24 November, 2009

A reply from the The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, P.C., M.P.
Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs

Re: Yaghoghil Shaolian , 19, sentenced to two and a half years in Iranian-prison‏

Mr. Perecowicz,

I apologize for the late reply to your email, dated November 12, 2009. I have enclosed the Minister’s response to your concerns. Please feel free to contact me should you have any additional inquires.

Regards,
Melissa Lantsman

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Dear Arieh Perecowicz :

Thank you for your email, sent to my Office on November 12, 2009, concerning the situation of human rights in Iran and the case of Mr. Yaghoghil Shaolian , an Iranian national detained by the Iranian government.

The Government of Canada is deeply troubled by the current situation in Iran and has taken many opportunities to express its condemnation of Iran’s human rights abuses and to call for the release of all those unjustly detained in Iran. On June 15, 2009, I made a statement in which I outlined Canada’s concerns regarding allegations of irregularities in the voting process and reports of violent crackdowns by Iranian security forces on their own citizens. Furthermore, on June 21, 2009, I made another statement condemning the use of violence against protestors. You may read my statements at http://w01.international.gc.ca/minpub/index.asp

Officials of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada have also relayed these concerns directly to the Iranian Chargé d’Affaires in Ottawa, on a number of occasions, as Iran is not represented by an ambassador in Canada. As well, on June 22, 2009, the Right Honourable Stephen Harper, Prime Minister, made a statement on the situation in Iran, which you may view at www.pm.gc.ca/eng/media.asp?category=3&id=2647. Canada has also consistently called upon the Iranian authorities to release all political prisoners and journalists who have been unjustly detained, and to uphold all of its human rights obligations, both in law and in practice.

On June 17, 2009, in the House of Commons, Prime Minister Harper clearly articulated Canada’s position on Iran:

There is no secret to the Government of Canada’s position. We have been outspoken for a very long time in the councils of the United Nations and elsewhere about the unacceptable ideology, democratic practices and human rights record of the Government of Iran. We are obviously strongly displeased by the reaction that has taken place by authorities to events this week.

We encourage those authorities to respect people’s basic human rights and to move forward on democratic progress in this country. We find the behaviour of that regime unacceptable in so many ways that I cannot even begin to name them.

On the same day, I stated in the House of Commons that:

Everyone knows that this government has been very active on the Iran file, particularly in terms of condemnation and the commitment we made at the United Nations to condemn human rights abuses.

In addition, Mr. John Weston, Member of Parliament and Government Liaison to the Persian and Iranian Community, introduced the following motion, which was unanimously adopted by the House of Commons:

That the House express:

its solidarity with, and support for, the democratic aspirations of the Iranian people;
its concern with ongoing violations of civil and human rights in Iran, and calls for the immediate release of all political prisoners; and its support for a transparent electoral process that respects the genuine will of the Iranian people.

On July 8, 2009, Canada joined with other G8 countries in expressing serious concerns about recent events in Iran. G8 Leaders deplored the post-electoral violence, which led to the loss of lives of civilians, calling interference with media, unjustified detentions of journalists and recent arrests of foreign nationals unacceptable. They called upon Iran to solve the situation through democratic dialogue and the rule of law. You may read the statement at www.canadainternational.gc.ca/g8/summit-sommet/2009/political_declaration-declaration_politique.aspx.

On October 20, 2009, Prime Minister Harper welcomed the safe release of Canadian journalist Maziar Bahari by the Government of Iran. However, he stated that “while we rejoice today for Maziar Bahari’s homecoming, we must not forget about the countless others who remain unjustly imprisoned in Iran today.”

The Government of Canada will continue to call upon Iran to respect the human rights of all Iranians, and that ordinary Iranians must be able to freely express their views without fear of intimidation or violence.

