Moyra Melons Roger Me Earrings!

Moyra Melons was not pleased with her husband, Roger. She had got a small minicab firm up and running rather well. Roger was helping her, but his knowledge of radio use was poor. This had been leading to confusion. Moyra decided to call him into the office and have a few words.

As he came through the door, she asked him to lock it.

“I don’t think anyone will be coming back yet, but I would prefer to talk about this without unexpected interruption,” Moyra added.

“Oh,” replied Roger. Her husband raised an eyebrow wondering what it was all about. He sat down in the chair before her desk and radio equipment.

He cleared his throat and then looked at his wife, Moyra. “What’s this all about then?”

Moyra stared straight back at him and asked. “Why can’t you roger me?”

Roger coughed and was taken by surprise. He quickly looked out of the window and noted the emptiness of the streets. He came over in a hot flush and replied. “Well I do,” he replied. “But surely you don’t mean here?

Moyra looked astonished and then got cross. “I mean it here at all times. All the other blokes do. Why can’t you? Am I wearing the wrong earrings? Tell me? Give me a clue?" She added sarcastically. 

“What!” retorted Roger? He was quite flabbergasted.

Moyra continued. “When you use the blooming radio and you have finished what you are saying, you say ‘roger.’ It means over to me. Have you not heard me saying, “Is that a rog, Roger?”

“Oh,” replied Roger feeling a little relieved with this new knowledge. He had definitely got crossed wires for a moment. “I can assure you it is nothing to do with your wonderful earrings.”

Moyra went on. “I don’t want to keep saying the same old thing.”

“The same old thing?” muttered Roger who was only just beginning to recover from his initial shock.

“Yes,” replied Moyra as she burst into a little chant.

“No more:

Is that a rog - Roger?

Do the rog – Roger,

Do the rog.”

He looked confused and raised an eyebrow again. “Oh well, yes. What have you been saying then?” He grinned. “Can you run that one passed me again please?”

Moyra repeated:

“Is that a rog – Roger?

Do the rog – Roger

Do the rog.”

A great weight seemed to fall from Roger. “Oh well, I’m sure I can remember to roger you, Moyra. I was a little confused at first. But I get the picture now.”

“How could you get confused about making sure you roger me?” asked Moyra. “You are no good if you can’t roger me.”

Her husband stood up and dropped the office blinds. The door was locked and he decided he might need a little more privacy to show Moyra the substance of his confusion. About making sure he would roger her. There was an interlude in which the reader must adhere to the married couple’s privacy, but I would imagine one might get the idea. Moyra certainly did.

Afterwards, the lady and her sparkling earrings understood. Moyra had a windswept look and she suspected her husband might be back the next day for a further telling off. I think under the same circumstances, I might pretend to be a slow learner. On the radio front and saying 'Roger' all the time, that is. How about you?

Lady Pirates of Calico Jack's ship.

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Moyra Melons' Ear Rings in Tantalising Glory

As one might well imagine; a lady like Moyra is always going to get noticed if she shows off such dynamic ear rings. Don't they look splendid? Everything else dulls by comparison, when a poor chap's eyes fall upon such glorious ear decoration.

Just picture yourself walking into the living room with Moyra Melons reclined on the sofa, sporting such fine ear rings. I'm sure, like me, your breath might be taken away as you gasp in surprise. "Good Lord! What delightful ear rings." 

I might try to contain myself - keep a firm grip of my seasoned British resolve and resort, cunningly, to good old British understatement. I would pretend not to notice. The front room door would be shut from prying eyes and I would find a way to indulge myself with a more detailed inspection. What would you do if confronted by such fine ear rings?

Moyra Melons Ear Rings Take no Prisoners

The fortunate husband of Moyra Melons walked into the living room, sipping a nice cup of tea when something hot made his eyes bulge. It was not the warm tea.

His wife smiled at him and said. "I want to make sure this pair take no prisoners at your annual works convention darling."

Of course, Moyra Melons was concerned that her new ear rings might not attract admiring glances and as we all know; Moyra loves it when people notice her ear rings. The more outstanding, the better. 

"Ump," choked her husband. "They certainly are captivating, my sweet. I don't think anyone could miss how captivating such things are."

"Oh," her eyes lit up delightedly. "You say such wonderful things darling."

Her husband smiled boyishly. "Well you show such fabulous things too Moyra."

