You're right, MC. Politicians who resign on principle are rare indeed. But it would be stretching credulity way way way beyond breaking point to suggest that's what happened here.
So I didn't.
Comment is about IDS (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
Hello MC. Like many I have a distaste for Dr Beeching. But I recognise it has its roots in nostalgia.
I have just bought a copy of his report so I'll be wiser shortly but I recollect reading somewhere that 90% of traffic travelled on 10% of the track. Financial measures were similarly skewed.
As travellers we aspired to cars and Beeching can scarcely be criticised for not predicting the case for rail travel in the 21st century (road congestion, carbon footprint).
In any event the full scale of rail cutbacks owed far more to the incoming Labour government than to Beeching's recommendations.
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
A theme which deserves attention - with some fine lines.
I love the image of Cromer pier waiting on tiptoes in its
time-faded existence...struggling to continue in
competition with holiday attractions of a foreign sort.
Comment is about ON CROMER PIER (blog)
Original item by ray pool
JC - like you, I've got (somewhere!) share certificates for
a steam railway - in my case, it was "The Watercress Line"
in Hampshire, bought when the company put out ads.
of its prospectus inviting public investment. It is now one
of the more successful preserved railways and I wonder
sometimes if I will ever get any benefit from my shares
other than the satisfaction of knowing that dreams don't
always die. I imagine Dr. Beeching as being somewhere
tormented by the sound of continual wailing of dying
steam trains sent for destruction.
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Politicians who resign from office on a matter or principle are as rare as hens' teeth. IDS's father - a
WW2 fighter pilot, would surely have approved of taking such a stand.
I've never thought that "austerity" measures which cut
back on essential services here in the UK are in any way
compatible with paying billions of pounds per annum to
a Brussels based bottomless pit which resists accounting
of its finances, even to forcing those who try from their
employment.
Comment is about IDS (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
Enlightened rulers should make an effort to understand
the motives and the words of the writers in their midst
and harvest their talents to the benefit of being
acknowledged accordingly in a shrinking world with fewer
hiding places for despots.
Comment is about Surprise release of pardoned Qatari poet after four years in jail (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Blimey, the things that happen while I`m on a few days holiday!
I think what made I.D.S. move (and will gain him support) is the sight of those wheel-chair protesters already out there in the streets...And this at a time when pension tax benefit for the well off is (however temporarily) off the table for Brexit reasons...(no wonder certain Tory m.p`s are already feeling the cold draught of the next election...
there couldn`t be a clearer case of unfairness.
Given the electoral consequences of possibly dumping the pensioner`s t.v. and bus passes. ( plus the Tory dislike of
flat rate pension tax relief) It looks like austerity ambitions
of the chancellor are not going to be in place in time for the next election.
Even Corby`s guy is sounding more reasonable.
Comment is about IDS (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
I like a large banana with mine!
Comment is about Paul Blackburn (poet profile)
Original item by Paul Blackburn
Thanks, Stu. The charity shops were certainly piggy-backing the Flying Scotsman. Their shop windows were crammed with railway books, DVDs, models, mugs, caps etc. I myself invested in a copy of the Beeching Report (£1.50).
Thirty years ago Me and Our Gert bought £100-worth of shares each, for which we get to ride the train for free. All very well and good but I am disappointed that the staff don't touch their fore locks at us and greet us with a cheery "Master Coopey!"
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Agreed, Stu. When I first heard he'd resigned, I assumed it was because the Treasury was retreating on the disability cuts. Turns out IDS has some sort of conscience after all, or claims he has. Things certainly don't go better with coke. Nice poetic/political analysis in a few lines, Steve.
Comment is about IDS (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
pickering has the finest second hand bookshop in the world. its run by a loon but still.
i spent many a day at that railway station and on the track (on a train not standing there)
this is a beautiful ode and i love the numeric rhymes.
