I feel much like Edina Monsoon about 'New Labour' LOL! Things seems as desperate there as they do here. Same problemes, different reasons and seemingly few solutions. I read a good article yesterday from Newsweek about how the U.S. has lost its standing in the world and what it should do about it! This link should take you there.

http://www.newsweek.com/id/177222

Interesting article; thanks for that. But I think it overcomplicates things - the biggest problem with the standing of the US overseas is its outgoing President. I remember on the night of the election the BBC went into a bar in Los Angeles and asked people what they thought of Obama's win, and one chap said it meant he could visit Europe now and not feel ashamed. Personally, I didn't think he had anything to feel ashamed about. People didn't hate Americans, they hated the American leadership.
So I think things will change once President Obama's sworn in. But the world is expecting so much of him that he can't fail to disappoint in some way or other.
Things are getting pretty strange over here; you heard Woolworth's went bust?

Yes I did! Who would have thought it! One of my favourite shops as a youngster. Bought my first non drip paint there!

It came as a shock to everybody, but they won't be the last; there are already a number of other stores - including Zavvi (which used to be the Virgin Megastore) - in administration.

That's sad. Like KayBee's toys here. Gone. My kids all loved to go there, in the mall, and drool. Now they are really shocked. This one hit close to home for them.

Yeah, Woolies was a big shock. You probably wouldn't find too many people who'd admit to shopping there - in recent years, despite its best efforts, it was starting to get a bit of a downmarket reputation - but it was part of the cultural landscape and many people speak of it with great fondness. I think this year would have been its 150th anniversary.

We loved Woolies here, too, but it disappeared some years back. I can remember ours in Kansas, and remember the smell, the sound of the wooden floor creaking, and it was where I saw my very first Santa Claus and of course I was very young. It was in the basement, which was full of toys (convenient for parents). He was magnificent, and of course I thought he was the REAL one. Vivid memories. Ahhhhh Woolies.....

I'm not entirely sure, but I think the North American part of Woolworth's (where it all began, of course, as one of the original five-and-dime stores) changed its name and became a sports retailer about ten years ago or so. Woolies over here were originally the British arm of FWW Woolworth, but became an independent company years ago, although from a shopper's point of view you couldn't tell the difference. It's been a considerable time since I shopped there, but like you I have vivid childhood memories of Woolworth's. Although in Sheffield rather than in Kansas...

What is this British people? Its not like the current gvt has done much to actually ensure the existence of this group.

As for back in 1997, they did have ideas and plans. So in that sense it is understandable they took you in, no need to beat yourself up over it.

By the way, have you read "The triumph of the political classes"?

Well, precisely. You know the government's run out of ideas when it starts talking in nebulous terms about `the British people' and making appeals to the Spirit of the Blitz. What Gordon and all the politicians forget is that there never was a Spirit of the Blitz. It's a mirage, propaganda. In early 1940 London was a city full of terrified people making do as best they could. Maybe that's what Gordon means - maybe the whole country's going to be like in years to come.

I got an early sense of what New Labour would be like from a friend who worked in a government department under the Conservatives and Labour. She was a staunch Labour supporter and campaigned for them in '97, but she never had a harsh word to say about the Conservative ministers she worked under. The first thing she told me about working under New Labour was, `They're all mad.'

I haven't read The Triumph Of The Political Classes, I'm afraid. I can't stand the way Oborne writes.


Edited at 2009-01-02 10:17 pm (UTC)

You're right, it really DOES put it all on the shoulders of the people, which is not fair. Grr!

Don't even say it. Life is not fair. Yes, I know. Boy, do I know.

Ooh, nice pic! Haven't seen this one before!

Thanks! It is rather blurry if it is bigger, but I discovered it is perfect for an icon. And I even added the name, all by myself! I'm getting QUITE computer savy, LOL!

You certainly are getting computer savvy. I wouldn't have the first idea about how to put text onto a photo. It's a smashing pic.

Thanks, Hutch! *beaming*

Nothin' but the truth, pretty lady. Nothin' but the truth.

Presumably if everything really goes tits up now it'll be our fault for not rising to the challenges.

X-rated . . . yet paradoxically impotent. At least you guys don't have a "Bush" causing you shame.

It's true. On the world stage, Gordon seems to be not doing so badly. It's only at home that he's making us slap our foreheads and go `Doh!'