Cornwall councillors tonight voted to delay a decision on the controversial TRAC project which would introduce a multi-use trail from Polson to Egloskerry. The section under discussion was, according to the meeting agenda, that from Newport to New Mills. But officers quickly claimed that it was only the off-road section (about half of the Newport to New Mills trail) that was up for discussion as criticism of the on-road sections came from councillors and the town council. The criticism was because of the perception of danger to trail users because of the plan to make them share road sections with ...

Posted by Alex Folkes on A Lanson Boy

What-are-the-arguments-for-the-UK-remaining-part-of-the-EU. Quora -) link

Posted by A D Winter on Alan D Winter

10. A man's place is in the army.9. The pastoral duties of men who have children might distract them from the responsibility of being a parent.8. The physique of men indicates that they are more suited to such tasks as chopping down trees and wrestling mountain lions. It would be "unnatural" for them to do ministerial tasks.7. Man was created before woman, obviously as a prototype. Thus, they represent an experiment rather than the crowning achievement of creation.6. Men are too emotional to be priests or pastors. Their conduct at football and basketball games demonstrates this.5. Some men are handsome, ...

Posted by Maelo Manning on libdemchild, aged 13

The economic depression could be to blame for over 1,000 suicides in England, according to the British Medical Journal. With predictions the recession- which has lasted four years already – could drag on for another ...

Posted by Lester Holloway on
Wed 28th
21:45

Six of the Best 300

Photo credit: Soccer.ru Peter Black speculates on the possibility that the Conservatives will be able to get there boundary changes through in this parliament after all. "With its first-rate tax avoidance system, strict libel laws, good living, and easy access to Moscow (the flight's just four hours long), London was always poised to serve as both a clearinghouse for Kremlin-connected billionaires and a propaganda mill for the attendant influencers who underwrite them." Foreign Policy dissects Conservative Friends of Russia. Stumbling and Mumbling suspects we are expecting too much of Mark Carney as the new governor of the Bank of England: ...

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England

Things that are Becca's fault #5: me reading Diana Wynne Jones. It started with Homeward Bounders, because Milliways. Then it became Witch Week because "this is how I learned about Guy Fawkes!" I have no doubt it will eventually lead to Howl's Moving Castle because I liked the Studio Ghibli movie. But today it is the rest of the Chrestomanci novels, starting with Charmed Life. This is the first novel she wrote in the series (1977), but the last – or one of the last, as there's no obvious chronological connection to Witch Week – for in universe continuity. But ...

Posted by Debi on Thagomizer.net

I'm a big fan of those supermarket bags for life. If i ever had a grumble with them it was the obsession with flowers, ladybirds and butterfly designs that seemed to suggest either that men were not welcome in supermarkets or perhaps that men would buy the bags and arrive at the checkout the following week having left the 'bags for life' at home. I also get they're not actually for life. A

Posted by Gavin James on Councillor Gavin James
Wed 28th
21:21

Good for Scotland

Dear Fraser Earlier today I joined Vince Cable and Ed Davey in Edinburgh to give the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) its official launch. The triumvirate of Ministers underlines that this is a Liberal Democrat-led initiative that will stimulate renewable energy innovation in the United Kingdom. With an initial budget of £3 billion - £250 million of which is ring-fenced specifically for Scotland, but all of which is open to Scottish bids - the UK GIB will bring green jobs and commercial success to Scotland and all of the UK. I am delighted that the Bank will be headquartered in ...

Discussing Richard Curtis in the Daily Mail in September, Everett said: Curtis, for anyone who doesn't know, was to Blair's Britain what Leni Riefenstahl was to Hitler's Germany.

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England

Cambridge residents plagued by commuter parking near their homes are being encouraged to have their say on new Traffic Regulation Orders designed to solve the problem. Householders living in the city's Queen Edith's have struggled to get in and out of their drives because patients and visitors to Addenbrooke's Hospital have been parking in their streets to avoid car park charges. They have also faced problems from students parking outside their homes to attend the nearby sixth form colleges. Lib Dem campaigners Cambridgeshire County Councillor, Geoff Heathcock, who represents the ward, and Amanda Taylor from Holbrook Road have been fighting ...