The Canadian government’s concerns about human rights in Iran are long-standing. As part of its ongoing efforts to focus the international community’s attention on the human rights situation in Iran, Canada successfully led a resolution on this situation at the fall session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) for six consecutive years. Canada and 41 co-sponsors tabled a resolution at Third Committee of UNGA, for the seventh year on November 10, 2009. The resolution, which passed with significant margin of support on Friday, Noverember 20, 2009 calls on the Government of Iran to fully respect its human rights obligations and implement previous resolutions. It also expresses deep concerns about increasing discrimination and other human rights violations against persons belonging to religious, ethnic, linguistic or other minorities, recognized or otherwise, including, inter alia, Arabs, Azeris, Baluchis, Kurds, Christians, Jews, Sufis and Sunni Muslims and their defenders. Collective efforts to table such resolutions send a strong signal that the international community remains deeply concerned about Iran’s unacceptable human rights violations.

Please be assured that Canada will continue to use all means available to raise its concerns about human rights, including the post-election situation and the continued unjust detention of Iranian and foreign nationals, such as Mr. Shaolian , in Iran.

Thank you for taking the time to write and share your concerns.

Sincerely,

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon, P.C., M.P.
Minister of Foreign Affairs

FULL STORY

Not content with having the highest debt, being last out of recession, etc, we now have the largest DNA database in the world, and by some distance too, as the Economist’s chart shows. Britain’s DNA databases have moved from being a database of offenders to one of suspects, according to a new report from the Human Genetics Commission. The report concludes,

• Britain has the largest police DNA database in the world - five million strong and still growing. Over 8% of the population
• It has developed piecemeal without a specific Act of Parliament.  It needs to be regulated on a clear statutory basis and supervised by an independent authority
• A steady ‘function creep’, is allowing more and more people’s DNA to be kept
• Real concerns about the potential for discrimination against certain groups in society, since groups such as young black men are very highly overrepresented [three-quarters of black men between the ages of 18 to 35 are on it]
• All police officers should have their own DNA collected as a condition of employment

Sure holding DNA of people convicted of crime seems fine. But for how long? There are many questions, and the democratic deficit here is worrying. This issue will run and run.

Members of the Warwickshire Youth Parliament have been invited to sit in on a Police meeting this Wednesday, in an attempt to give young people a better understanding of police work.
The youth representatives have been elected through UKYP (United Kingdom Youth Parliament) open days where, potential candidates between the ages of 11-18 from the local area are chosen as to represent their age group. Depending on the amount of young people in any given area, that area may have more or less representatives. Warwickshire currently has 6 Youth Parliament members, elected after participating in a UKYP open day.
Prior to the meeting, the Youth representatives will be interviewing the Police Authority Chair, Ian Francis and Deputy Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police, Andy Parker, who said that “Gaining the views of young people can only assist Warwickshire Police in further protecting communities.”

By Ryan Brailsford

Sources: www.ukyouthparliament.org.uk

By Cara Sulieman

A SCOTTISH teacher has said that school kids should be encouraged to use Wikipedia for school research, despite doubts over the accuracy of the information on the site.

Ollie Bray, deputy head teacher at Musselburgh Grammar, said that pupils should use it to learn how to evaluate the credibility of information.

But the online encyclopaedia has a reputation for being unreliable as anyone can edit the information it carries, and parent groups say it makes their kids “lazy”.

There have been a number of high profile mistakes on the site – just last week Thierry Henry’s entry had to be locked as angry users vandalised his profile after his handball during the France Ireland football game.

Discussion

But Ollie insists Wikipedia is a valuable teaching tool – and reckons it is better to teach pupils how to use it properly rather than ban it.

He said: “We, as teachers, should be looking at these disclaimers and working with young people to discuss why articles are disputed or contradict themselves.

“If we start with the belief that everything is subject to opinion, then we can work on how to validate it.”

He suggests teachers and pupils study the “discussion”, “source” and “history” tabs on the website.

The discussion tab will show the youngsters how much debate goes into reaching a compromise when changing disputed facts.

Better access

And he thinks that these skills should be taught alongside internet safety and responsible use, as biased information could also be seen as “inappropriate content”.

He said: “There is extreme content on the internet, but kids only find it because they go looking for it.”

