'Superlambanana' the musical?

WELL, the now world famous 'Superlambanana' which was once hated by many Liverpudlians, but somehow became adopted by the City, after it produced its multicoloured offspring around the place, and established itself as a cherished piece of Liverpool, is about to go into the pop charts..!  This strange concept that was once regarded as being, "Only suitable as a ships anchor" and as a "Target for the MOD", in now very much ingrained in the souse community.  Thus the new single, by local song writer and performer Mark Jones, called:- 'Superlambanana' sums up its tale fantastically, as only Liverpool humour can.  This single is to be released on 13 October 2008, as a download and a strictly limited edition CD single, from the Ultimate Fake online shop, should prove to be a big hit this winter.  So forget Bob The Builder, High School Musical and La Freak, with your help it will become of a Christmas hit stocking filler for the region!  The song has already been featured ITV and also has it's very own section on YouTube.  In my view it is a brilliant and highly refreshing change from most of the music that has been coming out of Liverpool and the region as of late.  The music rings of songs like Penny Lane and shows real insight into the heart of what it is to be a Liverpudlian.  The song already appears on the compilation album, 'Liverpool Music Today', but the new single also has a very lively B-side song, called:- 'Life's Alright' as well.  That song, in part, has been used on our Liverpool ONE video and again should get web users flocking to download it. 

In our view this single is well worth a download and is a testament to the unique nature of Liverpool.  Well done.  5 out of 5!

FINANCIAL CRISIS – UNISON REACTION

COMMENTING on the rescue package announced by the Prime Minister on 8 October 2008, Dave Prentis, General Secretary of UNISON, the UK’s largest public sector union, said:- “Tough times demand tough decisions but any intervention to secure the banking system should not merely “bail-out” those who have caused this crisis in the first place.  The Government must include more regulation, more control and more accountability to ensure that irresponsible behaviour is not repeated or rewarded.

Working people need protection from the fall-out of the current financial crisis.  Relief from rising fuel prices must be financed by a windfall tax on the energy sector, combined if necessary by price controls.  In addition, measures must be taken to minimise evictions and homelessness, including empowering councils to take on threatened homes.

The current public sector pay policy, which imposes pay cuts on millions of public sector workers, must be abandoned.  Increasing public spending now would help to stimulate the economy and counteract the downturn in the private sector. 

Public debt is currently low by international and historic standards, and changes to the taxation system should be made to ensure that corporations and wealthy individuals pay their fair share.”

Polish community reaches out

A BRAND new project is inviting the people of Liverpool to get a taste of Polish life and culture.  Merseyside Polonia was launched on Friday, 10 October 2008.  It is a new initiative set up by local charity, Yellow House, supported by the city council.  It aims to strengthen bonds between Polish people and local residents and encourage friendships between people of different cultural backgrounds.

Monthly events at community venues across the city will give people the opportunity to get to know Liverpool’s Polish community better.  The showing of new Polish films with English subtitles, the chance to try Polish food, and photo exhibitions and stories will open up Poland’s heritage, history and culture for everyone.

The events will also give people the chance to develop new ideas and projects, discuss community issues and share information about local services.  There has been a major influx of Polish people moving to the UK since Poland joined the EU in 2004, and Liverpool’s Polish community is the fastest growing in the city.  Merseyside Polonia has been developed to help the community engage fully with Liverpool life, as well as helping to tackle misconceptions that the community is "taking our jobs."

Project co-ordinator, Gosia McKane, said:- “Since I arrived in Liverpool from Poland eight years ago, I have been made to feel very welcome.

I’ve been able to express myself and get actively involved in a range of cultural activities in the city.

At the same time, I’ve found the people I’ve met here have been interested in my heritage and culture and have wanted to learn more about me.

I would like all Polish people who have settled here to have the same opportunities to get fully involved in life in Liverpool.

Merseyside Polonia is all about fostering strong, positive relationships between people of different cultural backgrounds, as well as giving the Polish community a voice and opening up our history, heritage and culture to the whole city.

Everyone is welcome to our monthly events, and I hope we can connect with many people throughout the city.”

Liverpool City Council Leader, Councillor Warren Bradley said:- “Liverpool is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the country, and it's important that we celebrate the history and heritage of all our communities.

We are absolutely delighted to be supporting this excellent initiative, which will unite communities, empower local people and celebrate diversity.

Liverpool’s Polish population plays an important part in the cultural and economic life of our city, and it’s vital that they can benefit from a welcoming city of opportunity and equality.

Projects like Merseyside Polonia help us achieve this.”

For more information about Merseyside Polonia, or to get involved, please call Gosia McKane on 07531 723006 or 0151 260 2996.