشجارا
Wa sayakbiro hoznoka
hata yossbeho ashgaran, ashgara
And your sadness will grow to become high treas

وسترجع يوماً يا ولدي
Wa satargo yoman ya waladi
Then you'll return one day my son,

مهزوماً مكسور الوجدان
Mahzoman makssora al wegdan
A broken spirited loser

وستعرف بعد رحيل العمر
Wa satarafo ba'ada raheeli elomr
And when life is about to depart, you'll find out

بأنك كنت تطارد خيط دخان
Be'anaka konta totaredo khayta dokhan
That you were chasing a line of smoke,

فحبيبة قلبك يا ولدي
Fahabibato qlbeka
Because your sweetheart

ليس لها أرض أو وطن أو عنوان
Layss laha ardon aw watanon aw onwan
Isn't just a land, a nation, or an address,

ما أصعب أن تهوى امرأة يا ولدي
Ma assabo an tahwa emr'atan ya waladi
How hard is it to love [and want] a woman, my son,

ليس لها عنوان
layss laha enwan
Who has no address?
(Because she is mother of 'Life')

يا ولدي
Ya waladi
My son

39 persons complaining that they haven't yet recieved compensation for the loss of loved one or injuries during the 25 January 2011 revolution have been doing a sit-in in Tahrir Square for quite a few days ... the government promises to attend to their complaint and asks them to leave so that life in the square goes back to normal, but they refuse ... and opportunity knocks!

The following day, thugs move into the square armed with loads of stones under the pretence that they are showing solidarity with their 'brothers and sisters' who were being harshly treated by the authorities. The police asks them to stop hurling stones, but instead, they break pavements and hurl more stones at the police. Now, a sea of stones, lots of police personnel fall injured ...

In retaliation, police soldiers cover themselves with their shields and throw back the stones that was aimed at them, but that doesn't stop 'the protesters' ... and they keep the assault on the police ... two people die and loads of injured indiviuals, to include police personnel as well as 'protesters' ... at this stage, tear gas is also used by the police in an attempt to disperse the protesters ... but they don't, and their numbers swell further ...

Egyptian media now in full swing, they display a picture of 'police brutality', but not 'protesters' brutality against the police! However, pictures speak louder than words on the many TV channels and people see for themselves the reality of what's happening ... and people across Egypt are now not only very concerned, but are also very afraid, and are also witness to the media's one sided reporting, the people do not approve of the violence they see before their eyes, and blame the violent protestors for starting the confrontation ...

'Experts' are now aplenty, some blaming the government and the army for the killings and the injury ... but they don't blame the 'protesters' who started the chaos in the first place ... and tempers rise higher and higher amongst the now much fuller square with many new protesters, now including university students forming a large group, and others coming to show sympathy with those injured and killed and ... to blame the Army. The following day, while the original crowd keep throwing their 'peaceful' ammunition at the police, and the police retaliates with same and tear gas, the for real peaceful students and 'other' protesters numbers increase further and the chanting to topple the Essam Sharaf government as well as the Council of the Armed Forces headed by FM Tantawi gets louder and louder ... some more 'protests' erupt in more cities chanting the same slogans ...

As numbers swell further and the tempers are high, the total of those killed escalates and way over 1000 people are injured ... the media now sends mixed messages of both; trying to reason with the protesters, and to vemently blame the army and the government ... everybody so loud, control is lost ... and opportunity knocks for the 'protesters' again ...

By now, instead of the one small tent, there are loads of brand new tents in the central roundabout ... and I saw myself many cars piled high inside with blankets inside their plastic wrappers and on the roof being allowed into the square by 'ify' looking drivers through the checkpoints manned by 'the protesters'. This was the checkpoint close to the Egyptian Museum ... there supposed to be no entry to cars inside the now 'occupied' square!

