text:
The Torygraph Telegraph has this: “Nearly half of all Labour voters prepared to desert the party as they lose both leave and remain support“.
20% of voters are undecided or will not say how they will vote “the Undecided”.
In short, the polls are still indicating that Wicked Witch of Westminster is going into this election on a favourable wind and the Labour Party still looks as if it is going to be the big loser. But a big win for the Witch may very well turn out to be very bad for the country.
The Independent has this: “Majority of British voters believe Brexit was wrong decision, poll finds – Figures reveal 45 per cent of electorate oppose leaving the EU” That relates to yet another You-Gov poll for The Times.
The Independent also has this: “The latest polls show most people think Brexit was a mistake. This could be a turning point – May and her Brexit-backing band have, up until now, always been able to count on the majority being in their corner. They have used it as a club in an attempt beat their opponents into submission. Majority rules! That’s going to be a lot harder to do if she’s lost the majority“.
The Guardian reports: “Jeremy Corbyn election bid to promote ‘warmer’ style of leadership – Labour strategists take on Tory attacks and depict leader as willing to engage with ordinary people, in contrast to Theresa May“.
That is, perhaps, a sign of a sensible strategy developing.
It is worth referring again to something discussed on the 1st Brexit Election Update and that is that younger voters are more likely to vote Labour and that age rather than class is now a factor that matters. As pointed out on the May’s Brexit General Election page, Monday 22nd May 2017 is the last day for registering to vote. Labour, Liberal Democrats, the SNP and others should be working hard to get all eligible (and in particular younger) voters onto the register.
Jeremy Corbyn seems to be trying. The Guardian has this: “Jeremy Corbyn gets personal in one-off campaign speech – Labour leader departs from usual focus on issues and policies by talking about his personal history and motivations“.
This piece by Charlie Brinkhurst Cuff in the Guardian is worthy of note: “Personal attacks on Corbyn will backfire on the Tories among the young – We recognise bullying when we see it, and we look for idealism in politicians – not the vindictiveness on display from Johnson and May“.
This piece in the Financial Times is worth reading: “Theresa May is dangerously disdainful of dissent – A thumping majority will not change Europe’s negotiating stance” – and the posted comments make interesting reading too!
The Telegraph has this interesting piece: “Spanish ministry of defence staff vote thousands of times in Gibraltar poll – Telegraph Gibraltar poll approaches one million votes – after thousands of votes from Spain’s ministry of defence and social media campaign“. One has visions of some elderly officer relic from the dark days of Generalissimo Francisco Franco sitting in a basement of the Spanish Ministry of Defence urging a cohort of members of the Guardia Civil to log on to the Telegraph website to swing the on-line poll. Well, it’s not just the Russians who are in the “fake news” business.
The Wicked Witch of Westminster has pulled a fast one!
With the benefit of hindsight, it is worth reading this article from last Sunday’s Observer: “How May kept her secret – and left rivals scrambling – The PM brilliantly outwitted her opponents after weeks of denying she was going to go to the country“.
Yes, the Wicked Witch has managed to catch all the opposition parties, and in particular the Labour Party, completely on the hop.
A new page has been opened for the May’s Brexit General Election which will be periodically updated.
Professor Curtice of Strathclyde University predicted that Labour was heading for disaster in Scotland and likely to lose control of all Councils in Scotland.
The Guardian’s view was that the results of the Local Elections will be a key indicator of the likely outcome of the surprise General Election.
However, the Independent has this: “Labour easily beating Tories among voters under 40 despite being 20 points behind overall – The UK’s generational split is bigger than ever“. The article is based on a You-Gov poll: The Demographics Dividing Britain.
No doubt, campaign managers will be taking these findings into account.
Voters in Wales may remember that when Mrs Thatcher closed Wales, the Welsh Development Agency tried to remedy matters with a Made in Wales advert which 9 years later is still to be found on You-Tube – swiftly followed by a skit on the the BBC’s Not the Nine O’Clock News – Failed in Wales – also to be found on You-Tube.
Strange, therefore, that the Wicked Witch is campaigning for a hard Brexit which will damage Wales and seeking to persuade the people of Wales to vote Conservative in her surprise General Election.
The Guardian has this: “Conservatives warned: don’t take ‘landslide’ election win for granted – Strategists fear voters may turn to other parties to reduce scale of anticipated victory as Theresa May tries to woo people away from Labour in Wales“.
The report is useful because it identifies the Conservative target constituencies in Wales.
The Financial Times has this: “What to expect after the UK general election – How the result will shape Brexit, Scotland and Theresa May’s leadership“.
Assuming electoral success – which at the moment seeks likely – it is an interesting piece.
More importantly, the Financial Times has this: “Theresa May refuses to commit to pensions ‘triple lock’ – Policy ensures state pension rises by highest of CPI, earnings growth or 2.5 per cent“.
We pensioners, may find that a pretty depressing notion – especially when coupled with what we see happening to the National Health Service.
The Wicked Witch in Trouble?
The Mail on Sunday’s Political Editor reported: “Tory lead is slashed in half after tax U-turn: Bombshell Mail on Sunday poll shows May plummeting by 11 points …denting hopes of a landslide“. Oh Dear!
The actual Survation polling questions and answers are here: “Survation’s first General Election Voting Intention poll since Theresa May’s call for a General Election gained parliamentary approval shows the Conservative Party with more than a double-digit lead over Labour. But, as the Mail article pointed out, Professor John Curtice (who knows about these things) believes the survey still points to a net Conservative gain of some 29 seats.
Tories on 45% (up seven points compared with the previous week), while Labour is down three points on 26%.
There has been a dramatic fall in backing for Ukip, which is down five points to 9%, from 14% the week before.
The Financial Times has this: “Blair urges voters to back anti-Brexit candidates — even if Tory – Former Labour prime minister’s intervention enrages leftwing activists“.
The Telegraph has this: “SNP ‘to lose 10 seats’ to Tories in major blow to Nicola Sturgeon“. The report appears to be based on Panelbase and Survation polls. However, it appears that both polls predicted 2 gains for the Liberal Democrats and one poll thought there might be 3rd gain. Apparently, the Survation poll found backing for independence at 47 per cent, with 53 per cent opposed. However, almost 38 per cent said another Tory majority government would make them more likely to back separation.
The Scotsman has this: “Election 2017: Will the SNP sweep Glasgow again?“. The conclusion reached is: “No matter who is selected, and no matter what happens between now and election day on June 8th, another SNP clean sweep in Glasgow seems almost inevitable“.
The Independent reports: “Brexit opposition reaches record high one week after snap election announcement – While 44 per cent agree with Brexit, the same percentage think leaving the EU would be wrong“.
The BBC has this: “General election 2017: How many people are registering to vote?” According to the report, some 350,000 people have registered to vote since the election was announced and most of them are younger people. Let us hope that all voters readers – especially those who were unable to vote in the Referendum – will be sure to register this time.
The Website is here: “How to Vote to Stop the Tories“.
The Times reports: “Trump puts EU ahead of Britain in trade queue – Merkel lands Brexit victory for Brussels“. Oh Dear!
The so-called “special relationship” has always been an issue: – see (1) The Witch and Mr Toad (2) Hard Times for the Special Relationship (3) The Witch, Mr Toad and the EU .
It was always to be expected that Mr Toad would be more interested in the trade balances than in the “special relationship” and, as the Times article points out: “The EU is America’s biggest trading partner: US exports to the bloc last year were worth $270 billion; it imported goods worth $417 billion. In the same period the US exported $55 billion in goods to Britain and imported $54 billion”.
The plain fact is that the survival of the “special relationship” after the UK joined the EU depended very much on the UK continuing to have influence in Europe as one of the larger members of the European Union.
The Guardian has this: “European leaders cheer Macron victory in first round of French election – Commission president breaks protocol to join chorus of congratulations for pro-European centrist, who faces far-right Marine Le Pen in second round“.
The Financial Times reports: “Euro and French stocks surge on expectation Macron beats Le Pen – Centrist’s likely success in head-to-head for French presidency eases investor nerves“.
The Telegraph has this: “Why does the French Presidential Election matter to the UK?“.
The original £1 coin was the Sovereign. But while these coins continue to be minted, the current worth of a real 1983 gold Sovereign is somewhere around £450 rather than its nominal worth of £1. But by 1983, continued inflation had devalued the currency to the extent that a £1 paper banknote had become small change. But the cost of printing £1 paper money had become excessive, so in that year a new £1 coin was introduced. The new coin received a mixed reaction from the public – but very quickly it became known as “a Thatcher” or a “Maggie” because, like the Prime Minister of that name, “it was a bit brassy, was two faced and thought it was a sovereign” – the latter part of the explanation being a reference to a Margaret Thatcher propensity to imitate some the regal characteristics of the Queen.
Mrs Teresa May, our current Prime Minister, appears to have a similar propensity.
This is a picture of Teresa May deputising for HM the Queen at a Sandhurst passing out parade on a day when Her Majesty was otherwise engaged handing out the Royal Maundy Money to pensioners at Leicester Cathedral.
Look at the hat. Her Majesty is always very careful to ensure that her face is never obscured by her hats – and Mrs May took the same approach with her headgear at Sandhurst.
Today’s Torygraph Telegraph uses the same “quasi-Royal” photograph to support this article: “Support for Brexit hits a five-month high, with 55 per cent of UK population now backing exit from European Union“. The photograph is, of course, wholly unconnected with the subject matter of the article.
There is, of course, a Christian tradition of exchanging Pascal Greetings at Easter, a feast which, after all, is in theological terms a more important Christian festival than Christmas. Wikipedia has a list of the appropriate Pascal Greeting in different languages ranging from the Greek – Χριστὸς ἀνέστη! Ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη! – to the Syriac: ܡܫܝܚܐ ܩܡ! ܫܪܝܪܐܝܬ ܩܡ! and including the English Christ is risen! Truly, He is risen! .
However, there is no tradition of British Prime Ministers delivering an Easter Message to the people. According to this Telegraph Article Alistair Campbell is said to have told Tony Blair “We don’t do God” and it does not seem that Conservative Prime Ministers before David Cameron were in the habit of delivering Easter messages.
Writing on the Conservative Home blog, Rebecca Lowe Coulson, says this: “May’s Easter message. Most people don’t go to church. But they want a Christian country“. Frankly, that assertion ignores reality (not an uncommon approach for Conservatives like Ms Coulson).
Christians are something of an endangered species in the UK. According to the Faith Survey, UK church attendance has declined over the period from 1980 to 2015 from 6.48 millions to 3.08 millions which is just 5% of the population. The British Social Attitudes Survey indicates that Anglican (i.e Church of England) affiliation is declining faster than any other religious grouping and is likely to disappear altogether by 2033.
A video and the full text of Mrs May’s so-called “Easter message” can be found here on the Downing Street part of the government web site: “Easter 2017: Theresa May’s message – In her Easter message, Prime Minister Theresa May speaks about shared values and religious freedom, and wishes everyone a very happy Easter“.
In other words – Mrs May was using the occasion of Easter to further her political position on Brexit.
Writing in the New European, Richard Porrit has this: “Deluded: May again claims whole country is uniting behind Brexit“.
The Guardian has this: “What Brexit should have taught us about voter manipulation – The EU referendum was won by the side with the means to distribute the most plausible lies through social media“.
Finally, the Financial Times has this by Nick Clegg: “Theresa May’s Brexit stance has not softened but now it must – The prime minister if bold could salvage something in the talks“.
Although Mr Clegg is unquestionably right – one cannot be hopeful that common sense will prevail in Downing Street.
