To close Zombies weekend on Liberal England, I am sending you to the High and Low Podcast and its interview with Rod Argent. He gives the best explanation of how the Zombies were formed and what was unique about their sound that I have heard. Later. And don't overlook his interview with Harborough FM.
The grubbiest Scottish football season I can recall has finally finished - and thank god it has! Celtic won the Scottish Cup beating Motherwell 3-0 yesterday. So the record books will show a league win for Rangers and the cup for Celtic. A fairly typical set of results for the history books but this season will be remembered for the referee strike, referee sectarian e-mail scandals, then the seven old firm games and parcel bombs sent to prominent Celtic figures. Vile utterly vile! In England the relegation battle went right to the wire with Blackpool and Birmingham going down. Wolves ...
[IMG: jim davidson] If your wondering to whom I refer, its Jim Davidson, a comedian who's has strong views on Margate, last Friday's Gazette had a story about Jim Davidson's Blog posting which appears to be criticising the Turner Contemporary, this comment of his seems to encapsulate his mood "What the f--k is an arty-farty art gallery doing in Margate? A thought provoking question, still here's another, Turner Contemporary attracted 80,000 visitors during its first month, could Jim Davidson attract that many visitors to Margate? Maybe he would and could draw that many, however the chances are they would be ...
Adam Curtis's 'The Trap' was shown on BBC 2 a few years ago. I missed it and have just watched the first episode. You can see it on Google Video or watch it here. Curtis is a thoughtful and interesting film-maker. In 'The Trap' he argues that the ideas of F.A. Hayek fused with game theory to trap us in a society where people are treated as selfish, atomised individuals. It is a fascinating hypotheses. The bit he misses, and I suspect doesn't discuss in the rest of the programme, is that Hayek distrusted the rationality of the Enlightenment. In ...
I am not a great fan of Jeremy Clarkson. He is funny, yes, but his public persona somewhat on the oafish side for my liking. But whatever you think about him, there's no doubt, IMHO, that he is a good writer. A few Christmases ago, my daughter bought me "Born to be riled", a collection of his articles. I have eventually got round to reading it. I am impressed. He certainly knows how to use language. One passage which amused me was amongst an article about the accidents which journo road testers have ("Secret crash testing revealed"). It's a classic: ...
So, an hour into the close-season and Chelsea sack their manager. There's little doubt that the decision was made by owner Roman Abramovich. His quest for instant glory and particularly, glory in Europe, comes at a price - and it's a volley of Chelsea managers who have suffered. Since he took charge at Stamford Bridge in 2003, he has presided over 6 managers (not including Ray Wilkins). Of these, 5 have been or have effectively been sacked. Claudio Ranieri - Sacked José Mourinho - Left by 'Mutual Consent' (basically, he was Sacked) Avram Grant - Sacked Luiz Felipe Scolari - ...
Earlier today oneexwidow got an excellent song stuck in my head when he posted his Sound for Sunday. Go take a listen and enjoy. However later on his undid his hard work when as Martin Freeman lifted the BAFTA for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, he tweeted "Ah, good for Bilbo". Of course Martin will be filming with Peter Jackson in New Zealand for The Hobbit, which I believe to be excellent casting. However, what then got embedded in my head was this: Now oneexwidow is of course denying all responsibility. Now he may be right. It may be ...
Saturday's Doctor Who - The Doctor's Wife showed the TARDIS with a life of its own and TARDISes inside TARDISes; so did The Time Monster, broadcast 39 years ago today. Available with Underworld and The Horns of Nimon in the Myths and Legends DVD boxed set, starring Jon Pertwee and Tom Baker, K9 and the Master, these three stories offer a distinctively '70s interpretation of the Greek Myths. So do they build on those myths to make Doctor Who a still more legendary epic? No. All Doctor Who is, of course, brilliant, but some of it's more brilliant than others. ...
The front page of today's Sunday Herald in Scotland seems to be playing the children's game of guess who. There's something about the man behind the censored tag, I just can't put my finger on it right now. His name in on the tip of tongue. Maybe you might be able to work it out for yourself. (BTW I'm fully aware who is in the pic I'm just not going to name them here, like the Sunday Herald I'm sort of doing the next best thing) In other football news any manager out there fancy the Chelsea job. No job ...
