In a month in which the weather has massively disappointed yet again, conservatism and religious extremism have reared their ugly heads. The latter in the form of attacks by extremist zealots in both London and Paris on individuals serving in the army. The soldier attacked in London in broad daylight for everyone to see, died... Continue Reading →
Unkeen on a King
The monarchy is a weird concept. It’s a pricy circus paid for by ordinary people owned and performed by a group of wealthy and privileged individuals for the benefit of a certain tradition which has long lost its relevance. As long as the circus is entertaining ordinary folk don’t seem to mind to host it.... Continue Reading →
Margaret Thatcher; Inspiration and Divisiveness Beyond the Grave
The lady with balls of steel, who was not for turning, the country’s longest serving Prime Minister, who established her own ism Margaret Thatcher has passed over. Both tributes as well as criticism have filled cyber space and other media. In my Hood people gathered to celebrate her passing. I don’t find a celebratory mood... Continue Reading →
That New-Life Vibe
It’s that time of year again. The shops have been full of chocolate eggs and fluffy bunnies for weeks and many working folk are enjoying a long weekend. Christians are giving it up for their saviour, while Jews have been celebrating the freeing of their people from slavery. The traditional Easter egg is a pagan... Continue Reading →
Pedal Power and the Art of Resilience
Although I might sound like I was reared in the Sexy South of our fabulous town, when it comes to my daily commute and getting around in general I wear my Dutchness on my sleeve; think bike all the way, come rain come shine, day or night. Besides it being quick it appeals to my... Continue Reading →
Politics as a Dream Factory
The Dark Fairy might be whining a fair deal about the concept of democracy and the leadership of this country, but at least she can do so without being intimidated or suffering other forms of state terror. In many countries citizens don’t have this freedom and for many nations on this rock called earth this... Continue Reading →
Are You Empowered? Page 3 Girls and Muslima Converts
A week or so ago I watched a very insightful documentary on British women who had converted to Islam. According to a study, which was quoted in the programme, almost 70 per cent of respondents associate Islam with a repressed position of women. I genuinely believe that the prophet Mohammed aimed to advance the standing... Continue Reading →
A Liar and Bully in a Hero’s Cloak
For the last few months I have been absolutely fascinated by cyclist Lance Armstrong’s fall from grace. I am a keen cyclist and in this country one automatically assumes that you're into road cycle racing as well. One assumes that I’m glued to the screen when the Tour (de France), the Giro (d'Italia) or the... Continue Reading →
New Adventure of Davy and the Eurosceptics
While Cameron received a serious warning from the US regarding his dabbling with a referendum on and possible exit from the EU, I had marked my '19th' birthday. Celebrations regarding this milestone will take place today. Although I didn't do anything special on the anniversary of my birth, I seriously had the birthday feeling. I... Continue Reading →
The Delusion of Fame and Conviction
Yeah, yeah, have you heard the news today? The French rich, famous and eccentric have reared their entertainers' head lately. Well, two of them at least. I'm referring to Gallic icons Gérard Depardieu and Brigitte Bardot. The French government has suggested a tax band of 75 percent for those who earn €1 million or more.... Continue Reading →