Blogs

For most people prices and the cost of living are soaring so it comes as a surprise when you hear inflation is falling drastically. It just doesn’t add up. Well actually it does. In 2015 we warned that these indicators were being altered when CPI rather than RPI became the benchmark of choice:

https://www.facebook.com/805941286121301/photos/a.806379472744149.107374...

I see the drones that Chris Thomas coordinate have suddenly come up with this:

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/big-drop-in-inflation/

For a moment I muse about having a look at the statistics but decide that at my age my blood pressure won’t stand it.

I decide to read Alice in Wonderland instead because I think in terms of veracity Lewis Carroll had more going for him than the ‘boys and girls’ on Prospect Hill.

The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster, with its headquarters at Broadcasting House in Westminster, London. It is principally funded by an annual television licence fee which is compulsory and charged to all British households, companies, and organisations using any type of equipment to receive or record live television broadcasts. The BBC has faced  accusations regarding its bias coverage of many topics. Despite being publicly funded and claims of being 'balanced' it is certainly not impartial or neutral.

Manx journalism is not so much given a slap-down by MHK Lawrie Hooper in this report as being sent to ‘the naughty corner’ so it's hardly a body blow to the profession more a gentle chiding (link):

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/journalists-dont-go-far-...

The interesting thing is of course that Hooper avers journalists could do more when in the past journalists were being chided for being to assertive or lacking balance depending on your perspective.

Ireland's President Michael D Higgins is officially opening the 2018 Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Drogheda this afternoon. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is the biggest traditional Irish music festival in the world and is taking place between 12th-19th August 2018. The annual event celebrates Irish tradition through music, song, dance and the Irish language. 

‘It's indicative of the priority that the plight of indigenous people has been given that the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples was not adopted until 2007’

I read an item recently in which its averred that the Mapuche indigenous people are ‘comeovers’ in Argentina in that its claimed they came over the Andes after the Argentinian State was set up.

The Mapuche are one of a number of indigenous groups globally that are campaigning for a better deal from the former nations that colonised them.

The Centenary Centre has earned a well deserved reputation for providing countless shows of top-class entertainment since it first re-opened the doors of the old church hall built in 1877, but this year the venue will play host to a special two-day festival. Organised in association with the One World Centre and Manx Radio, this will be a unique opportunity to enjoy several bands bringing a rich, global rhythm to the Isle of Man.

I read with interest (just after OFT issues another caution about cold calling) that DEFA are going to be ‘cold calling’ to weigh up randomly the nature of the nation's housing stock. Obviously one of the prime questions inspired by DEFA Minister ‘Baron Boot’ will be; ‘Do you own a barbeque’. (Link):

https://www.manxradio.com/news/isle-of-man-news/defa-to-knock-on-doors-f...

I’ve received a response to a query I sent to Chief Minister Howard Quayle about alleged concerns reported on social media about Nobles (link):

https://www.facebook.com/Mannin-Branch-Celtic-League-805941286121301/tim...

I’ve received a reply from Health Minister David Ashford MHK that sets out in considerable detail a rebuttal of the points raised.

I’m grateful to the Health Minister and his team for the detailed response and to the Chief Minister for facilitating it.

Deep in the Berwyn Mountains of Wales stands the beautiful church of Saint Melangell. There has been a church on this site for over 1200 years and parts of the present building date back to the 12th century. It stands in a round churchyard that was once a Bronze Age site and is surrounded by ancient yew trees estimated to be two thousand years old. In the chancel of the church stands the 12th Century shrine of Saint Melangell. The church also contains a 15th Century oak screen with carvings that tell the story of Melangell and Prince Brochwel.