And the teacher – who is currently working for Learning and Teaching Scotland as a national adviser for emerging technologies – also wants kids to have better access to sites such as YouTube, which is banned in some schools and allowed in others.

He said: “Why is it fair that children in East Lothian can get access to hundreds of hours on Channel 4, National Geographic or the Scottish Parliament, when other schools and teachers have not got access to these resources?

“It means that children don’t get to benefit from it, or the teacher or head has to spend time procuring resources which are available for free.”

IT savvy

But the internet site has been blamed for making Scottish schoolchildren lazy, with parents worried that their kids are relying on someone else to do all the hard work for them.

Eleanor Coner from the Scottish Parent Teacher Council said: “Children are very IT-savvy, but they are rubbish at researching.

“The sad fact is most children these days use libraries for computers, not the books. We accept that as a sign of the times, but schools must teach pupils not to believe everything they read.

“It’s dangerous when the internet is littered with opinion and inaccurate information which could be taken as fact.”

Although Wikipedia is edited by its users, the site monitors the changes and responds to inaccuracies when it can.

A disclaimer on the site says: “While Wikipedia articles generally attain a good standard after editing, it is important to note that fledgling, or less well monitored, articles may be susceptible to vandalism and insertion of false information.”

See more of our pictures at our Flickr site and videos at our dedicated channel,  Deadline TV.

After a recent opinion poll suggested that Labour have narrowed the gap to the Tories The Independent has posted a nice article on hung parliaments, how they work and what the prospects are of one emerging after the next election. There are some good points here on whether a hung parliament might actually be a disaster for the Liberal Democrats after all.

In the wake of the Expenses Scandal, the House of Commons Reform Committee was set up to look at the work of  Parliament. It has now printed its report and recommends a series of measures to restore public faith in the power and behaviour of Parliament – this story explains some of the measures proposed

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8374990.stm

(Parliament, Executive)

Professor Jyotirmaya Sharma of the University of Hyderabad in Mail Today:

“The label of India being the largest democracy is not enough. It is not sufficient for us to go through the motions of conducting elections; sending representatives to Parliament and legislatures is not enough. Along with democracy, we need to build liberal institutions in the country.

“A narrow, official conception of nationalism often comes in the way of suppressing dissent, ignoring minority views, and demanding compliance in the name of an abstract idea of the nation. In turn, these illiberal trends fuel the demand for unity, which often is authoritarian tendencies masquerading in the name of keeping the country united and strong.”

Illustration: courtesy R. Prasad/ Mail Today

Also read: ARUNDHATI ROY: India is not a democracy

ARUNDHATI ROY: Election is not democracy

I’m delighted to have a guest post from Sonny.

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Since the whole debate about MPs expenses two arguments surrounding the matter have arisen:

A) The suitability of Party Politics to represent public opinion (and the birth of Independent MPs)

B) The number of MPs we have in parliament.

Both heavily interlinked I feel. The vast majority of suggestions at the moment point toward fewer MPs, but I don’t think that helps the fight for greater number of Independent MPs… or democracy.

With devolution in Scotland and Wales over the past years, the trend has been pointing toward greater numbers of MPs and giving power back to local government… until the issue of expenses came about. Then the consensus shifted in favour of few. “Let’s get rid of the dead wood and cut expenses”, but are we confusing “how our money is spent” with “how many people our money is spent on”?

I believe a reduction in the number of MPs would be detrimental to a more democratic government and to the ability to elect Independent MPs. The idea of IMPs is to give power back to the people by making them more willing to vote, regain a face to politics and introduce variety. This would be hard if one IMP were to represent a bigger constituency, unable to really represent all opinions and make Party Politics more attractive. We should be working towards “A local face for local people.”

We need to engage the voter more by showing them their vote counts toward something close to their homes and their hearts. Give power back to the local authorities whilst reforming the system so that more independent MPs can come together in Parliament and govern our collective needs.

It’s like any form of sampling whether be polls, quality control or something like frames in a second of film; only by taking more samples can you get a more accurate representation of the overall picture. A large number of MPs and a proper system that allows them to work out their differences is the only way forward.

