It's been ages since I did a blog. My thoughts being written for others to read. What would be the problem in doing that, you may ask? I can't see a problem at all, after all, they are my thoughts, my ideas and the process of my brain, jumbled as it can be, gets all sorted as each letter appears on the screen.
Why have I been avoiding my blog? Well, simply because one of the pieces I wrote, caused offence to someone. Now, you're jumping up and down, I hear the earth quaking, shouting "BUT IT'S YOUR BLOG", I know, incredible, isn't it? Sometimes the truth hurts. They were my words, my thoughts, my blog. I could take the criticism, I believe, after all, it is important to point out bullying is wrong.
We shouldn't offend, I know, but surely in this day and age, in this forward thinking century, we are entitled to have our own opinion, to voice them carefully and if they are found to be offensive, in this grown-up society, we would be able to discuss the problem. It's certainly how I would approach something. Ask, always question and then if the answer still gives no solace, retreat. Perhaps the problem isn't what's written but could be... I'm not saying it is, just give it a thought... it could be... you ... maybe it's you who has the problem?
Of course, therein lies the problem.
When we write to please others, we are not writing. By all means be wary of the words you put down but if they're yours, they are those you have worried about and are a perfect fit for the work that belongs to you, therefore they are the correct prose. Not everyone will appreciate or enjoy, in fact, some may hate and disparage. That's their prerogative, and they then have the right to voice their own opinion. Take heart, should you receive harsh criticism, your work was read by another. Your opinion was heard, your words were read.
Remember, there is the point of breaking the law with words - a completely different set of circumstances will apply. You can't for instance, write so offensively, it causes world war 3, you cannot plagiarise or be libellous. You open yourself up to all sorts of litigation, and none that will end up in your favour.
However, if you write, within the context of your narrative, well, all sorts of unscrupulous scenarios can be accepted and many subjects can be addressed. Chances are, you may have to edit a few times!
Monday 8 May 2017
Saturday 8 August 2015
What will the SNP do if there's nobody left to play with?
Far be it from me to belittle the monumental SNP wins in council elections - and I won't - because it truly is a considerable accomplishment. Especially hot on the heels of the elected 56. I think my concerns mainly lie with a monopoly. The autonomy of one party.
We have recently questioned the duopoly of Westminster which is now clearly becoming a monopoly - yet we glory in the one party having sole power in Scotland?
Are we pleased because it's the SNP being elected or are we happy because we perceive our votes as "we showed it to them" victories. Now, if it's the latter I take it you mean SNP against Tory and Labour and not Scot versus Scot? Because if it is a case of retribution on political parties - then bide your time - history has a habit of repeating itself.
Just take a look at the USA who, it would seem, think it's acceptable to have a misogynistic, racist as a party leader. "At least he speaks his mind" I've read.
So did another leader and look what happened there! We should not laugh at the possibility of this happening either, please put it into perspective and remember if Donald Trump does become the elected President, he is the leader of the free world and will work directly with Heads of State, and will have ultimate control of weapons of mass destruction.
Oh heavens the thought sends appalling shivers through me when he decides to say "you're fired" to China!
Tangent over.... Now, back to my problem with monopoly and, no, not the board game! An overall majority, as we can witness from the Tory government, means the effortless passing of acts ad infinitum. Oh yes there are the debates, but they're a bit like the child asking to stay up late, we already know what the answer will be, the child doesn't and therefore puts forward a decent argument "it's not fair, all my friends get to stay up after 10" or "I promise to do my chores, walk the dog, I'll even play with my little brother and not complain". The mother may listen to that one bargaining chip but ultimately her decision of "no" is final.
The same goes for a parliamentary monopoly.
I have never followed the SNP blindly, when I first started paying membership they were reported as the "no hope" party because it was always Labour who were elected, and I do not agree with every policy. They have many questionable facts in their proposals that must be addressed and in becoming the only party, tell me, who will debate them? Who will tell them their financial forecasts are dubious. That there are Scots who don't want independence. That their education policies are not the best. That the S.NHS needs more funding? That Police Scotland was a bad idea and needs further development.
