Free at last

After two weeks of sitting around I have been released from jury service having spent a grand total of four minutes inside a court room. The time wasn't completely wasted however, I managed to read Enduring Love by Ian McEwan and re-read 1984 by George Orwell, both fantastic books.

Last night I was a guest on BBC Radio London's Dotun Adebayo and Amina Taylor show. The talk show was fun and the feedback from the callers was very interesting, a number of callers felt that the immigration proposals were "racist" even though none of then could explain why they felt that. It is clear that as a party we have a bit of a mountain to climb with our public image in some areas, so what's new?

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The election in Iraq seems to have gone remarkable well, I have to admit I am somewhat surprised, pleasantly surprised!

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First a pig and now Fagin, when will the Labour ad men realise how insulting they are being. Talk about playing the race card.

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It is very pleasing to see that the government is finally realising that it has to play by the rules. The fact the three of the internees at Belmarsh have been granted bail is fair and proper, if they are as dangerous as we are told they should be arrested, charged and convicted, if they are not dangerous they should be released.

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A peace tax - Guardian
Not a well man - Telegraph

Chance of a lifetime

Politics can get stuffed, so can the army and so can any future money worries. I will not be continuing the BLOG or any political activity, I am off to live the life of Riley.

Today I received the following letter by email:

Dearest,RE: YOUR ASSISTANCE IS HIGHLY NEEDED

I am very sure that this mail will bring lots of surprises and Curiosity to you since there was no previous correspondence before now between us. I am the wife of Late Mr. Akhmad Kadyrov, The President of Chechnya, who was killed in a bomb attack early last year (2004) in a parade ground.

My husband told me before his death that he has a deposit of $40m which he deposited overseas and handed to me all the documents which my Lawyer has confirmed with the security company. Right now I am looking for an Investor who will help me to invest the total sum in the west and after which I will relocate to your country.

The security situation in Chechnya does not warrant me to do much from here; therefore I have designated my family lawyer who will coordinate every aspect of the fund transfer and the investment with your assistance.

I am ready to concede up to 25% of the funds to you as your share if you will help me to pull the funds and invest it in your country which has a stable economy.

Upon receipt of your acceptance letter, I will introduce you to my family lawyer who will relate with you on how the transfer can be done in the shortest possible time.

Awaiting your Urgent response.

Regards,

Mrs. Nina Nkomo Akhmad Kadyrov.

I have not included her email address because I don't want you lot cashing in on my good fortune.

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Jerry Springer opera sparks row - Telegraph
13 year old "villain" jailed - Telegraph

Still not feeling well

If only to prove it wasn't the drink that made me sick on new years night, I thought that I would tell you I still don't feel right.

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I see that the Labour party has started its general election lead up campaign. The posters look very funky, the designers have clearly tapped into the retro feel which is very fashionable at the moment. It is interesting to see that Blair is trying to get back into the fashion camp, those "cool Britannia" cocktail parties were very impressive back in the day. I would imagine he would find it harder to get those groovy celebs to break bread with him now.

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I listened to Tony on Radio 4 this morning, perhaps it's just me but I can't listen to him without thinking of the word "liar". I'm sure he doesn't spend the whole time trying to pull the wool over peoples eyes, it just seems that way.

He made it clear that he wanted David Blunkett back in government, which is interesting. He reiterated the point that he felt that Blunkett's integrity was intact, which is interesting.
If Blunkett did nothing wrong why did he resign? If he did nothing wrong why did the Budd report not clear him? How appallingly do the Labour party have to behave before they are called to account by the electorate?

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Private sector involvement helps schools - Guardian
Blair Brown rift continues - Guardian

Freddy the page boy

Today we had lunch with Emma and Jeremy, the couple whose engagement party cost me a £50 parking fine last month.

They are getting married in the summer and have asked Freddy to be a page boy, he's not quite sure what is involved but was very excited anyway. Jeremy was a cavalry officer until a few year ago so Freddy will be decked out in a miniature version of the King's Royal Hussars dress uniform, very smart.

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Free trade is as vital as aid - Guardian
POW archives revealed - Telegraph

Sick for all the wrong reasons

The morning after the night before is traditionally the time when upset stomachs make their appearance, it is usually due to an excess of alcohol. I know you won't believe me but I really didn't drink very much last night at all.

I don't have any intention of boring you with the details but the hours between 5.30 am and 9.00 am were not fun. It is a stomach bug I am sure.

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Freddy doesn't understand that presents are not given every day. He got some on Christmas day then some more when we visited family on boxing day, in Freddy world two day running is the same as forever. The last couple of mornings have involved Susie and I explaining to Freddy that he hasn't got any presents, not easy.

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I get less exited about the new year these days, it always seemed to be such a big thing when I was younger. I think that I have had too many broken resolutions to get exited about them any more, also as you get older one year seems to blend into another so the whole "new year, new start" idea feels a little abstract.

This year will probably mean a general election which will mean that 2005 is significantly different to 2004. With a bit of luck and a lot of hard work Lewisham East will have a new MP and the country will have a new government. I hope so.

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No jobs for the boys - Telegraph

A photo of me