The life and times of me

The Wonderer Returns

2007-03-31T17:46:17Z

Ground control to Live Journal

Hello readers and before you rub your eyes in amazement yes I have really blogged!

Due to circumstances beyond my control i.e. Essays I have not been bothered/ able to blog about my going’s on. You will be glad to know however, that essays are now all done and normal blogging is to be resumed.

I have decided to do a little checklist at the start of this blog to remind myself of what I have actually done/wish to talk about. They are numbered so you my dear readership can easily locate a certain section if you wish to only read part of this blog.

Ok so:

1. Budget

2. Greg Barker/ Michael Flower

3. Essays

4. Home Office Split

1. Ok so the Budget. Very much a give with the one hand take with the other that we expect from Brown so in that sense it wasn’t very shocking. Scrapping the 10p lower band basically gets this 2p so called “Cut” in income tax back. Many other of Browns announcements for example the cut in corporation tax was actually proposed by the Tories months ago, so it that sense Brown has done well lol.

2. Shadow Environment Secretary Greg Barker visited Keele on Thursday during his day of visiting the West Midlands region. For those of you who don’t recognise the name think of the Tory Mp who broke up with his wife last year to go with another man. Yep that’s right that’s him. He was a pleasant enough fellow and after showing him around the Keele grounds we took him to the Union for a cup of Coffee. He asked us about measures being made to tackle global warming etc at Keele and he briefly talked about his recent visit to the Arctic Circle with our dear leader Mr C. All in all a nice 30 minutes. During the 30 minutes however I found myself most of the time talking to Councillor Flower who comes from my home Village. I had spoken to him before I came to Keele and so it was nice to chat to him again. We talked about the Conservatives in Aldridge and more specifically CF. He informed me that the current Aldridge CF chairman has left the area and so it appears I shall be doing something in the Summer to get that CF up and running again.

3. Essays were pure hell and despite me saying on this blog if I remember rightly, that I wouldn’t leave it to the last minute I did just that. Out of the 4 I did I was only really happy with two of them, the other two I am very concerned about. As they say however, What’s done is done so Ill just have to wait and see!

4. NO NO NO NO NO, Why do Labour insist on splitting/rebranding any area of government that is not working! They cannot blame to Tories for the mess in the Home office. They have had 10 years to sort out any issues and if they really felt the Home office needed splitting why not do it in 1997 or 2001/2002 after 9/11.

After all Mr Reid himself suggested this split is to deal with the increasing threat of Terrorism. Also the “Ministry for Justice” is just an awful name for a department. If we really must split the home office at least come up with some more imaginative names.

Ok rant over now, Until Next Time

Alex :)

The Week that Was

2007-02-17T19:01:49Z

Hello dear readership, and welcome to yet another jam packed blog full of goodness about the past week in the life of me, alex_the_tory.

(Please note that at this point one reefer’s back to diary to see exactly what I did in the last week! bad memory or what!)

Ah yes Tuesday was Union General Meeting night and rather like the last one was somewhat muted in nature. What I think is a UGM first, all the motions put forward past comfortably. This perhaps explains its lack of controversy. One thing I am beginning to notice is the sheer amount of motions aimed at protecting the environment being proposed. Now don't get me wrong, the environment is a very important issue but why not just have one motion saying KUSU will do all it can to protect and preserve the environment. We end up getting into debates about weather recycling should come ahead of carbon offsetting and visa verse when we can just all agree to do whatever we can. All will in some way play a part in achieving the same aim.

After the meeting one collected my free drink voucher and headed to the bar. For all those who decide to get a spirit and mixer, however, are discriminated against. The voucher only gets you the shot free and therefore you must rummage around for cash to buy the mixer! I am not very happy with this rule and infact have contemplated putting a motion forward to SRC about it. I have a feeling; however, come 9pm on a Tuesday night when SRCs usually take place people will be rather annoyed with such a petty motion being discussed.

Wednesday was very much a day of mixed fortunes. On the one hand the return of the Two Hour Operation was halted by a KUBE malfunction. (Sorry to anyone who tried to tune in to the show, probably none of you!). Not all was lost though. It meant Joe and Me could spend some more time together, and after all it was Valentines Day. On Thursday Joe and me went for a lovely meal at an Italian restaurant in Hanley. The steak was pure bliss! .

As for the rest of the week up to now (Saturday evening) not a lot has happened. I intend to relax tomorrow and stay in bed for a long period of time before possibly attending quiz night at Sneyd Arms.

Until next time

Alex

Football and Fire

2007-02-12T13:44:35Z

Been as I was not at work on Saturday, I rather neglected my blog and failed to stick to my weekly update.

Therefore I am writing it now on a Monday afternoon in the basement of the library building. It's been quite a busy week most of which I have either been ill or aching so much I couldn’t move!

Friday marked the first match of Keele CF FC. This really shouldn't have been the first match. We had originally planned to play UKIP the week before, but once again they pulled out fearing there humiliation! (Nothing to do with the pitch being dug up on that day!).

