Opinion Archives - Page 31 of 136

Dunt, Dunt, Dunt, Dunt – Gordon Duthie’s New Album

Dec 242015

Reviewed by Duncan Harley.

Described by Tom Robinson on BBC Radio 6 as “Wildly different but never not interesting”, Gordon Duthie has yet again hit the sweet spot with the release of his new album Dunt Dunt Dunt Dunt.

In this, his fourth album release, the NE singer/songwriter/musician reflects on work-related themes and engages in an often humorous take on club dance music to get his point across.

A year in the making, this new offering looks deeply into the soulless existence of those micromanaged Gen-X Millennials who, says Gordon:

“will IM you. Then ignore you to your face … Millennials have no empathy and are socially a bit awkward … social media has pretty much changed the world”.

The noun ‘dunt’ can of course be used in various contexts.

“In Aberdeen at the moment lots of people are getting the dunt and it affects everyone engaged in the oil business either directly via job losses or indirectly to do with the threat of redundancy,” says Gordon.

It can also be a wake up call. The pounding lyrics of Hadephobia refer to the sky falling in – a clear reference to getting the dunt big time:

“I looked and saw the fear in your eyes, like a long hot summer, burning the sky.”

Dead Dreams reflects on “Sitting for hours in a solid chair, listening to a man who sold his life … dead dreams inside us, fight an old child’s mind.”

“It’s about PowerPoint Hell” says Gordon, “we’ve all sat through it.”

In Young Kenny – A melodious but slightly mournful piece – Gordon describes a composite character struggling with isolation and loneliness. “Young Kenny didn’t know who he was … it all came to a head … the mystical beauty of the coast, brought his mind back again.”

With previous albums Thran, Shire and City and Multimedia Monster under his belt, Westhill-based Gordon’s new release is a powerful mix of social comment set solidly within a framework of electric ambient club music.

As Gordon himself says, the lyrics

“Wink nicely at local events.”

Mixed and Mastered by Thaddeus Moore of Sprout City Studios, Dunt Dunt Dunt Dunt is available from most digital music stores and also direct from Gordon at www.gordonduthie.com

First published in the December Leopard Magazine.

Star Wars, The Force Awakens – Andrew Watson Reviews

Aberdeen City, Opinion No Responses »

Dec 172015

The American epic space opera Star Wars began again with its seventh instalment, The Force Awakens. Aberdeen Voice’s Andrew Watson was there the day of its general release.

There were maybe just over a dozen people at Vue on Shiprow during the Thursday midmorning showing; which would be about right, given there were midnight and crack of dawn showings preceding it.
Generally speaking, with films of this nature, and magnitude, it can go one of two ways. This being faithful to the originals; or overcompensating lack of good storytelling with supreme focus upon special effects, fight sequences and otherworldly landscapes.

This however, seems to straddle the two. It’s not mind blowing; yet not too bad, either.

Basically, Luke Skywalker (Mark Hamill) has gone missing, and the Resistance (what used to be the Rebel Alliance) are seeking him out for help against the odious First Order (what used to be the Galactic Empire). The latter has all but one of the fragments of data detailing his location, and the good guys have that one last piece of vital information.

So far, so good. This is the kind of solid underdog tale that the series has so successfully relied upon since its debut in 1977.

Though the best of the original characters are reprised with the same actors and actresses as before; the two or three main protagonists of the film aren’t so long in the tooth.

You’ve got Daisy Ridley as Rey, who’s basically this generation’s Luke Skywalker in the female form. She’s a scavenger and quite self-sufficient. There’s also rogue Stormtrooper Finn (John Boyega) who’s integral to the Resistance standing a chance of defeating the First Order.

On top of all that, Oscar Isaac plays ace pilot Poe Dameron with all the attributes of a non-greying Han Solo. Everyone else in the film more or less plays a supporting role to these three, including Harrison Ford (the aforementioned Han Solo) and Carrie Fisher (General Leia Organa).

Antagonist wise, there’s the triumvirate of Kylo Ren (Adam Driver), Supreme Leader Snoke (Andy Serkis) and General Hux (Domhnall Gleeson). This could also be read as the Darth Vader, Emperor Palpatine and Governor Tarkin equivalent of the film.

Come the end of the film, there are a couple of surprises. There’s yet another father and son divide, and someone of stellar importance to the series dies. The former might anger people. The latter, however, could definitely be very contentious among Star Wars fans.

All in all, it manages to come to a reasonable enough conclusion to stand by itself without the remaining two sequels. On the other hand, enough happens and enough is left unresolved to urge the viewer to watch the next instalment.

Trump Petition Campaigner’s Requests to Shire Planners

Aberdeen City, Opinion 1 Response »

Dec 142015

With thanks to Suzanne Kelly.

With over half a million signatures, the petition to ban Donald Trump from the UK for hate speech has become the fastest ever to qualify for debate in Parliament.
Suzanne Kelly was inspired largely by the events at Aberdeenshire’s Menie Estate, and how residents were treated when Trump began construction for a golf course there.

