Does the US Need a Reality Check?

‘US needs Reality Check’: A China View of US Foreign Policy

US needs reality check china view of us foreign policy.
China President Xi Jinping with US President Barak Obama

During my stay in Beijing last year, I came across a thought provoking editorial entitled ‘US needs reality check ‘ (China Daily newspaper, 30th May 2014). Alongside the editorial was another article: ‘Time for China to go it alone’, an interesting juxtaposition. It is possible to interpret this juxtaposition, as the decline of the United States as global leader and the rise of China’s territorial ambitions! Continue reading “Does the US Need a Reality Check?”

IFE 2013 Japan Pavilion

IFE 2013   Japan Pavilion

japan-maff-pavilion
Japan and MAFF Pavilion

During March 2013, I attended the International Food & Drink Event (IFE 2013) at ExCel, London. As expected the event turned out to be one of the highlights of the year, showcasing new and innovative products from around the world.

IFE 2013 had over 50 countries represented on the trade stands, and over the four-day event received almost 30000 visitors from nearly 100 countries. In particular, the Japan pavilions and sake bar, sponsored by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan (MAFF) were noteworthy – one of the best ever presentations from Japan. Continue reading “IFE 2013 Japan Pavilion”

James Freeman Gallery

James Freeman Gallery: The Islands Across the Sea

James freeman gallery the islands across the sea exhibition.
James Freeman Gallery – Islington, London

Currently  showing at the James Freeman Gallery: ‘The Islands Across the Sea’, is an amazing exhibition of artworks by Claire Partington and Cornelia O’Donovan. At a recent private viewing the renowned Upper Street art gallery, Islington, was packed with art lovers and collectors of the artists’ works.

Claire Partington creates amazing narrative earthenware figures very much in the European tradition,  and her technical skills are a wonder. Claire was shortlisted for the Young Masters Art Prize, London 2012. Well, my personal choice for her best art in this exhibition is ‘Master of the Universe’ (below left).

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Dr Lyushun Shen, Taipei Representative Office (Taiwan) in the UK

Dr Lyushun Shen, Taipei Representative Office (Taiwan) in the UK

Last night, I had the privilege of meeting and hearing a presentation given by Dr Lyushun Shen, Taipei Representative Office (Taiwan) in the UK, at a Conservative Foreign and Commonwealth Council (CFCC) meeting in London (28th January 2013).

Dr Shen gave a thoroughly interesting talk on Taiwan history, which encompassed Britain’s former colonial involvement in China and South China Sea region.

Chiang Kai-shek, President of Taiwan 1950-1975
Chiang Kai-shek, President of Taiwan 1950-1975

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The BBC Trust

The BBC Trust

*First Published on Boris Johnson’s ‘Democracy Archives’ website.

Dr robert frew and the bbc trust.

“The extent to which the
audience feels its trust betrayed
… bodes ill for the BBC. In the
long term the loser will be
public-service broad­casting itself;
the winners the revengists of ‘old’
New Labour.”

 

Dr Robert Frew reflects on the role of the BBC Trust

The BBC Trust Chairman Sir Michael Lyons, has recently revealed he will not seek to be re-appointed in the role when his four-year term ends next May.

A few weeks ago, in a letter to Jeremy Hunt, Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport, Sir Michael said the Trust was robust, workable and effective … with much remaining to be done. So what of the background that led to the formation of the BBC Trust and its future ?
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