Anyway the tournament went pretty much as I expected. We lost our first came 3-0 and the lack of preparation clearly showed. In the second game we picked it up and managed to sneak a draw with the last kick of the game (A good finish by myself as well I think). Our third match was a little "Nasty" with lots of challenges going in and one of our players having to go off injured. We went ahead twice in the game but there superior quality shone through. With that, our dreams of victory were shattered but considering we did no practise we put in a good show. On a personal level I was very happy with my contribution. I ended up being the top goal scorer and I played pretty well. All this running about meant on Saturday I could barely move with the pain. My thighs felt like someone had shot them and poured acid over them. I guess it shows just how unfit I am. Next year I shall definitely warm up before hand and perhaps do some running a few days before. For those of you interested the tournament was eventually won by 5 members of the Keele Football Club dressed in ladies clothes!

Following vodkopoly on Saturday night I proceeded to do very little on Sunday. This was mainly due to me feeling ill after drinking Vodka and having a very nice fellow lying next to me. When I did eventually get out of bed me and Joe went to weatherspoons to eat and I went home to what I thought was going to be a nice quiet nice in front of the box. I’m afraid my boredom got the better of me however, and went to the Sneyd Arms in Keele with Owen and a few other Tories. We ended up staying for the Quiz which we came second in behind Adam Cook and his fellow team-mates.

Upon our return to college court we noticed not one but two fire engines parked in the car park. Being a nosey bitch that I am I went to have a nose and there in front of my eyes was a burnt out kitchen! If only I had stayed in and not let boredom get the better of me I may have witnessed an explosion of intense magnitude. Instead I ended up drink adamms ale talking about Peter's future!

Right boredom has once again got the better of me so therefore I shall end this blog.

TTFN

Alex

Let the Fun Begin..

2007-02-03T18:07:16Z

Well Semester 2 of the Second Year is well underway and im beginning to get back into the routine of lectures again. Luckily i havent managed to miss any yet although at times i have very much felt the urge too!. I can't say the same about a certain other person though.

Being the politically active person i am means along with lectures i have several other commitments coming up. Firstly being on the Elections Forum for Kusu Elections will take up alot of my time this month. In March it is very much essay time where i have 4 submissions in by the end of the month. After that and i guess right now it's also all go with prep for the local elections not just in Keele and Newcastle but in Stoke where i am due to stand as a candidate.

Keele Ward looks like being a real contest with 3 studenst running for Conservative, Labour and UKIP. They are all up against the incumbent Lib Dem Councillor Wensley Naylon who is pretty popular within the village. No one can predict what wiull happen in Keele mainly because the majority of the electorate are Students!. If the election day is anything like it was last May it should be very exciting indeed! (Lets hope the weather is the same aswell!, Blimey it was hot). In terms of Newcastle overall we need to ensure we remain in control albeit in coalition with the Lib Dems. As for my ward wherever it may be , simply avoiding being beaten by the BNP will be something of an achievement!. Lets just say Stoke is not a solid Conservative Area !!.

I've just managed to book off next saturday so i can attend the spectacular that is Vodkopoly/Whisk. It is a mixture of Vodka and Monoploly. If it is anyting like last year it promises to be a lively event. i was robbed i tell you, robbed!

I shall leave you with a quote from the great Thomas Edison

"Being busy does not always mean real work. The object of all work is production or accomplishment and to either of these ends there must be forethought, system, planning, intelligence, and honest purpose, as well as perspiration. Seeming to do is not doing."

Alex

Mid Week Update

2007-01-24T15:00:46Z

Well its 2.30 pm on my first week of the second semester and i have completed classes for 3 of the 4 modules im taking. They all look and sound very interesting.

European Union - The lecturer seems very competent and by the sheer numbers that turned up it looks a very popular course. Having both of the lectures back to back, however, is pretty hard going. Out of the three modules i've started it looks by far the most complex. Despite this, i am enjoying it.

Road to the White House - This module content is very intresting indeed but my god Tappin is making us work!. Aswell as the lectures and tutorials we have to do god damm group presenations on presendentail candidiates. Luckily i am in the Hillary Clinton Camp so it shouldnt be too hard to find out about her and WIN!!. Although all this student led workshopping sounds fun , id much rather just turn up to lectures and seminars and listen to the lecturer wittle on whilst i take notes. I mean, this presenting is not even part of the module mark!. Ah well i shouold of expected nothing less from Mr Tappin.

International Organisations - Despite the lecture being taken by Ann Hughes rather than Lorna Lloyd , this module does appear to be very interesting. However, when will lecturers leran not to just read from the slide show they created!. They may aswell just not say anything. Also Ann hughes rushes through the slides so fast no one has any time to write the bloody stuff down anyway!. Despite this, i think i shall enjoy the module

In other news . I was yesterday elected to be on the Elections Forum for the upcoming KUSU elections. (It's the first and only time i will probably win a election with KUSU in my life!). My job involves manning the polling booths and dealing with complaints by candidates during the campiagn. Oh yes and the small matter of counting the votes on election night!. The joy!. Due to me being elected, i am no longer going to talk about the KUSU elections until after they have taken place. It promises to be very interesting indeed!