- – -

Thanks Sonny. So what are your thoughts on whether we should cut the number of MPs have even more?

And if you want to write a guest post – I’d love to receive it, send it over to independent.mps@googlemail.com.

Across Scotland, rural communities are becoming more and more populated by the elderly, while younger generations are abandoning these small towns and villages in favour of cities and larger towns. But although it can be assumed that these youths are moving away for the lifestyle and colour of the big city, many of these people would prefer to live the country life and bring their families up in a close community atmosphere. These wishes cannot be fulfilled because of a problem that affects small areas all across Scotland: a serious lack of rural housing. Key local jobs such as shop keepers and farmers within small communities cannot be filled because there is no one with the skills required who can afford or can source somewhere to accommodate them in the surrounding area. One attendee at the Wednesday 7^th meeting in Parliament stated that there was “demand outstripping supply”; far more people are looking for rural property than is being catered for.

 Local councils and government have always made it an aim to protect old buildings and preserve the countryside, but is it being taken too far? Countryside which is unused for farming is lying dormant, and old buildings are not appealing to new buyers because of the extreme rules and costs involved to renovate them to their original state.

The government’s aim is to provide affordable homes in schemes across Scotland to enable new families to stay within their area. £146 million will be used to support the building of 1300 new developments, with £126 mil of that on affordable homes to rent and £14 mil spent building new homes for low cost ownership. A further £4.8 mil will be used on social and environmental improvements, for example street lights, new road signs and pavements within the new developments. Jess McCann is a single parent who would like to downsize in her local area in Dumfries and Galloway, “The market is just not catering to people in my situation who cannot find suitable houses in our own local area”

It was suggested at the parliament meeting that VAT on these houses will be reduced from 17.5% to 5%, allowing a greater number of people the opportunity to rent-to-buy, which encourages young people to stay within the community. The market value of these properties would also hopefully rise, which would motivate people to get involved in the scheme.

Enabling farmers to pass on their farms to their children and allowing business owners to rely on younger generations to take over will allow rural communities to flourish and grow, as long as there is a place provided for new families to call home.

During the summer of 1826, Parliament being up, I obtained leave of absence from my duties as a Parliamentary Reporter and went for a time into Dorsetshire. At Poole I met an old friend, a newspaper proprietor of the name of Sydenham who availed himself of my visit to solicit my services at the Petty Sessions of Wimbourne on the occasion of a charge against some poor fellows for poaching. A dire offence in those parts, in the opinion of the Magistracy; but with respect to which a very contrary opinion was generally entertained by all other individuals. At the appointed hour on Friday 1st September, I was at my post, note book in hand. The great Tory Magnate Mr. Henry Bankes M.P. was presiding. He was supported by a clerical Magistrate, Rev. James Hanham, Bart., J. O. P. Ogden Esq., and Sir R C. Glyn, Bart.

The first witness was under examination when the proceedings were coarsely interrupted by the Chairman enquiring who I was and what I was doing? I replied that I was one of the public and my name is James Acland; that as this was an open Court, I was writing down the ensuing events in the belief that I had the right so long as I did not interrupt the proceedings. Mr. Bankes observed that they allowed no reporters in his Court and desired I should leave the room. I declined to obey his mandate; when he ordered the Court to be cleared. It was literally crammed, and as I filed passed the worthy gentlemen on the Bench, one asked the question “Why I did not go?” I informed his worship that I intend to obey the order, but that I will follow the other portion of the public, which I did; remaining just outside the door until we were recalled.

When we returned, I was the first to resume my position in the exercise of an undoubted right. Mr. Bankes asked me if I was still determined to oppose his decision. I contended that in a Court of final adjudication, the accused had no other protection against possible tyranny and injustice, but the publicity of the proceedings; and that, as one of the public I decline to waive my right to be present.

“But,” said the Magistrate, “Mr. Acland, you were writing! what were you writing, Sir? We do not allow anything of the kind here.”