What have the Lib Dems done in government? Well... just follow this link http://bit.ly/iRkp8s . Keep clicking on the blue box and you'll find it's a surprising amount. Some other surprising amounts are apparent, however, from the results of just ONE of our manifesto commitments as applied to the East of England Region. 69,240 people have been taken out of Income Tax altogether by our threshold changes and a staggering 2,304,000 are £200 per year better off in the East of England as a result of the changes. Just in Dacorum alone that's 1,260 taken out of tax and 56,700 ...
The Arabs conquer, in quick order, I. Persia; II. Syria; III. Egypt; IV. Africa; and, V. Spain. A brilliant summary of the campaigns of the Prophet's immediate successors. Really you need to read the full 90 pages to absorb what a tremendous synthesis of information this is.
So, this week has been the week of super injunctions, gagging orders and accusations. The Sunday Herald, or as it is known on some of its competitors websites, the newspaper that cannot be named, has taken the plunge and named he who cannot be named. The Sunday Herald's front page; "Everyone knows that this is the footballer accused of using the courts to keep allegations of a sexual affair secret. But we weren't supposed to tell you that...," Due to the increased traffic to the Sunday Herald's website, it's down, although the Guardian reports that the article and photo have ...
"Huhne mess proves why the Lib Dems must be squeaky clean" was the headline on a post on Virtually Naked earlier today. And its conclusion was: In this new age of heightened media speculation, the Liberal Democrats must be whiter than white. While Labour and the Tories can survive petty scandals and find safety in numbers, we must be even more squeaky clean to pass the test.I think this is wrong for two reasons. The first is that it assumes that if Liberal Democrats live unimpeachable lives then the right-wing press will leave them alone. As Mark Pack has been ...
There will be temporary traffic lights outside Copp Cottage on Westerleigh Road in Westerleigh on Monday 23rd May to facilitate tree cutting.
So said Channel 4 News this evening in their report which included a comment from me on why I think some Liberal Democrats have got the issue wrong:
Here is the full text of what the President has just said. It's always good to read such things in full. To the Right, I have to say: if this is an anti-Israel speech, what would a pro-Israel speech look like?
Carrying on with my occasional/more than occasional column for all those little tidbits that do not warrant their own blog post. I have called it 'Things I think I think'. Today we have a #SurvivalSunday special. *I am gutted. Seriously gutted that Blackpool have gone down. I know it is a cliché but they have been a breath of fresh air for the league. They couldn't defend for toffee and tried to overcome that legitimate deficiency by scoring goals. In all honesty their squad wasn't good enough and I think that gives them even more credit for the way they ...
Though I mention it very rarely, one of the defining things about me is my deep contempt for the right-wing tabloids in this country - not for their political viewpoint, but for their hypocrisy, lies and distortion of the truth. If you're not aware of this then I suggest you go and have a brief skim read of this. To put it bluntly, the right wing tabloids in this country mislead and lie to the public in order to push their own narratives. Now, that wouldn't be so much of an issue were it not for the fact that people ...
Looks like the Greens have just done a deal to put Labour into power if what I've heard is true. As far as I can work out they have only held substantive talks with Labour and have fobbed off any attempts to talk to the other parties. I know that they ignored my offer for a chat and have never seriously considered any other option other than to let a minority administration take power. They've freecycled their bed and will have to lie in it. On the other hand it did make me laugh to see one Labour blogger state ...
After a resident raised the alert, I've let the Council know that about 25 grids look to have been stolen along St Ann's Road North from the High Grove pub down into Heald Green. The Council will put traffic cones in to block the hole and let people know the grids are missing. New plastic grids (costing us £200 a piece) are being used to replace the metal ones – they do the job just as well but have no scrap value. Unfortunately, all the money spent on those replacement grids (presumably about £5,000 just for these ones) is money ...
What a Relegation Sunday! I've been glued to Radio 5 Live and Final Score on the Red Button as the biggest last day Premier League rollercoaster ride in years came to a disbelieving conclusion! During the course of the afternoon, Blackpool, Wigan, Wolves and Birmingham fans all saw the sword of damocles hang over their heads. But at the final whistle, it is brave and plucky Blackpool who have been releagted along with Carling Cup winners Birmingham City! I'm an Aston Villa fan and how, after the season that we've had did we ever finish as high up as 9th ...
