Summer Message - 2018 – Retro-Fitting UK plc: Deconstruction for Reconstruction....

Why Eco-Driven 'Industry 4.0' Regional Planning Should be Influenced by “Zen and the Art of Project Binky”

'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance' was the equivalent of a 'secular bible' for the harried American company-man of the 1970s; who sought to recapture his soul, albeit for but a short time on a Sunday evening, to re-connect with his inner-being and true self.

Obviously in the world where capitalism rules and long hours worked, sabbatical visits to Indian ashrams, midday yoga sessions, tantric massage retreats and all else that “re-balanced the chakras” was out. Instead, he had a book about bike journeys and the contentment of attending to the inner-workings of the machine; and so, the slow satisfaction re-balancing the chokes on the carburettors was probably the closest he got to nirvana. A basic tool kit, the time taken to do a good job, the contentment of enjoying the motorcycle and a sense of self being in 'full tune'.

As the author R.M Pirsig stated, the central theme was that of the 'Metaphysics of Quality', which in layman's speak, is that which gives one's life meaning and value; born from the harmonious inter-connectedness.

Eighty years earlier, this had been the motivational force behind the previously described Garden Cities projects of Letchworth and Welwyn in Hertfordshire, UK; wherein Ebenezer Howard had sought to install and instill the essence of 'quality' into the average person's life. When able to exist in stable and uplifting surroundings people would themselves provide better quality professional work, undertake more productive pastimes and by means of a virtuous circle create improved communities and so society.

At its core was the ideal of the ability to raise consciousness and contentment through work, rest and play via self-fulfilling self-improvement, so that people could live lives at best as the euphemistic extended 'hand of god' – able to utilise being 'at one' themselves.

Today, beyond the relative rarity of beautiful park-lands, historic old towns and exhibits of museums and galleries in the everyday, we in the world at large arguably have very few contemporary examples of things made by man but seemingly 'touched by the hand of god'. Such items themselves born from a personal process of 'absorbed creation' that forms one aspect of the 'Metaphysics of Quality'.

As has been retold time and again, industrialisation and associated mass-scale productivity did and does still allow for the many to afford much, from cheap 'throwaway tat' at one end of the spectrum to intrinsically well designed, notionally long-lasting items at the other.

Yet whilst people enjoy much, from Primark clothing to Habitat ceramics, the general absence of either the truly hand-made, or better still the self-made, denies consumers and self-users a connection with either the original crafts-person or being themselves wholly subsumed for a period in the mystical creative process.

Ebenezer Howard (and the Garden City idiom) wanted to see people be both contented and become “the best of themselves”, and the importance of slow joy  to be had from  pastimes and hobbies of the period that promoted learnarom gardening to carpentry to tapestry weaving – each and much more,  central pillars to betterment.

Howard's effort was toward nothing less than the societal re-construction required from the negative results of an over-zealous capitalist system; one which had created a gulf between the enormously wealthy industrilists and financiers with allied managerial 'officer class', and the lives of the remaining masses: the working poor and destitute, with privation and vice-laden distractions.

But Howard and his “Social Reformer” peers weren't just seeking to spread middle-class values so as to end poverty, improve productivity and so enrich the nation; but to open the eyes of the less fortunate to become more at ease, mindful and content – in short 'to grow' beyond their own often self-damaging behavioural
limitations to find the inner peace and contentment that exists within Pirsig's 'Metaphysics of Quality' - which itself echoes the old spiritual belief systems of the East , from Persian Zoroastrianism to Chinese Tao.

Such personal contentment is experienced typically when one achieves something, or when practically working toward that goal in a manner which utilises skills gained thus far. Hence the satisfaction of practical hand-work, wherein the mind and body operates simultaneously in both parallel and unity.

Howard sought to re-construct his new towns in a deliberately hybridised manner, taking only the better aspects of city and country existence, and deleting the worst aspects of both places.

In short, as with any analytical design process...

”De-Construct to Re-Construct”.

Those new 'model' towns and suburban expansions helped re-ignite local, regional and national economies through humanitarian principles that ultimately through better lives delivered improved products, services and lives for all. Well directed and use of the Humanities in 'mission' and policy-setting so as to then better direct the Sciences in commerce and education.

[NB For Letchworth, the results of that attraction  was in its day, the many  light-engineering SMEs, such as automotive and railway firms, the positive ripples of which seen  in the educational slant toward the STEM subjects in its schools].

Today, more than perhaps ever since that crucial period, Britain needs to 'De-Construct to Re-Construct' at the macro and micro levels:

1. National Level - regards properly considered Regional Development Planning

2. Personal Level – regards capabilities and sense of self of the lowest demographic.

Aspects of the current national development projects appear ill-considered, and simply default to historical policy-planning.

The supposed panacea that is HS2 and 'Northern Powerhouse' Rail is in actuality little more than the application of increasingly obsolescent infrastructure from a very different age. Railways were created to supplant canals in the transport of initially heavy commodities such as coal, iron-ore, and thereafter other goods (often time critical) and thereafter people. It was a freight haulage system suited to the needs of the then myriad of Primary and Secondary Industries, thereafter consideration about the conveyance of people, with obviously regional commuter rail by far the most important current need – as with the new Elizabeth line.

Besides the interests of specific FDI backed mass-production (vehicles most obvious) Britain has been effectively been post-industrial for nearly 40 years. Yet the economic development policy reliant upon the expansion of rail – notionally argued as more eco-friendly – actually harks back to a now defunct age of coal mines, steel mills, textile mills, potteries and beer brewing towns.

Also obviously, the invention of the telephone reduced the need for personal travel enormously, applied en mass a century after the initiation of rail, and and so again with the internet nearly a century later again.

Unless Brexit actually results in the very opposite of Britain's re-globalisation aim, and by which Britain must again produce all itself for itself, the returned 'railway mania' appears very odd, unless for vested interests. Even then the necessary 'clean-burn' use of LNG and CNG and the improved affordability of naturally sourced eco-energy generation, increasingly on a local basis, means that further investment in rail appears less convincing than better considered infrastructure projects.

To this end state-planning ought to be better 'de-constructed and re-constructed' given the critical ROI demands of PPFI backed by investor institutions that have long-horizon pension liabilities to the British population.

That said, this web-log, seeks to focus upon the individual – men, women, boys and girls alike - and the importance of creating a living environment that promotes education, practically applied learning and the basis for a new and meaningful economic template that necessarily relies to a great extent upon the re-use of already 'circulating materials' via sophisticated recycling and redeployment.

The phrase 'reality bites' has never been so prescient, and it is an unpleasant reality which won't go away for many people, even with statistical GDP growth and the popularity of nationalistic efforts such as Trump's 'America First' policy.

