Friday 29 June 2012
Welcome Back Again!
Yes it has been a long time since I last wrote anything. I have been busy trying to focus on job searching plus other personal issues. Anyway I will try and give a brief update. First I am getting prepared for my Team London Ambassadors role which will take place during the Games in London I hope to report some details during my stint. Secondly I have just come back from my holiday in Ireland, which I hope to publish some pictures from soon. Anyhow s that's all for now And I hope to be more detailed next time.
Friday 2 March 2012
More examples of Public Service issues
Unfortunately it is back to the cuts in public service for this blog.
I help out at a community facility in North London helping people with computers. There is a lady who acts as a customer service officer at my centre. In addition there are a couple of other facilities that she also helps out at. For a few years she has helped out at exactly the same locations, which has given a chance for the service users to know her face and to be able to provide a one to one service. However the council that she works for has been told her that she has to relocate. What’s more she now has to take on other roles thus meaning the one to one teaching that some users have valued has basically disappeared.
Another upshot of this questionable decision is that the council involved expects people who wish to join the library go online to do this. This is fine for those who are computer literate, but what about those who in most likelihood need to be able to avail of the services how are they expected to join the library if they are not familiar with how an online form works.
I do begin to think that this is social engineering those that need the services of the internet wherever it is paying bills or finding out benefit information are being denied the opportunity of what they are entitled to.
Another area that some people are being denied is wellbeing. It is all very well having schemes such as Fit 4 Life but what is the point if there are not the facilities or the people to lead exercise sessions. Still government policy and common sense have never gone hand in hand
I help out at a community facility in North London helping people with computers. There is a lady who acts as a customer service officer at my centre. In addition there are a couple of other facilities that she also helps out at. For a few years she has helped out at exactly the same locations, which has given a chance for the service users to know her face and to be able to provide a one to one service. However the council that she works for has been told her that she has to relocate. What’s more she now has to take on other roles thus meaning the one to one teaching that some users have valued has basically disappeared.
Another upshot of this questionable decision is that the council involved expects people who wish to join the library go online to do this. This is fine for those who are computer literate, but what about those who in most likelihood need to be able to avail of the services how are they expected to join the library if they are not familiar with how an online form works.
I do begin to think that this is social engineering those that need the services of the internet wherever it is paying bills or finding out benefit information are being denied the opportunity of what they are entitled to.
Another area that some people are being denied is wellbeing. It is all very well having schemes such as Fit 4 Life but what is the point if there are not the facilities or the people to lead exercise sessions. Still government policy and common sense have never gone hand in hand
Thursday 1 March 2012
The Financial Situation with British Football
Or the situation at both Rangers and Portsmouth. and no doubt other clubs.
The situation at both clubs has been one that has been evident for sometime, after all if you spend more than your means then surly you are going to end up eventually facing the consequences. The sad thing about this from a fans point of view is that many are being punished for the errors of those above. Or you could say that chasing the dream was what the fans wanted and that none realised what could go wrong.
There is also another angle at Rangers that question marks have been raised over how the owner was financing the club. Of course there will be some Celtic fans who will be thinking "whoopee well win the SPL"(Scottish Premier League) which in more likelihood they will, but this doesn't exactly make the product exactly valuable. I am sure the SPL will do all they can to keep Rangers going if to try and make the competition competitive. Especially if you think that most of the marketing of the competition around the world is marketed with both Celtic and Rangers in mind. You can see the same mistakes of Leeds United who had to lease back their training pitch, among many cost cutting measures due to them 'Chasing the Dream'
The situation at Portsmouth is a sad one as well. OK as with Celtic there will probably be Southampton fans going whoopee but one needs the other to bring some spark to that area of Hampshire.
I could go further down the league and talk about the situations at both Wrexham and Darlington both former league clubs who have struggled in terms of finding owners and enough support financially. Whilst the situation at Wrexham has improved and the fans trust have secured a deal the situation at Darlington is less so. The idea that one of the former owners decided to have a 22000 seat stadium when Darlington were in league 2 wasn't exactly ideal. Rather than allowing the fans to build up and then talk about expansion the idea went the other way, and now you end up with a huge stadium which barley has a third of fans filing it.
There are many other examples but Football never seems to have learned the lessons and even when Preston North End was founded as the first professional club there were still issues.