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
it begs the question, how bad do policies have to get regarding the disabled for the person who essentially destroyed half of remploy (one of the best things this country does for the disabled) to stand up and say 'thats not right'.
Comment is about IDS (blog)
Original item by steve pottinger
Sat 19th Mar 2016 10:29
short sentences for sexual offenders just isn't right! Thank you.Jemima.
Comment is about It Trickles Down Your Leg (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
instant custard, you can't beat it
Comment is about It Trickles Down Your Leg (blog)
Original item by Nigel Astell
Thanks, Ray. I'm really glad you enjoyed 13th floor. It's a true story, and one I really wanted to tell.
Comment is about steve pottinger (poet profile)
Original item by steve pottinger
For full protection
to your body
apply sun lotion.
Last weekend to see Where is The Heart of Stockport?
at Stockport Art Gallery today 10am to 5pm
tomorrow 11am to 5pm.
Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)
Original item by Stockport WoL
I found your initial comment - saying that you had no words - very powerful and moving, Laura. That you were then able to find the words with your poem is admirable and remarkable. Thank you.
Comment is about Syrian poet opposed to president is killed by Islamic State extremists (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
My mum our mum truly touching evokes memories of a truly tragic time in our lives we loved her and unassuming ways well written jon heart breaks every day thinking her release from this world ... hope she is happier in the next one from your sis Christine ( : xxxx
Comment is about Her star (blog)
Original item by Jon Darby
Just read your sample - 13th floor. Not that you need praise, but I thought this was etched nay incised in words so vivid and direct that it was like a body blow. Certainly a wonderful read for me. Ray
Comment is about steve pottinger (poet profile)
Original item by steve pottinger
Thanks, Steve. We saw it in Pickering on Wednesday. The crowds wouldn't have been any bigger if it had been Elvis.
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
After the news about Mohammad Bashir al-Aani, the relevance of this event is – sadly – greater than ever.
Comment is about Literature festival aims to connect with writers at risk across the world (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Beautifully put together, this poem. A bit like the loco.
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
If you could bottle the scent of smoke and steam and oil and sell it as perfume, MC, you'd make a fortune.
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
For Mohammad
in a hot place a hot scribe writes fire
fears no evil
sits with a lit cigarette
bears an innocuous pen and makes marks;
page imprints in oppositional ink
not a bullet, gun, or bomb
not a sniper, missile,
or suicidal child
not dictating
only writing
in a hot place a hot scribe sets fire to ideas
fears no evil
leaves a phoenix to rise from rebellious ashes
the colour of courage
and faith
Comment is about Syrian poet opposed to president is killed by Islamic State extremists (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (6895)
Fri 18th Mar 2016 16:35
jeez! we aint gotta put up with you again have we?
'working class kid'
blah
blah
blah
'middle class accent?
bollox!
get back to the Boars Head in Middleton
where yer belong
(doing a fucking brill job)
well it sounds brill when we're pissed (alcoholically)
P&S
Comment is about A voice said (blog)
Original item by Paul Blackburn
<Deleted User> (5011)
Fri 18th Mar 2016 15:55
I should add, hastily, that I was the sole purchaser only because Cathy had brought just two books along for her reading and none to sell; not because of any lack of interest in purchase by other audience members. Buy these books if you get chance. They are truly superb.
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
<Deleted User> (5011)
Fri 18th Mar 2016 15:51
Otherwise typically excellent this, it is a poor review that neglects one of its major contributors, first-up guest poet Greg Freeman, with his assured delivery and wonderfully evocative, beautifully understated poems, particularly the one telling of his father's time on the death railway contrasting with his pre-war quiet job as a railwayman.
A great guest spot, Greg. You were, almost literally, on fire.
I agree about the overall standard of poetry, too. I felt particularly privileged both to hear Cathy Benson's magnificent poems, and have the privilege of being the sole purchaser of her books, complete with her handwritten notes therein. I read the books heading West over the Atlantic, and was transported back to my own childhood. A great evening in a great venue with some great poets.