TTFN

Alex

Exams over at last

2007-01-20T18:07:19Z

I’m back after the torment of what is known as exams!

Well I would be lying if I said nothing has happened since I last blogged because, well, a lot has happened.

Exams went pretty well overall, however I found the politics ones much easier to write than IR. It feels nice simply to have got the Peace, Conflict and Security module completed. I don't think I have ever felt so stressed about an exam or essay in my life! I do hate having an exam on the final day of exam period and in the last time slot. You see all your fellow students partying away and being happy, it really does make you angry! To be honest though you can't really moan. I’m sure I would do exactly the same if I were in the same situation. My revenge will come soon I hope!

CF got up and running again yesterday which was nice. Refreshers fair is on Tuesday so it will be nice if we can get a few new members joining. Election fever for both the sabb and local elections will also soon be underway which is always exciting!. I’m hoping to get on the Elections Forum for the sabb elections this year, but it all depends whether SRC vote for me to do it. If I do get on, I shall obviously seize to talk about the sabb elections on this blog in order to maintain my neutrality, which of course is vital for such a position.

Unlike last year the University have decided not to give us a week off after exams, instead they make us get straight back into the lecture routine. My modules this semester seem pretty good but I guess I will find out what there really like after this week. The EU module I’ve picked looks pretty heavy going, but it is something I do really want to learn more about.

Ok now to other news. As many of you probably already know from Facebook, I am now in a relationship with a fellow Tory (Joseph). To be honest, it seemed everyone knew we liked each other but it is only after over a year of being friends we finally got together. Clearly this development has made me very very happy and made me worry much less about the exams. I have never felt this way about anyone before; I just never get bored of his company.

Typing that has made me think about how much of a journey I have gone on so far at university. It is always said, "School are the best days of you life". For me it has to be University. After feeling petrified and anxious about the whole university experience when I first arrived, I have gone on to love every single minute of it (and I’m only just half way through it!). I have made some fantastic friends who I'm sure I will stay in contact with for a very long time. Clearly to be accepted for who I am is also very pleasing. I always knew I would "come out" as it were at university but it was made a lot easier by having such great friends. It's just nice to sit down and have an intellectual conversation with someone about subjects you enjoy. My god, if I tried talking about politics at school to anyone they would fall asleep or not understand a word of what I was saying. Right I’m going to stop with all this reminiscing because frankly I’m sure you are all bored of this post by now!

I will leave you with an old Scottish proverb I found the other day

" Be happy while you're living, for you're a long time dead "

TTFN

Alex

New Year Blog/Rant

2007-01-04T21:27:04Z

Before i start let me say a Happy New Year to you all . Lets hope 2007 brings you everything you desire! , If only a?

Firstly i would like to moan about fireworks at New Year. Now i one of those who believes fireworks should only be used for public displays only . Having them for private use is not just dangerous but the majority of fireworks either dont go off properly, or if on the rare occasion they do are as lame as the lamest of ducks!. Anyway being new years day i accept that some fireworks will be let off at 12am but when they continue until pat 3am in the morning its just pure annoying. Some peoples clocks must be drastically wrong if they think 3am is midnight!!!!.

Secondly i would like to advise as to sending text messages at New Year. DON'T SEND THEM!". They are pointless messages which waste both time and money. If you are going to wish someone a happy new year just wait until you first see them in the year!. Even if you think you beat the so called "overload" by sending it 10 minutes before , remember millions of people are thinking the same thing!. I can tell you now being awoken numerous times by the same "Happy new year" message becomes rather irritating!. (You notice how i only said numerous as to not uncover how popular or unpopular i may be) . What is even more annoying is when you find you have been sent the same message twice by the same person. It certainly tells you who had a good night!

Right rant over back to more pressing concerns. Exam revision is progressing better now i have come back to stoke. Although whatever you do never feels quite enough!. A new Primark has opened in Hanley and i think i am becomming obsessed. i have been in thier twice in two days and came out with goods both times. For those of you who know me i rarely spend money as it is, so this shop has certainly done something to me. I shall be going again tommorrow so it looks like the spending is set to continue. Oh yes and a brought Joe a double gin today thinking about it. What's Happening to me!!!!

If i were you id get back to Keele quickly before my new sense of charity ends!

Cheerio

Alex

Merry Christmas and Confession

2006-12-22T12:32:41Z

Id just like to blog to wish everybody a Happy Christmas and a Joyous New Year. (apart from those of you i hate of course!)

Lets hope you have all been good little boys and girls or else santa wont be visiting your house.