This afternoon, along with councillor colleagues and two of the area's MSPs, I took part in the launch of the Dundee WestFest World Record Piggy Back Race Attempt! Here's a photo and the WestFest Press Release below sort of explains all ...! Dundee WestFest is announcing an attempt at the official Guinness World Record for the biggest Piggy Back Race .The launch will take place this Sunday 22/5/11 at 1 pm at the Bandstand on Magdalen Green DundeeTaking part in the launch will be Councillors Fraser Macpherson, Jim Barrie and Donald Hay, MSPs Jenny Marra and Joe Fitzpatrickalong with a ...
I came across this photo of Cheadle village, with the White Hart on the left. Not sure on the date though. I'd guess late Victorian as there's a horse-drawn omnibus and no tram tracks, but do you know better? From Cheadle and Gatley history
Beavers, Cubs, Scouts and Explorers gathered at Abney Hall Park today to renew their promises around a blazing campfire as wind and rain vied with the sunshine. Our two local groups (1st Gatley and 2nd Cheadle) were both there along with groups from Heald Green and Cheadle Hulme. As well as the promise renewal and songs around the campfire (led by Vanguard Explorers from Cheadle Hulme), balloons were released, each one with the name of one of those there on the day – do send it back if you find one.
In January I made predictions for the coming year. Almost five months in, I decided to take a look at them and see how accurate (and otherwise) they have turned out so far! Politics On politics, I predicted that the Oldham and Saddleworth by-election would be closer than many people imagined. It was - so not a bad prediction. Unfortunately I also happened to state that this would show that "the Lib Dems are far from the brink of collapse". I'm not too sure I can take too much credit for getting that one right. I also forecast that "attitudes ...
Apparently this was one of the books that cemented the young Mark Twain's reputation, an account of a cruise to the Mediterranean by a group of several dozen American tourists, taking in Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Constantinople, Russia's Black Sea coast, the Holy Land and Egypt. It's a work of poking fun at the Old World and also at the New, steeped in the inevitable prejudices of the day but with some decent lines. Some of the scenes are made all the more vivid because we readers know what has happened since 1867. The description of Père Lachaise cemetery for ...
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Can you spare some time to help someone in your community enjoy local life a little more? County Durham Care and Support is appealing for committed and enthusiastic people to help adults who need support in order to lead a more fulfilling life. The Durham County Council service, which works with older people and those with learning and physical disabilities or mental health issues, wants to boost its already well-established volunteer team. Volunteers, who will be matched with people based on their skills and experience, could be asked to help someone to participate in activities at a day centre or ...
On the 19th June the Scottish Lib Dems has arranged a Members' Forum in Edinburgh where the principle topic will be a review of the 2011 Scottish Parliament Election. The booking form contains a section that seeks members views on the issues of "The Manifesto & Policies", "Campaign Literature" and "Media Performance & Coverage". Below is my response (bear in mind it is a small response as space on the form was limited): The Manifesto & Policies I was really enthused by the manifesto. The idea behind the changes to Scottish Water the ambitions to use that money for improvements ...
By the way, you'll see elsewhere on this page that I'm inviting people to vote in a poll on the question: "Is President Obama right to suggest that Israel's pre-1967 borders can form the starting point for renewed negotiations with the Palestinians?" So far, a whopping one person has voted, and 100% of that one person has voted Yes. Why not vote yourself?
It is the householder's responsibility to keep hedges out of the way of people on the pavement. It can be dangerous for people to walk in the road! Care & Repair (Stroud) Ltd has a list of gardeners able and willing to do this sort of work, and the rates they charge. See here for more information.
Being a comic geek, "Yellow Bastard" makes me think of Frank Miller and the eponymous paedophile and child-murderer of one of his Sin City stories. I never cared much for it. Still, there are worse things to be called I suppose. Labour members call Lib Dems Yellow Tories. Still, the noises off within cabinet have inadvertently given us something to aspire to at last. It is a generally good rule of thumb that if Tim Montgomerie doesn't approve of you, you must be doing something right, and so Conservative Home's decision to launch a Yellow Bastards League Table suggests that ...