"They're only ear rings darling," she replied with her usual smile.

"Oh, I think there is something more substantial then 'just ear rings,'" he replied with his eye brows doing a Mexican stadium wave and little gremlins in his head going "Areeba areeba - ye ha!"

"Oh! what else might that be?" asked Moyra Melons inquisitively.

"Well I could show you if you like," he whispered hoarsely, while closing the living room door. 

As one might well imagine; Moyra Melons swiftly found out about more substantial things that might captivate an excessive amount of people at the annual works convention.

Could There Be Life On Other Planet "Full Documentry"

Great documentary that stirs the imagination and tells of exciting projects of the future. One that wants to find planets in the 'Goldilocks Zone' of a star system. Not too hot - not too cold. Just right for carbon based life forms.

Why Pussy Riot Russian Girls Went Too Far.

There is nothing wrong with criticising their President if they want to express this and there was nothing wrong with their stage act. However, the Cathedral was not their venue. They did not have permission to do such a thing in this place and they are showing disrespect for the religious people who use the place.

I'm not religious, but if I wanted to protest or speak out against someone; why would I choose someone elses home or property to make such a statement. Why break into a church, mosque or synagogue to have a whinge at a political leader. They played into the hands of the person they had a pop at. They are so stupid to do things in this way. What would you, the reader, do if they set up shop in your garden? 

There is nothing wrong with protesting and voicing an opinion, but if you want to disrespect everyone else, while making a point, and ride rough shod over their property to do this, then I believe you are very wrong indeed. The prison sentence is correct in my opinion, though it has given these silly ladies much fame. Perhaps their protest deserves to be heard, but the people who worship and take their belief to this Russian Cathedral deserve to be heard too. They should enjoy the liberty of their belief without fools violating it. Go somewhere else and protest - the venue the Pussy Riot Girls chose was extremely inappropriate.

Look At Tottenham Hotspur Clip Through the Years

The Football Premier League has started on 18th August 2012 and my glorious England as returned to normality. The Scottish Leagues is going too and the others all around the Isles as everyone settles to the normal ways.

A random Premier side is on display showing some through the bygone years of excitement. All through the closed season we stare at the sports pages looking for snippets of football news. All that is over now and the regular football fixes will be coming from all directions. 

 

How Ancient Phoenicians Traded with Primitive Britain Using Bireme Boats to Travel the Seas and Collect Tin

Main areas of Phoenicians

The Phoenicians were a Mediterranean race of seafarers that travelled many seas in search of trade. They were among the first of the great cargo transporters developing complex international trade among the great and emerging civilisations of ancient times. The lands that these people came to occupy during their greatest era was Lebanon (mainly) but also parts of what is today, Israel, Palestine and Syria. The prominent times of the Phoenician sea traders were between 1200 BC and 800BC. After this time, the Phoenicians began to be swallowed up or ruled by other Mediterranean powers, though their seamanship skills were still hailed and used.

In their heydey; the Phoenicians sent out explorers to settle the various area and even went beyond the Mediterranean sea in search of trade. They were known to go along the west coast of Africa, Spain and France. It is also believed that some settled in Ireland too. There is also a strong belief that the Phoenicians began to trade with Britain for tin, which was abundant in Cornwall. Some historians believe that the tin was traded for in the north west of France as a secondary seller, acting for south west Ancient Britain - a sort of middle man. However, if a seafaring race like the Phoenicians know that tin can be got across a channel of water, it is very likely that seafarers would go directly to the source once known. I, therefore, believe that the Phoenicians and probably Israelites travelling with them might have come to Britain and traded for tin.

Phoenician Bireme used to travel across great seas

There are, of course, no written records in existence of Phoenicians visiting Britain because when Carthage fell, to the Roman Empire many of the historical writing of Phoenician explorers was lost in the destruction of the great city, long after the time of the great Phoenician trade routes and explorations.

Imagine what the Phoenicians might have thought of the Celtic Neolithic stones of Gaul, Ireland and Britain - especially Stonehenge, for I believe these Mediterranean traders would have seen such places. But then coming from lands of Pyramids and other great building feats of monumental achievement; perhaps the stones would not have been too amazing to such well travelled people.

