Tuesday, 17 July 2012
Bank Lending Scandal - LIBOR
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Just been watching TV - the "Parliamentary Select Committee's" "face to face" with the BoE and the FSA - what a farse!
There was enough "dancing" by those being intervied to create a stage show entitled "How not to become aware of mis-reporting/manipulation - BoE/FSA."
Evidently the BoE is NOT a regulatory body , this honour falls to the FSA and as such the BoE were naive as to any possibility of mis-reporting the LIBOR rate and the Barclays (plus others) "less that honest internal proceedures".
It was suggested that it was only 2 weeks ago that the BoE became aware of that possibility of mis-reporting - WOW! can you believe it ?
The issue was raised initially by the USA FED in 2008 - obviously those concerned in the UKL are not aware of "joined-uo thinking"
I guess this is the inevitablle result of handling other people's money !!
Monday, 16 July 2012
Getting an act Together
Why is it that all our Westminster Politician seem to be of the opinion that opposition and confrontation is their normal lot and lifestyle?
It is quite obvious that our country's finances were left in a diabolical mess when the Labour Party left office after years of spend and hand warming their party followers.
Well I can accept that this is history and was the fault of a past administration Why? Why? does the present opposition in Parlaiment accept their part and share of the consequences of their being in office over the last few terms and buckle down to an engagement programme with all political parties and opinions to work together resolving the current predicament via the route of the party voted in office at the last general election.
I am fed up to the teeth and exasperated with those in Parliament who continue to waste valuable time and money asking the Speaker to allow a special question of Ministers simply to score points and also waste valuable time with worthless immature attitudes attempting to score personal Brownie points.
Let us have a Parliament of responsible politicians, all working together (for a change) striving to get our country, population and industry out of the mess it is in.
Our Nation could well have had the benefit of the Jaguar/LandRover with a little of the thought shown by TATA
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Sunday, 15 July 2012
A swollen River Trent creates problems
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I guess the recent rain created problems for many thro-out the UK. Even our local feather friends considered the Trent too wild to sample - keeping their feet well and truly on "terra firma"
Well we are thro the blogging initiation once again and now into renewing my personal blogs. This new period of personal Bloggong will be FREEWHEELING in nature, with views and opinions given to simply remove much of my personal exasperation with others who often operate in an individual autocratic manner, rather than embracing genuine group democracy. My everyday efforts will be to strive to develop and improve the lot of others striving to develop real and meaningful community engagement, with and by administrations - Parochial, District, Borough and County
National will come later :-)
Wednesday, 28 March 2012
Longer Daylight
Graffitti
How is this for a marker advising us that the longer days/lighter evenings are with us once again
Do the graphics really spell out the word LAZE and is this the message really LAZEY ?
Sunday, 15 January 2012
NHW Digital Communication Hub
NHW BJ Community Communication Centre - An Aspirational view
NHW BJ Communication/Media Hub
The Vision is for Public Libraries to associate with the local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to serve our new digital community, by encompassing DIGITAL learning, media, news, social, communication, education, with all encompassing leisure/social activities for ALL age groups incl interactive large TV screens , rolling news, Wi Fi , travel and news documentaries discussions group and interests .
--------------------------------------------------
It is acknowledged that 42% of the UK “Over 50’s” have never used a computer
Nottinghamshire County has a population (estimate) of 780,000 (433,000 homes )
100,000 are 50<60yr olds (12% of the county’s population)
95,000 are 60<70yr olds (11% of the county’s population)
+ 98.000 are 70+ yr old (11% of the county’s population)
A potential of 293,000 “Over 50’s” - ( in the county - excl Nottingham City)
Of these 293,000 at least 123,000 will NOT be familiar with a computer, the internet or e mailing and yet more importantly many will also experience regular isolation with only limited everyday contact, with others in their community.
-----------------------------------------------
The NHW organisation is the largest community-based, voluntary charity in the UK. It has more than 10 million members countrywide. – it is acknowledged that the majority of NHW volunteers are "Over 50" The involvement of the libraries with the UK largest volunteer charity NHW should enhance and assist in bringing together the ever widening age groupings involvement and establishment. However, Libraries need to become Digitally sustained centres for Social, Learning, Contact, Communication, News Centres available to ALL AGES grouping together for the benefit, tuition, personal development - with the establishment of limited “outside normal working hours” access
IN June 2010 together with my wife Sandra, we re-established the defunct village BJ NHW scheme . This was achieved with the agreement and assistance of the then Notts Police NHW liaison officer Bob Vaughan .
