Welcome to the real world

Souvenir and gift shopping today after Sunday mass at Westminster Cathedral. Considering that was a portion of my day, I decided to do a blog post about the biggest headline in the news today and some commentary. 

Headline: best-selling tabloid, the News of the World, published its last edition today.

Rubert Murdoch, the 80-year-old News Corp. CEO arrived in London today to take charge of his media empire’s phone-hacking crisis, as his notorious tabloid published its last. Yet the scandal lives on despite his sacrifice of the 168-year-old paper at the heart of it. He was seen reading the paper’s last issue today in a red Range Rover as he was driven to the east London offices of his U.K. newspaper division, News International. Murdoch met with News International’s chief executive, Rebekha Brooks, later today at his London apartment. Brooks led News of the World when its reporters committed some of the most atrocious ethical blunders. Murdoch has publicly backed Brooks who obviously insists she had no knowledge of wrongdoing. 

The drama that has absorbed media watchers in Britain and around the world has expanded at a quick pace following allegations News of the World journalists paid police for information and hacked into the voicemails of young murder victims and the grieving families of dead soldiers. The scraping of the media empire however has not tempered the British anger over the improprieties by journalists working for Robert Murdoch.  His $19 billion deal to take full control of satellite broadcaster BSKYB remains in great jeopardy. The paper’s demise does not dismiss the questions surrounding Murdoch’s media corporation, which has been hugely influential in British politics for years. Leader among them is what did Murdoch, Brooks and other executives know about the actions of News of the World journalists?

Some 200 journalists have been laid off while Rebekah Brooks has kept her job. Three people have been arrested including PM David Cameron’s former communication chief, Andy Coulson. Tom Watson, Labour member of the Commons culture committee, stated that Murdoch and Mrs Brooks should be called to face MPs’ questions about the internal inquiry and when they knew about it.  The Guardian reported today that only recently were emails and memos from 2007 handed over to police indicating News International was aware that phone hacking was more widespread than publicly acknowledged. BBC reported that News International had discovered emails at the same time period that suggested payment were being offered to police for information. The paper issued a full-page apology in its last edition today. It stated, “"We praised high standards, we demanded high standards but, as we are now only too painfully aware, for a period of a few years up to 2006 some who worked for us, or in our name, fell shamefully short of those standards," the editorial read…Quite simply, we lost our way."

Some view shutting down the News of the World as a frantic move to stem negative fallpit from the hacking scandal thus sufficing Murdoch 19 billion to get full ownership of BSKYB which he already holds a stake in. I remember sitting in the House of Commons chamber on Thursday 30 June (l ½ wks) and witnessing the Urgent Question over allowing Murdoch to have full ownership. Looking back at my notes now from that day, I wrote down Tom Watson’s comments: “better practice of media companies is needed and the criminality of newspaper is valuable evidence of this.” How ironic then all that came out this week?

Much more is to unfold. It will definitely be coming up in Parliament this week no doubt. It is the first day of my last week tomorrow.; I cannot believe it is already here. I am excited for what Parliament brings this week and sad at the thought of leaving the place. It has become such a home to me, and so has London. I can imagine myself having a life over here. Only time will tell though where my life’s path will lead. 

"March on. Do not tarry. To go forward is to move toward perfection. March on and fear not the thorns or the sharp stones on life's path." 

- Kahlil Gibran

Strolling around the Borough

Like many big cities, Saturdays are branded as market days here in London. Around noon I headed over to Borough Market. When I made my way out of the London Bridge station, I saw the extensive queue outside the London Dungeon. Just want to say, this place scarred me nine years ago.)  After glancing at the people who had no idea what they were in store for I strolled over to Borough Market.

Borough Market is set beneath the railway viaducts between the river Thames and Borough High Street in South East London. It sprawls around an atmospheric series of mazy streets and walkways. There is also a labyrinthine central area where there are two more self-contained markets. The Market’s gourmet food market consists of up to nearly 100 stalls and stands. What’s interesting is that there are also restaurants or food markets that have a legitimate dwelling place so they are intermixed with the Thurs-Saturday producers. These producers bring a range of fresh produce to the market, including fish, meats, vegetables, ciders, olives, cheese, breads, coffees, teas, cakes and patisseries. Some stalls specialize in produce imported from abroad.