St John's Church on Hills Road will be holding a summer fair on the 18th June, in the church gardens. Come along between 2.30 and 4.30pm for a cream tea and musical entertainment. There'll be books to browse, games to play, tombola and a raffle.
It is good that the council has cut the grass long Pennyquick sad about the amount of rubbish they have left behind
A lot of Lib Dems read The Observer, and so will have read this piece in today's paper about the Obama/Netanyahu talks. Rather than pedantically picking holes in that article, as I easily could, I instead urge everyone to also read this interesting piece from The Washington Post, including a fascinating CBS News video about the talks (it is after all Washington, and not London, in which this is all happening). Watching Andrew Marr's BBC interview with President Obama, it is becoming clear what the President actually means when he talks about the pre-1967 borders. Let's look at the transcript. ...
The Lib Dem blogosphere has been pretty quiet over the past couple of weeks regarding the allegations made against Chris Huhne. Considering how popular Chris is within the party, I suspect this is largely because members – like the public ... Continue reading →
From chapter 39 of Bleak House: The one great principle of the English law is to make business for itself. There is no other principle distinctly, certainly, and consistently maintained through all its narrow turnings. Viewed by this light it becomes a coherent scheme and not the monstrous maze the laity are apt to think it. Let them but once clearly perceive that its grand principle is to make business for itself at their expense, and surely they will cease to grumble.
The mainstream media is failing to adequately report on the events taking place in Spain; truly, these events are quite remarkable. Recently I've covered these protests, but I've decided to provide some material from those involved. (credit to djjasonxxx) To ... Continue reading →
There's nothing like a research paper by Steven Levitt (of Freakonomics fame) to make you stop and think. This time he's weighed in to the debate on whether poker is a game of chance or a game of skill. As ... Continue reading →
Utterly extraordinary front page of the Sunday Herald in Scot... on Twitpic. Sunday Herald Front Page
One of the big political questions this week seems to have been if, and to what extent Chris Huhne has been a naughty boy. In fact, I'm inclined to believe that were it not for some massive political schadenfreude and Ken Clarke making a very serious slip up, Huhne would probably be gone by now - wrongly ...
As is usual, I'm not going to make a final proclamation on this till the second part airs, but provisionally, I rather enjoyed it. It kicked off lots of reference detectors in me - The Thing, obviously, but also Star Trek, and even Welcome to my Nightmare (Cleaves channelling Vincent Price's mad curator was utterly awesome) - which might lead some to call it too derivative, but I don't think it crossed the line from multiple nods to rip-off. Clearly, the most interesting thing about this is the fan theories it has sparked off.I don't think that this is ( ...
Willie Rennie has announced the portfolios for his MSPs at Holyrood. With only five of them, it's going to be hard to cover every issue in depth, but this is a very sensible allocation of jobs, making best use of his team's aptitudes and interests. The spotlight is likely to fall first on new Justice Spokesperson Alison McInnes, who will have to frame our response when the SNP Government introduces its Anti Sectarianism legislation. While everyone agrees that sectarianism has to be dealt with, I think it's important to make sure that the legislation doesn't go too far. It would ...
I was surprised by two things about Terminus on this rewatch. First, that it is so very slow and padded - barely enough material, really, for even one episode of New Who - just how long are Tegan and Turlough stuck in the tunnel for? An awful lot of running, or staggering, through corridors seems to go on. The second thing that surprised me was that despite the slow pace I actually rather liked it. I could see what was going on; I liked the look of it, with even the Garm's costume passing muster for me this time; I ...
I must admit that when I came across this story whilst reviewing the papers for Radio Wales this morning, I was a little shocked. According to the Sunday Express, 750 children who were born on the date that the Olympic bid was submitted and who were promised an invitation to the London games, have had their hopes dashed. It seems that each of these children received a Promise Certificate personally signed by Lord Coe but they have now been told that the closest they are going to get to the games is involvement in the torch relay as it passes ...