The everyday reality of tight-budget living by many, and the contraction of job opportunities after 2008, especially affecting the young, was precisely why the highly popular Macklemore-Lewis song 'Thriftshop' became such a meaningful theme for so many 15-40 year olds.

Critically, changed times call for changed economic templates.

Which is why investment-auto-motives conveyed many years ago and so soon after 2008 that the economic western 'new norm' of low western growth, itself predicated upon reduced future demographic demand, and the long-lasting sociological effects of the Great Recession, would demand a new approach by sections of banking and business – far beyond the fascination with the likes of Lidl, Aldi and Poundstore – and into new realms.

Some may recall the long weblog series devoted to the futuristic philosophical redesign of emergency service vans, with special focus upon police demands given the massive diversity of tasks within that arena.

Hence, it is the central theme of 'Deconstruction / Re-Construction' that should be far better considered.

- At the personal level to generate learning and interest......

- At the local level to create a model of 'eco-procurement' hubs.....

- At the commercial level to generate new business models......

- At the national level to enlarge the positive impact of a recycling economy......

Many of those entering adulthood after 2008 entered a very different world to their parents previous experience, most recognising that the 'good times' had gone and they would have a harder time of things, as with student debt, decades of home-renting instead of property buying, the shift away from marriage and life-time relationships, etc...and together with increased social friction given the consequences of socio-economic decline actually views the world at large more cynically, even if they must publicly appear open and upbeat to befit the social zeitgeist.

Part of this is the recognition of self-reliance and the need to expand their skills-base to get-by and enjoy.

Video-upload platforms such as Youtube highlight many younger (and older) people trying to find new social roles and related income streams. The 'new norm' prompting a wide range of self-publishing responses from thrift-shop 'hauls' to food foraging to 'living off the land'. The need for low-cost living, ideologically supported by eco-consciousness, has moulded youth and many people's mentality toward that which is either wholly 'DIY' directed, or re-set toward the communal ideal of combined effort.

However, whilst undoubtedly there is renewed interest in the 'Good Life' (as depicted in the 1970s comedy TV series) by the few seeking 'hippy living', most often today's examples of DIY learning aren't about ethically driven, drop-out, life-changing habits, but simply about pursuing personal enjoyment.

Wherein a person – often as part of an on-line based special interest group - chooses (in an arguably very infantile manner) to partake in a personal sublimation into the escapism of the cartoon worlds that exist inside the video screen.

This of course the trend of 'CosPlay'.

Ironically, though facing less real-world problems that those in reduced circumstances, it has been the 20 and 30-somethings of the middle-classes who are able to devote time and money to this escapist past-time.

However, the positive outcome has been a growth in self-created items and associated the handicrafts devoted to the making of costumes and accessories.

To recreate the characters and outfits of screen-based figures they have had to utilise both imagination and their limited resources, stretching the former to bypass the latter.

Increasingly popular annual Comicon events have seen the costume efforts of its participants evolve from poorly executed using odds and ends, a glue-gun and spray-paint, to highly sophisticated interpretations deploying much from artisan old craft-skills to 3-D printed accessories.

This renewed and specifically directed interest in design and making (albeit upon a presently small comparative basis) has undoubtedly helped to add to the new-wave of designer-makers.

Added to this has been the TV programming trend for re-constituting, refurbishing and re-purposing old furniture, materials and fabrics. Such activities much assisted by the now long existent interior design trends of yesteryear 'industrial-chic', the more soulful 'distressed', 'age-worn' aesthetic', and eclectic bric-a-brac, that long ago opened the younger generation's eyes to 'crafting and curating' something personal and unique; albeit actually within accepted resonating styles.

Such trends led to fascination for the old, such as motorcycles, typically from the 1920s to the 1980s, along with interesting curios like old metal signage and much else besides including esoteric task-dedicated machinery so well illustrated by agricultural equipment.

But is has been the plethora of TV car-based shows predicated upon the formula of reconditioning for resale, and that of a vehicle-owner commissioning of a personalisation project, that have been the greatest prompts towards a re-popularisation of repair, re-use and customisation.

The programmes seen on TV however, rarely illustrate the reality of a vehicle rebuild or major re-design; oft edited to obtain a 25 minute progression story behind which have been 100s of hours of thinking and much physical effort.

However, the best results are achieved through even slow, more relaxed concentration.

TV typically depicts supposed money-making exercises to enthuse the masses and create social trends, and in this instance drive up prices in the classic car sector. Yet all too often the reality of the time, cost and effort required doesn't accurately 'stack-up' as a profit seeking exercise.

For the most part the business model of piecemeal classic car restoration is rarely a money-making exercise unless either for rare vehicles at the 'top-end' that have high demand, or for specific models awaiting their demand-upturn bought at the right time and at the right low cost (invariably meaning much work). Or when the business is so well financially supported and large enough to enable a mix of  client projects  from light reconditioning to full restorations . This the template behind the rise of various auto-manufacturer's own business  strategy expansion into the classic sphere, with finance, time and  authentic origin.

Neither do most television shows to convey the true essence of such undertakings, mostly done by men who do it as a personal hobby and/or challenge. It is a 'journey' in itself and for the satisfaction of completion at some unknown future date. 

But there is an exception in TV-land, something approaching the central message of 'Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance', and that was 'The Re-Assembler', presented by James May of Top Gear fame.

It provided a deliberately slow, peaceful, and considered atmosphere for the re-assembly of various yesteryear consumer products, spanning: a model locomotive, electric guitar, petrol lawnmower, monkey-bike (motorcycle), GPO telephone and other items.

It was produced as a light-hearted social antidote to the madness of modern time-compressed, unthinking and reactive, modern-life; the antithesis of today when Britain itself (through both rose tinted spectacles and sepia image) supposedly felt as slow as a long Sunday afternoon.

May – himself nicknamed 'Captain Slow' – provided the perfect insight into the original high-mindedness of the (mostly men) who created well designed and manufactured 'quality' products for all ages and interests.

He reflected the high-idealism of what could be called proper industry, when company reputations were built on long-lasting goods available to an ever expanding client-base, between the 1920s and 1960s.

'Integrity' was the watchword, built into the product, into the company and into the people.

And it is very likely this idealism, of time taken for a job well done, that compels the 'men (and women) in sheds'.

Yet of course such people are rarely widely known, even if the  those who do exist might be said to form the ethical backbone of Britain and elsewhere.

So, to find a true evocation of the RM Pirsig message, one must seek-out the very best from on-line video content-makers, those who operate in the realms of vehicle deconstruction / re-design / reconstruction.