and we have just suffered the Wicked Witch’s attempt to do just that – delivering an “Easter Message” to the profanum vulgus.
It was to be expected. The Telegraph has this: “Boris Johnson fails to secure backing of the G7 nations for swift sanctions against Russia and Syria“. But it is good to see that the Telegraph also has this piece: “Boris Johnson ‘not to blame’ for failed Russia sanctions at the G7, former foreign minister says“. As the articles make clear, Germany, Italy and the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs all rejected the proposals of Clown Boris.
The fact is that EU Member States always seek to have a united position before participating in wider meetings such as the G-7. That’s is encouraged by the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs. Formerly, by virtue of the “special relationship” with the USA, a British Foreign Secretary had considerable influence in the development of any EU foreign policy stance.
Now, by reason of the Brexit notification, the UK is no longer an insider in the EU looking out, but an off-shore outsider looking in.
Mrs May had wished to continue to play a central role in EU affairs until the UK ceased to be a Member state, but at her first EU summit last October she was told in no uncertain terms that this would not be possible – see: “May: UK will remain at centre of EU decision-making until Brexit – Prime minister angers European leaders at first EU summit by saying Britain wants to maintain central role until it leaves“.
British foreign secretaries are not in charge of British foreign policy. British prime ministers are their own foreign secretaries now, and have been since at least Margaret Thatcher’s time.
The main reason why May is happy with Johnson being where he is concerns domestic politics. The permanently ambitious Johnson remains May’s chief potential rival. With Brexit now beginning to take shape, she wants him in the government tent, not outside it.
The Foreign Secretary is the second-most popular politician in Britain, overtaken only, when she became Prime Minister, by Theresa May herself.
Johnson has been unsackable for the past nine months, as the most important member of the Brexit ring of steel around the PM in the Cabinet. Now that May has invoked Article 50, however, she does not need her human shield so much, although it would still be damaging to her to lose him.
Interestingly, Paul Goodman writes on the Conservative Home website: “May has Johnson exactly where she wants him” – and this may well be a correct assessment.
The Guardian has this: “Boris Johnson is a liability for Britain, says John McDonnell – Shadow chancellor says foreign secretary’s ‘poor judgment’ undermines UK credibility, adding that even cabinet has no confidence in him“.
Any list of the people undermining the UK’s credibility should have the Leader of the Labour Party right at the top of the list.
The Independent carries this piece by Chuka Umunna MP, Labour’s Shadow Business Secretary: “Theresa May’s Brexit plan makes no sense for Britain but all the sense in the world for internal Tory politics – The Prime Minister is scared stiff of the hard right of her party – the people who campaigned for Brexit, helped destroy David Cameron, and would destroy her if she questioned their ideology“.
As his Wikipedia entry shows, Mr Umunna is a pretty high-powered guy. An example of his ability is that he had the good sense to resign from the Shadow Cabinet and return to the back benches when the dreadful Jeremy Corbyn was elected as Labour leader.
Just yesterday the Independent reported “Theresa May takes 37-point lead over Jeremy Corbyn in new poll – The poll of more than 10,000 British adults found that 55 per cent think the current Prime Minister is the best choice for the role“. Analysis of the impact of Brexit by former Tory donor Lord Ashcroft found that 55 per cent of the poll of more than 10,000 UK adult respondents believe the current Prime Minister is the best choice for the role compared to 18 per cent who favour Mr Corbyn. In a further blow to the Labour leader, only 38 per cent of his party’s supporters would prefer him in Downing St, compared to 29 per cent who believe Ms May is more suited to the job. 33 per cent said they do not know.
Predictions are that Labour will lose between 50 and 100 seats in the local government elections in May. With HM Opposition in such disarray, whom can we turn to?
Tim Farron to the Rescue?
Credence is given to this by this in the Financial Times: “Theresa May ensures only Brexit key allows entry to No 10 – Business leaders find access to PM elusive and there are unwritten rules“.
The sooner the sane remainers in the Conservative Party, the more sensible people in the Labour Party, the members of the Scottish National Party and the Liberal Democrats make common cause, the better.
Time for Some Changes ?
Is Mr Toad really the Witch’s Best Friend ?
The Telegraph has this on Mr Toad’s latest little adventure: “Syria crisis: Russia raises prospect of war if it is given G7 ultimatum as it mocks Boris Johnson’s no-show“. The Guardian has this: “Syria conflict: Russia must act now to end bloodshed, says Fallon – UK defence secretary says Moscow directly complicit in suffering, writing that ‘latest war crime happened on their watch’.
The Independent reports: “Russia and Iran warn US they will ‘respond with force’ if red lines crossed in Syria again – Threat comes after UK Defence Secretary demands Vladimir Putin rein in President Bashar al-Assad“.
Steve Coll writes in the New Yorker: “Trump’s Confusing Strike on Syria – If President Trump broadens his aims against Assad, he will enter the very morass that Candidate Trump warned against.” Mr Coll describes the civil war in Syria as “the worst geopolitical disaster of the twenty-first century” but he is rightly concerned about the consequences.
Likewise, Ezra Klein writing in VOX opined: “Trump’s foreign policy is dangerously impulsive – Trump needs a foreign policy, not just reactions to what he sees on cable news“. Mr Klein puts the problem pithily: “This, above all else, is what is worrying about Trump on foreign policy: He is unpredictable and driven by whims. He is unmoored from any coherent philosophy of America’s role in the world, and no one — perhaps not even him — truly knows what he’ll do in the event of a crisis“.
Writing in the New York Times this morning, Antony J. Blinken, a Deputy Secretary of State in the Obama Administration, offers this Op-Ed: “After the Missiles, We Need Smart Diplomacy on Syria“. Well, if “smart diplomacy” is needed, then HM’s present Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs is not the right person and the Wicked Witch of Westminster seems to agree with that. Interestingly, as appears from the Telegraph and Guardian articles, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon was the government spokesperson on Mr Toad’s latest adventure.
The Financial Times also has this: “Trump sends aircraft carrier to waters off Korea – Experts divided over effectiveness of US tactics against Pyongyang’s nuclear threat“.
The Spectator has this: “North Korea must be tamed and Donald Trump is right to take action – The US President may be a reckless hothead but the world cannot tolerate a rogue state with nuclear missiles“.
One can see why the Wicked Witch of Westminster must needs cautiously support Mr Toad on these issues and it was probably wise of her to agree to have the US Secretary of State to deal with the Russians and to limit Clown Boris to the G7 meeting.
However, one op-ed in the Independent had this: “Theresa May deliberately humiliated Boris Johnson this week – her disdain for him is reaching dangerous levels – No one wants to become the latest poster boy for British subservience to Washington, or to wake on the Sabbath to ‘Boris the poodle’ (Moscow’s description). But May knew she couldn’t send him on a delicate mission with his counterpart Lavrov“.
The Guardian has this: “Russia decries cancelled Boris Johnson visit and warns on further Syria attacks – Moscow says decision to cancel trip shows Britain has no real influence and new aggressions in Syria will be met with force“.
Certainly, Clown Boris does not have the statesmanlike qualities of many of his predecessors in the office he holds. But then, in reality, the UK is no longer the Great Power we once were. Our Empire was dismantled in the the years following WW2.
We still have some trappings left – our influence within the Commonwealth – a “special relationship” with the USA – if only because because Americans speak “Murkin” which is a dialect derived from English – a seat on the UN Security Council and influence within the UN, NATO, and within the EU. But that latter zone of influence looks as if it is coming to a sorry end.
Worse, Mr Toad seems to wish to encourage the break-up of the European Union and perhaps therefore the reality is that he is no friend of the UK.
Four days ago, the Independent reported: “Brexit: Theresa May and Donald Tusk agree to ‘lower tensions’ over Gibraltar – The Prime Minister met the President of the European Council at Downing Street“. How nice of Donald Trusk to say so.
Also on 3rd April, the Guardian had this: “‘We’re the sacrificial lamb’: Gibraltarians on Brexit sovereignty row – UK overseas territory could be included in trade deal with Spain’s agreement, says EU. We asked people of the Rock how they feel”.
As log ago as 21st July 2016, the Gibraltar Chronicle had this: “Spain could veto Brexit talks, Margallo says“: “The Spanish Government will veto the terms of any Brexit negotiation between the UK and the EU that sought to include Gibraltar, Spain’s acting Foreign Minister José Manuel García-Margallo said yesterday….“.
Since the evidence was presented to the House of Lords, one would have though that the Wicked Witch and Clown Boris would have taken Gibraltar’s problem very much into account when preparing the Article 50 Notice. It appears they didn’t bother.
On 6th April 2017 the Gibraltar Chronicle had this: “Clause 22 may yet change, for better or worse“.
Spain has been working on recovering Gibraltar ever since it was ceded to the British Crown in 1713 by the Treaty of Utrecht. It will not give up easily.
4 days ago, the Independent had this: “Scotland rejoining EU would be ‘relatively speedy’, says senior German MEP – ‘If the political agreement would be there, then the process would be relatively speedy. Scotland is a member of the European Union and fulfils all of the conditions,’ says CDU member Elmar Brok“.
That is good news for Nicola Sturgeon and the SNP, possibly also for Scottish businesses – especially those in the financial services sector – indeed it could even result in some financial services players in England deferring Brexit relocation decisions and moving north of Hadrian’s Wall rather than relocating to Frankfurt, Paris or Dublin.
The Scotsman has this: “SNP could push through indyref2 bill to force May’s hand“.
Interestingly, the Scottish Sunday Herald has this: “Thumbs up for Nicola Sturgeon as other politicians see negative approval rating“. A Lord Ashcroft Poll gave the First Minister a +11% approval rating with a -21% rating for her Conservative opponent and a -23% rating for Teresa May. So the Wicked Witch of Westminster can stop interrogating her mirror!
A week ago, the Independent and Open Britain launched a campaign: “Drop the Target: Theresa May must scrap goal of reducing net migration below 100,000 a year – Campaign launched by The Independent and Open Britain is being supported by MPs across the political spectrum“. That makes sense. The target was never realistic.
Three days ago, the Independent had this: “Boris Johnson says freedom of movement can continue after Brexit – Foreign Secretary claims to be ‘one of the few British politicians to speak up on the benefits of immigration’“.
Yesterday the Independent has this: “Drop The Target: Senior Conservative MPs demand five-year immigration ban – Pro-Brexit politicians tell PM their hardline plan ‘will deliver on the will of the electorate’“. According to the newspaper report, the messenger acting for the Leave Means Leave cabal was one Stephen Woolfe MEP, a former UKIP member who is now an Independent. (Click on his name for his details on Wikipedia which are not impressive).
On the Leave Means Leave website, the following Members of Parliament are named as being members of this entity’s “Political Advisory Board” or as “Supporters”. Their names below carry links to their respective Wikipedia entries.
People who live in the above-mentioned constituencies and who do not support a hard Brexit might want to consider the possibility of switching their support – for example to the Liberal Democrats: “The only party fighting to keep Britain open, tolerant and united“.
On 5th April 2017 the New Statesman had this “Exclusive: Conservative poll showed party would “lose seats” to the Liberal Democrats – Election strategist Lynton Crosby warned the party would lose MPs to the Lib Dems in an early election, sources say“. According to the article, polling showed that the Conservatives would lose about 27 of the Conservative gains from the Liberal Democrats in the 2015 election.
On 6th April 2017 the New Statesman followed up with this: “What would be a good night for the Liberal Democrats in the 2017 local elections? – Tim Farron’s party have a favourable map and scope for gains“.
Obviously, one cannot be sure what outcome of future elections will be but the Conservative Majority in the present Parliament is small. Over the two year period to Brexit there may well be changes. One can only hope.

