21ST DECEMBER 2013 - HAPPY EVERYTHING!

It's been a busy few months and there is alot to write about. And it feels like time for a break and rest first.

Enjoy family, friends and the flavour of the season. Plus bung on lots of weight with eating and drinking.

then......

K

19th OCTOBER 2013 - SPACE!

Space is what I am creating over these weeks. Clearing out the draws; packing things away; washing the dust and grime away; finishing things off and then starting anew with other things. Thoughts, actions,objects - where ever the energy takes me. And also where I want to go. 

Big yawn - U.S.A. fiscal cliff - jump off it.

Time for space and to stop and stare and create a life with a balance of care.

It is also time to enjoy and celebrate what I have. So stop and stare.

A poor life this is if, full of care,

We have no time to stand and stare. 

William Henry Davies(3 July 1871 – 26 September 1940. Monmouthshire / Wales)

K

SATURDAY 5TH OCTOBER - NOT MUCH TO SAY - THINKING ALOT.

Just back to good old Streatham. What to write about. Updated bits of the blog layout and pleased to be writing something every week.

CAMERON AND THE REAL FACE OF THE CONSERVATIVE PARTY.

Since Cameron took over their membership has plummeted. And at this week's conference we heard the real rhythm of the Conservative heartbeat. Let's attack the poor and most vulnerable in OUR society. Why shouldn't the unemployed pick up litter(it's what they are suited for)? That way the people employed to pick up litter can be sacked. And we need the empty bottles of booze(champagne in Tory land), burger wrappers and used condoms cleared.And if the unemployed do this work - what will become of the people who already have jobs doing it? Let's get young people too - they run around just getting flats and benefits. Luckily we still have bankers and business making lots of profits. They are the important ones because they bank roll the Tory party and provide their ministers with jobs after their time in Parliament.

How scary were those speeches by Osborne and Cameron - so contrived in their words, gestures and presentation. Looking directly into the camera, going red to show his earnest belief, emphasis with the hands and the opening his arms in a messiah like pose. Welcoming us all(except skivers and the jobless) to the new GREAT Britain. I watched Cameron and could see Tony Blair - rehearsed and staged and plastic and hoping that all the people in the focus group would like it.

We need jobs and houses to build or rebuild our economy and society. Work gives people a sense of belonging and ownership. It gives them the self-respect so many unemployed people I have met crave. JOBS, JOBS,JOBS.

Who speaks up for the poor and those at the bottom of the ladder. Where is ED when we need him?

K

HE'S NOT THE MESSIAH, HE'S A ....

METRO NEWSPAPER-25TH SEPTEMBER 2013

27TH SEPTEMBER 2013

At last I have an idea of what The Labour party stands for.

The plan to freeze energy prices set the business world shaking and trying to create a thunderous panic amongst the people at large - loss of jobs and investment. Code for loss of profit and loss of shareholder dividends. But the next day N-Power, one of the big six suppliers announces an offer of prices frozen until 2017. Cashing in on the moment and proving they can survive.

Keep going Ed - dare to be different or something other than a rerun on the New Labour experiment.

K

21st SEPTEMBER 2013

NOTHING MUCH TO WRITE TODAY. A cold laid me up for a few days.

I did notice UKIP showing it's true colours. They are like the Conservatives. They try and stuff their demons into a satchel and hide it in the cupboard. But the door was left ajar and someone always pops out. Like that embarrassing uncle who turns up at family functions and by his second Sherry is on a roll. While everyone shuffles uncomfortably in their seat and hopes he will fall asleep soon.

I also noticed how India can afford a space programme and has just tested a nuclear missile which could fire a warhead into China. New Delhi calls it a"deterrence for peace" in attempt to warn China about its ambitions in the Indian Ocean. How silent the International community was about that. But Iran can't have nuclear bombs. And India has a mass of people still consignedl to poverty. But bombs come first in our capitalist system.

And the deafening anti-Assad noise continues. While Al-Quaeda makes its mark in the area. And Israel continues to do whatever it fancies.

Labour will repeal the Bedroom Tax if they win power. At last they have something to do that isn't a copy of the Con-Dem coalition.

