With the controversy over an american amateur video that has led to a deliberate over reaction from organised Islamic militants and the sad (and unacceptable death) of the US ambassador to Libya - this week's favourite concentrates on religious intolerance. So here is NTNOCN with the General Synod's life of Python:
The breaking news is that Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, received a rather hostile reception at George Square this evening. I say "breaking news"; what I actually refer to is facebook and twitter references, as the mainstream media have had very little to say on the issue. Facebook and twitter not being the most reliable or temperate sources of information, much debate has raged about the nature of the booing and its political and social significance. Some dismiss this as general anti-political expression. Others see it as evidence that the SNP's popularity and the standing of Salmond has taken a ...
Such has been the interest in Leicester's Richard III dig that three further open days at the Greyfriars site have been announced: Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 September: 11.00am - 4.00pmWednesday 19 September: 5.00pm - 7.00pmSaturday 22 and Sunday 23 September: 11.00am - 4.00pmThere is also a Richard III exhibition at the nearby Guildhall and guided walks around the Leicester sites associated with Richard. More on the city council website.
Joshua Metcalfe suggests some ways of making things easier for the next generation of farmers People in developing countries depend heavily on agriculture for their livelihoods, yet are increasingly challenged in their ability to produce sufficient food for their families and for markets. As the world's population continues to grow, expected to reach nine billion by 2050, nearly 1 billion people remain undernourished and by 2050 farmers will need to double crop and meat production to meet demand. More volatile and extreme weather, pests and disease only exacerbate the problem. Investment is needed to attract fresh blood, and increase access ...
The New Statesman is not normally complmentary about Liberal Democrats but obviously they make an exception for Vince Cable. This article shows once again how we are making a difference in Government: The difference between failure and success is the finance and structures that have allowed them to make the best of their individual talents so they could reach their maximum potential and become world-beaters. This in a nutshell is what Vince Cable wants to do with business. He is bored with Britain having the talent, the inventors and the innovators, but then thinking it is virtuous to leave them ...
Read the latest article on my local ward blog about progress to tackle parking issues on Vermont Road. Click here.
Uploaded 11/9/12.
So wrote the Evening Standard's Andrew Hilton this week: [IMG: Vince Cable] He is bored with Britain having the talent, the inventors and the innovators, but then thinking it is virtuous to leave them to fend for themselves with no support so that too few of them become business gold medallists... He identified the essentials for success — the need for the right kind of finance, support for emerging technologies, a focus on and partnership with key sectors, a pipeline of skilled workers, and the use of government procurement as far as is possible to support these aims. None of ...
The Inspector's preliminary findings on South Gloucestershire's Core Strategy have been published on the South Glos website. You can read the Council's press release or read the inspector's report online. Council officers will now begin preparations for a six-week consultation on the proposed modifications, expected to start in early October. The results of that will be considered and reflected in the Inspector's final report later this year. We'll update you further when we know more.
They were digging up the road outside my office in Leicester today. Perhaps, emboldened by the apparent discovery of Richard III in the city, they were looking for another king? To help them, the BBC Leicester pages have posted a guide to the English kings whose bodies have gone missing. They are: Alfred the Great (he may be somewhere under Winchester)Harold II (who was shot in they eye at the Battle of Hastings - what happened next is unclear)Henry I (it might be worth searching under Reading)Stephen (last seen in Faversham in Kent)Edward V (he may be buried in Westminster ...
Cambridge MP Julian Huppert A government rethink which will see foreign student numbers presented separately in immigration figures has been welcomed as a victory by Cambridge MP Julian Huppert. Julian has been arguing for two years for this to happen and just last week he pressed the Home Secretary, Theresa May to take this step, although she then claimed it was not possible. He asked Mrs May if it were possible for the Home Office to arrange for two figures to be published - one using the international definition and one that excluded students. Mrs May told him: "The reason ...
Could the Daily Mail be emerging as a rival to the Shropshire Star? Saddam lookalike attacked by gang who tried to kidnap him and force him to impersonate the dictator in porn film I suspect that Saddamporn is something of a niche market.
Every so often it's important to take a step back and evaluate those values that you hold dearest. You'll probably notice that over time they may change. Indeed Warren Buffett said "Any year that passes in which you don't destroy one of your best loved ideas is a wasted year". On a recent flight I ...
