LibDem Blogs - Archived! - Saturday 17th May 2008

Throbbing

I am sat in front of my computer wearing a dressing gown on a Saturday night at ten o’clock. Any fading memory of my loud and raucous youth has disappeared completely this evening, as I have forsaken the lure of a party to sit and write a draft of the Prestwich Plan. However, my choice to swap socialising for solitary typing was made easier by an attack of Man Flu which has crippled me this evening, and turned me from erudite man about town, to groaning misery. It began during the FA Cup Final, a match normally so boring that ...

Forced smiling is a health risk - study

Enforced smiling at work can seriously damage your health, German scientists claim - it wasn't commissioned by Gordon Brown as far as I know. 'Professional smilers', such as flight attendants, sales personnel, call centre operators, waiters, and others in contact with the public for extended periods of time, are at risk of seriously harming their health say researchers. Speaking personally for a second as somebody in one of the 'at risk' categories, call-centre flunky, I find its inclusion a bit of a mystery. Are there call centers that have videophone?? If not, then why are they 'at risk' from enforced ...

Now Michael Gove wants to tell teachers what to wear

The year began with Michael Gove telling us that a Tory government would encourage state schools to introduce the blazer as a key element of their dress code. The Daily Mail reported that they would not be forced to do so, but Ofsted inspectors would mark schools which have blazers as the "gold standard". Now Mr Gove has turned his attention to what teachers wear. Wednesday's issue of The Times reported: Schools will be expected to smarten up their appearance under a Tory government. Out will go jeans and trainers, untucked baggy shirts, crop tops and biker leathers. This time, ...

Coventry and its cathedrals

Yesterday I was in Coventry looking at its cathedral - or cathedrals. Basil Spence's modern cathedral is actually the third that the city's has had. The first, which will be familiar to Time Team viewers, was the Norman St Mary's, which was also a Benedictine monastery and for that reason did not survive the Dissolution. The page I have linked to will show you what remains today. Coventry's second cathedral was St Michael's, built in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. It only became a cathedral in 1918, with the creation of the Coventry Diocese. Sadly, this building is ...

Labour's campaign is truly repelent

This is the start page graphic of the Crewe and Nantwich Labour Party. It's so awful its nearly beyond words. I really hope this petty crap politics doesn't scare enough people into them holding the seat.

Burma Aid Links

Berlin Bear, a blogger on Daily Kos, has posted a diary which contains some useful links for those wanting to contribute to those on the ground in Burma....please pop along to his diary and donate..... {Digg!}

The Final Victory of Spin

So the hills (possibly - can anyone on the ground advise?) of Crewe are alive with Labour’s death rattle. Llamas, top hats and the discarded husks of activist consciences litter the landscape. Those responsible for the various�Class Hatred for Dummies-style�japes (”You’d better ask the experts about that,” says the local Labour leader) are claiming the tactics [...]

International Day against Homophobia

Liberal International marked the International Day against Homophobia today with a speech by Boris Dittrich, Advocacy Director on LGTB issues at Human Rights Watch in New York. Boris (who used to be the leader of the Dutch social liberal party, D66) pointed out that homosexuality is a capital offence in seven countries in the world [...]

Trouble in Belize?

The Economist also shines a light in A $10m mystery on some of the underpinnings of Lord Ashcroft's wealth, and reminds us that his tax status is still unresolved despite the promise the Tories made in the year 2000 that he would resume permanent residence in Britain. Eight years and they still haven't made good on that promise. Money is worth so much more than keeping your word... Not something they'll relish being reminded of as they try to keep their cuddly champion of the poor image in front of us.

Ooops, blogger posts go missing on LibDemBlogs

Sorry for all you Blogger bloggers. I upgraded my webserver to PHP5 and didn’t notice that one of the scripts used in LibDemBlogs no longer worked. What this meant was that the site thought all your posts were made on the 1st Jan 1970 and so didn’t bother to display them. I’ve now found the offending piece of code and hopefully everything should be back to normal by now. I did wonder why it was so quite on the site, but I just assumed that everyone was in Crewe or Henley.

Well done Portsmouth

I have to say I have really enjoyed watching the FA Cup final this afternoon. It was so nice to know that one of the so called "Big 4" was not going to win something for once. Well done too to Harry Redknapp and Cardiff Manager Dave Jones who have both triumphed in the face of adversity, both being subject to very different but significant baseless accusations which have proved to have no foundation in truth. And finally, well done to those Cardiff fans who stayed behind to applaud Porstmouth.