Now, as the peaceful gather in the square, the real 'proterstors' move on to a side street leading to the Ministry of Interior and try to break in. They are now armed with Molotov [petrol] bombs, guns and knives ... We could hear the guns 2/3 miles away ... and on TV ... about 30 gather on top of the American University, make and throw Molotoves at the police too ...

Killed now are 34 people, and loads more injuries ... PM Sharaf resigns ... and Tantawi gives a televised speech confirming that the Army does not want to hold on to power, thet Dr Sharaf's government resignation had been accepted, that, as the protersters demand, a new 'Rescue' government would be formed, and suggests a referendum asking the people of Egypt if The current supreme Councl should go, and that they would go if the people say yes ... but 'the protesters reject the offer straight away and outright, still demanding the removal of Tantawi and the Army! They now insist that the Army must go NOW!

The people of Egypt are now wondering who gave those unelected 'protesters' of Tahrir Square the right to represent them then speak on their behalf?! They wonder how can those 'protesters' act in auch dictator like fashion and impose their will to reject Tantawi's offer without consulting the people first, when the majority of the people like what they hear?! They wonder, how and why are those 'protesters' chanting the removal of the Army and attempting to invade the police while also complaining about the lack of policing post the January revolution?! An irony! They wonder how are those 'protesters' neglecting, on purpose because nobody is that naive, the economic hardship that results from their actions and the terror they are causing? They wonder, why are those protesters causing such huge damage to the 'reputaion' of the country at such great time of need thus hindering investment, crashing the stock exchange until it had to close, hindering tourism, disturbing their everyday life? Why are they deliberately breaking pavements and damaging public property expecting the already struggling people of Egypt, who saw the value of their money being halved as neccessities and food prices kept on rising since the revolution started be expected to accept this hooliganism? The people also wonder who will foot this criminal bill too because of this disturbance?!

These are no peaceful protests, these are organised violent clashes, criminality and thuggery! Whose fault was it? Who was really responsible for the cause of all the death and the injury?

The right to 'Peaceful protest' is a democratic right, but one that is lost once protesters turn to violence ... They turned to violence! So, why are the rights of those violent protersters being preserved over and above the rights of the peaceful peoples of Egypt?!

There are no 'sides', there are 'People' and there are 'Spiders and thugs'!

Who will you stand by, who will you support?

Egypt's friends around the globe, support the Egyptian people!

The terrorised people of Egypt, over 80 MILLION of them not only strongly disapprove of the current chaos in Tahrir Square, and the criminal activity still trying to overwhelm the authorities and break into the Ministry of Interior as well as other police departments in other cities under the guise that they are 'protesting' in solidarity with the families of those injured and/or killed during the January revolution, but are Deeply Concerned that the who is who of the world as well as international organisations are preoccupied with the so called 'rights' of the 'protesters' and not the legitimate rights of a whole people numbering 80 million man, woman and child; the peaceful people of Egypt! ... They now urge the international community to show solidarity with the people , not the spiders with a 'mission'who pay the thugs to prey on the politically naive young people of Egypt and get them to rise when there is no need to do so ...

Please call for the clearance of Tahrir Square and denounce any and all similar criminal activity!

When I went to Tahrir Square, there were lots of predominantly young people, including loads of school age 12,13, 14 year olds and above! What do they know about politics?! I spoke to a group of about 20 decent looking young people and was able to convince them to go home. I also spoke to a major international TV station voicing the people's as well as my rejection and deep concern at what's happening in the square and in Egypt and it's economy as a result. I don't know if that interview was broadcast ... because straight after, I was intimidated by another group of 'youth' and was harshly pushed to the floor from behind 'as if it was an accident' injuring both my knees, although the right one swelled and is hurting more than the left ... it was some members of the group I spoke to who then shielded me from further attack and accompanied me out of the square from the exit by the river and into a taxi ... Until then, a few other 'protesters' were following us making the sign of crazy with their hands, and it was directed at me!

All that 'Freedom of speech' and 'Democracy' talk! ... my knees are still swallen and painful ... and I mean painful!