The best by far seen to date has been the project build from 'Bad Obsession Motorsport., with their wholly entertaining and completely absorbing 'Project Binky'.

The endeavour itself relayed with passion, humour and modesty.

It involves the efforts of two men located in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, who are jokingly depicted as 'master and apprentice', and who on a part-time weekend and holidays basis, seek to fit the body-shell of an original Austin Mini with the engine, gearbox and 4WD drivetrain of a Toyota Celica GT4 Turbo.

Whilst others within the Mini-sphere have updated with off-the-shelf upgrades or gone as far as to install far easier transplants, typically the eponymous Honda VTEC or Suzuki Hayabusa engine, the endemic aim of Project Binky goes far further and far deeper..

It is as much about the process as the outcome, if not more so.

With very detailed reconfiguration of the engine-bay, front-end, front bulk-head, under-floor, rear bulk-head and most other engineered 'hard-points', it includes an enormous amount of necessary (and debatable unnecessary) custom-made, and heavily adapted, parts, from the Mini, the Celica and a host of other vehicles and new shop-bought parts.

Moreover, the ambition demands more than simply practical know-how, but periodically delves into the STEM subjects, such as when needing to use trigonometry to calculate the required swept-area of the front and rear screens, or to calculate the volumes of a newly fabricated petrol tank, HVAC system and hydraulic reservoirs.

Thus requiring intellectual inquiry and conclusions.

Humour and self-mockery are constant elements throughout, well illustrated by the use of their version of 'CAD'. Normally applied to Computer Aided Design, its the synonym for 'Cardboard Aided Design' that describes the cardboard templates (that themselves become origami artforms) so well appreciated by the amateur or professional repairing or renewing body-shell components.

Of specific note is the deliberate slow pace of progress, which itself is a welcome antithesis to the frenetic pace of the modern world. This because of the time limitations available given their other professional and family responsibilities. Hence episodes appear as and when ready, not to a prescribed schedule and time-frame.

Yet, it is precisely the correlation of the time required to achieve such micro-detailed substance, and the similar quality of video-production, that rewards the viewer. Something to truly ogle, in the old and prototypical sense of the word.

'Project Binky' is quite unlike anything else depicted on television or Youtube for its adherence to the innate ideal of 'true quality', the striving for which provides meaning and satisfaction for many likewise automotive obsessed addicted viewers.

A Utopian world hardly exists, but if people would choose to view and appreciate life though greater introspection and aforethought – known in engineering design philosophy terms as 'QFD' (Quality Functional Deployment process) – one day it might.

Time for QFD in the nation's analysis of Eco-Industry 4.0, supporting National and Regional Planning, use of financial resources and human education and talent, and within ourselves to become higher quality people.

Summer Message – 2018 – Retro-Fitting UK plc, by Learning from the Provinces.

The last message conveyed the vital idea of retained outlook of globalism – so necessary for a successful Brexit and to avoid geo-political and internal domestic conflict. Yet the present age from the USA to UK to Europe and even Latin America sees the results of ideologically fueled populism to both left and right, and labels such as 'LGBTQXXX' set against the supposed rise of extremism under 'New-Nationalism' or somesuch.

[NB though of course labels are very dependent upon who is ascribing them and to what propogandist ends].

Thankfully, the UK is not quite as endemically politicised as the USA or parts of Southern and Eastern Europe.

But as with these countries, in the UK much of the 'silent majority' having been forced to endure many years a very vocal urban left, that has via a multitude of ways and channels, forcefully relayed the expanded civil rights of everyone except heterosexual white males - seen as the endemic enemy. Though the vast majority of whom were never part of a supposedly exclusionary (and very illusionary) elite, but were for the most part self-sacrificing figures molded by historical precedent.

The rise of MGTOW appears the reaction of 'betrayed' men who recognise that their own life-approach of familial responsibility and delayed gratification to ensure security of the family unit, was/is not shared by partner or relative female. Absolute separation deemed necessary by many of these men given the traumatic experiences and mental scars endured because of 'empowered' female manipulation and deceit, often under the guise of supposed 'victim', invariably centered on obtaining money / property. 

However, a more recently emerged counter-point trend to far left dogma and social consequences consists of swathes of average 'non-damaged' people - typically mature Gen Yers - who recognise the need for open and honest gender cooperation, and true mutuality, and so as to successfully run society; from bedroom to Boardroom.

This the re-awakening of conveniently forgotten 'sleeping elephant' which comprises the true foundations of society.

Whether that be decent men sick and tired of the over-blown 'feminazi' propaganda that encompasses much of modern culture to their detriment, yet often fails to pass muster in the real world; or the socially pressured women who do not readily fit into the ascribed expectations and 'boxes' conveyed by 3rd wave feminism. People of both sexes choose their own preferred path because of personality type, circumstances and real world opportunities.

Similarly, by women who feel that the outcome of modern times have done more bad than good, with unrealistic expectations, a compounding of female selfishness, over-burdening with multiple social roles, and the experienced chasm that have left both sexes more distant and distrustful of each-other. So leading to an inevitable increase in the number of middle and old aged singletons, and so fundamental change in Western society's dynamic and future.

Moreover, those who really objectively see the world around them had noticed that whilst the pink and rainbow banners were waving, society in other ways was falling apart.

The social values and so social standards that previously created cohesion, trust and so willing interaction has dropped through the floor.

Educational standards and their environments much declined leading to an under-educated, easily distracted and so less capable and critically unfocused labour force. Petty, mid-level and serious crime rates much risen (except in the uber-wealthy, often touristic, city enclaves). Weakened police numbers and capabilities because of previous budget cuts, only now being slowly improved. Overly lenient punishment regimes, both within society and during incarceration, which obviously do not deter society's .bad eggs'. Three meals a day, hot water and assured immediate medical and dental treatment that appears actually far better than available to many decent folk in straightened circumstances in 'free' society itself. Such socio-economic circumstances creating such life limitations that such people feel psychically and mentally trapped inside their own lives, unable to enjoy anything near notional normality.

Add to this an undermining of civil society at the highest level - property rights - with hidden realities of property crimes (fraud and harassment) on ethnic, familial and generational basis, so setting fractures through a civil system of what should be respected basic rights. With, at the lowest level of the everyday, a virtually unrestrained media that simultaneously typically promotes 'adult-infantilism' via petty distraction at one end (via TV), and at the other (via the Web), easy access to depictions of warped and socially damaging sexuality (ie porn video sub-titles that confer/promote the idea of parental or sibling incest).

The argument of the new right is that  whilst the many on the left were screeching about their personal 'entitlement' regards very private esoteric issues, few of those same people cared to raise the issue of a realistically fragmented and degrading society; infact many ironically deliberately using vile language in the presence of minors to supposedly strengthen their message during demonstrations, whether verbally, on banners or placards.