Air drops to Burma?

The Economist this week advocates air drops to victims of the flooding in Burma - here's the twist, whether or not the junta agree to them. I will quote the final paragraph of the editorial, which is the finest single paragraph of rhetorical writing I have seen in a while: "More storms are forecast for Myanmar. If thousands more people are to die in the coming weeks, let those who oppose any action now, however modest its effect, then explain why they favoured a policy of doing nothing. And let them try to describe the circumstances in which the new-found ...

Terribly Boring III: Bumper edition

In which, once again,�I gingerly poke the�cotton bud�of my latest amateur intellectual fad into the squidgey ear wax of politics, though at least this time the subject material, a psychological profiling system for use by campaigners, is designed with political use partly�in mind. I was originally planning to make the Terribly Boring series into a weekly [...]

Abide with me

Ever wondered why the crowd sings ‘Abide with me’ at the FA Cup Final? The explanation is here….

We have a new mayor

Full Council yesterday in Gateshead. We had had no indication before hand of who Labour were putting forward as mayor (all mayors in Gateshead - and deputy mayors - are Labour. They have never allowed anyone from the Lib Dems to hold the position. There are of course no Conservatives who could be offered it anyway.) So we found out in the meeting that the new mayor is Maureen Chaplin. Maureen has

Watch closely because, remember, the clues are there, as we go through.....

She reportedly earns in just one hour, as much as it would take for you or I to join the top tax bracket. Along with her husband, she reportedly owns four properties with an estimated, combined value, of £4.9m. In addition to her salary she commands (or should that be demands) a hefty five-figure sum for public appearances. So, given what I have just said, I have two questions for you. Who am I describing and what description fits them best? Here are your choices; a) The Queen b) Sharon Osbourne or c) Cherie Blair. A) A Capitalist, b) A ...

Morgan Tsvangarai - Hope: The Fuel that Drives and the Glue that Binds

In Belfast for Liberal International Congress and the highlight so far has to be Morgan Tsvangarai addressing us yesterday. I am always challenged when listening to activists for whom their activism often costs them their liberty, their health and for some ultimately their life. When the worst that can happen to me is a scolding from Paul Walter or Alex Wilcock, I am challenged to think firstly, would I put my life on the line for what I believed and secondly, if I did, would I have the wisdom and wherewithal to avoid being taken out almost immediately.�So, listening to ...

Money, money, money (UPDATED)

A variety of political financial stories this week, including: The Speaker and Parliamentary authorities lose their fight to try to keep details of MPs’ expenses secret. Nick Clegg publishes details of his Parliamentary expenses and announces that all the Liberal Democrat frontbenchers will follow suit from July. More bad financial news for the Labour Party with further tales [...]

Something for the Weekend: We didn't start the fire

With polling day in the parliamentary by-election just five days away, there’s an extra Crewe and Nantwich slant to this weekend’s collection of random stuff (with thanks to Tim Harkchild for emailing from Crewe). So if you’re sitting comfortably, we’ll begin. Leaders on the line Nick Clegg and David Cameron both returned to Crewe on Wednesday, and [...]

Would it be better for Labour to win or lose in Crewe & Nantwich?

Paul Linford has drawn an interesting parallel* with the Darlington by-election from the early 1980s which, against the odds, Labour held - so saving Michael Foot’s leadership of the Labour Party. A defeat in Darlington would have quite possibly led to a change in Labour leader, and so at the very least a less disastrous 1983 [...]

Greg running for Jessica

This Saturday is the ultimate couch potato day for many of us as we watch the Cup Final. My colleague Greg Foxsmith is making up for it tomorrow, when he’ll be running the Hornsey 10k for 6 year old Jessica Magnusova’s medical appeal. This is an excellent cause, so good running, Greg. [...]

Ruth Kelly bores for Britain

I’ve just received an e-invitation to the Passenger Transport Conference 2008 (I know, I know) announcing that the keynote speaker will be Transport Secretary, Ruth Kelly (that’s assuming there’s been no reshuffle by then). As ever there’s a slightly cheesy photo of Ms Kelly and a ministerial quote. Now a smart minister - or advisor [...]

LibDems force government U-turn on immigration

The Government has been forced to make a u-turn on new immigration rules because of pressure from the Liberal Democrats. The original rules would have banned people who made even an honest mistake in their applications from reapplying for a visa for up to 10 years. Even families and those who were under 18 when making the application would have been affected. However, after the Liberal Democrats forced a debate on the issue, Immigration Minister Liam Byrne conceded that the automatic penalty would be waived in the case of families and those under 18 when the error was made. Commenting, ...

