Uncharted creators fuel mass speculation over future of franchise

Uncharted: Exhilarating adventure since Drake’s Fortune in 2007

If you love an action-adventure video game, you’ve probably already discovered Uncharted, joining Nathan Drake, Victor Sullivan and Elena Fisher on at least one of their globetrotting escapades. Rich in graphics, characters, story and gameplay, the Uncharted series ticks all the boxes. Every instalment offers breath-taking scenery, death-defying free soloing, epic gun battles and intriguing puzzles – not to mention all the stunning treasures. But you already know that, right?

Puzzles: Seamlessly integrated within stunning gameplay

The big question

The big question: Will there be an Uncharted 5?

The latest game, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, was released on May 10 2016, selling over 2.7 million copies in its first week. So what gamers across the globe want to know is – will there be an Uncharted 5?

Libertalia: The former utopian pirate colony in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Developed by Naughty Dog and published by Sony Interactive Entertainment as a PlayStation exclusive, both parties have been fueling speculation. Naughty Dog kicked off the debate last October when Creative Director, Neil Druckmann, told Official PlayStation Magazine that Uncharted 4 would be the last game with Nathan Drake as the lead character. Druckmann reiterated this in January, telling The Sun newspaper that Uncharted 4 was ‘the end for Nathan Drake’. He’s also maintained that Naughty Dog would not be involved in the development of another episode, while indicating that Sony might continue the franchise.

The end for Nathan Drake?

Nathan Drake: The dramatic solo scene on the cover of Uncharted 4

From Druckmann’s statements, it sounds like it really could be the end for our beloved Nathan Drake. It’s worth noting, however, that Druckmann has been known to tell a fib or two before other major releases in order to pique interest. Even if Naughty Dog does exit the scene for future Uncharted games, Sony could easily work with another development studio, or use one of its in-house studios.

Nathan Drake: Not one to be out of action for long, Nate bounced back from a plane crash in Uncharted 3

If you didn’t already know, Sony actually owns Naughty Dog, having acquired the studio in 2001. This puts an interesting spin on things. Basically, if Sony wants Naughty Dog to develop Uncharted 5, ultimately, it’ll have to do it, with or without the blessing of Druckmann. Previous departures from Naughty Dog sparked rumors that creative differences over the direction of Uncharted 4 led to the resignations.

Alternative protagonists

Sully (Victor Sullivan): Older but well able to hold his own in sticky situations

If Uncharted 5 is developed without Nathan Drake, there are endless scenarios for the episode’s direction. Possible lead characters could be Drake and Fisher’s daughter, Cassie, Drake’s friend, Victor Sullivan, or Drake’s brother, Sam. Other suggestions include Charlie Cutter, who helped the heroes in Uncharted 3, and Marisa Chase, who teamed up with Drake in the portable Vita instalment, Uncharted: Golden Abyss. Of course, Uncharted 5 could take an entirely different route and introduce a brand new protagonist. An unknown lead character is a risky move, but it’s a distinct possibility.

Marisa Chase: Sassy, but a bit of a damsel in distress in Golden Abyss

A positive prognosis

A recent Vulture interview with Nolan North, the voice actor who plays protagonist, Nathan Drake, adds fire to the debate. North declared that should Sony want to continue the franchise, he would ‘certainly come back’. Whether Naughty Dog and Sony have been deliberately or inadvertently fueling rumors is an interesting question, but North’s statement definitely adds a positive prognosis to the one that Uncharted fans really want answering.

Nolan North: The acclaimed voice actor is happy to continue as Nathan Drake

The ultimate formula

Critical acclaim: The Uncharted games received Metacritic scores of between 80 and 96

For now, there is no clear answer as to whether there will be an Uncharted 5, and if it would still have Nathan Drake in the lead role. However, with even sequel sceptic, Neil Druckmann, admitting Drake is ‘at the height of his popularity’, impressive sales that are up 67% on the launch of Uncharted 3 and a dominating run at the top of the games charts, Uncharted 4 will undoubtedly bring in enough revenue and critical acclaim that Sony keeps the series going. We just have to keep our fingers crossed – in between treasure hunting and shooting baddies, of course – that Sony listens to gamers and gives us what we want: more Drake, more thrilling adventures and more immersive locations. Uncharted is the perfect action-adventure formula, and Sony is unlikely to miss out on the opportunity to be credited for another masterpiece, nor the hundreds of millions in revenue that it will bring.

Perfect gaming recipe: Nail-biting action in Uncharted 2’s iconic train level

 

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© 2016 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

Historic victory for British democracy as 52% of citizens win closely fought battle to leave the European Union

The UK referendum of 23^rd June 2016 will be forever remembered as a historic event that changed the future of Britain. Britons have elected to leave the European Union with 52% of the votes. The decision to leave the European Union has been met with shock and elation, both within the country and internationally. With 48% voting to remain and hence a difference of just 4%, the country is hugely divided on the matter, with almost half of its citizens left disappointed with the outcome. The victorious voters, however, are celebrating an uncertain future that they hope will have positive implications for the UK.

British citizens made their decision after hard-fought campaigns following the announcement of the referendum date in February 2016. During this speech, Prime Minister, David Cameron, stated that the choice would be ‘one of the biggest decisions this country will face in our lifetimes’. In a display of true democracy, individual politicians campaigned for the side they believed in, irrespective of party allegiance, and when it came to the ballot, every vote counted, as opposed to the First Past the Post system that is used for UK elections.

Key arguments for the “remain” campaign

The “remain” campaign urged citizens to vote for ‘a stronger Britain’, claiming a stronger economy and stronger leadership on the world stage. The campaign claimed the country gets more back than it puts in in the form of lower prices, more jobs and more investment. Safety was another major point, with the campaign claiming membership enables the ability to fight cross-border crime, tackle terrorism and tackle climate change. In the event of leaving the EU, the campaign predicted job losses, price increases and less money for public services like the NHS. The “remain” campaign controversially made many references to staying in or leaving “Europe” in its manifesto, which could have confused, mislead or irritated citizens as Europe is not the same as the European Union. The “remain” campaign was led by Conservative Prime Minister, David Cameron, and was also backed by the Labour Party.

Key arguments for the “leave” campaign

The “leave” campaign, nicknamed “Brexit”, was arguably less polished than that of the opposing side, however, its main slogan was that Britain should ‘take back control’. The campaign claimed that the UK pays approximately £350 million per week into the EU and gets less than half of this back with no control over how it is spent. By leaving the EU, Brexit claimed that the UK would be able to spend the money saved on priorities like the NHS, make its own laws, regain control over its borders, control its own economy and trade and gain more international influence. The campaign pointed out that Britain does not have to be part of the EU to trade with it, and also that due to its EU membership, the UK is currently unable to negotiate trade deals with key allies such as the USA and Australia, nor with growing economies like China and India. The “leave” campaign was led by Conservative MP, Boris Johnson, and was also backed by the UK Independence Party (UKIP).