I'm delighted the SNP win, I believe it is reflective of a people who welcome change in an uncertain future and have put their trust in politicians they never believed in before, at the same time turning from those they did, in the hope that some - I am talking about politicians - some promises will be fulfilled.
However, if elections continue to result as the councils in Aberdeen and Glasgow, in the end the SNP will have nobody but the electorate to respond to - perhaps, at last, there might be a government who actually listen to the very people who gave them power?
We have recently questioned the duopoly of Westminster which is now clearly becoming a monopoly - yet we glory in the one party having sole power in Scotland?
Are we pleased because it's the SNP being elected or are we happy because we perceive our votes as "we showed it to them" victories. Now, if it's the latter I take it you mean SNP against Tory and Labour and not Scot versus Scot? Because if it is a case of retribution on political parties - then bide your time - history has a habit of repeating itself.
Just take a look at the USA who, it would seem, think it's acceptable to have a misogynistic, racist as a party leader. "At least he speaks his mind" I've read.
So did another leader and look what happened there! We should not laugh at the possibility of this happening either, please put it into perspective and remember if Donald Trump does become the elected President, he is the leader of the free world and will work directly with Heads of State, and will have ultimate control of weapons of mass destruction.
Oh heavens the thought sends appalling shivers through me when he decides to say "you're fired" to China!
Tangent over.... Now, back to my problem with monopoly and, no, not the board game! An overall majority, as we can witness from the Tory government, means the effortless passing of acts ad infinitum. Oh yes there are the debates, but they're a bit like the child asking to stay up late, we already know what the answer will be, the child doesn't and therefore puts forward a decent argument "it's not fair, all my friends get to stay up after 10" or "I promise to do my chores, walk the dog, I'll even play with my little brother and not complain". The mother may listen to that one bargaining chip but ultimately her decision of "no" is final.
The same goes for a parliamentary monopoly.
I have never followed the SNP blindly, when I first started paying membership they were reported as the "no hope" party because it was always Labour who were elected, and I do not agree with every policy. They have many questionable facts in their proposals that must be addressed and in becoming the only party, tell me, who will debate them? Who will tell them their financial forecasts are dubious. That there are Scots who don't want independence. That their education policies are not the best. That the S.NHS needs more funding? That Police Scotland was a bad idea and needs further development.
I'm delighted the SNP win, I believe it is reflective of a people who welcome change in an uncertain future and have put their trust in politicians they never believed in before, at the same time turning from those they did, in the hope that some - I am talking about politicians - some promises will be fulfilled.
However, if elections continue to result as the councils in Aberdeen and Glasgow, in the end the SNP will have nobody but the electorate to respond to - perhaps, at last, there might be a government who actually listen to the very people who gave them power?
Friday 20 June 2014
Saturday 3 May 2014
Lisanne's Books & Thoughts: It's that computer thing again...
Lisanne's Books & Thoughts: It's that computer thing again...: Oh my, it seems like yesterday, my computer was an IBM golf ball, typewriter! When first introduced to that amazing machine, I wondered whe...
It's that computer thing again...
Oh my, it seems like yesterday, my computer was an IBM golf ball, typewriter!
When first introduced to that amazing machine, I wondered when the struggle to understand how to change the 'golf balls' would happen…It wasn't long - but eventually I mastered the technique. It was also wonderful not having to rewind and replace ribbon, the fabulous 'cartridge' ribbon was in place. Clunk click it was in and out.
Now, there are no ribbons, no golf balls, unless they're on the course, instead we have computers.
Oh, not computers that fill a whole room - yes, I remember them, they were incredibly powered binary legends. So wonderful were they, that mere PA's like me, were not allowed to touch.
We could fax, or better still use the old method of telexing. I can see you smile, remembering that one! I can also see others scratching their head saying "What the hell's a telex"?
Now we can fax from our telephones - what is the point of that?