Now Kelly wants some positive action to fix long-running issues with planning permission and access.

When Donald Trump set out to create his Menie Estate golf complex, he had a huge impact on the environment and area residents. SSSI protection, the highest level of environmental protection there is, was taken from the UK’s only moving sand dune system and its fragile ecosystem. A giant bund of earth was put between Susan Munro’s cottage and her views across the landscape to the sea; this served no functional or desirable purpose.

This bund, well over head height and topped with dead and dying trees, apparently was not part of the agreed plan. Water was cut off to the Forbes’ farm, forcing the farmer and his family – including his elderly mother – to carry water from a nearby stream.

“Imagine hearing bulldozers outside your home, and finding your new neighbour has put an 8 foot high mound of sandy earth between you and your former views to the sea. Imaging campaigning for years and being ignored by your local planning department. How Susie put up with it I don’t know.” says Suzanne Kelly.

Various aspects of the built landscape were changed, in some cases apparently without prior permission from Aberdeenshire planning officials. Michael Forbes, who previously was able to cross the estate to the sea for salmon fishing, had his access blocked – and the police (who normally would not be involved in civil matters) – told him he would be arrested if he touched the new gate or its lock.

Border disputes both with Forbes and David Milne saw existing fencing torn down, and Trump’s people re-drawing the boundaries.

Boundary disputes should have been treated as civil matters, but police were on hand to support Trump, not those living on the land. Gorse seems to have been planted to deter walkers in places, and a huge gate blocking Leyton Farm Road to the Trump parking lot is locked shut, with access impossible for anyone who is infirm.

Efforts to get planning permission rules enforced or to get access rights upheld have fallen on deaf ears at Aberdeenshire’s planning offices, Kelly and residents say. Kelly and many others have written to the local authority for years without success.

Of the Shire’s inaction Kelly says:

“In other cases we have seen people who flaunt planning laws dealt with swiftly and decisively. You could be forgiven for thinking there is a two-tier planning and countryside access system, one for the wealthy, and one for the poor.”

“I’ve written to Trump’s people; I’ve written to the Shire and the government. I am going to ask them again now to re-think making good all of the things that have gone wrong on the estate. It’s my understanding that finally Michael Forbes repaired the damage done to his water supply by Trump’s construction crews – which had happened years ago.

“The film ‘you’ve been trumped’ shows – among other things – the Forbes family, including Molly, having to carry water from a stream for their bathing, tea-making, you name it. The water supply was restored, but was unreliable according to Forbes.”

Forbes was voted ‘Top Scot of the Year’ by the public at Glenfiddich’s Spirit of Scotland Awards in 2012, to Donald Trump’s chagrin. Trump then banned the drink from all his property – with the result that the sales for the prestige whisky surged throughout Scotland.

Kelly continues:

“If I can’t get the Trump organisation, Aberdeenshire planning and the central government to get things made right by asking them nicely now, then I think they will find that some 550,000 people might now also be emailing them to ask for the changes and improvements we want. If we can’t get some swift, decisive action after years of writing about the problems, then the next step will be a protest at Menie.

“Of course, this would be a peaceful, legal event.

“Let’s hope those who can make good at the Estate will do so. For starters, that bund of earth must be taken away – cleanly and without making more mess for Susie Munro. Michael Forbes should immediately be allowed to access the beach in the same way, with the same boats/nets/vehicles as he enjoyed for years before Trump arrived. I think we should hear something positive and see results starting within 10 days.

“If not, I hope everyone’s email servers are up for a wee onslaught of correspondence, and perhaps another March of Menie demonstration, as had been held in the past. I do think the next such march might be a very large affair indeed.”

Kelly has sent a detailed email to Trump, Aberdeenshire Planning, the head of Aberdeenshire Council, and copied it to Nicola Sturgeon.

On the subject of Robert Gordon University and Dr Kennedy, Kelly said:

“Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Robert Gordon University, has been in contact, and has made it plain Dr Kennedy’s degree stands, even though he had handed it back to protest the honour bestowed on Trump. I find this and the revocation of Trump’s degree cause for celebration.”

Kelly adds:

“Today I saw on Facebook an open letter BrewDog wrote to Trump. It’s every bit as witty, scathing, and delightful as you’d come to expect. I started buying BrewDog beer from the first days it was made here in Aberdeenshire; James Watt and Martin Dickie sold their first brews from a market stall at Aberdeen’s farmers’ market. I expected great things from them, but never the degree of success they’ve had.

“It’s kind of how I feel about the strength of support for the Parliamentary Petition. BrewDog also have a slogan, ‘Without us, we are Nothing’ – very apt for this petition I’d say. I’m proud to be one of the over 10,000 shareholders of this ethical, local, successful company.

“Amusingly, the post is attracting a number of posters telling the brewers to shut up/stay out of politics – and the same people are defending Trump’s right to ‘free speech’. It’s more than a little ironic, don’t you think? I don’t remember people saying the same thing when the company gave Putin the ‘BrewDog treatment’ over his anti-gay stance.