Predictions of a close call

Prior to the referendum, polls indicated the decision whether or not to leave the EU would be a close call. The last survey, conducted by market research organisation, Ipsos MORI, revealed that 52% of people who were likely to vote and considered the result important to them would vote to remain in the EU, while 48% would vote to leave.

A tense night

As the counts started pouring in during the night of June 23^rd, it became clear that the results would indeed be very close, with no accurate prediction possible. However, the live coverage indicated there was surprise at the number of leave votes being declared in some areas that had been thought to primarily support remaining in the EU. In the small hours, footage of “remain” campaigners showed a somewhat sombre atmosphere, whilst “leave” campaigners seemed more upbeat and jubilant.

The official result

At 07:20 BST (British Summer Time), the result was officially announced by the Chair of the Electoral Commission, Jenny Watson. There were 16,141,241 votes in favour of remaining in the EU and 17,410,742 votes in favour of leaving the EU. With an impressive voter turnout of 72%, Britons voted to leave the EU, casting 1,269,501 more votes than the opposing side. In percentages, 52% voted to leave, while 48% voted to remain. The turnout comprised over thirty million voters and was the highest since the General Election of 1992.

Analyses of the results

There are patterns to be seen in the votes, with higher proportions of “remain” supporters in the cities and more “leave” voters in rural areas and in those subject to deprivation and lack of investment. Preference of remaining in the EU in the cities could be due to ‘fear of the unknown’ and being ‘more comfortable with immigration’, according to BBC correspondent, Ed Thomas. Voting to leave the EU is likely to be a result of dissatisfaction with the growing disenfranchisement of British Parliament due to increased EU powers, combined with some simply voting ‘against the establishment’, the latter according to analysis by BBC correspondent, Danny Savage. Scotland had an overwhelming majority of “remain” voters, and this is likely to spur a second Scottish referendum for independence.

In Ireland, political party with MPs in both Northern Ireland and Ireland, Sinn Féin, has called for a vote on whether Northern Ireland should remain part of the UK. It is believed, however, that this is unlikely to be a priority as the Irish government does not anticipate enough support for a united Ireland.

European response

In mainland Europe, President of the European Commission, Jean-Claude Juncker, and President of the European Council, Donald Tusk, stated that the remaining twenty-seven EU countries ‘will continue’ and are ‘determined to maintain their unity’. German Chancellor and de facto leader of the EU, Angela Merkel, expressed ‘great regret’ at the decision, while German Professor, Peter Beyer, highlighted the importance of discouraging other member states from heading for the door after Marine Le Pen, president of French political party, the National Front, called for France to hold its own EU referendum. Denmark, too, is keen to follow suit, and this could lead to further referendums across Scandinavia. There is concern that the UK’s departure will trigger an ‘entire break-up’ of the EU.

Sterling crash

The pound has plummeted since the counts started being announced during the night of 23^rd June, dropping to levels not seen since 1985. The lowest was a fall of 10%, although it partially recovered during the afternoon of 24^th June. The drop represents the pound’s biggest one-day fall in history, but while the financial markets are likely to remain volatile in the short-term, things should stabilise. The Bank of England stated it was ‘monitoring developments closely’ and would take ‘all necessary steps’ to ensure monetary stability.

The Prime Minister’s statement

David Cameron, the UK Prime Minister, was strongly in favour of remaining in the EU, and around an hour after the result was announced he made a statement outside 10 Downing Street. Cameron declared his passion for the “remain” campaign before saying: ‘the British people have made a very clear decision to take a different path, and as such I think the country requires fresh leadership to take it in this direction…I do not think it would be right for me to try to be the captain that steers our country to its next destination.’ While Cameron is happy to oversee an initial ‘period of stability’, he suggested a new Prime Minister is appointed ‘by the start of the Conservative Party conference in October’.

Possible successors

The former Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, is tipped to become the new Prime Minister, while other leadership contenders are likely to include the Home Secretary, Theresa May, who was in favour of remaining in the EU, “Brexit” supporter, Justice Secretary, Michael Gove and other pro-Brexit MPs like Priti Patel. The UK has a maximum of two years to negotiate its withdrawal from the EU under the terms of Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, and although David Cameron has said it will be up to the new Prime Minister to invoke the article, EU representatives are urging more rapid action, stating that ‘any delay would unnecessarily prolong uncertainty’.

A brand new Great Britain

After such a monumental decision to leave the European Union, Britain and the rest of the world are likely to face some turmoil over the next few years. Once the UK officially exits the EU it can start to harness the potential benefits identified by campaigners such as control over spending, laws and the economy. A new migration policy, more money for the NHS and new international trade relationships would pave the way for a better Britain. Its citizens are hoping that leaving the EU is the right decision for a brand new Great Britain.

 

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© 2016 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

McDonald’s Maharaja Mac is fit for Royalty!

I recently arrived back home in the UK following a visit to India.  Obviously, I indulged in plenty of local cuisine, and as I’m lucky enough to have family there, I was privileged to be able to eat authentic home cooking for much of my stay.  However, as I was out and about in Mumbai quite a lot, I simply had to sample the Indian McDonald’s menu.

Fan of the occasional burger

I’m no fast food addict, but I’ve enjoyed the occasional burger since childhood, and I’ve always found it reassuring that the McDonald’s menu is much the same in European countries.  Sometimes it’s good to have the option of knowing exactly what you’re going to get – and there are also excellent street maps in city centre restaurants like in London and Paris, so it’s a good excuse to grab a meal!

 

Many Indians don’t eat beef for religious reasons, and there’s been a beef ban in several areas including Mumbai’s state of Maharashtra since March 2015, so I was intrigued to see what the fast food menus would offer.  In Burger King, many of the choices were the same as in the UK, although they did have a Mutton Whopper (mutton in India is goat meat, which tastes similar to lamb), but unfortunately I did not get a chance to try one.

 

Tantalising treats

The Indian McDonald’s menu, excitingly, is vastly different to the Western menu, offering a few classic selections like the McChicken sandwich and Filet-O-Fish along with exotic offerings including a Chinese menu and wraps.  Chinese dishes comprise Chilli Paneer Pockets and the McChicken and McVeggie Schezwan sandwiches, while wraps include the Spicy Chicken Wrap and Spicy Paneer Wrap.

Much as my mouth was watering at the thought of these tempting treats, I was pretty hungry on my first visit (yes, I ended up going more than once as it was so good), and what caught my eye were signs for the new Maharaja Mac.  Available in Veg and Chicken versions, I opted for the chicken.  The double decker sandwich features two grilled patties, habanero sauce, jalapeños, tomato, onion, lettuce and cheese.