It wasn't that long ago that I was explaining to my Dad what a fax machine was, he couldn't get to terms with this new invention. "Well, you see dad, what it does is basically photograph your work and send it down the telephone wire." Note.. telephone WIRE.
We wrote letters, not emails.
I used to love getting letters, now the only letters I get seem to come from the bank and I hate getting them!
It sounds as if the past is where we should live, or it sounds as if I want to live there but I don't.
Technology has advanced so much and with it comes the good and the bad. The bad for me, is the lack of letters. Some say the bad would be social media, the lack of human touch and conversation. I have to disagree there.
Social media can be a very positive thing, interaction for some is very difficult, and for many reasons. So to be able to 'talk' to someone, anyone, either through twitter or Facebook, or the many other avenues social media offers, can only be positive.
It's the abuse of the key board hard man that has people in a tizzy. It can also be the lack of human contact that sends people round the bend. Not me, I love twitter and think those who 'talk' with me, are as much my friend as anyone. Why would they not be? I share with them, as I share with my friends. What's the difference.
However, I digress... the computer thing again. It takes a wee while for me to understand what I'm supposed to do, and most of the time end up with some little man taking over my screen and pointing to the task bar - I can hear him shouting "THERE IT IS - PRESS THAT ONE!" But I get there eventually.
Time has passed so quickly and yet it hasn't really. But computers…where will they go from here?
When first introduced to that amazing machine, I wondered when the struggle to understand how to change the 'golf balls' would happen…It wasn't long - but eventually I mastered the technique. It was also wonderful not having to rewind and replace ribbon, the fabulous 'cartridge' ribbon was in place. Clunk click it was in and out.
Now, there are no ribbons, no golf balls, unless they're on the course, instead we have computers.
Oh, not computers that fill a whole room - yes, I remember them, they were incredibly powered binary legends. So wonderful were they, that mere PA's like me, were not allowed to touch.
We could fax, or better still use the old method of telexing. I can see you smile, remembering that one! I can also see others scratching their head saying "What the hell's a telex"?
Now we can fax from our telephones - what is the point of that?
It wasn't that long ago that I was explaining to my Dad what a fax machine was, he couldn't get to terms with this new invention. "Well, you see dad, what it does is basically photograph your work and send it down the telephone wire." Note.. telephone WIRE.
We wrote letters, not emails.
I used to love getting letters, now the only letters I get seem to come from the bank and I hate getting them!
It sounds as if the past is where we should live, or it sounds as if I want to live there but I don't.
Technology has advanced so much and with it comes the good and the bad. The bad for me, is the lack of letters. Some say the bad would be social media, the lack of human touch and conversation. I have to disagree there.
Social media can be a very positive thing, interaction for some is very difficult, and for many reasons. So to be able to 'talk' to someone, anyone, either through twitter or Facebook, or the many other avenues social media offers, can only be positive.
It's the abuse of the key board hard man that has people in a tizzy. It can also be the lack of human contact that sends people round the bend. Not me, I love twitter and think those who 'talk' with me, are as much my friend as anyone. Why would they not be? I share with them, as I share with my friends. What's the difference.
However, I digress... the computer thing again. It takes a wee while for me to understand what I'm supposed to do, and most of the time end up with some little man taking over my screen and pointing to the task bar - I can hear him shouting "THERE IT IS - PRESS THAT ONE!" But I get there eventually.
Time has passed so quickly and yet it hasn't really. But computers…where will they go from here?
Friday 21 February 2014
Indie Author News: Featured Indie Book: The Park Family: LAUREN - The...
Indie Author News: Featured Indie Book: The Park Family: LAUREN - The...: Featured Indie Book on Indie Author News : Fantasy Romance The Park Family: LAUREN - The Awakening by Lisanne Valente. "Loved it....
Sunday 16 February 2014
The Pound, The Chancellor, Mr Salmond and Scotland
It's such a dreary and depressing title, but the subject is, at times, very depressing. Oh not because of the vote coming up in September but because of the 'intelligent' debates being held on both sides of the fence.
