Cure Your Incurable Skin Disease with Dr Pagano’s Detox Plan

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Cure Your Incurable Skin Disease with Dr Pagano’s Detox Plan

Psoriasis is a disease that can affect men, women and children at any age and it is the most prevalent autoimmune disease. “Psoriasis is a skin condition that causes red, flaky, crusty patches of skin covered with silvery scales.” (1) This is the definition of a condition which can cause discomfort, pain and emotional distress to those afflicted.

People living with psoriasis can have mild, moderate or severe psoriasis and their symptoms can change over time and ‘flare up’ if triggered by an injury or event. The skin incorrectly over produces skin cells as the immune system attacks healthy cells by mistake. These patches can become inflamed and a wound or an infection may occur in severe cases. Consequently many sufferers are forced to take some time off work.

“Total direct and indirect health care costs of psoriasis for patients are calculated at $11.25 billion annually, with work loss accounting for 40 percent of the cost burden. Approximately 60 percent of psoriasis patients missed an average of 26 days of work a year due to their illness.”(2)

“Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a common skin condition marked by itchy inflamed patches of skin.” (3) It is characterised with red sore patches that can develop anywhere on the body and is very similar to psoriasis and can affect anyone at any age.

These conditions are medically termed as chronic and not curable, although there are prescription treatments and medications available that can ease the symptoms.

The figures globally of people affected with these common skin problems are shocking to consider. “125 million people worldwide—2 to 3 percent of the total population—have psoriasis” according to the World Psoriasis Day consortium. “Worldwide, about 20 percent of children and up to 3 percent of the adult population have some form of eczema.” (4) Psoriasis and eczema can have a real adverse affect on the quality of life for many sufferers and in some cases severe skin problems can lead to hospitalisation and be life threatening.

Dr John Pagano is a chiropractic physician based in New Jersey whose book ‘Healing Psoriasis’ proposes a natural alternative to traditional therapies for permanently eradicating both eczema and psoriasis. For more than twenty years Dr Pagano has been recommending internal cleansing as the way to cure these diseases ‘from the inside out’. Photos throughout the book show miraculous improvements in the skin of his many patients.

“His regimen focuses on healing the leaky gut syndrome (which he believes causes psoriasis and eczema) through diet, detoxification and spinal adjustments.” says Harry K. Panjwani M.D., Ph.D in the forward of the book. (5)

The major focus of Pagano’s ‘drug-free program’ is recommending a special and mostly alkaline diet to reduce the toxic build up that many people experience in their stomach over time. Specific teas and foods are suggested to assist the healing of the digestive system which leads to what Pagano terms as ‘leaky gut syndrome’. Pagano believes an inefficient and damaged stomach can allow toxins to get into the bloodstream and cause inflammation of the skin as they try to leave the body by an inappropriate route.

Detoxification methods are employed that include focusing on emotional healing and freeing the mind of negativity. Initially chiropractic sessions and also colonic treatments and enemas are all part of the healing program. Adopting correct posture and daily exercising are all prescribed to help rebalance the body. Drinking extra pure water helps to flush out more toxins and steam baths help to replenish the nutrients back into the skin externally. Natural oils such as olive and coconut are also used to help the sore areas of the body repair comfortably. Getting sunshine on the body is a good idea as long as care is taken not to burn. There are many detailed tips which can be found in the easy to read pages of this volume which is available from Amazon and Google and Barnes and Noble in America.

It is definitely worth buying a copy of this book if you or your family are inflicted with eczema or psoriasis. We have personally followed the advice contained within the paperback for more than a month and found it to be positively life changing. It is not a quick fix pill or ointment but once you have started you will see improvements within a short time.

The other downsides are that Pagano’s system requires discipline as it is restrictive and quite a drastic change and requires a lot of adjustment for some people. If you have a sweet tooth and really like caffeinated or alcoholic drinks or if you are a smoker, there are sacrifices to be made for getting completely clear skin. Many folk with eczema and psoriasis also have allergies such as wheat or dairy or may choose to be vegetarian or vegan for personal reasons and for them what is actually ‘allowed’ on the regimen can be rather limited.

Shopping for the proper fruit, vegetables, proteins and grains takes considerable care. Cooking meals can be a little complex as there are lots of foods to avoid and some foods can only be eaten alone. This can cause complication in some restaurants and fast food is completely forbidden. Practice makes perfect with getting used to this new personal routine and how and what to order when dining out. Losing weight is often reported after a few weeks with this diet which many adults welcome. Overeating is definately not advised but snacks are permitted and there is no missing meals or starving unlike many fasting therapies.

However if you are ready to commit to a radical lifestyle change you can achieve a happier, healthier life with no eczema or psoriasis in a matter of weeks or a few months. Compared to other expensive and time consuming eczema and psoriasis prescriptions, equipment and medical sessions Pagano’s plan is revolutionary. This book is published by Wiley and is very highly recommended indeed. This drug free program really works and may be just what you have been waiting for to cure your incurable skin disease forever.