Posted by Andy Pellew on Focus on Bar Hill
YouGov

From Deacon's sketch in this morning's Daily Telegraph: "A decent man" was what Lord Patten kept calling George Entwistle. "A decent man overwhelmed by a difficult job," for example. And: "I'm not going to join in the trashing of a decent man." Anyone who does want to join in the trashing, however, will have been interested to learn that this same decent man, in his final hours as director-general, rejected a pay-off of six months' salary, and instead (according to Lord Patten) demanded "12 months and more". Lord Patten, as chairman of the BBC Trust, quickly surrendered 12 months' worth ...

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England

The Department for Transport have published an (old) report that was used by the Minster prior to the announcement of the packages of A14 improvements earlier in the year. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a14-challenge The two documents are PDF's, and provide an insight (over a hundred pages!) into the proposed A14 improvement packages (including tolling) that the Government is proposing. While not light reading Bar Hill crops up a few times, notably at 2.3 which mentions a new Park and Ride in the Bar Hill area, similarly 2.5 speaks of changes to the Citi 5 bus service for our area (although things get better ...

Posted by Andy Pellew on Focus on Bar Hill
Wed 28th
20:46

Bonnie Dundee group

Last night, I attended the latest committee meeting of the Bonnie Dundee group, at the City Chambers. This really positive group encourages improvements to the Dundee environment and helps local groups who keep Dundee's parks, open areas, streets and gardens in good shape. I took the opportunity to highlight the new traders' association about to be launched in Perth Road and its interest in environmental improvements. Bonnie Dundee has already assisted with improvements at the Roseangle/Perth Road corner owned by Dundee West Church, at the back of DCA and at Sensation. On the group's behalf, I have asked Scottish Enterprise ...

Yesterday lunchtime, I attended the latest meeting of the Jericho House (see right) support group, a regular meeting at which a group of us discuss fundraising and other projects to support this important facility in the West End Ward, that assists those recovering from alcoholism. It was good to hear about the very positive progress on the fundraising and the new Jericho House minibus will arrive before Christmas. Jericho House's play is also making good progress with rehearsals and will be performed in February of next year.

Watching the Channel 4 News coverage of the Rotherham by-election just now, I noticed that the English Democrats' candidate is called David Wildgoose. A little googling confirms that is the same David Wildgoose who fought the 1994 by-election in the same constituency for the Liberal Democrats. He also fought Rotherham for the Liberal Democrats in the 1992 and 1997 general elections and then fought the Wentworth constituency in 2001. He reappeared as the English Democrat candidate against Nick Clegg in Sheffield Hallam at the 2010 general election.

Posted by Jonathan Calder on Liberal England

Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore has tonight emailed Liberal Democrat members to mark the launch of the Green Investment Bank. Three of the five Liberal Democrat Cabinet ministers were in Edinburgh today for the occasion: Mike, Vince Cable and Ed Davey. The email said: Earlier today I joined Vince Cable and Ed Davey in Edinburgh to give the UK Green Investment Bank (GIB) its official launch. The triumvirate of Ministers underlines that this is a Liberal Democrat-led initiative that will stimulate renewable energy innovation in the United Kingdom. With an initial budget of £3 billion – £250 million ...

Posted by Caron Lindsay on Liberal Democrat Voice

I'm afraid that the audible contents of my car, coming home from work this evening, could not be shared in mixed company. I was driving along minding my own business when Trevor Kavanagh came onto PM. Trevor Kavanagh is a very plausible smooth talker. There is one problem with him. I wouldn't trust him as far as I could throw him. He speaks on behalf of Murdoch. And notice how active the likes of Kavanagh have been recently. Notice how often the word "state" and the phrase "state-controlled press" has been repeated ad nauseam. The problem is that it is ...

Posted by Paul on Liberal Burblings

Cllr Nigel Ashton spoke at the recent meeting of Southport Area Committee to urge fellow Southport councillors to reject Sefton's proposed library closure plan. Speaking to a report that he had prepared jointly with Cllr Haydn Preece of Ainsdale and Cllr Iain Brodie Browne of Birkdale, Nigel Ashton explained how over 90% of people in Meols Ward would be more than two miles from a library if the closures went ahead. Library campaigner Cllr Nigel Ashton Here is what Cllr Nigel Ashton told the Southport Area Committee: "Thank you Chair. I want to speak specifically about Churchtown Library, but I'm ...