Anyway time for bed.

15th SEPTEMBER 2013 - FROM THE LAND OF THE FREE.

Why do Western Politicians hide behind their hypocritical coat of fighting for truth, freedom and democracy? Led by Marshall Obama and with the hapless Sheriffs – Cameron and Hollande flailing behind, they roar about the murderous behaviour of the Assad regime. Former friends?  The financial costs of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are estimated to reach $3.7 trillion dollars (www.costsofwar.org) with the on-going human costs immeasurable. Firing one cruise missile costs about a million dollars. But in the land of the free and home of the brave you have to fight for healthcare.

We know the elections in Zimbabwe have been suspect. Mugabe and his henchmen manipulate and oppress a once thriving country. Human rights trampled on – No action taken.

Israel constantly breaks International law by seizing land and building illegal settlements. There is a clear intent to stop the chance of a true two State solution. Palestinian rights trampled on. – No action taken.

Let’s not start talking about the nuclear arsenal Israel holds.

By the way any news on the Israel/Palestinian peace talks and our illustrious peace envoy.

But Saddam Hussein – Action!

Assad/Syria - 100,000 deaths, two million refugees. Suddenly the arrival of a chemical attack that crosses a “red line”. Action!

With speed and a commitment to bring about a change warships, planes and bombs are made ready. The money is found to keep this military hardware waiting until it is time for the Marshall to press the button. Meanwhile at home jobs are lost; nearly one million young people are out of work; services are cut; people lose their homes and a massive increase in the number of people using foodbanks. (In 2008-9 - 26,000 people in 2011-12 - 128,697 www.bbc.co.uk/news/business).

And this charge to teach Assad a lesson is led by a Nobel Peace Prize winner who has Jesus, Martin Luther King Jr. and Nelson Mandela as his heroes and inspiration. Our leaders have all the eloquence of the podium for their speeches. But our Leaders have values and truths that are variable with the fleeting moment. Or with the numbers of the latest opinion poll or focus group responses. There are no easy and straightforward answers but we have the technology and intellect to spend time finding them. Just not the energy or will to do it.

GIVE ME A BREAK

More rubbish fly on the wall progammes. Really? The goings on in a Take-away Chicken shop; life on the Railways and the Great British Bake Off – people in tears because their custard pie was soggy. Pull yourself together and get down to M. and S. and buy some. What would the great civilisations make of our T.V. schedule.

THE BITCH IS BACK.

What a great year – a new David Bowie album and now a new Elton John album.

K

6th SEPTEMBER 2013 - LITTLE SNIPPETS

IT'S BEEN A BUSY WEEK. Still no news on when the bombs will fall on Assad. But at least he has enough warning to sort things out. Tidy up before the guests arrive. 100,00 people killed and two million refugees - no bombs then.  
Israel continues to break international law and build settlements on the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Mugabe had field day with democracy again. But the world(especially the Americans) remain silent here.Oh, any news on our Middle East Peace Envoy?

GOVE SPEAKS...

Pupils have to resit their English and Maths exams if they do not pass first time around – they have to get a grade C or keep resitting the exam.

NO! -  Not everyone can achieve that level. How many times will someone have to resit the exam?

YES! – It’s about time we raised our expectations of ALL young people and of ourselves. It’s time to explain to them clearly why, both at home and in school, they can and need to aim high. It is a shame on this “civilised society” of ours that it is acceptable for young adults to leave school, after 10 years (39-40 weeks per school year) unable to read and write properly.

And why does the staff in the education system accept this as a norm? Our overworked and hard pressed teachers – everyone is overworked.

On top of that we then create a whole system that employs people to mop up these failures. There are a range of organisations, charities etc who now train these young people to improve their literacy and numeracy skills. Those, that is, who are lucky enough to get that help, otherwise unemployment, low paid work and a life full of unfulfilled potential is the reward for those who don’t get found. And still the world turns.

K

30^TH AUGUST 2013 – GOOD HAIR DAY.