Tahrir Square is still in full swing ... and so are the 'protestors' trying to break into the Ministry of Interior' ... the tear gas, the ... you name it ... and the 'experts' on TV on the Egyptian channels ... and everywhere too ... but more and more ordinary people like myself are voicing there Deep Concern now ... and they too, are everywhere!

Hope with the people of Egypt ... and with me ....

... on learning [click]

S&P downgrades Egypt sovereign rating [click]

Sekhmet, the Egyptian godess of war

The spider within ...

2011-11-20T01:14:00.006Z

"Thousands of people have gathered in Cairo's Tahrir square to voice their anger about a lack of change in Egypt since the downfall of Hosni Mubarak in February.

The BBC's Jon Leyne said that the protesters had "deep concerns" that the interim military authorities wanted to cling to power rather than allowing free and fair democratic elections."

But unlike on the 25th January 2011, the people do not support what is happening in the square this time. Today I met with some friends at their social club and they all do not like or approve of these protests or the demand of removing the Council of The Armed Forces from power as those protesters are demanding.

Then again, the people I mix with in general are aware that what's in Egypt now is a 'transitional' governmant, and hence, it's sole duties should only be just to keep the country stable until it hands over to whoever will be elected. soon as it is possible to do so. They realise that a transitional government does not sort out low wages or economic inequalities, etc. Lots of other people can not or do not want to realise that.

And the Army has stated, on many occasions, that they do not want to cling to power and will hand over to a new elected civilian government. The people I meet believe that, although some say that the Army favours a Turkish style of government because that gives them a bigger role in governing, and they don't mind that, because they think this would be better than getting certain powers to govern unchecked, whoever and whatever they are.

I returned home early and a neighbour came shortly after and we sat to watch the chaos unfold on TV. Soon, the room became full of neighbours and we all sat in disbelief in front of the TV watching the protesters breaking and throwing stones at the police and the police throwing same back at them, and tear gas, in retaliation. They report that soldiers and civilians alike have been injured and some critically, with one death. A few minutes ago the reporter said there was now a fire in that huge office building in Tahrir Square. They say it's on the first floor. Now the protest has escalated into total chaos in 'Tahrir Square' and a few other cities are reporting similar incidents too!

Only, as the BBC reports, these are the actions of 'thousands' and not the 80 or so Million ordinary people of Egypt who are now fed up with all these disruptive protests by god only knows who and for what purpose, they wonder why are the authorities, including the Army, whom the majority supports until a new government and president are in place don't do something to stop it's spread and the resulting damage. Most are grateful for the Army's restraint as well as efforts since January, although they criticise them for not being firmer right from the start, and that that would have made the scenes on TV now not possible.

The neighbours now have gone back to their homes but I bet they are still awake watching the TV, some not knowing whether to go to work or send the kids to school in the morning. In general, people not only disapprove, but are afraid and uncertain about what will happen next, or even tomorrow. On TV though, the 'experts' are plenty, by the bucket load, and everybody has a different opinion ... I am no expert, so I have none, I just don't like what I see ....

Freedom of speach and protest, is it right that the will of the few, whoever they may be, overrides the will of the huge majority?! ... because that huge silent majority do not like what is happening now ... not-at-all!

For me, I wish I understood, but I don't ... just like the neighbours who came to watch my TV tonight.

And for me, it feels like what I am watching is a huge spider walking about Tahrir Square ... so many ugly hairy legs, some you can't even see ... and each is so sticky, it's pulling those it touches each in a different direction ...

... it's 3am Cairo time and I am still watching ....

... and all I have is hope ....

....and it's all I need at the moment ....

Peace

Egypt: Doubts cast on Turkish claims for model democracy [click]
Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood says end to military rule is 'top priority' [click]

SMS Romance ...

2011-11-19T00:07:00.014Z

She sends an sms ....

"My love

If you're sleeping, send me your dreams,

If you're smiling, send mee your smile,

If you're crying, send meee your tears,

I love you"

He Replies :

"I'm in the toilet!"