During a period of 6 days when we recruited 13 volunteer Street co-ordinators . Within a further 7 days we organised and staged a village NHW open day ( attended by the Police , Crime Stoppers, local businesses ) which was a resounding success – overwhelming attended , and at which we successfully recruited a further 25 co-ordinators .
Following these initial achievements we found we were then “on our own” and left to our own devices – Yes ! There was unlimited publicity material available thro the National NHW, but little else. However we must add, we did seek and received welcome advise from both Bingham and Radcliffe NHW scheme co-ordinators with invites and visits to their monthly meetings.
The isolation of the Notts County’s rural NHW schemes still exists although the newly created NottsWatch organisation now may well be able to rectify this. However in our mind, effective widespread communication remains the single individual topic and action which can assist and improve the effectiveness of the actions and work of the NHW Volunteers
Those of us who choose to live in Rural and Urban communities within the our county and as a direct result of the national economic environment are now facing ever further increasing difficulties with public service cutbacks. As communities and individuals we need to and should adopt (the NHW ethos ) and introduce proactive style initiatives and work to develop answers to ease the local area situation for ourselves and NHW members and those who rely on us
As Joint Co-ordinator ( together with my wife Sandra ) of BJ Community Neighbourhood Watch We envisage establishing a permanent, open to all, NHW Online interest group for socialising , personal/ group digital improvement, learning and trouble-shooting PLUS the introducing the development of computer training and social communication within and thro-out all adjacent local communities ( BJ &B, Shelford , Gedling Village, Lambley, Oxton, Lowdham, Gonalston, Hoveringham, Caythorpe and Gunthorpe etc )
A development of this nature can have significant benefits for the collective NHW/Police activities (crime reduction/detection) with an expansion and integration of an “Ears, Eyes and Grapevine” initiative. As Burton Joyce still has a functioning Notts CC Library is centrally and conveniently geographically located for all the 10 villages we suggest the village acts as the Communication Hub
Such NHW inspired development can also have a significant positive impact on all local activities by bringing communities closer together and circulating all types of information such as planned activities and social interests , general announcements, specific announcements, best local offers, specialised services and products, help lines, social agencies, specific and personal individual assistance, interests etc., etc.
A coming together of communities via online, digital links, forums etc. has many personal and community benefits
The cost of creating such a network around the existing BJ Library is mainly in time and community endeavour, however endorsement from Notts CC, Borough/District councils, local Parish Councils, Police, etc with possible/ occasional donations and sponsorship from local sources ie Virgin, BT, Talk Talk and local businesses etc can enhance “the Hub” facilities at BJ with equipment, consumables etc., ( printing, laptops, dongles etc) over a period of time
For example BJ Parish Council has promised Wi Fi facilities ( promised in BJPC notes/minutes)to the BJ library
A renewed BJ NHW “Drop-in” can readily develop into a BJ Communication Hub with volunteers completing training, manning computers and assisting ongoing direct communication with other remote NHW in the local villages ( learners who may have or are involved with the ABC Initiative) and of course others county, nationally and worldwide ( time on the internet and Skype is free )
Establishing a community ONLINE help line at BJ Library with access to ALL local emergency services, Help lines and Social services, NHW POLICE and Charities ( Age Concern etc )will help everyone
Creating a group which enables self expression, contributes articles and opinions on local services and activities for regular postings within the community website burtonjoyceonline.co.uk contributions can stored and transferred to an editor (via individual re-usable “memory sticks”) can instil fresh confidence and interest
Once Wi Fi is available it can deliver additional sessions which enable residents to connect with remote friends and relatives AND use their own laptops onsite
A significant aim of the project is to create day-time involvement for those within our community who may be looking for day time social contact and interest, in order to combat an increasing solitary existence due to age and circumstances
It is worth adding a comment at this point on websites and social media
Website are expensive in their design, ongoing running cost, webmasters time, maintaining and updated with relevant news, comments and interests with sufficient stimulus to create and maintain good levels of regular return visitors ( 70%) bi-weekly/monthly
The most effective and popular websites are consumer based comparison and those offering excellent choice of retail offerings and online purchasing.
Websites dedicate to local affairs, societies and groups are no longer providing the high level online interest expected by the present day Onliners.
The News Sites of BBC, Sky CNN dominate the news market with SOCIAL MEDIA sites eg TWITTER, FACEBOOK etc and the like greedily gathering the masses particularly the regular ONLINERS. The 140 characters and instant online posting of TWITTER and FACEBOOK their facility to add images and links has transformed online news distribution
The recent and current Tunisia/Egypt/Libya/Syria,“Arab Spring News” illustrates completely the instant capability of social media for collecting/ illustrating and circulating news and information.