 

(1)(2) ‘Statistics’ National Psoriasis Foundation website 18 Oct 2018 https://www.psoriasis.org/content/statistics

(3)’Eczema: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment’ Healthline, Debra Sullivan 4 Oct 2018 https://www.healthline.com/health/eczema

(4) MG217 website Eczema Statistics 23 Oct 2018 http://www.mg217.com/your-eczema/statistics/

(5) ‘Healing Psoriasis’ The Natural Alternative Book by Dr. John O.A.Pagano, D.C https://www.amazon.co.uk/Healing-Psoriasis-Alternative-John-Pagano/dp/0470267267

 

The People’s Vote March Challenges May’s Plans For UK Brexit

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The People’s Vote March Challenges May’s Plans For UK Brexit

History was made this weekend when The People’s Vote organised a peaceful march in central London to call for a final say on the United Kingdom’s Brexit with the European Union. The sun shone brightly and event was deemed a big success as hundreds of thousands of voters and their families joined in. United in their cause, these citizens walked in a positive way through the famous streets of the city to demonstrate their strong political desire to have a voice and force the government to reconsider leaving the EU.

The People’s Vote is a campaign to demand a vote on the final Brexit deal for the UK. Many people would call this a second referendum to decide whether the UK is actually going to leave the European Union. There is an argument for referring to call for a further official public consultation as a third referendum, as the first national vote was in favour of joining the EU was held on the 5th June 1975.

On Saturday 20th October 2018 at 12pm a massive crowd gathered in Park Lane. Shortly after they all strolled via Piccadilly and Buckingham Palace and then keenly onwards to Westminster and then Parliament Square. Once congregated from 2pm the throng heard speeches from leading campaigners who are lobbying for everyone to cast a deciding vote on the question of ‘if and in what way’ England and Great Britain should leave the EU.

“The People’s Vote is a grassroots campaign supported by its constituent groups including Open Britain, the European Movement UK, Britain for Europe, Scientists for EU, Healthier In, Our Future Our Choice, For Our Future’s Sake, Wales For Europe & InFacts.” (1) Their facebook page has over a million followers and claims support from cross-party political support and the rally was lead by the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan.

The organisers claimed that 700000 marched in favour of stopping Brexit. (3) Such a large number will definitely force those in power across the globe to pay attention. It will encourage those in power to consider the concept of fresh democratic intervention and rethinking Theresa May’s plans for leaving the EU. The friendly folk participating in this civilised protest are interested in challenging what they consider to be a crushingly expensive divorce bill from Europe, that the UK cannot afford. There has been much talk of a Conservative leadership in crisis this month.

The People’s vote group is working in partnership with The Independent newspapers own campaign to challenge Brexit. They propose holding a fresh referendum before March 2019 now everyone is more aware of the facts and the financial options concerning leaving the EU. This surprisingly big group of citizens were connected on the day by social media communication. Several parents commented that they felt compelled to take action in order to define a better future for this generation living in the UK and those of the young people that will follow in their footsteps in the future.

On the social media platform Twitter today Deborah Meaden, an entrepreneur of Dragon’s Den fame, took part at the event on Saturday and posted photographs of the day saying “Let’s just let this sink in shall we.”

Critics of the idea for another vote to decide leaving the European Union quoted how “51% of the population voted to leave” by activating Article 20 in March 2019 and feel that their democratic voice should be respected. (2)

However a supporter of the campaign to hold another referendum Diane Gilder said “Many people have changed their minds (on voting Brexit) as well as (there has been) people (that voted to leave) dying and people coming of age (who are now able) to vote.”

Placards held by those rallying that were polite enough to repeat in this article included: “Brexit: the undefined being negotiated by the unprepared, in order to get the unspecified, for the uninformed.” “We Love Eu” and “You Brexit We Fixit” (4)

If the People’s Vote estimate on marching figures is correct, then it makes this march the second largest on record in England. (2) Theresa May is currently refusing to contemplate another official poll on the issue of Brexit. Time will tell whether the Prime Minister’s plans and negotiations have attained enough support, to steer the UK out of a united Europe and into the less restricted but more uncertain waters of a political and economic future, as a more independent but also a more isolated island.

 

(1) ‘Who we are’ People’s vote campaign website 22 Oct 2018

https://www.peoples-vote.uk/who_we_are

(2)‘People’s Vote march: Hundreds of thousands attend London protest’ BBC News Brexit 20 Oct 2018 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-45925542

(3) ‘People’s Vote march: ‘700,000’ rally for new Brexit referendum – as it happened’ The Guardian Mattha Busby 20 Oct 2018 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/live/2018/oct/20/peoples-vote-march-london-second-referendum-brexit-live

(4) Placard photos from the rally with kind permission by Vicky Howse

Top Employment figures released but its ‘quality not quantity’ for a bright economy

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Top Employment figures released but its ‘quality not quantity’ for a bright economy

During the previous quarter of 2018 the employment rate was 75.5% which shows impressively high employment figures for the UK this Autumn. (1) The government say this “is the highest since comparable records began in 1971.” The Conservative Manifesto also declares that “Since 2010, 2.9 million jobs have been created. We see employment at record levels. Employment [is] higher now than since records began. And unemployment lower than it’s been since the mid 1970s.” (2)

Ideally this demonstrates a strong economy where many people have great jobs and pay substantial taxes on their wages and this in turn encourages good economic growth and a well functioning society. This picture of nearly full employment should give back all the funding needed for ensuring social benefits, healthcare, primary and secondary education and so on is provided financially for everyone who needs it. This is because the money generated from the taxes that employed people pay contributes directly to the economy via the Treasury, the government’s financial ministry.

