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Random pic 7 August 2026

Gilt of Cain by Michael Visocchi & Lemn Sissay. This powerful sculpture was unveiled by the Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Mpilo Tutu on 4th September 2008. The sculpture commemorates the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in 1807, which began the the emancipation of slaves throughout the British Empire. https://flic.kr/p/2soWcs5Fen Court is the site of a churchyard formerly of St Gabriel's Fenchurch St and now in the Parish of St Edmund the King and St Mary Woolnoth, Lombard St. The latter has a strong historical connection with the abolitionist movement of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Rev John Newton, a slave trader turned preacher and abolitionist, was rector of St Mary Woolnoth from 1780- 1807. Newton worked closely alongside the famous abolitionist William Wilberforce.The granite eculpture is camposed of a group of columns surrounding a podium. The podium calls to mind an enclesiastical pulpit or slave auctioneer's stance, whilst the columns evoke stems of sugar cane and are positioned to suggest an anonymous crowd or congregation gathered to lIsten to a speaker.The artwork is the result of a collaboration between sculptor Michael Visocchi and poet Lemn Sissay, Extracts frorn Lemn Sissay's poem, 'Gilt of Cain', are engraved into the granite. The poem skilfully weaves the coded language of the City's stock exchange trading floor with biblical 0ld Testament references,HERE IS THE ASK PRICE ON THE CLOSED POSITION, HISTORY IS NO INHERENT ACQUISITION FOR HERE THE TECHNICAL CORRECTION UPON THE ACT. A MERGER OF TRUTH AND IN ACTUAL FACT oN THE SPOT. ON THE MONEY - THE SPREAD. THE DEALER LIED WHEN THE DEALER SAID THE BULL WAS CHARGING THE BEAR WAS DEAD, THE MARKET MUST CALCULATE PER CAPITA, NOT HEAD.AND GREAT TRADERS ACTING IN CONCERT, ARMS RISE AS THE ACTUALS FROUGHT ON THESE OF FRANCHISE THROWN OVERBOARD INTO THE EXCHANGE TO DROWN I DISTRESSED BROKERS DISCONSOLATE FROWN. IN ACCOUNTING LIQUIDITY IS A MOUNTING MORBIDITY BUT RAISING THE ARMS WITH SUCH RIGID RAPIDITY, OH THE REAPING THE RAPING RAPACIOUS FLUIDITY. THE VIOLENCE THE VICIOUS AND VEXED VOLATILITY.THE BOARING TRADE FLOOR RISES ABOVE CRASHING WAVES: THE TRADERS BUY SHIPS, BENEATH THE SLAVES. SWAY MACHETE BACK, SWAY MACHETE AGAIN CUT BACK THE SUGAR BUSH, CAIN. THE WHIPSAW IT'S ALL AND THE WHIP SAW IT ALL THE RISING MARKET AND THE CARGO FALL WHOLL ENTER "JERUSALEM" MAKE THE MARGIN CALL FOR ABEL: WHO WILL KICK OVER THE STALL AND TURN THE TABLE?
CAIN GATHERS CANE AS GIFT- GIFT TO HIS LAND BUT WHOSE SWORD OF TRUTH SHALL NOT SLEEP IN HAND? WHO SHALL UNLOCK THE STOCKS AND SHARE? BREAK THE BOND THE BIND UNBOUND - LAY BARE THE TRUTH. CASH FLOW RUNS DEEP BUT SPIRIT DEEPER YOU ASK AM I MY BROTHERS KEEPER? I ANSWER BY NATURE BY SPIRIT BY RIGHTFUL LAWS MY NAME, MY BROTHER, WILBERFORCE.
[Text from label by sculpture]