I try to visualise the scenes of Ancient Britain through the eyes of a Phoenician sailor or Jewish trader looking for things of interest to buy and sell. The lands of North West Europe would have seemed very lush green and densely forested - a raw untamed view of mystical Celtic Britain via the eyes of a first time visitor.

   

The Most Beautiful Music In The World

This is very beautiful music that reminds me of Chinese garden scenes of imperil and historic times played on a bamboo flute with classical instruments in background. The sound is very dreamy and wonderful.

 

Why Mary Rose Ship of War Sank - Henry VIII & England's Tragic Pride



The Mary Rose



England was a land of virtual irrelevance during the 15^th century and was no more than a fringe island on the edge of Europe – a small nation that had spent years fighting a civil war of the Roses between House York and House Lancaster. This finally ended with the death of Richard III in battle and the accession of Henry VII of the Tudor dynasty. During this turbulent time, England had neglected her navy and had only constructed six ships for the crown in a period of eighty-seven years. The new king, Henry VII maintained a precarious peace with the dominant powers of Europe and managed to keep the island nation free from trouble allowing England a small time to establish breathing space and rebuild. At least, begin to rebuild.

Midship Section of Mary Rose

When Henry VII died his second son – became King Henry VIII. His first son, Arthur had died before ascending to kingship. Arthur had briefly married the Spanish princess, Catherine of Aragon. In this day and age, Spain was the super power of the world and France challenging for dominance too. Because Henry VIII wanted to join a powerful Spanish alliance against France, he decided to marry his late brother’s wife Catherine of Aragon – he was six years her junior. By doing this, Henry the VIII had made a powerful enemy of France but had many strong allies including the Holy Roman emperor Maximillian alongside the superpower of Spain. Little England was trying to punch above her weight, but for those who dare; sometimes things work out. This did in the long run but in twisted ways that none designed or could have predicted at the time.   

Henry VIII had received the start of a navy from his father Henry VII, but early into his new alliance with Spain and the Holy Roman Empire, his small country decided to start by showing ambitions to the navy. England had two large warships to boast of and they were the Regent and the Sovereign. Henry VIII decided to add two more substantial battleships of the day. One was called the Peter while the other would be the Mary Rose. After this, more ships were started and the beginnings of a Royal Navy ensued.

Inside Part of Mary Rose

The grand warship ‘Mary Rose’ was launched in the summer of 1511. She went to London and received adulation in a grand ceremony as she was towed up the River Thames. The glorious array of flags and streamers must have been a colourful sight to behold as citizens of London flocked to see the modern battleship. For the times, this ship was a real state of the art building and engineering, lovingly crafted from fine English oak and craftsmen who were very proud of the profession and able to work for the grand king and country.

Some people believe the name ‘Mary Rose’ came from Henry VIII sister, Mary Tudor and the Rose of the Tudors. However, eminent historians say that it was the fashion throughout Europe to name ships from everyday common Christian names. England was trying to play alongside the big boys of Europe now and tried to emulate them in all ways.

For twenty-five years the ship patrolled and did her national duties taking part in actions against the national enemies of France and Scotland. She had castle style protection at the stern and bow with a lower mid-ship section. She would have looked resplendent in this day and was brought back into dock for a major rebuilding and enhancement programme in 1536. She was to be upgraded from a 500-ton vessel to 700 tonnes. After this, the Mary Rose continued in her duties against the main enemies until a fateful day in 1545 when the grand ship of war took a lead to attack a French invasion fleet.

Before this battle, the grand ship had performed admirably during the first and second French Wars – this was the third French war when Mary Rose was to meet her fate.

The Mary Rose lay on the Solent bed for many years.

As the Mary Rose went into action, a Flemish eye witness had his version of events written down. He saw the Mary Rose fire all one side of her guns as the battle began – a salvo. Then as the grand ship manoeuvred to present her opposite side of guns, she was caught by a strong breeze which caused the vessel to extravagantly heel to her starboard side, where many of the lower deck gun ports were still open. These were water tight when shut, but during the confusion of the battle they remained open and were, of course, in use. The sudden intake of water caused the ship to heel further over to her broadside as the weight of the water intake caught the mighty ship off balance. All people on board would have been flung about. Heavy guns and other bulk items would have broken from their fastenings and slide starboard too, causing more weight on this starboard side. Men would have been crushed and killed during the horrendous twist of fate. Those that escaped being crushed would have been struggling in a blind panic as their world, inside the ship, turned upside down. It was all over, very quickly, as the Mary Rose capsized and sank in the Solent off of the Isle of Weight and from a crew of four hundred and more; only thirty-five men survived the capsizing of the Mary Rose. The vice Admiral George Carew went down with his ship and crew as well.