However critics might consider that this headline statistic is misleading. This is because many jobs especially in the service economy are low paid and do not offer full time hours. Coupled with a relatively high personal tax allowance compared to other countries like Denmark, a 75.5% employment rate is very positive news but doesn’t necessarily translate into the amount of taxes needed to cover all the welfare needs and requirements of a modern society with an increasingly ageing population.

Many people in the UK are working and are still eligible to receive additional benefits such as universal credit and housing benefit. Often people are encouraged to be self-employed as the work offered can be temporary, with little training and investment by the employer. These companies that hire self employed people to do relatively low skilled work can sometimes even require the worker who may be part time or on a zero hours contract to invest in a special vehicle or other equipment before the work can be commenced.

Career options in some ‘Mc.Jobs’ can be few or non-existent, in the case of fruit picking for example. Unsocial and inflexible hours may be offered with no opportunity for the employee to choose hours to suit them, that enable them to conveniently care for their families, especially in seasonal retail positions and areas such as such as barwork and tourism.

Universities sell degree courses to prospective students on the glamorous salaries that will be available to graduates upon completing their courses. The reality is often very different and it is a common sight to have a pile of CV’s from post-graduate educated people seeking temporary dead end office jobs or retail adviser roles that are nothing to do with their studies. These are jobs just to keep some money coming in to live on for the graduates, while they look around for a real permanent job with career prospects.

Self employment and company ownership is on the rise so PAYE income and the usual national insurance contributions that accompany it may continue to decline. “Creating a nation of slaves to poverty-waged, piecemeal jobs doesn’t solve anything; in fact, it’s bad for the economy” wrote Hannah Fearn in the Independant last year. (3)

There are serious threats to the governments economic coffers as valuable business rates from traditional retail shops may yet become a thing from the past. Automation negates the need for some businesses to require a large full time workforce. Online retailers offering attractive prices to consumers are often based offshore for tax purposes with warehouses in cheaper rural areas.

Whatever the outcome of Brexit, maintaining the aeronautical and car manufacturing industries, continuing to be a hub for financial services investment and keeping our professional and scientific companies thriving, will be key parts of the challenges that a future government will face to ensure employment rates are maintained or continue to rise.

Many statistical analysts agree that in 2018 the UK is the worlds 5th largest economy. (4) In order to maintain and develop this famous island’s GDP and to create a wealthy, healthy and truly progressive country, we need to ensure that everyone from Great Britain and Northern Ireland all have a decent place to call home. We also need to make sure everybody of working age can make a ‘good living’. Families using food banks because of poverty should only be something from Victorian history books and the writings of Dickens.

Providing adults, children and elderly people living in the United Kingdom (or whatever is left of it geographically, after the full effect of Brexit becomes clear) with the standard of living they will expect and need in an online 21st century environment will be an exercise in change management.

Leading a government that will continue to successfully obtain the billions of tax revenues needed to balance the economy, will involve some major strategic rethinking and also some serious innovation. The UK will also depend on the experienced and robust civil service, to administer what will no doubt continue to be, a period of unprecedented transformation.

 

(1) ‘Regional labour market statistics in the UK: September 2018’ Office for National Statistics website 17 Oct 2018 https://www.ons.gov.uk/employmentandlabourmarket/peopleinwork/employmentandemployeetypes/bulletins/regionallabourmarket/september2018

(2) ‘Conservative party manifesto launch, factchecked’ The UK’s independent factchecking charity website 18 May 2018 https://fullfact.org/event/2017/May/18

(3) ‘The Tories will tell you they’re the party that gives the nation proper employment – but even their advisers don’t agree’ The Independant, Hannah Fearn, 9 May 2017 https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/tories-employment-statistics-unemployment-general-election-jobs-reality-different-a7726666.html

(4) ‘Projected GDP Ranking (2018-2023)’ from IMF world economic outlook Statistics Times 9 Jun 2018 http://statisticstimes.com/economy/projected-world-gdp-ranking.php

Where does the cash come from in the UK economy and why should you care?

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Where does the cash come from in the UK economy and why should you care?

The are several major taxes contributing to the revenues that flow into the economy of the United Kingdom. These are business rates, income tax, national insurance, excise duties, corporation tax, VAT (value added tax on buying luxury items) council tax, stamp duty and car tax. Other taxes include taxes paid on purchasing alcohol, fizzy drinks and fuel and the inheritance tax paid on private estates, after someone passes away. Income from state owned businesses is also an important source of income for Her Majesty’s Treasury which is “the government’s economic and finance ministry.”

The Institute for Fiscal Studies explains how income tax, National Insurance contributions (NICs) and VAT to make up two-thirds of the share of national income raised in taxes. (1) The Guardian newspaper commented on Philip Hammond’s budget forecast in November 2017 stating that the country’s “wealth, largely in bricks and mortar (is valued at) more than £8tn” or 8 trillion pounds. (2)

The service sector is a term used to describe work that is carried out but not involving manufacturing products or agricultural production. Services include retail and leisure, hotels, media and utilities companies. Financial services are primarily based in the City of London and these banking and investment businesses currently also contribute greatly to the revenue generated in the UK economy. “Services are the largest sector, accounting for more than 78 percent of the GDP. Manufacturing and production contribute 21 percent, and agriculture contributes a tiny 0.6 percent.” (3)

This year the Office for National Statistics reported that “The largest industry group is professional, scientific and technical, making up 17.5% of all registered businesses in the UK.” (4) The ONS also went onto say that approximately 1 in 5 of all businesses are based in London which is massively important as a UK centre for cultural and creative businesses, tourism, financial services and IT businesses and start-ups.