Even regional/local/news posting coming out of small newsrooms and specialist outlets, influence and effect change in urban/ rural community attitudes and actions. Social media is ideal for Alerts and instant local messaging, information and communicating general or specifically orientated information for individuals and small local organisations .
Yes! Social media is definitely the way forward for local Online simple one-off local messaging, maintaining contact, seeking help etc. The NHW should make greater use of it
Finally a meaningful/genuine relationship between the NHW and members/the community/ the Police/local Councils & Councillors/MP/NottsCC Library service/Social Services and Aid Agencies requires does greater endeavour all round
Collectively we owe it to our communities to do something positive, with haste to change the Status Quo.
It requires only a POSITIVE change in attitude
------------
.
NHW BJ Communication/Media Hub
The Vision is for Public Libraries to associate with the local Neighbourhood Watch schemes to serve our new digital community, by encompassing DIGITAL learning, media, news, social, communication, education, with all encompassing leisure/social activities for ALL age groups incl interactive large TV screens , rolling news, Wi Fi , travel and news documentaries discussions group and interests .
--------------------------------------------------
It is acknowledged that 42% of the UK “Over 50’s” have never used a computer
Nottinghamshire County has a population (estimate) of 780,000 (433,000 homes )
100,000 are 50<60yr olds (12% of the county’s population)
95,000 are 60<70yr olds (11% of the county’s population)
+ 98.000 are 70+ yr old (11% of the county’s population)
A potential of 293,000 “Over 50’s” - ( in the county - excl Nottingham City)
Of these 293,000 at least 123,000 will NOT be familiar with a computer, the internet or e mailing and yet more importantly many will also experience regular isolation with only limited everyday contact, with others in their community.
-----------------------------------------------
The NHW organisation is the largest community-based, voluntary charity in the UK. It has more than 10 million members countrywide. – it is acknowledged that the majority of NHW volunteers are "Over 50" The involvement of the libraries with the UK largest volunteer charity NHW should enhance and assist in bringing together the ever widening age groupings involvement and establishment. However, Libraries need to become Digitally sustained centres for Social, Learning, Contact, Communication, News Centres available to ALL AGES grouping together for the benefit, tuition, personal development - with the establishment of limited “outside normal working hours” access
IN June 2010 together with my wife Sandra, we re-established the defunct village BJ NHW scheme . This was achieved with the agreement and assistance of the then Notts Police NHW liaison officer Bob Vaughan .
During a period of 6 days when we recruited 13 volunteer Street co-ordinators . Within a further 7 days we organised and staged a village NHW open day ( attended by the Police , Crime Stoppers, local businesses ) which was a resounding success – overwhelming attended , and at which we successfully recruited a further 25 co-ordinators .
Following these initial achievements we found we were then “on our own” and left to our own devices – Yes ! There was unlimited publicity material available thro the National NHW, but little else. However we must add, we did seek and received welcome advise from both Bingham and Radcliffe NHW scheme co-ordinators with invites and visits to their monthly meetings.
The isolation of the Notts County’s rural NHW schemes still exists although the newly created NottsWatch organisation now may well be able to rectify this. However in our mind, effective widespread communication remains the single individual topic and action which can assist and improve the effectiveness of the actions and work of the NHW Volunteers
Those of us who choose to live in Rural and Urban communities within the our county and as a direct result of the national economic environment are now facing ever further increasing difficulties with public service cutbacks. As communities and individuals we need to and should adopt (the NHW ethos ) and introduce proactive style initiatives and work to develop answers to ease the local area situation for ourselves and NHW members and those who rely on us
As Joint Co-ordinator ( together with my wife Sandra ) of BJ Community Neighbourhood Watch We envisage establishing a permanent, open to all, NHW Online interest group for socialising , personal/ group digital improvement, learning and trouble-shooting PLUS the introducing the development of computer training and social communication within and thro-out all adjacent local communities ( BJ &B, Shelford , Gedling Village, Lambley, Oxton, Lowdham, Gonalston, Hoveringham, Caythorpe and Gunthorpe etc )
A development of this nature can have significant benefits for the collective NHW/Police activities (crime reduction/detection) with an expansion and integration of an “Ears, Eyes and Grapevine” initiative. As Burton Joyce still has a functioning Notts CC Library is centrally and conveniently geographically located for all the 10 villages we suggest the village acts as the Communication Hub
Such NHW inspired development can also have a significant positive impact on all local activities by bringing communities closer together and circulating all types of information such as planned activities and social interests , general announcements, specific announcements, best local offers, specialised services and products, help lines, social agencies, specific and personal individual assistance, interests etc., etc.