I rather enjoyed this: a canter through the history of Western philosophy from the pre-Socratics to Sartre, as told in a series of mysterious communications from an enigmatic teacher to instruct 14-year-old Sophie. I loved the moment when she learns about Aristotle and immediately goes home and tidies her room - would this tactic work for real teenagers, I wonder? Then the narrative form abruptly lurches sideways about two-thirds of the way through, and we realise that this is not quite the book we thought we were reading - and in fairness it is a move that has been well ...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly criticised the United States desire for a two state solution, based on pre-1967 borders. Israel asserts it does not recongise 'demographic changes', or Israel's aparthied policy and illegal settlements, and the states security. Its ... Continue reading →
This morning's Observer has an interesting item on the impact of deprivation on exam results, viewed through the ability of a child to access the internet at home. Speaking as someone who was using log tables when I took my exams, calculators were not allowed and computers were only introduced into the school the year after I left, it is difficult to grasp the role of the internet today in exam revision. However, the e-learning Foundation say that 1.2 million teenagers log on to revision pages every week and that as a result they are likely to attain a grade ...
So a famous footballer in the Premier League had a six-month long affair with a Big Brother star called Imogen Thomas. Now in the context of what footballers get up to it isn't even a scandal. The tabloid media would have a bit of a frenzy for a couple of days and the situation would die down. The public wouldn't really care as having an affair isn't a big deal in this day and age – whether you are famous or just an average Joe. However the footballer in question decided that he didn't want this story to come out. ...
is Liberal Vision's own ANDY MAYER! Is it just me or has Liberal Vision suddenly gone more than a little mainstream? Feels weird. Weird and dirty.
It was a real pleasure to be invited to the 40th Anniversary celebrations of the Hornsey Historical Society on Saturday. What a huge turn out – demonstrating the high regard and affection with which the Society is held by local people. We are very lucky to have such a dedicated and committed group of people in our area ensuring that the context of our lives and our history is documented and recorded. Long may the Society continue its hugely important work and a very Happy 40th – and many, many more. Hornsey Historical Society - 40th Anniversary
saare_snowqueen asks, I answer: Hugo winners over 65: Fritz Leiber (1910-1992) 1976, Best Short Story, Catch That Zeppelin! Peter Beagle (1939-) 2005, Best Novelette, Two Hearts Frederik Pohl (1919-) 1986, Best Short Story, Fermi and Frost Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) 1992, Best Novelette, Gold - Asimov had died before the award ceremony Clifford D Simak (1904-1988) 1981, Best Short Story, Grotto of the Dancing Deer Jack Williamson (1908-2006) 2001, Best Novella, The Ultimate Earth Nebula winners over 65: Connie Willis (1945-) 2010, Best Novel, Blackout / All Clear Fritz Leiber (1910-1992) 1975, Best Short Story, Catch that Zeppelin! Ursula K. Le Guin (1929-) 1995, Best Novelette, Solitude Peter Beagle (1939-) 2005, ...
Two bits of media this morning - a brief contribution to The Independent's coverage of the latest on Chris Huhne - and discussing the state of the coalition on Radio Wales with Quentin Letts. Now for some brunch...
With 500 posts on Gyronny Herald, Michael takes a quick look back at the history, and with a look to the future announces that the domain is properly linked. Find the blog at http://gyronny.com from now on.
Apple Orders Technicians to Feign Ignorance About Mac Malware Another one to add to the list of reasons not to buy apple (tags: epicfail apple) Doctor Who episode most recorded of all time Yup, Doctor Who is doomed because the rating keep dropping... (tags: doctorwho)
Checking my memory was right about something this morning, I came across this exchange in the Lib Dem Voice comments thread which made me chuckle. It was in response to my post pointing out that allegations pushed repeatedly by Guido and Harry Cole (Tory Bear as was) had not been upheld when looked into by the Parliamentary Commissioner: Guido Fawkes Posted 31st March 2010 at 12:23 pm Not proven is not the same as innocent. Stephen Tall Posted 31st March 2010 at 12:42 pm @ Guido Fawkes - So the individual is guilty until proven innocent by the state, eh? ...
As promised last night, a track from the new Zombies album. As I also wrote last night, there are definite notes of Steely Dan here and it is none the worse for that. It's not bad for a band celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.