Tower of deliciousness

The posters show a towering creation with golden patties, crisp vegetables and a creamy sauce encased within a fluffy sesame seed-topped bun, and I was impressed to find my burger looked exactly like the pictures.  The Chicken Maharaja Mac is undoubtedly the best McDonald’s dish I have ever eaten, and indeed, it is delicious in its own right.  The flavours complement each other perfectly, and the habanero sauce and jalapeños add just the right amount of piquancy.  I’m not even a fan of chillies, but the medium level of heat is well worth it, and it’s not so overpowering that you can’t taste all the different flavours.

 

It has to be said, the Maharaja Mac is a messy eat as the bread does somewhat disintegrate by around two thirds of the way through, but if you get to try one you won’t care as it’s so tasty, and you can always wash your hands afterwards, right?!  This feast of a burger weighs around 310g and contains 765kCal, so it’s ideal as a main meal.

Ideal for the UK and European markets

On my return to England I contacted McDonald’s to complement it on my new favourite dish and to suggest the Maharaja Mac is considered as an addition to the UK and European menus.  I mentioned that I felt it would be appealing to local tastes and was sure to be very popular.  I got a timely response advising that my comments would be passed to the Marketing and Food Development departments to be considered – which is about as much as I could have hoped for, so great result!

I’m sure it would take a lot of organisation to get the Maharaja Mac approved and on the UK and European menus, but hey, this is McDonald’s we’re talking about, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that it bring its delightful Big Mac alternative to Britain and beyond.  McDonald’s has certainly hit the spot with its superb Maharaja Mac, and it really is fit for royalty!

 

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© 2016 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

 

100 Word Story: Mr Pinky

Mr Pinky

Mr Pinky

We make our temporary roost in the heart of town.

I watch the world go by from Master’s side. People stop and talk to us. They rub my head, behind my ears. I look up silently. I save my words for Master.

Lunchtime comes and lunch is served. People point and coo.

Later, people pass with bags of wares, eager to get going.

Dusk falls. We depart, traversing the barren streets, bathed in salmon light.

We arrive at home in time for dinner – my favourite time of day. Once grub is served I look up and say, ‘Thank you, Master’.

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© 2015 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

Take a Reality Check on UK Politics

With the UK General Election rapidly approaching, I thought I’d share my thoughts on the new “We Are The Reality Party”¹, led by former Happy Mondays and Black Grape member, Mark “Bez” Berry. The fledgling party, founded in 2014, has candidates in Salford¹ and Kent². Party leader, Bez, is a breath of fresh air in politics. Born in Bolton in 1964, he gained fame as a dancer and percussionist, and now resides in a suburb of Manchester. Despite his background in the rock ‘n’ roll world, he’s an ordinary working class guy who’s been making a modest income, mainly through DJing. Incredibly down to earth, Bez is a football fan, and his hobbies include beekeeping³ and brewing his own beer⁴. He is also a proud patron of the homeless charity, Coffee4Craig⁵. The ‘Reality Party seeks to improve the welfare of the nation through true democracy.

So grab yourself a cuppa and read on to find out more about this refreshing new party, and discover why it could be just what Britain needs…

Summary of ‘Reality Party Policies

The ‘Reality Party has some compelling manifesto¹. Here’s a summary of its position on key issues:

Nationalisation, Energy & Corporate Taxation

It wants to protect national bodies like the NHS and the police from privatisation, and even renationalise services such as energy and transport. The party is against fracking and would invest in the National Grid as well as renewable energy programmes. Taxation policy would be revised so that corporate taxes would be fairer, injecting cash back into the economy by putting an end to avoidance loopholes.

Housing & Education

The ‘Reality Party would revolutionise the country’s approach to new housing. Building would be on Brownfield sites and properties would have guaranteed rents over a twenty-year investment payback period, after which, ownership would pass to the nation. Non-profit Community Land Trusts would be government-backed so that the model could be more widely utilised. A decade-long education plan would be implemented to improve standards and phase out tuition fees, with inter-generational and community orientated additions to the curriculum.

EU Membership, Political Structure & Participatory Democracy

The party’s stance on the EU recognises the benefits it offers, but is open to leaving if policies are introduced that would be detrimental to the UK. Regarding political structure, the party seeks to eradicate corruption in the government and would implement legislation so that serious punishments would apply. MP pay packages and expenses would be revised in order to attract the best candidates from all backgrounds. True democracy is an underlying principle of the party, and participation of the whole of the general population would be encouraged through consultations, referendums and additional voting methods to make contributing to decision making easy for everyone.

Delving Deeper

There’s no doubt that some of the ‘Reality Party’s policies could be considered pretty radical. But it could also be argued that it is ambitious plans like these that are needed in order to positively revolutionise the way the country is run. Policies such as those of the ‘Reality Party have the potential to raise the standard of living and create a more economically successful nation, whilst strengthening democracy, communities and the environment. Two of the ‘Reality Party’s most significant commitments would be to nationalisation and housing. Here we will examine the advantages, disadvantages, feasibility and impact that these could have.

Nationalisation

The party’s ambitions of nationalisation would be a huge undertaking, but there’s proof that it’s an achievable task. Most of the country’s key industries and utilities were nationalised after the Second World War under the leadership of Clement Attlee and the Labour party⁶. Workers benefited from higher wages, reduced hours and improvements in safety, while the industries became more efficient and profitable⁶. However, in the 1980s and 1990s, many essential services were again privatised under the Conservative rule of Margaret Thatcher, starting with telecommunications, and progressing to include energy and the railways⁷.

Nationalisation protects the population from exploitation of monopoly power. For example, government-run energy and water prevents inflated prices and ensures the needy are provided with these basic necessities. Government-run public transport enables focus on positive externalities. That is, things that benefit the economic infrastructure, such as reduced congestion and pollution.

The centralised planning and coordination of industries and utilities results in increased efficiency and a positive impact on the economy. Nationalisation also enables large-scale investment and long-term improvement, which is more difficult for smaller enterprises to accomplish. Nationalised banks can obtain funding more quickly and for larger amounts, allowing financial infrastructure to be rebuilt, as well as more rigorous regulation.

Post-war nationalisation has already taught important lessons for success. Methods must be introduced for allowing significant input from workers into the running of their industries. Consistent and diligent management is required by the government in order to maintain efficiency. Safeguards need to be enforced to prevent taxpayer-funded subsidies or bailouts being utilised in the case of losses attributed to inefficient management. Budget must be stringently planned so that all nationalised departments receive adequate funding for long-term improvements and modernisation. By sticking to these principles, potential issues can easily be avoided and the full benefits of nationalisation can be realised.

Housing

The country’s requirement for housing supply is deemed to be 250,000 new homes per year⁸. This figure would prevent spiralling house prices and a shortage of affordable homes. Despite this target, it has been missed for a decade, and even hit a post-war low in 2012-13 as a result of the recession. The UK has limited land resources. With a total area of around 244,000 square kilometres, or 94,000 square miles, there has been frequent political debate over the years on the relaxing of laws protecting the country’s Green Belt, also known as Greenfield land.