Crewe voters tied up and gagged!

It seems Iain Dale is spouting more lies about the Crewe by-election than you can shake an angry twig at...(Wait till you see the final statement)... "The Conservative campaign is the best organised I have ever seen" Well, you would say that, you've just been photographed next to the election 'mastermind' Eric Pickles MP. "The number of people pouring into the constituency to help has to be seen to be believed" I'll have to take your word for that, as I don't intend to do any research to prove you wrong. "I didn't see a single LibDem or Labour campaigner ...

Rules must be tightened to prevent repeat of Farepak collapse

Commenting on the announcement that the investigation into the collapse of hamper company Farepak has been completed, Liberal Democrat Small Business Spokesperson, Lorely Burt said: "There is an obvious inequality between the protection given to people who save with high street banks and those who put their money into schemes such as Farepak. "If any wrongdoing can be proved, ministers must ensure that those responsible are brought to book. "In these harsh economic times, when food and fuel prices are skyrocketing, it is crucial that the rules are tightened to ensure small savers are never again left high and dry ...

Crewe a four-way marginal?

All right, it's just for fun, as Peter Snow would say, but cast an eye on the unofficial poll on the Crewe blog site. There is hardly anything to choose between Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat and UKIP candidates. There are indeed whispers coming back from Crewe that Labour could finish third behind the LibDem and Conservatives.

Can someone update libdems.org.uk ?

The Home page at libdems.org.uk has not changed since I first found the site. (Other than the stuff at the side). The text prompts you to watch the climate change video which dates 20th September 2006 and is led by Ming Campbell. I guess some may argue there are more important things for us to spend our money on. As long as it's updated for the next General Election, then I guess it's okay.

Cherie Blair: 'I am a socialist'

Interviewed by the Guardian, Cherie Blair, who we know more about than we ever wanted to, tells us she is still a socialist. Obvious to all really - isn't it?

Blogger's Rights, Sexism, Skience, and the Environment

Paul Anderson's post for Bloggers Unite (mine is here) is an excellent and interesting examination of intellectual property rights as they apply to blogs, and why it's important for them to be enforced - not only for us small fry, but for the MSM as well. Work/Life balance in the sciences and engineering puts women off. No shit Sherlock. It does that in LOTS of professions - I don't think it's science and engineering that need reform, particularly, but our society. Any profession which wants you to work stupidly long hours and have no life is going to put most ...

From Hillsborough Castle to Stormont

One of the collateral benefits of Liberal International Congresses and Executives is the opportunity they provide to get to know new places round the world. Like most mainland Brits, I had never visited Northern Ireland, until I arrived in Belfast on Thursday morning. Being in Northern Ireland has certainly influenced the tone of some of [...]

Rain, rain go away

I am due at the Whickham May Fayre at midday. Currently it is raining heavily (I am in Rowlands Gill.) It could ease off a bit but I am not holding out any great hopes. Meanwhile we have quarter of a tonne of dried farmyard manure in the boot (thankfully in sealed plastic sacks). Somehow we have to get this onto the allotment this weekend.---Sent via BlackBerry

Orgasms, Blogging, copyright, IT Greenery and a Labour wipeout

The Orgasmic Mind: The Neurological Roots of Sexual Pleasure: Scientific American Interesting, not had time to read fully, linking for reference: The results suggest that women are not only aroused by a variety of types of sexual imagery but are more flexible than men in their sexual interests and preferences. (tags: sex research science sexuality) Blogging, Freedom of Speech and Freedom of the Press - Paul Anderson Nice summary of the legal rights to copyright we have under UK and international law - in other words, don't let the Mail on Sunday rip you off without permission, and demand payment ...

Women prisoners - the scandel continues

I was very saddened to read that Pauline Campbell mother of 18 year old Sarah, who died in Styal prison in 2003 from an overdose, was found dead by her daughter's grave in Cheshire a few days ago. Pauline became a strong campaigner for better treatment of women prisoners, after her own daughter became a casualty in the rising number of young women who committed suicide or died from neglect, in women's prisons. The number of women prisoners has doubled since 1997, although crime committed by women has not risen accordingly. 70% of women in our jails have mental health ...