I can't believe how stupid I was on 28th April. In receipt of a gift of money, and following exhaustive ruminating, I placed an order for a refurbished laptop. I used what looked like a very active company via their website. There were testimonials, recent blog updates, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube accounts, plus a Live Chat facility, a terrestial address in the UK and phone number. For work, I already use the same model I ordered, so I knew it was a good model. The website did not accept by debit card and my usual alternative of PayPal was not ...
The thrills were supplied in the Superspsort 600 race the first of the day. Alistair Seeley and Cameron Donald were racing neck and neck, often side by side, over the course that stretches from Portstewart out toward the University at Coleraine and Portrush. In the end it looked like it would be decided by who took the last Juniper Hill chicane best. Donald went in too hot and Seeley who had been outbraking for most of the previous circuits eased off and over the line. The spills sadly was a oil leakage on the damp course due to the rain. ...
Labour councillor Robert Wann - the man who wanted to build on the city's major nature reserve - wants to use a publicly funded magazine for Labour propaganda. The Leicester Mercury reports: In an e-mail to other councillors seen by the Mercury, Councillor Rob Wann said the magazine could be used to help publicise the party. ... In the e-mail, Coun Wann said: "We have the Link magazine, which I think we can push a more Labour message through and ensure it gets to every household. "Who cares if we are challenged for using it for political purposes? We have ...
(that is, under the age of thirty when the award was announced or retrospectively might have been announced) Hugo winners under 30: Hal Clement (1922-2003) 1946 retro-Hugo, Best Short Story, Uncommon Sense Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) 1946 retro-Hugo, Best Novel, The Mule George R.R. Martin (1948-) 1975, Best Novella, A Song for Lya C.M. Kornbluth (1923-1958) 1950 retro-Hugo, Best Novelette, The Little Black Bag Samuel R Delany (1942-) 1970, Best Short Story, Time Considered as a Helix of Semi-Precious Stones Damon Knight (1922-2002) 1950 retro-Hugo, Best Short Story, To Serve Man Roger Zelazny (1937-1995) 1966, Best Novel, ... And Call Me Conrad Larry Niven (1938-) 1967, Best Short Story, ...
We have received the following email regard moving the telephone box at Bear FlatI've spoken with BT. Works are unlikely to start on site until mid-August at the earliest.We're awaiting further programming details from them. Their programme is partly dependent on the electricity disconnection, for which they are awaiting a date.
I've just spotted that Lisa Harding at Spiderplantland has added me to her blogroll (it's under 'T' not 'A' so I may have missed it previously). Thanks Lisa - it's always an honour.
The Roman Baths is one of only 4 UK museums short-listed for The Art Fund Prize. Please vote for us now! http://artfundprize.org.uk/2011/vote/We received this email from the director of the museum. The link to vote is aboveUnbelievably, the Roman Baths has made it through to the short-list of 4 museums for The Art Fund Prize 2011, for which there is a prize of £100,000. If we were lucky enough to
The response to the famous (and he is pretty famous) footballer who has tried to ban the internet with the help of an out of touch judge, Judge, should be welcomed by liberals. It's a reminder of the power of what Cleggmania could have been. Ordinary (not well off) people getting their own back against the rich and powerful (and in most footballer's cases stupid) people who think they are better than the people who pay their wages. The fact that so many people are prepared to say publicly who he is and Wikipedia are happy to carry it means ...
As a democracy, whether we agree with their policies and views, or not, the Country needs politicians, at a national and local level. It is true they need to be accountable to the people they represent and be good and ... Continue reading →
Following residents' complaints about the extremely poor road surface - including potholes - in Osborne Place, I have requested that the City Council repair the roadway, but also consider future resurfacing, given the very poor condition of the road (see right).