Before i go however i must let you know of a few things :

Firstly after getting into the take that song patience i decided to go against all my beliefs and morals and buy thier new album. I don't know what i was expecting from it but blimey i think i am now a fan!. I don't know whether to feel embarresed or what but i guess being Gay gives me a little more leway as i can always put it down to my campness.

The songwriting skills of Gary Barlow inparticlar is fantastic and all the songs on the album are good in thier own way. I have been reading the review sof the album on various websites and many suggest it has a similar sound to keane, and the feeling albums and i guess thats why i like it. If i were to pick out one song though it would have to be the immensly cathchy Shine sung mainly by Mark. For those of you who feel take that is not for them just try this album because you will be pleasantly surprised.

Secondly is it me or is it getting freezing all of a sudden!. It must be my age but i certainly feel the cold more than when i was a wee lad.

Lastly .... , well there isnt a lastly actually no there is i have started to read Peter Kays new book and i must admit it is indeed quite witty. I do recommend you get it from the library atleast. Nice bit of comedy before you go off to bed is always good.

Ta Ta

Alex

alex_the_tory @ 2006-12-09T18:25:00

2006-12-09T18:25:11Z

Before i go any further, I actually can't believe im updating my blog 3 times in a week!, It's amazing what a bit of free time can do.

Anyway i went home on Thursday for a couple of days, originally i had planned to get my football boots for the CF vs KUUKIP match but they have chickened out and cancelled. Therefore from my understanding of the game that makes us winners by defualt!!

It was never in doubt!,

I was reading the daily mail yesterday at my granpapas house and came across an article highlighting the fittest and laziest towns in Britain. Low and behold both my permanent home Walsall and my temporary home Stoke-On-Trent were in the laziest column. To be honest it dosent really surprise me. It was only when i was standing in Walsall yesterday waiting to meet my brother i noticed how fat and chavvy people in Walsall really are.!.

Despite this there is nothing quite like being back home alongside familair places and people, and as the good old saying goes "All publicity is good publicity!"

Well at the CF meeting yesterday which i was not present at they discussed David Cameron. Not about him being 97th sexiest man but how succesful he has been in his first year in charge. After talking to Joe the feedback was on the whole positive with only one member present ( who shall remain nameless) raising some concerns. In my own personal opinion i think he has done all that he would of been asked to do. We are still leading the polls comfortably and he appears to be connecting with the majority of the electorate. Despite this, it is what he does in the next year which will determine if he is to get the keys to number 10!, Just on that note i was thinking does the PM ever have a set of keys with him when he is out and about?, I have never seen him once outside number 10 struggling to find his keys whilst juggling his shopping!.

Anyway back to Cameron. Now is the time to start making some key decisons. This past year he has always had the excuse about waiting for these policy groups to come up with policy. If all goes to plan however these groups should be reporting back soon and then is the time for him to start making some tough decsions. One area inparticular where he needs to be bold is with Nuclear Energy. There is no point suggesting we wait and develop other forms of energy, the simple fact is a few wind turbines here or there will make no difference. Nuclear energy whether we like it or not is the only alternative to the energy dilema.

Right that will do for now,

Alex

Sinking feeling

2006-12-07T23:26:01Z

So.. Essays are handed in and all is quiet on the western front

To be honest i am very disapointed in myself for leaving a couple of my essays until the last minute. If i get bad marks i only have myself to blame. I only wish i could of had my "leave my essays till the last minute" phase last year when the marks didn't matter so much.

I am usaully so organised when it comes to essay writing aswell but on Tuesday night i found myself sitting in my room at 9pm with a blank screen infront of me!. I had to write a 2000 word essay for the next day on the joys of the Kyoto Protocol. I hate to admit it, but i actually felt physically sick as i sat gazing at the empty word document. It is a feeling i never ever want to experience again. I did manage to complete the essay at 2am the following morning but to what standard is anyone's guess!. I only hope God is looking down on me and willing to let me off the hook this once becuase i can assure you i will not be putting myself in that position ever again.

Anyway, whats done is done as they say and i am determined not to let the whole experience ruin my christmas. I have already stared doing some revision for my exams to try and make up some of the marks i would of lost on the essays. The radio show is improving week on week, however i am looking forward to having Peter back with us after Christmas. Something is just not quite right without his presence. It is our final show before xmas next week and it promises to be a little bit special.

So anyone reading this who dosent already know, The show is broadcast on WEDNESDAY 8PM www.kuberadio.com.

I will leave you all to get back on with your lives now

Cheerio

Alex

Long time no blog

2006-12-01T00:50:10Z

Well…I could lie and say I’ve been far too busy to update my blog, but that would be a damn lie.

Fact is, nothing of any significance has occurred in my life recently…nothing too exciting anyway. Well, unless you include:

I’ve finally decided I’m gay, after much mental strife and deliberation, I think I’m now comfortably enough to admit that I am a really am.

Following this new found gayness I have already been on a ‘kind of date’…which all ended in tragedy. At first he seemed nice, and we agreed to have a drink in the Weatherspoons in Newcastle (very romantic, I’m sure you’ll agree).