Eventually the 'cognitive dissonance' (ie the mental chasm between the conveyed, perceived and the actuality of experience – much of the cause of today's supposed 'mental illness') of modern society has been recognised by many whose own and group values-sets are innately conservative with a small 'c', and put rationality far ahead of emotionality.

And so the paradoxically named but highly relevant 'New Traditionalists' have formed in what they see as the true centre-ground in reaction to the increasingly extremist left; whereby  far greater systemic rationalism and group and personal responsibility is viewed as desperately required to try to maintain a stable and productive society.

In their eyes, this notional socio-economic stability (though itself historically shown to be prone to boom and bust) having become deliberately undermined across many fronts: from language (eg by the pro-nouns argument per some trans-gender or other identifying people) to the fundamental underpinnings of neo-classical and neo-liberal capitalist economics, (with efforts toward other forms of payment systems; from direct bartering of goods or skills to crypto-currencies).

The fact is that what is now coined as modern hyper-liberalism was only able to emerge because of the far more comfortable social environment created by the post-WW2 capitalist boom. So allowing for ex Eastern European emigrés to take up new professorships and authorships, then to gain cult-like sycophantic followers who in turn further explored yet further reaches of sociology and psychology through theory and experimentation. That learning thereafter used to the advantage of both academia in creating new gender studies disciplines to supposedly emancipate women, whilst simultaneously consulting with Madison Avenue advertising agencies to influence both the minds and so consumer choices of mass middle-America, increasingly women, whilst also able to expand and gradually monetise Hippie Counter Culture.

Yes, the 1960s counter-culture provided the cultural beginnings of “alternative values consumerism”, from the anti-status statement of the VW Beetle so beloved by lecturers of the period, onto the more ethical business practices begun in the 1980s led by Anita Roddick and Body Shop, so leading up to highly visible CSR business models pioneered again by of the likes of Starbucks in the 2000s.

Yet, all too ironically, it was the government tax-take provided by American industrial might and the corporate right, and the deeper pockets and spending power of the American peoples of all ranks, which bank-rolled the eventual snowball hyper-liberal influence. Out of places such as NYU, The Chicago School, UC-Berkeley and elsewhere, even eventually reaching into the Ivy League establishments where previously the overtly ideological had always been scuppered by the Enlightenment values of scepticism, scientific enquiry and the balance of thesis, anti-thesis and hypothesis debate.

But since the late 1960s, perpetuated by the impossible idealism of a virtually utopian existence, the liberal influence has become increasingly unbounded and uber-liberal. Such academically evolved issues thereafter directed through the mass-media and into the hearts/minds and so thinking and behaviors of many socially-accepting, uncritically-thinking, people. This obvious; especially so in areas of high, dense populations in which underlying idioms could be easily spread, made all the more easy because of their youthful idealism and so open-mindedness which proved all too easy to influence.

Inevitably then, it is in the areas of less population density, away from large cities and towns, or socially separated within, that more independent thinking prevails; and thereafter when undertaken in responsible manner assists in the true development of society.

So as to positively 'socially engineer' a populace in an upward trajectory, instead of the obvious 'dumbing-down' through widespread low-brow culture seen for so long. To make broad society more 'high-minded' and so objective, insightful, creative, productive and respectful. Far more of an uphill battle to achieve than creating and controlling dumbed-down 'sheep'; yet necessary to evolve humanity. 

Instances of such past attempts however do exist, and have proven in their time to boost the social education, critical thinking and capabilities of such 'socially-engineered' small populations. The vital component being that this is only achievable in secure, comfortable and inspiring surroundings within which true formal and autodidactic education can take place.

The well documented efforts of mid and late 19^th century industrial philanthropists and their model villages and towns such as Saltaire, New Earswick, Bournville, Port Sunlight, etc are true totems of positively managed sociological history.

And thereafter the combined efforts of similarly important influential people recognised as 'social reformers', with creation of the 'Garden Suburbs' at Bedford Park, Benthem and Hampstead in west and north London.

[NB Though it must be stated that like the consumers of William Morris' wares supposedly destined for the masses, Bedford and Hampstead were all too soon occupied by the upper-middle classes as opposed to the deserving working class, who could not afford the leases and rents].

However, the positive outcome of this was the establishment of the even more influential 'Garden City Movement' consisting of the original model town of Letchworth and successor Welwyn Garden City, both in Hertfordshire. These both generated from the '3 Magnets' philosophy merging the best advantges of country and town into a unified plan.

These landmark living spaces combining beauty and functionality for individual, family, industry and commerce altered the face of the nation, as the ruralesque archtectural DNA of its homes became the miniturised 'country life' signature style for the new sprawling suburbs of many expanding metropolitan areas. To this end the initial ideals of 'place and space' spread far further, affecting the lives of millions far from the initial epicentres.

Thereafter the Garden City Movement influenced many other similar societal betterment projects in Europe, North and South America, Japan and Australasia.
Some of these were also connected to the betterment trend involving eugenics research of the time, aimed at latter generational health and intellectual improvement to the advantage of society at large; and not as sinister as latterly portrayed.

This effectively 'clean sheet' approaches were enabled, and demonstrated themselves as successful, precisely because of the fact that such villages and towns were planned directly in association with the interests of industry. From the Titus Salt's productivity concerns at his Yorkshire textile mill in Saltaire, through to the production and marketing expansion strategies of the likes of Spirella (corsets) and Welgar-Nabisco in Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City respectively.

The ability to closely estimate the corporate planning, building and operational costs, including the prime component of specific head-count costs, provided for greater certainty in the broader planning of housing capacity and type aswell as the requisite new infrastructures and wider landscaped and natural environs.

Those very humanistic layouts and buildings, together with the certainty imparted by respected companies and senior managers, as well as fundamentally a shared belief with originators like Ebanezer Howard, aesthetic sensitivity of architects like Unwin and Parker and patronly town administrators like de Soissons, meant that newcomers felt immediately planted and secure.

This a critical repreave from the consequences and economic fragility prevailing in the period, when an effective trade-war with Germany and the might of American made exports incurred a recession and instability for many.

However, the arrival of America's Spirella and Welgar-Nabisco actually meant closer ties with the USA and the gains of FDI and technology transfer, for the employment and learning of British people. Home production meant 'import substitution' and the creation of local supply chains so creating a trickle-down effect across the regional and national economies.

The point to be clarified here is that such socio-economic stability allowed many of the new inhabitants of these locales to not only enjoy a better existence compared to previous urban and rural slum-dwellings, but provided the environment in which they could better concentrate and relax so as to improve their professional capabilities.