Greenfield sites are rural areas of open countryside or farmland that have never been built on before. They are rarely returned to green space once they have been built on. Therefore, it is vital to protect Greenfield sites to preserve land that is environmentally significant or agriculturally productive.

Brownfield sites are derelict or disused areas situated within urban regions. Land on these sites is cheap but may require demolition, and on some former industrial sites, the removal of contamination. Building on Brownfield land rejuvenates urban areas and makes use of existing utility connections and municipal infrastructure. A study commissioned in 2014 found that current Brownfield sites can accommodate a minimum of almost a million new homes, and this does not take into account any land that will become Brownfield in the future⁹.

Community Land Trusts¹⁰ provide a method of new housing development that can utilise Brownfield sites, and this is one of the approaches that is backed by the ‘Reality Party. These non-profit organisations enable development by local communities. Volunteers undertake the work themselves and the community retains ownership of the freehold to ensure the continued sustainability of the affordable housing created.

Other approaches that do not affect Greenfield land include schemes like Liverpool city council’s initiative called “Homes for £1”¹¹. Launched in 2013, the pilot saw twenty derelict houses sold to local, employed first-time buyers who promised to renovate the properties to an acceptable standard within a year of purchase, and remain in the homes for five years. The pilot was viewed by many as successful, with the first buyer’s renovations nearing completion in December 2014¹². However, it is estimated that £35-40,000 is required to fully refurbish each house, which has proved difficult for many of the new homeowners to achieve.

A similar scheme in Stoke-on-Trent saw thirty-five derelict properties revived, and quicker occupancy times than in Liverpool¹³. This was due to the council offering the new householders renovation loans of £30,000 each, repayable over ten years. The council also utilised its own contractors to keep costs down for the new residents.

Innovative initiatives like these, combined with new construction on Brownfield sites, could enable the country to meet its housing targets on an ongoing basis whilst protecting the Green Belt. While all the major parties have expressed a desire to prioritise Brownfield development, policies are considered by some to be weak or a little hazy, with Labour failing to make any mention of it in its manifesto¹⁴.

Current Political Representation

With such ambitious policies, you might be wondering why we should support a new party that has such a different approach to politics than we have experienced before. To find out why we absolutely should, let’s have a look at some of the concerns we, or our fellow-voters, are faced with.

Many Britons feel disaffected about the current government and those parties and candidates standing for office. In the wake of the recent recession, austerity cuts meant some of the hardest hit seemed to be the most vulnerable members of society. The “spare bedroom tax”, introduced in 2013, is said to have negatively affected hundreds of thousands of low-income households¹⁵. Also in 2013, there was scandal following the leak of an internal Jobcentre email that revealed the government had introduced league tables and targets for benefits sanctions¹⁶. Policies and incidents like these have left many disappointed with the current Coalition government, and despondent with the available choices at election.

As such, by supporting a political organisation like the ‘Reality Party, it will be able to grow and gain influence in Parliament. In subsequent General Elections, it will be in a strong position to lead the government, which could have an incredibly positive impact on our country, reinstating true democracy and revitalising the political system.

Our current political representation is dominated by the Conservatives, Labour, the Liberal Democrats and, more recently, UKIP. While each of the major parties of course has its own manifesto, there doesn’t seem to be a great deal of difference between them, and it is often hard to see how they are representative of their constituents. Let’s examine why this is by having a look at the backgrounds and demographics of some of the most prominent leaders and parties competing in the forthcoming election:

Education

Current Prime Minister, David Cameron, studied at independent preparatory school, Heatherdown, before continuing his secondary education at Eton College. He later obtained a BA in Philosophy, Politics and Economics at the University of Oxford. Coalition partner, Liberal Democrat leader and Deputy Prime Minister, Nick Clegg, was educated at two independent schools before studying for a degree in Archaeology and Anthropology at Cambridge University. Their Labour nemesis, Ed Miliband, is unusual in that he was schooled in ordinary primary and comprehensive establishments. After completing his ‘A’-Levels, he, like Cameron, read Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University. UKIP leader, Nigel Farage, attended the public school, Dulwich College. Farage chose not to continue his education at university and instead started work in the City in commodity trading.

There is nothing wrong with the educational backgrounds of these successful political figures – on the contrary, in fact. But the point here is that only seven per cent of the UK’s population has been privately educated, yet thirty-three per cent of the current Parliament attended public school¹⁷. As such, it is difficult to imagine how the government, whilst being academically able, can suitably understand and represent the general population. The statistic is also indicative of Britain’s elitism and lack of social mobility that means there are a disproportionate number of privately educated people in the top-earning professions, including the political roles of MPs and Lords¹⁸.

Ethnic Minorities

In August 2014, the Guardian reported on the failed representation of ethnic minorities in politics¹⁹. At present, eight million Brits, or fourteen per cent of the population, belong to an ethnic minority²⁰. Ethnic minorities represent 8.6 per cent of Conservative constituents, whereas there are only 3.6 per cent black or minority ethnic (BME) MPs¹⁹. 19.3 per cent of Labour constituents are BME, while there are 6.2 per cent BME MPs¹⁹. Finally, there are 11.4 per cent BME Liberal Democrat constituents and no BME MPs¹⁹. Whilst in all areas of employment people should be chosen because of their overall suitability and not to meet a statistical target, in a field such as politics, having a fair representation of the ethnic backgrounds in a constituency is of particular importance.

How do we Make Change a Reality?

It is no wonder that many of us are unsure how it is possible – or even if it is possible – to instigate significant positive change via the political system. By having a quick look at the pitfalls of Britain’s voting system, we will see that while change is no easy feat, voters can influence the future leadership of our country:

The UK’s “first-past-the-post” voting system encourages tactical voting. This means that people frequently vote for one of the two candidates they think will win so as not to have a “wasted” vote. Under this system, people often vote for a candidate they dislike less than another, even if they prefer a different candidate altogether. The prospect of potentially having to vote against a party, or for a candidate one disagrees with, results in a lesser voter turnout than with other voting systems. “First-past-the-post” means the media holds a lot of power, as it provides assertions on who the leading contenders are likely to be. Votes count more depending on the constituency, and the system inevitably ends up with two perpetually dominant parties over time, which means only a minimum level of democracy is provided²¹.

As UK citizens, we are able to exercise our right to vote and have a say in the political leadership of our country by electing local MPs who we feel will positively represent the needs of our communities. It takes courage to vote for who we truly want in power, but if everyone does so, it will really shake up the political system and show the major parties what we actually want.

Although in the forthcoming General Election of 2015, only residents of the Salford and Eccles, Worsley and Eccles South and South Thanet constituencies have the opportunity to vote for We Are The Reality Party candidates (Mark “Bez” Berry, Mags McNally and Nigel Askew respectively), I urge you to support the party this time around and in the future. By “support” I mean anything from following them on Twitter or Facebook¹ to becoming actively involved in politics – everyone’s support at every level is incredibly valuable.