Historically the principle of keeping money in the bank was that you “had as much money as you had gold in the vault.” (4) Nowadays the money that is received from the service, manufacturing, tourism and other industries like private healthcare and educational companies is used to fund all kinds of public spending, welfare and infrastructure projects. According to HM Treasury the government aims to “Increase employment and productivity, and ensure strong growth and competitiveness across all regions of the UK” (5)

Maintaining commercial prosperity and attracting and keeping multinational companies based in the UK will be key after Brexit. Excellent employment options for UK workers will be vital to ensuring tax revenues are maintained. This is important to be able to achieve the government’s goals for the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP).

As technology advances the online tax system and financial automation can help to improve the efficiency of all the money that is entering the Treasury. If the economy can grow positively then people of all ages could all enjoy a 21st century standard of living. If there is enough money in the economy, it is possible in the near future, that everyone living on this wonderful island can enjoy a decent home, education, career and a comfortable retirement. That would be a legacy that would truly match the UK’s position as one of the top five most advanced economies in the world. (6)

 

 

(1) ‘Tax revenues: where does the money come from and what are the next govenrment’s challenges?” Helen Miller and Barra Roantree 1 May 2017 https://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/9178

(2) ‘Where does the UK government get its money, and what does it spend it all on?’ The Guardian, Phillip Inman, 22 Nov 2017 https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/ng-interactive/2017/nov/22/where-does-the-uk-government-get-its-money-and-what-does-it-spend-it-all-on

(3) ‘How the UK Makes Money’ Vanessa Page, Investopedia 16 Oct 2018 https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/042915/how-uk-makes-money.asp#ixzz5U6fr6KA1

(4) ‘Where does money come from? The Bank of England explains all’ Management Today Andrew Saunders 18 Mar 2014 https://www.managementtoday.co.uk/does-money-from-bank-england-explains/article/1285731

(5) ‘About Us’ HM Treasury website 16 Oct 2018 https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-treasury/about

(6) ‘The world’s biggest economies in 2018’ Rob Smith, World Economic Forum, 18 Apr 2018 https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2018/04/the-worlds-biggest-economies-in-2018/

(7) Office for National Statistics, Activity, size and location 16 Oct 2018 https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/business/activitysizeandlocation

How the humble pencil could lead to cars that save the planet

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How the humble pencil could lead to cars that save the planet

Graphene is made from tiny molecules of graphite, which has been used in pencil tips for decades. As a material it is very thin and very strong and this is because “Graphene is a one-atom-thick layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice.” (1)

Graphene is tipped to be a game changer in the quest to produce more efficient batteries for electric cars. This year “Graphene has also been used with silicon to make a lithium-ion battery which charges in just 15 minutes, and lasts one week on a single charge.”(2) Technology giants Samsung are developing battery technology that could be used in many applications including phones and batteries for cars.

Leaders in the West are supporting the potential benefits of producing faster quicker charging batteries and have invested in a massive research programme that will create fresh economic development. “The European Union’s biggest-ever research initiative is the Graphene Flagship, which commands a budget of around €1 billion (£800 million).” (3)

The University of Sutherland has been part of a consortium working on projects to advance the use of the material. Autocar magazine quotes expert Ahmed Elmarakbi who explains how the material can also be used to manufacture lightweight batteries. “We could build a battery 50% of the size and get the same capacity,” said Elmarakbi. The high-energy-density, lightweight battery would also be far cheaper to make, with some components costing up to 90% less.” (4)

Amazingly miniscule particles of graphene are mixed together and made into a film containing a electrolyte layer. “The graphene-based supercapacitor film would be able to be fully charged in a matter of minutes, rather than the several hours it takes for a conventional battery. But while it might charge and release energy faster than standard batteries, they currently don’t hold nearly as much energy. This is one aspect that the scientists hope to change with further study.” (5) says IFL science magazine.

Graphene and carbon based supercapacitors create electrostatic fields unlike lithium batteries which have a chemical reaction and are expensive to produce as they rely specifically on valuable lithium in their manufacture. Lithium-ion batteries are heavy and require a lot of charging to hold enough power for the car to travel every day.

In contrast to traditional electric car batteries graphene supercapacitors can use their power in a more sophisticated and efficient way: “harvesting energy from vehicles when they brake, making them an important component in electric vehicles.” (6)

This week the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reported that “urgent and unprecedented changes are needed to reach the target..pledge to keep temperatures between 1.5C and 2C.” (7)

Revolutionising the transport industry globally is key to improving air quality and reducing the carbon and toxic gases getting into our atmosphere. A new breed of electric cars with Graphene batteries could be the answer to building environmentally friendly auto mobiles. It could be possible to roll out this innovative electric car concept to all car owners and other forms of private and public transport across the world. If this happens we would certainly be able to dramatically curtail the amount of harmful emissions from conventional transport currently being created.