Salvaged part of hull in Portsmouth museum

This terrible event rocked the entire nation and the great battleship lay on the seabed for hundreds of years until she was raised by scientists in 1982 after being re-discovered in 1971. Many of her artefacts and much of her hull are on display at the Portsmouth naval museum today.

Scientists working on Hull Preservation

Queen Boudicca vs Queen Cartimandua (Ancient British Queens of Roman Times)

Queen Cartimandua of Brigante

Why is Queen Boudicca given this glorious celebrity due to her rebellion against the Roman Empire that lasted little more than a few months? She was disastrous for Britain and probably caused the deaths of thousands due to her killing spree and Roman retribution afterwards.

QueenCartimandua of the Brigante ruled from around 43 AD to 69 AD and was usurped by her divorced husband Venutius during the ‘Year of Four Emperors’ when Rome was in civil turmoil over which person would become emperor. The fact that this little-known Ancient British queen ruled for more than 25 years against Boudicca’s single year - if that; always baffles me. Surely Cartimandua was shrewd and successful during her time of rule for she was able to play off the wolf against the weasel for many years while she sat in the middle and kept Rome at bay for a quarter of a century.

Add captionQueen Boudicca of Iceni

Both ancient British queens had husbands; Boudicca’s collaborated with Rome, but when he died; the Iceni queen entered into conflict with the empire. Cartimandua, on the other hand, had a husband who wanted to rebel against Rome and she betrayed him and exiled the man in favour of Rome.

Boudicca echoes in eternity because of Roman historians who wrote of her murderous rampage, yet Cartimandua barely merits mention because she was the friend of Rome and played the empire off against her exiled husband Venutius who never gave up trying to claim the Brigante for himself. Cartimandua is often written off as a traitor, yet it could be argued that she protected her people from slavery and held Rome at arm’s length like this.

QueenCartimandua of Brigantes must have been shrewd to be able to rule and keep Rome at bay for 25+ years, but none of this seems to be acknowledged because Roman historians only wrote of valiant foes and not friends. For Romans; Cartimandua was not interesting enough, which is a great shame because this durable ruler must have had some tales to tell over a twenty-five year period of troubled rule. What was she thinking when Boudicca ruled the Iceni and it looked as though she would beat the Roman Empire and drive them from Britain?

Cartimandua’s exiled husband probably had sanctuary in Caledonia among the Picts to the north. The Brigante queen must have been in a desperate situation knowing if Boudicca defeated Suetonius and his last Roman soldiers to the south; she (Cartimandua) would have enemies on two fronts and none from Rome to help her. She must have prevailed through many desperate times. Was she an anti-hero?  Was the Brigante Queen Cartimandua evil or good? What perspective do we put her in?

There must have been many in the Brigante who had their liberty kept safe during her fraternisation with Rome, while many of Boudicca’s Iceni would have lost theirs because of the violent rebellion they were encouraged upon.

I’m not trying to condemn the Iceni for rebelling, because they may have had no choice and I’m not denying Queen Boudicca her monument for trying, but there was a cost that is overshadowed by the myth of Boudicca. Perhaps Cartimandua paid the cost of protecting her people by being derided as a traitor?

When Cartimandua was driven into exile by her returning divorced husband; the Romans persuaded her to go into peaceful exile in mainland Europe. Later, Venutius lost his great Brigante hill forts as the Romans spent the next forty years viciously putting the Brigantes down. Venutius as the King of the Brigante led his people upon the same path of doom as the Iceni. Eventually, they paid the same price, but not under Cartimandua who seemed to be able to keep Rome at arm’s length for so long.

Venutius was overrun by Rome in 71 AD. No one knows what happened to him, yet the Brigante people were in line for Roman retribution to come. They must have wished Cartimandua never left.

The Woodlands in Night (Gothic Music - The Eternal Forest)

Has anyone ever walked through woodland at night? Your mind starts to play tricks on you in strange and wonderful ways. It can be eerie and spiritual too. Your mind can drift a little and you think you've been to the place before in another time and place.

