Thursday, June 26, 2014
Random dedication to a someone special...
Somewhere in the not so long ago sometime
He told me he was born on the cusp of June...
of course,
I have no way of knowing if this was true
yet still...
today in comemerative thinkys of this loveday
I dedicate this poem with soulfull love to He...
" Forget thee? if to dream by night, and
muse on thee by day,
If all the worship deep and wild a poet's
heart can pay,
If prayers in absence breathed for thee to
Heaven's protecting power,
If winged thoughts flit to thee, a thou-
sand in an hour,
If busy fancy blending thee with all my
future lot,
If this thee call'st "forgetting," thou, in
deed, shalt be forgot!
"Forget thee?" Bid the forest birds for-
get their sweetest tune:
"Forget thee?" Bid the sea forget to
swell beneath the moon;
Bid the thirsty floweres forget to drink
the eve's refreshing dew;
Theyself forget thine own "dear land," and
its "mountains wild & blue;"
Forget each old familiar face, each long-
remembered spot,-
When these things are forgot by thee, then
thou shalt be forgot!
Keep, if thou wilt, thy maiden peace, still
calm and fancy free,
For god forbid they gladson heart should
grow less glad for me;
Yet, while they heart is still unwon, oh!
bid not mine to rove,
But let it nurse the humble faith and un-
complaining love;
If these, preserved for pacient years, at last
avail me not,
Forget me then; but ne'er believe, that thou
canst be forgot!
(James Moultrie 1799-1874)
He told me he was born on the cusp of June...
of course,
I have no way of knowing if this was true
yet still...
today in comemerative thinkys of this loveday
I dedicate this poem with soulfull love to He...
" Forget thee? if to dream by night, and
muse on thee by day,
If all the worship deep and wild a poet's
heart can pay,
If prayers in absence breathed for thee to
Heaven's protecting power,
If winged thoughts flit to thee, a thou-
sand in an hour,
If busy fancy blending thee with all my
future lot,
If this thee call'st "forgetting," thou, in
deed, shalt be forgot!
"Forget thee?" Bid the forest birds for-
get their sweetest tune:
"Forget thee?" Bid the sea forget to
swell beneath the moon;
Bid the thirsty floweres forget to drink
the eve's refreshing dew;
Theyself forget thine own "dear land," and
its "mountains wild & blue;"
Forget each old familiar face, each long-
remembered spot,-
When these things are forgot by thee, then
thou shalt be forgot!
Keep, if thou wilt, thy maiden peace, still
calm and fancy free,
For god forbid they gladson heart should
grow less glad for me;
Yet, while they heart is still unwon, oh!
bid not mine to rove,
But let it nurse the humble faith and un-
complaining love;
If these, preserved for pacient years, at last
avail me not,
Forget me then; but ne'er believe, that thou
canst be forgot!
(James Moultrie 1799-1874)
Friday, May 9, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
my Bealtaine Belfire 1st may 2014
This is just a quick blog kinda random blog to explain somethin that is the kind of thing that oftimes gets me labeled crazy or eccentric or mad ...
but i wanna share it so I will...
Over the last 6 years i have had many bonfires, in my garden , in my log burner , it helps me meditate...
i like to watch the flames dance...
I have seen many things in the flames, i have thousand of photographes, i mean literarly thousands !!
I'v seen things that have filled me with fear, horror, terror, wonderment, anticipation & a whole range of other emotions...
I don't know if their visions... premonitions...
perhaps, yes I think the possibly quite probably are...
In the begining it was a kinda scarey thing to experiance & get my head round...
I thought i was going crazy at times, halusinations... imagination...
but I know, i believe that not to be the case...
it took me a while to accept that...
many won't many will just say "nutter"...
thats okay though, they are entitled to their opinion...
I don't have a religion , but i am a spiritual person I embrase the universe & in keeping celebrate many of the old ways from different cultures around the world...
in my own way ... unformal i pay trubute & homage to the ppl of days gone by & the universe in all its awe, infinity & wonder...
Anyway , tonight i lite my bel fire... & for the 1st time I saw something that for all the things I have seen & felt ...
filled me with an emotion I can't explain, well, not completly...
but it washed over me, & thru with a joy, contentness, a sense of optimison, love & peace ...
& on a day that celebrates the coming of life & fertility to the world in the tradition of my ancestors it felt extra special, on such a beauiful night, an honor, for me to see it ,experiance it, a great sence of connection with everything bigger than all of us mortals so I had to share it...
my little picture of a heart in the ashes of my belfire...
but i wanna share it so I will...
Over the last 6 years i have had many bonfires, in my garden , in my log burner , it helps me meditate...
i like to watch the flames dance...
I have seen many things in the flames, i have thousand of photographes, i mean literarly thousands !!
I'v seen things that have filled me with fear, horror, terror, wonderment, anticipation & a whole range of other emotions...
I don't know if their visions... premonitions...
perhaps, yes I think the possibly quite probably are...
In the begining it was a kinda scarey thing to experiance & get my head round...
I thought i was going crazy at times, halusinations... imagination...
but I know, i believe that not to be the case...
it took me a while to accept that...
many won't many will just say "nutter"...
thats okay though, they are entitled to their opinion...
I don't have a religion , but i am a spiritual person I embrase the universe & in keeping celebrate many of the old ways from different cultures around the world...
in my own way ... unformal i pay trubute & homage to the ppl of days gone by & the universe in all its awe, infinity & wonder...
Anyway , tonight i lite my bel fire... & for the 1st time I saw something that for all the things I have seen & felt ...
filled me with an emotion I can't explain, well, not completly...
but it washed over me, & thru with a joy, contentness, a sense of optimison, love & peace ...
& on a day that celebrates the coming of life & fertility to the world in the tradition of my ancestors it felt extra special, on such a beauiful night, an honor, for me to see it ,experiance it, a great sence of connection with everything bigger than all of us mortals so I had to share it...
my little picture of a heart in the ashes of my belfire...
Thursday, April 17, 2014
In recent days it has come to my attention that a petition has been proposed on change. Org petitioning the British Medical Association (also GMC) Urging people to have their doctors have David Cameron sectioned.
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/british-medical-association-also-gmc-urge-your-doctors-to-have-david-cameron-sectioned-under-the-mental-health-acts-1983-and-2007
Given my previous blog & open letter to Stephen Fry chairman of MIND on this issue (4th September 2013) I feel it is necessary to write an appendix to that blog now, and further state it was not me who posted the proposed petition, & although it would be nice to think that it was a result of someone who had read my open letter blog & taken positive action , I doubt that is the case, and that it is much more likely, that it is as a result of someone who shares my concerns, themselves, taking positive action.
http://junei96.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/an-open-letter-to-stephen-fry-chairman.html
That someone shares my concerns in this regard, is in itself reassuring, and I genuinely hope that the petition results in receiving ample support to insure action is taken, and again as I stated , not out of malice but genuine concern , which I shall now explain.
I have little doubt that when I wrote the open blog letter to Mr Fry, those who read it, (if of course anyone actually did) they perhaps thought it was a joke, or an act of revenge resulting from personal issues with social injustice & or my personal political believes.
I have made no attempt to conceal my personal dislike for David Cameron or his parties politics & policies on the internet, indeed, I have been openly transparent & critical in this regard.
Nor have I tried to conceal or deny my own mental health issues or diagnosis, because I am not ashamed of my condition & feel very strongly that people like me with mental health conditions should not be made feel embarrassed or ashamed of their condition & that by talking about them we can raise awareness & break down the barriers of stigmatization, negative stereotyping & labelling, that for centuries has seen people like me & others with condition that fall within the vaste spectrum of mental health issues, denied suitable treatment, therapy & support & treated with often cruelty & discrimination that further adds to the difficulties we face in managing our conditions or indeed, can prevent our families seeking diagnosis or support.
My personal feeling in regard David Cameron political ideology had little & everything to do with my open letter to Mr Fry, in as much as, it was not something to do with personal vendetta or meant as a slur on his character ,
when it comes to Mental health & social health and welfare issues, & in regard of ANY individual, I try to be as impartial as is possible in line with my personal belief as a humanitarian, & with regard of my working experience & academic qualifications within the health & social welfare sector, indeed I believe I have A DUTY OF CARE to do so, & that is very important to me.
My concerns were genuine, based on academic study of mental health conditions, & issues related to risk of danger & harm assessment of patient & public.
All this in mind, I would now like to clarify the point I made in my open letter to Stephen Fry & offer, what I believe is supporting evidence in regard of my concerns regarding David Cameron's competence for office as PM, in regard of his cognitive competence as Prime Minister of the UK.
So, let me 1st correct my error in referance to my belief he is criminally insane.
What I actually meant by that comment was that his actions & behaviours‘, I believe are criminal as a result of insanity.
This was inaccurate,
The insanity defence should not be confused with incompitance.
The insanity defence reflects generally accepted notions that the persons who cannot appriciate the consiquences of their actions should not be punished for criminal act. (legal dictionary)
It is my opinion that David Cameron does appriciate the consiquences of his actions & behaviors , but does not believe them to be wrong, but completely correct & this reflects a real risk of danger & harm.
I believe that according to the DSM diognostic criteria David Cameron has reflected behavior that falls with in the criteria of diognosing schizophrenea, which as a condition does not necessarily reflect that the pacient is a danger to self or public, I myself have been diagnosed under the criteria that determines this condition.
According to the DSM criteria for diagnosing schisophrenia the charicteristic symptoms are ;
A
1 .Delusion
2. Hallusination
3.Disorganised speech ( eg, frequant derailment, or incoherence)
4. Negative symptoms that is, affective flattening, alogia or avolition
B
Social occupational disfunction; For a significant portion of time since the onset of the dsisturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self -care are markedly below level achieved expected levels of interpersonal or academic or occupational achievment.
Ref source handout DSM criteria for schizophrenia Wolverhampton university 2007
The criteria for diagnosing anti social personality disorder (sociopathic, psychopathic) traits & behaviors include lack of empathy or sympathy for the plight of others, spontaneous behaviors that inflict harm on others, & lack of comprehension or emotion towards accepted norms & or feeling of guilt..
http://www.sociopathworld.com/2010/04/diagnosis-sociopath-dsmhare.html
As I covered the areas in my previous blog open letter to Stephen fry, regarding the serious implications of David Cameron state of mental health & the risks to public & himself in regard of his prime minesterial duties power & responsabilities I will not drag this blog out but refer you back to the provisions under the mental health act 1983 section 2 artcle 2b & ask that you consider the facts provided & concider the evidance of Mr Camerons behaviors & actions & the additional referances he himself has made in recent days comparing himself to Jesus & his big society agenda & conclude blog with some links that demonstrate Mr Camerons behavior in office & leave it to the reader to reach their own conclusions and respond accordingly, if you the reader, feel there is risk or dangers from the DavidCameron's behaviors, to the public or indeed, himself, as a result of these actions ,I urge to sign the petion at
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/british-medical-association-also-gmc-urge-your-doctors-to-have-david-cameron-sectioned-under-the-mental-health-acts-1983-and-2007
that promted me to write this blog appendix to my previous blo open letter to stephen Fry.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/11/is-david-cameron-continuing-jesus-work-big-society
http://youtu.be/t7lCrGW9jvE
http://youtu.be/KE1EwKVfh0w
http://youtu.be/dBlDfp85gP8
http://youtu.be/_VPi_uANRvo
http://youtu.be/kiE5TxfMSa0
http://youtu.be/YpVS4O5jCZE
http://youtu.be/Hhd5IP4i1_M
http://youtu.be/bHyY0Z6jpCI
http://youtu.be/m02hL0Ve6_I
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/british-medical-association-also-gmc-urge-your-doctors-to-have-david-cameron-sectioned-under-the-mental-health-acts-1983-and-2007
Given my previous blog & open letter to Stephen Fry chairman of MIND on this issue (4th September 2013) I feel it is necessary to write an appendix to that blog now, and further state it was not me who posted the proposed petition, & although it would be nice to think that it was a result of someone who had read my open letter blog & taken positive action , I doubt that is the case, and that it is much more likely, that it is as a result of someone who shares my concerns, themselves, taking positive action.
http://junei96.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/an-open-letter-to-stephen-fry-chairman.html
That someone shares my concerns in this regard, is in itself reassuring, and I genuinely hope that the petition results in receiving ample support to insure action is taken, and again as I stated , not out of malice but genuine concern , which I shall now explain.
I have little doubt that when I wrote the open blog letter to Mr Fry, those who read it, (if of course anyone actually did) they perhaps thought it was a joke, or an act of revenge resulting from personal issues with social injustice & or my personal political believes.
I have made no attempt to conceal my personal dislike for David Cameron or his parties politics & policies on the internet, indeed, I have been openly transparent & critical in this regard.