With the clear intention to intimidate, Mr. Bankes asked that I step forward to hear what I had to say against his decision. I admitted that I was writing, and urged that even if I were writing to my grand-mother, it would be no offence, so long that I did not disturb the order of the proceedings by the scratching of my pen. I added that if I did not make notes of the events set before me, it is to my regret that I shall thus be compelled to depend on memory, and liable to become open to the charge of inaccuracy. I reiterated my regret, that by the decision of the Chairman, I should be compelled to fulfil my duty on so vague a responsibility as that of an indifferent memory.

Mr. Bankes affirmed that he had expressed his determination on the subject. I replied that only on compulsion, I would submit. Nevertheless, I would suggest to the Bench, that on no one occasion of police reporting in the Metropolis had I been so compelled to abstain from taking notes. I am held responsible for the accuracy of my reports, and yet am prevented from avoiding the errors which a dependence on memory so often induces. On these remarks the worthy Magistrates consulted together, when Mr. Bankes again observed that a reporter had no right to be in his Court, and he was certainly determined not to permit it.

Mr. R. C. Glyn interjected, “As a minority on this question, I think I should state my opinion. In all cases which I have hitherto witnessed, reporters from the press have been permitted to take minutes of the proceedings. As an accurate, is undoubtedly preferable to, an inaccurate report, I conceive that such privilege, should be permitted now, in courtesy, if not in right.”

“Oh! of course there is no right;” interrupted Mr. Ogden, “the only consideration is whether we should permit Mr. Acland to take notes, by courtesy?”

My bravery was enhanced by Mr. Glyn’s statement, to which I added; “I am only an agent, and cannot, therefore name my privilege as a right. Although unprepared so to claim it, as far as I am concerned, I shall be ready to avail myself of it on whatever terms I may be permitted to do so. It should be understood and I am desirous of stating, that I do not personally solicit that as a courtesy which my employers might be disposed to claim as a right.”

No doubt feeling that my remarks were directed at him, Mr. Ogden replied, “If you claim it as a right, we should refuse the privilege; as a courtesy, it may be worthy of consideration whether you shall have it.” After a short pause, he added, “A recent instance has occurred in this Court, in which a reporter’ who was permitted to take notes, had put forth a most inaccurate statement of the observations of the Magistrates. I am therefore of the opinion that this extension of courtesy towards Mr. Acland, should now be refused.”

“This argument is nonsense,” I replied. “May I be permitted to state, that the inaccuracy of one reporter could scarcely justify a course of procedure calculated to prevent the accuracy of another!”

The Reverend gentleman added his weight in support of the general opinion, to which Mr. Bankes firmly stated once again that I was not allowed to take notes in his Court.

I conceive then that I was bound to submit to the decision, and for that day endeavoured faithfully to report from memory the remaining cases.

Pursuant of my right of reporting, I presented myself at the next session a fortnight later on the 15th September. Again Mr. Henry Bankes was the Chairman and either side was Rev. Sir James Hanham and the sportsman William Pitt, Esq.”

Before any business had begun, I moved to the Magistrates’ table to request permission to make an application to the Bench, anterior to the usual routine of sessional business. As I considered the subject matter of such an application had a remote reference to any police transaction of the day.

Mr. Bankes then asked for. the details of my application.

I formally stated that on this day a fortnight ago, as may be within the recollection of the Bench, I was refused the courtesy of making such memoranda as suited my convenience. I am now desirous of claiming such privilege as a right and intend showing the authority on which I do so”

“If you advance the claim of right,” said Mr. Bankes, “I at once refuse it; nor will I hear your argument.”

Politely asking if he would permit me to show by what means I consider myself so entitled, before he gave his final decision on the point; Mr. Bankes replied, “I will not, Sir. You may apply to a superior Court, if you think it proper; but this is no new question. You cannot tell me anything about it which I have not already heard or read. I therefore say, that no individual shall be permitted to take notes of proceedings in this Court whilst I occupy the Chair. I tell you, Sir, no reports shall be taken.”