“Hate speech is not the same as free speech. That’s why this law, banning over 80 people previously, exists. Hate speech doesn’t work on the rational person who reads many sources of news and makes up their own mind; it falls on the ears of the mob and inflames.

“Occupy Democrats reports a surge in violence against Muslims in the US. To me, there is more than a strong chance this could have been fomented by the hate pouring out of a TV personality/presidential candidate’s mouth. I wonder whether Trump feels any responsibility for that? In my book he should. For me all rights come with responsibilities.

“Are some terrorists claiming their actions are Islamic? Undoubtedly. Are all people following a particular faith to be ostracized? Not if there is the least little thing I can do to stop it.”

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Political Stampede Away From Trump Continues

Aberdeenshire, Opinion No Responses »

Dec 142015

With thanks to Martin Ford.

The change in attutude towards Donald Trump by Scottish politicians from across the political spectrum is long overdue, according to two consistent opponents of Mr Trump.

Aberdeenshire councillors Martin Ford and Paul Johnston say it was obvious in 2006 that Mr Trump was not a suitable person to be appointed a ‘Global Scot’ business ambassador, and it was even more obvious in 2010 that Mr Trump was not a suitable recipient for an honorary degree from Robert Gordon University.

Former first minister Alex Salmond has joined the swelling ranks of politicians who once welcomed Donald Trump to Scotland but are now rushing to condemn the New York businessman in the strongest terms.

Mr Salmond has described Mr Trump’s remarks against Mexicans as ‘most certainly racist’ and Mr Trump’s comments about Muslims as ‘most certainly bigotry’.

Said Cllr Martin Ford:

“The really important point here is the broad consensus in opposition to the views, attitudes and values of Mr Trump. Racism and bigotry should have no place in our society.

“Mr Trump’s truly revolting behaviour as a presidential hopeful has seen him shunned by many organisations not wanting to be associated with his obnoxious views.

“I would dispute, however, that Mr Trump’s unpleasant attitudes are a recent development. On the contrary, they are a continuation of behaviours that were all too apparent long before Mr Trump showed any interest in embarking on a development here.

“No-one should ever have thought bringing Mr Trump to the north-east would be good for our reputation in the world. He was always going to be an embarrassment, not an asset.”

Cllr Paul Johnston said:

“Mr Trump and his golf course have been a divisive issue in the north-east for far too long. At last, it looks as though there is broad agreement; sooking up to Mr Trump was a terrible mistake.

“We need to learn lessons from this unfortunate episode. Next time a dubious billionaire comes round making ridiculous promises, I hope attitudes will be different.”

Meanwhile, the petition to bar Mr Trump from entering the UK has already been signed by more than 550,000 people.

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Aberdeen 1 Hearts 0 – Pittodrie Stadium 12.12.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Dec 142015

Aberdeen survived the first true test of their comeback against quite a stout Hearts side, says Andrew Watson.

As with the Ross County game, the pitch was surprisingly good for the time of year.

Again, it was a bit chilly, but not too bad.

Before kick-off there was a sizeable, interesting and colourful display, in the Dick Donald stand, of metallic red and silver.

Aberdeen had to repel a couple early advances from the Jambos, though managed to put the ball out of play.

Jonny Hayes then had a free kick claim denied near the corner. He then knocked a high ball into the box, only marginally inaccurate.

Kenny McLean suffered at the hands of a pedantic referee in Craig Thomson, after challenging for a header. He then missed the far post by inches.

Supporters were jubilant, thinking ‘goal’, but had to make do with a second chance via a corner.

The Tyncastle side, however, went on the counter attack. They, then, had a second chance with a corner.

After that, Graeme Shinnie caught an excellent pass but was defeated by the defender. That eventually went out for a corner.

Generally, there were then some poor balls from Aberdeen. There was just not enough height to them to meet their receiver. However, Hearts were seemingly first to every ball. In the air, especially.

Hayes then came in with a cross come shot, and almost scored.

Willo Flood came in with some tough tackling to breakdown Hearts, but threw away advantage with a heavy touch upon nutmegging the opposition.

Hayes then won a free kick after being fouled. After that, he came in with a timely tackle to halt a counterattack.

Hearts’ Miguel Pallardo was then booked for checking Peter Pawlett. Not long after, they then received a subsequent warning which incensed the home crowd.

McLean, amidst all the physicality, wasn’t afraid to get dirty and slid to knock the ball into the box.

Defender Ashton Taylor then weighed in with a shot of fine power, but slightly lacking in accuracy.

Hayes, however, not long after came sliding in on the volley. Powerful but straight at keeper, Neil Alexander.

Flood was proving to be a workhorse, chasing the ball and very determined in the tackle, but his passing was wayward; backwards and sideways.

Subsequently, McLean was caught too busy looking for the foul in the box. He should’ve really played advantage and capitalised.

It also became apparent that Hearts couldn’t be beaten to the challenge in the air. Long balls, therefore, weren’t looking likely to work against them.