FROM: Kelly Pattrick, PA to Kenneth Spotlessnob TO: Hamish Carpenter, Transformational Excellence Manager Kenneth wanted to be assured that your claim for 49 miles for the round trip from County Hall to and from Little Pilesbury is correct. The AA route planner says 45 miles. FROM: Hamish Carpenter TO: Kelly Pattrick Kelly: Bodger's Lane was blocked by a fallen tree. The best alternative route through the Dirksedges took an extra four miles. Hamish. FROM: Reema Narlikar, Transformational Excellence Officer More reposted Odanglesex fun: Following concern about the levels of mileage claims, all claims now have to go through the Director. ...
Please find attached a flyer outlining the activities that will be going on during the week beginning the 29th October, to mark the launch of the Manchester Green Corridor walking circuit.As outlined on the flyer, the Green Corridor is made up of 14 linked routes each averaging 4 miles in length, that link green spaces and parks around the city. All routes are clearly signposted and detailed information about each route is available on www.getwalking.org/manchester or www.gettingmanchestermoving.org. For the week of the launch, people are being invited to join one of the led walks that will be completed relay style, ...
Spotted in the Vatican Musuems:
Manchester Cornerhouse and artist Rosa Barba are making a film in September and they are looking for people to share stories with them around two topics: *Did you meet a partner at, or have significant memories of, the Albert Hall in Manchester when it was in use? *Have you never been on an international flight or have you never been abroad? You can tell your story in as few or as many words as you like, for more information about this exhibition visit: www.tinyurl.com/RosaBarba
Below are recently submitted Planning Applications in the Chorlton area. You can find out more information about any of the proposals on the City Council's Planning Portal at http://tinyurl.com/yv6lex or by contacting the South Area Planning Group Manager - Roger Hall; Tel: (0161) 234 4536; email: r.hall@manchester.gov.uk . You can also make a Planning representation (in support or opposition) to Mr Hall or the designated planning officer for each application. Please feel free to contact me on (07947383740; cllr.v.chamberlain@manchester.gov.uk) if you wish to discuss any application and please also send me a copy of any representation you make. 100303/FH/2012/S1 9 ...
thedailywhat: Late-For-Work Excuse of the Day: According to Redditor mard86: My co-worker sent an email saying he would be late because he was trying to untie a squirrel tail knot. I asked for a picture, and he delivered. Here's the email from said coworker: I was pressed into squirrel rescue this morning on my way out. 5 young squirrels got tangled in Christmas lights in my neighbor's yard. We got the lights off, but now their tails are one big knot, so I have to bring them into a rescue place to untie them, as I am unequipped to untie ...
It's Friday. It's five o'clock. Here's a fistful of lists that sum up the LDV week: 5 most-read stories on LDV this week LDV debate: The Lib Dem leadership (151 comments) by The Voice Jo Swinson appointed new Equalities Minister (16 comments) by Nick Thornsby The Independent View: Whose sex life is it anyway? (23 comments) by Simon Walsh In depth: Was the 2003 invasion of Iraq illegal? (45 comments) by Toby Fenwick Tim Farron MP writes... My thoughts on the Cabinet reshuffle (30 comments) by Tim Farron MP 5 sample LDV Members' Forum threads Campaigning for Obama The Thick ...
[IMG: Dungeness Nuclear Power Station] A message this afternoon from Martin Pearson, Station Director at Dungeness B Nuclear Power Station: "Unit 21 at Dungeness B has a fault with a conventional boiler steam safety relief valve which is creating a noise disturbance to local residents. The station has been working to resolve the fault, however, a short-term technical solution to fix the valve has not been found. Therefore, I have decided to take positive control to reduce the power output of the reactor in an attempt to reduce the noise to an acceptable level. This power reduction will commence at ...
Fri 14th
16:01
The Newsroom was hated by critics but loved by the audience. I can't wait for season two.
It is rare that a TV show gets pilloried so robustly by most of the mainstream TV critics yet still sees substantial audience growth and recommissioning after just its pilot but HBO's Newsroom shown over here as The Newsroom on Sky Atlantic did just that. The season finale was this week and whilst not being as genuinely amazing as the pilot episode it rounded off a couple of plot lines whilst cleverly opening up a couple more for next year. The Newsroom grabbed my attention from the start and I'm not one that gets dragged into these American shows on ...