Andy Murray gets to Wimbledon Final

Andy Murray gets there

The entire country will be at a standstill today as the UK watches Super Scot - Andy Murray. Many might not be able to watch as Andy Murray tries to become the first Brit since 1936 to win the prestigious title. He must play the formidable Swiss tennis star; Roger Federer.

I'm not the most avid of tennis fans, but even I can appreciate the tremendous hard work that Andy Murray has constantly been putting in over the years to his achieve his goal of becoming the first Brit to win Wimbledon since Fred Perry way back in 1936.

I will not watch the great Scot because I always bring bad luck when I witness these tournaments. Just a superstition, but I do want him to win and if not watching helps; I'm going to do it...  :)  

Tour de France -stage seven win for Brits Sky Team.

Chris Froome wins 'King of the Mountains' red dotted shirt

I sat spell bound by the fitness and energy of all the participants in the Tour de France bike race in this stage seven - Tomblaine to La Planches des Belles Filles. It was up a huge mountain pass - a gruelling uphill slog all the way by super fit bike riding athletes - each individual was super fit. I felt exhausted just watching it. There is a Team Sky - a Brit professional road racing bicycle team. As this race went on I was gripped, hoping Bradley Wiggins would steal enough points to go into an over all lead in the competition.

Then in the final sprint GB rider Chris Froome stole the show with a finishing burst that earned him the red polka jersey for 'King of the Moutains' point accumulation. Bradley Wiggins came third gaining enough point to wear the yellow over leading jersey. 

Bradley Wiggins wins overall lead up to stage seven of Tour de France and wears the yellow jersey during the next stage of the race.

King Xerxes I of Persia - His Dreadful Murder and Intrigue

King Xerxes, I was a famous Persian King who is known in the western world for his invasion of Greece. His huge army had a battle with 300 soldiers commanded by King Leonidas of Sparta. Because of this, King Xerxes has a demonised image among Europeans. This is because we view Greece as the mother of European civilisation and democracy. This is, of course, unfair on the Persian king and perhaps, the entire civilisation of Persia’s Achaemenid Dynasty.

This ancient Persian Dynasty is stooped in a rich history of which, the Greek invasion was a mere sideshow. That’s not taking away anything from the brave 300 of Sparta who all Europeans love and cherish.

King Xerxes, I of Persia lived from 519 BC until his death in 465 BC at the age of 54. His death and passing from this world is an affair of dreadful intrigue and murder. He was betrayed by a man called Artabanus and this man would try to rule in Xerxes' stead. Artabanus attempted to set himself up as regent after the death of the Persian King. He would almost destroy the declining Achaemenid Dynasty in the following months after Xerxes.

Before King Xerxes I was murdered, he is said to have had his brother and his entire family killed on the wishes of his wife and queen. One of his queens was named Esther, but the story of this queen was probably earlier in his reign. This Killing of his brother would obviously cause great tension in the royal household and make many jittery. His Queen Esther is celebrated as a heroine by Hebrews because she is remembered with affection for saving them from massacre and getting a high profile minister executed who was planning to have Jews killed in King Xerxes' name. This is a famous story, but such events and dealings within the Achaemenid household would cause tensions among other members. People who were, perhaps, less fond of this beautiful Jewish queen. The obscure lady who had risen to great power from the king's harem. When King Xerxes I was assassinated, there is no record of what became of Queen Esther. She may have died before hand or gone back to Israel or been slain too. The latter is unlikely, but if Xerxes is this powerful king with a harem of many women, perhaps Queen Esther had played her part in history and moved aside, drifting out of prominence yet leaving a wake of dissatisfaction for the king - whether she died, lived or left to fade from history. 

King Xerxes’ murderer, Commander of Royal Bodyguard – Artabanus, had come to the prominent position of the Royal Persian court. The Commander of the Bodyguard had gained strong religious support from Zoroastrian priests. He also acquired friends among the eunuchs – a powerful body of slaves that knew of harem intrigue and chatter. Artabanus also had seven sons who were put into prominent positions of the Royal Persian court. Artabanus was extremely calculating and very audacious in some form of planning and wanted to gain control of the Persian Empire and rule it directly. He had eyes and ears all about the court and access to much information. His ambition was outraged for good reasons. Despite not being related to the Achaemenid Dynasty; he might have had some distant blood line along the fringe that he thought to fashion into some legalised way of ruling. This would be once he had eliminated prominent Achaemenid persons of power. Perhaps he had heard of other relations resentful of their less prominent positions within the Royal Achaemenid family. Perhaps many were nervous of this queen who had seen murder done to the king's brother and family. There must have been a lot of tension and many might have thought Xerxes was losing his grip on his dynasty. 