Again McLean was amidst it all, dashing down the wing. He was eventually stopped, but earned his side a free kick just outside the box. This was headed straight into the keeper’s arms.

Adam Rooney then pressed forward, but lost the impetus of his side’s attack. It went out, albeit it for a home side throw. Then, after that, the away side took the potential sting out of things when one of their own went down.

After all this hoopla, Shaleum Logan, whether shooting or crossing, put the ball on the roof of the net after that throw.

Alexander then came to the rescue of his side with an athletic save.

There was then one minute of additional play before the half ended.

Ryan Jack came on the pitch to replace Mark Reynolds after 45 minutes, just before kicking off the second half.

Things kicked off with Andrew Considine recovering a poor pass from Flood, with an expert sliding tackle.

There was another reasonable ball into the opposition’s box, but again Aberdeen were beaten by the height of the Hearts’ defence. The latter then cleared the ball off the line, after another attack.

The Edinburgh men then cracked the ball off the home side’s crossbar, and then got booked for a heavy challenge. This had the Red Army up in arms.

Aberdeen then had a chance glance from goal, with an almost successful cross. It didn’t quite make it, though.

Hearts remained resolute despite Aberdeen’s constant barrage of attacks. Alexander appeared to suffer the brunt of the onslaught, but managed to stay on the pitch.

There was then good linkup play between Rooney and Shinnie, but they were thwarted in the end.

The latter soon found himself off the pitch, but thankfully came back on.

The ball was then knocked over the bar for an Aberdeen corner.

Pawlett was felled, which resulted in a worrying Hearts counterattack. They were barely inches from scoring. Then a corner, then the ball was knocked off the line!

Hearts then accrued what would end up four yellow cards in the game, with Shinnie backed into after beating his man.

There then followed a period in which Hearts, for the first time since the opening stages, found their attacking feet.

Considine saved Aberdeen’s blushes, heading away a goalward cross. Danny Ward also rised, and caught, another attempt on his goal.

McInnes made his final substitute at 73 minutes, with Pawlett coming off for David Goodwillie.

Flood then found himself lucky not to be sent off, after coming in with a late lunge. He looked to have avoided the yellow, but that would’ve been totally unfair to the away side.

Up the other end of the pitch, too many touches were made in the opponent’s box. Goodwillie, in particular, was guilty of this.

A last gasp challenge was made, once they lost the ball, in their own box. Luck would have it this sliding interception wasn’t considered penalty worthy.

The game began to get progressively more bad tempered as time wore on.

The Dons defence was really waning with the pressure.

It was near the death when Ward made an authoritive catch to ease things for his beleaguered back four.

His team then instigated, somehow, a penalty.

It was Adam Rooney who stepped up. He did, coolly slotting it away in the bottom corner. Alexander made it a photo finish.

1-0 after 87 minutes!

Hayes, after this, ran at the defence, earning Aberdeen a corner.

There was then two minutes of additional play before the game ended.

Hearts, with their last throw of the dice, blootered the ball nowhere near the goal. It was a fine defensive display by Hearts, but they were defeated with a lowly drilled penalty when they couldn’t be beaten with the long ball.

Final score: 1-0.

Scale Of Opposition To Trump Welcomed

Aberdeenshire, Opinion 3 Responses »

Dec 112015

With thanks to Martin Ford.

Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford has welcomed the massive public support for the petition to block Donald J. Trump from entering the UK. Around 490,000 people had supported the petition by 23.00 on 10 December – making it the largest ever UK-government hosted
petition.
The petition was initiated by Aberdeen resident Suzanne Kelly.

Mr Trump’s recent remarks about Muslims are a potential breach of hate-speech laws, but are certainly highly prejudiced and have caused great offence.

Cllr Martin Ford said:

“The enormous public support for the petition to ban Mr Trump from the UK is a clear demonstration of just how many people see his recent comments as wholly unacceptable. While Mr Trump is routinely rude and grossly offensive, some of his election speeches have crossed the line into incitement of bigotry and racism. And though it seems unlikely, this is a man who could become leader of the world’s most powerful nation.”

Cllr Ford is the councillor whose casting vote saw Aberdeenshire Council decide to refuse planning permission for Donald Trump’s proposed golf resort at Menie in 2007. Councillors supportive of Mr Trump then removed Cllr Ford from his position of chair of the Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee 13 days later.

Cllr Ford said:

“Mr Trump’s recent comments have, rightly, attracted strong criticism from all sides. It’s now hard to find anyone who admits to supporting him.

“Clearly, times have changed. Even local North-east politicians, who would previously never criticise Mr Trump, have stopped backing him.”

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Old Susannah Supplement – Comments Corner

Aberdeen City, Opinion 4 Responses »

Dec 112015

The usual satire is suspended temporarily for a look at some of the comments Aberdeen Voice has had about some petitions. By Suzanne Kelly.

Two days ago a petition went live to ban Trump from the UK for hate speech; 5 days before that, a petition to revoke Donald Trump’s honorary degree from RGU was started. I had hoped both petitions might get a little attention. They did.