Nor have I tried to conceal or deny my own mental health issues or diagnosis, because I am not ashamed of my condition & feel very strongly that people like me with mental health conditions should not be made feel embarrassed or ashamed of their condition & that by talking about them we can raise awareness & break down the barriers of stigmatization, negative stereotyping & labelling, that for centuries has seen people like me & others with condition that fall within the vaste spectrum of mental health issues, denied suitable treatment, therapy & support & treated with often cruelty & discrimination that further adds to the difficulties we face in managing our conditions or indeed, can prevent our families seeking diagnosis or support.
My personal feeling in regard David Cameron political ideology had little & everything to do with my open letter to Mr Fry, in as much as, it was not something to do with personal vendetta or meant as a slur on his character ,
when it comes to Mental health & social health and welfare issues, & in regard of ANY individual, I try to be as impartial as is possible in line with my personal belief as a humanitarian, & with regard of my working experience & academic qualifications within the health & social welfare sector, indeed I believe I have A DUTY OF CARE to do so, & that is very important to me.
My concerns were genuine, based on academic study of mental health conditions, & issues related to risk of danger & harm assessment of patient & public.
All this in mind, I would now like to clarify the point I made in my open letter to Stephen Fry & offer, what I believe is supporting evidence in regard of my concerns regarding David Cameron's competence for office as PM, in regard of his cognitive competence as Prime Minister of the UK.
So, let me 1st correct my error in referance to my belief he is criminally insane.
What I actually meant by that comment was that his actions & behaviours‘, I believe are criminal as a result of insanity.
This was inaccurate,
The insanity defence should not be confused with incompitance.
The insanity defence reflects generally accepted notions that the persons who cannot appriciate the consiquences of their actions should not be punished for criminal act. (legal dictionary)
It is my opinion that David Cameron does appriciate the consiquences of his actions & behaviors , but does not believe them to be wrong, but completely correct & this reflects a real risk of danger & harm.
I believe that according to the DSM diognostic criteria David Cameron has reflected behavior that falls with in the criteria of diognosing schizophrenea, which as a condition does not necessarily reflect that the pacient is a danger to self or public, I myself have been diagnosed under the criteria that determines this condition.
According to the DSM criteria for diagnosing schisophrenia the charicteristic symptoms are ;
A
1 .Delusion
2. Hallusination
3.Disorganised speech ( eg, frequant derailment, or incoherence)
4. Negative symptoms that is, affective flattening, alogia or avolition
B
Social occupational disfunction; For a significant portion of time since the onset of the dsisturbance, one or more major areas of functioning such as work, interpersonal relations, or self -care are markedly below level achieved expected levels of interpersonal or academic or occupational achievment.
Ref source handout DSM criteria for schizophrenia Wolverhampton university 2007
The criteria for diagnosing anti social personality disorder (sociopathic, psychopathic) traits & behaviors include lack of empathy or sympathy for the plight of others, spontaneous behaviors that inflict harm on others, & lack of comprehension or emotion towards accepted norms & or feeling of guilt..
http://www.sociopathworld.com/2010/04/diagnosis-sociopath-dsmhare.html
As I covered the areas in my previous blog open letter to Stephen fry, regarding the serious implications of David Cameron state of mental health & the risks to public & himself in regard of his prime minesterial duties power & responsabilities I will not drag this blog out but refer you back to the provisions under the mental health act 1983 section 2 artcle 2b & ask that you consider the facts provided & concider the evidance of Mr Camerons behaviors & actions & the additional referances he himself has made in recent days comparing himself to Jesus & his big society agenda & conclude blog with some links that demonstrate Mr Camerons behavior in office & leave it to the reader to reach their own conclusions and respond accordingly, if you the reader, feel there is risk or dangers from the DavidCameron's behaviors, to the public or indeed, himself, as a result of these actions ,I urge to sign the petion at
http://www.change.org/en-GB/petitions/british-medical-association-also-gmc-urge-your-doctors-to-have-david-cameron-sectioned-under-the-mental-health-acts-1983-and-2007
that promted me to write this blog appendix to my previous blo open letter to stephen Fry.
http://www.theguardian.com/politics/2014/apr/11/is-david-cameron-continuing-jesus-work-big-society
http://youtu.be/t7lCrGW9jvE
http://youtu.be/KE1EwKVfh0w
http://youtu.be/dBlDfp85gP8
http://youtu.be/_VPi_uANRvo
http://youtu.be/kiE5TxfMSa0
http://youtu.be/YpVS4O5jCZE
http://youtu.be/Hhd5IP4i1_M
http://youtu.be/bHyY0Z6jpCI
http://youtu.be/m02hL0Ve6_I
Friday, April 4, 2014
Scotlands woman of substance Margo MacDonald
A great sense of sadness washed over me this afternoon as the news came over the radio that Margo MacDonald had passed on.
My reaction suprised me as I felt tears roll down my face and quickly turn to sobs, cos I never actually knew her, yet I was reacting like I had just heard a family member had died, but then perhaps, in the greater sceme of things I kinda had, as a member of the MacDonald clan by birth on my mothers side I feel I can claim kinship.
As quickly as my reaction took hold I heard a wee voice in my head saying pull yourself together woman, life goes on, something my own mum would have told me, and I kinda suspect Margo would have very much agreed with.
Margo Macdonald was the first person ever to stoke a flame of interest in politics in me as a young teenager, it was she who inspired me to stand in the elecection in social education class as the SNP candidate, which I lost!, however the result apart, her insperation to inflame that interest in politics & indeed social issues never left me there after.
I won't go on about Margo MacDonalds contribution to politics and raising awareness of many important social & indeed health issues, I will leave that to those who worked with her & knew her personally.
I just wanted to take a few moments to pay tribute & respect to a great Scots woman, a woman of substance & integrity, a woman who was a great insperation to me and many others, who will never be forgotton as one of Scotland great & insperational daughters in the political & social world.
Thoughts & condolances with Margo's friends & family at this very sad time.
My reaction suprised me as I felt tears roll down my face and quickly turn to sobs, cos I never actually knew her, yet I was reacting like I had just heard a family member had died, but then perhaps, in the greater sceme of things I kinda had, as a member of the MacDonald clan by birth on my mothers side I feel I can claim kinship.
As quickly as my reaction took hold I heard a wee voice in my head saying pull yourself together woman, life goes on, something my own mum would have told me, and I kinda suspect Margo would have very much agreed with.
Margo Macdonald was the first person ever to stoke a flame of interest in politics in me as a young teenager, it was she who inspired me to stand in the elecection in social education class as the SNP candidate, which I lost!, however the result apart, her insperation to inflame that interest in politics & indeed social issues never left me there after.
I won't go on about Margo MacDonalds contribution to politics and raising awareness of many important social & indeed health issues, I will leave that to those who worked with her & knew her personally.
I just wanted to take a few moments to pay tribute & respect to a great Scots woman, a woman of substance & integrity, a woman who was a great insperation to me and many others, who will never be forgotton as one of Scotland great & insperational daughters in the political & social world.
Thoughts & condolances with Margo's friends & family at this very sad time.
Friday, March 28, 2014
GLASGOW RALLY & MARCH AGAINST FASCISM & RACISM 22 MARCH 2014
Last Saturday, the 22nd march 2014, I attended the anti racism & anti fascism march & rally at Glasgow's Georges
square.
It was a fresh sunny
day & there was a good turn out, for
the rally, & I can say with all honesty,that the many speakers I
listened to with interest,
councilors,
human rights activists, trade unionists & miscellaneous others, had a
profound impact on me, although perhaps not the impact I expected, or that it left me
with, feelings & emotions I find not easy to relate, as I write this blog
at 5.18am after another disturbed & restless sleepless night.
There was
a great deal of talk about the effects of current immigration policies and the blame game played by government that
focus's on immigrant workers & asylum seekers in regard of employment
& housing issues & any kind of rise in crime statistics.
There was
emotive & moving descriptions of dawn raids & arrests of asylum
seekers, dragged off in the night to detention centers that amounts to modern
day equivalents of Nazi concentration camps.
Police
& establishment corruption and the tragic & unjust treatment of the Lawrence family, after the murder of Steven Lawrence, were all spoken of with
passion, in relation to human rights violations and abuse,
and the
treatment of people in police custody, & or, in relation to unverified suspicion of crime, & stop & search procedures, as well as discrimination's, were all, correctly, addressed.
There was reference to the despicable austerity policies,imposed on the nation that target primarily the vulnerable, the disabled & the poor.
Employment,
health & social care, the bedroom tax, cuts to front-line services & the privatization of the NHS, were all addressed, as were the effects of cuts to legal aid & advisory services on the poor.
There was
mention of the frightening & concerning rise of overtly fascist political groups & movements in Ukraine, Hungary, Greece & other parts of Europe,
as well as the UK prime ministers frightening role as broker in arms deals,
that see rich totalitarian governments & dictatorships in the middle east &
other destinations armed with weapons of great mass destruction &
killing potential, weapons that all to
often, find there way into the hands of unidentified extremist & mercenary groups who rage devastating wars on their own people, nations that have poor
records in all areas of human rights & issues of sensitive, discriminatory
justice.
&
There was well justified references to mainstream media propaganda &
misinformation in the press including the role of BBC reporting with bias on political & human rights issues as the
establishments tool of manipulation & mind control, all of which I whole heatedly agreed with.
In fact i
think i can safely state, that there was absolutely nothing said by any of those addressing the crowd that i
did not agree with, and without a doubt
they were all competent & passionate speakers on the issue of
discrimination & human rights, many referring to the need to raise awareness
to these very important issues we are all facing. The words
"solidarity" & "comrades" were frequently repeated by the speakers, as might be expected at such an
event.
"
Social media is a great tool,"
"Talk
about these issues of human rights abuse,racism, & fascism on facebook,
twitter & other networking
sites,"
"Spread
the word, Raise awareness "
was the
cry of more than 1 speaker, and rightly so.
However,
sadly i must admit, as i smiled ,my face twitched behind my mask of normality,
my heart filled with a sinking sorrowful feeling, as I stood there alone in the
crowd thinking,
I ALREADY
HAVE, TO LITTLE & NO AVAIL...
as my personal experience of
human rights violations & abuse by fascist of the establishment crept round
my cranium, dragging my spirit down in a selfish moment of self indulgence, haunting memories of sleepless nights of almost 7 years of trauma & mental
health hell...
& my
own struggle for justice that has fell largely on deaf ears & indifference of mostly all, including friends & family, who tell me I am wasting my time
seeking justice, no one cares, I ain't gonna get it and I should move on...
easier said than done, believe me , i'v tried.
So there
I stood, on a sunny afternoon, in the busy town square of my native Glasgow, surrounded by hundreds of others, of apparently kindred spirit & motivation, feeling isolated, unsupported, & totally alone feeling almost like i wanted
to scream as i struggled to hold back a deluge of tears of self pity, yeah how self-centered i am, I know.
In
reflection, I guess that's the biggest impact
last Saturdays rally had on me... that feeling that my struggle has been
regarded as one of self indulgence & self pity...
and i can
assure you its not an impact that sits easy on my shoulders, for that was never
ever my motivation to keep going in the battle for justice, that feeling of
selfish self indulgence, that "me" factor, was circumstantial in
relation to human right issues, it was was never my motivation in relation to
related issues or involvement /activism, its just something that happened, a consequential, i would have preferred not to have had experienced, but perhaps
my biggest educator and yes, it did come to drive me on & keep going these
last 5-6 years.
I ain't
going to go over the all the details of my own experience in relation to the
crimes against me, the abuse & violation of my rights, the treatment I have received & the effects it has had on my mind body & spirit, its already
well documented on my former Facebook pages in notes , ( which I can no
longer access ,)
It is ,as
I said, documented in my blogs, on my Google page, in my poetry & art project and via the 86+K tweets i have posted these past 6-7 years in relation
to human rights, metal health issues, discrimination, inequalities & inadequacies within the health social welfare & justice system, in my
attempts to raise awareness of human rights issues, mental & social health,
welfare & social policy issues, because, & somewhat ironically, health
& social care promotion was the career path I was following, the course of
study I had chosen to hopefully find a career in when my degree was complete ,
it was the field I wanted work in as a social health & welfare care
provider when I completed my university studies, & it was strangely, the root cause that initiated the
financial issues , distress & everything else that led to the violations,
abuse & crime of violence (ABH) I was to have perpetrated against me, both
in my home & by & in every office of public care & legal provision
I came into contact with thereafter in my attempts to seek fair treatment &
justice.
I feel its fair to suggest that my blog
publications & tweet history will
clearly reflect that although, yes, I have sought to raise awareness and get
support to have my own case addressed fairly & justly according to my human
rights & law, my attempts to raise awareness in regard of human rights
issues has not been primarily self serving, but a genuine concern & belief
in the need for the human rights of all people be adhered to, that health & social welfare care is an issue that affects us all, globally, & that my
beliefs & motivation are born out of
that fundamental belief that the
human rights of all need to be respected & addressed without
discrimination, & without inequalities & inadequacies that reflect a
system that sees the poor & vulnerable & the "different"
treated with disdain & neglect & indeed indifference, while those with
wealth & status receive privileged treatment from a global justice system
that serves primarily the rich & powerful.
