Author: siskinbob

Formerly employed by MOD and IBM, now retired

MoD set for U-turn on navy’s new fast jets


Due to mismanagement by both the previous and current governments, we have witnessed the systematic reduction of our military to a second-rate force on the world stage.

Now they, our current government, are demonstrating that they are hell-bent on delivering second-rate aircraft to the Royal Navy. These aircraft are to be used on the yet to be completed aircraft carriers.

Defence secretary Philip Hammond is expected to announce the UK will revert back to the jump-jet F-35B version of the US-built F-35 planes as opposed to the carrier variant F-35C which was the preferred option in the 2010 defence review.

In 2010, the government said Labour’s original choice of the F-35Bs was an ‘error’ it was ‘determined’ to rectify.

But it now appears the navy will have the shorter-range and less capable aircraft after all.

Why did our government not pay heed to their advisors that were clamoring to keep our carriers at sea using the Harriers as a stop-gap until we actually had a working fleet ?

All this chopping and changing in strategy will end up costing the UK many millions of excess charges and all to provide a less capable Royal Navy.
MoD set for U-turn on navy’s new fast jets – Local – The News.

This Lady Needs Your Help


Please take the time to listen to Doreen. This is heart-rending stuff. It is criminal that she isn’t receiving any real help from the authorities….but I’ll let her tell her own story

Congratulations Jensen


Jensen Button drove a superb race to take the win at the inaugural F1 race in Melbourne.

With Hamilton coming home in third place, behind Vettel, Maclaren have certainly  made a strong opening to their account for the 2012 season.

Hamilton will not be happy, having relinquished his pole /lead position to Button when he got bogged down at the start. Then, courtesy of the safety car, giving up track position to Vettel. Although he showed sufficient pace in the latter stages of the race,  he failed to reclaim 2nd place.

The annual Formula 1 circus has gotten off to a great start. All the indicators from todays race are that the 2012 season is going to be very interesting.

Looking forward to Sepang next weekend.

Fabrice Muamba – Here’s Hoping for Survival and Recovery


Fabrice Muamba, the Bolton Wanderers midfielder wa last night fighting for his life after collapsing  during his team’s FA Cup tie. He was admitted to The Heart Attack Centre of The London Chest Hospital and is said to be in a critically ill condition.

Shocking when you think how fit these guys are.

Lets hope he makes a successful recovery

Race Is Turned On Its Head


Now the safety car has been deployed we have a new race. Button and Hamilton had just both pitted but now Vettel has gained the advantage and is now placed hard up to Buttons gearbox.

Lucky or what ?

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Still Stuffed


Had a brilliant evening last night. Good food, good wine and good company. Thank you Rav and Wendy for a lovely meal. Rav your Chicken curry was, as usual, fabulous. Wendy that beautifully light crumble was the perfect finisher to the meal.

I’m Still Stuffed !!!

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Melbourne – Exciting Start To Season


The F1 season has launched with a cracking opener in Melbourne. Only 8 laps and there have been a number of contacts between the cars, several overtaking attempts. Shaping up to be a good race.

Posted with WordPress for BlackBerry.

Will We Treat Cameron To The Same End


The link below is to an article in which the death is reported, of Admiral Byng. He was executed on this day in 1757.

Byng appears to have been executed to cover up the Admiralty’s incompetence in providing him with an inadequate fleet to relieve Minorca

I draw a parallel here with our current circumstances surrounding the Falkland Islands. Argentina is again stirring up over their claim to the Falklands. Should they, once again, decide to attack the islands we will be in no position to protect the islanders.

We have no active carriers, and no Harriers even if we did have. The RAF cannot provide support to that area of the world it is just too far, well beyond the range of any military aircraft. The Army and Marines would be terribly exposed without air cover.

So I ask …. Would the fate, that befell Admiral Byng, fall upon David Cameron and his government should we fail to relieve the Falkland Islands if Argentina was to attack again ?

‘The fatal volley went off in an instant. Five bullets struck Byng. The sixth passed over his head. He fell forward stone dead.’

Perhaps, if that punishment were an option, Cameron and his government might take a different view of our nations protection.

Execution of admiral was cover-up – Remember When – The News.