Funding shadows

The Times reports that eleven Tory shadow cabinet ministers have benefited from secret and previously unregistered donations from wealthy backers. The cash was channelled from Tory headquarters and, in at least two cases the funding was from figures involved directly in the minister's policy areas: The office of Grant Shapps, the Tory housing spokesman, is funded by donations from a number of mortgage brokers and Andrew Lansley, the Shadow Health Secretary, was bankrolled by a healthcare firm, the documents showed. Theresa Villiers, who has the transport brief but was previously Shadow Treasury Chief Secretary, benefited from donations by a number ...

Residents cut plastics CO2 emissions by more than 1,000 tonnes

I though that with all of the doom and gloom around that you might like to hear a good news story for a change. Plastic bottle recycling in Bath and North East Somerset reduced the level of carbon emissions by an estimated 1,160 tonnes in 2007/08, according to figures released by the Council today. The amount of plastic bottles recycled last year through both kerbside and...

When did the local sports culture start in NW3

It was meant to be provocative and get my attention and it worked: So off I set on the virtual tour to find Hampstead Rugby Club - note the occurrence of the White Horse Pub in South End Green... There was an article a while back in Time Out that claimed that NW3 (Hampstead) was a great place to live but lacked sports clubs - all complete tosh of course - I have lived in few places where the sporting opportunities are so legion... http://www.hampsteadrugbyclub.co.uk/ Their website deserves fully quoting here: "Hampstead Rugby Football Club is one of the ...

Riverside Drive

Pleased to see the resurfacing I asked for in Riverside Drive (south of Vernonholme; immediately north of the bridge up from the Marmalade Pot) has been carried out - see right.

Ancrum Road Primary School

Prior to the creation of the West End Ward, there were three primary schools in my former Tay Bridges Ward - Park Place, St Joseph's and Blackness. Over the years, you get to know the schools well - and realise how lucky the West End is to have such excellent primary schools, with dedicated staff. Their assistance with community events - such as the West End Christmas Week - is invaluable. With the creation of the new ward last May, another primary school was "added" to the ward area - in the shape of Ancrum Road Primary School. The Head ...

Dulwich Going Greener survey

Dulwich Going Greener are thinking global and acting local. They want to see what�impact the way we live in Dulwich� is having on the global environment. How much does each of our households contribute to the current trend of climate change?� They have launched a Dulwich-wide survey to find out more about local emission levels, and [...]

Quote of the Day

We are all worms, but I do believe I am a glowworm. - Winston Churchill

Thank you Gerard Baker

At least somebody is willing to scrutinize Obama and the media's love-in with him. Read it. Think about it. He's not the messiah, he's a politician. Go ask very tough questions of the man who wants the world's most powerful position.

The Daily Twits

Whatever thoughts crossed my mind that weren't worth a whole post.19:43 is soaking off a rather nasty 24hrs in the bath. #Microblogging using LoudTwitter and Twitter. {[info]} matgb_twitter is there if you're mad enough.

Sunday 11th May 10.30am

ANNUAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AT WALLINGTON METHODIST CHURCH I was pleased to attend this service along with the Mayor and Deputy Mayoress and a large number of representatives from voluntary organisations in the London Borough of Sutton. The theme of the service was serving the community and the Reverend Baker drew our attention to the huge amount [...]

The Spectator goes gaga for Purnell

The Spectator, stirring the pot of Brown's woes, has come up with the next Labour Prime Minister and Leader, James Purnell. The argument is boring and predictable, but do give it a quick once over anyway. The thing that gets me is that he was caught out in what really looked like a tax fiddle over the status of his London home (2nd or primary residence). No one appears to have followed this up. I've written about it here and here. Come on Guido, you've taken down one Secretary of State for Work in Pensions, why don't you go for ...

10 things you can do to tackle climate change

Everybody seems to be telling us how we can reduce our carbon footprint. Some of those things are obvious, some of them things most of us already do, and some of them might not be viable for some people. With this list, I’ve tried to come up with 10 things that you might not have thought about, and while I don’t expect anyone to do all of them, perhaps if you can try one or two you’ll be making a significant step in the right direction. I’m not going to list silly things that you know you should do, like ...

Why I'm heading down to Crewe and Nantwich

Later this morning, I will get in my car and begin the long journey down to Cheshire to help out the Lib Dem effort in the last few days of the by-election campaign in Crewe and Nantwich. Some may say this is a definition of madness; travelling hundreds of miles for the dubious pleasure of working my socks off shoving leaflets through people's doors, all utterly unpaid. And that accusation of lunacy might well be reinforced by the fact that I've never actually met our candidate Elizabeth Shenton and know very little about her other than what I've been able ...

Saturday 17th May 2008

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