As I made my way up the walkway no.1 (with many to follow), I could smell the sizzling meats from the road and followed my nose to see what was going on. I came across The Guildable Manor. Then my eyes were fixed on the long queue. I figured if the queue is that long and people are willing to wait, it must be good. First off, I have to note that this isn’t a formal restaurant but rather a pop-up stall. To make use of my waiting time, I called the shore and caught up with Mom. Of course, she was next off to a bike ride with Dad along Ocean Drive. Before I knew it, it was my time to order. I ordered a Chicken Baguette. The chicken was marinated in lemon, parsley & fresh garlic. Baguettes come with baby leaf salad, sweet red onions and handmade coleslaw. Once you have your meat and baguette, you can pick from a variety of sauces ranging from harissa to salsa verde to aioli to sweet chili. I opted for the Harissa as I love a little spice as well as the Sweet Chili Sauce to calm it down a little bit. The chicken was tender and flavorful and the sauces exceptional. The meat was cooked just long enough to release the great taste without going into the tough and chewy territory. The veggies were super fresh, providing a range of textures to contrast the tender meat and super fluffy bread. It was tasty, luscious and mouth-watering. For £4.50 it’s a solid lunch that will keep you pretty full.

After walking around after my lunch, I enjoyed a refreshing Apple, Pear & Mint juice, made to order from The Total Organic Juice Bar. The juice bar uses all organic fruits and vegetables; the only thing the stand grows is the wheatgrass. All the other fruits and vegetables are bought from organic farmers. I spoke with the man that was making my juice a little bit about the business and what makes them stand out. He said, “It’s really important to use organic because it’s more sustainable and has less impact on the environment. You all feel good about drinking it.” The verdict: delicious and cool.

My other purchases at Borough Market were: brownies and blondies from The Cinnamon Bakery stall, West Country Preserving Company’s Gooseberry and Elderflower Jam, a Borough Market shopping bag, Tikka Masala spice mix from the Spice World stand and an orchid! 

Got my dreams, got my life, got my love

On Tuesday following a night out celebrating Indepedence Day with friends, a few of us went to Nando’s for dinner after work.

Nando’s has been on the list of restaurants to try since I arrived because everyone raves about it here. (I know there are some in DC too.) Nando’s had quality food, friendly staff, quick service and excellent value. It was a great place for the four of us to meet up and eat. As I read some signs in the restaurant I read that each Nando’s is tailored to its local surroundings and customers. I think that’s a great feature because it offers up a unique restaurant experience to go with the equally unique taste of their legendary, Portugese, Peri-Peri chicken. The chicken is super fresh and marinated for 24 hours in a secret, now not so secret, brew called peri-peri and then it is cooked to your liking over an open flame. Word of advice: go with 1+ people that have been there before and know how the menu works or don’t be afraid to ask the waiter/waitress for advice.

About two weeks before the school year ended we received an email from ESU. The English Speaking Union is an international educational charity that is aimed at bringing together and empowering people of all different languages and cultures. Their goal is to build skills and confidence in communication such that individuals realize their potential. ESU has almost 40 branches in the UK and over 50 international branches in countries around the world. ESU promotes a variety of activities such as debating, public speaking, conferences, seminars and student exchange programs. Lord Cormack is in close connection with the ESU and particularly close with Lord Hunt, the chairman of ESU. ESU endorses parliamentary exchange programs where they place about 12 British students in the offices of US Congress members and in turn places American and French students in the offices of MPs at Westminster.

The email we received from ESU that day back in late April was an invitation to the House of Lords Tea Party and Boat Trip. Lord Hunt of Wirral hosted the annual event. In years past, the event was only afternoon tea. However this year for the first time, an exclusive boat trip prior to afternoon tea set off from Westminster Pier and we cruised along the Thames to Greenwich and then returned. Following the boat cruise we all gathered on the House of Lords terrace. There were individual tables, all decked with tea, sandwiches, scones, and cakes. It was a magnificent event especially because I met two women who were born and raised near me at home in Philadelphia. Beriah, Justine and myself first talked to one of the ladies on the boat cruise when we were waiting in the queue for some coffee and snacks. As we strolled to the House of Lords terrace and entered the beautifully decorated tents, the three of us were told to not sit together and spread ourselves out. So I sat next to my new friend from the boat cruise! Her friend joined at that point and we had a wonderful time chatting about the US, the UK, education, fashion over the delicious tea and treats. Us girls all swapped emails making the ESU vision to provide networking opportunities a reality. Mid way through the event, Lord Hunt spoke before the guests. At one point he said, “We are thrilled to have our American interns here with us today (and then said all of our names and what we have been doing).” Being mentioned by Lord Hunt to all of these people gathered on the terrace was so surreal and special.