THE CHRIS ROCK FILM “GOOD HAIR DAY” WAS AN EYE OPENER.(www.youtube.com)I knew about the film and was reminded at a recent focus group and from an article in The Voice newspaper – Do Black women care more about their hair than their health.(www.voice-online.co.uk) In the film Chris Rock explores the world of hair and the black culture around it. As the journey unfolded I thought - real human hair, given freely by people at religious events in countries like India is sold on. Then black women are paying hundreds and even thousands of pounds or dollars for it to be added to their hair. That amazes and saddens me in a way. And the fact is that if the hair was from a black person, they would turn it away. But you are wearing human hair that once hung out on someone else’s head. There are only four Black owned hair companies in the U.S. it emerged during the film. All this money spent by the Black community is going to enrich Chinese companies.

LOST INTIMACY

Some of the men interviewed were talking about not being able to touch their partner’s hair. She (or he) spent so much on that style and you can’t mess with that. But in those hair styles I could see so much creativity and power.

The view of The Washington Memorial from The Lincoln Memorial, Washington.

Taken in 2004.(c Keith Stewart.)

FIFTY YEARS AND STILL DREAMING.

Hearing President Obama talk about Martin Luther King Jr and his work and THAT speech made me smile. He calls King one of his heroes. King,the man who ensured the battle for civil rights was non-violent. A man who dreamt of there one day being a Black President. And here we have that President planning to attack Syria; who has deported more people than Bush; who sends drones to blow up his enemies (no trial needed) and hasn't gained many air miles from travelling to Africa.

In a BBC news article it was beautiful to hear a young black boy saying how grateful he was for the work done by those who came before him. He was saying that he was going to make the most of the opportunities they opened. Proudly and with confidence he will march through that door of aspiration they left open.

THE SAME OLD SONG!

Whenever I attend Black led events in the U.K. I hear so many Black people talking about what is wrong with Black people and the community. Why Black people aren't this, that or the other. How we don't have a Black leader. We need a Black T.V. station But they seem to be doing nothing about it. They are able to wax lyrically and run down their community and therefore themselves. In many ways we are replaying the racist’s dream. We are continuously living out for the master the basic goals of slavery. Divide and conquer. Teach the slave to own their lack of worth. Then reinforce that at every move, so the enslaved can do it for themselves.
I am going armed next time - www.greatblackbritons.com - a site with great examples of Black British achievers.

At some point I have to say – that’s part of my history but it is not my identity now. It is not all of who I am. Most of all I won’t let it define me now.

“BE THE CHANGE YOU WANT TO SEE IN THE WORLD” 

MAHATMA GHANDI (1869-1948).

K

FRIDAY 23RD AUGUST - BLACKNESS, JOURNEY, IDENTITY AND THE SUMMER.

What an eventful week -reflective and creative. I am keeping to my target and writing something each week. Almost got some work in Italy but turned out I am too old. 54 and over the hill. It's all cocoa and slippers now. 

TURN THE PAGE. 

I read the book - The poem of the Cid - an easy read.Thrilling in a way as I could see images from the film and hear the voices of the knights. Heroes and villains well presented. But the main thing is - I read a book. I usually am reading newspapers and magazines. I was inspired to sort my own books out and pull out those with a Black theme - same with the videos and dvd's. 
Now I have the books out that I haven't read on one shelf. When I look at my bookshelf the books, dvd's, videos are there and inspire me. I was surprised how many books with that theme I had and how many I had already read. 

I pulled out IC3 - The Penguin book of new black writing in Britain (ISBN- 0-241-14047-1. New in 2000 when I bought it and now my next read. I have a Kindle but the feel of a real book and real pages to turn is a greater experience. 

I am going to the Afro Comb exhibition in Cambridge
(www.fitzmuseum.cam.ac.uk) to see the 6,000 years of MY culture, politics and identity. And see what it can show me in 2013. And I am going to reignite the Black Men's Group in Brighton. 
There's a need for some work on getting people registered to vote, educated about the political world and then get them out there to vote. Especially ethnic groups, disabled and older people. Those who are harshly affected by many political events but never consulted. I have been buzzing with ideas there all week. It's great when your brain comes out of hibernation.

Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania - taken on the way up in 2005.(c Keith Stewart)

SUMMER NIGHTS

Unlike the summer. The Bank Holiday weekend is here and with it the nights getting darker earlier. That was summer that was.