The examples of Wrexham and Darlington show that there are still communities out there willing to support their local clubs and long may it continue. After all AFC Wimbledon have lead the way in which fans were not prepared to see their team move away from their heartland and on to Milton Keynes, and instead follow their local team. These teams and fans are essential in keeping the spirit of local football and will be the future of the sport.
The situation at both clubs has been one that has been evident for sometime, after all if you spend more than your means then surly you are going to end up eventually facing the consequences. The sad thing about this from a fans point of view is that many are being punished for the errors of those above. Or you could say that chasing the dream was what the fans wanted and that none realised what could go wrong.
There is also another angle at Rangers that question marks have been raised over how the owner was financing the club. Of course there will be some Celtic fans who will be thinking "whoopee well win the SPL"(Scottish Premier League) which in more likelihood they will, but this doesn't exactly make the product exactly valuable. I am sure the SPL will do all they can to keep Rangers going if to try and make the competition competitive. Especially if you think that most of the marketing of the competition around the world is marketed with both Celtic and Rangers in mind. You can see the same mistakes of Leeds United who had to lease back their training pitch, among many cost cutting measures due to them 'Chasing the Dream'
The situation at Portsmouth is a sad one as well. OK as with Celtic there will probably be Southampton fans going whoopee but one needs the other to bring some spark to that area of Hampshire.
I could go further down the league and talk about the situations at both Wrexham and Darlington both former league clubs who have struggled in terms of finding owners and enough support financially. Whilst the situation at Wrexham has improved and the fans trust have secured a deal the situation at Darlington is less so. The idea that one of the former owners decided to have a 22000 seat stadium when Darlington were in league 2 wasn't exactly ideal. Rather than allowing the fans to build up and then talk about expansion the idea went the other way, and now you end up with a huge stadium which barley has a third of fans filing it.
There are many other examples but Football never seems to have learned the lessons and even when Preston North End was founded as the first professional club there were still issues.
The examples of Wrexham and Darlington show that there are still communities out there willing to support their local clubs and long may it continue. After all AFC Wimbledon have lead the way in which fans were not prepared to see their team move away from their heartland and on to Milton Keynes, and instead follow their local team. These teams and fans are essential in keeping the spirit of local football and will be the future of the sport.
Friday 10 February 2012
What is happening
The title says it really. Maybe I am a bit confused at the moment.who knows.
Any hows let me continue with a couple of issues that I have at the moment. First provision of local services.
The annoying thing that I see at the moment is the continued cuts to provision of library services. Already there are rumours in one borough that computers are going to be donated to voluntary groups, which is a nice gesture but when you think that the council will no longer provide back up support as well as the cost of an ISP (Internet provider) then all doesn't bode well for the local community. If you also remember that other facilities such as One stop shops providing benefit advice for example are also going to be limited. Still it is another way of making the vulnerable go without.
Another concern is the resignation of Fabio Capello as England manager. Of course he could resign 4 or so months early if you compare the amount he was earning against Stephen Hester. O K I can understand that he felt that his authority was being undermined by the Football Association but there were surly other ways of discussing his grievance. Of course whoever gets the position of England manager will have to deal with the usual issues i.e are the players of enough calibre to reach the finals of major events. England's record isn't exactly anything to write home about.
It's always been talk and not action with the F. A. and not just recently. I frankly along with most fans no doubt am sick and tiered of hearing the same old thing. Yes I am an Ireland fan but the problems for England at an international level are a symptom of the football system in England as a whole.
Any hows let me continue with a couple of issues that I have at the moment. First provision of local services.
The annoying thing that I see at the moment is the continued cuts to provision of library services. Already there are rumours in one borough that computers are going to be donated to voluntary groups, which is a nice gesture but when you think that the council will no longer provide back up support as well as the cost of an ISP (Internet provider) then all doesn't bode well for the local community. If you also remember that other facilities such as One stop shops providing benefit advice for example are also going to be limited. Still it is another way of making the vulnerable go without.
Another concern is the resignation of Fabio Capello as England manager. Of course he could resign 4 or so months early if you compare the amount he was earning against Stephen Hester. O K I can understand that he felt that his authority was being undermined by the Football Association but there were surly other ways of discussing his grievance. Of course whoever gets the position of England manager will have to deal with the usual issues i.e are the players of enough calibre to reach the finals of major events. England's record isn't exactly anything to write home about.