It is a race against time. Experts say we have twelve years to meet our drastic eco change targets. It may take more than a decade to produce vehicles that can meet our performance criteria, suit our electrical supply and charging systems and be able to be recycled at the end of their lifespan. Mass production of lighter, brighter, greener vehicles is definitely just what the world has been waiting for.

 

(1) ‘What Is Graphene?’ Graphene Info Website, 15 Feb 2018 https://www.graphene-info.com/introduction

(2) ‘Cars made of graphene (well, almost!) Urquhart-Dykes & Lord LLP Terence Broderick 28 Jun 2018 https://www.udl.co.uk/insights/cars-made-of-graphene

(3) ‘Revolutionary’ material charges 12-times faster than current lithium-ion batteries’ 18 Jun 2018 https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/gadgets-and-tech/news/graphene-battery-charge-smartphones-electric-vehicles-earthdas-a8404451.html

(4) ‘Graphene: the breakthrough material that could transform cars’ Autocar magazine, Jesse Crosse, 11 May 2018 https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/industry/graphene-breakthrough-material-could-transform-cars

(5)’Graphene-Based Supercapacitors Could Lead To Battery-Free Electric Cars Within 5 Years’ IFL Science magazine 11 Oct 2018 https://www.iflscience.com/technology/graphene-based-supercapacitors-could-eliminate-batteries-electric-cars-within-5-years/

(6)’Fancy charging up your electric car in 10 minutes?’ BBC News, Matthew Wall, 6 Mar 2018 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43285885

(7)’We have 12 years to limit climate change catastrophe, warns UN’ The Guardian, Jonathan Watts 8 Oct 2018 https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/08/global-warming-must-not-exceed-15c-warns-landmark-un-report

 

Tolerent Universities Can Balance Political Bias To The Left

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Tolerent Universities Can Balance Political Bias To The Left

In Great Britain in universities across the country there is often a bias to the left politically. This leaning to the left is in terms of political principles and theories that are explained and considered by staff and guest speakers. Heads of Departments who create lecture programmes choose carefully who they want to invite to share ideas with their students.

Working in the public sector for government funded organisations means teachers and lecturers because of their situation and lifestyle, are most likely to vote for a party on the left, such as Labour. These left of centre political parties are more likely to support central funding in education for example. These people with more politically left sympathies may think it is a good idea to increase government funding even if that means borrowing money from other countries to achieve this.

More far right conservatives may disagree. They may see more value in developing commercial industry to create jobs and tax payers who have a higher standard of living and can afford to send their children to university. These examples we can find throughout the different sections of our economy. There are often several opposing opinions on how to allocate benefits and run the NHS and so on. If a subject broadens to consider yet wider strategies on the world economy and global warming and so on, there are yet hundreds more theories and perspectives to possibly consider.

Men and women from the age of 16 onwards can attend colleges and from the age of 18 can sign up for university degrees. Currently the percentage of school levers beginning degree courses is 49%. (1)

Students also know that lecturers will be looking to mark essays with arguments that their course tutors will most likely agreed with. Viewpoints that are supported highly by the person who will be marking and grading them are bound to be important to the ambitious student.

Institutions are now more cautious than ever when selecting speakers to lecture to students of all ages attending university. Speakers that would have been given an audience in previous generations have been disallowed or disrupted from presenting, if they have been deemed in any way far right. This has given liberal and left of centre politics and theories some priority. Sometimes in the UK and in the USA speakers have faced opposition and their views will not be heard if they are found to be intolerable to the philosophy of the majority of the students.

Protesting students meant “feminist writer Germaine Greer risked being unable to give a lecture after Rachael Melhuish, women’s officer at Cardiff University, called for her to be no-platformed for her “transphobic” views.” (2)

Since 2001 a growing threat of terrorism has existed in the West. Fundamental groups that can radicalise individuals has meant universities are understandably very keen to prevent any unacceptable extremist views from indoctrinating their students. This is entirely reasonable. This also means it is even less likely that people with unorthadox and unpoular views will get invited to attend and contribute at university events.

The talks people are attending, especially on political and social studies courses, can be skewed leftwards. This influences the impressionable and often young thinkers when they are forming their first opinions. These might be on subjects like how best to live and distribute wealth or how to govern the country. When they are voting for the first few times it will been important and also have an impact on societies views in the future.

It is right that we should all be vigilant to prevent radicalisation, harm and attacks by people and extreme groups that want to use violence to achieve their political ends. We need to prevent people with bigoted and abusive views from raising their profiles and spreading toxic opinions.

However this needs to be balanced by the need to respect the difference of opinion from more alternative and possibly far right thinking politicians. Speakers with different ways of creating wealth, health and prosperity need to be considered appropriate and their view then need to be discussed in order to provide an open minded and free thinking education.

In America Aaron Hanlon at NBC writes recently that “We can continue to instill in our students the importance of free expression, and we can encourage them to use that freedom to relentlessly correct the record of mischaracterizations of who they are and what they stand for.” (3)

It seems the best conclusion is to call for respect and tolerance by all adults giving an audience to those who differ greatly from there own. It is in this environment of appreciating very different and divisive views that stimulating and thought provoking discussion can take place afterwards.

We all need to encourage traditional debating skills and the exchange of ideas between students. Creating an environment of open communication, from all parts of the political spectrum, will ensure we keep our learning centres lively and free places. We need ‘including’ and ‘questioning’ focused universities, that do not disinvite and censor progressive thinking, to construct a civilised society, ready to meet the demands of a challenging and technologically driven world.