But it's not ALL over. The butterflies still swoop around and the flowers still flower so there's still lots to be done and enjoyed.

Brighton Beach with the Old Pier in view. (c Keith Stewart)

K

FRIDAY 16TH AUGUST 2013 - LABOUR WITH AN EGG ON ITS FACE?

I attended a good Editors Forum with the Voice newspaper
(www.voice-online.co.uk) and filmed by Star TV for the popular Voice online forum.  The title for the discussion, which will be aired as part of Dawn's show on Star TV - "Is Labour losing the black vote". The Voice is the only Black British newspaper and with a 30 year history has a strong reputation. The Managing Director and Editor, George Ruddock opened the event with a breakdown on the newspaper's research and a lead article the Voice just published under the title.

On the same day I saw an article at last about Labour. I was under the impression they had moved to another country by their immense silence this summer. Billboards telling illegal immigrants they will be kicked out and black people being stopped at tube stations. Not a word from Labour. The article showed pictures of Ed Milliband being pelted with eggs - the thrower - angry because Labour has neglected to fight for poor people.

That's the state of the opposition. I don't know what Labour stands for. I know they will do many of the same things as the Tories if they came to power. Cuts are inevitable. The Welfare system has to be reformed. Immigration tackled. But Housing is needed - critical. And Labour offers....?

I don't feel Labour is fighting for anything or anyone. They seem to me lazy, laid-back vacationers - the fear is the fight will become internal and they implode. Allowing the other parties to continue to write the agenda. And with a  media that is so biased towards the Tory agenda that doesn't help.

Todays Politicians are on a career path and have no vocation. No real grounded values. New Labour like the New Conservatives are modern day media fads. They move to where the latest Focus Group goes. Photo opportunities galore.

But I believe someone standing and speaking with heart, conviction, eloquence and facts could battle all of that. They could inspire and energise a debate. A debate that will bring out more facts. A debate that could be more nuanced than - send them all back.And our Politicians need to be the people doing this - fighting and becoming the onslaught for right, justice and the "British" way.

Yes Labour is losing but they haven't lost. They need to believe that they WILL win and fight for us. They need to find and fulfill their destiny. Like Bush, Cameron, Johnson, Obama -  like them or not, they had a clear destiny in their head.

I want Labour to fight for and create jobs, build houses, a fair and empowering Welfare State and a fair place for immigrants.

How can Labour win the black vote?

K

FRIDAY 9TH AUGUST 2013 - GOOD NEWS!

BRILLIANT NEWS - SUNSHINE AND A SUCCESSFUL WEEK TO ENJOY.
Preparations for the Queer in Brighton:Differences, Places and Histories conference on 18th September are going well. I am excited to have been accepted to deliver my workshop on "What's queer got to do with me" and getting lots of help from contacts and friends. My first ever such an event and I am excited about how to get a good debate going.
I am also pleased to be here and writing - keep it up.

It has been a week of rest and work. Watching old films - Cinema Paradiso and Carry on regardless. Finding new comedies - Up all night. And of course the regulars - Big Bang Theory.

I am sure there are world shaking events to worry about but I can't find them at the moment.

K

2nd AUGUST 2013 - HELLO AGAIN!

Hello again.
Lots of water under the bridge - especially with these summer showers.
New Royal baby - joy.

Catching ALL those immigrants at the tube stations - and bearing down on the disabled, unemployed and poor - the signs of a true Democracy. And the "caring" face of Conservatism.(although it seems their coalition partners have nothing to do with it all)
0.6% growth in the economy being paid for by poor and ordinary people - the squeezed middle. Who didn't cause the problems in the first place. While the rich stay rich. And that is the equation of capitalism.

Just got approval for my workshop at the Queer in Brighton: Life stories, Histories and Differences Conference on 18th September.
Exciting - I have never done anything like that before and really up for it. I am holding a debate on words like "queer" "queer activism" - what has all this got to do with me and how does it affect my daily life. Love it.

                            What do you think?
K

15th JANUARY 2013 - BARACK OBAMA – THE SECOND INAUGURATION.