Posted by Nigel Ashton on Meols Lib Dems
Wed 28th
18:51

Why oh why

Reading this, I'm struck by a question or two: Is there any issue the libertarian right think can't be solved by the supposedly free market? And how many issues can be discussed by them without straw man arguments and ad hominem attacks on those who disagree with them? (I'm considering a longer post on the use of 'libertarian', but this will serve for now)

Posted by Nick on What You Can Get Away With

I'm as clueless as anyone else at the moment about what Lord Justice Leveson will recommend in his report, to be published tomorrow, on press standards in the wake of the phone-hacking scandal. I've said already I oppose any form of state regulation which would allow the government of the day, whether explicitly or (far more likely) implicitly, to interfere in the content of the free press. My co-editor Mark Pack has a different take on things here. But, regardless of whether Mark or I end up most agreeing with Lord Justice Leveson's recommendations tomorrow, two points I suspect we ...

Posted by Stephen Tall on Liberal Democrat Voice
eUKhost
Wed 28th
18:04

School stories

We know lots of local people complained about the grey bricks used for the new Emmanuel School Building, but the inside is magnificent. They have their school fair there this coming Saturday - so go along and take a peek! It is light and airy and a wonderful place for local children to get their education. The playground is pretty spectacular too! Now all that remains is to tidy up and regenerate the rest of the site including the wildlife area. The side road is to be relaid over the next 2 or 3 weeks so it will be difficult ...

Posted by Flick Rea on Fortune Green Spotlight

It was once believed in Britain that traditional conservative attitudes towards Europe, law and order, immigration, gay rights and nationalism had long been in decline amongst Britain's political parties. However over the last few months British politics has seen a resurgence of traditional conservatism. Three political parties in particular have spearheaded this resurgence. Firstly the Conservative Party, secondly and quite surprisingly the Labour Party and thirdly the UK Independence party (UKIP). This right wing shift in social policy may have grave consequences for British society and is there anyone left to make the case for a more liberal and more ...

Posted by Paul Hindley on Positive Liberty
Wed 28th
17:48

A two tree story

First - on Monday 19th November, I helped plant a new tree on West End Green to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee (actually the second tree in our area planted for the Jubilee - the other is in Hampstead Cemetery in Fortune Green Road). The tree on the Green was sponsored by local estate agents Chelsea Square (with grateful thanks) and this picture (courtesy of Jonathan from West Hampstead Life) shows Ray Jacobs of Chelsea Square and me at the very informal ceremony. It is a tree of a moderate size whose leaves will turn a spectacular red in the ...

Posted by Flick Rea on Fortune Green Spotlight

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. 100840/FO/2012/S1 6-8 ...

I've just posted a piece on Total Politics calling for the Lib Dems to stand against any state regulation of the press in response to Leveson tomorrow. You can imagine how well that has gone down with some sections of the party. It seems that there is no problem that they don't believe adding more ...

Posted by Charlotte Henry on Digital Politico

SUPPORT LOCAL TRADERS THIS CHRISTMAS! When: Saturday 8th December 2012 Where: West End Green, West End Lane and Emmanuel Church NW6 1LU.Time: From 10-4pmA seasonal mix of offerings from local people for local people - mulled wine, food, chocolate, jewellery, arts and crafts.An excellent chance to buy your Christmas presents and find out what's available in your local area.· Entertaining and exciting range of activities for young and old! In the Church there will be holly wreath making, zumba demonstrations, yoga, magician, face painting, balloon artist and fairies. Thanks to all those involved with the third local Christmas Market, especially ...

Posted by Flick Rea on Fortune Green Spotlight

 

 

Posted by The Voice on Liberal Democrat Voice
Wed 28th
16:56

Under threat?

One of my neighbours at the top end of Fortune Green always talks about "going to the village" when she is going down the hill to West End Lane. This always strikes me as charming, if a little odd, coming as I do from a proper village in the country, but I know when people talk about West Hampstead they often refer to the "villagey feel" as one of the things that make it special. And, in fact, there are those who say London is actually just a collection of villages! So West Hampstead is different from Hampstead or St ...

Posted by Flick Rea on Fortune Green Spotlight

Back in May, at the local elections, the Labour group were quick to celebrate their success at taking overall control of Sefton Council. I have posted on the, often bizarre, tactics used by Labour to maintain control by using all the powers at their disposal. The most recent example of their ruthlessness and lack of respect was the sacking of Maureen Fearn after 41 years service as a governor at Meols Cop High School. The reason given by their Cabinet Member responsible was that "consideration was be given to the overall proportional composition of the political groups on the Council ...