It was then I found out he didn’t drink

Which is fair enough I suppose

But then I found out he was a vegetarian

Which is pushing it, but I could put up with that

I then came to the realisation that he was perhaps, the gayest person I had ever met in my entire life…even including Joe, who is one massive poof.

His debit also got eaten by the ATM, which was the first of a string of bad luck. We went out again at the weekend to go gay clubbing with the Tories…he asked Joe if he could look after his bag by putting it under Joe’s chair. Then some dirty chav stole it without Joe noticing. Everything was in the bag, I-pod, mobile, keys etc…at least his debt card wasn’t, which was something.

After the night ended, he asked if I liked him, and I thought he was a nice guy….but in all honesty I simply didn’t like him ‘in that way.’ So I’ve only been out of the closet for a short time and I’ve already broken some hearts….go me!

Anyway, so many essays to do…so I better get back to them.

TTFN

Alex

Recent developments

2006-10-14T14:55:50Z

You know i have completley forgot about my blog this last week or so having been so busy. I thought i would update you on a few developments anyway.

1. I lost my election for Environment Officer by a rather large margin, Although im not surprised considering i did little to no campaigning. On a plus note i did get relected to stand on SRC.

2. We now have a full compliment of exec members for CF, including Big D so huzzahhh!

3. My Father has rang me suggesting he may put himself forward as a parish counciler next year!

4. My Mother has phoned me this morning telling me we are to aquire two Husky Dogs in the near future!!

5. I remain completley babboozled by one of my IR modules.

6. I went to the Union at last on friday night and payed the £3 entrance fee aswell!!

7. I have decided i shall begin to find a boyfriend/girlfiend at some point in the near future!

8. I have Cleaned my room at last after putting it off for soo long.

9. I am hopefully going to see Tony Lee (x rated hypnotist) tommorrow for the second time, Pure Class!.

I think that's all.

TTFN

Alex

Year 2 Begins

2006-10-02T10:32:34Z

Well im sitting here in the library having just attended my first lecture of the year. It was exactly what i expected to be honest from the one module i really think i may fail. I felt completly out of my depth during it with the lecturer Naveed Shiek. He is perhaps the most intelligent person i have ever met and some of the language he uses is phenominal. The notes i did manage to make are utter crap and so i think for once i may actually be buying some course textbooks, as i know for sure come january i will be relying on them. I Just hope i can muster up a good essay in order to give me some lee way for the exam.

Anyway, as regards to the other modules i am very much looking forward to them. I have my first US politics lecture today which should be fun. Im hoping my knowledge from A Level will give me a decent grounding for the module.

On the politics front Conservative Conference started yesterday and it appears Cameron is facing a test on Tax Cuts. I for one think he is taking completly the correct approach by not promising anything until we know what the economy will be like. The Right Wingers managed to force out IDS who tryed moving to the centre so lets hope Mr Cameron can stand his ground and stay true to his values on this Tax Policy. If he can do this, he will soon silence the critics.

Ta Ta

Alex

Welfare State or Europe?

2006-09-28T13:04:05Z

Well Freshers fair is over for another year and im happy to say our membership now tops 100!!. For a university the size of Keele's that is some achievement. It just goes to show how good planning can reep rewards. Anyway the big test remains to be getting those members to come to meetings and events. We will know more by Friday on that front.

I was browsing through my modules for this semester and came across the 4 essay questions we can chose to answear for UK Politics module. I had initially hoped for a question on voting behaviour but as we all know life is not made that easy for you. Out of the 4 i think i have decided which one to tackle, it reads:

How does the welfare state established by 'old' Labour in the 1940s differ from New Labour's version today?

Well to be honest its not my specialist field but i think with a bit of research i can do a decent enough job. Any suggestions for possible points to make please feel free to comment. The other questions i can chose range from Electoral Systems, National Identity ( Which is a NO NO) and Europe ( which i may well change too!)

Anyway i have a bit of time to think about it so il decide in the near future.

On that note i must depart. Freshers Party tonight which promises to be alot more populated than last year, and none other than the Daily Telegraph are attending.

Ta Ta

Alex

Year 2 is upon me..

2006-09-22T13:50:52Z

Hello its been a long time since i have blogged so i thought id update you breifly on my going on.

I am back in Stoke and have been for a couple of weeks now. College Court is fine now i have freeview to pass the hours away. My new flatmates still havent arrived yet so im suspecting they will all be freshers. Shame i wont be there to great them on Saturday and Sunday. Freshers fortnight begins tommorw and i must admit i can remember so well my freshers experience from last year. I need to make sure i rejoin both Kube and Port and Cheese at some point during the weekend in order for our show to return for a our dear listeners. I also am contemplating joining Ale and Cider society this year. Although it makes me feel like an proper alcoholic joining all alcohol related societies. Ah well , you only live once i guess!