If you share the beliefs of the ‘Reality Party, why not consider representing it in your local area and making a massive difference to your community by becoming an MP? If that’s not really up your street, just raise awareness by telling your family and friends about it. Whatever you can do to support this fresh face in politics will make a huge – and positive – difference to our country, encouraging a fairer and truly democratic approach to government. After all, this is surely what everyone wants in order to secure a brighter future for ourselves and our loved ones.

It’s up to you and me to make change a reality, so come on, let’s give it a go!

 

I’m a freelance writer, so if you need content and you like this post, contact me.

© 2015 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

 

References & Further Reading

 

¹ We Are The Reality Party, Manifesto

http://www.realitypartysalford.co.uk/

Twitter, @Reality_Party

https://twitter.com/Reality_Party

Facebook, The Reality Party

https://www.facebook.com/realitypartyuk

 

² We Are The Reality Party, East Kent

http://www.eastkentrealityparty.co.uk/

 

³ The Independent, A far cry from the Happy Mondays: Bez backs urban beekeeping scheme, Pat Hurst, 27^th August 2013

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/news/a-far-cry-from-the-happy-mondays-bez-backs-urban-beekeeping-scheme-8786240.html

NME, Happy Mondays’ Bez buzzing about urban bee campaign: ‘I’m a full-time honey monster’, 28^th August 2013

http://www.nme.com/news/happy-mondays/72312

 

⁴ Express, Bez to create honey beer range, 12^th September 2013

http://www.express.co.uk/news/showbiz/428933/Bez-to-create-honey-beer-range

BeerSpotters, Ranges

http://www.beerspotters.co.uk/ranges/

BeerSpotters, Bez’s Buzzeee Honey Beer

http://www.beerspotters.co.uk/product-category/beers/on-it/

 

⁵ Coffee4Craig

http://coffee4craig.com/home/4579861362

 

⁶ Wikipedia, Clement Attlee: Nationalisation

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clement_Attlee#Nationalisation

 

⁷ The Guardian, A short history of privatisation in the UK: 1979-2012, Richard Seymour, 29^th March 2012

http://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/mar/29/short-history-of-privatisation

 

⁸ BBC News, Why can’t the UK build 240,000 houses a year?, Tom de Castella, 13^th January 2015

 

⁹ New Start, How much brownfield land is available for housing?, Paul Miner, 29^th January 2015

http://newstartmag.co.uk/your-blogs/much-brownfield-land-available-housing/

 

¹⁰ National Community Land Trust Network

http://www.communitylandtrusts.org.uk/home

 

¹¹ The Telegraph, Pound land: Derelict houses in Liverpool to be sold for just £1, 19^th February 2013

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/economics/9879456/Pound-land-Derelict-houses-in-Liverpool-to-be-sold-for-just-1.html

RT, ‘Homes for £1’: Liverpool launches scheme to lure tenants into derelict houses, 9^th October 2013

http://rt.com/business/liverpool-one-pound-houses-949/

 

¹² Liverpool Echo, Liverpool’s £1 house – See inside Toxteth’s first renovated four-bedroom family home, Joshua Taylor, 10^th December 2014

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/liverpools-1-house–see-8265820

 

¹³ The Guardian, Houses for a £1 and a loan to do them up, Rupert Jones, 22^nd June 2013

http://www.theguardian.com/money/2013/jun/22/houses-1-pound-charity-empty-homes

BBC News, Stoke and Liverpool £1 homes: Are schemes a success?, 6^th August 2014

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-28641045

 

¹⁴ Brownfield Briefing, Weak brownfield commitment from the Conservatives, 24^th April 2015

http://www.brownfieldbriefing.com/news/weak-brownfield-commitment-conservatives

Brownfield Briefing, Labour’s confusion on brownfield, 24^th April 2015

http://www.brownfieldbriefing.com/news/labour%E2%80%99s-confusion-brownfield

Brownfield Briefing, Brownfield and greenfield from Lib Dems, 24^th April 2015

http://www.brownfieldbriefing.com/news/brownfield-and-greenfield-lib-dems

The Planner, UKIP would incentivise brownfield development, Laura Edgar, 15^th April 2015

http://www.theplanner.co.uk/news/ukip-would-incentivise-brownfield-development

 

¹⁵ The Guardian, The spare bedroom tax: a mess of contradiction and impossibility, John Harris, 25^th January 2013

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/jan/25/spare-bedroom-tax-contradiction-impossibility

 

¹⁶ The Guardian, Jobcentre was set targets for benefit sanctions, Patrick Wintour, 21^st March 2013

http://www.theguardian.com/society/2013/mar/21/jobcentre-set-targets-benefit-sanctions

 

¹⁷ The Guardian, Elitism in Britain – breakdown by profession, George Arnett, 28^th August 2014

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/aug/28/elitism-in-britain-breakdown-by-profession

BBC News, Privately educated MP numbers ‘unlikely to change after election’, UK Politics, 5^th February 2015

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-31140623

 

¹⁸ Mail Online, How the UK is STILL run by private school elite: Study shows 80 per cent of those who hold key positions in British society received privileged education, Tom Kelly, 20^th November 2012

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2235719/Britain-run-private-school-elite-study-shows.html

 

¹⁹ The Guardian, MPs fail to represent ethnic minorities in their constituencies, Ami Sedghi, 1^st August 2014

http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2014/aug/01/mps-fail-to-represent-ethnic-minorities-in-their-constituencies

 

²⁰ The Guardian, Main parties are still lumping ethnic minorities together, thinktank warns, Robert Booth, 6^th May 2014

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/may/06/political-parties-ethnic-minorities-policy-exchange

 

²¹ Democratic Audit UK, In Britain’s first past the post electoral system, some votes are worth 22 times more than others, Chris Terry, 28^th August 2013

http://www.democraticaudit.com/?p=1296

Democratic Audit UK, First past the post: when you can lose and still win, Jack Blumenau, Chris Hanretty, Benjamin Lauderdale, and Nick Vivyan, 6^th March 2015

http://www.democraticaudit.com/?p=11539

Democratic Audit UK, As well as being a democratic outrage, First Past the Post also has additional unseen consequences, Ed Straw, 11^th March 2015

http://www.democraticaudit.com/?p=11541

 

Short Story: ‘Inky Waters’

Inky Waters

I couldn’t believe she was gone. Such a young, beautiful woman, plucked from the world before life had even gained momentum. Not that she was perfect – but who was? That girl had stolen the thing most precious to me, charmed it from my grasp, tainted what had once been. I don’t suppose she deserved her fate, though.

My husband. Perhaps I shouldn’t have given him an ultimatum. Maybe that’s what pushed him over the edge. As I stand here at the canalside, watching as the inky fluid laps carelessly over her resting place, I contemplate what last sights and sounds she might have experienced. I wonder if she held onto any shreds of consciousness as she sunk to the bottom like a lead weight.