A couple of events this week to highlight! * A reminder that the Friends of Magdalen Green Free Public Lecture and AGM takes place at Dundee West Church at 7pm on Wednesday. The speaker is Professor Charles McKean on the subject of "Did the 20th Century nearly kill Dundee?" - it will be a fascinating talk and complimentary refreshments will also be provided. All residents extremely welcome! * On Thursday afternoon, we are holding the very first planning meeting for West End Christmas Week 2011. Christmas Week takes a lot of planning; hence the start of meetings so early in ...
i) births and deaths 22 May 2001: death of Jack Watling, who played Professor Travers in The Abominable Snowmen (1967) and The Web of Fear (1968). ii) broadcast anniversaries 22 May 1965: broadcast of "The Executioners", first episode of the story we now call The Chase. The Tardis crew play with the Time-Space Visualiser and land on the planet Aridius, where the Daleks have pursued them. 22 May 1971: broadcast of first episode of The Dæmons. As archæologists open the ancient tomb at Devil's End, strange and deadly events occur around the village. 22 May 2010: broadcast of The Hungry ...
An article in yesterday's Guardian could be the beginning of Vince Cable's rehabilitation. For me the key paragraph is: "We are actually a poorer country , mainly because of the banking crash, the recession that followed it and partly due to the squeeze we are under due to the changing balance of the world economy. Britain is no longer one of the world's price setters." Thankfully no more moaning mantra about "the mess left by Labour" (although both Nick Clegg and Liberal Democrat News are still churning this out.) This change of emphasis, from petty point scoring about the recent ...
The local party website has now been transferred and the new site layout decided. The site is WordPress based, using the Liberal Democrat Aqua theme. There is also has a Facebook page and a Twitter feed. Content is still lacking, as I'm waiting for photos and biographies. And progress will be a bit slow this week as I'm of the US for business, though I should manage a beer or two with my friends in Austin. I may manage some updates while in the US (thanks to jet-lag), but major work will be on hold until I get back. In ...
Full list is here (SFWA) or here (Tor). The good news: Terry Pratchett at long last gets a nod, though the Andre Norton Award rather than a Nebula proper. Three out of five Nebula winners for written fiction are women. Rachel Swirsky, who turned 29 last month, is the first Hugo or Nebula winner to have been born in the 1980s, and the youngest winner since Ted Chiang (then 23) in 1990. Of the Short Story nominees, "Ponies" was the only one I had read and I found it brilliant but disturbing. Less impressed by wins for "That Leviathan, Whom ...
I'm going to admit, and lose a lot of "man points" by saying this, but I watch Grey's Anatomy. It's a show that I've watched for a couple of years, after a friend showed me the first season. This was, of course, at a time when Scrubs was finishing and I needed a second show in the "medical show" roster (the first being House). However, I admit, that the writing on the show is lacklustre at best. For one thing, I don't think the actors for the original set of interns, with the exception of Justin Chambers (Alex Karev), could ...
It's been a month again in which I've not updated about what's going on with my life. CCK; my contract ended a week ago, I handed back the final pieces of work yesterday and I got my JSA award letter this morning, telling me I have £53.45 to live off until I find a new job. (Housing benefit is yet to be re-assessed but will hopefully cover the majority of my rent again since, y'know, I'm living off £50 a week.) Next steps; it's surprising how much better the Jobcentre treat you when you go in with goals and targets ...
Disruption to life once more in the North West On Saturday 21 May 2011 there was a security alert at the NW200 Ireland's most famous road race. This alert was declared a hoax after police had searched the paddock. Unfortunately, there was only one race completed this year as on top of the hoax alert ...
So as yet another doomsday nutter finds their "predictions" end up just a bit wide of the mark, I wonder if we, the rest of humanity, might just face the fact of an existence that speaks way beyond the nonsense of the self appointed loons in the US who reject evolution, but demand absurd respect for absurd ideas of destruction. Science can essentially prove evolution, but as we see today, religion makes up ideas of "end times". In a Universe of essentially infinite extent, where we find an evolution of time and space, the magic that we may choose to ...
We discover popular music backwards as well as forwards. I loved Argent's Hold Your Head Up when I was 12 and Colin Blunstone's early solo work reminds me of listening to Radio Luxembourg under the covers at the same age. But I doubt that I had then heard of the Zombies - I can remember my surprise at learning that Carlos Santana was not the writer of She's Not There. (I don't feel so bad after hearing Rod Argent telling the younger members of tonight's audience that his band recorded the original version of God Gave Rock and Roll to ...