I am as I
have said many times in the past, representation of that 1 in 4 of the population whose rights are abused.
I am the
mother who cry's herself to sleep at night worrying about how she is going to manage to continue to feed,
cloth & house her children,...
I am the
father who opens his vain in the job-center in a desperate plea for help & support that goes unheeded,...
I am the
teenager who hangs them self in their bedroom as a result of cruel & nasty jibes & bullying from people who don't even know me...
I am the
man who tries & tries to be heard then looses the plot & goes on a
shooting spree killing innocent bystanders and close associates cos no one would listen or give me the support i need & sought...
I am the
prisoner abused & wounded detained
in a cell for endless hours, ignored, whose rights are violated.
I am the
disabled person who lost their home, their support system & died alone
after swallowing all the prescribed meds in the cabinet washed down with a
bottle of vodka cos they just couldn't take anymore of the stress , worry & mental trauma...
I am
everyone of you who deserves to to have their voice heard & who is ignored
and abused by an establishment & system that is meant to have a duty of care
towards me.
I am June
MacKendrick, daughter, mother,granny, sister, friend, colleague & stranger... a woman from Glasgow who's human rights were abused & who failed in all attempts to seek justice and raise awareness of human rights abuses.
a human
being silenced...
a statistical reminder of a world that doesn't care...
I am Chelsea Manning
I am
Nabeel Rajab
I am
Barnett Brown
I am
Jeremy Hammond
I am
Michael Hastings
I am
Arron Swartz
I am
Julian Assange ...
& I
dedicate this blog entery to them, the activist & message carriers punished, incarcerated & or murdered by a corrupt establishment & hierarchy
system of the NWO who seek to control us all by abusing & decimating our
human rights & freedoms.
Monday, March 3, 2014
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
plea to celebrities 2 bring an end to child labour enslavement explotation
I write this blog as an open letter to the many celebrities from the world of hip hop, rap, street dance ,and other arts and sport that often follows a fashion code that support the wearing of branded clothing & footwear that is produced & manufactured by companies using child labour.
I make a plea asking that they will join me in an effort to bring an end to the horrific exploitative abuse of children to benefit the shareholders of corporate brands like Nike, Rebok, Adidas, Gap, Levis, Calvin Kline and the many others, who reep the profits from the sales of their products manufactured & produced by factories in 3rd word countries, exploiting poor people forced by poverty, to work, & have their children work, to the detriment of education, in draconian, dangerous work house conditions, for unfair low wages.
No child should be exploited or enslaved in the 21 century.
Yet as long as we continue to buy and ignore the facts pertaining to the production of these garments & the conditions people living with poverty are forced, by circumstance to accept, we are contributing to their exploitation & enslavement.
Furthermore, we become puppets of these corporate bastards by buying their products for our children or ourselves.
Indeed in the case of you, the celebrities & sport people, who accept sponsorship funding or who promote these products by wearing & advertising them, you yourself become aiders & arbiters, accessories in the exploitation, the crimes & abuses of these children.
As a mother of three, now adult children , I am well aware of the pressures on working class parents to buy these brand products, and I'm well aware that it is as a result of my children's admiration for celebrities & sports people who advertise & wear these brands that makes them popular.
I am also a grand mother & I am again aware of the cost of buying these products, the exploitation in the production extends to excessive cost for the products that in truth could be made and manufacture anywhere including in the UK , USA , EUROPE , & other countries at fair cost to both consumer & manufacturer, providing work for those of working age who have completed education, but, who now find work harder to secure as a result of government practice in our home nations that saw textile & manufacturing industries closed down in favour of outsourcing to the nations that offered cheap slave labour were employees are denied workers & human rights where poor people are exploited as a result of their poverty.
I understand that there are those that would argue that without the work they would be poorer & in worse poverty , this however is nonsense, what it would do would forces standards and working conditions by these employers in developing nations to improve their working conditions & workers rights in order to compete in the market across nations to a global standard of fair working rights & could I suggest see the return of texitle industries to the home nations from where they were outsourced in favor of cheap exploitative labor.
Thee is no shortage of need or demand for textiles, nor will there ever be people wear clothes for all season & all reason around the world.
While we continue to support these practices we allow & condone by complacency these inhuman practices that see children abused & exploited.
What if it was your children, would you support, promote & buy these products if it was your child being subjected to the conditions these children are exposed to purely because they & their parents are poor...
might I suggest that it is a case of there but for the profits of the corporate bastard go I and mine...
So I beseech you, please join me in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of these exploited children enslaved by poverty, help bring an end to their exploitation and misery by boycotting the Brands that use manufactures & factories that exploit children & their families, who live with the misery & misfortune of poverty.
Add your voice to mine & boycott any brand that exploits the poor, support the human rights of these children & their families, as you would were it your own children and family, please, help bring this immoral practice to an end & build a better future for all children.
I offer this informative documentary by Humanitarian crusader John Pilger in support of my argument.
http://youtu.be/pfrL2DUtmXY
THANK YOU.
I make a plea asking that they will join me in an effort to bring an end to the horrific exploitative abuse of children to benefit the shareholders of corporate brands like Nike, Rebok, Adidas, Gap, Levis, Calvin Kline and the many others, who reep the profits from the sales of their products manufactured & produced by factories in 3rd word countries, exploiting poor people forced by poverty, to work, & have their children work, to the detriment of education, in draconian, dangerous work house conditions, for unfair low wages.
No child should be exploited or enslaved in the 21 century.
Yet as long as we continue to buy and ignore the facts pertaining to the production of these garments & the conditions people living with poverty are forced, by circumstance to accept, we are contributing to their exploitation & enslavement.
Furthermore, we become puppets of these corporate bastards by buying their products for our children or ourselves.
Indeed in the case of you, the celebrities & sport people, who accept sponsorship funding or who promote these products by wearing & advertising them, you yourself become aiders & arbiters, accessories in the exploitation, the crimes & abuses of these children.
As a mother of three, now adult children , I am well aware of the pressures on working class parents to buy these brand products, and I'm well aware that it is as a result of my children's admiration for celebrities & sports people who advertise & wear these brands that makes them popular.
I am also a grand mother & I am again aware of the cost of buying these products, the exploitation in the production extends to excessive cost for the products that in truth could be made and manufacture anywhere including in the UK , USA , EUROPE , & other countries at fair cost to both consumer & manufacturer, providing work for those of working age who have completed education, but, who now find work harder to secure as a result of government practice in our home nations that saw textile & manufacturing industries closed down in favour of outsourcing to the nations that offered cheap slave labour were employees are denied workers & human rights where poor people are exploited as a result of their poverty.
I understand that there are those that would argue that without the work they would be poorer & in worse poverty , this however is nonsense, what it would do would forces standards and working conditions by these employers in developing nations to improve their working conditions & workers rights in order to compete in the market across nations to a global standard of fair working rights & could I suggest see the return of texitle industries to the home nations from where they were outsourced in favor of cheap exploitative labor.
Thee is no shortage of need or demand for textiles, nor will there ever be people wear clothes for all season & all reason around the world.
While we continue to support these practices we allow & condone by complacency these inhuman practices that see children abused & exploited.
What if it was your children, would you support, promote & buy these products if it was your child being subjected to the conditions these children are exposed to purely because they & their parents are poor...
might I suggest that it is a case of there but for the profits of the corporate bastard go I and mine...
So I beseech you, please join me in an effort to raise awareness of the plight of these exploited children enslaved by poverty, help bring an end to their exploitation and misery by boycotting the Brands that use manufactures & factories that exploit children & their families, who live with the misery & misfortune of poverty.
Add your voice to mine & boycott any brand that exploits the poor, support the human rights of these children & their families, as you would were it your own children and family, please, help bring this immoral practice to an end & build a better future for all children.
I offer this informative documentary by Humanitarian crusader John Pilger in support of my argument.
http://youtu.be/pfrL2DUtmXY
THANK YOU.
Monday, February 10, 2014
Nick Clegg ....UNPRESIDENTED
Today visiting the flooded ares in the south of England Deputy Prime Ministerof the Uk Nick Clegg has said "that people doing a valiant job trying to cope with "unprecedented natural forces."
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10627883/Flooding-crisis-weather-live.html
Well Frankly, & not to put to fine a point on it Mr Clegg, as whoppers go that's certainly got to be in your top ten.
Additionally, I ask myself if you are aware of the inconsistencies of your little speech, because in the space of 2 minutes 32 seconds, you describe the flooding as;
" something we have never encountered before , this kind of deluge is such a sustained way over such a prolonged time... every one is having to deal with something that hasn't happened before..."
Mr Clegg goes on to say he doesn't think that this is the time to point the finger of blame regarding the failure of those responsible in the environment agency who ignored the calls of local people to dredge the rivers over the last few years.
Since that epic tale of Noah long ago alleged "unprecedented" weather conditions like flooding have been common , particularly in the UK indeed in the northern hemisphere, might I suggest that harsh weather conditions in winter like prolonged rain & snow, which then melts & leads to flooding, is the most natural of environmental conditions one should expect, so to describe it as;
"something we have never encountered before..." well is not just inaccurate its a whopping big blaitant lie shame on you.
Only last winter 2012 the BBC reported More than 800 homes were flooded after storms hit parts of England and Wales, as recorded by the Environment Agency.
816 houses had been affected after a band of heavy rain and strong winds swept across the country.
Devon and Cornwall were badly hit, along with Malmesbury in Wiltshire and Kempsey in Worcestershire.
Two people died in the storm - a woman killed by a falling tree in Exeter and a man whose car crashed into a swollen river in Cambridgeshire.
David Cameron talked of "shocking scenes of flooding".
The prime minister's Twitter message also said the government "will help ensure everything is being done to help".
There are about 260 flood warnings in place across England, which means people should take action because flooding is expected.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20488645
And yet as we see the environment agency failed to take appropriate action and thus this year yet again the country has been devastated by harsh natural weather conditions.
As if that's not bad enough it is reported that Residents of Kempsey, Worcestershire, criticise the village's new £1.5m flood defences which they say has made the flooding worse than in 2007
NOTE 2007 , SOME 5 YEARS EARLIER.
SO CLEARLY , THESE UNNATURAL WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE IN FACT REOCCURRING NATURAL WEATHER CONDITIONS OF THIS PART OF THE WORLD LIKE I SAID, strange that people working in government with expensive university educations would be unaware of these facts , let alone the historical geographical environmental facts related to these points.
In 2007 the cost of flooding in England was a staggering 3,2billion pounds.
Thirteen people died and hundreds had to be rescued after parts of South and East Yorks and Gloucestershire flooded.
Around 48,000 homes were affected, each costing between £20,000 and £30,000 to repair, the agency added.
The cost for flooded businesses averaged between £75,000 & £112,000.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8464717.stm
In 2005 over 1,800 Carlisle properties were flooded, a 63-year-old man was crushed after a barn collapsed on his caravan in Cumbria, and two elderly women died in flooded properties in Carlisle.
Flood levels in Carlisle, were the worst-hit area in the UK,All of Carlisle's 65 buses were damaged by water, and the police and fire stations were both flooded.
The then Environment Minister Elliot Morley visited the city, where the cost of the flood damage ran into tens of millions of pounds.
He said plans for a £20m flood scheme for the city had been drawn up before the severe weather conditions started and were in the process of being finalized.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4158641.stm
In contrast in the June 2005 flash floods devastated the North of England when North Yorkshire,
forcing many residents to leave their homes and spend the night in the town hall.
The downpour over the North York Moors cut off a number of villages, with Thirsk, Carlton and Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe among those affected.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/4109692.stm
These flood were, I suggest more uncommon occurrence for that time of year in this hemisphere, however it clearly represents the unpredictability of British weather and the consequences of that unpredictability and yet time & time again we find local & government is unprepared for weather associated crisis.
Evidence that adverse weather in the UK is undeniably normal & predicable and easy to find.
Floods of 2000 http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/york/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9153000/9153477.stm
Floods in 1995 Flooding on the River Severn 1995
Floods 1990 http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/northwestwales/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8516000/8516287.stm
The problem, dare I say, therefore firmly lies with Government , the environment agency & local councils who despite the predictability of the naturally occurring weather conditions that we know to be normal in the UK during the autum & winter months ,have failed to maintain the infrastructure, drainage & take the other relevant environmental precautions as well as implementing the correct strategic measures through investment & development in environmental projects to insure that the devastating issues & crisis created through natural reoccurring environmental conditions does not have the devastating impact on private citizens & business that we see repeated year after year as a result of poor social, & environmental policy & bad nae negligent communities management from government to local councils in the UK.
As for the rhetoric coming from David Cameron, Nick Clegg , Lord Smith, Eric Pickles , and all the rest of the responsible noble bullshitters defending the failures of agencies & individuals responsible I have only this to say.
STOP LYING YOU INSINCERE NEGLIGENT INCOMPETENT CORRUPT ARSEHOLES THE PUBLIC AIN'T STUPID & THE EVIDENCE AGAINST YOU IS ENORMOUS.