That they exist is down to many factors; groups like Tripping up Trump, organisations like 38 Degrees, which created, promoted, supported the RGU petition. People like the Menie Estate residents and their experiences are never very far from my thoughts.

The celebrity George Takei (aka Sulu) had written a piece on how he’d never allow a situation like the WWII Japanese internment camps to arise again, and it was very moving.

Lots of protest songs, lots of protest art, and lots of individuals out there fighting their corners with their own petitions across every social ill there is.

I knew I’d have people agree with me; I knew people would condemn me. But I never, never thought RGU would revoke the degree so swiftly; I never thought 75,000 people would ask them to do so.

Not for a second did I think getting 100,000 people to take the time and trouble to sign and then confirm their signatures on the UK ban petition would be easy.

It reached that level within 24 hours of the petition being live, and as I’m writing, over a quarter of a million people want Donald Trump banned for hate speech. This is a huge goal for unity against racism and prejudice, whatever happens. If I could buy every signatory a BrewDog, then I would.

As to people condemning me, Britain First have a pro Donald Trump petition; and plenty of people are sending me / 38 Degrees comments against what’s happened.

Perhaps you’d like to see some of these comments, both good and bad. I’d love to do the usual satire about the Council, I’d love to praise the beauty of the Marischal Square project or the success of the Tree for Every Citizen scheme in establishing a beautiful forest on Tullos Hill. But that will have to wait. I’ve done over 20 phone/tv/radio interviews, and have one at 11:45 tonight.

Normal service will have to resume when things go quieter. For now, enjoy some of the many comments Aberdeen Voice and I have recieved.

The Good:

It was interesting to see how many people from other countries wish they could have signed the petitions. As Steve Duncan put it:

“I was made aware of your petition to bar Donald Trump from traveling to Great Britain. As a U.S. citizen I’m filled with shame he represents our nation on the national stage in any fashion. I wish there was a way to include non-British signatories to your petition, as a way of impressing upon your Parliment the widespread consternation with Trump’s deplorable policy suggestions and opinions.

“Have you thought of offering an U.S. version of your petition, sort of an addendum to your efforts? Put that petition up in The States and I’ll venture a few hundred thousand would sign on. I certainly don’t want him sullying your grounds.”

The Bad

Boniface wrote the following; I am trying to figure out if they are better at satire than I’ll ever be, or if they’ve got a point:

“GO TRUMP! BUILD THE WALL! PROTECT WHITE CIVILIZATION! WE STAND WITH YOU!”

You’ve got to respect the use of the capitals; I might not have taken notice of this one otherwise.

The Ugly:

A facebook message reads:

“Jamie Moss

“Your just such a typical fucking gobby Middle class British woman who doesn’t like what someone says, about Banning Muslims, if u fully listen to what trump says, it’s to ban them until the visa situation is sorted out so we’re not letting fucking terrorists in, or is that what u want to do? Let “Refugees” into America without knowing who they are, you should just consider yourself a terrorist for that ???? typical middle class women”

– Alas Jamie! You seem to have missed 99% of the other things Trump’s said in the past, and you are slightly misguided: the petition came out before the anti-Muslim quote was even made. But full points on one score; yes, I’m a completely typical middle class woman. If you say so.

A Mr A Dore has this to say. Alas! Like Jamie above, he doesn’t seem to know I am US born.

“Ms Kelly

How dare you interfere with our US politics and how dare you start a petition to refuse entry of D J Trump into the UK. You should mind your own business and realize the treats to your own homeland. My family fought the Muslim hoard in the third Crusade with Richard I and my antecedent Stephan de Longchamp routed Saladin. You seem to forget Islam has sought our Christian and Judaeo destruction for 1,400 years.

“Putin is considering using ICBMs against ISIS which will define exactly what Trump has declared when he put down the gauntlet against Islam. Please retract your stupid Nanny petition and go back to crochet.”

Personally, I’d love to have more time to crochet, sew and paint, but that will come later.

A succinct comment from Wayne M:

“Kelly is a moron,”

… and:

“Fuck that bitch Kelly.”

– Ah Wayne, it’s been said before. It’s this kind of structured, intellectual debate that makes writing worth it. Your mum must be very proud indeed.

Someone calling themselves George Bush from Bush City writes:-

“trunp is human and scared just like the rest of you of ISIS so block them from entering any country. Islam is not a christian view religion. duh..!”

– Well, you learn something new every day.

A Ms Josephine Hawk writes:

“Soon to begin – a petition to ban the bitch Suzanne Kelly from the U.S. What happened in Paris and San Bernadino will be coming soon to neighborhood near you if the Muslims have anything to say about it. Remember when they burned cars by the hundreds in France. How is that assimilation working out for you in the U.K.?

“On a recent trip to Britain, I can’t count how many people said that the “country is not theirs anymore”. All you have to do is go to Heathrow to see that. Some of you politically correct mother fuckers need to wake up before it is too late for you.”

– When I find that petition to ban me from the US, I’ll share the link. Did the rest of you know that Heathrow has international people moving through it? I should have been told.