lowercased:
the torygraph telegraph has this: “nearly half of all labour voters prepared to desert the party as they lose both leave and remain support“.
20% of voters are undecided or will not say how they will vote “the undecided”.
in short, the polls are still indicating that wicked witch of westminster is going into this election on a favourable wind and the labour party still looks as if it is going to be the big loser. but a big win for the witch may very well turn out to be very bad for the country.
the independent has this: “majority of british voters believe brexit was wrong decision, poll finds – figures reveal 45 per cent of electorate oppose leaving the eu” that relates to yet another you-gov poll for the times.
the independent also has this: “the latest polls show most people think brexit was a mistake. this could be a turning point – may and her brexit-backing band have, up until now, always been able to count on the majority being in their corner. they have used it as a club in an attempt beat their opponents into submission. majority rules! that’s going to be a lot harder to do if she’s lost the majority“.
the guardian reports: “jeremy corbyn election bid to promote ‘warmer’ style of leadership – labour strategists take on tory attacks and depict leader as willing to engage with ordinary people, in contrast to theresa may“.
that is, perhaps, a sign of a sensible strategy developing.
it is worth referring again to something discussed on the 1st brexit election update and that is that younger voters are more likely to vote labour and that age rather than class is now a factor that matters. as pointed out on the may’s brexit general election page, monday 22nd may 2017 is the last day for registering to vote. labour, liberal democrats, the snp and others should be working hard to get all eligible (and in particular younger) voters onto the register.
jeremy corbyn seems to be trying. the guardian has this: “jeremy corbyn gets personal in one-off campaign speech – labour leader departs from usual focus on issues and policies by talking about his personal history and motivations“.
this piece by charlie brinkhurst cuff in the guardian is worthy of note: “personal attacks on corbyn will backfire on the tories among the young – we recognise bullying when we see it, and we look for idealism in politicians – not the vindictiveness on display from johnson and may“.
this piece in the financial times is worth reading: “theresa may is dangerously disdainful of dissent – a thumping majority will not change europe’s negotiating stance” – and the posted comments make interesting reading too!
the telegraph has this interesting piece: “spanish ministry of defence staff vote thousands of times in gibraltar poll – telegraph gibraltar poll approaches one million votes – after thousands of votes from spain’s ministry of defence and social media campaign“. one has visions of some elderly officer relic from the dark days of generalissimo francisco franco sitting in a basement of the spanish ministry of defence urging a cohort of members of the guardia civil to log on to the telegraph website to swing the on-line poll. well, it’s not just the russians who are in the “fake news” business.
the wicked witch of westminster has pulled a fast one!
with the benefit of hindsight, it is worth reading this article from last sunday’s observer: “how may kept her secret – and left rivals scrambling – the pm brilliantly outwitted her opponents after weeks of denying she was going to go to the country“.
yes, the wicked witch has managed to catch all the opposition parties, and in particular the labour party, completely on the hop.
a new page has been opened for the may’s brexit general election which will be periodically updated.
professor curtice of strathclyde university predicted that labour was heading for disaster in scotland and likely to lose control of all councils in scotland.
the guardian’s view was that the results of the local elections will be a key indicator of the likely outcome of the surprise general election.
however, the independent has this: “labour easily beating tories among voters under 40 despite being 20 points behind overall – the uk’s generational split is bigger than ever“. the article is based on a you-gov poll: the demographics dividing britain.
no doubt, campaign managers will be taking these findings into account.
voters in wales may remember that when mrs thatcher closed wales, the welsh development agency tried to remedy matters with a made in wales advert which 9 years later is still to be found on you-tube – swiftly followed by a skit on the the bbc’s not the nine o’clock news – failed in wales – also to be found on you-tube.
strange, therefore, that the wicked witch is campaigning for a hard brexit which will damage wales and seeking to persuade the people of wales to vote conservative in her surprise general election.
the guardian has this: “conservatives warned: don’t take ‘landslide’ election win for granted – strategists fear voters may turn to other parties to reduce scale of anticipated victory as theresa may tries to woo people away from labour in wales“.
the report is useful because it identifies the conservative target constituencies in wales.
the financial times has this: “what to expect after the uk general election – how the result will shape brexit, scotland and theresa may’s leadership“.
assuming electoral success – which at the moment seeks likely – it is an interesting piece.
more importantly, the financial times has this: “theresa may refuses to commit to pensions ‘triple lock’ – policy ensures state pension rises by highest of cpi, earnings growth or 2.5 per cent“.
we pensioners, may find that a pretty depressing notion – especially when coupled with what we see happening to the national health service.
the wicked witch in trouble?
the mail on sunday’s political editor reported: “tory lead is slashed in half after tax u-turn: bombshell mail on sunday poll shows may plummeting by 11 points …denting hopes of a landslide“. oh dear!
the actual survation polling questions and answers are here: “survation’s first general election voting intention poll since theresa may’s call for a general election gained parliamentary approval shows the conservative party with more than a double-digit lead over labour. but, as the mail article pointed out, professor john curtice (who knows about these things) believes the survey still points to a net conservative gain of some 29 seats.
tories on 45% (up seven points compared with the previous week), while labour is down three points on 26%.
there has been a dramatic fall in backing for ukip, which is down five points to 9%, from 14% the week before.
the financial times has this: “blair urges voters to back anti-brexit candidates — even if tory – former labour prime minister’s intervention enrages leftwing activists“.
the telegraph has this: “snp ‘to lose 10 seats’ to tories in major blow to nicola sturgeon“. the report appears to be based on panelbase and survation polls. however, it appears that both polls predicted 2 gains for the liberal democrats and one poll thought there might be 3rd gain. apparently, the survation poll found backing for independence at 47 per cent, with 53 per cent opposed. however, almost 38 per cent said another tory majority government would make them more likely to back separation.
the scotsman has this: “election 2017: will the snp sweep glasgow again?“. the conclusion reached is: “no matter who is selected, and no matter what happens between now and election day on june 8th, another snp clean sweep in glasgow seems almost inevitable“.
the independent reports: “brexit opposition reaches record high one week after snap election announcement – while 44 per cent agree with brexit, the same percentage think leaving the eu would be wrong“.
the bbc has this: “general election 2017: how many people are registering to vote?” according to the report, some 350,000 people have registered to vote since the election was announced and most of them are younger people. let us hope that all voters readers – especially those who were unable to vote in the referendum – will be sure to register this time.
the website is here: “how to vote to stop the tories“.
the times reports: “trump puts eu ahead of britain in trade queue – merkel lands brexit victory for brussels“. oh dear!
the so-called “special relationship” has always been an issue: – see (1) the witch and mr toad (2) hard times for the special relationship (3) the witch, mr toad and the eu .
it was always to be expected that mr toad would be more interested in the trade balances than in the “special relationship” and, as the times article points out: “the eu is america’s biggest trading partner: us exports to the bloc last year were worth $270 billion; it imported goods worth $417 billion. in the same period the us exported $55 billion in goods to britain and imported $54 billion”.
the plain fact is that the survival of the “special relationship” after the uk joined the eu depended very much on the uk continuing to have influence in europe as one of the larger members of the european union.
the guardian has this: “european leaders cheer macron victory in first round of french election – commission president breaks protocol to join chorus of congratulations for pro-european centrist, who faces far-right marine le pen in second round“.
the financial times reports: “euro and french stocks surge on expectation macron beats le pen – centrist’s likely success in head-to-head for french presidency eases investor nerves“.
the telegraph has this: “why does the french presidential election matter to the uk?“.
the original £1 coin was the sovereign. but while these coins continue to be minted, the current worth of a real 1983 gold sovereign is somewhere around £450 rather than its nominal worth of £1. but by 1983, continued inflation had devalued the currency to the extent that a £1 paper banknote had become small change. but the cost of printing £1 paper money had become excessive, so in that year a new £1 coin was introduced. the new coin received a mixed reaction from the public – but very quickly it became known as “a thatcher” or a “maggie” because, like the prime minister of that name, “it was a bit brassy, was two faced and thought it was a sovereign” – the latter part of the explanation being a reference to a margaret thatcher propensity to imitate some the regal characteristics of the queen.
mrs teresa may, our current prime minister, appears to have a similar propensity.
this is a picture of teresa may deputising for hm the queen at a sandhurst passing out parade on a day when her majesty was otherwise engaged handing out the royal maundy money to pensioners at leicester cathedral.
look at the hat. her majesty is always very careful to ensure that her face is never obscured by her hats – and mrs may took the same approach with her headgear at sandhurst.
today’s torygraph telegraph uses the same “quasi-royal” photograph to support this article: “support for brexit hits a five-month high, with 55 per cent of uk population now backing exit from european union“. the photograph is, of course, wholly unconnected with the subject matter of the article.
there is, of course, a christian tradition of exchanging pascal greetings at easter, a feast which, after all, is in theological terms a more important christian festival than christmas. wikipedia has a list of the appropriate pascal greeting in different languages ranging from the greek – χριστὸς ἀνέστη! ἀληθῶς ἀνέστη! – to the syriac: ܡܫܝܚܐ ܩܡ! ܫܪܝܪܐܝܬ ܩܡ! and including the english christ is risen! truly, he is risen! .
however, there is no tradition of british prime ministers delivering an easter message to the people. according to this telegraph article alistair campbell is said to have told tony blair “we don’t do god” and it does not seem that conservative prime ministers before david cameron were in the habit of delivering easter messages.
writing on the conservative home blog, rebecca lowe coulson, says this: “may’s easter message. most people don’t go to church. but they want a christian country“. frankly, that assertion ignores reality (not an uncommon approach for conservatives like ms coulson).
christians are something of an endangered species in the uk. according to the faith survey, uk church attendance has declined over the period from 1980 to 2015 from 6.48 millions to 3.08 millions which is just 5% of the population. the british social attitudes survey indicates that anglican (i.e church of england) affiliation is declining faster than any other religious grouping and is likely to disappear altogether by 2033.
a video and the full text of mrs may’s so-called “easter message” can be found here on the downing street part of the government web site: “easter 2017: theresa may’s message – in her easter message, prime minister theresa may speaks about shared values and religious freedom, and wishes everyone a very happy easter“.
in other words – mrs may was using the occasion of easter to further her political position on brexit.
writing in the new european, richard porrit has this: “deluded: may again claims whole country is uniting behind brexit“.
the guardian has this: “what brexit should have taught us about voter manipulation – the eu referendum was won by the side with the means to distribute the most plausible lies through social media“.
finally, the financial times has this by nick clegg: “theresa may’s brexit stance has not softened but now it must – the prime minister if bold could salvage something in the talks“.
although mr clegg is unquestionably right – one cannot be hopeful that common sense will prevail in downing street.
and we have just suffered the wicked witch’s attempt to do just that – delivering an “easter message” to the profanum vulgus.
it was to be expected. the telegraph has this: “boris johnson fails to secure backing of the g7 nations for swift sanctions against russia and syria“. but it is good to see that the telegraph also has this piece: “boris johnson ‘not to blame’ for failed russia sanctions at the g7, former foreign minister says“. as the articles make clear, germany, italy and the eu’s high representative for foreign affairs all rejected the proposals of clown boris.
the fact is that eu member states always seek to have a united position before participating in wider meetings such as the g-7. that’s is encouraged by the eu’s high representative for foreign affairs. formerly, by virtue of the “special relationship” with the usa, a british foreign secretary had considerable influence in the development of any eu foreign policy stance.
now, by reason of the brexit notification, the uk is no longer an insider in the eu looking out, but an off-shore outsider looking in.
mrs may had wished to continue to play a central role in eu affairs until the uk ceased to be a member state, but at her first eu summit last october she was told in no uncertain terms that this would not be possible – see: “may: uk will remain at centre of eu decision-making until brexit – prime minister angers european leaders at first eu summit by saying britain wants to maintain central role until it leaves“.
british foreign secretaries are not in charge of british foreign policy. british prime ministers are their own foreign secretaries now, and have been since at least margaret thatcher’s time.
the main reason why may is happy with johnson being where he is concerns domestic politics. the permanently ambitious johnson remains may’s chief potential rival. with brexit now beginning to take shape, she wants him in the government tent, not outside it.
the foreign secretary is the second-most popular politician in britain, overtaken only, when she became prime minister, by theresa may herself.
johnson has been unsackable for the past nine months, as the most important member of the brexit ring of steel around the pm in the cabinet. now that may has invoked article 50, however, she does not need her human shield so much, although it would still be damaging to her to lose him.
interestingly, paul goodman writes on the conservative home website: “may has johnson exactly where she wants him” – and this may well be a correct assessment.
the guardian has this: “boris johnson is a liability for britain, says john mcdonnell – shadow chancellor says foreign secretary’s ‘poor judgment’ undermines uk credibility, adding that even cabinet has no confidence in him“.
any list of the people undermining the uk’s credibility should have the leader of the labour party right at the top of the list.
the independent carries this piece by chuka umunna mp, labour’s shadow business secretary: “theresa may’s brexit plan makes no sense for britain but all the sense in the world for internal tory politics – the prime minister is scared stiff of the hard right of her party – the people who campaigned for brexit, helped destroy david cameron, and would destroy her if she questioned their ideology“.
as his wikipedia entry shows, mr umunna is a pretty high-powered guy. an example of his ability is that he had the good sense to resign from the shadow cabinet and return to the back benches when the dreadful jeremy corbyn was elected as labour leader.
just yesterday the independent reported “theresa may takes 37-point lead over jeremy corbyn in new poll – the poll of more than 10,000 british adults found that 55 per cent think the current prime minister is the best choice for the role“. analysis of the impact of brexit by former tory donor lord ashcroft found that 55 per cent of the poll of more than 10,000 uk adult respondents believe the current prime minister is the best choice for the role compared to 18 per cent who favour mr corbyn. in a further blow to the labour leader, only 38 per cent of his party’s supporters would prefer him in downing st, compared to 29 per cent who believe ms may is more suited to the job. 33 per cent said they do not know.
predictions are that labour will lose between 50 and 100 seats in the local government elections in may. with hm opposition in such disarray, whom can we turn to?
tim farron to the rescue?
credence is given to this by this in the financial times: “theresa may ensures only brexit key allows entry to no 10 – business leaders find access to pm elusive and there are unwritten rules“.
the sooner the sane remainers in the conservative party, the more sensible people in the labour party, the members of the scottish national party and the liberal democrats make common cause, the better.
time for some changes ?
is mr toad really the witch’s best friend ?
the telegraph has this on mr toad’s latest little adventure: “syria crisis: russia raises prospect of war if it is given g7 ultimatum as it mocks boris johnson’s no-show“. the guardian has this: “syria conflict: russia must act now to end bloodshed, says fallon – uk defence secretary says moscow directly complicit in suffering, writing that ‘latest war crime happened on their watch’.
the independent reports: “russia and iran warn us they will ‘respond with force’ if red lines crossed in syria again – threat comes after uk defence secretary demands vladimir putin rein in president bashar al-assad“.
steve coll writes in the new yorker: “trump’s confusing strike on syria – if president trump broadens his aims against assad, he will enter the very morass that candidate trump warned against.” mr coll describes the civil war in syria as “the worst geopolitical disaster of the twenty-first century” but he is rightly concerned about the consequences.
likewise, ezra klein writing in vox opined: “trump’s foreign policy is dangerously impulsive – trump needs a foreign policy, not just reactions to what he sees on cable news“. mr klein puts the problem pithily: “this, above all else, is what is worrying about trump on foreign policy: he is unpredictable and driven by whims. he is unmoored from any coherent philosophy of america’s role in the world, and no one — perhaps not even him — truly knows what he’ll do in the event of a crisis“.
writing in the new york times this morning, antony j. blinken, a deputy secretary of state in the obama administration, offers this op-ed: “after the missiles, we need smart diplomacy on syria“. well, if “smart diplomacy” is needed, then hm’s present secretary of state for foreign affairs is not the right person and the wicked witch of westminster seems to agree with that. interestingly, as appears from the telegraph and guardian articles, defence secretary michael fallon was the government spokesperson on mr toad’s latest adventure.
the financial times also has this: “trump sends aircraft carrier to waters off korea – experts divided over effectiveness of us tactics against pyongyang’s nuclear threat“.
the spectator has this: “north korea must be tamed and donald trump is right to take action – the us president may be a reckless hothead but the world cannot tolerate a rogue state with nuclear missiles“.
one can see why the wicked witch of westminster must needs cautiously support mr toad on these issues and it was probably wise of her to agree to have the us secretary of state to deal with the russians and to limit clown boris to the g7 meeting.
however, one op-ed in the independent had this: “theresa may deliberately humiliated boris johnson this week – her disdain for him is reaching dangerous levels – no one wants to become the latest poster boy for british subservience to washington, or to wake on the sabbath to ‘boris the poodle’ (moscow’s description). but may knew she couldn’t send him on a delicate mission with his counterpart lavrov“.
the guardian has this: “russia decries cancelled boris johnson visit and warns on further syria attacks – moscow says decision to cancel trip shows britain has no real influence and new aggressions in syria will be met with force“.
certainly, clown boris does not have the statesmanlike qualities of many of his predecessors in the office he holds. but then, in reality, the uk is no longer the great power we once were. our empire was dismantled in the the years following ww2.
we still have some trappings left – our influence within the commonwealth – a “special relationship” with the usa – if only because because americans speak “murkin” which is a dialect derived from english – a seat on the un security council and influence within the un, nato, and within the eu. but that latter zone of influence looks as if it is coming to a sorry end.
worse, mr toad seems to wish to encourage the break-up of the european union and perhaps therefore the reality is that he is no friend of the uk.
four days ago, the independent reported: “brexit: theresa may and donald tusk agree to ‘lower tensions’ over gibraltar – the prime minister met the president of the european council at downing street“. how nice of donald trusk to say so.
also on 3rd april, the guardian had this: “‘we’re the sacrificial lamb’: gibraltarians on brexit sovereignty row – uk overseas territory could be included in trade deal with spain’s agreement, says eu. we asked people of the rock how they feel”.
as log ago as 21st july 2016, the gibraltar chronicle had this: “spain could veto brexit talks, margallo says“: “the spanish government will veto the terms of any brexit negotiation between the uk and the eu that sought to include gibraltar, spain’s acting foreign minister josé manuel garcía-margallo said yesterday….“.
since the evidence was presented to the house of lords, one would have though that the wicked witch and clown boris would have taken gibraltar’s problem very much into account when preparing the article 50 notice. it appears they didn’t bother.
on 6th april 2017 the gibraltar chronicle had this: “clause 22 may yet change, for better or worse“.
spain has been working on recovering gibraltar ever since it was ceded to the british crown in 1713 by the treaty of utrecht. it will not give up easily.
4 days ago, the independent had this: “scotland rejoining eu would be ‘relatively speedy’, says senior german mep – ‘if the political agreement would be there, then the process would be relatively speedy. scotland is a member of the european union and fulfils all of the conditions,’ says cdu member elmar brok“.
that is good news for nicola sturgeon and the snp, possibly also for scottish businesses – especially those in the financial services sector – indeed it could even result in some financial services players in england deferring brexit relocation decisions and moving north of hadrian’s wall rather than relocating to frankfurt, paris or dublin.
the scotsman has this: “snp could push through indyref2 bill to force may’s hand“.
interestingly, the scottish sunday herald has this: “thumbs up for nicola sturgeon as other politicians see negative approval rating“. a lord ashcroft poll gave the first minister a +11% approval rating with a -21% rating for her conservative opponent and a -23% rating for teresa may. so the wicked witch of westminster can stop interrogating her mirror!
a week ago, the independent and open britain launched a campaign: “drop the target: theresa may must scrap goal of reducing net migration below 100,000 a year – campaign launched by the independent and open britain is being supported by mps across the political spectrum“. that makes sense. the target was never realistic.
three days ago, the independent had this: “boris johnson says freedom of movement can continue after brexit – foreign secretary claims to be ‘one of the few british politicians to speak up on the benefits of immigration’“.
yesterday the independent has this: “drop the target: senior conservative mps demand five-year immigration ban – pro-brexit politicians tell pm their hardline plan ‘will deliver on the will of the electorate’“. according to the newspaper report, the messenger acting for the leave means leave cabal was one stephen woolfe mep, a former ukip member who is now an independent. (click on his name for his details on wikipedia which are not impressive).
on the leave means leave website, the following members of parliament are named as being members of this entity’s “political advisory board” or as “supporters”. their names below carry links to their respective wikipedia entries.
people who live in the above-mentioned constituencies and who do not support a hard brexit might want to consider the possibility of switching their support – for example to the liberal democrats: “the only party fighting to keep britain open, tolerant and united“.
on 5th april 2017 the new statesman had this “exclusive: conservative poll showed party would “lose seats” to the liberal democrats – election strategist lynton crosby warned the party would lose mps to the lib dems in an early election, sources say“. according to the article, polling showed that the conservatives would lose about 27 of the conservative gains from the liberal democrats in the 2015 election.
on 6th april 2017 the new statesman followed up with this: “what would be a good night for the liberal democrats in the 2017 local elections? – tim farron’s party have a favourable map and scope for gains“.
obviously, one cannot be sure what outcome of future elections will be but the conservative majority in the present parliament is small. over the two year period to brexit there may well be changes. one can only hope.