Whether one of many young female machine workers hoping to eventually be promoted to section head, or young male apprentice seeking to one day become the works manager.

Or infact as a managing director able to more easily deploy early forms of management science to reduce costs, or to stand away from the conurbation's herd of similar manufacturers so as to self-develop in-house or adopt new techniques from elsewhere for greater efficiences and with important privacy, time and space.

This 'mental space' to think anew in whichever industrial and commercial discipline, can only be achieved in what today is called a 'Campus'-like environment, where the mind is able to relax and recognise cross-disciplinary synergies.

Hence, the Garden Cities were in a way the prototype Campuses,  allowing for not only fresh thinking within one's own field, but the ability to absorb from other diverse local companies in different yet rapidly evolving sectors.

In the case of Hertfordhsire, as diverse as Garments (with Spirella), early FMCG (Nabisco), Automotive (the 'Blower Bentley's' race-prep engineering unit), Aeronautical (de Havilland's expansion to Hatfield (near WGC), and much else besides, including an early example of streamlined partial self-service in the monopolistic Retail schemes that help finance Letchworth and WGC in their early years.

Thus matters pertaining to Production Methods, Construction Materials and Methods, Design Techniques, Captive Consumer Markets and Flexi-Hours Labour Management (enabled by close quarter living) meant that the new thinking behind the Garden City enabled new thinking for in-situ companies.

As Britain today lurches in what seems a wholly ill-prepared, uncoordinated and shambolic manner through the socio-economic political maze that is 'Brexit', and vast sums of many billions of pounds are spent on the land purchases and construction of HS2 – ironic in a cyber-age when physical travel is less required than ever – those lessons from the past that illustrated true 'Grande Plan' thinking with truly life enhancing synergistic industrial-residential planning should be remembered and re-learnt.

So even with the substantive results from the previous Industry Strategy Boards laying out firm foundations for tomorrow's 'Industry 4.0' era, the past visionaries of the late 19^th century and early 20^th century would be ashamed of the lack of true foresight, non-aligned thinking and so poor macro-scale planning (and very possibly the contrivances in scope and delays that incur massive project cost over-runs to the additional gain of approved contractors).

The schemes of Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City were very well budgeted to almost the last penny, that exactitude apparent given the need to convince naysayers.

Over one hundred and ten years of supposed progress in infrastructure planning, and because of a lack of true vision and clarity, and even with brilliant examples such as London's new sewerage system and new Elizabeth Line, in other instances such as HS2 and the Northern Powerhouse, we appear less advanced than the efforts demonstrated by Barnett, Howard and other similar luminaries before and since. 

Contemporary industrial and commercial innovators and investors deserve better.

Yet the present climate of a 'bungled Brexit' and the enormous politicised populational chasm, will only negate, delay and dilute such a desperately needed outcome.

If ever Britain needed an independent, non-political 'Governor General' to take charge of a well planned future, it is now.

Summer Message – Russia 2018 – The Signs of a Re-Caste Globalism?

France has proven itself  “haute de la classe” in Moscow, a result which will provide population elation, a magical summer and also serve to illustrate that much of its sporting success starts metaphorically “beyond the peripehrique” and so lessen the tensions of different social stratas.

The joy of Benjamin Mendy when holding the trophy was obvious; who together with President Macron, sent the signal that although the graduates of elite universities like 'Science et Lettres' (et) 'Ecole Polytechnique' still effectively run socio-political France, it was 'foreign' (African) names like Pogba, Mbappe, Kante and Matuidi that also carried the tricolor.

Yet it could be deemed that it is Croatia that should celebrate even more so given its small size yet enormous will-power. Independent since 1991, having re-identified and rebuilt itself after terrible ethnic war, to re-assert itself as far more than a remnant of previously enormous empire and an agglomerated Soviet border. To have trained and fielded such devoted players to reach the World Cup Final with such comparatively small human and financial resources, and to surpass the Group and Round barriers, illustrates that the archetype of the 'giant slayer' is not forgotten yesteryear legend. Though defeated on the day, from Dubrovnik to Vukovar, the country deserves self-congratulation and renewed internationalist confidence.

As for the host nation of Russia, though vilified by Britain and now Greece for apparent nerve agent deployment and apparent local bribery to disrupt the Greek-Macedonian negotiations; to much of the rest of the world, and especially its BRIC counterparts and second-tier EM nations, Russia has shown itself as very much 'open' in both a more globally attuned mentality and thereafter a willingness to seek its own fortunes beyond its boundaries.

Interestingly, though the US President says 'American First' and the tariff regimes suggest protectionism and increased isolationism, in this dualistic age within which every beneficial stance is taken as the result of economic re-strengthening and subsequent 'real politik', Trump also offers a second conciliatory face to those seen as important – eg North Korea for expanded Asian  capitalism and Russia (as opposed to Iran and perhaps China) as the preferred powerhouse behind Central Asian development.

The meeting of Putin and Trump will offer little more than platitudes and mutual respect. The antics of the Pussy Riot demonstration – now illustrating a disrespect for the home state aswell as previously the church – will inevitably draw these two closer as mutually appreciative representatives of the old centre-right, which given the previous enormous leftist pull over decades, today sees them by millions occupying something closer to the old lost middle-ground.

The men themselves could not be more different in background and personality: Putin's near asceticism and calmness providing for rounded and deep consideration ; compared to: Trump's previous excess in all things, from  deliberately blusterous  vocal persona, to his symbolic status buildings to the manipulation of the press via tactical deployment of post-truth to fight fire with fire, and to provide optimal every-angle outcomes. Yet Trump has latterly mellowed and become a more sensitive communicator so as to better convince of oft valid points.

As America looks to buoy itself at the suspected cost of both its old allies (Europe) and newer trade counterpart (China) and the Environment, at such a crucial juncture of the global economy, the majority of other world leaders might begin to identify with a slightly more open Putin and opening Russia, than the less 'easily readable' Trump.

As Trump and his advisors seem to want to seek to re-draw the world map of international relations in search of possible national fracture and later-date capitalist opportunities, and possible disruption of China's trans-continental 'Belt Road', the historical lessons of France's 'Entente Cordiale' (with antagonistic play-book) and the Yugoslavian 'Failed State' (prompted from within) might well be seen again across Central Asia and the North Korean-Chinese border.

Let us hope that the advisory teams of both 'strong men' seek proper cooperation and positive global influence, rather than any re-drawing of the global influence map to benefit of each.

To do so would be to reverse the enormous advancement of the last 73 years. In vehicular terms, that distant yesteryear was based upon the might of respective Sherman and KV tanks racing to Berlin.