Louis Friend wrote:

“So it’s only freedom of speech when it’s the type of speech you deem to be correct? At the end of the day more people didn’t sign the petition than did. I can’t help but feel there is a vindictive element to this petition, you didn’t stop his “ecological disaster” of a golf course so we will have our round two with this petition. There are actual hate preachers in this country who publicly call for the destruction of Britain.

“Where is you petition for them to be deported and banned? Seems that a rich white male oh and American makes an easier target for the socialist left leaning lunatics. I don’t agree with what Trump said, but I agree that he has a right to say what he thinks If you don’t like it?…change the channel.”

– Yes Louis, I should have given up when I didn’t win the environmental battle, because if at first you don’t win, give up. Free speech is of course the same as saying anyone can say anything they like, whether it incites violence and hatred. Thanks – had thought there was some kind of difference. But some of us socialist left-leaning lunatics are actually American. And white.

And for the record I’ve objected to hate speech wherever it comes from. I should just admit I didn’t save the sand dunes and the Menie environment, sit back and do nothing as someone filled with prejudice gets celebrated with degrees and honours, and who wants to have their finger on the button. Seems a good plan.

The legal expert:

“Whenever the President finds that the entry of any aliens or of any class of aliens into the United States would be detrimental to the interests of the United States, he may by proclamation, and for such period as he shall deem necessary, suspend the entry of all aliens or any class of aliens as immigrants or nonimmigrants, or impose on the entry of aliens any restrictions he may deem to be appropriate.”

And there you have it, a rich vein of responses. Finally here are one or two I’ll fondly remember:

The humourist:

“Rather than bar him from entering Great Britain, perhaps you could admit him and then immediately send him in exile to one of those tiny little rocky islands far off the coast of Scotland, the ones that are only like twenty by twenty feet or so. Drop food for him every few weeks, but that’s it. He’ll have to stay on his tiny island until he apologizes.

“Please, Britain, you are our ally. Couldn’t you take him off our hands for us here across the pond? The great majority of we Americans do not want Adolph — er I mean Donald over here any longer”

The Kind:

Umm Arif on Facebook wrote:

“Just wanted to say … Thank You and my God bless you. A [A Human, A British, A tax payer (pay 20K+ tax per year and proud of it) / A Muslim] from London. Have a great day!”

– some of the slightly intolerant might want to mull this one over.

Clem Smith on Facebook wrote:

“Oh, man. I just read about the petition you started to keep Trump from entering the UK. I have to say I am so happy to see that! I’m from the US and he is not well-liked here, either. I love that you started that petition! I so hope it is successful! (And I hope you see this message so you know he is not representative of most Americans. In fact, he makes me wish I could move … out of America.)”

Finally, I thought this was very sweet; I leave you with one more from Jane Doe. I knew I’d get abuse; that’s what happens to people who stick their head above the trench. If I get any that is in any way rational, I’ll let you know. I wish there were space for all the many kind words I’m getting. Maybe later.

“Please tell Suzanne Kelly THANK YOU from all rationale, compassionate, emotionally mature, mentally stable, humane Democrats, Republicans, Independents, Libertarians, Green Party members, etc. etc. in the USA that we completely agree with her, are truly appreciative of her petition, would sign it if we lived in the UK, are appalled beyond belief at the utter audacity of Mr. Trump, and view him only as a shameful representation of a dangerous, bigoted, narrow minded sector of our country now given a powerful voice on an international platform.

“While some fear what will unfold during the course of his now violent campaign activities, we now know we have active partners who also see the urgency around condemning and controlling his outrageous behavior.”

Next week – a return to the usual Old Susannah satirical column, unless I’ve been deported, hung, drawn and/or quartered.

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Welcome From Councillors As Trump Stripped Of Awards

Aberdeenshire, Opinion 3 Responses »

Dec 092015

With thanks to Martin Ford.

Two Aberdeenshire councillors have welcomed the decisions to strip businessman Donald J. Trump of an honorary degree and his ‘Global Scot’ status.

Following intense public pressure, the Scottish Government has agreed to revoke Mr Trump’s appointment as a ‘Global Scot’ business ambassador.

Meanwhile, Robert Gordon University has taken back the honorary degree it awarded to Mr Trump in 2010.

Aberdeenshire councillor Martin Ford said:

“I welcome the long overdue decisions to revoke Mr Trump’s honorary degree and Global Scot appointment.

“He should never have been considered appropriate for either of these things.

“Mr Trump’s behaviour in Aberdeenshire has been appalling ever since he announced his plans for a development here. Mr Trump is neither an appropriate role model for students, nor a suitable person to represent Scotland – or the USA.”

Cllr Nan Cullinane said:

“I am relieved the university has revoked his honorary degree. It was a mistake to give it to him in the first place.

“I hope the UK Government bans him from the country for his shocking comments.”

Martin Ford joined the thousands who signed the petitions to block Donald J. Trump from UK entry and to ask Robert Gordon University to revoke the honorary degree it awarded to Mr Trump in 2010.