Argumentatively, I said, “May I ask what law makes the act of writing a letter in an open Court a public wrong? And, if it may be permitted that an individual can use pencil and paper, surely, Sir, the act of taking notes or memoranda, in assistance of memory, cannot be justly deemed offensive.” To this I was told again, that no notes would be allowed and that I have not the right to make them”

“Mr. Bankes,” I replied, “Conceiving that I have the right; I respectfully, yet firmly, intimate my determination to avail myself of the privilege I claim by its immediate exercise.”

Mr. Bankes, rising from his chair with considerable agitation, replied; ” Am I to sit here, and see an individual in front of me taking down notes of the proceedings, in spite of my prohibition? Mr. Acland, why don’t you stand back Sir?”

“Because I prefer the open exercise of the right which I have claimed to the disingenuous conduct of its surreptitious use behind the audience with which the room is thronged.” I replied.

“Then,” said this precious specimen of Magisterial wisdom and judicial dignity, “Adjourn the Court for a fortnight.”

I returned to Poole, and in The Times of the ensuing morning, there was a column report of the entire emeute; for the excitement was such as had not been witnessed at Wimbourne Minster within the memory of the oldest inhabitant….

to be contiued…

What will you do when the time comes that the world leaders tell you that the battle to stop destroying the world is lost? The reason will be that the many sovereign national states in the world have different agendas and are unable to agree.

The only solution is to stop the growth and expansion derived from the forces of evil and start all over again building a new world with a solid foundation in the recovered history about the lost Motherland.

A Global Parliament

At what point in time will you understand that all the national states in the world have to be built down with the use of only peaceful means.

The world needs a new common superior leadership strong enough to remove all evil from the whole world.

It is an insult to the whole human race that good people are dying by the thousands every day because of poverty, religion and indecisive national leaders.

You and the whole world population can participate in this Internet outline of how a new world can be built. It is the life of your children and their descendants that this is all about.

The election of a new Global Parliament begins with the election of a council for the all the local communities in the whole world. You have to find the land where you and your tribal people want to live on a map and make a circle around it. Make a drawing on a paper of your village and the surrounding land. Use the Diagram Star as a model map.

In the real world the superior Motherland council will supervise the selection of land for every tribal people. There will be no ownership of land.

The number of inhabitants in your village will be decided by the newly elected council of twelve. Remember that the land that you live on is meant to make the village self supported with food, strong houses and clothing for every family. Every member is to work for the common good of the community. There will be no use of money and no taxes of any kind to be paid.

This is the short version of the outlines of a self supported community. Like this the whole world population will live, self supported, proud and happy with everything they need, always.

Best of all is that all humans will live with knowledge. They will know that there never ever is going to be wars and conflicts and evil activity motivated by money. Knowing the full history about the lost Motherland, there will be no religion anywhere in the world.

The world population will be reduced in the future, as soon at technology and science gets back on the right track. The building of cosmic eggs will start and whole tribes of humans and earth life will travel to settle on new planets in the universe.

The election of a new global Parliament

As soon as every community in the world have elected their local council of twelve to be their leaders, education in the seven original sciences will be the main activity in every village all over the world. Every child will have the same possibility to be educated according to spiritual strength and personal abilities.

The best students will be sent to the county educational centers and in time from there to the regional educational centers. The best of the best will be sent to the Motherland to complete their education to a degree as Master.

Through the common education and on set of laws and rules for living, there will be lasting peace in the whole world.

In every community in the world there will be a democratic election of one person for a seat in the Global Parliament. Let us assume that the many villages get together in groups of twelve in order to support each other in any kind of event. The twelve tribes elect one person each. Like this every village population will be represented in the superior Motherland council.

Like this there will be a democratic election for a county council of twelve members. Then twelve persons, men and women, are democratically elected from every county in the world. With their families they are to travel to the new Motherland and take a seat in the new global parliament. The Parliament representatives are elected for life, and when a member dies, a new is elected from the home land.