King Xerxes, had an elder son who would succeed him called Prince Darius. Xerxes had many sons and daughters but Prince Darius was to be the successor. Another son, lower in line, was called Artaxerxes and it is possible that Commander of Royal Bodyguard Artabanus formulated a plan to eliminate King Xerxes and his eldest son Darius and somehow find a way to work through the younger Prince Artaxerxes.

Commander Artabanus got the close help of a powerful eunuch named Aspamitres and had King Xerxes I killed. It was then blamed upon Prince Darius as a parricide and he was quickly put to death. The vacuum of the Persian throne left Commander Artabanus as a regent dictator for a few months. History is not sure if Artabanus then tried to groom Prince Artaxerxes to his way. This would allow Artabanus to rule through the young royal or perhaps he might have tried to manipulate the young prince in some other way before taking total control over the Achaemenid Dynasty.

On the other hand, it is possible that the younger Persian Prince played along with the Commander of Bodyguard Artabanus, allowing him to eliminate all above. This would place an outside contender in direct line. It is not written so, but it could be. History is vague on this point. Whatever drove Commander Artabanus upon his ambitious crusade for power; it all went wrong when Prince Artaxerxes killed him. Some say, by personally stabbing the Commander of the Royal Bodyguard with his own sword. All of Commander Artabanus’ sons were quickly dispatched and put to death too. Then the eunuchs and priests, loyal to Artabanus, were killed. All who had supported the man were eliminated. None who tried to move and do things beyond their station in the Persian society could live.

After the death of the famous King Xerxes I of Persia and the brief interlude of a few months;  King Artaxerxes I reign from 465 BC to 424 BC began.

King Artaxerxes is seen as avenging the murder of his father King Xerxes I and elder brother Prince Darius. However, it is possible that the blame might have been put upon Commander Artabanus. It is difficult to imagine what Artabanus long term gain might be if he was not of Royal line. The society he lived in understood only things of nobility and bloodline. Was Prince Artaxerxes more involved in the plot? Or was he an unwitting pawn in over ambitious Commander Artabanus' plan?

Tony Robinson Reflects British Taxpayer's Anger About the UK Banks

In the UK, there is a new scandal that has blown up concerning British banks. This threatens to rock the core of the British banking establishment and may cause criminal investigations into unlawful interest rate fixing. The consequences of this will anger the British public who have seen tax payers foot the bill for these failing banks. Above Tony Robinson reflects the angry mood of the British nation in Question Time.

WWII Heavy Bomber Avro Lancaster in Colour R.A.F.

 

Colour footage of the Avro Lancaster bomber of WWII. I put this on the blog because the other day, when I was in my garden, I heard the extreme noise of propeller aircraft engines. There was an air display going on at Southend-on-Sea where I live. Suddenly, just above my roof, this WWII Lancaster bomber flew over. It was so low; I almost jumped out of my skin. I got a clear view of this classic plane as it flew directly above my garden and climbed into the clear blue sky. There is a two day air display every year in Southend-on-Sea and we often see old antiquated planes. I've seen Spitfires, Hurricanes, American Mustangs and German Me 109 from the more antiquated times. I've even seen a Fairy Swordfish or 'String bag' as sometimes called.  

 

Italy Mugs Germany - Euro 2012

Germany shell shocked by semi-final defeat

The fabulous German steamroller machine has been stopped in its tracks by the calm and almost modest Italian team. A say 'calm and modest' because that is how they seemed to walk out onto the pitch against this colossal looking German team of Euro 2012 tournament. I should have known that the Italians never do scared against Germany. They are the one nation that has always managed to throw a spanner in the works against German sides. To be fair, Italy deserved the win because they played wonderfully. Two fabulous goals in the first half from Mario Balotelli virtually killed Germany off. They looked shell shocked throughout the rest of the game and could not get anything against the strong defence of Italy.