It wasn’t unimaginable. My husband certainly had a temper. Anyone who knew him would be able to picture an argument getting out of hand, his strong physique bursting with adrenaline. Things must have escalated. He must have lost control, his callused digits squeezing the life out of the girl, thrusting her limp body into the canal in a final surge of anger.

Emerging from my thoughts, I notice I am wringing my hands. Cold and dry in the grey, wintery air, they still feel the ebbing pulse, the writhing of her body. Even in those last moments, I still remember how disgusted I was at the feel of her flawless skin against my own.

I’d never raised a finger to anyone before. I was petite and feminine, renowned for my glowing smile and welcoming arms. I’d been with Mother all day. Well, most of the day. Mother certainly hadn’t missed me.

So, husband dear, I guess it was down to you.

 

I’m a freelance writer, so if you need content and you like this post, contact me.

© 2015 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

Five Top Tips for Better Skin

You will probably have heard of the following terms, whether in magazines, advertisements or simply in conversation. But do you really understand what they mean and did you know there’s no need to spend a fortune on keeping your skin in optimum condition?

Try these top tips and your skin could be looking more youthful and radiant in weeks, without any need for expensive products or complex terminology!

 

CLEANSE

Cleansing will already be a part of your day-to-day personal hygiene regimen, but a common mistake is to use soap on your face. Although ordinary soap will certainly remove all the dirt, you need to remember that your facial skin is more delicate than that on the rest of your body and hence needs to be treated as such. Ordinary soap will have two negative effects on your facial skin: it will remove all the natural oils, leaving it dry, which will be worsened if you have hard water, and it will clog pores, leading to blackheads, whiteheads and enlarged pores.

The solution is to find a soap-free cleanser that you like, as these are non-comedogenic, meaning they won’t block your pores, and they should be less drying as well. Most will come in gel form, and you should need only a small amount which will lather up when applied to your wet skin, although not as much as soap. Once you’ve found a brand you’re happy with, use it morning and night to keep your face both clean and unclogged.

Cleansing doesn’t stop there though, I’m afraid, but this part should be more fun! For optimum facial skin health you should also indulge in a weekly or bi-weekly face mask to deep clean your pores. Even if you have an ultra busy schedule, make some time to pamper yourself, as you only need between five and fifteen minutes once or twice a week to let your mask dry, and you can spend that time reading or simply relaxing in the tub or in front of the telly – whatever takes your fancy!

 

EXFOLIATE

Exfoliation is key to rejuvenating facial skin and sloughing away all the dull top layers for a youthful, healthier and more radiant appearance. With regular exfoliation, your skin will not only look great, but it should feel soft and smooth and have a more even tone. The first step is to find a secondary cleanser with gentle exfoliating action to use once a week. These tend to have tiny beads in the mixture which help to deep clean your pores.

These should be sufficient for most skin types, but if you suffer from blackheads, whiteheads or acne-prone skin, try microdermabrasion. This is classed as a mild cosmetic procedure, in which a mechanical abrasive devise is moved around the facial skin for deep exfoliation. Medical microdermabrasion utilises a suction action as well, and this helps to further unclog blocked pores.

Medical microdermabrasion is available via dermatologists and is likely to cost around £60/€75/$100 for one treatment, but this should take years off your skin, so if you can afford it, aim for one annual session. Microdermabrasion without the vacuum aspect of medical treatments will cost marginally less, but to really save money, invest in a home kit. It may set you back as much as a medical session, but will provide you with numerous treatments.

 

TONE AND MOISTURISE

Toning and moisturising should be a vital part of your skin regime. After cleansing, your skin is freed from the dust, dirt and oils that have accumulated over the course of the day or night. However, the pores are then open and more susceptible to new impurities entering. Additionally, the open pores mean that the skin’s natural oils and moisture are more readily lost into the atmosphere, and this can lead to dryness.

Toner generally comes in liquid form and is easy to apply with cotton wool. It closes and tightens the pores, and when used regularly, it improves complexion, evening out skin tone. It regulates pH balance and can even fade fine lines. Toner is very cheap, so try a few to find your favourite!

After toning, be sure to moisturise. Moisturising helps maintain the moisture and elasticity of the skin. This keeps skin soft and smooth, and it also provides some protection from premature aging. There are a multitude of moisturisers to choose from, so read reviews before browsing so you can find the most suitable ones for your skin type. You may want a heavier cream for overnight use, and a lighter, lotion type for the day, particularly if you wear make-up.

 

PROTECT

While moisturiser is a great way to prevent premature wrinkles and age spots, sun exposure is one of the main causes of skin damage. It’s easy to combat without having to stay out of the sunshine! Simply choose a moisturiser with UV protection, and be sure to wear it daily, even in winter. The higher the factor, the higher the protection, but on really hot days try wearing a hat and sunglasses as well so that your face has some shade.

 

NOURISH

Diet plays a large role in maintaining healthy skin. However much you look after your skin on the outside, it is important to eat and drink well too. If we consume too much junk food, or even too many treats like chocolate, they can cause breakouts or worsen acne. Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables is great for our bodies and our skin. But remember to also incorporate oily fish, like salmon, into your diet, as the vitamin A that it contains helps to regulate the skin cycle. If you don’t eat fish, try including carrots, broccoli and spinach. There are supplements available that claim to help maintain healthy skin, but it’s best to just eat a well balanced diet and, if anything, take daily multivitamins and minerals to boost your natural intake.

 

I’m a freelance writer, so if you need content and you like this post, contact me.

© 2014 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

Top Five Houseplants

Like plants but don’t have green fingers? Worry not! Or maybe you do have the magic touch but are just looking for inspiration for some new additions. Either way, you’ve come to the right place! Here is a selection of attractive and easy-care houseplants that won’t take up much room but are guaranteed to brighten up your home or office from day one.

Oxalis triangularis – Photo by KENPEI

5. Oxalis triangularis – purple-leaved wood sorrel (also known as the ‘Love Plant’ and ‘Purple Shamrock’)

Order bulbs for this plant online otherwise you may have to do some digging to find a local stockist, but once you’ve got hold of a wood sorrel it will keep going for years – no matter how much you neglect it! This variety of oxalis, a popular garden plant, is suitable for growing indoors and has shamrock-like purple leaves and dainty pink flowers. It doesn’t need rich soil or fertilizer, so all you need to do is water it. When it is well watered it will produce an abundance of leaves, so if these die back, give it a good dousing and it should sprout new leaves within a few days. The plant will flower intermittently, at least once a year, producing its delicate pink blooms on the ends of thin green stems.