From the multitude of parliament representatives the superior Motherland council of twelve members is elected. Though the parliament and a number of expert’s councils the superior Motherland council will be omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent.

They will again be the physical power on earth that is strong enough to deny the forces of evil to enter the common world of thoughts, ever again.

Thoughts

How can a new world with lasting peace be built? The work has to be done by you and the whole world population. There is no one else. The recipe how to do it is hidden in the Bible.

Your thoughts and the thoughts of the whole world population have been occupied by the forces of evil for some twelve thousand years. You are your thoughts. They show your spiritual strength and personal abilities in your spoken words and deeds.

The daily thoughts make you a captive of the forces of evil. Your daily thoughts makes it impossible for you to realize that the forces of evil that the whole world population is captivated with, is the laws and rules of your nation, the global capitalistic system and all the religions in the world. New thoughts mean new thoughts.

It is a choice between life and death. If you choose life for your children and their descendants, you have to choose a whole new set of thoughts. If you choose death you and your children may not have any descendants at all.

You just have to think this through. Compare your national state with a regular work camp. Your national leaders are all good people, they are just doing what they think is right according to the laws and rules they as leaders have sworn to obey. None of them knows the story about the lost Motherland, and when they hear about it they all do as Pontius Pilate and deny it ever existed.

Now think about the words in the Bible. Jesus, as the born again Motherland history, said: “My Kingdom is in Heaven.” The words means that the Kingdom Jesus spoke of had existed physically and the Masters who wrote the biblical story about Jesus, told people about a life totally without despotic and evil Roman occupants and without the priesthood’s and their dogmas and assumptions.

They did not succeed and after the Romans had taken control over the religion and made it in to a despotic tool for controlling the many people they ruled over, the biblical stories was written with a camouflage that people was forced to believe in with the use of warfare and brutality.

Actually I don’t mind Mondays. I look forward to getting dressed up in something other than jeans and tshirt, putting makeup on and reading the paper uninterrupted while the train hurtles me toward Melbourne. I get to hop off at Melbourne Central and walk a little bit further to work to enjoy the early morning. I look forward to morning tea with my colleagues where we discuss all and sundry (a wedding theme this morning). I also enjoy my work- a tad unusual, but there you go .

What I don’t like is stupidity. Users who have no clue as to what they want, except they want reams of paper faxed to them, or sent via express post from Canberra. I detest interfaces such as the Commonwealth Parliament’s Hansard which is slow, hard to search and displays in PDF. I am thankful for the lovely people at Open Australia whose aim is to make it easy for people to keep tabs on their representatives in Federal Parliament- and what’s more they’re volunteers!

I’m also not a big fan of moustaches- there- it’s out. I know it’s Movember, and I have donated to my lovely little bro A, and P.S. for their moustaches, but it’s as much to get them to shave them off as it is for men’s health and depression.  Whenever Mr BG has worn the mo ( usually when he has been sick for an extended period and there has been no need to shave),it has not been an enjoyable experience. It is difficult to feel amorous when you are kissing bristles. Yet perversely, that is when he is more than happy to kiss me! There is only one place where moustaches are acceptable and that is the 1970s, preferably a cricket field…

There was some buoyant activists today in the Tooting Labour Party after the exciting news in today’s Observer regarding Labour’s improved showing in the latest opinion polls. The Conservative lead has dropped to just 6 points according to the latest Ipsos MORI poll. While 6 points is still a loss, it equals a hung parliament, which is obviously a better scenario than a complete Labour wipeout. But it could also be just the start of a fight back.

While I don’t think I can add that much more to the analysis of the result by Andrew Rawnsley and the UK Polling Report’s digestion, I can say that this is certainly going to lift the mood of the Labour faithful. This is going to lead to a more hopeful, and therefore more engaged Labour base.  Having people on the street, knocking on doors is vital and the more that come back to the fold because defeat is no longer inevitable, the better.

Hopefully, it will also lead to a more focused leadership, less rumours of a putsch and a more determined party overall.