(1) ‘Almost half of all young people in England go on to higher education’ Richard Adams, The Guardian, 28 Sep 2017 https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/sep/28/almost-half-of-all-young-people-in-england-go-on-to-higher-education

(2) ‘Ministers plan fines for universities which fail to uphold free speech’ Nicola Slawson, The Guardian 19 Oct 2017 https://www.theguardian.com/education/2017/oct/19/ministers-plan-fines-for-universities-which-fail-to-uphold-free-speech

(3) ‘Are liberal college students creating a free speech crisis? Not according to data.’ Aaron Hanlon, Think website for NBC news, 22 Mar 2018  https://www.nbcnews.com/think/opinion/are-liberal-college-students-creating-free-speech-crisis-not-according-ncna858906

 

Small Business Powers Through Brexit Uncertainty

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Small Business Powers Through Brexit Uncertainty

This Autumn the Top Drawer trade only buying fair for the retail industry buzzed with 1000 design-led brands. Promoting their wares and showcasing their best collections these stylish suppliers filled the grand and voluminous London Kensington Olympia exhibition centre with the all latest products.

The small and home based businesses creatively made the best use of every meter of space that they were allocated for their temporary pop-up shops. Setting up in good time they presented themselves ready to secure their next big order, from well known high street retailers and luxury boutiques.

There were some cool companies from Europe, America and beyond at Top Drawer. However the overwhelming majority of companies were from the UK. Innovating their way through Brexit and beyond these entrepreneurs were positive about the future and sure that they would find a way to develop their businesses and increase their turnover and profits, regardless of whether we are in, out or somewhere in between with our European Union neighbours.

Just taking the food and drink section of this commercial marketplace event as an example we found some talented British professionals displaying their quality items.

Undeterred by the uncertain economic environment a local young man named Jonathan started Cult Vinegar in his kitchen in Battersea south east London. A connoisseur of fermenting, Jonathan confidently demonstrated his healthy vinegar tonics to buyers keen to find unique Christmas stock for their stores.

The Aelder Elixir stand was beautifully styled and selling an distinctive elderberry liqueur made in Scotland. Perfect to take to any festive gathering or as an unusual winter gift we are sure many bottles will have been snapped up by the experienced buyers present after tasting a delicious sample.

The Hawkshead Relish company produce over 100 relishes, pickles and preserves in their rural farmhouse premises and were looking to send their delicious jars all over the country and beyond this season. The ladies were keen to talk about their Lake District based venture and their traditional chutney making techniques and life cooking up treats in their specially converted barn.

This hard working group of industrious individuals and mini teams are keeping retail on UK shores exciting and new. Selling fresh and original collections to a design savvy public who care more about the heritage and the story of their purchases than ever before.

With Brexit on the horizon and jobs for life but a dim distant memory, many people are choosing to perfect their craft and talents and forge ahead with entrepreneurial zealor into international trade. Leading a diminutive sized organisation can be an advantage in difficult times. Startups are more able to change course and introduce new procedures, branding, products and services quickly than its slower more ‘gigantian’ established competitors.

Exporting a path through the economic roller coaster of a storm that is forecast by many experts will be challenging. Whatever the outcome of Brexit this group of creatives shows great attention to detail and determination to take the changing landscape in their stride. They will undoubtedly continue to produce outstanding and covetable food, drink, gifts, home furnishings as well as our favourite cool accessories, for many generations to come.

Aelder Elixir     http://www.aelderelixir.com/

Cult Vinegar      https://www.topdrawer.co.uk/exhibitors/cult-vinegar#/

Hawkshead Relish           https://www.hawksheadrelish.com/

 

UK Retail Workers Face Threats From Store Closures As Online Sales Rise

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UK Retail Workers Face Threats From Store Closures As Online Sales Rise

This Autumn retail workers face an unprecedented threat to their jobs nationwide. What used to be a respectable lifelong career option with fair wages and good benefits has now become a more temporary earning option with an uncertain future and the fear of further budget cutbacks and redundancy. Employees are expected to do more and more with less money, overtime, holidays and discounts.

It was announced in April that Sainsburys and Asda are to merge. The Independant reported that Sainsbury’s boss Mike Coupe has claimed he “won’t cut shop-floor jobs or close any stores as a result of the proposed £12bn mega-merger with Asda.” (1)

However there are many jobs that happen behind the scene and it is doubtful if there are any retail businesses that would want to take over the massive commercial space and hire a complete superstore retail selling team immediately.

Kelly a store customer assistant at the Bognor Regis branch of Sainsburys in West Sussex said “I don’t know what will happen with loyalty card facilities like an app for our Nectar store card as the merger puts everything on hold and I don’t know if I will even have a job here soon.”

The department store giants have been adversely affected by high rates and costs and the advance of the new multi-channel retailing landscape and BHS went under in 2016 with 11000 jobs axed and the closure of 164 stores which led to a pension deficit of £571 million. (2) England’s biggest shops have struggled to create an enjoyable leisure experience to tempt customers in whilst keeping ahead with the latest fashions in very competitive trading times.