Today, metaphorically Trump's GM 'Beast' and Putin's new Aurus 'Senat', could roll side-by-side together in a processional and progressive demonstration of global statesmenship that encourages other world leaders and peoples to continue to re-build a globally safe and prosperous future.

Such an outcome – that goes back to the philosophical origins of Adam Smith's monumental work that begat globalism - would be the best trade deal by far. To negate head to head competition in a myriad of arenas and comprise of a system that sought the best home advantage for international exportation, and thereafter create mutual alliances for international synergies.

An Ameri-Russian co-creation of a future generation of 'Beast' and 'Senat' would be the sign of re-cast globalisation.

Summer Message - Russia 2018 - It's How You Play The International Game That Counts

The England Squad have effectively ended their World Cup run.

But Southgate, Kane et al - all throughout - demonstrated what had become a lost mantra in football....

....Gentlemanly Sportsmanship

As Britain seeks to re-make its mark on the global stage after BREXIT, England's 22 have set a very much needed new tone of internationalist fairness and mutual respect.

The way in which Eric Dier and Harry Maguire in the last portion of Extra Time simultaneously offered helping hands to a downed, cramp-laden Croation player said it all.

England has shown that 'old fashioned' values are able to take their place again at the vanguard of sports; and hopefully thereafter, within broader society.

If Britain can export the 'Southgate Spirit' in all its future international commercial dealings, throughout Europe and far beyond,  it will be a win-win-win for England, Britain and the Rest of the World.


     

Summer Message – The England Squad(ron): 1918–2018

The Royal Air Force celebrates its Centenary (plus 100 days) with its magnificent Fly-Past, whilst the England football team seeks to maintain its winning streak in Russia.

For the event, each and every pilot had to choose the right throttle level and aero-surface 'angle of attack' - whether with piston roar or jet scream, whether for oval, straight, swept or delta wing, whether single or double rotors, so as to orchestrate pitch-perfect their own tightly weaved formation patterns. 

For the match, the operating formations of the team must alter to befit the moment of play, but unlike their flying counterparts in aerial parade, their own wing-play and 'angles of attack' will need to surprise with unexpected 'shock and awe'.

Both arenas rely upon the counter-force effect of high pressure and low pressure impetus for an upward trajectory.

So in 2018....“Lift that Trophy England”...and make the Squadron of 1918 proud once again.

Macro Levels Trends – Brazil – Latin America: WEF 2018 : Pelé

As The World Cup progresses to the final 16 teams, it seems as if much of the world is on a sub-conscious summer slowdown, with both raised expectation of national team possibilities, and strange enjoyment of an odd football cultural mix akin to a Russian vodka-based Latino mojito.

Even with Europe's CO2 gas shortage that adds the fizz, and barrels substituted by bottles, around the world avid fans will be drinking their favourite tipples. From remote villages with jam-packed rooms serving only the national beer, with a 20 year old portable television and the need for constant aerial tweaking that all too often coincides with the roar of a goal. Through to the hyper-reality of enormous wall-screens and surround sound, enjoyed with craft beers, a myriad of gin styles or perhaps a select 'vins-de-garage'.

Millions will continue to gasp and sigh as the world's most competent players demonstrate both the best and worst of 'the beautiful game', from exquisitely choreographed ball skills practiced again and again in training, to what seems hardly choreographed bad acting for supposed injuries.

“They don't make footballers like they used to” will inevitably be said by the older generation, when the folklore of fierce yet gentlemanly players wore clumsy boots, ran across 'potato fields' and struck and headed a heavy leather ball.

Between the 1880s and 1940s most did it with grunt, brawn and guts, but from the 1950s onward a new form arrived from Brazil, with game-changing innovation that demonstrated grace, pace, space-creation and acrobatic artistry never seen before; and one man in particular astounded the old guard.

His is known by his childhood nick-name......Pelé.

Today a father-figure of, and ambassador for, Brazil, Mr Edson Arantes do Nascimento was named after Thomas Edison, for his innovations that helped bring a worldwide provision of energy and light to all.

In turn, Pelé has continued to high-light the plight of Brazil's poor and over six decades has simultaneously enrich the lives of the oft forgotten people and become a virtual living-god for many; the man who came from nothing, and upon self-taught skill and self-effacing humility, become a global icon.

So it is apt that the Latin American section of the World Economic Forum held in March invited Pelé to speak of his accumulated knowledge and the vital question of how to continue to improve matters in Brazil at such a crucial juncture today.

Unfortunately, the crux of the subject was not explored given time constraint, but the following provides his thoughts, from 'An Insight, and Idea...with Pelé', in conversation with Ms Costa.

She mentioned the fact that the WEF awarded him that very day with the honour 'Honourable Citizen' as an example to the world, itself only otherwise won in the sports field by Mohammed Ali.

[NB this award is particularly prosaic now, since whilst he has been hailed as a shining beacon, he has had the personal pain of having to endure his son being caught-up in and indited of drug-related money-laundering charges. Hence we glimpse a snapshot of the concerning webs that are woven with association to fame)].

The conversation was as follows...

Ms Costa -

After a flattering introduction....“I understand you told your father you would win the world cup for him?”...this the apocryphal story after Edson saw his father cry when Brazil lost the World Cup in his childhood.

Pelé -

“Yes, but only because of (childhood) confidence” and the wish to make his father feel better.

“But firstly my thanks to all those who wished me well regards my recent surgery”.

“God has been generous, because the only thing I wanted was to be like my father”, himself a football player. “I was able to do what I did in 1958” (when 17)”

Costa -

“But you became famous over-night, the face of Brazil; what was it like at the time?”

Pelé -

“I had no knowledge of other countries, and in my training to go to Sweden I found out others had no knowledge of Brazil. Other nationalities would confuse Brazil with Argentina, and that made me indigent given the ignorance. I had the novelty of encountering another world, with blonde-haired, green-eyed girls, and their desire to learn about Latin America. So I had the mission to make Brazil better known to the outside world”.

“Of course I was not alone, through the national team other players publicised Brazil”.

Costa -

“What changed for you?”

Pelé -

“When we went our knowledge was purely football, but today (60 years later) we have a multitude of other peoples informed of and in Brazil, and the great thrust for this was soccer.

Costa -

“To continue to speak about this period, in 1962 and 1966 Brazil lost the World Cup, and you suffered from a lesion so could not play. Was this the greatest regret?”

Pelé -

“The greatest frustration was to demonstrate to the English in 1966 – football invented by them and the tournament held in England – that we were as good as them, since it had been shown in 1958. I had this lesion and though played against Portugal (where he showed deftly brilliance against an overtly 'physical' Portugal) could not play in the final, and we lost”.