New Delhi is the National Capital of India and one of its most fascinating cities. Being the Political centre and having the second largest metropolis by population, the city has a strong effect on the people of India and the direction in which the country has developed.

I love Delhi for its amazing diversity and interesting culture. The markets, the temples, the bustling business, the stunning sunsets and the great night spots. I would be difficult to ever get bored in this city. Here are 8 of my favourite things to do and see when in Delhi:

1. Bahai Lotus Temple

This is a temple dedicated to the Bahai faith and is a more recent addition to the architectural jewels of Delhi. I have never been close to it but I have driven past many times and it is just as spectacular at night as it is in the day. Reminds me somewhat of the Opera House and the Waratah Flower of Australia, maybe that’s why I like it so much. It took me at least 4 sightings of this to finally get an understanding of what it was and it is always at the top of my list for must sees in Delhi!

http://travelinsider.qantas.com.au/lotus_temple_south_delhi.htm

2. Qutub Minar

The World’s tallest free standing brick Minaret. An islamic structure which has a number of beliefs surrounding it. The intricate detail and craftwork which covers the entire structure is worth a look alone. Entry here is cheap and there is a fabulous mix of cultures all marvelling at the magnificence of this unusual sight.

http://www.info2india.com/rajasthan/qutub-minar-delhi.html

3. Dilli Haat Markets

Resembling the traditional craftsmen and trade markets, Dilli Haat offers the traveller a chance to experience a unique style of shopping . It’s the first permanent fair for regional foods, crafts and cultural activities. It’s a completely new experience and a great day out.

http://www.delhi-hotels-india.net/dilli-haat-delhi.htm

4.Red Fort

The Unesco World Heritage Site which could easily be mistaken for the Taj Mahal…. except that it’s red. I was very confused when I first saw it as it was so similar to the Taj Mahal in style, but once you see them in comparison, you understand the difference. This is where the Prime Minster addresses the people at the celebrations of Independence day, 15th August. If anything, it’s a beautiful building to see, octagonal in shape as is the style of such Islamic architecture.

http://www.tourmyindia.com/states/delhi/red.html

5. GK1 M- Block Market

A trip to Delhi is not complete without visiting this more upmarket area and the great set of shops and stalls located at the centre. The area is called Kalisah and it’s where the wealthy come to do their lower end shopping (so my high end.) There is fabulous jewellery, great snacks, luscious hair and beauty salons and shoe stalls as far as the eye can see. You may even spot an Indian Celebrity (I saw the queen of Beauty and skin care products of India… well, you couldn’t miss her! Diamonds covering every spare bit of flesh- LOVE IT!

http://www.delhilive.com/gk1-m-block-market

6. Shalom (Restaurant)

Amazing Mediterannean lounge bar with great decor and a very trance vibe. You can smoke sheeshah (hubbly bubbly) with flavours like apple and cherry and you can sip on sumptuous cocktails! Chill out sessions playing in the background with low lighting provide the prefect relaxing atmosphere for a great night out.

http://shalomexperience.com/

7. New Delhi Parliament

The Indian Parliamentary Buildings and India Gate are essential to the Delhi City Tour. It’s best to go here with a guide who can explain the area and chances are you will probably only see it from the car. Security is quite strict in this area and it can be difficult at times to get close. It was only in the 1920’s that Parliament was moved to Delhi from Calcutta and it has remained their since.

http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/places/parliamenthouse.html

8. India Gate

A slow drive down the Rajpath will allow you ample photo opportunities of the India Gate. This is a war memorial to over 90,000 Soldiers who lost their lives serving in World War 1. It’s a magnificent structure and a testament to the Indian people and their contributions during British Colonialism.

http://www.indiasite.com/delhi/places/indiagate.html

I hope you are able to see some of these great sites in Delhi. I strongly recommend going on a city tour or hiring a tour guide for one day to really get a good understanding of the history of the city and the many facets which make it the wonderful city it is today. To find out about the best markets and where to eat, chat to a local. The Indian people are very friendly and always more than happy to stop and give some advice to visitors.