Oxalis triangularis flower close-up – Photo by Richard Bartz

The leaves and the tubers (roots) are edible, with the leaves possessing a sour flavour, and the potato-like tubers of other varieties being commonly cultivated for food in New Zealand and parts of South America. Even the juice of the plant can be used in the coagulation of milk for the purpose of cheese making. You could use the leaves and stems in salads or as an ingredient in stuffing, but use in moderation and be aware that some people may be allergic to it. Although the taste of the leaves is not so great that you would necessarily want to eat them regularly, the plant could certainly be a conversation piece during dinner with friends or family.

Oxalis triangularis flower – Photo by KENPEI

Propagation is easy via separation of new bulbs from the main tuber, and remember these plants can also been grown outside in sheltered spots if desired.

• Attractive purple foliage
• Delicate pink flowers
• Edible

 

4. Ferns

Ferns are a botanical group consisting of thousands of species of fronded, leafy plants that are perfect for adding structure to a display or making a statement on their own. With a multitude of indoor varieties to choose from that can look quite different to one another, it is best to browse the local stockists to find out what varieties appeal to you, but here I will describe two of my favourites to familiarise you with the group.

Maidenhair fern – Photo by André Karwath aka Aka

A popular species for the home and office is Adiantum capillus-veneris R., commonly known as maidenhair, which bears delicate light green fan-shaped leaflets on thin dark brown to black stems (actually called rachides and petioles because the leaflets are borne on pinnate fronds). In the wild, maidenhair is often found in rocky environments, such as on damp limestone cliffs, and it has a creeping rhizome root structure. The ‘capillus-veneris’ part of the Latin name actually translates to ‘hair of Venus’, Venus being the Greek god of love, and the pretty maidenhair fern is most unusual as its frilly-edged leaflets are unique amongst the ferns group.

Plumosa fern – Photo by Derek Ramsey

Another popular houseplant variety is Asparagus setaceus, or the Plumosa fern, which is, as the name suggests, a close relative of the vegetable asparagus. Plumosa is in fact not a ‘true’ fern and belongs to the same botanical family as lilies and garlic. Commonly known as the lace fern, Plumosa bears incredibly delicate cladodes which are tiny flattened stems that look like thin leaves. These resemble the pinnate fronds of real ferns, and they are borne on surprisingly tough green stems. Native to South Africa, Plumosa thrives in moist forest habitats, but its hardiness has meant it has become invasive in countries where it has been introduced.

All ‘houseplant ferns’ are easy to care for: they require regular watering and they like occasional misting but can live without it. The Plumosa may require less watering as it is not a ‘true’ fern, so it can be left to go dry between each dousing. Some ferns can be trimmed but check individual varieties in case yours is not a fan!

• Attractive foliage
• Add structure
• Can be used in cut flower arrangements

 

Tradescantia zebrina – Photo by T. Voekler

3. Tradescantia zebrina (Zebrina pendular) (also known as ‘Inch Plant’ and ‘Wandering Jew’)

This trailing plant’s main attraction is its beautiful striped foliage, which on the upper surface consists of green and purple dramatically striped with silvery pale green. The underside is purple and the stems green and purple, and the leaves are shiny, with the silver stripes being iridescent. Although its striking foliage is its main appeal, Tradescantia does intermittently produce small dark pink flowers with three petals. Tradescantia is incredibly easy to propagate, and any part of the plant, however small, can be kept alive in water alone indefinitely and will root easily in moist compost.

Tradescantia zebrina, underside of leaves – Photo by Gardenology

Tradescantia has the unusual common names of ‘Inch Plant’, which I believe relates to its rapid speed of growth, and ‘Wandering Jew’. There are a variety of explanations for the latter, but they all revolve around the tale of an immortal person, which in the Middle Ages was apparently expatiated on to specify that this person was a Jew who had lived during the time of Jesus and who had goaded Jesus while he was carrying the cross for his crucifixtion. Jesus was said to have retorted by condemning the man to remain alive until his return to earth. Both the early and later versions of the story stipulate that the person was immortal, with some variants stating that they were doomed to wander the earth as well.

Tradescantia zebrina in purple foliage – Photo by Gardenology

The story’s connection with Tradescantia is assumed to be because this incredibly hardy plant gets everywhere. Indeed, they are immune to common weed-killers and bearing brittle stems with all parts of the plant able to root, every trace of it must be carefully removed from an area to completely eradicate it. As such, Tradescantia is considered invasive and has travelled the globe since its distant origins in Mexico. Boasting beautiful foliage along with its fascinating mythical tale, Tradescantia is a great choice of houseplant and it’s ideal for a shelf or tall furniture so its stems can trail freely.

• Attractive striped foliage
• Trailing
• Very easy to propagate

 

2. Saintpaulia ionantha – African violet

Saintpaulias, commonly known as African violets, are a houseplant staple, providing unusual velvety foliage together with an abundance of flowers several times a year. Native to the tropical cloud forests of Tanzania and Kenya, many species are now endangered, but fortunately houseplant varieties are readily available at minimal cost. The leaves are round, oval or heart-shaped, sometimes with scalloped edges, and they are green to dark green covered with tiny hairs, giving them their furry appearance. The ionantha cultivars also include variegated varieties, although personally I feel these distract from the flowers too much.

Pink and white frilly African violet

The beauty of African violets is that they have been bred to produce an incredibly wide variety of flowers. Although they all have a distinctive bright yellow stamen and pearly, iridescent petals, they can vary from single to double and even frilly varieties. Colours range from the traditional violets and pinks through to whites and blues – and I mean in every shade imaginable within these general colours. You can get two-colour varieties where one colour edges the petals, or with speckles, spots or stripes. There are always new cultivars being developed which is why I am addicted to African violets – I am drawn to a plant, whether a typical or a more unusual variety, and I simply have to add it to my collection!

White and purple double African violet

African violets are easy to propagate and this is a fantastic way of getting children interested in plants, or just keeping them entertained. Cultivation is not as instant as Tradescantia, for example, from which stems basically become new plants straight away, so it can build curiosity and encourage nurturing and responsibility in youngsters. The fleshy stems of African violets sometimes break off accidentally as they are quite brittle, so this can be the perfect opportunity not to waste its little life, or you can just cut a stem off a plant you want to clone. Keep the stem in water for a few days and then plant it in moist soil. You can use some vermiculite if you have any to help the soil retain its moisture and then just pop the pot on a windowsill and keep it moist, but not over-watered. Then it is a waiting game, but kids should be thrilled when the tiny new leaves start emerging at the base of the original stem. It will take several months to become an established plant so encourage children to take photos or draw pictures so they can monitor its progress.

Speckled pink frilly double African violet

As you can probably tell, African violets are my all-time favourite houseplants, and I have had them around me since childhood when my mum used to grow them in cute ceramic animal pots. They were the first houseplants I bought when I moved into my own home and some plants lasted me years and years, surviving subsequent house-moves with ease. African violets are sure to cheer you up and reward you with a splash of colour every few months, so give them a try if you haven’t already!