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks all for commenting. For broadening the context David ! Gossamer does suggest a slightly sexual element , but to no " a veil ". Haha.
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Perhaps you were protected by the religious nature of the flapjack Stu. It seems rather strange that the idea of an allergy should be suggested before the experience of it. Which comes first, the chicken or the nut? I grew up with rationing, and in those days no allergies ever mentioned. (old fart).
Comment is about nut (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Reminds me of Philip Larkin's famous lines about what
your mum and dad do to you!
(They don't mean to but they do).
Comment is about nut (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
The fear of words that marks such brutality only makes
us understand the primitive desperation for "control" that
drives these deeds.
Comment is about Syrian poet opposed to president is killed by Islamic State extremists (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I recall the "Scotsman" some time ago when the single
track from Paignton to Kingswear was honoured with
its mighty presence.
These lines can only have been written by someone who
knows what it is to be a "steam buff".
"The haunting call of a steam train's whistle
Is written on the wind like an epistle".
Comment is about 60103 (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
Haha :D Nice one :D
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Thanks for feedback - It goes with the territory. Just don't drink and drive lol. I had a couple of Guinness yesterday.
Sláinte mhaith !
Comment is about Irish and Proud (blog)
Original item by Tom Doolan
Whenever you might think you are really pushing the boundaries with a poem, that you're writing something incredibly inflammatory, and then read that our fellow poets are being murdered for theirs...it brings you to your knees. I have no words to express the tumult of emotions that these killings create in me.
Comment is about Syrian poet opposed to president is killed by Islamic State extremists (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
I call it God's own country, too, Laura!
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
What a lovely review Greg. It's left me with a warm feeling has that :)
Glad you enjoyed the North, or God's Own Country, as I like to call it ;)
Comment is about Poetry by gaslight: the fire burns bright with Bradford's Beehive Poets (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Fri 18th Mar 2016 10:04
a brilliant 'bare bones' type poem.Thank you.Jemima.
Comment is about crawl back in (blog)
Original item by Stuart Buck
Fri 18th Mar 2016 09:58
phew! she had a close call Ray.Thank you.Jemima.
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
love this ray. like a nursery rhyme gone sour. and you used the word gossamer, which is by far the best word ever. excellent.
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
Fri 18th Mar 2016 09:37
OzoomBoozoomSquzoom
Fri 18th Mar 2016 05:02
Interesting take. She-She is beautifully poised to take on the world.
Comment is about Women lie (blog)
Original item by kimafia Jones
<Deleted User> (13762)
Thu 17th Mar 2016 22:48
kinda starts off on a Bob Dylan note and twists into a bizarre and dark nursery rhyme - great stuff Ray
Comment is about DANSE MACABRE (blog)
Original item by ray pool
A great eulogy on a very personal level and readily understood in all its humour and poignancy. An enjoyable read Jon. It contains the whole span of your life and is quite moving.
Comment is about Her star (blog)
Original item by Jon Darby
Hello there, Sheridan! - great to see you again! - do let me know when you are planning to bring your camera, so I can put on some makeup and make myself look half-decent! (no, Nigel, not 'indecent!!! - too late for that!!!) - Seriously, Sheridan, really lovely to see you again!
D
X
Comment is about Stockport WoL (group profile)
Original item by Stockport WoL
Shenelle Dujon
Thu 17th Mar 2016 17:55
Shenelle Dujon
Thu 17th Mar 2016 17:55
With regard to where, in the political spectrum, the preponderance of utterances of outraged virtue originates, I couldn't possibly comment.
Comment is about ENLIGHTENMENT SENSE (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
raypool
Sat 19th Mar 2016 20:22
Very much appreciated Mark. One of the rare piers that offer entertainment , maybe the only one left now! I have worked there as a pianist - a nightmare to back the band coach from the high street on to the parking area.
Comment is about ON CROMER PIER (blog)
Original item by ray pool