House of Fraser are closing 31 stores it was announced in June. The BBC confirmed that 31 of its 59 stores will close in January, with a total of 6000 jobs expected to be cut that includes House of Fraser staff and people who work for branded concessions. (3) Marks and Spencer have already closed more than twenty stores in their “radical four year 100+” shop closure plan. (4)

Recently pre-Brexit caution by consumers has been coupled with the high cost of imports, relative to the weak pound and compounded by a rise in interest rates. This toxic recipe has upset balance books of many well known businesses that have been a feature on British high streets for generations.

The closure of all of Poundland’s stores in July cost 2500 employees their jobs and 300 staff in the budget retailer’s distribution and warehouse network. (5) Spring 2018 also saw electronics retailer Maplin closing its doors permanently, affecting 2300 staff both in stores and in Head Office. (6) Sadly Toys R Us collapsed financially and closed 100 stores this summer leaving 3000 people looking for new positions elsewhere. (7)

Fashion chain New Look announced in March that 60 stores will cease to trade putting 1000 jobs at risk in a climate of tough trading conditions. (8)

Laura Ashley have closed 25 stores including both shops in Chichester and stores in Camberley and Portsmouth. This is in addition to the closure of “22 Homebase stores where Laura Ashley concessions had become a decorating destination for many customers” (9).

The silver lining is that this established fashion and home brand illustrates the changing trends in the way people are shopping. Ashley’s internet sales a growing steadily every year.

In 2018 analysts calculated that 18 percent of retail sales were made online in the UK and each year that figure is rising. (1)

People working in retail as much as possible must consider which company to invest their career and time to insure that their chosen company can weather these stormy conditions. Amazon is leading the way in a new environment with super fast delivery straight to the front door. Future generations are expecting both an entertaining and technically seamless customer experience, from the comfort of their reclining chairs.

 

References:

(1) “Sainsbury’s-Asda merger: What this means for store closures and job losses” The Independant, Ben Chapman, 30 April 2018

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/analysis-and-features/sainsburys-asda-merger-latest-updates-store-closures-job-loss-locations-a8329451.html

(2) ‘Who’s Gone Bust in Retailing 2010-18?’ Centre for Retail Research, August 2018

http://www.retailresearch.org/whosegonebust.php

(2) “E-commerce share of retail sales revenue in the United Kingdom (UK) from 2015 to 2018” Statista 2018

https://www.statista.com/statistics/285978/e-commerce-share-of-retail-sales-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/

(3) ‘House of Fraser store closures to go ahead’ BBC News 5 August 2018

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-45078498

(4) ‘M&S store closures: full list of shops to shut announced so far’ The Guardian, Sarah Butler, 22 May 2018

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2018/may/22/ms-store-closures-list-marks-spencer

(5) ‘Poundworld set to disappear from the high street as final shop closures announced’ The Independant, Helen Cahill, 20 July 2018

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/poundworld-shop-closures-disappear-high-street-administrators-a8455651.html

(6) ‘Maplin faces store closures as demise leaves creditors owed £150 million’ Consultancy.uk, 2 May 2018

https://www.consultancy.uk/news/16968/maplin-faces-store-closures-as-demise-leaves-creditors-owed-150-million

(7)’All Toys R Us stores to close their doors’ BBC News 14 March 2018

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-43401674

(8) ‘Full list of 60 New Look stores set to close nationwide’ Evening Standard, Melisha Kaur 8 March 2018

https://www.standard.co.uk/shopping/full-list-of-60-new-look-stores-set-to-close-nationwide-a3784721.html

(9) ‘Why the market has fallen out of love with Laura Ashley’ Shares Magazine News 15 February 2018

https://www.sharesmagazine.co.uk/news/shares/why-the-market-has-fallen-out-of-love-with-laura-ashley

Bells will ring out in England and across the world 100 years after World War I

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Bells will ring out in England and across the world 100 years after World War I

Ten thousand members of the public will be invited to march past the Cenotaph in London to mark the centenary of the Armistice on the 11th November 2018. On this day 100 years ago as the news of the Armistice spread, church bells, which had fallen silent across the UK during the First World War, rang out in celebration.

The Department for Digital Culture Media & Sport in the UK recently advised that “throughout the world, bells of all kinds – church, military or any other – are invited by the British Government with the support of the German Government to ring out at the following times: Bells in countries observing GMT and CET are invited to ring at 12.30hrs GMT (13.30hrs CET) Bells in countries throughout the rest of the world are invited to ring at either 12.30 GMT or 12.30pm local time.” (1)

The British government supports an initiative to encourage bell ringing as part of events to remember the contribution and sacrifices so many people made during the Great War and and also in the years after to create peace and the country we have today. This project aims to get 1,400 people ringing church bells on the centenary of the Armistice, the number of bell ringers lost in the war. ‘Ringing Remembers’ is an initiative which is run jointly by the Big Ideas Company and the Central Council of Church Bell Ringers. Culture Secretary Jeremy Wright said: “On the centenary of the Armistice, it is right that we come together to give thanks to those who paid the ultimate sacrifice and those who returned home to help shape the world we live in today.” (1)

The Big Ideas Company are encouraging people of all ages to take up bell ringing. The Big Ideas website explains that getting together to make these iconic brass percussion instruments sing can be a positive activity to be involved with as part of the local community and that these special musical volunteers are not necessarily part of a church or religious group. “When the bells rang out on the 11th November 1918 they announced the end of the most catastrophic war the world had yet seen. At the time, bells were at the heart of the community, marking events of great significance and communicating to people long before modern technology connected us.” (2)