text:
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There is no better car then compact vehicle for city traffic. Versatile vehicle does not mean the lack of charisma. That is why BLS can offer you not only the economic vehicles, but also stylish models, with electric engine as well. In addition, there is a possibility to rent a motorcycle for a long term- great choice for summer time. It is not convenient and not cost-effective to be an owner of motorcycle in order to drive it for few month in a year. Thus, it is more useful to rent a motorbike.
Car rental business is actively developing in Ukraine. It is great to realize that BLS also makes it’s contribution in this process. Despite of long- term rentals, we offer short- terms self-drive and chauffer drive rentals. We will find any solution for any kind of task. Ask our specialists and they will offer you most advantageous terms of cooperation.

lowercased:
long-term car rental gives an opportunity to be in motion and not to spend your funds for car purchase.
for those clients, who use the long-term car rental our company gives great discounts.
have you ever thought about how much would you spend on purchase, maintenance and operation of your own vehicle? a car bought in a dealership center will never cost the same money and the routine maintenance and amortization will reduce the vehicle value more than 50% after 3 years.
you do not spend a big amount on a vehicle purchase, but only pay the monthly rate. thus, you could invest saved funds into your business development.
you will not spend any time for maintenance. our managers will bring you another car for the time while yours is in service.
you get quality service during your rental period and we will help you in each case that can happen on the road.
vehicle is a freedom. we are forced to change our habits and lifestyle in case the vehicle is out of order. sometimes it is that critical, that we have to use a taxi very often or even purchase a temporary car. it is quite expensive option in case we have to drive a lot. long-term car rental will be much cheaper. despite of that, own car is a matter of comfort, and comfort costs much.
the main advantage of a car rental- you will not change your habits in case your own car is out of order.
familiar case when your vehicle has been sold but the replacement not found yet. sometimes, there is no needed vehicle in dealership centers. long- term car rental is used for a test-drive of unfamiliar make and model. hence, it is an opportunity to expand your driver’s biography- to test the favorite model in a real mode. by the way, long- term test-drive is a regular service in solid automotive editions. a month is exactly that term when an opinion about the vehicle formed and the opinion of family members and friends taken into account.
long-term car rental service includes a big range of makes and models that may vary the color and even the body type. there are modern suv’s and stylish city cars in bls fleet. also, there is a possibility to test an ev in a daily- routine mode. hence, it is a way to understand how is your lifestyle compatible with the ownership of an electric vehicle. there are compact ev’s and sport coupes with electric engine in bls fleet.
long- term car rental is popular among the expats and business trip people. for those people who come to kyiv, lviv, dnipro or odessa (where bls located) would be an advantage of a wire transfer payment. however, transport outsourcing for business is a worldwide routine. value of a new vehicle decreases almost in double during 3-4 years of operation not only in ukraine. long- term car rental gives an opportunity to avoid the book keeping process, maintenance procedure and block the funds in non-profile active.
business representatives has a range of choice: despite of whole range of traditional business- class models we can offer prestigious sedans and suvs.
not only business makes person work productive. good rest is important as well. travelling around the country or europe by car is a trend among experienced travelers. benefits are obvious: you choose the route and manage your day. rent a car for a month is a great choice to spend your vacation with family by visiting cultural and landmark places if ukraine. if you travel with children, there is an opportunity to equip vehicle with the child seats and toys.
gps navigation and wi-fi modem would be necessary to have inside your vehicle.
minivans and crossovers (suv’s) are mostly suitable for journeys. long- term car rental and fuel expenses covered by unforgettable impressions of such journey. only in ukraine there are number of touristic routes, despite that fact that domestic tourism is in development stage. you can get more knowledge about the country while preparing for a journey. there are much more routes in europe, that is why the long-term rentals are popular there.
if you are willing to travel around european countries, the bls will be your partner in that case as well. first, you need to determine which country you will visit in defined section of our site. there you will find a necessary information about rates, terms and conditions. list of countries is not limited by the eu countries. for example, travelling around the us or china is also very exciting. we will help you to rent a car in any of 160 countries in the world. nevertheless, there are own rules and terms of car rental in each country. our specialists will help you in any question.
there is no better car then compact vehicle for city traffic. versatile vehicle does not mean the lack of charisma. that is why bls can offer you not only the economic vehicles, but also stylish models, with electric engine as well. in addition, there is a possibility to rent a motorcycle for a long term- great choice for summer time. it is not convenient and not cost-effective to be an owner of motorcycle in order to drive it for few month in a year. thus, it is more useful to rent a motorbike.
car rental business is actively developing in ukraine. it is great to realize that bls also makes it’s contribution in this process. despite of long- term rentals, we offer short- terms self-drive and chauffer drive rentals. we will find any solution for any kind of task. ask our specialists and they will offer you most advantageous terms of cooperation.