Last week Liberal Democrat MP Julian Huppert did one of those webinars for party members. Like Danny Alexander's on the Budget and Nick Clegg's on the Queen's Speech before, it was very informative as he took questions for an hour on the Draft Data Communications Bill and a range of other civil liberties issues. Julian sits on the Committee that is scrutinising the Draft Data Communications Bill. The story so far is that the Conservatives wanted this measure to go through this year as part of the Justice and Security Bill but Nick Clegg wasn't having any of that. The ...
We're all being a bit cool about the Liberal Democrat Voice Blog of the Year awards this year. Usually there are lots of posts begging for nominations, but it's been a bit quiet. I'm not proud, however. I'd really appreciate a nomination from somewhere. Maybe people think there's plenty time left to do it - but there's not. Nominations close at 5pm tonight. You can nominate up to three people in each category Best new Liberal Democrat blog (started since 1st September 2011)Best blog from a Liberal Democrat holding public office (The Tim Garden Award)Best use of social media / ...
Welcome to the second of a series of pieces designed to inform members as to what happens to those people elected to various Party committees. This one won't be like the others... Whilst the other internal Party elections that take place in the Autumn are for places on committees that meet more, or less, frequently, this particular election is for the right to attend four two hour meetings, spaced over two years. Virtually all of the delegation's activities are likely to go completely unnoticed by the average member and, if I was forced to compare it to anything else, it ...
Intervention, Syria & Liberals: My contribution to the Liberal Youth's blog, on why we need to talk about war, law and the aftermath if we're going to talk about intervention in Syria.
Back in July I got an email from Jim Hancock that read: Jessica and Katy Bingham have asked me contact you to ensure that you know that there will be a memorial celebration of the life of their father Viv Bingham (President of the Liberal Party 1981-82) on WED SEPT 12th at 6pm in the Lloyd George Room of the National Liberal Club. ..and so it was a goodly crowd of Liberals assembled at the NLC to remember Viv's life. It was the sort of event Viv would have loved to attend. The range his of friends there from Ministers ...
There is a small head of steam building up behind the idea that Tim Farron should not be returned to the position of Lib Dem President unopposed in the incipient round of internal party elections. Tim has been a great President in my view. He (usually) gets the tone right on issues and he is an excellent media performer. He is also very good at engaging with the party grass-roots both in face-to-face and online fora. However I agree that he should be challenged for the Presidency for the following reasons: No matter how good someone is in a position, ...
Lloyds Bank in the middle of Yate Shopping Centre is closing from 1 pm tomorrow (Saturday 15 September) until 9 am on Tuesday 30 October while it undergoes a major refurbishment. While they are closed, the Lloyds branch at 1 North Parade will maintain normal services.
Welcome to the latest in our occasional series highlighting interesting findings from academic research. Today – the impact of the Ashcroft-funded Conservative key seats campaign in the run-up to the 2010 election. The latest edition of the Journal of Elections, Public Opinion and Parties (Volume 22, No.3) includes, "Laying the Foundations for Electoral Success: Conservative Pre-Campaign Canvassing before the 2010 UK General Election" by David Cutts, Ron Johnston, Charles Pattie and Justin Fisher: The efforts of Lord Ashcroft's team involved the expenditure of several million pounds during the pre-election campaign period in an effort to win over voters in key ...
[IMG: Picture from @WerringtonBlog] We may only be days into the new term but already local LIB DEM ward councillor Darren Fower says he's received complaints of cars parking illegally during drop off and collection times at Werrington Primary School. Commenting, Darren said: "Two things that we must make clear, firstly the school have sent out messages to parents, and secondly the selfish parking will be done by a small number number of inconsiderate drivers. I have now notified the local police and made the City Council aware of the problem......... but I won't pretend that I'm not open to ...
With winter on its way and as part of Gas Safety Week (10 - 16 September) Kent Trading Standards are advising consumers on the importance of using a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out any work relating to boiler repairs, servicing or fitting. A survey carried out by Gas Safe Register, the government-approved registration scheme for gas engineers, found that of 690 gas appliances that were serviced or fitted by unqualified workmen 93% were potentially unsafe and 19% were ruled immediately dangerous, posing a risk of leaking deadly carbon monoxide (CO) gas. Because CO is tasteless, colourless and ...
