Archive for the ‘Me’ Category
Lessons from Mexico
Posted on: February 15, 2016
- In: Me | Travel
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So a moth-balled blog and a new chapter in life call for a totally new theme… “Lessons from Mexico”.
Who knew, but a new life in Mexico causes you to ponder a few things…
“What is important in life, where next, what exciting opportunities are out there, where do and don’t you enjoy and what is there to learn.”
I’m hoping this will become an exciting new series of reflections on Mexico, it’s people, politics, culture and effect on my life.
For now, Viva Mexico. Me gusta la vida loca 😉
5 Predictions for 2013
Posted on: January 6, 2013
- In: Me | Politics | Sport | The Arts | Travel | Uncategorized
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It’s with that optimism, and a firm sense of fun, that I present to you 5 predictions from across the worlds of politics, the arts, travel and sport – the original topics of this blog. Enjoy!
- In: Me | Miscellaneous
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So after a short hiatus – where real-world novelty and excitement has meant it has now been nearly a month since I last posted here – I’m back, and with a two new focusses to add to this blog…
1) Higher Education and Social Enterprise
I have always been passionate about not only the Third and Volunteering sectors, but also the Higher Education sector. Indeed the last 10 years of my life have been dedicated to them.
With a brand new full-time role under my belt, embedding social entrepreneurship (sustainable do-gooding for those to whom this vernacular is foreign) and enterprise within universities across England, it seems very appropriate to be talking about a subject area that is so dear to my heart (all views my own of course!)
For politics alone will not change society – but rather the combination of a committed, grassroots movement, who embrace and drive forwards change. Higher Education is a hugely fertile ground for this, and I’m here to say more!
2) Sport: wherefore art thou?
One of the original focussed of this blog was to have been the world of Sport. Another passion of mine, and one that I have strong views on – as with the other topics listed here under the ‘categories’ section.
Those of you with a keen eye (and probably those without too!) will have spotted that I have so far posted a total of ‘0’ blogs on the topic. Never fear though – this will be changing over the coming months!
Right, update over – on to the blogs!
Why I’m Voting Ken for London
Posted on: May 3, 2012
- In: Me | Politics
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Thursday May 3rd. A big day for Londoners. The chance to bloody the nose of this dreadful government, bent on ideological austerity at the expense of growth and jobs, and the chance to get rid of our useless London Mayor: Boris Johnson. Now it’s been a tough campaign, and not everyone is thrilled by the alternative on the Left: Ken Livingstone. I hear you, but it’s time to do the right thing and use your 1st and 2nd preference votes to give London a brighter future. A fairer, more equal capital where anyone and everyone can get on in life. That’s why I’m voting Ken for London.
This is important. It’s important not just because two people of the same sex who love each other should be able to have that love recognised in law; nor because this same battle (and make no mistakes in many countries this is just that) is taking place in countries across the Western world, and we are increasingly an example – a test case – to them; but because in Britain today gay (or LGBT: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) people should have the same rights and recognition as their heterosexual counterparts. Full stop.
In the tolerant and accepting society we live in today, that is increasingly progressive on important social issues like women’s rights, health and social care and the rights of the young, the British government should take action to equalise the right to marry. As an out and proud gay man I know I deserve that same right as the next person – that discrimination, either blatant or wrapped up in the form of some other culture or belief system, religion or creed, should no longer be a barrier or even a stumbling block to positive social change on this, and other issues.
That’s why I’m adding my voice to this debate, as you should too. It’s time for gay marriage. We’ve waited long enough.
Why I’m Labour – Part 1
Posted on: March 18, 2012
- In: Me | Politics
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I started this blog because I wanted to share my experiences and my thoughts on a range of issues: travel, the arts and sport, on occasions. But most of all I wanted to talk politics: my politics, left-of-centre politics, and (simply put) why I think the world would be a better place for everyone if more politicians, and aspiring politicians, eschewed selfish and sectarian motivations to pursue the ‘Good Society’. For all.
Here I give 3 of my reasons why I’m Labour: why I believe the UK Labour Party is the best vehicle in British society and politics to achieve the positive social change for the future that we all need today: the home of Britain’s social and economic progressives.
For Mum
Posted on: March 2, 2012
- In: Me
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It’s coming up to 6 months since my Mum, Carol Ptashko, passed away after a short but terrible illness. It’s been a busy 6 months, and in many ways one to forget, but for the support of friends and family, too numerous to thank here.
But while it has been a difficult time it is the memorable moments ahead that help us to think back to the good times we’ve all shared with loved ones. For anyone with which this resonates, this post is for you as it is for her.
Why I <3 Camden Town
Posted on: February 28, 2012
- In: Me | Travel
- 2 Comments
Don’t we all? Since I’ve started living in London, having moved down from the Midlands – where I spent my formative years, childhood and education – I’ve lived both in Islington and in Camden. Both fantastic parts of London to live in, with rich histories. But It’s Camden’s that want to focus on here.
New Beginnings…
Posted on: February 23, 2012
- In: Me | Miscellaneous
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I launched this blog back in Summer 2010, fully with the intention of using it regularly and making it as informative as possible.
Sadly, that never happened. It may sound arrogant to say, but I hadn’t yet “found my voice”. It’s safe to say that this has now changed, and I hope that this blog will be a regular missive to the outside world – and hopefully a growing number of regular readers – on a whole range of topics.
Most of all though you’ll see me write about politics, the centre-left in the UK, and the direction in which I think not only the Labour Party, but also the wider labour movement and ‘big tent Left’, in order to eject this right-wing, ideologically divisive Conservative / Lib Dem government from office.
More importantly though: how we build a fairer, more prosperous society for all – with an economy that matches our ambitions. For that, everyone has a viewpoint worth listening too, and I hope to add to that debate. Starting today.
So bear with me at first, but in time I’m sure you’ll find this blog to be interesting, engaging and entertaining – hopefully in equal measure!
Peter
Life: Left of Centre 