Justine and I with the London Eye behind us

Directly in front of Tower Bridge on the boat

Tower Bridge

After the Tea Party, I met up with a close Parliament friend. We went to dinner in Piccadilly Circus to a restaurant called Busaba. Easily one of the best Thai restaurants in London and earns a ranking in my TOP 10 London Restaurant meals. I can’t say enough good things about it. Awesome atmosphere; fresh and modern. The interiors, with dark oriental woods and low lighting created a sultry, exotic tone in the communal dining space. Service was good-natured, fast and efficient. But it is the kitchen that’s winning plaudits. The two of us shared the Green vegetable curry (with Thai aubergine, corn and coconut hearts), Red lamb curry (with lychee and cherry tomato), Thai calamari (with ginger and peppercorn), Jasmine rice, and a bottle of Sauvignon Black False Bay, S.Africa. Textures and flavors married beautifully. The colors and presentation were dazzling. The menu offers a wide selection of Thai and Asian cuisine with some very interesting options. The food was very tasty, and spicy with lots of different flavors.

Thursday = Library day. There was not much to do in the office, and the House had already sat earlier in the day so I took to time to do research in the House of Commons library. Again, the man who I think did not take a typing class was there. He was pressing every key with one finger. Yikes. Thursday night we went to Sports for the second to last time. It was nice seeing the group of doorkeepers in the corner chatting. They are all older men, who are so stern during their workdays but come the end of the day they are a socializing and entertaining bunch. Sports & Social is such a great social gathering place in Parliament especially because I get to meet up with Parliament friends after work and also make more friends from being there.   

Last night after work, I met up with one of David’s constituents, Julian, who I had met when I did my visit to Southend-West. He recently, this week actually, started a new job near Westminster. We talked back and forth this week and planned to meet after work on Friday outside Westminster. After meeting up there we headed off to Covent Garden for dinner at Carluccio’s. Since Covent Garden, Leichester Square and Piccadilly Circus are all so close to one another, we walked around and popped into O’Neills for a little bit. Chatting with a constituent of David’s, who is not one of the staff in my office, over dinner and drinks was really incredible. It shows me how when you take full advantage of positive networking and opportunities and you are respectful towards others, great friendships can emerge. 

Hard to believe that this time next week I will be sitting in my hotel room near Heathrow Airport waiting for Sunday to come when I fly back to the States. 

Got my dream, got my life, got my love

Got my friends, got the sunshine above

Why am I making this hard on myself

When there's so many reasons I have to be happy

Natasha Bedingfield, "Happy"

Enchanted

This night is sparkling, don't you let it go

I'm wonderstruck, blushing all the way home

I'll spend forever wondering if you knew

I was enchanted to meet you

History will be good to me, for I intend to write it.

To learn about the history of England and see marvelous architecture and culture dating back centuries, then the Tower of London is a must. Our tour was given by one of the Yeoman Warders who was entertaining and informative. On our tour we learned about King Henry VIII, his life and wives, prisoners once kept and tortured there.

The Yeoman Warder only takes you from the entrance to the Chapel Royal of St Peter ad Vincula so you spend the rest of your time in the Tower of London herding around like a cattle trying to hit up as many spots as possible. As we exited the chapel we recognized a small crowd of people gathered close to an outer chapel wall.  Behold, one of the ravens had landed and people were marveling at its presence. These creatures are a must see for your trip to the Tower of London. Legend has it that if the ravens ever leave then the monarchy will fall, the White Tower at the Tower of London will crumble to the ground and a great disaster will befall England. Regardless of whether this is too superstitious, the Tower takes no chances. The ravens, protected by a royal decree, have lived at the Tower since Charles II. 

The Crown Jewels was our first stop after our Yeoman Warder tour. The Crown Jewels signifies the regalia and vestments worn by the UK sovereign during coronation ceremonies and other state functions. The objects are crowns, scepters, swords, orbs, spurs, rings, the royal robe and several others. Stunning is an understatement for these pieces. Looking at the crowns and specters, specifically, underneath dim lighting and red velvet pillows. When you enter the room where the jewels are housed, you will see a large vault door entrance. This is because the crown jewels have been kept under continuous close guard in the Tower since the unfortunate occurrence of 1671.  A reckless adventurer, Colonel Thomas Blood was caught, just at the point of making a speedy getaway at the East Gate with the crown and the scepter in his possession. 