I have just got back from a visit to Saint Mary's Hospital's New Born Intensive Care Unit. NICU provides specialised treatment and care for the most vulnerable newborns that need complex and extensive medical care. The unit currently has the ... Continue reading →
You know what it's like: you take a notion to go to the cinema and just rock up and see what's on. You can never be sure what your choice will be - and you may end up seeing something with little advance knowledge. So it was on Saturday when I ended up at the Cineworld in Fountainbridge in Edinburgh. Total Recall and The Bourne Legacy were both tempting - especially Total Recall in IMAX format - but there was a shorter wait for Anna Karenina and so she won out. Now, my knowledge of the Classics is limited. My ...
By Howard of Lib Dem News
It's that time again - when nominations are sought for the post of Lib Dem party president - the most important elected post in the 'voluntary' party. The elections for the job have, sadly, usually ended up being won by a 'professional' Parliamentarian - sometimes as a stepping stone to the leadership. The current incumbent - Tim Farron - is widely respected and the expectation is he will be returned unopposed. But he shouldn't and Gareth Epps makes the strong case for both an election and the return of a non-Parliamentarian to the job.
It's often tempting, very tempting indeed, when new technologies come along to talk about the new and all the changes it will bring. Better understanding, however, often comes from appreciating not only the new but also the old. Often the apparently novel lessons are simply the old ones dressed up in different clothes. That's why I think the Roman Acta Diurna provide a useful grounding in some of the principles of social media. Different technologies, centuries apart – yet common communications principles. So no surprise that on my visit to Rome I've been particularly taken with the Basilica Julia, site ...
Cabinet reshuffle Last week I was honoured to be re-appointed as Scottish Secretary by the Prime Minister as he conducted his first re-shuffle of the UK Government cabinet since the 2010 election. Combining this with my responsibilities as Borders MP has been a great privilege over the last two years and I am looking forward to continuing to serve Borderers and Scots in these two roles. There is no doubt that Scotland currently faces many challenges in terms of the economy, growth and jobs and I am committed to getting the best deal for Borderers and all other Scots, as ...
Note from the district council St Albans City and District Council is reviewing all single person discounts on Council Tax claimed by residents. Residents can claim a 25% discount on their Council Tax bill when they are the only adult occupier of a property. The review comes at a time when there has been a national increase in the number of people fraudulently claiming the discount. To help prevent fraud, the Council is required to regularly check the information it has about residents who are receiving the discount to check that it is correct. We are writing to residents who ...
Ive just asked if @sheilacoleman96 had had her phone or pc hacked '@sheilacoleman96 Yes. Story too long for here though' #leveson — e_p_smythe (@e_p_smythe) September 14, 2012 Trouble ahead if this transpires to be true.
Bury Council are apparently having problems buying milk for primary school children, as this letter shows. Is this an issue across Bury? Copy of letter here.
The Liberal Democrats, and their predecessor party the Liberals, have long been animated proponents of what we might call humanitarian or liberal interventionism; that is, the idea that one can use force in an unsolicited manner to alleviate the suffering of individuals within the territory of another state. From Jeremy Thorpe's call to bomb the ...
I'm guessing something here to offend absolutely everybody.
Of course, it's not just the Commons that is back this week, as the European Parliament has returned from its summer break. And, thanks to the ever helpful Angelika Schneider in the ALDE office, Liberal Democrat Voice is able to keep up to date with the efforts of Liberal Democrat MEPs. On Wednesday, the European Parliament adopted the first European-wide law on the protection of crime victims, to improve support for them. The new EU law sets minimum standards for all 27 countries, such as free access to medical and specialist support, explanations on how foreign justice systems work, help ...
[IMG: Description: Description: The elections in The Netherlands have been marked by a victory for the liberals of VVD and of D66. In his victory speech to an ecstatic audience VVD leader Prime Minister Mark Rutte triumphantly said that "[we] obtained the best result in history, and again have become the largest party in The Netherlands." D66 leader Alexander Pechtold MP claimed "the fifth victory in a row", saying that "in the bizarre duel between left and right, D66 managed to grow nonetheless". Together the liberal forces now hold more than one third of the entire political spectrum. LI ...
Child Porn Laws Aren't As Bad As You Think. They're Much, Much Worse. - Falkvinge on Infopolicy (tags: ) Gender equality influences how people choose their lovers - News and events, The University of York Another nail in the coffin of evpsych bollocks (tags: ) James Doohan on the best thing he ever did This made me cry. (sidebar is NSFW on this blog) (tags: ) Boris Johnson says Spout Unstoppably. (tags: ) Stumbling and Mumbling: Conservatives - support unions! (tags: ) Laura Bates: Chris Brown's Tattoo Shows Exactly How Seriously We Take Domestic Violence (tags: ) Slash welfare to ...