A great event to watch – the closest thing Americans have to a coronation – but no gowns, crowns and unsightly relatives.

But more – it was clever politicking with an eye to pleasing the biggest growing minority in the States - the Hispanic Americans. He knows who has their vote and “the gays” will win the White House in 2016. The inauguration speeches and personalities reflected, celebrated and paid homage to that fact. It opened the door to their minds via the heart.

NOBEL PEACE PRIZE - 2009

The Nobel Committee said he won it for "his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and co-operation between peoples".

·         He has deported more people than George W. Bush.

·         He signs Executive Orders to launch drones against “terrorists” – no trial needed.

·         He sanctioned cyber-attacks against Iran, Thought you wanted to develop dialogue.

·         Martin Luther King, his hero.Obama used MLK'S bible as part of the swearing in process. Gandhi - an inspiration to MLK. They were fans of peace.

·         Sanctioned - with a front row seat to watch – the capture/shooting of Osama Bin Laden. How that increased his credentials as a tough President (see the Iron Lady). Some say his greatest foreign policy achievement in the first term.

·         Israel – Palestine – silence for four years and in the inauguration. Hilary Clinton traveled a million miles and what was achieved. Now his second term has begun and no action is promised. The silence on the Israel-Palestine question is deafening.

By the way any news on our peace envoy. Last seen lining up to bank his cheques from advising governments and making speeches. Wonder if Barack will call him for tips?

I wait to see how history judges his time and wonder when he will, like all Leaders, start to see his reflection in the mirror of history.

The “shooter” –the man who pulled the trigger and shot Osama Bin Laden left the military in September 2012 with 16 years of service because he feared he would not survive to see his children grow. He is now without a pension or health insurance because he did not complete 20 years of service and is struggling financially. (i- Feb 2013)

3^RD FEBRUARY 2013 - MICHAEL JACKSON – THIS IS IT(DVD) 

As a life- long fan of The Jacksons I see them as musical and creative royalty. Watching this film I saw another side of the man. The title “a legend” fits squarely and safely on his shoulders. When rehearsing a song he drops in words and phrases such as – “let it simmer”, “nourish” “with love” – speaking about the creative process as organic and like a living thing. The music is in his DNA. Not an X Factor add on-where they take on a song with the same ego as they don their outfits to perform. This man, lived, breathed and inhabited the creative moment and each note. Fantastic- as he stands with a guitarist and urges her to find the highest note she can – more- keep going – “It’s your moment to shine” he tells her. And we will be there with you. Getting the best and more from his crew so they can give their best. Inspiration. Motivation. Leadership. Humility – he is not bigger than the show or the audience.

All the time reaching and soaring just like an eagle among eagles.

29th JANUARY 2013 - LINCOLN (CINEMA)

I felt the story of a family and a certain intimacy in the White House of old. While doing important business of State your son walks in and wants to play. Then it’s back to freeing the slaves and winning the Civil War.

The mammoth task of creating a free, fair, civil and just society came down to wheeling and dealing – getting someone’s’ vote in return for… and then when I open my eyes on today I see nothing has changed. I wasn’t convinced Lincoln was that concerned about the slaves but that maybe he saw the future and what would be needed for the country to grow and heal once the war was won.

The film was swimming with brilliant acting from all involved in creating strong, humorous and believable characters. You can be nominated for an Oscar but to look great you need others around you who also aim for their best. Just like in the storyline of the film.

These films and experience inspire me to think broader and higher. Look at my game.

Ask myself –what do I stand for? 

What do I believe?

How have these events influenced how I am?

And to imagine, then act on what’s next……

6th JANUARY 2013 - MARGARET THATCHER-THE IRON LADY.

I watched the film – a mix of reality and writers imagination. I saw a person – a human being at once weak, brilliant, and strong, out of touch both during her time in office and the time out of it. Agree or disagree with her – she still ignites those strong emotions – the old school Tories would love her back. No chance of gays running rampant then. Tony Blair and David Cameron act out their role in her shadow – showing their veneer as strong and resolute leaders. Still they don’t cut it. After twenty-two years her presence is still felt. A pretty nifty achievement for a woman in a man’s world – her condition now? Is that what they call karma?