Oh yes, i would like to send my best wishes to Richard Hammond and his family after his terrible accident. Many of you will know me and the tory boys went to see his show last year which was a great experince. And we all remember that he high fived me!!!!, legend. Lets hope he recovers quickly and gets back to doing what he does best. All the news today has been positive.

Right that's you lot for now

Ta Ta

Alex

Going Going Gone.... (Well not quite!)

2006-09-07T16:08:51Z

"I will be gone within 12 months" were the words Tony Blair used to try and stop the continuing speculation over his departure date. Well i'l tell him one thing for sure, that wont be enough for many Labour MPs. To be honest Tony is in a no win situation on this one for the following reason. By giving a specific date on his departure only kills the duck who is currently very lame. What worries me is that before the 2005 election he stated he would serve a full term in office if elcted. After the election however he went back on that and stated he would not serve a full term afterall. Confusing or what!. Another worry i have is that in November Blair is due to give his Queens Speech outlining his policy for the next year. Surely by staying on until then means he will be tying Browns hands together in terms of what he can do in the next year (that is of course if Brown is elected). It is a relief that all this debate over leadership is not happneing to us Tories again. Its rather nice watching this story develop. I will tell you one thing though, i wouldnot bet against Blair being gone by the time conference comes around in a couple of weeks.

In the meantime Dave as we like to call him has been to India to see the effect Globalisation is having there and to try and get some ideas for future policy. You can read his Blog (YES a blog, us tories are all hip now) by visiting www.dcindia06.blogspot.com.

Ta Ta

Alex

The Return

2006-09-05T10:12:22Z

Well I have arrived in Stoke and the weather is good, joy of joys

My room is good it has all the things you would expect including an en suite Shower. This is simply on a different planet from what I had to put up with last year.

Anyway Saturday I went to Manchester with Owen for the CF husting’s. The husting itself was pretty run of the mill and after chatting to the candidates I think I made the right choices. Afterwards we ended up at the infamous Curry Mile in Manchester after some kind person offered to pay for us all on the bus. The curry was ok but I must say I have certainly had better. Listening to the conversations the people were chatting about made me feel a little “Out of my depth”. For example this Irish guy was describing how he had been to Lord Heseltine’s birthday bash last year. He was describing how Tom Jones sang and how he was mingling with Sir Cliff! If this is what being in the NME involves I’m certainly up for it! Anyway we eventually got back to stoke around 3 in the morning and I for one was glad to get some sleep.

On a side note Owen brought along a fellow from Stafford way who intends to get involved with us this year. A very nice fellow he is too. We chatted for a while and he seems very enthusiastic about CF. I look forward to speaking to him some more this year.

I am ending this LJ on a sad note however, as many of you may already know, the legendary Steve Irwin passed away yesterday after being struck in the heart by a stingray. He was simply a great guy who died doing what he loved. My thoughts go out to his family on this sad day. R.I.P

Alex

Admin gone wrong!

2006-08-30T17:07:14Z

EDIT 31st AUGUST - Just as i thought Conservative admin could not get anyworse, i have today revcieved a letter from them apologising for the delay in my membership card and resureing me it will be posted out shortly. However the letter is posted after i have recieved my card!. What next?

Why Hello there it is awfully nice to see you again.

I was rather taken aback by the comments made in response to my last LJ entry. In future I will make sure I do my research before posting old news. I’m sorry for having a sense of humour!.

Anyway now that is sorted, the day is almost upon me when I return to the BNP capital of the UK in Stoke-On Trent. Just like last year I am shocked my how much stuff I’ve ended up packing! Every year I say to myself I should only take essentials but even then I seem to have a lorry load of things which range from Phone chargers to Saucepans, All of which are indispensable. Ah yes that has reminded me, I need to purchase a Wok upon my arrival. Saying that, thank goodness I'm not a women (Ok no jokes about my sexuality required here they are soo out of date). I still to this day don't know why they need so much stuff; I mean how much makeup do they need! Surely a bit of foundation will do the trick? None of these comments are in any way intended to disvalue Women I must add. I mean lets be honest Men will soon be worthless with all these advances in Embryos and all that rubbish. Talking about embryos did you know that President Bush used his presidential veto for the first time a couple of months back? It appears Mr Bush does have a sensitive side after all.

Oh yes I finally received my new Conservative membership card after 4 months of waiting! I tell you I have never known anything like Conservative admin. It takes them months to send you a card they promise you in 30 days! But they have no such problems sending letters asking you for money! I have counted 3 requests for my dosh in just a year. Conservative Future (The youth branch of the party for all those not in the know) is just as bad. They have ended up putting the wrong address on all of the ballots they have sent for the annual CF elections. Let’s hope Mr Cameron is more efficient than this when he runs the country.

