Operation Fortune: Ruse de Guerre

First of all, my daughter made a surprise visit on Friday, leaving earlier today.  When I say surprise m the only two in the house who did not know she was coming was me and our dog.  My son had asked about things we could do on the weekend, and although I mentioned Monopoly, I said it was no fun without his sister being present as I would not be able to turn one against the other, which is how I win.

I was rung as they were to collect a takeaway from Gaia in East Bergholt. I did say they should take a picture and send it to my daughter, but I did not know she was with them.  When they got home, they insisted I came home as well.  On getting home our dog ran towards me as she normally does then literally skidded, as she ran back into the living room, which is unusual. I went in, gave my wife a hug and then after putting clothes in for washing, came back to find my daughter in the room!  It was really nice that the family was all together for the weekend.  We had lunch in Grunisburgh and my wife made streak for us all for dinner, even the dog.

During the weekend, I got a chance to relax and during this time together, we watched the film.  When it comes to it, it was enjoyable.  The Guardian described it as slick and silly, but I also think it had the right balance. I honestly would recommend the film as it had memorable and, for a film of this type, well written characters. There were plenty of plot holes, but they were not too big. I am glad I watched it and if there is to be a sequel, I would watch it as well.  

Unions and workers rights

On my YouTube feed, this video was suggested.  I though I should share it as a reminder why unions are important.  There are those on the right who are against workers having rights but they forget that unions want workers to have jobs.  A comparison of what can be done in the USA should be a reminder of the advantages of unions who have striven for workers rights and those victories should not be thrown away.  Lets face it, no one in a job in the UK wants to be treated like the employees of Twitter after Musk took charge of it. 

Arsenal lost

Getting into work today, two people greeted me by laughing about the result as soon as I stepped through the door.  It did not stop there.  Even patients have been talking about it.  The only thing I can say back to them is that we are still top of the league.  Hopefully that will last...

Labour, Andy Burnham and media bias

Andy Burnham has been blocked from standing as an MP for Labour. I do not know if it is the right or wrong thing to do, but what I do know is that him replacing Starmer as leader has risks as well as benefits.  The main advantages of having him as leader is that he has shown that he is capable in his role a Mayor of Greater Manchester but more importantly, he is a great communicator.

One big disadvantage is that Labour have financial handcuffs thanks to the dire economic legacy that they have inherited from the Tories.  The spending plans of Rachel Reeves are accepted by The City and any decision to spend more will result in debt repayments increasing, which means more money to bankers in interest and a smaller proportion to helping people of the country.  Also, like it or not, Starmer has managed to save many British jobs thanks to the way he has dealt with Trump.

But what people forget is the way the media is biased against Labour.  I have no issues with the media holding Labour to account.  Starmer has changed his views on many matters, some of which is right, some of which could be explained with better communication.  It is right that the media scrutinise the government.  What is not right is the way the media ignore Reform UK.  There are numerous examples of where Nigel Farage has been given a pass on matters.

As noted in the video above, Nigel Farage praised the nightmare budget of Liz Truss.  His trip to Davos to stick it to the global elites was not one.  The Guardian stated that he is listed on the programme for the World Economic Forum as a member of parliament and a representative of HP Trust, which describes itself as the “family office of Sasan Ghandehari” with a portfolio value in excess of $10bn (£7.4bn).  His views on how only some people should be jailed for social media posts have also not been challenged or raised either.  There are his dodgy finances where he has accidentally forgotten to declare financial interests on time as well has his views on duplicating ICE from the USA.  

In summary, Labour has to change the way it communicates, because the media bias against them is killing them in the polls.  And a change of leader risks the economic gains we have won. 

My wife meeting up with friends

Today, we went to London to meet up with old school friends of my wife.  We took my son, who had a friend with him.  While we went to a restaurant, my son and his friend went shopping and appeared to enjoy themselves.  I get on well with the friends and the husbands, and it was nice to meet up.  The dog was very good, even when one of them teased her a bit.  We are lucky to have such a placid dog, as is Robin who did not get bitten!  We had met up last year in the same place, then without the dog, our children shopping together back then.  Anyway, I need to rest.  It has been a long drive. 

The alleged ceasefire in Gaza

Trump is forming The Board of Peace. Originally thought to be the next step on the ceasefire process in Gaza, Trump has fashioned it to suit his ego.

While peace has not come to Gaza, the alternative, which is the continued war, is far worse.  There are many in Israel who want the war to restart so that Christians and Muslims can be removed from Gaza. I would love a just peace for Palestinians, one that had been agreed many years ago, but sadly this is not going to happen while Trump is in power.

Which Brings Me to You

My son, wife and I watched this last night. While described as a rom-com, there is not much comedy. But we liked the film. We all have different tastes when it comes to films, and when it started, I thought it was going to be the usual bland rom-com. It is not, it is a story that is not normally told in this way. It is best described as a romance and one that leaves viewers being able to discuss how the two main characters will go on with their lives afterwards.

Like many films, I doubt I will watch it again, but it was nice to watch it, even better that all three of use did so together.  The Guardian rated it three out of five and I would have to agree with it.