Costa -

“The coming World Cup was in 1970, and although there was talk of you not playing or semi-retiring, you played and Brazil won”.

Pelé -

“There was rumour, but I had always intended to play, but was afraid of the same injury repeating itself, which I mentioned to journalists and so the story ran. But to play was a great responsibility and I worried I might not be able to given 100%”

“But we won in 1970, and I thought why not leave as a champion? The press stated that the lesion was a continued problem and that there were personal issues with the President of Brazil, but the latter was untrue. Back then even small talk or loose talk became newspaper fodder, unlike today as a player is so heavily media-managed”

“I realised I had to be better prepared, as people were expecting more of me”.

Costa -

“Do you think that idea of a champion can be assumed by others in their efforts in life?”

Pelé -

“Life itself is a competition, personal growth and in all senses, life is like a soccer game and no one wants to be defeated but to have success. We don't practice to lose, and that must be the central message”.

Costa -

“What was your biggest defeat?”

Pelé -

“Here I must thank god, since they were 'just' injuries”. (initially lesion and later replacement hip and femer surgury, having to periodically use a wheelchair, as seen at the Russian World Cup draw event). “I got here in my new car” (and smiles broadly, illustrating a retained child-like innocence and appreciation for the things he could never have dreamed of as that child). “So beginning to better move around”.

Costa -

“Who was your biggest supporter?”

Pelé -

“I cannot recall them all, but I suppose the support of my team-mates, and specifically my father. He played in several teams but never a big win. He was my best example because he had the experience and said 'you are not better (than others) god gave you that goal, just be prepared'. That's the best example I received and my gratitude goes to him. Also of course my mother who gave me life”'

“He also said I should think twice about retiring from football in the early 1970s and from the Santos Club. But instead I went to he USA to the Cosmos Club and worked with young people in schools and clinics to promote the sport”.

Costa -

“We now take questions from the audience”

Audience Member -

“You said you'd dedicate your 1000^th goal to the children...what do you think you gave to these children?”

Pelé -

“It was just a fortunate coincidence...we were training in Vila Belmiro and it was a good moment for me to go back to education and the care of children. Everyone knows the field is in the middle of Santos town. I happened to leave early and two children were trying to steal a car, and I talked to them about what they were doing. Two weeks later we were in Rio and I scored the 1000^th goal and was asked to say something. The car episode came to mind and so asked the government to give more attention to children issues.

(NB as a notional contrast to Brazil's issues, please view the YouTube video of teacher Kersten Westcott of Green Bay School, USA, providing  a snapshot of the everyday problems; illustration of the out of control school system that plagues so many supposedly advanced countries today).

Costa -

“But this is the legacy you have left”

Pelé -

“Hence the foundation and UNICEF efforts, so everyone can help. Presently we are going through a difficult phase in Brazil, but children and youth are the basis of tormorrow, so things must be done”.

Audience Member -

“An honour to meet you....please describe the feeling of scoring”

Pelé -

“A friend said 'its like an explosion'. Its difficult to explain, and depends on the circumstances of the match. It may be a training session, a friendly game or World Cup, the emotion is different. What matters is the need for it. Yes its nice to perform a 'bicycle-kick goal' (reverse overhead kick) in a high scoring game, but when its 0-0 in a World Cup Final or even a Penalty, your feeling is different

Costa -

“1,283 goals...that is your record”

Pelé -

“Yes, everything from 'the bicycle' to the 1000^th goal as a penalty. The penalty looks easy to those not taking it. But to the player the box feels small and the goal-mouth very small. But much depends upon the moment”.

Audience Member -

“As an Englishman, I'd like to thank you for allowing us one win in the World Cup (1966), but my question is 'who do you like to watch play these days and why'?”

Pelé -

“Nowadays our 'child' is Neymar (who wear's Pelé's number 10), but also Argentina's Messi. Ronaldo is the 'third man'. Since I was born in a city that means 3 Hearts I will choose these 3.”

“Thankyou all, and its nice to receive the (spiritual) energy from the crowd. Lastly let's ensure that the World Cup 2018 is a Good Party”.

To End -

Since his retiring from football Pelé has been the inspirational face of not just football, but of Brazil itself, and was one of the originators of formally connecting the obsession of football for so many to the needs and life-outcome of many generations of youth.

The ability to focus energy into an obsession grows not just skill and knowledge of that discipline, but perhaps more importantly provides for the development of learning, self-belief and self-discipline that are lessons for life. Life success is never assured, but without these attributes failure most definitely is, and that's the educational lesson that such foundations, clinics and centres offers the young. Moreover the idiom of mutual respect whereby one can learn not just from the discipline's teachers or mentors, but from many in the group en mass.

Before reaching Russia, the 2018 Brazilian Squad spent some time at Tottenham Hotspur's new 77 acre Training Facility in Hotspur Way, in the Borough of Enfield, North London.

Like many other boroughs and locations over the UK, Enfield itself has in recent years experienced an ever higher degree of media-fuelled and gang-related youth culture problems; the budget retraction of specific youth programmes designed to offer new hope and avenues (the carrots), now necessarily replaced by new laws to counter the spread of web-centric gang-related anti-social behaviour (the sticks).

Tottenham's new training facility is multifaceted in its aims and goes far beyond serving top-flight professionals, towards not only the nurturing of tomorrow's stars, but by creating a 'can do' atmosphere for the greater good of inspiring a new generation.

Inevitably, one issue that remains is that top-end football is a big-money game, and its own participant's and their own Personality Managers enjoy the luxuries that come with high salaries, performance bonuses and sponsorship deals. Hence, it is inevitable, and perhaps only fair, that a luxury lifestyle is enjoyed for the previous years of devoted hard-work, the normal enjoyment forgone and the pressures of being a renowned player.

But that lifestyle – fed by our brand-centric socio-topology - also inevitably speeds the wheels of youth envy, aspiration, materialism, and a 'get rich (quick)...or die trying' mentality amongst those most influenced; and so inadvertently in turn underpins the snowballing of social problems.

But there is a rare breed of player – as with the best in any discipline – who still retains the joy of the artform, and for whom the 'beauty' of the 'beautiful game' takes precedent over all else.

Even whilst in that world, they do not focus on the materialistic gains - which themselves draw troubles, as seen with countless players from Maradonna down - but on the acquisition of true personal grace embued from high artistry and they seek to replay that in their public and personal lives.

To confound the idiom of youth culture....

…....it's not the clothes you wear, what you drink or the car your drive.....

…....its about the personal brilliance and light that is born from inside and shines-out

Mr Edson Arantes do Nascimento continues to show us how.

Pelé

(since 1958).