It's always been talk and not action with the F. A. and not just recently. I frankly along with most fans no doubt am sick and tiered of hearing the same old thing. Yes I am an Ireland fan but the problems for England at an international level are a symptom of the football system in England as a whole.
Wednesday 25 January 2012
I'm Back Just About
Hello and welcome back. I have been occupied by things over the last few months and so haven't got round to writing things.
I wish I could write this feeling happy however things seem to be really low at the moment. I was on a project doing podcasts, which I at present cannot continue with plus there is the pressure of being put onto the government's Mandatory Work Programme.
I am fearful of being put onto a scheme which will not benefit me. This in fact reminds me of New Labour's Flexible New Deal. I remember being put onto a scheme administered by A4E who were the main provider of services. I remember at one stage having to sneak into a toilet to use my mobile to find out about any vacancies as the phones did not work in the centre I was in
Although I eventually got work it was through my boss who secured grant funding for my position nothing to do with A4E.
At time of writing it is nearly 3 and a half years since I was made redundant and although I have undertaken some placements in my time I am still frustrated that nothing has come. The way things are going at the moment mean that I will end up in a mental home before I get a job.
This is why I feel the governments attempts at getting people back to work are not being administered properly. OK target those who have made no effort whatsoever but why penalise the middle group like myself who would be willing to get up at 7 o clock in the morning.
Unsurprisingly The Big Society idea which was mooted hasn't exactly done what was promised. How many third sector organisations are suffering due to government cuts. It has been reported that those in this sector who applied to take on the work programme have been left disappointed. The National Audit Office has apparently said that the numbers getting back to work in the first 5 and a half months or so are only 26% compared to the 46% target.
Of course why would Ian Duncan Smith or Chris Grayling want to listen to the views of those who are struggling to find suitable work conditions, I get the feeling that its all a numbers game and that the poor and vulnerable are being made to pay for the mistakes of others.
I hope my next post will be more cheerful but frankly at the moment I don't see it.
I wish I could write this feeling happy however things seem to be really low at the moment. I was on a project doing podcasts, which I at present cannot continue with plus there is the pressure of being put onto the government's Mandatory Work Programme.
I am fearful of being put onto a scheme which will not benefit me. This in fact reminds me of New Labour's Flexible New Deal. I remember being put onto a scheme administered by A4E who were the main provider of services. I remember at one stage having to sneak into a toilet to use my mobile to find out about any vacancies as the phones did not work in the centre I was in
Although I eventually got work it was through my boss who secured grant funding for my position nothing to do with A4E.
At time of writing it is nearly 3 and a half years since I was made redundant and although I have undertaken some placements in my time I am still frustrated that nothing has come. The way things are going at the moment mean that I will end up in a mental home before I get a job.
This is why I feel the governments attempts at getting people back to work are not being administered properly. OK target those who have made no effort whatsoever but why penalise the middle group like myself who would be willing to get up at 7 o clock in the morning.
Unsurprisingly The Big Society idea which was mooted hasn't exactly done what was promised. How many third sector organisations are suffering due to government cuts. It has been reported that those in this sector who applied to take on the work programme have been left disappointed. The National Audit Office has apparently said that the numbers getting back to work in the first 5 and a half months or so are only 26% compared to the 46% target.
Of course why would Ian Duncan Smith or Chris Grayling want to listen to the views of those who are struggling to find suitable work conditions, I get the feeling that its all a numbers game and that the poor and vulnerable are being made to pay for the mistakes of others.
I hope my next post will be more cheerful but frankly at the moment I don't see it.
Thursday 1 September 2011
Premiership Review Week 3
OK week three of the premiership and lets start with the midlands derby Wolverhampton Wanderers v Aston Villa a lunchtime kick off with a few chances of note although Wolves started brightly Stephen Hunt forcing a save from Aston Villa keeper Shay Given and Emille Heskey flicking a shot. Although Villa had the better of the second half Wolves will probably leave the happier.
Wigan Athletic took on Queens Park Rangers in another lunchtime kick off with Franco Di Santo scoring both goals the first before half time which was scored from a pass from Victor Moses and then a second into the top of the net which had been volleyed right into the net.