• Attractive velvety foliage
• Wide variety of colours and flowers
• Easy to propagate

 

1. Orchidaceae – Orchid

You may be wondering why African violets didn’t get the number one spot in this list, and that is because it’s not all about my personal taste, but about you! Although the other plants in this article are all great contenders, the orchid is by far the most varied and beautiful of houseplants. Its voluptuous blooms are the winning ingredient of this huge family of plants, which has around twenty-five thousand known species and over a hundred thousand hybrids and cultivars!

Yellow and burgundy Phalaenopsis orchid

Orchid leaves tend to be simple, often being large and quite tough, but they are glossy and not unattractive. However, the flowers are spectacular and vary significantly in appearance, but they all have five main petals and a central trumpet-like formation. Most will comprise more than one colour and as well as plain colours there are various patterns like speckles, spots and contrasting edging. The blooms emerge once a year on long stems and last for months, making them hugely popular for cut flower displays.

White and pink Phalaenopsis orchid

Some people have difficulty getting their plants to flower again once they have bought them, and the trick is to never over-water, keep them as cool as possible during the winter (ten degrees Celsius if possible) and in spring move them to the warmest, brightest place you can find out of direct sunlight. It is the coolness during winter followed by adequate heat and light in spring and summer that enables the flowering. The exception to these rules is Phalaenopsis, which prefers year-round temperatures of eighteen degrees Celsius or above. Feeding is often recommended but personally I have never fed any of my orchids and they thrive on water alone.

Red and yellow Lady’s Slipper orchid

With such an abundance of choice, it is best to browse the local selection to choose a plant, or plants, that you like, but popular houseplant varieties include Dendrobium, Brassia (spider orchid), Cymbidium, Phalaenopsis and Cambria. All of these have a vast range of flower sizes and colours and are easy to grow, although you should always check the instructions for your specific variety. If your plants become too big for their original pots, replant after flowering has finished and use proper orchid compost. If your orchid has been growing in a transparent pot, try to find a new, larger one, as some types like their roots to have exposure to light.

Yellow and deep burgundy Brassia (spider orchid)

Orchids can be a little more expensive than other houseplants, but with modern propagation techniques the price for common varieties is constantly reducing and you can often pick up a bargain on a plant that is coming to the end of its flowering spell. Either way, an orchid will be well worth the investment because it will bring you years of joy as it rewards you with its annual show of stunning blooms.

• Attractive and varied flowers
• Long flowering period
• Ideal for cut flower arrangements

 

I’m a freelance writer, so if you need content and you like this post, contact me.

© 2014 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

Photo of Oxalis triangularis: By KENPEI on Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.1 Japan License

Photo of Oxalis triangularis flower close-up: By Richard Bartz on Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5 Generic

Photo of Oxalis triangularis flower: By KENPEI on Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.1 Japan License

Photo of Maidenhair fern: By André Karwath aka Aka on Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 2.5 Generic

Photo of Plumosa fern: By Derek Ramsey © 2006, Location credit to Chanticleer Garden, Wikimedia Commons, GNU Free Documentation License

Photo of Tradescantia zebrina: By T. Voekler on Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Photo of Tradescantia zebrina, underside of leaves: By Gardenology.org on Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Photo of Tradescantia zebrina in purple foliage: By Gardenology.org on Wikimedia Commons, Creative Commons Attribution ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Greece Road Trip

Greece is a fantastic holiday destination because of its warm climate, rich history and charming inhabitants.  But don’t miss a trick by taking a standard package holiday – experience the full beauty of Greece by embarking on a road-trip and create memories that will last a lifetime.  Start your journey in the capital, Athens, the heart of ancient civilization, where you can visit the home of the Greek parliament at Syntagma Square, stroll the historic triangle of Plaka, Thission and Psyri or visit impressive archaeological monuments such as Acropolis, known as the ‘sacred rock’.  At night you could unwind in bouzoukia – the local nightclubs – or for a more subdued evening, one of the numerous theatres.

From Athens head south-west to Kalamata to enjoy stunning beaches surrounding the Messenian Gulf.  If time permits you could head inland to explore the Ntoumpitsia wildlife reserve or the ancient settlements of Kato Chora and Milia.  Nestled in the foothills of the mountains, these villages have spectacular views and will make you feel like you have stepped back in time!  From here or Kalamata you can continue south along the west coast of the Mani peninsula, making sure to stop at the picturesque village of Kardamyli and the dramatic Caves of Diros near Pyrgos Dirou.  These caves are one of the earliest inhabited locations in Greece, with Palaeolithic (Stone Age) artifacts having been discovered here, and they are very extensive, although only 5,000 square metres of the estimated 33,000 square metres has been explored.  The spectacular cave tour is by boat and takes around half an hour, and there is also a museum that is well worth a visit.

Caves of Diros

Continuing south, a great place to spend one or several nights is the Tsitsiris Castle, built and fully restored to the traditional Mani architectural style.  This beautiful building is now a guesthouse and provides a relaxing haven for travellers, complete with all mod cons such as private bathrooms, air conditioning and TVs in the rooms, with wi-fi available in some areas of the castle.  From your majestic home-from-home, ensure you head south to Mani Lighthouse at the tip of Cape Tainaro.  This is the southernmost point of mainland Europe and is the perfect place to spend some quality time, soaking in the dramatic views of the raw rocky landscape meeting the lush blue sea.  There is a twenty-minute walk to the recently renovated lighthouse, but the captivating views will make it one of the highlights of your holiday.

Mani Lighthouse at Cape Tainaro – Photo courtesy of Tainaro Sailing

For the return to Athens you could backtrack, but alternatives are to drive north via the smaller roads along the east coast until Gytheio, or head to Areopoli on the west coast where you can join the main road that crosses the peninsula north-east up to Gytheio.  Depending on time constraints, Gytheio, the largest town in Mani, is another great place to stay, and from here you can simply relax on Mavrovouni Beach, visit attractions such as the amphitheatre and the museum at Tzannetakis Tower or sample local fresh fish at the tavernas.  Continue via Sparti and Tripolis, from where you can join the motorway back to Athens, although if you can, divert to Argos and make a stop at Korinthos, where attractions such as the Corinth Canal will provide some final awesome images of Greece that will enchant your memories for years to come.

Corinth Canal

I’m a freelance writer, so if you need content and you like this post, contact me.

© 2014 Ruth Hayward – This material may not be copied in whole or in part without the prior written consent of the author.  Please contact the author here to request permission to duplicate.

Photo of Mani Lighthouse: © 2013 Tainaro Sailing Adventures

A mixed bag of horror, current affairs and more…

Welcome to my blog!

I’m a freelance copywriter and I specialise in travel and marketing. I love what I do, but I also have a passion for horror, gaming, current affairs, television and horticulture. A mixed bag, I know! This is where I share the things I write for pleasure, so please follow me for an interesting and varied selection of articles and short stories.

If you want to connect, feel free to contact me via email.