Author Archives: odeboyz

Theresa May: Full of unimpressive overconfidence?

Theresa May’s endless talk of “strong and stable” leadership… poses the question: is she really strong or is this yet another example of overconfidence? Dogmatism and inflexibility are not the same as strength. Often, people boast of qualities they are … Continue reading →

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Morning Registration at William Tyndale School in the 1950s

At my junior school in Upper Street, Islington, London as soon as the whistle was blown in the morning we all lined up in our classes and marched two by two into school from the playground. It was very regimented. The … Continue reading →

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‘100,000 Roofs’: Germany’s Green Energy Policy

“Germany’s….’100,000 roofs’ programme to encourage residential and industrial investment in the technology… kicked the solar PV industry into high gear, and Germany grew its solar PV capacity from just 62 MWs in 2000 to over 24,000 MWs by 2011. This … Continue reading →

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Another time and in another place

Growing up muscles became stronger Imagination, lent alternative scenarios To turn into, adventures of learning The mind did not develop as fast as strength. Encouraged to try Drawing, painting, model building, Even sculpture with clay Led to sometimes clumsy attempts … Continue reading →

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Theresa May: Confident in her bunker

Chri

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George Osborne, child benefit and the Conservative hard-right 2010-7

Hard-right chancellor of the exchequer George Osborne (2010-6) used the 2008 financial crash to reduce some British welfare payments. His ideological austerity programme was combined with political pragmatism. Child Benefit, which is paid to mothers as a tax free sum, … Continue reading →

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Solitary Confinement: US style

Bruce Ward , imprisoned in Arkansas since 1990, has been in solitary confinement through-out that period i.e. 27 years. “He spends all day and night in a cell measuring 12 ft by 7.5 ft (3.6 metres by 2.3 metres) with … Continue reading →

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A Rip Roaring Party In Alaska

Mike has been in police work for 25 years. Finally sick of the streets, he quits his job and buys 50 acres of land in Alaska. He sees the postman once a week and gets groceries once a month. Otherwise … Continue reading →

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Theresa May: a vindictive enemy

Having received inspiration she sacked Osborne Within twenty minutes of her arrival in Number Ten, May had summoned Osborne to sack him. Accounts of this meeting differ. Osborne’s people say it was cordial. But May’s people, who include Fiona Hill, (her chief of staff) let … Continue reading →

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The Cafe.

Just round the corner In Hill Street, Hackney Was Frank’s and Ada’s A typical working mans café. All of us were not called By our names – but by our trades Brickey, Chipey, Spread and Plum We all piled in, … Continue reading →

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