Both petitions were initiated by Aberdeen resident Suzanne Kelly.

Cllr Ford is the councillor whose casting vote saw Aberdeenshire Council decide to refuse planning permission for Donald Trump’s proposed golf resort at Menie in 2007.

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9th Dan Award For City Karate Master

Aberdeen City, Featured, Sport No Responses »

Dec 032015

By Charlie Abel.

Aberdonian karate students will have great cause to celebrate this week with the news that their very own Ronnie Watt OBE ORS, chief instructor of the NKF (national karate federation) and director of Shotokan for the WKC (world karate confederation) has been awarded a 9th Dan black belt (Kudan). It is believed to be the highest ever Dan grade awarded to an Aberdonian or a Scotsman.

This is a major achievement for Ronnie and for karate in Scotland.

Ronnie Watt’s name is already famous and well respected throughout the city of Aberdeen and the karate world. Being graded a 9th Dan Ronnie joins the elite ranks of the worlds most repected Karate masters.

Obtaining a black belt is very difficult, very few people manage to train hard enough, it takes at least three years and most people give up, perhaps one in a hundred achieve a black belt. Some will go on and get a 2nd Dan or higher. However, it is almost unheard of to achieve a 9th Dan in karate. Very few manage to reach this level, most are Japanese and it takes a lifetime of training.

This is a first for Scottish Shotokan Karate and it’s a great honour for the city having a home grown 9th Dan teaching and training karate, here in Aberdeen, Ronnie’s home town.

The 9th Dan will be presented to Ronnie by the International Shotokan-ryu Karate–do Shihankai (ISKS). The ISKS was set up in 2004 by an international group of world karate masters to protect and maintain the tradition of karate, which they see is sadly being diluted by many outside ‘fashionable’ influences. The ISKS is one of the most respected orders in the world of Karate today.

Karate has been a way of life for Ronnie and his family. He has won many competitions both home and internationally. To date he has trained over 25,000 students in his 50 years, many of them achieving black belt and going on to higher Dan grades, his students are well known for returning from World Championship tournaments laden with medals and golden trophies.

His wife Gail has been indispensible in running Ronnie’s NKF Karate Academy and his children, now adults are also very much following in his footsteps with Son Reeve (5th Dan) and Daughter Roxy (5th Dan) training karate regularly and teaching classes. Grandson Cooper (age 4) has also recently started training, keen to join his grandpa in the dojo.

Ronnie who has trained karate ‘religiously’ as a way of life for 50 years was recently entered into the European Hall of fame for Martial Arts (November 2015).

Ronnie has previously been awarded an OBE from the Queen. In 2010 was recognised by the Emperor of Japan with an Order of the Rising Sun – a very special award rarely given to foreigners. Ronnie joins good company with famous people such as Clint Eastwood, Gustav Eiffel of France, George Takei (Sulu, Helmsman of the Starship enterprise on Star Trek) Bobby Charlton, and ex UK Prime minister Sir John Major.

In 2014, Ronnie was awarded a Commemorative Medal of the Trnava Self-Governing Region (TSGR) of Slovakia by the TSGR’s president, Tibor Mikus for promotion of friendship between Scotland and Slovakia. Ronnie is also a Free Burgess of Guild member of the city of Aberdeen, (Freedom of the city) and is a banner bearer to the Knights of the Most Holy Trinity, who are a heraldic based charity organisation raising funds for good causes.

When asked about his 50 years in Karate and his 9th Dan Ronnie says,

“I’ve just loved karate, being karate. It’s what I’ve always done.

“I see a lot of people and see what it can do for them. The discipline, the training, the Budo (the way) it changes them. It changed me. Karate improves people. It’s beautiful….My 50 years have not been easy, but I’d do it again tomorrow..”

“ I’m very happy and really humbled to receive the 9th Dan. It’s amazing…I’m still learning!”

Having one of the worlds most decorated and respected Karate masters living and teaching in Aberdeen is a massive advantage to anyone wishing to learn more about Karate-do.

Visit www.karate-scotland.info for more info.

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Aberdeen 3 Ross County 1 – Pittodrie Stadium 28.11.15

Opinion, Sport No Responses »

Nov 292015

Aberdeen ended the half a goal down to Ross County, but rallied as winners by the end of the game, opines Voice reporter Andrew Watson.

It was cold, brisk and windy. The pitch was a tad worn but looking good for the time of the year.

During warm up, the Staggies seemed to be struggling with an intense passing drill, the Red Army no doubt hoping this would be indicative of their pitch performance.

Ex-Don Richard Foster got some boos, no doubt because his history with bitter rivals Rangers.

However, Ex-County man Paul Quinn appeared to garner no sizeable reaction from the away end despite donning the red and white of Aberdeen.

The game began with the home side playing some scrappy football. This resulted in a Ross County corner, but nothing came of it.

County keeper Gary Woods was forced into a hasty clearance by striker Adam Rooney.

Graeme Shinnie then made a well-executed challenge to retain possession for Aberdeen.