Pilot stuck in toilet triggers mid-air emergency

19 November 2011

;-)

Prime Minister Questions 9 November 2011

2011-11-10T09:33:00.004Z

Questions

PM's House of Commons Liaison Committee meeting 8 November 2011

UK to 'abstain' on Palestinian statehood bid

Eid in Cairo :-)

2011-11-08T12:22:00.013Z

Noisy lot, aren't they!

Sooo, come on, join right in ...

Relax, enjoy, be happy and celebrate ... with Egypt ...

... cos nobody knows how to celebrate better than this old girl ....

Happy Eid El-Adha :-)

Upper Egypt peasant folklore song:

Salam alay 'He saluted me'

Lama gabalny 'when we met by chance'

w salam alay, walady ya walaady ' and when he said hello, oh boy oh boy!'

Egypt investors 'positive' [ video]
Arab nations aim to win back tourists [click]

PM Questions 2 November 2011

2011-11-03T01:49:00.005Z

"At PMQs on 2 November 2011;

Opposition leader Ed Miliband asked David Cameron if he thought the latest growth figures pointed to "success or failure of his economic plan". Mr Cameron said the 0.5% growth was "better than expected" and criticised Mr Miliband for not welcoming the news. The prime minister added: "There is a global storm in the world economy today and it is in our interest to help others confront that global storm but we have also got to keep the British economy safe."

My Scroll ... October 2011

2011-11-01T10:20:00.005Z

“History, whether bad or good, should not be forgotten.”

October 2

Cameron warns eurozone break-up would harm the UK [click] ... PM: "I don't want to leave the EU" [click] and [more] ******* Home Secretary Theresa May wants Human Rights Act axed [click] and [here] and [more] ******* Hundreds of Occupy Wall Street protesters arrestehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifd [click] ******* American actor Sean Penn tours Egypt to show the world the country is safe [click] ... Egypt exporters urge ban of vegetable exports to EU be lifted after testing clear of E. coli [click]

October 4

Overdoing it, Mr Cameron? [click] and [here] ******* doctors from overseas must speak English or be banned [click] ******* Foam injections for varicose veins [click] ... Social media
Digital and social media at the heart of new Masters in Marketing [click] ******* US Senate backs debate on currency law amid yuan row [click] ******* Alma telescope begins study of cosmic dawn [click] *******

October 5

PM To Rally Tories With Call For Optimism [click] and [more] ... David Cameron defends coalition NHS reforms [click] and [more] ******* Lords save us; 'Docs letter' [click] and [more] ... NHS bill: Lord Owen adds to storm clouds gathering [click] and [more] ******* Whatever you do don’t criticise doctors in public [click] and BMA [response] ******* Nobel for expanding Universe find [click] *******

October 6

PM Speech [click] ... The key moments in Cameron's speech [click] and [more] ******* Faith, hope and medicine [click] ... Nobel winner's fight to the end [click] ... 'Menopause' woman gives birth in Belper street [video] ...Spain's Duchess, 85, celebrates wedding with impromtu dance [video:] *******

October 7

Unesco clears way for Palestinian membership vote [click] ... US warns UNESCO to stay out of Palestine debate [click] and [here] ... Palestinian anger rises at US for UN veto threat [click] ******* Pale people need more vitamin D [click] ... How to increase your vitamin D [video] ******* Europe to lead daring Sun mission [click] *******

October 8

World facing worst financial crisis in history, Bank of England Governor says [click] ******* USA protest bug [click] and [here] ******* ' Will ‘consultant incentives’ be common in a reformed NHS? [click] ... No man can serve two masters [click] ******* Antenatal advice 'perpetuates C-section myths' [click] ******* The hidden workings of the sun revealed by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory [click]

October 9

Jesus complex; Is Jesus God? [click] ******* Charity, giving and good karma [click] ******* Venus surprises with ozone layer [click]

October 12

Venus springs ozone layer surprise [click]

October 29

The world at seven billion [click] ... find your [number] and [video] ... which of these new born's number 7 billion? [video] ... Margin of error [click] ******* Breast cancer screening under review [click] ... Daily aspirin 'blocks bowel cancer' [click] ******* Crazy physics' speed of light [click]

"We have differentiation from other communities. Our history is the critical differentiation. We should be out shouting it from the roof tops - we are an historic community. We are a real town.”