Now I would like to draw your attention to a recent report published in BBC History magazine. They decided to work out through a points system which makes no sense at all who the greatest 20th Century Prime minister was. They ranked Clem Attlee and Margaret Thatcher as the top two closely followed by Edward Heath and Winston Churchill. Although I don’t disagree with the top two names I am rather amazed that they have placed Heath in front of Churchill! I would appreciate others opinions on this report. (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/5294024.stm) .
Talking about Clem Attlee I was wondering the other day weather a chap like him would ever become PM in today’s society. In a society obsessed with Image and Personality there is no chance a figure like Attlee would have got elected. Let’s just be happy he did become PM when he did. He, like Thatcher completely transformed British society when it was very much needed, although even he didn’t seem to anticipate the massive growth in the population that is now reliant on the heavily overstretched NHS.

I would like to conclude this entry with a quote from Mr Attlee himself which appears to show he maybe wasn't a dull after all; it reads

"I just love Chinese food. My favourite dish is number 27"

Ta Ta

Alex

A case of mistaken identity!

2006-08-23T12:24:55Z

Whilst browsing the web earlier today i came across a quite incredible story of mistaken identity! , It is the story of a man named Guy Goma who whilst at the bbc for a job interview found himself live on BBC news 24 answearing questions on the Apple vs Apple row. He had been mistaken for a person named Guy Kewney who was meant to be interviewed. Anyway the link below explains it in more detail. (and provides a link to the clip in question)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/5277722.stm

I just love his reaction when he is asked the first question!!!!!!, Anyway as the article says a film is now in the pipeline which is based on this incident. The ironic thing is, he never did get the job afterall. But i suppose the BBCs loss is hollywoods gain lol.

Ta Ta

Alex

Policy at last!

2006-08-21T17:35:10Z

It has happened oh yes David Cameron has listened to us members and produced an updated "Built to Last" document which actually contains stuff worth reading.

After reading a report on the built to last road show which has just concluded, I came across a great quote which seems to sum up the difference between us and labour perfectly. It reads "Conservatives would teach a man to fish, whilst labour would simply give the man a fish". Cameron has called this document a "Mini Manifesto" which he hopes and I fully expect will be endorsed by us members. Key phrases that came up in the short document were:

Encouraging Enterprise and SHARING the proceeds of growth between better public services and tax reduction. This is very different from the last election where we stood for out and out lower taxes. On this point however I think Cameron has it spot on. With the economy as it is, we can’t simply promise the voters lower taxes when it is highly unlikely we can deliver them straight away. We must stabilise the economy first before doing what all Tories want and Lowering Taxes.

Improving Public services by trusting people more. Getting rid of the top down approach toward running, the currently in dismay, NHS. As I say “Doctors not politicians are best placed to know what needs improving in the NHS" so let them decide how to spend the money! makes perfect sense to me.

Take a lead in ending global poverty. Now in theory this sounds great, but this may be controversial but surely we should deal with the poverty we have in this country before spending all our resources helping other countries. How can we set a lead in tackling global poverty when we can't even sort it out at home!

Anyway that’s built to last in a nutshell, so exiting isn’t it!

As for my normal life not alot has happened. I’m counting down the days until I return to Keele
11 days en counting!!

Alex

English Summer

2006-08-13T18:18:07Z

It’s nice to see the good old English summer is back with us. It's raining heavily as I speak to you now from the comfort of my bedroom in the wonderful west mids. One thing that has bugged me though is the fickle nature of the English people. A month ago we were complaining about how too bloody hot it was and how we wished it would cool down, however now when it has done just that we moan about it being too wet and cold!. If only we could reach a mid point between the two forecasts we may be ok.

Anyway this past week I’ve had meetings with ministerial colleagues along with my other duties in the house and I will have further such meetings later today. Oh sorry about that was getting into Politics mode there for a second. I still for the life of me don't understand why they ask the same bloody question at the start of every PMQs every week when the PM gives the same response every week! It's the waste of 30 seconds which could be spent actually asking an important question. Also the way Labour MPs stand up and praise the governments so called record on health etc and tag on a question along the lines of “Does my right honourable friend agree that the health of people is importent”. Well of course it bloody is god dammit! Again it’s a waste of time which could be spent actually holding the government to account. Thirdly and last of all for now is the way each leader sends their respects and sympathies to someone who has died. Don't get me wrong this should happen, but why not the speaker just do it on behalf of the whole house at the beginning of the session. Once again a waste of valuable time holding the govt to account.

Anyway sorry about that, this week I am heading up to stoke for a couple of days to see campus and visit Joe and Duncan. This is before I go back for good on the 1st of September.

Until next time

Alex

Football Returns

2006-08-08T09:26:12Z

Not long to go now until I leave my home town once again for another year of fun fun fun at Keele. I remember when I was at school I never wanted the summer holidays to end but when you go to university you begin to realise how bloody long the holiday is!. Anyway I officially go back on Sept 1st but I will be heading up to Keele for a couple of days later in the month. My plan is to get a few books from the library before everyone else lol.