As I see it, the 'Yes' campaigners will have us, in Scotland, believe that the day will be brighter, life will be easier and money will be plentiful, if we vote for an independent Scotland.
The 'No' campaigners will have us, in Scotland, believe that Mr Salmond is the devil incarnate, we will all be penniless, homeless and ultimately stupid if we vote for an independent Scotland.
I have gone onto the web sites for both sides, to get some information. Perhaps I should have watched a debate on Question Time, but sadly it would seem the BBC no longer want to wander north of the border for this debate, so I am stuck with reading the opinion and facts from those taking part in debate. I have also read the paper (paper! hundreds of papers) released by the SNP and it's not an easy task to understand.
I have asked questions on both sites and have been called a 'troll'... on both sites. Now, I am not a little hairy beastie, running around with a club, nor am I trawling to initiate a riot, I just want more information. But sadly, I am left frustrated and depressed.
Each debate seems to dwindle into an appalling name calling farce.
I, was definitely voting with my heart, until Mr Osborne's visit to Edinburgh, whereby he announced in a hotel, one mile from the Scottish parliament building, that Scots would not be given the right to use the pound, should they vote for an independent Scotland. Since his visit, I can't say my heart is involved at all.
Mr Cameron makes an announcement regarding Scotland with the Glasgow Commonwealth banner behind him, and is 500 miles from Scotland.
How disrespectful. Please note, it's MR Cameron and MR Osborne and MR Salmond. All hold senior positions in government, one is the leader in the Westminster government, the other the chancellor, and the other the leader of the Scottish government, respect where it's due, it doesn't cost anything.
Three different parties managed to come together to agree that the pound could not be the denomination used in Scotland. This after the governor of the Bank of England, made a public announcement saying that there could be an agreement put in place for using the pound.
Three parties with nothing in common, they disagree on the aged, the disabled, the poor, the sale of British organisations, the NHS….but they can agree on Scotland not being allowed to used the pound. What a sad state of affairs.
I have never been any good in debate, I listen to both sides, I have perhaps gone into the debate with a set idea in mind, but I do listen to both sides. When I hear explanations from one I have a tendency to agree until I hear the opposing argument, and then I agree with them. I have not the intelligence to understand why both sides are right, it's just that some parts of the arguments, on both sides, ARE RIGHT.
I cannot understand, for example, why we cannot be an independent country and cooperate with our neighbouring countries. The UK have been cooperating with a US government on many subjects for years, so what is the problem in working together with a country separated by a wall that is hundreds of years old?
I have many friends in the south, I have family from the south, because I choose to vote a certain way, does it mean we are no longer friends? Is a Scottish nationalist really something that should be talked about in such a derogatory ways? You may come back with "you say the same about the Tories"…true, but that's because only 16% of Scots voted for them! And it's not only Scots who have a dislike of the Tories, the north of England joins in with that derision.
There are some Scots who will throw into the argument pot, the four hundred years of oppression..it's a fact that truly needs to be put to bed and focus should be put to the future, not the past.
I sigh when reading this because it does depress me, I hate the thought of my friends in the south thinking we are anti-English, I have no doubt there are some who are, but 90% of Scots are not and simply want the decisions of their country to be made, by their country.
Some comments have been made about the cost of keeping Scotland, there have been comments saying "good, we'll be glad to be rid of you", "we can now sing the second and third verses of the national anthem" and "whingeing Scots" (I truly don't understand this one, why are we whingeing to ask for independence?) So I'm fairly sure in the south there are some anti-Scots but I'll bet the majority are not, yet we only seem to hear - and read - about those who have these sentiments.
A fair debate, one using facts not made up stories, a panel with made up with an equal amount of support, from both sides of the debate. One that does not have racists from either side, one that has people who love their countries. Is it too much to ask? It would appear, yes.
So until this happens, I have another 7 months to read as much as I can, although my heart has made my mind up, but I will keep on reading and learning and hoping that our neighbours will support us, whichever way the vote goes.