Stop spending public money on wars the people don't want to be a part of & start using the money to inprove conditions in the UK, that is your duty, that is your responsibility that is what we pay you for, you work for us.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/10627883/Flooding-crisis-weather-live.html
Well Frankly, & not to put to fine a point on it Mr Clegg, as whoppers go that's certainly got to be in your top ten.
Additionally, I ask myself if you are aware of the inconsistencies of your little speech, because in the space of 2 minutes 32 seconds, you describe the flooding as;
" something we have never encountered before , this kind of deluge is such a sustained way over such a prolonged time... every one is having to deal with something that hasn't happened before..."
Mr Clegg goes on to say he doesn't think that this is the time to point the finger of blame regarding the failure of those responsible in the environment agency who ignored the calls of local people to dredge the rivers over the last few years.
Since that epic tale of Noah long ago alleged "unprecedented" weather conditions like flooding have been common , particularly in the UK indeed in the northern hemisphere, might I suggest that harsh weather conditions in winter like prolonged rain & snow, which then melts & leads to flooding, is the most natural of environmental conditions one should expect, so to describe it as;
"something we have never encountered before..." well is not just inaccurate its a whopping big blaitant lie shame on you.
Only last winter 2012 the BBC reported More than 800 homes were flooded after storms hit parts of England and Wales, as recorded by the Environment Agency.
816 houses had been affected after a band of heavy rain and strong winds swept across the country.
Devon and Cornwall were badly hit, along with Malmesbury in Wiltshire and Kempsey in Worcestershire.
Two people died in the storm - a woman killed by a falling tree in Exeter and a man whose car crashed into a swollen river in Cambridgeshire.
David Cameron talked of "shocking scenes of flooding".
The prime minister's Twitter message also said the government "will help ensure everything is being done to help".
There are about 260 flood warnings in place across England, which means people should take action because flooding is expected.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-20488645
And yet as we see the environment agency failed to take appropriate action and thus this year yet again the country has been devastated by harsh natural weather conditions.
As if that's not bad enough it is reported that Residents of Kempsey, Worcestershire, criticise the village's new £1.5m flood defences which they say has made the flooding worse than in 2007
NOTE 2007 , SOME 5 YEARS EARLIER.
SO CLEARLY , THESE UNNATURAL WEATHER CONDITIONS ARE IN FACT REOCCURRING NATURAL WEATHER CONDITIONS OF THIS PART OF THE WORLD LIKE I SAID, strange that people working in government with expensive university educations would be unaware of these facts , let alone the historical geographical environmental facts related to these points.
In 2007 the cost of flooding in England was a staggering 3,2billion pounds.
Thirteen people died and hundreds had to be rescued after parts of South and East Yorks and Gloucestershire flooded.
Around 48,000 homes were affected, each costing between £20,000 and £30,000 to repair, the agency added.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8464717.stm
In 2005 over 1,800 Carlisle properties were flooded, a 63-year-old man was crushed after a barn collapsed on his caravan in Cumbria, and two elderly women died in flooded properties in Carlisle.
Flood levels in Carlisle, were the worst-hit area in the UK,All of Carlisle's 65 buses were damaged by water, and the police and fire stations were both flooded.
The then Environment Minister Elliot Morley visited the city, where the cost of the flood damage ran into tens of millions of pounds.
He said plans for a £20m flood scheme for the city had been drawn up before the severe weather conditions started and were in the process of being finalized.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/4158641.stm
forcing many residents to leave their homes and spend the night in the town hall.
The downpour over the North York Moors cut off a number of villages, with Thirsk, Carlton and Sutton-under-Whitestonecliffe among those affected.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/north_yorkshire/4109692.stm
These flood were, I suggest more uncommon occurrence for that time of year in this hemisphere, however it clearly represents the unpredictability of British weather and the consequences of that unpredictability and yet time & time again we find local & government is unprepared for weather associated crisis.
Evidence that adverse weather in the UK is undeniably normal & predicable and easy to find.
Floods of 2000 http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/york/hi/people_and_places/newsid_9153000/9153477.stm
Floods in 1995 Flooding on the River Severn 1995
Floods 1990 http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/northwestwales/hi/people_and_places/history/newsid_8516000/8516287.stm
The problem, dare I say, therefore firmly lies with Government , the environment agency & local councils who despite the predictability of the naturally occurring weather conditions that we know to be normal in the UK during the autum & winter months ,have failed to maintain the infrastructure, drainage & take the other relevant environmental precautions as well as implementing the correct strategic measures through investment & development in environmental projects to insure that the devastating issues & crisis created through natural reoccurring environmental conditions does not have the devastating impact on private citizens & business that we see repeated year after year as a result of poor social, & environmental policy & bad nae negligent communities management from government to local councils in the UK.
As for the rhetoric coming from David Cameron, Nick Clegg , Lord Smith, Eric Pickles , and all the rest of the responsible noble bullshitters defending the failures of agencies & individuals responsible I have only this to say.
STOP LYING YOU INSINCERE NEGLIGENT INCOMPETENT CORRUPT ARSEHOLES THE PUBLIC AIN'T STUPID & THE EVIDENCE AGAINST YOU IS ENORMOUS.
Stop spending public money on wars the people don't want to be a part of & start using the money to inprove conditions in the UK, that is your duty, that is your responsibility that is what we pay you for, you work for us.
Monday, February 3, 2014
There has bee about plastic lots of talk on the BBC radio Scotland today about plastic surgery so I feel I have to get my tuppence worth in.
I went under the Knife in early 1998 curtesy of the NHS.
I am one of these "unfortunate" woman who fell victim of the vanity culture of the 20th century.
I was one of those ugly ducklings with buck teeth & brazes,
I was also always skinny, mum said because I was very active & had a high metabolic system that created lots of nervous energy, that I then burned up quickly, I was apparently hyper sensitive in the days before the label hyperactive had been coined.
I don't know if being titless was connected to this, however, I was always tit less.
If I wore black tights my legs looked like 2 sticks of liquorice , taunts of bugs bunny & olive oil were the norm & I learned early to smile & turn away, not let anyone see it bothered me, mums advice, it wasn't easy and I often cried myself to sleep.
The early teenage years was gruelingly torturous for me, I tried to wear it well, I tried very hard not to let anyone know how soul destroying it was.
From an early age, most of my aunts & cousins were larger ladies, with ample bosoms, I came from a family of well endowed women.
I was the only girl in class not to have boobs... when everyone else was getting ready for PE I sunk down behind a towel trying to hide my ladybird vest.I hated PE days & swimming purely because of the changing room experience.
Eventually, mum got me one of those early training bras that were cup-less bits of nylon triangles sown in, to elastic, that having no boobs to stretch over & hold it down was usually worn above where my boobs should have been ,across my chest, leaving an elastic line mark like too tight socks does round the ankle. These bras don't allow for the old handkerchief , loo roll or cotton wool technique as I soon discovered cos given the nothing to hold it down issue , it meant that trick resulted in having boob like bumps a couple of inches below shoulder level!!
Additionally my mum kept my hair short till I was in my teens, so when I popped to the shops for her I was ofen greeted with "what can I get you son?" as opposed to "what can I get you hen?"
I learned the art of drawing my eyes off people in what is often deemed a dirty look quickly, on the upside I was always told I had lovely eyes, so perfecting the dirty look seemed like a good option , I guess.
As an adopted child, I was fortunate to have someone to blame, my mystery birth mother, became a sourse of contempt, as I pondered did she reject me cos i was an oddity girl who looked like a boy, a skinny titless buckteeth alien throwback seed of evil that would bring shame as I grew into a none woman ugly titless entity & yes being of slightly darker tinted completion than my fair skinned parents, when news that I was adopted was disclosed in primary 6 by Sheena McLaughlin, my then supposed best buddy, I got my introduction as to what its like to be subject of racism & what that feels like, as I was told with disarming sniggers by my peers that I might be a " fucking paki bastard or half darkie and could have throwback back weans or even worse! I might be 1/2 catholic &1/2 darkie " ... oh yes it was fun times towards the end of primary school age 11/12 as puberty began & on top of everything else no tits developing.!!
I became obsessed with fashion & make-up, I devoured magazines like Jackie for fashion tips & ideas that might help define my femaleliness!!
In Primary 7 Mrs McDonald wrote on my report card that I was too obsessed with fashion & being with it! but nothing in regard of my academic abilities, my mother marched up to the school and gave her a piece of her mind pointing out that as long as my interests were not affecting my academic progress she didn't see what the problem was with my extra curriculum activities, of which I had many, and to be fair mum was right again, cos when I finished my 1st year of secondary I had good results all A's & B's enough to get me into the top class in second year.
Another person who my mum, had serious words with in regard of my appearance issues was Sheena Mclaughlan's mum.
My mum rarely interfered in my arguments or peer upsets, telling me I had to learn to stand up for myself cos she would not always be around to fight my battles, however after one occasion when I had come back from sheena's house and slunk into my room & put on my records so I could not be heard crying mum came to see what was up, why was in,why was I moody & crying?
I explained that Mrs McLaughlin had on this occasion decided to measure our boobs, Sheena was a slightly plumper girl than me with long blond hair, at 11 years old she already had ample bosoms as opposed to my, well, to be fair i never even had fried egg status boobs, just nipples!!
Flora was always making compassion between Sheena and me, our hair, our weight, her dance teacher & competitions she was in, my dance teacher, her grades , my grades...
without question Sheena was cleverer than me and always got better grades at school, but in hindsight her mum was a very childish , petty woman , but at 11/12 well that's not something I recognized .
Anyway, on this occasion off mum marched up to have words, I didn't follow but when she came back I asked what she had said, to Mrs McLaughlin, she told me that she Had told Flora, in no uncertain terms, that if she came near me again with a measuring tap , ribbon or piece of string to measure any part of my anatomy, she would take said measuring object & shove it so far down her throat that she would shit it out like a tape worm!!!
Mum didn't loose the nut or interfere very often, but when she did, she wasn't one to mince her words, nor was she one known not to keep her word!!!
To be fair I am able to admit that I did become obsessed with how I looked, its not easy being ugly, its not easy being the skinny girl with no tits buck teeth & brazes that looks like a boy, particularly when around puberty, added to which I wanted to be an actress or dancer when I grew up, I loved dancing , I loved being on stage where I could be anyone else but me, but to succeed in that world you had to be beautiful, as well as talented , talent wasn't enough, so I guess I was searching for was something to enable & help me achieve that ambition.
Its important to mention that my parents never pushed me in these areas, mum tried to help me find ways of getting over my hang ups about my looks, I was special , beautiful to her, I was talented &clever and could acheive anything I chose to if I wanted to worked hard & applied myself,
"looks fade June she would tell me, talent brains a nice caring, kind personality took you further & sustained you in lift & were much better tools to help you deal with the hard knocks you encounter along the road to success.
Yeah well... how much truth there is in that , to this day I still question.
Anyway, I left school at 16. I had planned to go back & do highers but changed my mind at the last minute & decided to get a job & pursue my ambitions I was attending drama school part time as well as continuing my dancing, and was now also attending The Myra Crichton school of deportment & Model agency in Glasgow, on saterday afternoons.
It was I guess a kind of finishing school where we were shown how to walk down a cat walk, get in and out a car without flashing our fanny's, make up & elocution.
I think my parent thought it might help knock a bit of the Glaswegian "Hairy " out of me!!
I had developed quite a broad accent, which to be fair I could turn off and on at will, I was not really allowed to talk in my natural dialect in the house, my dads family were well spoken, and my mum did not approve of me using the Glasgow vernacular in the house , you can talk as you choose on the streets & with your pals june, but in my house there will be none of that behaving like a fish wife!"
Attending Ms Crichton's did undoubtedly help my confidence about how felt about how I looked, much in the way my dancing classes had helped me build convenience & misguide my my many complexes, I learned how to fake it.
People always thought I was a cocky confident person, but truth was I never was , I had to work hard to fake it & spent a large part of my life being , pretending to be , someone I wasn't.
Thru Myra Crichton .I remember being sent to have portfolio photos taken, I was told to take a selection of outfits which I did, after posing in my clothes this old guy produced a selection of see thru nightgowns and asked me to wear them , I was mortified but did it , I was 15 going on 16 ,and felt very uncomfortable and told my mum when I went home what had happened . This old guy BTW was a former head master apparently.
She was straight on the phone to Miss Crichton to report the incident, I don't think that photographer was used again.
Crighton's girls were also entered for Miss Scotland competitions etc, this would boost our profile & get us work apparently. I was about as far as you can get from the Miss anything stereo type , I was shorter than all the other girls, I had no boobs, my statistics were 28 -22- 30, while the average was at least 34- 24- 34...
But I learned that in the Miss wherever circuit these things could be got round if you succumbed to the whims and offers of the venue organizers .