text:
Mark Kilby's blog about agile, coaching and distributed teams.
Having worked with a number of distributed agile teams over the years, I’m often asked what is the best tool to use. Many people want to find the one tool that will allow their distributed team to work just like a co-located team. I find that there are usually other questions to address first.
The Agile Manifesto actually gives us a better way to think about establishing our distributed teams. The first value states: “Individuals and interactions over processes and tools”. These four elements (individuals, interactions, processes and tools) are all important to establish for any team, but they also can give us a prioritized list of questions to answer. Let’s go through those questions in order to see how we might set up our distributed teams.
Individuals – I try to understand the people on the team first. Do we understand why each person chooses to work this way? Are they seeking flexibility? Are they looking for more of a work-life blending as opposed to work-life balance (which can still lead to different forms of multi-tasking)? Are they seeking to save time in their day with no commutes? Do they want to work with the best and brightest no matter where they are located? Do they believe in the vision and mission of your organization? If you don’t know why people work distributed, how do you know they will function well in your distributed team? You need to know what the individuals value. Each person needs to be clear on “What’s in it for me?” (WIIFMe).
Interactions – Do we understand why our team exists? Do we know what the goal is for this team? What’s in it for us (WIIFUs) to work together as a team? Do we understand what the team produces and how it will benefit others? Do we have a way to get feedback from people inside the team and outside the team on a frequent and regular cadence? What’s in it for others (WIIFOthers) for this team to exist?
Tools – Once you have worked through the questions above, then you can begin to look at tools. If you understand what the individuals on the team need, how they need to interact with each, and the processes they will use, the tools you need will be much easier to locate and choose. You will likely discover that answering the questions above will make it clear there is no single tool that will support the team and processes. Also, as your team inspects and adapts, so will your selection of tools.
There are two great resources that immediately come to mind to work through these questions. Ainsley Nies and Diana Larsen have captured many of these questions and a framework to work through them with any team in their book, Liftoff: Launching Agile Teams and Projects. Another great resource is the Successful Distributed Teams course by the Modus Institute. In this course, they not only cover project charters and mapping out the workflow of the distributed team, but they also consider the communications approaches and how the team will build rapport, learning, and change management.
Want to dive even deeper? Then join me in Berlin for a gathering of some of the key pioneers in the area of distributed agile. The Distributed Agile Teams Flock will convene on Nov 19-20, 2015. Hope to see you there!
Agile mentor and coach playing many roles on the software and product lifecycle stage. Passions include serving servant leaders and building sustainable organizations that bring value to the people inside and outside the organization.
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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Opinions expressed here are mine and do not reflect those of my employer.