Dahab

2011-10-14T00:52:00.005+01:00

Blue hole - Dahab - Egypt
It's 200m deep!

The ultimate bussiness meeting place?
Of course!
Location location location!

A virgin paradise ...

Well, nearly ...

As beautiful as a dream ...

And yesw, the Hilton is there ...

... but this one doesn't cost an arm and a leg ...

... and only an arm for this one ....

And the residents are very friendly
Only you don't get this kind of affection from the 'all stars' ...

Fancy a swim? ...

And the food is deelicious!

And how about that for romantic?

Well, you forgot the sunglasses at home, didn't you?!

And the red canyon is closeby too, it's amaaazing!

... and that weather! Paradise!

By the way, Dahab means Gold, they called her so because it's beautiful water shimmers in the sun, and her sand is like sparkling gold too ...

:-)

... and gold is precious ...

Dahab is a precious experience ....

You don't take computers on such a precious experience, do you?

;-)

Pssst! Apparantly, the top picture is actually of Belize's Bleu hole and not Dahab's! Well, what do you know! Shame I can't fly and take pics of blue holes from the sky myself, but the BBC can! :-( ... and how many Bleu holes do we have on this earth anyway, eh?!

... Well, thanks BBC! You had to do it Amelia, didn't you?! ... youuuuuuu @@

Well done ... and thank you :-)

Happy Birthday David :-)

2011-10-09T01:59:00.013+01:00

Magic!

Well, they say 'if you neighbour the happy, you will be happy too' - too true! So, if PM can make his girl that happy, then he can make the whole country happy ... and impact on the globe's happymometer too ... and it comes naturally to him! So, to those who think it's all PR, I say, learn! ... or eat your heart out! ... and the media loves him because he doesn't hide his emotions, and is reviving romance in Britain ... well, he's overdoing it a bit, or two ;-) but then, show me purrrfect!

... and what do you give your favourite Big Boss for a present on his birthday?!

I know! I'll give him an answer, and a prediction, a wish, and a prayer ...

Answer; Although I am a Eurosceptic, I agree with him that now is not a good time for a referendum! Because, if it says no to Europe and we leave, we'd look like someone who leaves friends at their time of need! Not nice, is it?! ... and that will not only greatly harm the country trade and relations wise, but would go down real bad in history and is never forgotten ... forever! So, I've decided to become a 'Practical sceptic' like David and say no to a referendum for now too ...

Prediction; Women will win David the next election - outright! How? He's a natural ... and he's playing his cards right, look at his girl ... so, he knows, you be nice to the kids, and ma will follow ... and bring her friends too ... and the husband and his friends ... the neighbours ... friends at work ... may even campaign too! ... but I must say, that tennis match was ... courageous! ... you don't dare mess with 12 year olds, you know! ... good try though, it put a smile on my face ... and on other mums I am sure ... and kids too ...

Wish; May that child in your heart never grow old David Cameron ...

Prayer; God bless you, your beautiful little family and your Big family too ...

... and I left it to his Sam to sing him his Birthday song ... with the kidz ....

Happy Birthday Prime Minister :-)

Nice song ... even though he says he's done having children ... and her too, oh dear! @@

Rumi on optimism ... :-)

2011-10-05T22:31:00.010+01:00

Bring the pure wine of

love and freedom.

But sir, a tornado is coming.

More wine, we'll teach this storm

A thing or two about whirling.

:-)

And here is one for the medics ... so that they may learn ... about medicine ....