A coming together of communities via online, digital links, forums etc. has many personal and community benefits
The cost of creating such a network around the existing BJ Library is mainly in time and community endeavour, however endorsement from Notts CC, Borough/District councils, local Parish Councils, Police, etc with possible/ occasional donations and sponsorship from local sources ie Virgin, BT, Talk Talk and local businesses etc can enhance “the Hub” facilities at BJ with equipment, consumables etc., ( printing, laptops, dongles etc) over a period of time
For example BJ Parish Council has promised Wi Fi facilities ( promised in BJPC notes/minutes)to the BJ library
A renewed BJ NHW “Drop-in” can readily develop into a BJ Communication Hub with volunteers completing training, manning computers and assisting ongoing direct communication with other remote NHW in the local villages ( learners who may have or are involved with the ABC Initiative) and of course others county, nationally and worldwide ( time on the internet and Skype is free )
Establishing a community ONLINE help line at BJ Library with access to ALL local emergency services, Help lines and Social services, NHW POLICE and Charities ( Age Concern etc )will help everyone
Creating a group which enables self expression, contributes articles and opinions on local services and activities for regular postings within the community website burtonjoyceonline.co.uk contributions can stored and transferred to an editor (via individual re-usable “memory sticks”) can instil fresh confidence and interest
Once Wi Fi is available it can deliver additional sessions which enable residents to connect with remote friends and relatives AND use their own laptops onsite
A significant aim of the project is to create day-time involvement for those within our community who may be looking for day time social contact and interest, in order to combat an increasing solitary existence due to age and circumstances
It is worth adding a comment at this point on websites and social media
Website are expensive in their design, ongoing running cost, webmasters time, maintaining and updated with relevant news, comments and interests with sufficient stimulus to create and maintain good levels of regular return visitors ( 70%) bi-weekly/monthly
The most effective and popular websites are consumer based comparison and those offering excellent choice of retail offerings and online purchasing.
Websites dedicate to local affairs, societies and groups are no longer providing the high level online interest expected by the present day Onliners.
The News Sites of BBC, Sky CNN dominate the news market with SOCIAL MEDIA sites eg TWITTER, FACEBOOK etc and the like greedily gathering the masses particularly the regular ONLINERS. The 140 characters and instant online posting of TWITTER and FACEBOOK their facility to add images and links has transformed online news distribution
The recent and current Tunisia/Egypt/Libya/Syria,“Arab Spring News” illustrates completely the instant capability of social media for collecting/ illustrating and circulating news and information.
Even regional/local/news posting coming out of small newsrooms and specialist outlets, influence and effect change in urban/ rural community attitudes and actions. Social media is ideal for Alerts and instant local messaging, information and communicating general or specifically orientated information for individuals and small local organisations .
Yes! Social media is definitely the way forward for local Online simple one-off local messaging, maintaining contact, seeking help etc. The NHW should make greater use of it
Finally a meaningful/genuine relationship between the NHW and members/the community/ the Police/local Councils & Councillors/MP/NottsCC Library service/Social Services and Aid Agencies requires does greater endeavour all round
Collectively we owe it to our communities to do something positive, with haste to change the Status Quo.
It requires only a POSITIVE change in attitude
------------
.
Sunday, 18 December 2011
BJVP Review
Burton Joyce Village Plan REVIEW
We are justly proud and priviledged to be residents and members of the village community (since 1971) and instrumental in re-establishing the “BJ community NHW “ in mid 2010.
In late 2008 we created and developed “Burton Joyce Online” our Community website - (www.burtonjoyceonline.co.uk) .
Over the period we have attracted a great number of BJ friends .. .. plus several “not so friendly” acquaintances who have not appreciated several of our comments and opinions ( sometimes the truth hurts and/or may be misunderstood )
We are seeking to provide the community information
a)“Online” via our web site,
b) by our e mail circulation list (descrete and private)
c) by offering our “burtonjoycenews” letter, freely available via e mail (discrete/private) and at several locations within the village centre -
The content of our “burtonjoycenews” is and will always be wide and variable including topics associated with the NHW, Local Authorities , Parish Council activities and subjects of interest ( serious, amusing and contentious ) to all in our community – young, mature & seniors
------
NOW We did intend to begin the first of our reviews and comments on the progress or otherwise on the concerns and suggestions schemes listed within the recent
BJ VILLAGE PLAN published 2011 - particularly the following topics
THE VILLAGE CENTRE
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT
LEISURE & FACILITIES
COMMUNITY SAFETY & HEALTH
COMMUNICATION
ENVIRONMENT
YOUNG PEOPLE
HOWEVER..................................