As I see it, the 'Yes' campaigners will have us, in Scotland, believe that the day will be brighter, life will be easier and money will be plentiful, if we vote for an independent Scotland.
The 'No' campaigners will have us, in Scotland, believe that Mr Salmond is the devil incarnate, we will all be penniless, homeless and ultimately stupid if we vote for an independent Scotland.
I have gone onto the web sites for both sides, to get some information. Perhaps I should have watched a debate on Question Time, but sadly it would seem the BBC no longer want to wander north of the border for this debate, so I am stuck with reading the opinion and facts from those taking part in debate. I have also read the paper (paper! hundreds of papers) released by the SNP and it's not an easy task to understand.
I have asked questions on both sites and have been called a 'troll'... on both sites. Now, I am not a little hairy beastie, running around with a club, nor am I trawling to initiate a riot, I just want more information. But sadly, I am left frustrated and depressed.
Each debate seems to dwindle into an appalling name calling farce.
I, was definitely voting with my heart, until Mr Osborne's visit to Edinburgh, whereby he announced in a hotel, one mile from the Scottish parliament building, that Scots would not be given the right to use the pound, should they vote for an independent Scotland. Since his visit, I can't say my heart is involved at all.
Mr Cameron makes an announcement regarding Scotland with the Glasgow Commonwealth banner behind him, and is 500 miles from Scotland.
How disrespectful. Please note, it's MR Cameron and MR Osborne and MR Salmond. All hold senior positions in government, one is the leader in the Westminster government, the other the chancellor, and the other the leader of the Scottish government, respect where it's due, it doesn't cost anything.
Three different parties managed to come together to agree that the pound could not be the denomination used in Scotland. This after the governor of the Bank of England, made a public announcement saying that there could be an agreement put in place for using the pound.
Three parties with nothing in common, they disagree on the aged, the disabled, the poor, the sale of British organisations, the NHS….but they can agree on Scotland not being allowed to used the pound. What a sad state of affairs.
I have never been any good in debate, I listen to both sides, I have perhaps gone into the debate with a set idea in mind, but I do listen to both sides. When I hear explanations from one I have a tendency to agree until I hear the opposing argument, and then I agree with them. I have not the intelligence to understand why both sides are right, it's just that some parts of the arguments, on both sides, ARE RIGHT.
I cannot understand, for example, why we cannot be an independent country and cooperate with our neighbouring countries. The UK have been cooperating with a US government on many subjects for years, so what is the problem in working together with a country separated by a wall that is hundreds of years old?
I have many friends in the south, I have family from the south, because I choose to vote a certain way, does it mean we are no longer friends? Is a Scottish nationalist really something that should be talked about in such a derogatory ways? You may come back with "you say the same about the Tories"…true, but that's because only 16% of Scots voted for them! And it's not only Scots who have a dislike of the Tories, the north of England joins in with that derision.
There are some Scots who will throw into the argument pot, the four hundred years of oppression..it's a fact that truly needs to be put to bed and focus should be put to the future, not the past.
I sigh when reading this because it does depress me, I hate the thought of my friends in the south thinking we are anti-English, I have no doubt there are some who are, but 90% of Scots are not and simply want the decisions of their country to be made, by their country.
Some comments have been made about the cost of keeping Scotland, there have been comments saying "good, we'll be glad to be rid of you", "we can now sing the second and third verses of the national anthem" and "whingeing Scots" (I truly don't understand this one, why are we whingeing to ask for independence?) So I'm fairly sure in the south there are some anti-Scots but I'll bet the majority are not, yet we only seem to hear - and read - about those who have these sentiments.
A fair debate, one using facts not made up stories, a panel with made up with an equal amount of support, from both sides of the debate. One that does not have racists from either side, one that has people who love their countries. Is it too much to ask? It would appear, yes.
So until this happens, I have another 7 months to read as much as I can, although my heart has made my mind up, but I will keep on reading and learning and hoping that our neighbours will support us, whichever way the vote goes.
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