One of the better chances for the Dons came as Rooney made a cut back in the opposition’s box, only for the ball to be safely mopped up by Woods.

On the other end of the pitch, keeper Danny Ward’s clearance falls to County and an ensuing free kick to little end is called by the referee.

A free kick for the home side, taken by winger Jonny Hayes, falls fortuitously into box, but knocked over the bar.

14 minutes into the game, a poorly held ball by Mark Reynolds is snatched as he claims handball. The Staggies play on their initiative is rewarded.

0-1 (Craig Curran).

Not long after there was a great individual effort from Hayes, beating the opposition and only his finishing touch on goal below par. His quick link up play with Shaleum Logan during a free kick was prior to this.

His involvement of a different kind in a tussle with Foster incurred more derision for the latter.

Rooney then almost cottoned onto a free kick with head.

Come this point Aberdeen’s game then descended into desperate sliding tackles in their own box to avoid going a second goal down. However, they almost equalised with a good counter attack.

They then incurred some Red Army wrath with negative passing, culminating in the ball winding all the way back to keeper Ward.

Ross County were in a good position to double their lead, but a free kick just outside the box wasn’t exploited.

The ball, by this point, seemed to spend half the time in mid-air and was absolutely terrible to watch.

Alternately, Staggies were almost gifted an elusive two goal cushion via a long ball. Recipient couldn’t latch onto it, though.

County captain Andrew Davies was later rolling on the pitch in pain, though stayed on the pitch. This was taken as an opportunity for his teammates to have a water break, which irked the home fans to some degree.

An Aberdeen attack then went for nothing after the Victoria Park men at the back were beaten. The end product, debateable as to whether a shot or cross, let them down.

A big decision, which was arguably one of the biggest controversies of the game, then occurred. The Dons had a fortunate bobble of the ball just outside their box, but were then penalised for picking up the ball after a perceived foul upon them. They managed to remain a goal down.

Foster was never far away from the Red Army’s desire to see him hooked for his infractions, kicking the ball away from Ward after a goal kick was declared.

Not long after Ward, in turn, and not for the first time, made a poor clearance and managed to get away with it. His kicking is a significant improvement upon Jamie Langfield’s, but not for this game.

His defensive charges in front of him weren’t faring much better, and lost the ball in their own half, which went out for a corner. Again, they didn’t pay for this.

The build up to the second half seemed daftly optimistic. One song they pumped out through the tannoy system seemed particularly bizarre:

“Don’t worry about a thing/
‘cause every little thing gonna be alright”
– Bob Marley and the Wailers – Three Little Birds

Yet, what was more laughable were the tributes to a couple of the players. Ward had, of course, had a terrible game but somehow ‘Daddy Cool’ by Boney M was steady singing his praises; with minimal participation with a hacked off home crowd.

There was also ‘Baby Give It Up’ by KC and the Sunshine Band which extoled Hayes. Who was to know key moments in the remaining half would be at the hands, and feet, of those two; and for the good.

Things didn’t bode well to begin with; with the ominous first touch of the Dandies a lumped ball into the opposition’s half, and nobody there in a red shirt.

Also, when one saw Reynolds, seemingly unnecessarily put the ball over the bar for a corner, you wondered if Ward patted his backside as if to spank him for bad behaviour.

Their luck did turn when Niall McGinn offered a perfect opportunity for Rooney to score an equaliser. He hoofed into the roof of the net to jubilation.

1-1 after 51 minutes!

The Reds then went ahead two minutes after. Hayes bombed down the left and dipped his shot past Woods.

2-1 Aberdeen!

The game thereon appeared heated, with plenty of meaty challenges. Kenny McLean doing so with some fine defensive work, and also Willo Flood clearing well to safety.

Ward made yet another poor clearance, this one a low one but was lucky to be spared embarrassment.

Aberdeen fans were irate after some high feet from Ross County. Their man, Liam Boyce, in turn was rolling on the ground and earned a free kick. His teammate went for a dipping, curling effort which went over the crossbar.

At the other end, Woods came in with a dive to keep the ball out of danger and caught the resulting corner.

Ward redeemed himself when his super quick reflexes kept Aberdeen in a winning position. They earned a corner at the other end of the pitch, but the header went awry and landed on top of the net.

Hayes did go close however, keeper, at quite a tight angle, made himself big and recovered the situation.

McLean helped put it beyond the away side with a cross that McGinn pounced upon.

3-1 Aberdeen after 80 minutes!

Woods’ stopped the rot for Ross County, and they managed to scupper another well positioned Aberdeen free kick. Logan was also unfortunate with a well placed shot.

Craig Storie came on for Willo Flood at the 88 minute mark.

Then Paul Quinn came off for Ash Taylor a minute later.

Storie stopped the Staggies getting a consolation goal near the death, heading the result of a corner off the line.

Goal hero McGinn took a lateral bow after 91 minutes, and was replaced by Cammy Smith.

Aberdeen turned round an utterly dismal first half performance, and, to their credit, did so finishing with a two goal cushion for their troubles.

Final score: 3-1.

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