There are between seven and nine million Roma in Europe, constituting the most disadvantaged population in the EU. Across Europe they are systematically discriminated against in education, housing, healthcare and employment as well as being subjected to racist abuse and attacks. For many years, the issue of Roma inclusion has been discussed in the European Commission and was … [Read more...]
Burqas and Niqabs: Cultural Xenophobia
Can it be true? Are they really going to ban the wearing of the nuns' habits, the Jewish kippa, the dog collar, the Hari Krishna robes, the turban of the Sikhs? Or are they rather more discriminating? Of course not - the target isn't religious dress per se, it's Islam. France has gone ahead with the banning of the niqab in public places, on penalty of €150 fine. Meanwhile … [Read more...]
Wayne Rooney Names Son For Star Trek Deep Space Nine Character
Whilst all supporters of Manchester United, the greatest football team on the planet, and England are celebrating and congratulating Wayne Rooney and wife Coleen Rooney on the birth of their first child, wild speculation rages as to the origin of the name of their son, Kai Wayne Rooney. Media speculation has it that the name is anything from one of the characters from Mortal … [Read more...]
The Good, The Bad and The X Factor
The X Factor is many things: a compelling spectacle; Simon Cowell's brilliant idea of getting the entire United Kingdom to do his A&R for him; a chance for ordinary people to get an extraordinary opportunity; an opportunity for a lot of people who really ought to know better to talk a whole load of rubbish; fantastic entertainment; a depressing process that prizes generic … [Read more...]
Fowl Paradise
Just over one month ago I was given three young chickens as a birthday present from my fiancée. I had often spoken of keeping chickens but had never actually owned any before. I was really surprised to say the least, but instantly fell in love with them. They were only seven weeks old at that stage. I decided on their names, (Daisy, Eileen and Betty after my two grandmothers … [Read more...]