I sipped some of love's sweet wine,

and now I am ill.

My body aches,

my fever is high.

They called in the doctor and he said,

drink this tea!

Ok, time to drink this tea.

He said,

Take these pills!

Ok, time to take these pills.

The doctor said,

And get rid of the sweet wine of love's lips!

Ok, time to get rid of the doctor.

See! No hope without passion ... and together, they are 'optimism' ... or in a single word; life.

So, let's hope ... with passion ....

My Scroll ... September 2011

2011-10-01T03:07:00.003+01:00

“History, whether bad or good, should not be forgotten.”

September 5

Top hospital to be closed as cash crisis engulfs NHS [click] ... St Mary's Hospital closure allegations [click] ... Now health trust insists that there are no plans to close St Mary's hospital [click] ... More hospital closures 'essential', say experts [click]

September 7

******* Why Eurozone should become United States of Europe, by David Cameron [click] and [google] ... David Cameron warns over 'revenge' regulation on media [video]

September 9

David Cameron: we need elitism in schools [click] ... Education excellence = ''better citizens'' [click] and [google] ******* Celebrate achievement ... reward 'excellence' [click] ******* NHS reforms finally clear Commons [click] and [google] ******* Paralympics rehearsal [click] and [photos] and [video]

September 10

PM's speech on education [No 10] and [here] and [more] ... Eton could create state school: PM [click] and [google] ******* Dying for a burger? Why are trans fats still legal in the UK? [click] and [google] ... Nurses who can't speak English put patients in danger: Lord Winston's stark warning over NHS workers from Romania and Bulgaria [click] and [google]

September 14

European banking system 'in trouble' [audio] and on Greece [click] ******* Why are Britons so gloomy in middle age? [click] ******* Miss Egypt 2011 [photos:]

September 15

******* Vote for David Cameron? Keep working [click] *******

September 16

******* Scrap food sell-by dates, government urges manufacturers [click] ******* Should school children face corporal punishment? [audio] *******
******* Missing cat found five years later 3,000km away [video] *******

September 17

David Cameron comes out top in poll on party leaders [click] and [stats] and [google] ... David Cameron is nudging us in the right direction [click] ******* New camera for burns victims 'shows blood flow' in skin [video] ******* Dwarf galaxies suggest dark matter theory may be wrong [click] *******

September 19

******* Europe's four big dilemmas [click] ... Greece 'should not be eurozone debt crisis scapegoat' [click] ******* Living to 150 [click] *******

September 20

****** Pursuit of happiness [click] ... Net gain: How to become a youtube sensation and get rich [click] ******* Universities minister defends higher education reforms [click] ... Stimulating brain with electricity aids learning speed [click] ******* Limitless current from microbes [click] *******

September 21

******* David Cameron must back the Palestinian bid for statehood at the UN [click] *******

September 23

******* President Abbas receives ovation at UN [click] *******

September 26

******* Six weeks to save the euro [click] ******* Bionic eye [click] ... Understanding Anaesthetics [click] ... Faster than light [audio] ... Birds learn how to build nests [click] *******

September 27

******* A 2-day camp in London dedicated to Egypt’s Art [click] ******* Aye-aye of the beholder [video] ... New species of genuflecting plant buries its own seeds [click] *******

September 29

******* Tens of thousands of surgical patients dying needlessly because of poor NHS care [click] and [more] ... The NHS should debate London hospitals, not Lansley reforms [click] ******* Silvio Berlusconi at 75: A birthday quiz [click] ... Authorities confiscate captive tiger in New Cairo [click] *******

September 30

David Cameron might be juvenile, but he's no sexist [click] ******* NHS chief challenges Andrew Lansley's foundation hospitals plan [click] ... Responsibility [click] ******* Is the internet re-writing history? [click] ... Students' mental health 'at risk', psychiatrists warn [click]

"We have differentiation from other communities. Our history is the critical differentiation. We should be out shouting it from the roof tops - we are an historic community. We are a real town.”