Mario Balotelli puts Italy up 1-0

In the second half Germany came out and tried to attack but the Italian defence held firm and almost caught the Germans for a bigger goal deficit on several occasions in the second half. Germany got a consolation penalty in the dying seconds of the second half injury time to make it 2-1. That score flattered Germany in this particular game. I do not mean this disrespectfully against Germany because they are truly a great side. It was just this one game that went terribly wrong for them. As a neutral I was spell bound by the audacious Italians and could not help but admire the skill of this team - they were dynamic against an extremely prestigious German side.

England of Euro 2012 will dust themselves down for the next tournament.

England lost to Italy in the Euro 2012 quarter finals. It was 0-0 after extra time but the penalty shoot out saw England exit the competition. I think we should take some positives from this England squad that Roy Hodgson is building because our defence is coming along and soon the midfield will develop too. I'm not criticising our midfield, especially the likes of veteran Steve Gerrard, but there are a lot of new developing players and they will grow in ability and confidence alongside players like Gerrard who might have only one more international competition left in them.

I hope England fans will also look at the positive things in this new emerging England squad. I think they went as far as they could, in Euro 2012, but in the future we could go that little further with Roy Hogson's careful construction. England will dust themselves down for the next tournament.

Fly the EU Flag if You Are Happy to Accept EU Funding Mr Pickles.

This storm in a teacup is silly on my country's part

Surely one should fly the flag of an organisation that funds projects in this region. It is just common courtesy to show where such money comes from. Well that is what I think anyway. I say this because of an article I read which is below. I can't believe we are getting so blooming silly over flying the EU flag. We are part of the EU and, on this occasion, are receiving funds. Why cause a row over this? What purpose does it serve to get so bloody minded on such an issue? Fly the EU Flag Mr Pickles - you are accepting their funds. 

British people are surely better then this? There are far more important things to resolve then causing a stupid row over flying an EU flag which we are part of. The EU are funding your management projects Mr Pickles!

Once we English got paranoid with a Scottish King that came south and told us he was going to form a union and a new flag. We objected against that union and its flag too. We don't today - most of us do not know of its history but love the flag anyway.


When I look at the EU, I see a lot of well meaning people who want to build a better Europe for all people of all European nations. They get things wrong sometimes, but must continue to try. Pointing out wrongs is correct, but portraying the EU as a bad undemocratic body is very wrong and it seems that we, in the UK, always want to portray the EU in a bad way. Why? It is beyond me. If there is one issue I can't help getting vexed about; it is this desire to always pick an argument with the EU over the most trivial of things. We Brits seem to do anything to covert anti-EU feeling.

We are better off in the EU as a bigger and stronger body of 500 million plus Europeans on the world stage. This does not stop Brits being Brits or French people losing their identity. Germans are still Germans and Italians remain too. We are all in the EU and should be learning how to come together in crisis. The UK is sadly lacking here and I wished it was not so.   

 

 

 

A row over the Government being forced to fly the European Union flag took a farcical turn last night after Brussels offered to pay for a new flagpole if it complied with the demand.

The Mail on Sunday revealed earlier this year that Local Government Secretary Eric Pickles was furious after being told that he faced being fined under new European Commission rules if he did not fly the EU flag continuously outside his office.

 

His headquarters currently has two flagpoles: one permanently bears the Union Flag while the other has been used mainly to display British regional emblems.

 

The Cabinet Minister said the demand showed a ‘deep sense of political insecurity’ and called on the European Union to ‘grow up’.

Mr Pickles is currently obliged to fly the flag – a circle of 12 golden stars on an azure background – for a week each year, starting from Europe Day on May 9.

 

But under the proposed change, drafted by the European Commission and due to take effect within the next two years, the flag would have to fly permanently outside any organisation which managed development funding from Brussels.

Mr Pickles wrote to the European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Austrian Johannes Hahn, to protest about the demand to use it to fly the EU flag.

In his reply Mr Hahn replied: ‘I thought flying the [EU] flag all the year round would be a great pleasure for you.

‘In that respect, I would finance a third flagpole’.

Last night Tory MP Chris Heaton Harris said: ‘With the euro in meltdown, I would suggest that the EU had more to worry about than what flag flies over Eric Pickles’s department.’

European Commissioner for Regional Policy, Austrian Johannes Hahn has offered to buy Mr Pickles a flagpole so he can fly the EU flag permanently.