Whoever won the Ryder Cup, Newport was always going to lose

With the economic situation as dire as it is, and with Newport sorely in need of investment, you might be forgiven for thinking that the Ryder Cup coming to the city could breath life into the stagnating local economy. Indeed many people felt that the Ryder Cup would be good for Newport, raising the city's profile and establishing a footing on the international stage. What could be better for a town in need of investment than the hosting of a major sporting event?

Since the Celtic Manor resort on the edge of the city was announced as the venue some nine years ago, the local council has been mesmerised by the spectacle of a massive influx of wealthy visitors. Preparations were made in earnest and huge sums of public money were made available for projects that would improve the image of Newport. As the competition got nearer signs, flags and billboards appeared wherever there was space, welcoming the arrival of golf fans. Though many of the planned showpiece projects never materialised, the train station was revamped with a new walkway, and the creation of new jobs was hinted at, something the town really needs.

Michael Albert to speak in Cardiff

Was Margaret Thatcher right when she said that there is no alternative to neo-liberal capitalism? Increasing numbers of people across the world are exploring more democratic and participatory ways of managing human affairs; economically, politically, culturally and personally.

This month the prominent radical thinker Michael Albert is coming over from the USA for a speaking tour of Britain, hosted by Project for a Participatory Society UK (PPS-UK). He will be speaking at Cardiff University on Monday 25th October at 12noon in the council chamber of the Glamorgan building (there's also a talk in Birmingham).

The talk is entitled "Participatory Economics: Imagining a Humane, Efficient, and Sustainable Economy". The author of several books on political economy, strategy for social change and societal vision, Participatory Economics (Parecon) is the economic vision that he and Robin Hahnel collaborated in putting together.