Next stop was White Tower, the central tower, or “old keep”, at the Tower of London. In 1078 William the Conqueror ordered the White Tower to be built inside the southeast angle of the City walls, bordering the River Thames. The project was as much to protect the Normans from the people of the City of London as to protect London from outside invaders. William had specifically imported Caen stone from France and ordered that the Tower to be built with this stone. The tower was completed in 1087. During the twelfth century, King Richard the Lionheart enclosed the White Tower with a curtain wall and had a moat dug around it filled with water from the River Thames. Yet the moat was not successful until Henry III, in the thirteenth century. This tower is a massive construction, 90 feet high and 118 feet by 107 feet across. The walls are varying from 15 feet thickness at the base to almost 11 feet in the upper parts. Located in the White Tower are the Royal Armories.

After walking around other individual towers we took a picture underneath the Portcullis of the Bloody Tower. A portcullis is a heavy, grating sliding up and down in vertical groves. These were (and some still are) lowered to block a gateway to a fortress. So what was our reason for posing underneath one? The Portcullis is the symbol of UK Parliament. J

Feeling very accomplished with the time we spent there, we bounced and had a wonderful picture taken with Tower Bridge behind us. We then found a tiny little café for lunch. With the gorgeous weather, we enjoyed our lunch outside by the docks. After lunch, we took a marvelous walk across Tower Bridge. The views from the high level of the bridge are striking with the bridge as a sign of the area’s amazing history. Horace Jones, the City Architect, in collaboration with John Wolfe Barry, offered the chosen design for Tower Bridge in 1884. Construction took eight years, five major contractors and the relentless labor of 432 construction workers.

Being now of the other side of the River Thames, we took a walk through Hay’s Galleria. This area was used to see large ships from all over the world docking, especially tea clippers from India and China. Nowadays, the Galleria is a vibrant office and shopping complex and home to great restaurants. After a quick stroll thru we walked down a pathway and up the steps to London Bridge. Before crossing the bridge we took a peek inside Southwark Cathedral and around Borough Market. 

Then we crossed London Bridge and it was not falling down. London Bridge is another bridge over the River Thames, connecting the City of London and Southwark. It is situated between Cannon Street Railway Bridge and Tower Bridge. The walk across is another beautiful one, especially with the gorgeous weather and the added cooling breeze. Once we crossed to the other side, we took the tube from Monument station home to Kilburn. Naptime was a must. So following that and making dinner we got ready to go out. We went to Waxy O’Connors and (our favorite) O’Neils in Piccadilly Circus.

Justine and myself decided to take a day trip to Windsor on Saturday. Windsor Castle is the oldest and largest inhabited castle in the world. No other residence has played such an important part in the history of the nation. Upon arrival to Windsor Saturday morning, we fascinated over the Changing of the Guard. Their timing is impeccable and the band is so triumphant. The Guards marched up the High Street as all of us captivated over them. Justine and myself walked over to the information center in the Royal Station to get a map and some direction of what to see first. We saw a tour that Justine had researched the day before, just starting and were able to pay and get right into it. Our tour guide has earned the badge of ‘most adorable older English man yet’. We had a wonderful tour of parts of this ancient town. Full of professional knowledge, our tour guide was enthusiastic and offered great points.

Following our tour we grabbed lunch at EAT across from the information center in the Royal Station. As part of a chain of sandwich bars, EAT has a range of sandwiches, snacks and meals that are freshly made on the premises. It’s a perfect place for lunch at they offer a range of hot and cold meals and beverages served in a comfortable and efficient environment. Justine ordered the ‘Chicken, Bacon and Avocado Baguette’ and I ordered the ‘EAT Superfood Summer Sandwich of the Week’. The best part about our lunch in the station at EAT was that we could people watch! J

Following a stroll through some shops in the station we stumbled upon the Windsor Ferris Wheel and decided to give it a round. The views from above were fantastic especially getting to peer inside the walls of the castle in a few spots. After our round-a-bout we crossed the bridge over the River Thames and made our way down the high street to Eton College. The college was founded in 1440 by King Henry VI to provide free education for poor scholars who would then go on to further education at King’s College, Cambridge. From these small number of scholars that first entered at the founding, about 70, to an expanded number of about 1,300 now boys aged 13 to 18 are admitted by competitive examination. It has become one of the most well known preparatory schools across Europe. The school dress, which dates back to the 1850s, still consists of a black tailcoat and waistcoat and pin-striped trousers. Nineteen UK Prime Ministers have attended Eton College, including the current Prime Minister, David Cameron. After our stroll through the surroundings of Eton College and admiring the Eton College Chapel, we stopped into a place for a pot of tea. Then we traced our way back to town centre, got on the bus and headed back to London.