Culture Secretary Karen Bradley said: “On November 11, 1918, the ringing of church bells erupted spontaneously across the country, as an outpouring of relief that four years of war had come to an end.” (3)

To be part of an international chorus of commemorating chimes on Armistice Day visit the bellringing website to find out more about learning how to proclaim a perfect peal in your parish area. This unique organisation will advise on local club meetings and how to work with experts to “discover the ancient art” and practice an “activity like no other – a unique mix of physical exercise with mental agility that is a deep part of our history but still practiced and evolving today.” (4)

 

 

(1) ‘Bells ring out and 10000 to march past the Cenotaph as the nation says ‘thank you’ Department for Digital Culture Media & Sport Rt Hon Jeremy Wright MP Official UK Government website 12 July 2018 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bells-to-ring-out-and-10000-to-march-past-the-cenotaph-as-the-nation-says-thank-you

(2) ‘Ringing Remembers’ Big Ideas Company website 20180823 https://a100.cccbr.org.uk/

(3) ‘Bell ringers to mark 100 years since the end of First World War’ BBC News official website 12 November 2017 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-41957521

(4) ‘Discover bell ringing’ Bell ringing organisation website 20180823 http://www.bellringing.org/

 

 

 

Handcrafted Poppies in City Centres Commemorate WWI Centenary

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Handcrafted Poppies in City Centres Commemorate WWI Centenary

Stunning displays of bright red flowers that are made of a combination of both real botanical arrangements and handmade poppies can be seen in High Streets and decorating monuments across the UK this month. Sevenoaks in Kent and Leominster in Herefordshire both have a ruby floral theme running through the town centre. Leominster has a whole covered walk dedicated to new artworks and textiles that symbolise thanks for the sacrifices so many made during and after the First World War.

Morecambe town council purchased 1000 giant poppies and “Such has been the response and generosity from local businesses and the public that Business Improvement District has purchased an additional 1,000 poppies to really paint the town red.”

During August 2018 and throughout this year there will be special events and concerts with an official countdown of 82 days until Armistice Day on the 11th November.

The Independent states that “On 11 November there will be a series of events to mark the centenary of the Armistice, including a commemorative service at St Symphorien Cemetery near Mons, Belgium, where the war began in 1914 and where the first and last casualties of the battle lie.”

Council leaders and local crafting groups have teamed up and shops such as Closs & Hamblin fabrics in Chichester have encouraged able knitters and those who can crochet to start weaving a wave of poppies.

Local florists have created bright but dignified bunting and pots and hanging baskets of intense crimson colour. These artistic arrays encourage visitors and residents of the area to take time to be thoughtful and also thankful for the contribution so many made in such a brutal war.

Everyone is invited to remember those who fought for freedom and those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country. Crimson poppies were found growing across the fields of France and northern Europe after the war was over. They have come to symbolise remembrance for those who were injured or did not return from the trenches.

This solemn occasion is a chance to reflect on a time when men from local families were sent to fight in trenches with companions from their own and nearby parishes and villages. This practice often resulted in the heartbreaking consequence of losing many fathers, brothers and sons from one community when they were killed in battle together at the same time. Many brave soldiers from across the Commonwealth also gave their lives.

The Royal British Legion website is dedicated to “All who served, sacrificed and changed our world 1918 to 2018.” It has ideas and resources for getting involved in the community and ways to remember and thanks specific individuals who made a contribution during the great war. Suggestions range from purchasing life size ‘silent silhouettes’ to taking up a craft hobby popular in wartime or holding an event to raise funds and say thank you. All these activities can be shared on social media to raise awareness.

Eye-catching decorated towns and cities are blooming with poppies made out of paper, cloth, wool and ceramics this season. They are accompanied by a whole host of musical and artistic events this Autumn. It will give us an opportunity to divert our thoughts from daily life and the dramas of Brexit and take time to be thankful and educate our children about history.

There are are whole host of exhibitions and events on at the Imperial War Museum in Lambeth in London this year to mark 100 years since the Great War.

2018 marks 100 years since World War I and many people want to quietly and creatively remember the 1.1 million service men and women who gave their lives. A Festival of Remembrance will be aired on the BBC on the 10th November 2018. Many bells across Europe will ring out commemorating Armistice Day on the 11th November.

Imperial War Museum London https://www.iwm.org.uk/whats-on?filters%5Bwhere%5D%5BIWM+London%5D=on

Closs & Hamblin retail fabric and haberdashery website https://www.candh.co.uk/

UK Government Official website 21 August 2018 https://www.gov.uk/government/news/bells-to-ring-out-and-10000-to-march-past-the-cenotaph-as-the-nation-says-thank-you

Bulman M. “First World War centenary: UK to stage events throughout 2018 to mark 100 years since end of conflict” 1 January 2018 https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/first-world-war-centenary-100-years-1918-2018-events-mark-ww1-a8135856.html

The Royal British Legion website 21 August 2018 https://www.britishlegion.org.uk/remembrance/ww1-centenary/thank-you/

Morecambe Town Council website 21 August 2018  http://www.morecambe.gov.uk/morecambe-is-blooming-with-giant-poppies/

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