Chelsea were given a workout by Norwich City Jose Bosingwa scoring in the first half from 25 yards out. However Norwich City scored in the second half through Grant Holt captilising on a blunder by Hilario. A penalty by Frank Lampard made it 2-1 after a foul on Raul Ramires which saw Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy sent off. A third goal was scored by new signing Jose Mata.
Blackburn Rovers went down by a goal after missing two penalties. A controversial penalty was awarded to Everton and scored by Mikel Arteta which was to be last goal for Everton as he has now signed for Arsenal.
Swansea City and Sunderland had a goalless draw with Scott Sinclair having the best chance for Swansea John O Shea also had a chance for Sunderland with a header and Michel Worm piled on a number of saves from Asamoah Gyan.
Liverpool had a 3- 1 win over Bolton Wanderers with Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam scoring their first goals. Defender Martin Skertel scored Liverpool's third. Bolton's goal came from Ivan Klasnic.
Sunday saw the remaining fixtures with Fulham going down 2- 1 to Newcastle United. A largely forgettable first half saw a 0-0 draw. In the second half 2 Leon Best goals gave the victory. Fulham's goal came from Clint Dempsey from a Danny Murphy free kick.
Stoke City grabbed all three points in forgettable game against West Bomwich Albion which saw a few chances with Shane Long giving West Brom the best Chance. Ryan Shotton grabbed the goal for Stoke City three minutes before time.
Manchester City showed their intent to gain the Premiership by wain Walloping Tottenham Hotspur 5- 1 Edwin Dzeko grabbed four of the goals two in the first half with Sergo Aguero grabbed the other goal Younes Kaboul headed a goal for Tottenham Hotspur but to no avail.
In one the biggest scores in Premiership history Arsenal went down 8 - 2 to Manchester United In truth the game was a it of both Manchester United powerful and Arsenal all over the place Wayne Rooney grabbed a hatrick along with the opener from Danny Welbeck then Ashley Young. Nani and Park Ji Sung the other scorers. The two Arsenal goals came from Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie. Arsenal also missed a penalty in the first half to add t their woes as well.
Wigan Athletic took on Queens Park Rangers in another lunchtime kick off with Franco Di Santo scoring both goals the first before half time which was scored from a pass from Victor Moses and then a second into the top of the net which had been volleyed right into the net.
Chelsea were given a workout by Norwich City Jose Bosingwa scoring in the first half from 25 yards out. However Norwich City scored in the second half through Grant Holt captilising on a blunder by Hilario. A penalty by Frank Lampard made it 2-1 after a foul on Raul Ramires which saw Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy sent off. A third goal was scored by new signing Jose Mata.
Blackburn Rovers went down by a goal after missing two penalties. A controversial penalty was awarded to Everton and scored by Mikel Arteta which was to be last goal for Everton as he has now signed for Arsenal.
Swansea City and Sunderland had a goalless draw with Scott Sinclair having the best chance for Swansea John O Shea also had a chance for Sunderland with a header and Michel Worm piled on a number of saves from Asamoah Gyan.
Liverpool had a 3- 1 win over Bolton Wanderers with Jordan Henderson and Charlie Adam scoring their first goals. Defender Martin Skertel scored Liverpool's third. Bolton's goal came from Ivan Klasnic.
Sunday saw the remaining fixtures with Fulham going down 2- 1 to Newcastle United. A largely forgettable first half saw a 0-0 draw. In the second half 2 Leon Best goals gave the victory. Fulham's goal came from Clint Dempsey from a Danny Murphy free kick.
Stoke City grabbed all three points in forgettable game against West Bomwich Albion which saw a few chances with Shane Long giving West Brom the best Chance. Ryan Shotton grabbed the goal for Stoke City three minutes before time.
Manchester City showed their intent to gain the Premiership by wain Walloping Tottenham Hotspur 5- 1 Edwin Dzeko grabbed four of the goals two in the first half with Sergo Aguero grabbed the other goal Younes Kaboul headed a goal for Tottenham Hotspur but to no avail.
In one the biggest scores in Premiership history Arsenal went down 8 - 2 to Manchester United In truth the game was a it of both Manchester United powerful and Arsenal all over the place Wayne Rooney grabbed a hatrick along with the opener from Danny Welbeck then Ashley Young. Nani and Park Ji Sung the other scorers. The two Arsenal goals came from Theo Walcott and Robin Van Persie. Arsenal also missed a penalty in the first half to add t their woes as well.
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