Summer Message – Football World Cup 2018 – “Party Like a Russian” for Much Needed 'Global Glasnost'

The previous weblog regards Corruption in Brazil - pertaining to the same causes, symptoms and cures as elsewhere in the world – was posted for three weeks to ensure the strength of a very important message.

No sociological system, from neighbourhoods to entire countries to unified econo-political blocs can survive if the everyday actions of its member-stakeholders seek self-serving, short-termist exploitation over the values behind basic decency.

The paradoxical distant history of Russia - one divergent between the archetypical hardy, hard-drinking, village peasant and the 'Arcadia' created by the Czars in their Fabergé Egg, bubble-like world - is thankfully little more than a bad memory. And the dire authoritarian personal restrictions of the supposed antidote...Communism..even with its positives of mass high-culture, a now long failed ideology; as is possibly being re-played again today with the landmark talks between the USA's President Trump and N.Korea's leader Jong-Un Kim.

Russia, like the other BRICs, experienced the creation of new economic opportunities, much assisted by sector and trade liberalisation, FDI, and even the re-routing of enormous locked state-owned funds to generate a new era. One that saw the emergence of a new middle class as soon as a decade after Gorbachev's Glasnost and the Perestroika restructuring programmes began in the mid 1980s. Much assisted by Reagan's then still relevant previous silver-screen persona as meld of the honest pioneer and frontier-lands sheriff – so setting the perception of 'responsible capitalism' - the Iron-Curtain became dismantled and a new world was born for millions.

It was not easy, especially for the older generations given the disappearance of the previous engrained certainty, but a new entrepreneurial spirit emerged that lawfully replaced and so contracted much of the previous 'black-marketeering' that had existed as part of everyone's life, from food to tractor parts, though never acknowledged.

As also well documented, the transition was not easy, as those in immediate positions of administrative power were inevitably approached by those with money and/or threats, to ensure much from enormous national commodities operations down to local licensing rights were gained by those who wanted things to go their way to themselves exploit the new opportunities for commercial gain.

President Putin is today revered by his people, precisely because although inevitably connected to such 'business-people' through his rise through the ranks, his origins were very humble, an upbringing which demands responsibility at an early age, which together with the study of Law so requiring critical thinking, and service with the KGB in foreign intelligence before entering politics. Essentially a background which made him very serious and essentially conservative. This mirrors his mass electorate; as seen by the mass applaud for the repulsion of the deliberately provocative 'liberal invasion' of the 'Pussy Riot' episode disregarding the sanctity of the Church.

To those outside Russia in the West, the mass of the agricultural, industrial and services employed middle-class and the balance of their lifestyles as progressive traditionalists, is seemingly an anathema; even though that stance be the norm for all EM middle-classes, and so arguably today the 'new global norm'.

That Russian 'New Wealth' amongst the Oligarchs and their 'clans' (family and business), was inevitably strategically spread around the world, and given the size of that wealth running to millions and billions of Dollars, it went into property assets (so altering the character of upscale locales), new foreign businesses and luxury trinkets.

So, it is no surprise that the average European and American who has either personally seen, but more likely watched on Lifestyle TV - view “Russians” and their accompanying status symbols as either unwanted nouveau-riche cultural interlopers (ie the old residents of Knightsbridge), or paradoxically far lower down the socio-economic ladder, as the new arbiters of luxury (ie the media-fed, high-lifestyle influenced youth).

Robbie Williams was the star performer at the opening ceremony of Russia 2018 World Cup, and for good reason – he juxtaposed that schism in his own vocal and visual 'artwork'.

His song and video of 'Party Like a Russian' summed-up both the oppositional antipathy and aspirational envy of those who view the Expat 'Russians', whether from a corner table in Quaglino's (of St James's) or from a day-trip to Harrods from the suburbs or provinces.

In that song video Williams mimics, mocks and praises this actually rare, but seemingly archetypal, 'New Russian'. He illustrates the ego-driven mentality that uses agenda-centric ploys and tricks for the gain of 'big money', together with the assistance of well-dressed 'heavies' for the ultimate influence of physical intimidation.

Essentially, a “don't give a f**k” attitude about anyone else to obtain their aims, which will in turn again feed the ego through the belief of others' admiration.

All the while, seeking to both enter the sphere of high-society whilst also deliberately illustrating their greater wealth. The perplexing element being the cultural recognition that true high-society does not treat anyone of any standing with disrespect. The innate paradox is the re-moulding of an ego and attitude created upon the effective diminishment of others to have one's own way, to the need to be thoughtful and considerate to those supposedly 'beneath you'.

This was the brilliant sub-text of the 'Party Like a Russian' video - in which Robbie is besuited in bling, whilst surrounded by his all female entourage of balletic maids, and allusion to the marrying-game of as 'this seasons'  debutentes offer themselves as prospective new wives.

It was filmed in the stairwells, library and Great Hall of Hatfield House, Hertfordshire; the seat of the Marquis of Salisbury, and early home of Elizabeth I; where a portrait of the Queen shows “eyes and ears” on her dress, illustrating a spy-network that operated in a panoptican and all-knowing manner – much like any form of institutionalised power; and of course akin to the methods of the old KGB.

And almost as if life follows art in a subtly orchestrated pattern, the Russian World Cup opens at the same time that Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall visit the town of Salisbury, where the Russian nerve agent attack took place.

Given the tensions between the UK and Russia over the last 5 years or so, ultimately which way international relations go, is yet to be seen,  but as the USA puts itself first within the context of international trade, the 2018 World Cup offers the opportunity for the UK to operate as true global diplomat, a role it will obviously require as BREXIT (in what ever form) is pursued.

But for now, for the remainder of the majority outside the 1%, whose lives are far beyond the all-consuming concerns of gaining or losing portions of enormous wealth as the economic and political tides sway, beyond the need for cultural balancing acts to climb the slippery pole, and beyond the intrigue of spy-networks that inevitably comes with the 1% territory, the 'common' global citizen, whether young, old, male, female or even a football fan or not, can enjoy the atmosphere and original intent of international camaraderie...an ideology that the TV cameras and commentators of the 2018 World Cup will themselves project around the world.

And the very fact that President Putin saw the innate humour in having Robbie perform, given the mocking tone of his video about oligarch Russians, illustrates that even though Putin is officially required to convey power and impressive status, his head and heart are amongst the common people.

And lastly, just to inform of an 'in-joke', the reason Robbie gave a seemingly offensive - but actually cheekily-meant 'single finger' during the performance - was to echo the end of the video itself, an intended parody of a parody, a meta-physical circular in-joke...or to quote Churchill... a humouristic “riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma”.

It seems that Vladimir and Robbie enjoyed the joke.