lowercased:
mark kilby's blog about agile, coaching and distributed teams.
having worked with a number of distributed agile teams over the years, i’m often asked what is the best tool to use. many people want to find the one tool that will allow their distributed team to work just like a co-located team. i find that there are usually other questions to address first.
the agile manifesto actually gives us a better way to think about establishing our distributed teams. the first value states: “individuals and interactions over processes and tools”. these four elements (individuals, interactions, processes and tools) are all important to establish for any team, but they also can give us a prioritized list of questions to answer. let’s go through those questions in order to see how we might set up our distributed teams.
individuals – i try to understand the people on the team first. do we understand why each person chooses to work this way? are they seeking flexibility? are they looking for more of a work-life blending as opposed to work-life balance (which can still lead to different forms of multi-tasking)? are they seeking to save time in their day with no commutes? do they want to work with the best and brightest no matter where they are located? do they believe in the vision and mission of your organization? if you don’t know why people work distributed, how do you know they will function well in your distributed team? you need to know what the individuals value. each person needs to be clear on “what’s in it for me?” (wiifme).
interactions – do we understand why our team exists? do we know what the goal is for this team? what’s in it for us (wiifus) to work together as a team? do we understand what the team produces and how it will benefit others? do we have a way to get feedback from people inside the team and outside the team on a frequent and regular cadence? what’s in it for others (wiifothers) for this team to exist?
tools – once you have worked through the questions above, then you can begin to look at tools. if you understand what the individuals on the team need, how they need to interact with each, and the processes they will use, the tools you need will be much easier to locate and choose. you will likely discover that answering the questions above will make it clear there is no single tool that will support the team and processes. also, as your team inspects and adapts, so will your selection of tools.
there are two great resources that immediately come to mind to work through these questions. ainsley nies and diana larsen have captured many of these questions and a framework to work through them with any team in their book, liftoff: launching agile teams and projects. another great resource is the successful distributed teams course by the modus institute. in this course, they not only cover project charters and mapping out the workflow of the distributed team, but they also consider the communications approaches and how the team will build rapport, learning, and change management.
want to dive even deeper? then join me in berlin for a gathering of some of the key pioneers in the area of distributed agile. the distributed agile teams flock will convene on nov 19-20, 2015. hope to see you there!
agile mentor and coach playing many roles on the software and product lifecycle stage. passions include serving servant leaders and building sustainable organizations that bring value to the people inside and outside the organization.
want monthly updates on distributed agile? click here to sign up for my newsletter, distributed agile field notes.
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this work is licensed under a creative commons attribution-noncommercial-sharealike 4.0 international license. opinions expressed here are mine and do not reflect those of my employer.


