‘Change’ in politics is a handy word that politicians tend to cling to like leeches to get the attention, support and the votes, especially from the doubters and discontented in society. Note the names of the right-wing parties: ‘Reform’ and ‘Restore’. No matter how well the UK might be doing, the current status quo is not acceptable to them. They have to ‘reform’ or ‘restore’ things back to a bygone age. Everything has to fit their vision of the country. However, one contradiction of the notion of ‘change’ is that many people still perceive it as 'business as usual’ with some fringe additions that won’t alter their lives too much, because, deep down, we all dislike genuine change until we can see the benefits from it.  The other contradiction is that one cannot use the old mindsets of some politicians, like Nigel Farage who yearn for the divisive past, to bring about change, because real change has no precedence and no history. It is new, often untried and bottomless. It also...

  Over 17 years ago, USA President  Barack Obama  burst on the scene with a stirring "Yes, We Can" . Many of the American population, especially the youth, were galvanised into action, having been in some despair about the Bush years. They saw Obama's vision, they could feel the possibilities, they loved his speeches and jumped on to his bandwagon. The rest is history as he stormed the White House. Towards the end of his presidency there was some talk of voters being 'disillusioned', of him lacking 'leadership', of the president being 'weak', of falling approval ratings, and all such negative perceptions. But was that really the case, or did some people just expect too much of a mere mortal?  More interesting, are we operating in entirely different times which need a different political approach and reaction, if any leader is to be perceived as achieving anything of value? Can any future politician cut the mustard and please the people all the time...

There is another by-election on the horizon in the UK, one that is totally unnecessary, but was triggered by power hungry folks who seem to prefer instability and chaos at a time when confidence and calm reasoning are needed.The campaigners are already out in force, but how will the people of Makerfield vote? And what will prompt them to vote that particular way? It is tempting to believe that most people base their election choices on careful intelligent analysis to get the best person to represent them. But  democracy  encourages transience and fickleness. Hence people tend to base their election votes primarily on  emotion , though a little intelligent reasoning does come into it, especially when they are aware of the facts relating to a particular candidate. Emotions play a big part in voting choices because we tend to be drawn to anything that makes us  feel   comfortable and secure , that  reflects our values  and  aspirations , and feels in...

Look Mum, No Computer performing their entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 I’m an unashamed fan of the Eurovision Song Contest. Having watched it over many years, I have loved the way it brings countries together annually to celebrate music and creativity, and have actually marvelled at the evolving change over the years in style, fashion and actual songs.   The 2026 competition was a far cry from even 40 years ago, particularly in staging, outfits and musical emphasis, to the extent that our entry was described as "bonkers' on social media. But, regardless of the inevitable changes, the Eurovision Song Contest guarantees an entertaining night. Sadly, it has increasingly turned sour for the UK entries. To see the extent to which our fortunes have changed dismally, we only have to contrast our performance during the first 12 years of participation with the most recent 12 years of the competition. This comparison shows a massive shift in recognition of our entries, wh...

If you haven’t seen the biopic film tribute to Michael Jackson   yet, forget the critics and make up your own mind about it by booking your seat. This is one occasion where relying on hearsay could deprive you of some superb entertainment Michael , which many critics have labelled “controversial”, is an epic production that defies belief at the astonishing transformation and performance of Jaafar Jackson , Michael’s nephew.  Yet, taken on its own merit, there is nothing controversial about this well-made film. Conflicting, yes, when one remembers the accusations against Michael, but anything negative said about the film itself is not based on professionalism or objectivity., but on a biased conflation of Jackson’s later life with his music - the actual focus of the film. Everyone has a different perception of how they see this creative, musical mastermind. Mainstream reviews often get bogged down in the music or the controversy, but if we strip away the legend that is M...

You, Me and Tuscany  is a much needed lightweight, frivolous movie whose breathtaking backdrop, eye-candy stars, and improbable plot transport you momentarily to a different world; one filled with old-fashioned family values, engaging music, spirited laughter and soothing beauty.  While this movie feels like a modern rom-com classic, entirely predictable in its storyline and happy-ever-after conclusion, it offers something fresh in its perspective, that is powered by the two Black lead actors, whose roles allow them to simply  exist  in a beautiful, escapist fantasy, without the weight of the world on their shoulders. The plot is simple: Finding herself in straitened circumstances, Anna ( Halle Bailey ) yearns for the good life, and even tries to live it through other people by wearing their clothes. She meets a dishy Italian in a bar, Matteo ( Lorenzo de Moor ), who thrills her with tales of his amazing villa in Tuscany, and encourages her to visit the town. Seeing ...