I remember having to literally fight off the advances of the then Mecca ballroom (Tifanys) on Sachihall St, a Manager a creep called John Stewart who had to be in his late 40's at the time, who tried to stick his tongue down my throat several times and was always pawing the girls on the promise of getting them a place in the finals. I got a third position in the Glasgow heat, much to my surprise.
I was punk rocker in my normal real life for fuck sake ... not exactly Miss Scotland material!!!
There is no doubt that the hopes and advances of dirty old men with management or higher title, getting into the knickers of contestants of young ambitious women has more to do with the results of theses competitions than the girls looks, personality or anything else.
Anyway, I have somehow managed to deviate from the purpose of this blog....
I went under the knife in 1998 courtesy of the NHS after years of feeling less of a woman than I could be if only had boobs, and this was despite a career as part of a dance troupe and even a couple of years as a stripper ...without tits.!!!
My confidence had taken another slump after my then husband, who on my wedding day announced in his grooms speech to friends & famiy that after the reception that the brides wedding dress would be advertised and sold as a baptism dress as I, June, his new wife, & mother f his children, was the only woman in the room with two backs...
Of course I smiled coyly , even laughed out loud and turned my head away...
as I had learned to do so many years before....
Several affairs of his later, I bit the bullet & filed for divorce & as a result of the depression & misery of pretending to be happy both with my marriage and indeed myself & how I looked...
I guess there is only so much fun any woman can take of being told how much better she would look if she had boobs & filled her clothing better... or did this or did that....
Anyway, I didn't want big boobs, I just wanted to look normal , I was in my late 30. by then...
and got size 34a implant's.... they look fairly normal except the don't move but they fill dresses and I guess make me look fairly normal and like a female should.
I can't say I would change having implants, I wouldn't, indeed when the scare about implants happened a couple of years back I ignored all advice from my kids to get my tits checked out, the idea of having my small fake tits removed and being left wth two wrinkled empty sacks that would leave me feeling like the ugly none woman girl of my youth far outweighed the health implications for me...
shallow I know...
but at 50 & single & although not on the market or ever lightly to find someone to take me on with all my mental health issues past & present ... & of course my big hob-nail boot gob that always seems to get me in the shit anyway, the idea of looking down and being boob less brings back all the horrors & misery of my youth and I certainly can't afford to have my tits replaced so...
My advice to any young women cntemplating surgery is this...
Don't let other people put you down, don't let the shallowness & cruel comments of others steel you of yourself, be who you are , don't risk your health because of the ugly words or thoughts of ugly small minded shallow people , be proud of who you are and make the most of yourself as you are ...
Don't let vanity & media presure take you on a road you may come to regret ...
We all have beauty within us even if its not always recognised by ourself or others , the problem is their's for not looking hard enough to see all that is you ... let yourself shine as you are... for at the end of the day
being all you can be , being yourself is the only real way to be happy with who you are and believe me
your worth it.... we all are.
I went under the Knife in early 1998 curtesy of the NHS.
I am one of these "unfortunate" woman who fell victim of the vanity culture of the 20th century.
I was one of those ugly ducklings with buck teeth & brazes,
I was also always skinny, mum said because I was very active & had a high metabolic system that created lots of nervous energy, that I then burned up quickly, I was apparently hyper sensitive in the days before the label hyperactive had been coined.
I don't know if being titless was connected to this, however, I was always tit less.
If I wore black tights my legs looked like 2 sticks of liquorice , taunts of bugs bunny & olive oil were the norm & I learned early to smile & turn away, not let anyone see it bothered me, mums advice, it wasn't easy and I often cried myself to sleep.
The early teenage years was gruelingly torturous for me, I tried to wear it well, I tried very hard not to let anyone know how soul destroying it was.
From an early age, most of my aunts & cousins were larger ladies, with ample bosoms, I came from a family of well endowed women.
I was the only girl in class not to have boobs... when everyone else was getting ready for PE I sunk down behind a towel trying to hide my ladybird vest.I hated PE days & swimming purely because of the changing room experience.
Eventually, mum got me one of those early training bras that were cup-less bits of nylon triangles sown in, to elastic, that having no boobs to stretch over & hold it down was usually worn above where my boobs should have been ,across my chest, leaving an elastic line mark like too tight socks does round the ankle. These bras don't allow for the old handkerchief , loo roll or cotton wool technique as I soon discovered cos given the nothing to hold it down issue , it meant that trick resulted in having boob like bumps a couple of inches below shoulder level!!
Additionally my mum kept my hair short till I was in my teens, so when I popped to the shops for her I was ofen greeted with "what can I get you son?" as opposed to "what can I get you hen?"
I learned the art of drawing my eyes off people in what is often deemed a dirty look quickly, on the upside I was always told I had lovely eyes, so perfecting the dirty look seemed like a good option , I guess.
As an adopted child, I was fortunate to have someone to blame, my mystery birth mother, became a sourse of contempt, as I pondered did she reject me cos i was an oddity girl who looked like a boy, a skinny titless buckteeth alien throwback seed of evil that would bring shame as I grew into a none woman ugly titless entity & yes being of slightly darker tinted completion than my fair skinned parents, when news that I was adopted was disclosed in primary 6 by Sheena McLaughlin, my then supposed best buddy, I got my introduction as to what its like to be subject of racism & what that feels like, as I was told with disarming sniggers by my peers that I might be a " fucking paki bastard or half darkie and could have throwback back weans or even worse! I might be 1/2 catholic &1/2 darkie " ... oh yes it was fun times towards the end of primary school age 11/12 as puberty began & on top of everything else no tits developing.!!
I became obsessed with fashion & make-up, I devoured magazines like Jackie for fashion tips & ideas that might help define my femaleliness!!
In Primary 7 Mrs McDonald wrote on my report card that I was too obsessed with fashion & being with it! but nothing in regard of my academic abilities, my mother marched up to the school and gave her a piece of her mind pointing out that as long as my interests were not affecting my academic progress she didn't see what the problem was with my extra curriculum activities, of which I had many, and to be fair mum was right again, cos when I finished my 1st year of secondary I had good results all A's & B's enough to get me into the top class in second year.
Another person who my mum, had serious words with in regard of my appearance issues was Sheena Mclaughlan's mum.
My mum rarely interfered in my arguments or peer upsets, telling me I had to learn to stand up for myself cos she would not always be around to fight my battles, however after one occasion when I had come back from sheena's house and slunk into my room & put on my records so I could not be heard crying mum came to see what was up, why was in,why was I moody & crying?
I explained that Mrs McLaughlin had on this occasion decided to measure our boobs, Sheena was a slightly plumper girl than me with long blond hair, at 11 years old she already had ample bosoms as opposed to my, well, to be fair i never even had fried egg status boobs, just nipples!!
Flora was always making compassion between Sheena and me, our hair, our weight, her dance teacher & competitions she was in, my dance teacher, her grades , my grades...
without question Sheena was cleverer than me and always got better grades at school, but in hindsight her mum was a very childish , petty woman , but at 11/12 well that's not something I recognized .
Anyway, on this occasion off mum marched up to have words, I didn't follow but when she came back I asked what she had said, to Mrs McLaughlin, she told me that she Had told Flora, in no uncertain terms, that if she came near me again with a measuring tap , ribbon or piece of string to measure any part of my anatomy, she would take said measuring object & shove it so far down her throat that she would shit it out like a tape worm!!!
Mum didn't loose the nut or interfere very often, but when she did, she wasn't one to mince her words, nor was she one known not to keep her word!!!
To be fair I am able to admit that I did become obsessed with how I looked, its not easy being ugly, its not easy being the skinny girl with no tits buck teeth & brazes that looks like a boy, particularly when around puberty, added to which I wanted to be an actress or dancer when I grew up, I loved dancing , I loved being on stage where I could be anyone else but me, but to succeed in that world you had to be beautiful, as well as talented , talent wasn't enough, so I guess I was searching for was something to enable & help me achieve that ambition.
Its important to mention that my parents never pushed me in these areas, mum tried to help me find ways of getting over my hang ups about my looks, I was special , beautiful to her, I was talented &clever and could acheive anything I chose to if I wanted to worked hard & applied myself,
"looks fade June she would tell me, talent brains a nice caring, kind personality took you further & sustained you in lift & were much better tools to help you deal with the hard knocks you encounter along the road to success.
Yeah well... how much truth there is in that , to this day I still question.
Anyway, I left school at 16. I had planned to go back & do highers but changed my mind at the last minute & decided to get a job & pursue my ambitions I was attending drama school part time as well as continuing my dancing, and was now also attending The Myra Crichton school of deportment & Model agency in Glasgow, on saterday afternoons.
It was I guess a kind of finishing school where we were shown how to walk down a cat walk, get in and out a car without flashing our fanny's, make up & elocution.
I think my parent thought it might help knock a bit of the Glaswegian "Hairy " out of me!!
I had developed quite a broad accent, which to be fair I could turn off and on at will, I was not really allowed to talk in my natural dialect in the house, my dads family were well spoken, and my mum did not approve of me using the Glasgow vernacular in the house , you can talk as you choose on the streets & with your pals june, but in my house there will be none of that behaving like a fish wife!"
Attending Ms Crichton's did undoubtedly help my confidence about how felt about how I looked, much in the way my dancing classes had helped me build convenience & misguide my my many complexes, I learned how to fake it.
People always thought I was a cocky confident person, but truth was I never was , I had to work hard to fake it & spent a large part of my life being , pretending to be , someone I wasn't.
Thru Myra Crichton .I remember being sent to have portfolio photos taken, I was told to take a selection of outfits which I did, after posing in my clothes this old guy produced a selection of see thru nightgowns and asked me to wear them , I was mortified but did it , I was 15 going on 16 ,and felt very uncomfortable and told my mum when I went home what had happened . This old guy BTW was a former head master apparently.
She was straight on the phone to Miss Crichton to report the incident, I don't think that photographer was used again.
Crighton's girls were also entered for Miss Scotland competitions etc, this would boost our profile & get us work apparently. I was about as far as you can get from the Miss anything stereo type , I was shorter than all the other girls, I had no boobs, my statistics were 28 -22- 30, while the average was at least 34- 24- 34...
But I learned that in the Miss wherever circuit these things could be got round if you succumbed to the whims and offers of the venue organizers .
I remember having to literally fight off the advances of the then Mecca ballroom (Tifanys) on Sachihall St, a Manager a creep called John Stewart who had to be in his late 40's at the time, who tried to stick his tongue down my throat several times and was always pawing the girls on the promise of getting them a place in the finals. I got a third position in the Glasgow heat, much to my surprise.
I was punk rocker in my normal real life for fuck sake ... not exactly Miss Scotland material!!!
There is no doubt that the hopes and advances of dirty old men with management or higher title, getting into the knickers of contestants of young ambitious women has more to do with the results of theses competitions than the girls looks, personality or anything else.
Anyway, I have somehow managed to deviate from the purpose of this blog....
I went under the knife in 1998 courtesy of the NHS after years of feeling less of a woman than I could be if only had boobs, and this was despite a career as part of a dance troupe and even a couple of years as a stripper ...without tits.!!!
My confidence had taken another slump after my then husband, who on my wedding day announced in his grooms speech to friends & famiy that after the reception that the brides wedding dress would be advertised and sold as a baptism dress as I, June, his new wife, & mother f his children, was the only woman in the room with two backs...
Of course I smiled coyly , even laughed out loud and turned my head away...
as I had learned to do so many years before....
Several affairs of his later, I bit the bullet & filed for divorce & as a result of the depression & misery of pretending to be happy both with my marriage and indeed myself & how I looked...
I guess there is only so much fun any woman can take of being told how much better she would look if she had boobs & filled her clothing better... or did this or did that....
Anyway, I didn't want big boobs, I just wanted to look normal , I was in my late 30. by then...
and got size 34a implant's.... they look fairly normal except the don't move but they fill dresses and I guess make me look fairly normal and like a female should.
I can't say I would change having implants, I wouldn't, indeed when the scare about implants happened a couple of years back I ignored all advice from my kids to get my tits checked out, the idea of having my small fake tits removed and being left wth two wrinkled empty sacks that would leave me feeling like the ugly none woman girl of my youth far outweighed the health implications for me...
shallow I know...
but at 50 & single & although not on the market or ever lightly to find someone to take me on with all my mental health issues past & present ... & of course my big hob-nail boot gob that always seems to get me in the shit anyway, the idea of looking down and being boob less brings back all the horrors & misery of my youth and I certainly can't afford to have my tits replaced so...
My advice to any young women cntemplating surgery is this...
Don't let other people put you down, don't let the shallowness & cruel comments of others steel you of yourself, be who you are , don't risk your health because of the ugly words or thoughts of ugly small minded shallow people , be proud of who you are and make the most of yourself as you are ...
Don't let vanity & media presure take you on a road you may come to regret ...
We all have beauty within us even if its not always recognised by ourself or others , the problem is their's for not looking hard enough to see all that is you ... let yourself shine as you are... for at the end of the day
being all you can be , being yourself is the only real way to be happy with who you are and believe me
your worth it.... we all are.