text:
Nashville has actually long been the facility of the health care market and also with Amazon’s news to develop a 5000 work branch there, it’s obvious that they can possibly broaden their currently leading solutions right into the health care field. Such a step would certainly not just produce even more tasks however likewise promote neighborhood and also state economic climates, along with possibly generate a lot more tech-related markets, several of which are using blockchain modern technology.
Distributed Dialogues is a BTC Media-produced podcast on The Let’s Talk Bitcoin Network. Go to www.letstalkbitcoin.com for even more appealing podcasts and also follow us on twitter @DistributedDD.
Special Offer: Limited time deal! Go to www.butcherbox.com/distributeddialogues for $20off your initial order, 2 complimentary filet mignons and also a totally free box of bacon!
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lowercased:
nashville has actually long been the facility of the health care market and also with amazon’s news to develop a 5000 work branch there, it’s obvious that they can possibly broaden their currently leading solutions right into the health care field. such a step would certainly not just produce even more tasks however likewise promote neighborhood and also state economic climates, along with possibly generate a lot more tech-related markets, several of which are using blockchain modern technology.
distributed dialogues is a btc media-produced podcast on the let’s talk bitcoin network. go to www.letstalkbitcoin.com for even more appealing podcasts and also follow us on twitter @distributeddd.
special offer: limited time deal! go to www.butcherbox.com/distributeddialogues for $20off your initial order, 2 complimentary filet mignons and also a totally free box of bacon!
previous articleprofit365 review – is it worth to buy?
next article2019-04-15 | martin crumlish, bertrand diouly & magnus ilechukwu @ youzign – zsuite review – is it worth to join?
free football sports picks review – is it worth to buy?
forex wealth strategy by toshko raychev review – is it worth to buy?
meditation audio – brainwave entrainment music review – is it worth to buy?
eco-friendly gardening techniques | frugal gardening | the shoestring gardener review – is it worth to buy?
5 star trend profit review – is it worth to buy?
fifa 18 autobuyer and autobidder official site – futmillionaire trading center — ultimate trading robot review – is it worth to buy?


text:
Crushed concrete aggregate production line, concrete aggregate equipment, ... Construction Planning, Equipment, CHAPTER AGGREGATE PRODUCTION. 2 CHAPTER 14.
copper ore plant design aggregate production equipment: Copper Ore Crushing Production Line | Akduman Reklam. Copper Ore Beneficiation Plant,Beneficiation Process of.

lowercased:
crushed concrete aggregate production line, concrete aggregate equipment, ... construction planning, equipment, chapter aggregate production. 2 chapter 14.
copper ore plant design aggregate production equipment: copper ore crushing production line | akduman reklam. copper ore beneficiation plant,beneficiation process of.


text:
A combination of a face lift product and a food supplement, the Argan Duo combines all the active ingredients to replenish your face, at the same time fighting against cellular ageing.
Rich in vitamin E, argan oil is renowned for its anti-oxidising virtues.
Combined with minerals, this synergy nourishes your epidermis, protecting its from external aggressions.
Face lift cream: apply in the morning to a perfectly clean face and neck in upward strokes from the lower neck to the chin then to the temples and the forehead.
Protect'argan: take 3 softgels, in the morning, at breakfast time, with a large glass tablet in the morning at breakfast-time, with a large glass of water. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
- Face lift cream: Aqua, Caprylic capric triglyceride, Dicaprylyl ether, Glycerin, Polysorbate 60, Argania spinosa kernel oil, Cetyl alcohol, Sorbitan stearate, Cyclopentasiloxane, Polyacrylamide, Avena sativa kernel extract, C13-14 isoparaffin, Parfum, Carbomer, Laureth-7, Isopropyl myristate, Sodium hydroxide, Triticum vulgare germ oil, Sodium benzoate, Retinyl palmitate, Magnesium nitrate, Linoleic acid, Tocopheryl acetate, Linolenic acid, Methylchloroisothiazolinone, Magnesium chloride, BHT, Methylisothiazolinone, Acetic acid.
- Protect Argan: Composition: argan Oil (Argania spinosa), Bovine gelatine (softgel coating), Anti-caking agent: Beeswax, Coenzyme Q10, Zinc sulphate, Riboflavin (vitamin B2), Thiamine Mononitrate (vitamin B1).

lowercased:
a combination of a face lift product and a food supplement, the argan duo combines all the active ingredients to replenish your face, at the same time fighting against cellular ageing.
rich in vitamin e, argan oil is renowned for its anti-oxidising virtues.
combined with minerals, this synergy nourishes your epidermis, protecting its from external aggressions.
face lift cream: apply in the morning to a perfectly clean face and neck in upward strokes from the lower neck to the chin then to the temples and the forehead.
protect'argan: take 3 softgels, in the morning, at breakfast time, with a large glass tablet in the morning at breakfast-time, with a large glass of water. do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
- face lift cream: aqua, caprylic capric triglyceride, dicaprylyl ether, glycerin, polysorbate 60, argania spinosa kernel oil, cetyl alcohol, sorbitan stearate, cyclopentasiloxane, polyacrylamide, avena sativa kernel extract, c13-14 isoparaffin, parfum, carbomer, laureth-7, isopropyl myristate, sodium hydroxide, triticum vulgare germ oil, sodium benzoate, retinyl palmitate, magnesium nitrate, linoleic acid, tocopheryl acetate, linolenic acid, methylchloroisothiazolinone, magnesium chloride, bht, methylisothiazolinone, acetic acid.
- protect argan: composition: argan oil (argania spinosa), bovine gelatine (softgel coating), anti-caking agent: beeswax, coenzyme q10, zinc sulphate, riboflavin (vitamin b2), thiamine mononitrate (vitamin b1).


text:
A cluster of breast cancer cells showing visual evidence of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in yellow.
Red blood cells oozing from a ruptured vessel – revealing how a genetic mutation can lead to haemorrhaging similar to that seen in the blood vessels that feed developing cancers, by Anne Weston, Cancer Research UK.
The image of a circle of DNA, created using a molecular dynamics simulation to study whether clay nanomaterials could have played a role in the origins of life by protecting DNA in extreme conditions, has been made by Mary-Ann Thyveetil of University College London.
A mouse embryo, using a new technique – optical projection tomography – to examine internal structures, without the need for cutting sections, by James Sharpe Human Genetics Unit in Edinburgh.
Image of crystals of oxidised vitamin C by Spike Walker reveals the beautiful, almost marine-like shapes created by the crystallisation of this important vitamin. The ease with which vitamin C is oxidised is vitally important in protecting cells from damaging free radicals.

lowercased:
a cluster of breast cancer cells showing visual evidence of programmed cell death (apoptosis) in yellow.
red blood cells oozing from a ruptured vessel – revealing how a genetic mutation can lead to haemorrhaging similar to that seen in the blood vessels that feed developing cancers, by anne weston, cancer research uk.
the image of a circle of dna, created using a molecular dynamics simulation to study whether clay nanomaterials could have played a role in the origins of life by protecting dna in extreme conditions, has been made by mary-ann thyveetil of university college london.
a mouse embryo, using a new technique – optical projection tomography – to examine internal structures, without the need for cutting sections, by james sharpe human genetics unit in edinburgh.
image of crystals of oxidised vitamin c by spike walker reveals the beautiful, almost marine-like shapes created by the crystallisation of this important vitamin. the ease with which vitamin c is oxidised is vitally important in protecting cells from damaging free radicals.


text: MacGibbon & Kee, 1968. 1st edition. Hardcover (cloth). With an introduction by Graham Greene/DW chipped.

lowercased: macgibbon & kee, 1968. 1st edition. hardcover (cloth). with an introduction by graham greene/dw chipped.


text:
Come check out my pottery for sale at Art Mecca of Charleston!
This friendly local gallery sells the work of many different Charleston artists.
There is always something new to discover, and it is right in the heart of downtown Charleston at 427 King street.
You know how some songs are inspired? They speak truth deep to your soul like no words can quite convey. You are good by Jeff Deyo is another one of these.
There are a few different concepts I have been pondering, as of late.
One of my favorite bands, Thrice, just released their new album, “Palms.” After listening to the whole record from beginning to finish, I found my favorite song, “The Dark.” I always hope that there will be at least one that sticks out to me. Well, this is that one. As a musician and songwriter, my ears are in tune for all the different layers of sound and production in each song. However, when you find that song, it’s like all your intellect and thought processes get silenced as your awareness becomes taken away into something bigger than itself. It’s almost like you get ‘caught up,’ you’re taken somewhere else, and lost in the music. To me, that is the end goal when you write music: to help others be inspired, experience rapturous moments of peaceful serenity, and escape into Utopia.
This passage I’m sharing inspires and challenges me deeply.
Sometimes you come across a song and you can’t explain it but it moves your soul in such a beautiful way. As a singer and songwriter, I live for these moments. And the beauty of these moments is once they are captured, you can relive them over and over. Unworthy by Vancouver Sleep Clinic is one of these.
You can now follow me on Instagram and keep up to date on my latest pottery work!

lowercased:
come check out my pottery for sale at art mecca of charleston!
this friendly local gallery sells the work of many different charleston artists.
there is always something new to discover, and it is right in the heart of downtown charleston at 427 king street.
you know how some songs are inspired? they speak truth deep to your soul like no words can quite convey. you are good by jeff deyo is another one of these.
there are a few different concepts i have been pondering, as of late.
one of my favorite bands, thrice, just released their new album, “palms.” after listening to the whole record from beginning to finish, i found my favorite song, “the dark.” i always hope that there will be at least one that sticks out to me. well, this is that one. as a musician and songwriter, my ears are in tune for all the different layers of sound and production in each song. however, when you find that song, it’s like all your intellect and thought processes get silenced as your awareness becomes taken away into something bigger than itself. it’s almost like you get ‘caught up,’ you’re taken somewhere else, and lost in the music. to me, that is the end goal when you write music: to help others be inspired, experience rapturous moments of peaceful serenity, and escape into utopia.
this passage i’m sharing inspires and challenges me deeply.
sometimes you come across a song and you can’t explain it but it moves your soul in such a beautiful way. as a singer and songwriter, i live for these moments. and the beauty of these moments is once they are captured, you can relive them over and over. unworthy by vancouver sleep clinic is one of these.
you can now follow me on instagram and keep up to date on my latest pottery work!