The new footy season started at the weekend (and I don’t mean the overpaid, diving, nambe pambie premiership) but the football league. This is proper football. It is only when you go to watch a match in the football league that you see the true passion and excitement this wonderful game produces. There is nothing better than going to a footy league match and standing in the freezing cold eating you boiling hot Beef and Onion Pie. The reason why I think the footy league is better is the unpredictability it brings. In the lower leagues you find that any team can beat anyone on any given day, however with the premiership you can predict the top 4 or 5 every season (Chelsea, Arsenal, Liverpool, Man Utd). In the lower leagues you also see real passion from the players who play football because they love it not because they want to just turn up and collect their barrel loads of cash. Don't get me wrong, the premiership can sometimes be exiting but to me I much prefer the atmosphere at a football league match than a premiership match. Some of these premiership so called superstars I believe would not hack the physical side of lower league football, in the premiership players seem to go over so easily and diving is a real problem. In the Football league however, I can barely recall such behaviour in all my several years of watching Walsall FC (Who incidentally are now in the bottom tier of League Footy!)

It comes to something when it is realistically possible that Arsenal this season could start the season with no English player in the starting 11! And we wonder why we can't win World Cup's. I think some sort of quotes on the number of foreign players allowed in a squad or English players attest could be the answer. However we must be careful we do stri9ke a balance to ensure we still get some of the best foreign players in the English premiership.

Anyway that’s that for now.

Alex

Two Jags now in charge!!

2006-07-30T13:43:20Z

Its official. John Prescott or Two Jags as he is known is in charge of the country for the next few weeks why Blair and the rest of the MPs are jetting off in search of sun!! (Not far to go for that then!!).

But seriously. John Prescott is perhaps the worst politician I have ever known. He lies out of his teeth and boasts how he is a proper working class fellow but its amazing what money and power can do to you! It’s been a very interesting year in terms of the politics; we (I mean the Conservatives) have a new leader who has managed to get the party to 39% in the polls which is not far short of a majority in parliament.

Cameron heir to Blair!

As much as Cameron tries to distance himself from imitating Blair, he is doing just that. But I know one thing for sure. If it worked for Blair it can work for Cameron.

The resemblances are spooky!!

Here are a few points I have noticed.

1. Just like in 1992 the Party in Government are proving more and more unpopular. Stories of sleaze and scandal are alienating voters.
2. At the same time the opposition party elect a young charismatic leader who emerges from nowhere. He promises a change in his party to reflect modern Britain. ( Remember the Sun headline in 1997 “Give change a chance”)
3. Opposition leader fights battle with a fraction in his party in order to show this change.
4. Opposition leader appoints advisors to work on his image.
5. In order the show this change, the opposition leader changes a major part of the Parties traditional beliefs. (e.g. Then- Clause IV, Now- Not focusing on Immigration, removal from EPP)
6. Opposition leader wins his first election by a landslide over the unpopular government (Then -1997 General election, Now - 2006 local elections)

Cameron I believe is taking a big risk by moving the party away from the right and towards the centre ground. I do worry however, about point number 3 I just noted. In 1994 Blair had a much easier challenge in eliminating the Left wing fraction of the Labour Party. It had been wounded ever since Neil Kinnock became Labour Leader. Blair simply had to administer the final blow by removing Clause IV.

Today Cameron is picking a much bigger fight with the Right Wing Tories. They are a strong and committed bunch who have already shown the big influence they have in the party by forcing IDS (Ian Duncan Smith) out, He, just like Cameron, tried to move the party to the centre ground!. 3 election defeats in a row however, may just have given Cameron a trump card! If Cameron can ride the current storm and silence the right wingers he will be well on his way. However, he must remember one thing. Its all well and good getting the floating voters votes but it is conceivable that he alienates traditional Tories so much they mark there cross elsewhere or not at all in 2009. If that happens. Cameron can wave goodbye to his chance of becoming PM.

Alex

I hate Central Trains

2006-07-23T14:11:42Z

Well i returned from my trip to Lowestoft on Saturday and it was very enjoyable indeed, apart from the Journey there and back. I know one thing for certain, i will be avioding Central Trains from now on. Anyway thankyou Duncan for a great week.

I have now, following the trip got no money left, meaning i have to sit at home for two months avoiding spending money. Oh the Joys!!

I dont wish to add anymore at this current time as i am not really in the mood.

Alex

Results = Pass

2006-07-14T15:04:44Z

Well it feels like a big weight has been lifted off my shoulders, Exam results were released today and i passed everything, thus continuing on to my second year without retakes yes!!!!!.

Although im happy with my marks, in the grand scheme of things they mean nothing really. The only thing i take from them is the belief i do have the abilty to get through uni if i apply myself. Knowing this makes me feel content , however i know the level of teaching and assesment will rise this coming year. I must be ready for the challange ahead, but you know what, right now i cant wait for the second year to start. Heres to September!!!

I hope everyone else with results gets the green light to go to the next level , Im sure you will all be fine though.

Alex