Friday, January 31, 2014
focusing on the local community part 2 a reort i done reviwing the review RECOMENDATIONS REPORT BY EKOS LTD
The following is a report & review I done on 10 /12 /13 of
REVIEW OF RECOMENDATIONS REPORT BY EKOS LTD
In 2010 the steering group agreed to recommend to the council that the town house site be perused as the preferred way forward following a presentation by Ekos ltd, on cost benefit analyses .
the steering group also agreed that both sites be subject of further in-depth investigation.
http://www.ekos-consultants.co.uk/
In the cost benefit analysis report by Ekos ltd for Irvine Bay, presented in September 2010 Ekos make reference to the two proposed sites the council is considering for a new build sports center, before laying out an agenda which fails to address the financial benefits of refurbishment & development of the existing Magnum leisure, sports & recreation center & surrounding site location as a viable development, investment site, stating;
(1.1 background)
"over a number of years the quality of the building has diminished,
& we understand that some facilities have been closed. Due to these factors the center no longer has the wide geographical pull it one had."
It then goes on to list the facilities the new site hope to offer, failing to recognize that these facilities are comparable to existing facilities within the Magnum center, and that the Magnum in its original state offered many more sporting & cultural options and had the capacity to host a number of large national & international events including sporting & other competitions ie ballroom dance and ice-skating, boxing gymnastics & curling tournaments.
Restored & renovated to its former glory the Magnum has the capacity to offer a programme of events facilitating not only the local community needs, but that would serve as a sports recreation & cultural venue able to host and attract many revenue generating options within the locale, benefiting not only existing businesses, but with the options for external development the beach -park & science island offer for investment & development reflecting Irvine as a Scottish seaside town & tourist attracting rich in cultural & historical interest sites worth visiting.
These refurbishment & development options far outweigh any assumption of benefits from the new smaller rebuild options at the Townhouse location site in regard of projected footfall spends within the town center area.
Additionally as the proposed Magnum 2 Townhouse rebuild has a 60% capacity reduction this indicates reduction in staffing requirements, as well as reduced revenue from prospective business & availability in terms of footfall within, & subsequently outwith the venue itself, as well as the fact that the new Magnum 2 , should it be built in the townhouse site reduces & limits all options for hosting large competitive sport & cultural events both locally and internationally, which the Magnum has a proven track record in its history of doing, and could do again, were it to be refurbished to its original state.
It is fair to suggest that much of the decline in business & revenue issues that the Magnum has had to contend with in recent years are a result of poor management & maintenance, as well as effects from socio economic down turns within the wider area resulting from closures & reduced household incomes within the populous resulting from redundancies & unemployment impacts.
I will included later a separated summery of proposals for some of the options of suggestions for promotional packages, membership offers & deals that could be put in place at the Magnum that would increase revenue within the center & that could be developed with existing local businesses, that would reflect comparably,(better) as assumed revenue generators £ per £ than those quoted as projections resulting from projected footfall of the new proposed town center site.
The Ekos recommendation report statement says.
1. "we understand that..."
this suggest that thorough examination of the Magnum facilities and site have either not been done, or have been ruled out in favor of new build perspective of cost comparisons of refurbishment of Magnum that would be substantially cheaper than rebuild.
2. Due consideration of the benefits of full refurbishment of Magnum facilities appear not to have been considered in respect of what refurbishment to its original state would have in respect of;
a. geographic pull,
b. offering additional employment & training opportunities that the smaller new site proposal fail to equal .
c. Reflecting the harbor side as a prime growing development location for arts & cultural, outdoor sport & environmental & wildlife training & learning location, not withstanding the opportunities for development & investment of the now derelict science park within the local.
d.Development & investment opportunities within the area of
existing retail & hospitality business.
All of which would encourage footfall with in the harbor side location throughout the year & greatly benefit the tourist & seasonal opportunists that Irvine, as a seaside town with a strong historical cultural heritage has to offer from a tourist & visitors perspective.
Not withstanding that Irvine is a TOWN not just a TOWN CENTER which the proposed regeneration proposals & strategy bases its projections around disproportionately favoring projections for economic growth & revenue influx potential as being centered around the town center as a retail complex which it unrealistic & uninspired as a potential strategy development that benefits all aspects of the town & community needs.
In retrospect the existing Magnum can be shown to reflect a positive cost effective projection through job creation & footfall that would see the creation of an additional 75 -200+ full time, part time jobs in the area on completion of refurbishment & development, in addition to temporary employment opportunities during the refurbishment & development project. Which is considerably higher than those given in the report as figures related to town center projections.
Additionally these projected job creation figures do not include projections for the development of science park or beach park area development which with the right development & investment could see the creation of a further 100 -200+ permanent full & part time employed positions as well as training & volunteer opportunities. And could conceivably be created though private investment
incentives, or joint public & privately funded ventures. Further relieving expenditure of public funds.
( see my previous proposals for beech-park development ie Equestrian center, environmental & wild life sanctuary, cycle proficiency school, skate park development, bmx track ect.)
The Ekos recommendations are made on a number of projected assumptions,
1.3 STUDY ASSUMPTION
The ongoing revenue cost & revenue income for the new build development proposals.
note from this point in their report & recommendations the renovation/ refurbishment of the existing Magnum site has more or less been disregarded & the recommendations are geared towards establishing solely positive recommendations relate to the options for the 2 new build proposed sites, without due consideration of consultation with the local community by the council on behalf or with Irvine Bay developers.
Bearing in mind this report was presented in 2010 & consultations began in 2009, this suggest that consideration of local resident & community groups input & had been done and dusted by 2010 despite the on going safe the Magnum campaign by local residents & community groups.
The recommendations address both the original proposed sites,which now 3 yrs on, we know the chosen site is the town center location & demolition work has already been done that over rode all objections from local residents regarding environmental & historical heritage issues related to the buildings that previously existed on this site.
This reflects total disregard of the feelings & input of local residents & the local community groups opposed to the project by NSA, and highlights the struggle & opposition to the Save the Magnum campaign by those with substantial influence & power from within the local council & political parties in Irvine who have all publicly backed the Irvine Bay
development project.
( despite the fact that they represent the community & work for the tax payers they are not working in the communities best interest but in the interest of the big corporate money, as opposed to small local business growth despite what they may say.)
I suggest that as the Townhouse site has now been demolished & cleared that the focus for the save the Magnum campaign is to prove to the NAC, Irvine Bay Developers & associates, that it is a more viable & economically sound proposition to save the existing Magnum , refurbish & develop the Magnum Beach park, and water front location in a way that is generates employment opportunities, generates revenue & increases footfall to in the whole Irvine area as well as addressing & improving vital health & social welfare issues in accordance with the key policy points as determined on page 7, of the recommendations report under heading
2.4 strategic fit & contribution
It is stated in the recommendations that the townhouse building & location would serve as a catalyst for development of office & retail use. ( impact reported separately) & that without the sports center development this will impact on adjacent buildings,( which is said are unlikely to be developed in next 5 yrs without the sport center build)
These assumptions are unfounded with no valid evidence to support them reflected, which I suggest shows this report stands to serve more as a promotional & propaganda exercise on behalf of Irvine Bay developers & NAC, than a factual report based on valid assessment of location or sociological or economic probabilities or forecasts.
(much in the same way the chancellor of the exchequer does with his budget, it reads more like a political propaganda paper laying the councils agenda in a way that serves most favorably to sway public opinion.)
There is no valid reason to assume the adjacent property could not be subject of private or indeed public development or sale for investment as it is within the main town center area, additionally having undergone extensive regeneration to date the town center should not be, & is not dependent on the building of the sports center, indeed the proposed town center site is more likely to have a negative effect on the town center in way of footfall resulting from various sociological , physiological & environmental issues.
( i shall address these issues under the heading Townhouse rebuild issues)
Nor does the recommendations account for the needs of the community in regard of the proposed housing development projects, which are veered in favor of the private sector as opposed to social housing (rented accommodation)
Irvine is an area with high deprivation scores and high unemployment figures.
There are existing problems of inadequate social housing provisions in relation to the needs of the existing residents & community additionally the housing developments proposals is geared towards the private sector & bought housing with a larger number of houses being allocated for sale than those allocated for social housing which does not comply with the needs, or financial resources of the existing community.
Although these proposal project bringing new "life" to the area this can be reflected to inflame existing problems in relation to job opportunists & housing issues, and it would be fair to suggest that the needs of the existing community, who have in the past 20 year suffered from redundancies and closures of local industries and businesses, should be served and accommodated as a priority which would then serve as both a viable pitch towards future investment from outside the area as a location with thriving employment & economic viability to people wishing to take up residence in the area.
Under the heading 2.4 Strategic fit & contribution, the Ekos report recommendations table 2.1 sets out the assessment of key benefits & dis-benfits of options stating they are unable to determine which option makes the greater contribution towards the objective & have thus attributed both options , referring to the 2 proposed new build sites as of 2010 .
However the completely fail to give comparable assessment pertaining to the possible benefits or dis-benefits of the refurbishment & development prospects of the original Magnum sports center & out lying location of the beach-park area & surrounding Magnum site.
Before addressing the points related to what Ekos state as;
The the key policy options on which the assessment have been made I draw your attention to the page 7, Heading 2.3, option 3 The existing Magnum in which the recommendation report states.
" Good practice guidance for project appraisal requires consideration of the counter factual, or do nothing /do minimal option. This section outlines the impact benefits
& dis benefits of maintaining the current Magnum center.
The Magnum center is located on the Riverfront, outwith the town center area.
The majority of users will travel by private transport with very few making a joint trip to the town center.
This option is assumed to have limited positive impact in generating trips & spend, and will therefore
not support the partners aspirations for the towns regeneration.
The benefits of this option is that it does not require a major capital investment. in the development of a new sports center, but we understand that the existing Magnum is not fit for purpose & requires major investment. "
Thus the existing Magnum is ruled out of recommendations analysis and considerations in three short paragraphs, on what appear to be a set of assumptions & understanding that suggest no proper or thorough research or analysis of the facilities, existing architectural construction & structural assets or benefits related to refurbishment & maintaining the site from both cost effective & projected revenue generation perspective , have been examined , analyzed and considered in relation to the recommendation report.
Furthermore the language used ie ;" assumed" "we understand", suggest that facts pertaining to the possible refurbishment of the Magnum have not been checked or researched and are based on these assumptions & understanding that it could be suggested reflect that the Ekos report and recommendations are based on a a pre determined directive that supports the NSA , Irvine Bay & unnamed associates agenda aimed at promoting a strategy designed to increase footfall to the town center shopping areas predominantly occupied by established corporate chain businesses & franchises & to the detriment of smaller local business out with the town center location.
Additionally, these hear say assumptions and understandings shown no valid supporting evidence, factual or statistics to support the claims made & this could imply that these recommendations & the report are not only a reflection of unethical practice but could indicate mal or even corrupt business practice on the part of all interested parties, ie;
NAC, Irvine Bay Development & associated companies including Ekos Ltd, but I suggest you seek proper legal advice and consultation on these points as I am not 100% sure if I am correct in these allegations they are my personal opinion.
I do find it particularly interesting that the recommendation report pertaining to the issues I have bullet pointed state
1. that it does not support the partners aspirations for the towns regeneration
Irvine as a town does not exists, nor should it be, dependent wholly on footfall to the town center shopping area to generate economic revenue and employment this reflects a very limited aspiration & blinkered view of the towns vast wealth of historical , cultural & environment assets & indeed outlying business opportunities over a large and varied sector of retail outlets, hospitality & events venues & office space accommodation, that could be used to promote both revenue & job creation infinitives from small & larger business investment opportunities funded through private , public and joint initiatives.
2. In paragraph 3, option 3 the existing Magnum.
the report states in one sentence separated only by a comma & 15 words that the Magnum ,
"does not need major capital investment in the development of a new sports center....
but is
"no longer fit for purpose & requires major investment"
(i'm not sure if this reflects a contraindication in terms, irony, or just really poor report writing skills & or, inaccurate & poor representation & interpretation of the facts!?)
My research and conversations with people in the community reflect that the biggest obstacle that affected footfall to the existing Magnum was the transport issue relating to public transport & this issue supports the physiological aspects I referred to earlier.
Additionally, points related to transport are reflected in the Ekos report.
Transport related issues are fundamental to many aspects of the regen & development projects for both town center and the Riverfront/Harbor side area.
This is shown in in the Ekos report as a bullet point (4) under the key policy points of the Irvine Town regeneration plan , 2.4 Strategic Fit & Contributions which states;
connections - to improve connections between the waterfront, train station, town center and local communities;
From this point on I shall attempt to address individual points in relation to the town House, town center site as we now know this the site that has been chosen for the proposed new sports center and I shall compare points and address issues with the existing Magnum & waterfront location since the recommendations as of page 10, 3 recommendations
the existing Magnum has been discounted from this point in the report as reflected in paragraph 1 of these recommendations and it is these points that form the basis and purpose of the save the Magnum campaign.