After deciding to review the “Burton Joyce Village Plan- 2011” publication We drafted out copy for the eventual posting online. After a couple of days allowing it to develop, We have now decided NOT to post the notes. Instead we have decided to archive them, within our ongoing study and research paper into the “BJ Community 2009 < ? “ - So here is our alternative and brief conclusion to the current publication
We are of the opinion that the BJVP conclusions reached after 2 years of investigation, culminating in the BJ Village Plan - 2011 publication, is that the initiative lacks the overall, authoritative, technical, content which is necessary for implementing such lifestyle changes needed for our community undertaking.
We suggest that the majority of our community - 74%- who did NOT complete/respond to the BJ Village Plan Questionnairre anticipated the same conclusion !
A final comment - was the creation of the BJ Village Plan and its working committee the direct result of the complete lack of empathy, understanding and communication of the community’s needs/opinions by our Parish Council over the last 5+ years?
Understanding of the need of the BJ community could have, and still can be, obtained with a greater degree of accuracy, less financial expenditure and certainly over a much shorter time period. This can be achieved by all Parish Councillors having REGULAR personal “face to face” contact with each and every interest group, society, organisation’s membership and residents in our community instead of the PLANNED QUARTERLY COMMITTEE MEETINGS –
BJPC ‘s newly created “Community Engagement Committee” please note !!
-------------
Obviously the individually schemes listed, will all progress at different rates/speed. However we do suggest, even at this early stage, that full provision is quickly established and put in place to keep all the community, promptly and FULLY INFORMED with PRO-ACTIVE “Open and Transparent” COMMUNICATION
-----------------------------
We are justly proud and priviledged to be residents and members of the village community (since 1971) and instrumental in re-establishing the “BJ community NHW “ in mid 2010.
In late 2008 we created and developed “Burton Joyce Online” our Community website - (www.burtonjoyceonline.co.uk) .
Over the period we have attracted a great number of BJ friends .. .. plus several “not so friendly” acquaintances who have not appreciated several of our comments and opinions ( sometimes the truth hurts and/or may be misunderstood )
We are seeking to provide the community information
a)“Online” via our web site,
b) by our e mail circulation list (descrete and private)
c) by offering our “burtonjoycenews” letter, freely available via e mail (discrete/private) and at several locations within the village centre -
The content of our “burtonjoycenews” is and will always be wide and variable including topics associated with the NHW, Local Authorities , Parish Council activities and subjects of interest ( serious, amusing and contentious ) to all in our community – young, mature & seniors
------
NOW We did intend to begin the first of our reviews and comments on the progress or otherwise on the concerns and suggestions schemes listed within the recent
BJ VILLAGE PLAN published 2011 - particularly the following topics
THE VILLAGE CENTRE
TRAFFIC & TRANSPORT
LEISURE & FACILITIES
COMMUNITY SAFETY & HEALTH
COMMUNICATION
ENVIRONMENT
YOUNG PEOPLE
HOWEVER..................................
After deciding to review the “Burton Joyce Village Plan- 2011” publication We drafted out copy for the eventual posting online. After a couple of days allowing it to develop, We have now decided NOT to post the notes. Instead we have decided to archive them, within our ongoing study and research paper into the “BJ Community 2009 < ? “ - So here is our alternative and brief conclusion to the current publication
We are of the opinion that the BJVP conclusions reached after 2 years of investigation, culminating in the BJ Village Plan - 2011 publication, is that the initiative lacks the overall, authoritative, technical, content which is necessary for implementing such lifestyle changes needed for our community undertaking.
We suggest that the majority of our community - 74%- who did NOT complete/respond to the BJ Village Plan Questionnairre anticipated the same conclusion !
A final comment - was the creation of the BJ Village Plan and its working committee the direct result of the complete lack of empathy, understanding and communication of the community’s needs/opinions by our Parish Council over the last 5+ years?
Understanding of the need of the BJ community could have, and still can be, obtained with a greater degree of accuracy, less financial expenditure and certainly over a much shorter time period. This can be achieved by all Parish Councillors having REGULAR personal “face to face” contact with each and every interest group, society, organisation’s membership and residents in our community instead of the PLANNED QUARTERLY COMMITTEE MEETINGS –
BJPC ‘s newly created “Community Engagement Committee” please note !!
-------------
Obviously the individually schemes listed, will all progress at different rates/speed. However we do suggest, even at this early stage, that full provision is quickly established and put in place to keep all the community, promptly and FULLY INFORMED with PRO-ACTIVE “Open and Transparent” COMMUNICATION
-----------------------------
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