For mass on Sunday, Justine and I attended the noon service at Westminster Cathedral. It is a Roman Catholic Cathedral like no other. It serves as the mother church of the Catholic community in England and Wales and dedicated to the ‘Most Precious Blood of Jesus Christ.’ The architecture, colors, and choir were completely astonishing. I was looking all around me at the significant details and artwork of the cathedral, while still trying to pay attention to the celebrant. After mass we went over to Victoria Station for lunch and topped up our Vodafones. Then we met friends from Parliament and others in Angel at a place called ‘The Arc’ to watch Wimbledon and hang out.

Yesterday us Yanks celebrated the Fourth of July in our hearts throughout the day and then all together, a bit louder, at night after work. A few of us went to the Hole in the Wall over in Waterloo together for dinner and drinks. It’s a proper old-fashioned London pub situated under the train line. We enjoyed it there so much that we ended up staying until their closing. My Independence Day celebration was certainly different than years past. Nevertheless, I celebrated with my best friends here and that made it special! 

Focusing on the journey, and enjoying it!

Monday

There are a lot of Indian restaurants to try on Brick Lane, all claiming that they are the best curry you’ve ever tasted. For us, Aladin was the one that lived up to those expectations. Aladin Brick Lane has been praised by HRH Prince Charles and listed on BBC's list of 'World's Best Curry Houses'. Aladin Brick Lane is a popular Indian restaurant on London's Brick Lane curry mile. When we walked in, we were seated right away. As soon as we were seated and took a look at the menu, we were definitely overwhelmed with choices. Each of us really enjoyed our food; really delicious and creative. The whole restaurant had a great atmosphere; dim lighting, simple and elegant décor, good music, buzzing and full of people having great conversations.

Tuesday 

The first part of my workday Tuesday was sitting in on the Home Affairs Committee. The subject was “The New Landscape of Policing” with the witness, Paul Stephenson, Commissioner of the Metro Police. The National Crime Agency; outlining its guidelines, restrictions, and clearly identifying its responsibilities, was the overriding concern of the meeting. Later in the day I sat in the House of Commons Chamber for the Oral Questions to the Secretary of State for Justice, Jonathan Djanogly. It was a great opportunity for me to see the Ministry of Justice’s players in actions, especially Jonathan since he is Justine’s MP for this Parliament internship program. In brief, questions were on immigration and asylum, foreign national prisoners, the Chief Coroner, super injunctions, drug rehabilitation, and the big one, the Legal Aid Sentencing Punishment Bill. The bill was set to come before the House on Wednesday 29 June 2011, the next day!

In the late afternoon, I attended a significant reception, in terms of looking forward to 2012, with David. The reception was an Olympic ‘One Year to Go’ event on the House of Commons Terrace. I got the chance to meet Jonathan Edwards, British Olympic gold medalist for the triple high jump.

Tuesday evening I attended the Conservative MP Staff Reception in Shoreditch. Now, the neighborhood and streets surrounding Shoreditch make made think it wasn’t going to be all that nice however I was mistaken once we entered the Town Hall venue. It’s evident that this place is the center of community life in Shoreditch. Shoreditch Town Hall embodies Victorian and Edwardian splendor.

Mingling and laughing with others Conservative MP staff members was fantastic. I really enjoyed sharing my experience and hearing others’ that night. The best part of the night? I met David Cameron. Yes, the Right and Honorable David Cameron, the Prime Minister of the UK Parliament. Before speaking to the whole congregation he walked around the floor of the party introducing himself and taking pictures. He approached my friend Ruan and some other chaps. Shook my hand and patted me on the shoulder. Almost melted. When I shook his hand I said “Hi, I’m Sarah Morris. I work for David Amess MP.” He then asked me where I was from and I said, “I’m from Philadelphia.” He said “Philadelphia! Wonderful place! And David, great man! It’s a pleasure to have you here!”