I feel I should make it clear that from page 10 I found it a bit confusing and difficult to understand some of the points that were being made in the report,
additionally the projected figure & calculations were difficult to follow, and did not seem to reflect logical or realistic projections even under the pretext of being assumptions, additionally I admit that these types of numeric projections are not within my skills base nor indeed do I make claim that these types of calculations are one of my strong points, I can give projections with regard to job creations impact , however I do not, cannot make claim to being able to do the net or gross costing calculations, these types of numbers are not within my remit of skills.
Additionally I felt that from from page 10 there was reference to information that is not included in the report ( which I note is client confidential ) and again I get the feeling that the report is constructed around the issues I mentioned earlier in relation to favorable reflections that may reflect unethical , & or corrupt practice in relation to the various entities within the alliance of NAC, Irvine Bay Development & other unnamed associates which does reflects practice that is not necessarily strategically focused on what's best for the people & Irvine community but more focused on profit margins and financial benefits to the NAC, Irvine Bay Development & other unnamed associates involved in the business alliance.
This feeling would seem to be corroborated by what appears to show that the recommendation have gone with the most expensive option on assumptions related to quantitative benefits & issues related to potential as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the town house building & projected quantifiable benefits generated by the town house within the high street option & information given to Ekos by NSA & Irvine Bay Development.
I shall now try explain & address what I determine as the key positive points for the renovation & refurbishment of the existing Magnum
& the positive benefits of building residential accommodating as opposed to the sports center within the town house town center site, where the demolition of existing buildings has been carried out
and demonstrate;
misrepresentations made or issues ignored by the recommendations of the Ekos report.
Risk assessment in relation to health & safety & socio & environmental critical assessment.
People seldom plan a shopping trip before or after a planned visit to a sport sports center, whither it be by public or private transport as in relation to the following points.
They may be carrying sporting equipment or clothing , ie towels swimsuits, rackets, dance shows etc.
If they are using public transport they have to lug it round the shops with them, so they are unlike to make major purchase before going to the sports center because then there is the additional storage costs during their time spent at sports center, additionally storage depository space is small and does not accommodate shopping bags often offering limited space for clothing & shoes & equipment bags space.
Thre is a small risk of theft from lockers while partaking in the sport. Basically its inconvenient.
If the same sinareo regarding public transport is considered as a post sports center participation is applied it is generally found that people again don't want to carry sports requirement or clothing , possible wet swimwear or towels round the shops, additionally after vigorous exersise people seldom feel like shopping & this could be in relation to appearance, ( particularly in relation to the fair sex) Or tiredness or even that I feel chilled , de-stressed after work out don't want the stress of "busy" shops center etc.
Psychologically the shopping center experience is associated with an ambiance of busyness & lots of ppl, whither this is reflected in actual numbers of bodies or not, it is therefore not generally a activity that ppl plan around visits to sports centers.
So even allowing for the minimum footfall possibilities the numbers projected do not reflect an accurate or statistically viable representation in relation to people using public transport.
if we now consider the same sinareo using private transport we have similar and additional negative reflections.
If shopping is partaken before visiting the sports center there may be a risk to perishable goods let in car. Additionally if its non perishable shopping that has been partaken with a view to leaving it in the car there is risk of opportunist theft, its recognize that the MO of opportunist thieves is often reflect as an observation of an opportunity, ie they see someone putting the bags or parcels in the car, they watch their movements when they leave the car, where their going, ie into other shops or cinema , or whatever in this case a sports center, and seize the opportunity to have it away with the items left in car. this reflects risk of insurance claim for damage to car, loss of purchases, inconvenience and additional expense.
These point may seem trivial, however as part of any economic & social development appraisals, risk assessment and & critical analysands of social and environmental issues are, or should be fundamental to assessment & recommendations of reports made. Ekos have failed to address these issues or consider these factors in appraisal recommendations report & they are valid points of reference in the Townhouse site location, bearing in mind Irvine is a town with high deprivation and unemployment & it would be negligent to pretend that there is not an existing problem of anti social behaviors related to car theft & robberies within the town center and other areas that will in effect impact on people shopping habits in relation to visiting a sports center or shopping trips from a physiological perspective.
The exsisting Magnum has non of these problems,& offers many aditional positive aspects for users who may wish to use other harbor side venues.
ie.
The Magnum has ample parking space & there is exstensive areas to expand parking facilities.
The Magnum has ample room offering locker space which could also be extended allowing uses to deposit changes of clothing for use of external attractions, ie going jogging along beach or for cycling, aditionally with the correct programmes in place there could be facilities for theraputic sauna & massage , beauty therapies etc & with the refurbishment of the magnum theater & cinema patrons could have a whole day of events including day sports & health thearapies & then shower change & enjoy evening entertainment inside the venue or at other venues offering hospitality & entertainment on the harborside.
The biggest issue at the exsisting Magnum is the bus service and this I suggest is easily addressed and again would benefit all harborside beachpark & seaside locations.
to be continues...
REVIEW OF RECOMENDATIONS REPORT BY EKOS LTD
In 2010 the steering group agreed to recommend to the council that the town house site be perused as the preferred way forward following a presentation by Ekos ltd, on cost benefit analyses .
the steering group also agreed that both sites be subject of further in-depth investigation.
http://www.ekos-consultants.co.uk/
In the cost benefit analysis report by Ekos ltd for Irvine Bay, presented in September 2010 Ekos make reference to the two proposed sites the council is considering for a new build sports center, before laying out an agenda which fails to address the financial benefits of refurbishment & development of the existing Magnum leisure, sports & recreation center & surrounding site location as a viable development, investment site, stating;
(1.1 background)
"over a number of years the quality of the building has diminished,
& we understand that some facilities have been closed. Due to these factors the center no longer has the wide geographical pull it one had."
It then goes on to list the facilities the new site hope to offer, failing to recognize that these facilities are comparable to existing facilities within the Magnum center, and that the Magnum in its original state offered many more sporting & cultural options and had the capacity to host a number of large national & international events including sporting & other competitions ie ballroom dance and ice-skating, boxing gymnastics & curling tournaments.
Restored & renovated to its former glory the Magnum has the capacity to offer a programme of events facilitating not only the local community needs, but that would serve as a sports recreation & cultural venue able to host and attract many revenue generating options within the locale, benefiting not only existing businesses, but with the options for external development the beach -park & science island offer for investment & development reflecting Irvine as a Scottish seaside town & tourist attracting rich in cultural & historical interest sites worth visiting.
These refurbishment & development options far outweigh any assumption of benefits from the new smaller rebuild options at the Townhouse location site in regard of projected footfall spends within the town center area.
Additionally as the proposed Magnum 2 Townhouse rebuild has a 60% capacity reduction this indicates reduction in staffing requirements, as well as reduced revenue from prospective business & availability in terms of footfall within, & subsequently outwith the venue itself, as well as the fact that the new Magnum 2 , should it be built in the townhouse site reduces & limits all options for hosting large competitive sport & cultural events both locally and internationally, which the Magnum has a proven track record in its history of doing, and could do again, were it to be refurbished to its original state.
It is fair to suggest that much of the decline in business & revenue issues that the Magnum has had to contend with in recent years are a result of poor management & maintenance, as well as effects from socio economic down turns within the wider area resulting from closures & reduced household incomes within the populous resulting from redundancies & unemployment impacts.
I will included later a separated summery of proposals for some of the options of suggestions for promotional packages, membership offers & deals that could be put in place at the Magnum that would increase revenue within the center & that could be developed with existing local businesses, that would reflect comparably,(better) as assumed revenue generators £ per £ than those quoted as projections resulting from projected footfall of the new proposed town center site.
The Ekos recommendation report statement says.
1. "we understand that..."
this suggest that thorough examination of the Magnum facilities and site have either not been done, or have been ruled out in favor of new build perspective of cost comparisons of refurbishment of Magnum that would be substantially cheaper than rebuild.
2. Due consideration of the benefits of full refurbishment of Magnum facilities appear not to have been considered in respect of what refurbishment to its original state would have in respect of;
a. geographic pull,
b. offering additional employment & training opportunities that the smaller new site proposal fail to equal .
c. Reflecting the harbor side as a prime growing development location for arts & cultural, outdoor sport & environmental & wildlife training & learning location, not withstanding the opportunities for development & investment of the now derelict science park within the local.
d.Development & investment opportunities within the area of
existing retail & hospitality business.
All of which would encourage footfall with in the harbor side location throughout the year & greatly benefit the tourist & seasonal opportunists that Irvine, as a seaside town with a strong historical cultural heritage has to offer from a tourist & visitors perspective.
Not withstanding that Irvine is a TOWN not just a TOWN CENTER which the proposed regeneration proposals & strategy bases its projections around disproportionately favoring projections for economic growth & revenue influx potential as being centered around the town center as a retail complex which it unrealistic & uninspired as a potential strategy development that benefits all aspects of the town & community needs.
In retrospect the existing Magnum can be shown to reflect a positive cost effective projection through job creation & footfall that would see the creation of an additional 75 -200+ full time, part time jobs in the area on completion of refurbishment & development, in addition to temporary employment opportunities during the refurbishment & development project. Which is considerably higher than those given in the report as figures related to town center projections.
Additionally these projected job creation figures do not include projections for the development of science park or beach park area development which with the right development & investment could see the creation of a further 100 -200+ permanent full & part time employed positions as well as training & volunteer opportunities. And could conceivably be created though private investment
incentives, or joint public & privately funded ventures. Further relieving expenditure of public funds.
( see my previous proposals for beech-park development ie Equestrian center, environmental & wild life sanctuary, cycle proficiency school, skate park development, bmx track ect.)
The Ekos recommendations are made on a number of projected assumptions,
1.3 STUDY ASSUMPTION
The ongoing revenue cost & revenue income for the new build development proposals.
note from this point in their report & recommendations the renovation/ refurbishment of the existing Magnum site has more or less been disregarded & the recommendations are geared towards establishing solely positive recommendations relate to the options for the 2 new build proposed sites, without due consideration of consultation with the local community by the council on behalf or with Irvine Bay developers.
Bearing in mind this report was presented in 2010 & consultations began in 2009, this suggest that consideration of local resident & community groups input & had been done and dusted by 2010 despite the on going safe the Magnum campaign by local residents & community groups.
The recommendations address both the original proposed sites,which now 3 yrs on, we know the chosen site is the town center location & demolition work has already been done that over rode all objections from local residents regarding environmental & historical heritage issues related to the buildings that previously existed on this site.
This reflects total disregard of the feelings & input of local residents & the local community groups opposed to the project by NSA, and highlights the struggle & opposition to the Save the Magnum campaign by those with substantial influence & power from within the local council & political parties in Irvine who have all publicly backed the Irvine Bay
development project.
( despite the fact that they represent the community & work for the tax payers they are not working in the communities best interest but in the interest of the big corporate money, as opposed to small local business growth despite what they may say.)
I suggest that as the Townhouse site has now been demolished & cleared that the focus for the save the Magnum campaign is to prove to the NAC, Irvine Bay Developers & associates, that it is a more viable & economically sound proposition to save the existing Magnum , refurbish & develop the Magnum Beach park, and water front location in a way that is generates employment opportunities, generates revenue & increases footfall to in the whole Irvine area as well as addressing & improving vital health & social welfare issues in accordance with the key policy points as determined on page 7, of the recommendations report under heading
2.4 strategic fit & contribution
It is stated in the recommendations that the townhouse building & location would serve as a catalyst for development of office & retail use. ( impact reported separately) & that without the sports center development this will impact on adjacent buildings,( which is said are unlikely to be developed in next 5 yrs without the sport center build)
These assumptions are unfounded with no valid evidence to support them reflected, which I suggest shows this report stands to serve more as a promotional & propaganda exercise on behalf of Irvine Bay developers & NAC, than a factual report based on valid assessment of location or sociological or economic probabilities or forecasts.
(much in the same way the chancellor of the exchequer does with his budget, it reads more like a political propaganda paper laying the councils agenda in a way that serves most favorably to sway public opinion.)
There is no valid reason to assume the adjacent property could not be subject of private or indeed public development or sale for investment as it is within the main town center area, additionally having undergone extensive regeneration to date the town center should not be, & is not dependent on the building of the sports center, indeed the proposed town center site is more likely to have a negative effect on the town center in way of footfall resulting from various sociological , physiological & environmental issues.
( i shall address these issues under the heading Townhouse rebuild issues)
Nor does the recommendations account for the needs of the community in regard of the proposed housing development projects, which are veered in favor of the private sector as opposed to social housing (rented accommodation)
Irvine is an area with high deprivation scores and high unemployment figures.
There are existing problems of inadequate social housing provisions in relation to the needs of the existing residents & community additionally the housing developments proposals is geared towards the private sector & bought housing with a larger number of houses being allocated for sale than those allocated for social housing which does not comply with the needs, or financial resources of the existing community.