text:
Do you dream in Art Deco? If you're like me and are not really the castle type, then an Art Deco pavilion and pier might be more your style. I have put so much work into researching venues that I think I should share it with you all, so that it may help another bride-to-be in her quest. Even if you’re not getting married, there are some spectacular settings that are worth a visit! One of those is the wonderful and unusual Penarth Pier. Penarth is a Victorian seaside town here in South Wales, just outside Cardiff, and its beautiful pier has been a favourite spot of mine over the years. Thanks to a £4.2 million renovation project, the pavilion has reopened and is now available to hire for events, as well as housing a cinema, cafe and gallery space open to all.
The pier was originally built in late Victorian times, when Penarth was a favoured seaside resort. It was added to in the 1930s with a stunning Art Deco pavilion - built twice, actually, because the original one burnt down! The pavilion held a sprung dancefloor in its ballroom, and was a very popular nightspot. As with all of these dance-hall type buildings, they fell out of use, and it wasn't until the 1990s that restoration began. I used to walk past the pavilion to the end of the pier and look back at it, imagining what it must have been like to go to a dance there in the 1930s. I always thought that it would make the most wonderful wedding venue and I used to peep through the missing window panes at the empty interior, wishing they would 'do something with it'.
My wish came true, and the pier reopened in 2013. As a wedding venue, it's quite exclusive, as they only have 6 dates a year for a full day wedding, and that's reflected in the hire charges. (Last year (2014) I was quoted £3,500 for a full day's hire, and their catering packages start at £36 per person.) The pier itself is a fantastic location for photos, as you can judge from the 'Hitchock Heroine' shoot that I did there a little while ago. It's also a popular place for engagement photos, proposals, and has featured in TV programmes such as Torchwood and Dancing on the Edge.
I'll leave you with the poem I wrote when it was still crumbling.
If you want to find out more about weddings at Penarth Pier then visit their website here.
There's an article here about the first couple to get married at the pier.
I've written about Penarth Pier previously here and here and there are more photos here.
£3500! That's more than I paid for the Assembly Rooms in Bath (though that was over a decade ago, and is not nearly as exclusive). That said, if you have a really nice venue, you don't have to worry about making/buying decorations, so it can save you a lot of hassle if you're time-poor.
The Assembly Rooms are gorgeous, a friend of mine had her reception there a few years back. No need for decorations at all there really! I think you'd still need to spend a little bit at the Pier, because it's quite a modern feel inside and doesn't have any chandeliers!!
Beautiful poem and venue setting. There is such an allure and appeal to piers. I've shot on a few over the years and always feel pulled to return. Something about coming as close as we can to walking on water when on them speaks to me.
I think that might be it Jessica - walking on water! I'd never thought of that.
I breathe Art Deco - so THIS came as an epiphany. Every single line, the colors (even the mood of the images) is so clean, pure and elevating. I needed this, a hint of Deco - to make my day a bit less gloomy.
...but, as you've said in your wonderful poem: "I like to imagine We'll be married there" - nad I hope some miracle happens - and you DO.
What a wonderful job they did, it really is spectacular. I love the poem you wrote, too.
Well, it will be a huge party and I'm really happy with our venue choice, which is coming in at about £3.250 cheaper than the pier!! We just couldn't justify spending that on a venue - the whole wedding will be done for a fraction of the average wedding cost, because we want to spend our money on our life together (our house, travel plans etc.) not just one day. But it will be a bloody great party even without the pier and we can always go there for some photos.
What a beautiful venue! I would love to see it sometime, although I think I would have been really great to see it before the restoration. Obviously a well-maintained, safe, and useful building is to be preferred, but there's something kind of magical about a building slowly crumbling.
Bit of an overactive imagination when it comes to ruined buildings!!
This venue is beautiful and your photos of it are amazing! I loved the poem you wrote too!

lowercased:
do you dream in art deco? if you're like me and are not really the castle type, then an art deco pavilion and pier might be more your style. i have put so much work into researching venues that i think i should share it with you all, so that it may help another bride-to-be in her quest. even if you’re not getting married, there are some spectacular settings that are worth a visit! one of those is the wonderful and unusual penarth pier. penarth is a victorian seaside town here in south wales, just outside cardiff, and its beautiful pier has been a favourite spot of mine over the years. thanks to a £4.2 million renovation project, the pavilion has reopened and is now available to hire for events, as well as housing a cinema, cafe and gallery space open to all.
the pier was originally built in late victorian times, when penarth was a favoured seaside resort. it was added to in the 1930s with a stunning art deco pavilion - built twice, actually, because the original one burnt down! the pavilion held a sprung dancefloor in its ballroom, and was a very popular nightspot. as with all of these dance-hall type buildings, they fell out of use, and it wasn't until the 1990s that restoration began. i used to walk past the pavilion to the end of the pier and look back at it, imagining what it must have been like to go to a dance there in the 1930s. i always thought that it would make the most wonderful wedding venue and i used to peep through the missing window panes at the empty interior, wishing they would 'do something with it'.
my wish came true, and the pier reopened in 2013. as a wedding venue, it's quite exclusive, as they only have 6 dates a year for a full day wedding, and that's reflected in the hire charges. (last year (2014) i was quoted £3,500 for a full day's hire, and their catering packages start at £36 per person.) the pier itself is a fantastic location for photos, as you can judge from the 'hitchock heroine' shoot that i did there a little while ago. it's also a popular place for engagement photos, proposals, and has featured in tv programmes such as torchwood and dancing on the edge.
i'll leave you with the poem i wrote when it was still crumbling.
if you want to find out more about weddings at penarth pier then visit their website here.
there's an article here about the first couple to get married at the pier.
i've written about penarth pier previously here and here and there are more photos here.
£3500! that's more than i paid for the assembly rooms in bath (though that was over a decade ago, and is not nearly as exclusive). that said, if you have a really nice venue, you don't have to worry about making/buying decorations, so it can save you a lot of hassle if you're time-poor.
the assembly rooms are gorgeous, a friend of mine had her reception there a few years back. no need for decorations at all there really! i think you'd still need to spend a little bit at the pier, because it's quite a modern feel inside and doesn't have any chandeliers!!
beautiful poem and venue setting. there is such an allure and appeal to piers. i've shot on a few over the years and always feel pulled to return. something about coming as close as we can to walking on water when on them speaks to me.
i think that might be it jessica - walking on water! i'd never thought of that.
i breathe art deco - so this came as an epiphany. every single line, the colors (even the mood of the images) is so clean, pure and elevating. i needed this, a hint of deco - to make my day a bit less gloomy.
...but, as you've said in your wonderful poem: "i like to imagine we'll be married there" - nad i hope some miracle happens - and you do.
what a wonderful job they did, it really is spectacular. i love the poem you wrote, too.
well, it will be a huge party and i'm really happy with our venue choice, which is coming in at about £3.250 cheaper than the pier!! we just couldn't justify spending that on a venue - the whole wedding will be done for a fraction of the average wedding cost, because we want to spend our money on our life together (our house, travel plans etc.) not just one day. but it will be a bloody great party even without the pier and we can always go there for some photos.
what a beautiful venue! i would love to see it sometime, although i think i would have been really great to see it before the restoration. obviously a well-maintained, safe, and useful building is to be preferred, but there's something kind of magical about a building slowly crumbling.
bit of an overactive imagination when it comes to ruined buildings!!
this venue is beautiful and your photos of it are amazing! i loved the poem you wrote too!


text:
Anthony Bourdain was on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon last night to promote his new book Medium Raw (the true follow-up to Kitchen Confidential), and was asked about a new graphic novel he is working on. Bourdain responded, of course, as only he could.
"We're working on a ultra-violent food-based sort of graphic novel for Vertigo, about homicidal food nerds slaughtering each other over culinary arcania."
Bourdain admitted to being a big collector of comics as a kid, prompting Fallon to ask "Do you still have your collection?" Bourdain's answer was not a surprise to those familiar with his books. "Boy, it all comes back to drugs, doesn't it? I sold them at a low point in the 80s. God, I really regret that decade, let me tell you."
The graphic novel, which he is working on with novelist Joel Rose for DC Comics/Vertigo, will be titled Get Jiro!

lowercased:
anthony bourdain was on late night with jimmy fallon last night to promote his new book medium raw (the true follow-up to kitchen confidential), and was asked about a new graphic novel he is working on. bourdain responded, of course, as only he could.
"we're working on a ultra-violent food-based sort of graphic novel for vertigo, about homicidal food nerds slaughtering each other over culinary arcania."
bourdain admitted to being a big collector of comics as a kid, prompting fallon to ask "do you still have your collection?" bourdain's answer was not a surprise to those familiar with his books. "boy, it all comes back to drugs, doesn't it? i sold them at a low point in the 80s. god, i really regret that decade, let me tell you."
the graphic novel, which he is working on with novelist joel rose for dc comics/vertigo, will be titled get jiro!