One of the relatively less heralded milestones in the Liberal Democrats' political calendar is the biennial election for the party's President. A surprisingly lively contest in 2010 saw the likeable Tim Farron narrowly defeat respected former MP and Mayoral candidate Susan Kramer. Since then, however, Tim has used the role in a manner that may have surprised many of those who voted for him. Now before I go any further I should say that I have a huge amount of time for Tim, and have known him since I got active in national politics over 15 years ago. He's genuine, ...
I was understandably worried when the transport select committee of which I am a member discovered that although the number of bus journeys each year is more than 3 times the number taken by train, our local bus services are far behind the ... Continue reading →
Rather self-explanatory headline, which can be implemented here. More about the new Liberal Democrat Campaign for Manufacturing is on their website, www.libdem-manufacturing.org.
As someone who has lived in London for more than 30 years I know how important public transport is to most people's lives in the city, so it was hardly surprising that Caroline Pidgeon, Liberal Democrat member of the Greater London Assembly (GLA) and Chair of the Assembly's Transport Committee, attracted a good audience and ...
Economic commentators and politicians searching for that most elusive of phenomena – economic growth appear to be operating a back to basics approach. The Bank of England takes the traditional neo-classical approach to its role as arbiter of monetary policy – Quantitative Easing and liquidity schemes to expand the money supply and make borrowing cheaper to incentivise businesses to expand. The government are taking a much more Keynesian route to growth, announcing house building schemes and other infrastructure initiatives in order that the state injects the demand into the economy which the private sector is unable to create. I have ...
From Dundee City Council (West End proposals in bold): DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL : ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984 DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL (VARIATION OF WAITING RESTRICTIONS) ORDER 2012 Dundee City Council proposes to make an Order under the Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984 for the purpose of varying the provisions of several Waiting Restriction Orders affecting the City. The effect of the Order is set out in the Schedule below. Full details of the proposals are contained in the draft Order, which together with a Statement of the Council's reasons for proposing to make the Order may be examined during normal ...
As a school governor I get invited to lots events which Holmesdale Technology College and The Malling School run. I tend to go to all of the events which I get invited to, to show my dedication to both of the schools. On Friday 7th September I was invited to attend "The Malling and Holmesdale Federation Teachers awards evening" which was held at the lovely setting of Leeds Castle. Now this was a fist for the Malling and Holmesdale Federation. It was so nice to see the teachers being rewarded for once. From the awards evening I can tell you ...
Fri 14th
03:57
Greater manchester liberal democrats select their candidate for police and crime commissioner
I am pleased to announce that tonight I have been selected as the Liberal Democrat candidate for the position of Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester. I have appointed Jackie Pearcey to be my nominee for Deputy Police Commissioner. Jackie has considerable experience in fighting for better community relations, and has spent over 10 years as a member of the Gorton and Levenshulme Police Community Liaison Panel. She brings a wealth of experience in community involvement to the ticket, and I am delighted that she has accepted my nomination. The Police and Crime Commissioner election will be an opportunity ...
As part of the East Walk shops development, the existing public conveniences in Yate Shopping Centre will close on 7th October for demolition. Good quality temporary toilets will be open on West Walk from 8th October while permanent toilets are built near the Westgate Centre.
After the Cooper phase 2 planning application was turned down recently on the grounds of highway safety issues and overbearing development on Stanshawes Drive, the developer has submitted new plans that have addressed residents' concerns. The entrance to the office development will now go through the housing development, and the three storey part of the elderly persons building has been reduced to two, with the three storey part being moved back from Stanshawes Drive. Residents were shown the plans before they were submitted and are delighted with the result. As well as all these changes, Tony and Ruth Davis from ...
Not talking about it is costing County Durham lives. The Talking about Cancer Service makes it very clear that we all need to be less squeamish because taking notice of your poo can save your life, and that was the message given to the Consett North Partnership. I was particularly aware of it because, being between sixty and seventy five, I get the bowel cancer screening test and had just posted mine off that morning. No-one could argue it's a particularly attractive test to undertake, but it's a small thing to do to reduce your chances of dying from bowel ...