Michael Ixer ● 15d0 Comments ● 15d

Two tier Justice

From BBC News:"A police chief has apologised after admitting phones were seized from the Manchester synagogue attacker months before the car and knife assault but they were not examined.Jihad Al-Shamie, 35, was on bail for an alleged rape when he carried out the attack on Heaton Park Synagogue in Crumpsall on 2 October 2025, in which two Jewish men were killed.His devices, which contained evidence of his extreme views, were seized after he was arrested in February and September but not analysed.Greater Manchester Police Chief Constable Sir Stephen Watson said he was "deeply sorry", conceding that "the information contained within these devices would have inspired further investigative action".Sir Stephen said: "In conducting an internal review, it became apparent that GMP had seized Al-Shamie's mobile devices, at the point of each arrest."The significance of the data contents of these devices was substantial in respect of evidencing an extremist mindset."I am disappointed at the prospect of adding to the distress of all of those affected by the terrible events last October."For this, I am deeply sorry."The apology came after Mohammad Bashir was jailed for life with a minimum term of 17 years for plotting a separate attack with Al-Shamie at the UK's Defence Academy in Shrivenham.Details emerged in the case at Manchester Crown Court that the pair had been discussing their extremist views in WhatsApp chats, including preparing for a "war"."Obviously this person was an Arab freedom fighter and his earlier conviction for rape just a moment's aberration in his behaviour. And checking  the contents of his mobile phone would have been a gross intrusion into his privacy and civil liberty.Or perhaps the police were swayed by their inculcation into the philosophy of EDI.Still he only killed Jews.

John Hawkes ● 29d1 Comments ● 29d

Andy Burnham gives key speech on Labour's policy direction under his leadership.

From the Guardian in a surprisingly sarcastic article."After weeks in which the Makerfield MP has submitted himself to few questions from the media, he was formally announced as Labour leader on Friday. The public will have to wait until next week to hear more details of his plan for government.But in the meantime we have a TikTok video, published on Thursday, setting out the new prime minister’s likes and dislikes.1) Yorkshire pudding with Christmas turkey? “Where has this come from? It should not be done,” he said. “And, in fact, if I ever get a position of power to do something, I will pass legislation to ban it.”2) On the matter of tea-making, Burnham revealed he is a milk-first man. “I don’t know why. I just have a feeling that it softens the teabag a bit and makes it stronger,” he said. “Might be wrong. I know that will offend a lot of people, but there’ll be no legislation to ban that.”3) We also learned he is “vehemently against” single-file queuing at the bar. “Stop it immediately,” he said.4) Tackling people who play voice notes or music on public transport out loud is likely to be a flashpoint of the Burnham administration. “You just don’t want to listen to everybody else’s nonsense,” he said, confirming he is “very strongly against” this “antisocial behaviour”.5) On socks and sandals, he is less adamant. “I have been known to wear my Birkenstocks with socks. I’m not sure I should be admitting that.” He is, however, a “strong against” when it comes to clapping when a plane lands and using phones at gigs.6) And for too long, the country has been held back by football fans who leave the ground before the final whistle, the next prime minister believes. We learned this is not something his government is going to allow to continue.On Wednesday, Burnham took questions from members of the public in Cardiff. The hour-long session was edited down to two and a half minutes and posted on X. What will the soundtrack to your first 100 days be? someone asked. “One Day Like This, by Elbow. Do you know that song? Guy Garvey? He’s absolutely wonderful, actually. A wonderful person.”I personally feel much reassured that the country is now in the hands of a serious and determined politician with a firm political philosophy.

John Hawkes ● 35d20 Comments ● 32d

Class Warfare

"Private schools offer 41% more tree shade than state schools in England"'Analysis reveals stark socioeconomic divide, with schools with highest free school meal eligibility having fewer trees.'https://www.theguardian.com/education/2026/jul/16/private-schools-more-tree-shade-state-schools-englandNot only is the whole commissioning and intention of such an article and its underlying basis, so typical of the Guardian, and hilariously puerile, but the thought of how the so called analysis was carried out is jaw dropping.The intention is to show the unfairness of the private school system in comparison to that of the state and generate cries of "shame".But were the survey results produced by Lewis Winks, the environmental social scientist who led the research arrived at by visiting every school ?He must have done as he shows that there is a measured 41% advantage in tree cover for private schools.Note the precision of his measurement.And what does the fact of 'free school meal eligibility' have to do with it ?No mention of course of the geographical and demographic factors that probably were the deciding reasons as to the original placement of the schools.And are we to believe that Wimbledon High School for Girls on the main traffic route from the town centre to the Village is advantaged in this regard over Rickards Lodge Girl's school at the heart of leafy residential Wimbledon Park ?This just goes to show the lengths some will go to in order to foster a class war albeit it shows them up as being ignorant in the basis  of their research methods.And who funded this piece of pointless 'academic' work ?The taxpayer of course.Lewis Winks is a freelance writer, researcher and campaigner focused on cultural and social transformations, engaged research, environmental advocacy, and rights of access to the countryside.He works at Exeter University.And can obviously cannot find anything more important to spend his time and our money worrying about.