Although these proposal project bringing new "life" to the area this can be reflected to inflame existing problems in relation to job opportunists & housing issues, and it would be fair to suggest that the needs of the existing community, who have in the past 20 year suffered from redundancies and closures of local industries and businesses, should be served and accommodated as a priority which would then serve as both a viable pitch towards future investment from outside the area as a location with thriving employment & economic viability to people wishing to take up residence in the area.
Under the heading 2.4 Strategic fit & contribution, the Ekos report recommendations table 2.1 sets out the assessment of key benefits & dis-benfits of options stating they are unable to determine which option makes the greater contribution towards the objective & have thus attributed both options , referring to the 2 proposed new build sites as of 2010 .
However the completely fail to give comparable assessment pertaining to the possible benefits or dis-benefits of the refurbishment & development prospects of the original Magnum sports center & out lying location of the beach-park area & surrounding Magnum site.
Before addressing the points related to what Ekos state as;
The the key policy options on which the assessment have been made I draw your attention to the page 7, Heading 2.3, option 3 The existing Magnum in which the recommendation report states.
" Good practice guidance for project appraisal requires consideration of the counter factual, or do nothing /do minimal option. This section outlines the impact benefits
& dis benefits of maintaining the current Magnum center.
The Magnum center is located on the Riverfront, outwith the town center area.
The majority of users will travel by private transport with very few making a joint trip to the town center.
This option is assumed to have limited positive impact in generating trips & spend, and will therefore
not support the partners aspirations for the towns regeneration.
The benefits of this option is that it does not require a major capital investment. in the development of a new sports center, but we understand that the existing Magnum is not fit for purpose & requires major investment. "
Thus the existing Magnum is ruled out of recommendations analysis and considerations in three short paragraphs, on what appear to be a set of assumptions & understanding that suggest no proper or thorough research or analysis of the facilities, existing architectural construction & structural assets or benefits related to refurbishment & maintaining the site from both cost effective & projected revenue generation perspective , have been examined , analyzed and considered in relation to the recommendation report.
Furthermore the language used ie ;" assumed" "we understand", suggest that facts pertaining to the possible refurbishment of the Magnum have not been checked or researched and are based on these assumptions & understanding that it could be suggested reflect that the Ekos report and recommendations are based on a a pre determined directive that supports the NSA , Irvine Bay & unnamed associates agenda aimed at promoting a strategy designed to increase footfall to the town center shopping areas predominantly occupied by established corporate chain businesses & franchises & to the detriment of smaller local business out with the town center location.
Additionally, these hear say assumptions and understandings shown no valid supporting evidence, factual or statistics to support the claims made & this could imply that these recommendations & the report are not only a reflection of unethical practice but could indicate mal or even corrupt business practice on the part of all interested parties, ie;
NAC, Irvine Bay Development & associated companies including Ekos Ltd, but I suggest you seek proper legal advice and consultation on these points as I am not 100% sure if I am correct in these allegations they are my personal opinion.
I do find it particularly interesting that the recommendation report pertaining to the issues I have bullet pointed state
1. that it does not support the partners aspirations for the towns regeneration
Irvine as a town does not exists, nor should it be, dependent wholly on footfall to the town center shopping area to generate economic revenue and employment this reflects a very limited aspiration & blinkered view of the towns vast wealth of historical , cultural & environment assets & indeed outlying business opportunities over a large and varied sector of retail outlets, hospitality & events venues & office space accommodation, that could be used to promote both revenue & job creation infinitives from small & larger business investment opportunities funded through private , public and joint initiatives.
2. In paragraph 3, option 3 the existing Magnum.
the report states in one sentence separated only by a comma & 15 words that the Magnum ,
"does not need major capital investment in the development of a new sports center....
but is
"no longer fit for purpose & requires major investment"
(i'm not sure if this reflects a contraindication in terms, irony, or just really poor report writing skills & or, inaccurate & poor representation & interpretation of the facts!?)
My research and conversations with people in the community reflect that the biggest obstacle that affected footfall to the existing Magnum was the transport issue relating to public transport & this issue supports the physiological aspects I referred to earlier.
Additionally, points related to transport are reflected in the Ekos report.
Transport related issues are fundamental to many aspects of the regen & development projects for both town center and the Riverfront/Harbor side area.
This is shown in in the Ekos report as a bullet point (4) under the key policy points of the Irvine Town regeneration plan , 2.4 Strategic Fit & Contributions which states;
connections - to improve connections between the waterfront, train station, town center and local communities;
From this point on I shall attempt to address individual points in relation to the town House, town center site as we now know this the site that has been chosen for the proposed new sports center and I shall compare points and address issues with the existing Magnum & waterfront location since the recommendations as of page 10, 3 recommendations
the existing Magnum has been discounted from this point in the report as reflected in paragraph 1 of these recommendations and it is these points that form the basis and purpose of the save the Magnum campaign.
I feel I should make it clear that from page 10 I found it a bit confusing and difficult to understand some of the points that were being made in the report,
additionally the projected figure & calculations were difficult to follow, and did not seem to reflect logical or realistic projections even under the pretext of being assumptions, additionally I admit that these types of numeric projections are not within my skills base nor indeed do I make claim that these types of calculations are one of my strong points, I can give projections with regard to job creations impact , however I do not, cannot make claim to being able to do the net or gross costing calculations, these types of numbers are not within my remit of skills.
Additionally I felt that from from page 10 there was reference to information that is not included in the report ( which I note is client confidential ) and again I get the feeling that the report is constructed around the issues I mentioned earlier in relation to favorable reflections that may reflect unethical , & or corrupt practice in relation to the various entities within the alliance of NAC, Irvine Bay Development & other unnamed associates which does reflects practice that is not necessarily strategically focused on what's best for the people & Irvine community but more focused on profit margins and financial benefits to the NAC, Irvine Bay Development & other unnamed associates involved in the business alliance.
This feeling would seem to be corroborated by what appears to show that the recommendation have gone with the most expensive option on assumptions related to quantitative benefits & issues related to potential as a catalyst for the redevelopment of the town house building & projected quantifiable benefits generated by the town house within the high street option & information given to Ekos by NSA & Irvine Bay Development.
I shall now try explain & address what I determine as the key positive points for the renovation & refurbishment of the existing Magnum
& the positive benefits of building residential accommodating as opposed to the sports center within the town house town center site, where the demolition of existing buildings has been carried out
and demonstrate;
misrepresentations made or issues ignored by the recommendations of the Ekos report.
Risk assessment in relation to health & safety & socio & environmental critical assessment.
People seldom plan a shopping trip before or after a planned visit to a sport sports center, whither it be by public or private transport as in relation to the following points.
They may be carrying sporting equipment or clothing , ie towels swimsuits, rackets, dance shows etc.
If they are using public transport they have to lug it round the shops with them, so they are unlike to make major purchase before going to the sports center because then there is the additional storage costs during their time spent at sports center, additionally storage depository space is small and does not accommodate shopping bags often offering limited space for clothing & shoes & equipment bags space.
Thre is a small risk of theft from lockers while partaking in the sport. Basically its inconvenient.
If the same sinareo regarding public transport is considered as a post sports center participation is applied it is generally found that people again don't want to carry sports requirement or clothing , possible wet swimwear or towels round the shops, additionally after vigorous exersise people seldom feel like shopping & this could be in relation to appearance, ( particularly in relation to the fair sex) Or tiredness or even that I feel chilled , de-stressed after work out don't want the stress of "busy" shops center etc.
Psychologically the shopping center experience is associated with an ambiance of busyness & lots of ppl, whither this is reflected in actual numbers of bodies or not, it is therefore not generally a activity that ppl plan around visits to sports centers.
So even allowing for the minimum footfall possibilities the numbers projected do not reflect an accurate or statistically viable representation in relation to people using public transport.
if we now consider the same sinareo using private transport we have similar and additional negative reflections.
If shopping is partaken before visiting the sports center there may be a risk to perishable goods let in car. Additionally if its non perishable shopping that has been partaken with a view to leaving it in the car there is risk of opportunist theft, its recognize that the MO of opportunist thieves is often reflect as an observation of an opportunity, ie they see someone putting the bags or parcels in the car, they watch their movements when they leave the car, where their going, ie into other shops or cinema , or whatever in this case a sports center, and seize the opportunity to have it away with the items left in car. this reflects risk of insurance claim for damage to car, loss of purchases, inconvenience and additional expense.
These point may seem trivial, however as part of any economic & social development appraisals, risk assessment and & critical analysands of social and environmental issues are, or should be fundamental to assessment & recommendations of reports made. Ekos have failed to address these issues or consider these factors in appraisal recommendations report & they are valid points of reference in the Townhouse site location, bearing in mind Irvine is a town with high deprivation and unemployment & it would be negligent to pretend that there is not an existing problem of anti social behaviors related to car theft & robberies within the town center and other areas that will in effect impact on people shopping habits in relation to visiting a sports center or shopping trips from a physiological perspective.
The exsisting Magnum has non of these problems,& offers many aditional positive aspects for users who may wish to use other harbor side venues.
ie.
The Magnum has ample parking space & there is exstensive areas to expand parking facilities.
The Magnum has ample room offering locker space which could also be extended allowing uses to deposit changes of clothing for use of external attractions, ie going jogging along beach or for cycling, aditionally with the correct programmes in place there could be facilities for theraputic sauna & massage , beauty therapies etc & with the refurbishment of the magnum theater & cinema patrons could have a whole day of events including day sports & health thearapies & then shower change & enjoy evening entertainment inside the venue or at other venues offering hospitality & entertainment on the harborside.
The biggest issue at the exsisting Magnum is the bus service and this I suggest is easily addressed and again would benefit all harborside beachpark & seaside locations.
to be continues...
letter in response to article in irvine herald today about BRIAN DONAHOE MP
19:47
To: news@irvineherard.co.uk
Interesting as it was as Mr Donahoe boasted of his years of loyal service to the community, I couldn't help but stop to ponder my own experience of communications with Mr Donahoe & a particular incident where he questioned the role of MP's with regard to "duty of care "
"You make a point about a “duty of care and responsibility” to constituents in this context, but I do not understand how that would work. Where does a “duty of care” apply in relation to Members of Parliament? Tony Blair is no longer in Government, so I do not see what protection you are seeking from his actions."
this link will take you to the full content within which the comment was made http://junei96.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/latest-corrispondance-sent-to-mp-today.htmlhttp://
At the time I found it alarming that an MP with 23 years service would question me , a constituent as to what the duty of care might be of a MP in serving the community & indeed the nation. The following link takes you to my response to Mr Donohoes comment regarding duty of care.
http://http://junei96.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/reply-to-previous-corrispondance-from.html
Which brings me to my next point & the failure of Mr Donahoe to back the Save the Magnum campaign.
As I am sure you are aware,there are a great many local people opposed to the New proposed Magnum site in the center of town which will bring numerous traffic risks to safety as well as parking issues to the town center, so interesting again that Mr Donahoe who has not supported the save the Magnum campaign talks in the asticle about his great interest in transport and infrastructure, and yet one of the biggest issues with regard to the exsisting Magnum is the transport links & poor bus service to the harbourside area, and lets not forget that improved transport services to this area would not only serve those wishing to attend the Magnum, but also other existing business & leisure & recreation sites within the harbour side area that would benefit from improved bus service at the harbourside the Harbour arts center, Maritime Museum & court yard gallaries being just three i can think of off hand, and additionally as a seaside town I suggest that an improved bus service to that location would also boost visitors to the beach park area during the summer months.
Indeed the beach park area surrounding the existing Magnum, were it to be renovated & refurbished to its former glory offers numerous opportunities for expansion & investment that would boost employment training & indeed health sports & recreational opportunities. The following link will give examples of just some of the oppertunities I see that could benefit from investment in renovating & refurbishment of the exsisting magnum & surrounding site
http://http://junei96.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/focusing-on-local-community-irvine-save.html
but the very busy Mr Donohoe apparently doesn't support the Save The Magnum campaign & would rather see an over spend of tax payers money on a project that offers neither the capacity the exsisting Magnum offers ( the new magnum 2 will see a 60% capacity reduction) or the facilites of the existing Magnum were it refurbished to its former glory, which would generate income both to the Magnum & harbour side area.
So in conclusion, yes it was very interesting to read about Mr Donahoes loyal service to the community, and no doubt his position as local MP has served him & his family well particularly when we remember his expenses claims and
Salary: £64,766
Total second home claims
2004-05: £17,552
2005-06: £21,512
2006-07: £22,110
2007-08: £23,083
http://http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/mps-expenses/5402849/MPs-expenses-Brian-Donohoe-allowed-to-claim-over-odds-so-fees-office-not-petty.html
http://mpsallowances.parliament.uk/mpslordsandoffices/hocallowances/allowances-by-mp/brian-donohoe/
as for loyal service to the community, personally I suggest it has cost the community dearly and his duty of care would appear to be to himself & his corporate masters but then what should we expect from a man who overclaims on his expenses and has to ask a constituent what the duty of care of an MP is.
your sincerly,
June MacKendrick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