Wednesday

Wednesday morning, we had our weekly seminar with Lord Cormack. This week it was held in Room G of the House of Lords. Rooms in the House of Lords are always entrancing; each lavishly decorated, beautifully furnished and red as the dominant color. The lecture topic this week was England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Learning about the history of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland specifically was new for most of us since we focus mainly on England when we think about Westminster’s history. Lord Cormac is so smart! He knows dates, names, locations…everything! And with such ease! I took lots of notes that seminar.

David was invited to attend a Garden Party at Buckingham Palace with the Queen on Wednesday. No I was not there but he asked me that stand in his place for him at a few receptions. One was an EDF Energy presentation and the other a Save Our Pubs and Clubs promotion. What is interesting about the second one is that while I enjoyed the reception, I do not agree with the pursuit to amend of the smoking ban in the UK.

Before meeting friends at Sports after work, I sat in on an APPHG committee meeting. This cross-party group of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords as well as the other individuals invited to speak on the panel, produced such a quality debate. I was incredibly impressed. The subject was “Bishops in the Reformed House of Lords.” The House of Lords Reform Draft Bill and White Paper proposes to retain the right of Bishops to sit in Parliament but with a reduced number of 12 from 26. With a smaller chamber of 300 peers, another HOL reform proposition, that would represent a proportional increase from 3% to 4%. The bill also proposes that the Archbishops of Canterbury & York and the Bishops of London, Durham and Winchester will continue to be member of the House of Lords, and it gives the Church new powers to decide which of the remaining 7 of the 12 Bishops will sit in the chamber. Although they would have the same speaking and voting right as other members of the reformed House of Lords, the Bishops would continue to sit in Parliament on a different basis from other members.

Those opposed to this believe that these proposals in effect create a new largely independent and largely unaccountable, bloc for the Church of England in Parliament. One man said it is “Prejudice upon bias times three having the bishops in the House of Lords members of a particular faith, a particular sect of that faith and of a particular sex.” Another man who is a philosopher professor in England said, “Calling these people “experts in truth” is ludicrous.” The opposed stated there is no question that the authentic views of these bishops is welcomed yet they are hesitant about having one faith in the monopoly and decreasing the positive representation that the House of Lords has been progressive in establishing.

Supporters of Bishops of the Church of England’s presence the House of Lords believe these “ecclesiastical leaders” are the best suited for “informed and fair scrutiny”. Having the Bishops in the House of Lords helps “those of all faiths in England feel security” because truth has “private and public significance”. Christina, a speaker on the panel, added how the bishops are able to “speak independently and objectively” and that the Church of England is made “more humble” by their role in the HOL. Furthermore, Christina said the Bishops of the Church of England clergy are in touch with the people, creating a broader reach.

When I met up with friends at Sports after work, I got to meet a Gareth, who coincidentally, was on the panel for the APPHG committee meeting. I was so glad that I got the chance to talk one on one with him about the debate and committee findings. Justine and I also met the head doorkeeper for the House of Commons that night, Edward the Steward. What a sweet man!

Thursday

With the House sitting earlier on Thursday, I decided to sit in the Chamber that morning. Oral questions were to the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Just to name a few, questions were on recycling, farm inspection, labeling the origin of meat, mitigating food prices (especially among recent spikes), the reservoir safety act, and the DEFRA’s biodiversity act.

Speaker made a statement in the House of Commons announcing Robert Rodges as the successor to Sir Malcolm Jack, Clerk of the House. Jack will be retiring at the end of September after 44 years of service. Mr. Speaker also read aloud a letter that was received from the Duke of Edinburgh. It was a response to the House of Commons and House of

Lords letter to him offering their blessings and congratulations on his ninetieth birthday. The Urgent Questions that followed the Speaker’s business statements were on the government’s decision to allow Rupert Murdoch to take over BSkyB.

All of the week’s happenings made for a busy, exciting, informative and unique workweek. Another bonus, this week turned out to be about sunshine about 75 percent of the time. Yippie!

Updates on the weekend's adventures to come tomorrow!

"Never let today's happiness be ruined by despair."

Update Soon!

I promise a new post is coming soon! Lots of excitement this week and very busy! Come back soon for an update!
Cheers!

"You're off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So... get on your way!" 
— Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You'll Go!