John Hawkes ● 36d2 Comments ● 35d

Accept the Job Sideline: Dating Tips for Busy Singles

Why busy singles need a different approachDating while juggling work, errands, and personal time can feel like trying to schedule a second full-time job. The pressure to “find the perfect match” quickly often leads to burnout, ghosting, or endless browsing. Instead, think strategically: you’re not failing—you’re busy. The best dating approach for hectic schedules is simple, structured, and realistic, so you can make progress without draining your energy.Accept the Job Sideline: key keyword in your second paragraphIf you’re the type who always puts everything “on hold,” consider the **Accept the Job Sideline** mindset. It means you keep your responsibilities in the driver’s seat, but you stop treating dating like an emergency you’ll handle “later.” A sideline isn’t less important—it’s just managed differently. You can still be intentional: choose a couple of opportunities, communicate clearly, and create small chances to connect.Smart dating tactics when time is limitedStart by clarifying your availability. For example, pick one evening for dates and one short window for chat—then stick to it. This protects your time and helps you attract people who respect boundaries.Keep your messages lightweight but warm. Instead of long paragraphs, share one genuine detail and ask one question. Aim for forward momentum: suggest a quick plan like coffee, a walk, or a short meet-up rather than waiting weeks to “figure it out.”Create a “fast compatibility” systemUse early conversations to learn what matters: lifestyle, schedules, relationship goals, and communication style. If someone can’t meet you halfway, it’s better to discover that sooner than later.Make dates efficient and enjoyableChoose low-pressure venues and clear start times. If the date goes well, confirm a next step right away—don’t let it drift. If it doesn’t, be polite and move on.Final mindset to stay consistentBusy singles don’t need more hours—they need better routines. When you accept the sideline and act with intention, dating becomes something you do, not something you postpone.Visit: https://forum.sacreee.org/member.php?action=profile&uid=4559

Robert Wilson ● 35d0 Comments ● 35d

Accepting work in Rangsit: Finding someone who fits your lifestyle

Compatibility starts with your daily rhythmStarting a new job is already a lifestyle shift—your energy, your schedule, and even your social routines can change fast. In that moment, finding someone who fits your lifestyle is less about luck and more about alignment. The right person will match your pacing: how you plan, how you communicate, and whether they respect the time you need to recharge.Accepting work in Rangsit and choosing the right places to meetIf you’re Accepting work in Rangsit(รับงานรังสิต), focus on meeting opportunities that match your real routine, not your “ideal weekend” version of life. Look for nearby areas where social interaction feels natural and low-pressure. Building your social loop around local hangouts and community vibes—especially places connected to fiwfan—can help you encounter people who are comfortable with similar daily rhythms and expectations.Be honest early about your scheduleDon’t hide the truth that you’re still settling in. You don’t need to share every detail, but you should set clear expectations about your availability, especially during your first month. Use straightforward communication, like: “My schedule is still adjusting, so I usually prefer short plans on weekdays.”Choose dates that fit your energy levelA lifestyle match shows up on the date. Keep early outings simple and time-bounded—coffee, casual meals, or a short walk—so you can enjoy the connection without feeling drained.Watch for consistent behavior, not just good conversationPay attention to follow-through and effort. Does the person show up on time? Do they communicate clearly? Do they make space for your routines rather than constantly interrupt them?Let the right fit grow naturallyWhen you find someone who understands your pace and respects your boundaries, the connection becomes easier to sustain. As your job routines stabilize, your relationship can grow in step—built on comfort, clarity, and genuine lifestyle compatibility.Visit: https://fiwfan.app/location/%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%87%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%95

Robert Wilson ● 36d1 Comments ● 36d