Posted by Mike Booth on kew focus

Next Wednesday Liberal Youth will be joined by members of Free Belarus Now to campaign for democracy and human rights in Belarus. As Liberal Youth members or readers of this blog may know, we recently ran the 'Bears For Belarus' campaign - a social media based effort to raise awareness of the situation in the ...

Posted by samuelfisk on The Libertine

Do you want to celebrate our city's diversity and help prevent Hate Crime? You can apply for a grant of up to £200 for your community group to organise an event or activity in your neighbourhood that raises awareness about Hate Crime, What it is, how to prevent it, and how to report it. To read more about Hate Crime and to apply for a grant, please complete and submit the application form On this page, the link to application form is below the question How Can I Apply? If you need help with the form to apply for ...

Thursday 29th November, Xmas Tree light switch on.  Lights being turned on by Damon, from Badly Drawn Boy. @ 6.30pm. Mince pies for everyone!Followed by carols sung by local choir GlorFrom 7pm onwards Xmas jazz on the Terrace presented by Sam Lewis Duo Late night shopping Thursdays on Beech road throughout December - 6th, 13th and 20thFarmers Market 13 December in the eveningPottery Corner are offering 2-4-1 on studio fees on Thursday evenings. 

[IMG: Electoral Commission logo] One of the key disputes over how individual electoral registration should be introduced in England, Scotland and Wales is whether having people join and leave the register regularly through the year, alongside better use of other information about people moving (e.g. prompting people who take out a new TV license to register), would mean that the once-a-year check on all addresses – the 'annual canvass' – can be dropped. The Electoral Commission has just published the results of its research into how individual electoral registration has been working in Northern Ireland since its introduction there in ...

Posted by Mark Pack on Liberal Democrat Voice

Bury Council has today published a draft Programme of Savings 2013-14 to 2014-15. Because of a number of changes it now estimates that it needs to save an extra £8.7 Million, which is on top of the £17.7 million that was included in its current three year plan for savings. The full copy of the paper is here. We (opposition councillors) have only been given this today, but from what I have seen so far this include: - £700,000 extra fees and charges - £820,000 of staff reductions (not filling vacant posts) - £800,000 of changes in terms and conditions ...

Posted by timpickstone on Tim Pickstone

My MP, Dr Philip Lee has been using the bully pulpit of his office to argue that those who suffer from "lifestyle illnesses" such as those that are correlated with drinking and diet like type 2 diabetes should have their right to free prescriptions removed. Said the good doctor: 'If you want to have doughnuts for breakfast, lunch and dinner, fine, but there's a cost.' This is the sort of thing that to some might seem reasonable at first glance but quickly unravels as soon as you start to look at the detail. Firstly, how on Earth do you prove ...

Posted by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson

Today's Guardian contains a compelling account of much frantic behind-the-scenes activity to bring the nationalist parties within the UK Conservative Party's umbrella so as to get electorally important boundary changes through the House of Commons. The paper says that David Cameron is still determined to force through the boundary changes next year so as to reduce both the number of seats in parliament and in particular the number of Labour MPs, (by about 30), in the face of opposition from Nick Clegg. They say that the Prime Minister appears to be promising more devolved powers to Northern Ireland and Wales ...

Posted by Peter Black on Peter Black

The outcome of the EU budget summit last week was not as bad as it could have been. Cameron did not wield his veto, as he was threatening to just a few days before. And while EU Leaders did not reach a final agreement, progress was made towards reaching a compromise at the next Council meeting in early 2013. Crucially, the UK was able to drum up support for a real-terms freeze amongst like-minded member states such as Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. This is in stark contrast to our self-imposed isolation following Cameron's blocking of EU-wide treaty change last ...

Posted by Paul Haydon on Liberal Democrat Voice

Cornwall councillors today opposed a plan by the Tory-led council to cut the amount paid in council tax benefits to some of the poorest families in Cornwall. The Corporate Resources scrutiny committee was discussing the council's plan of how to replace the current council tax benefit scheme, responsibility for which is being passed to local authorities. The proposal from the Conservatives was to force non-pensioner households who currently get council tax benefit to pay at least 25% of the bill in future. Council tax benefit is a means tested benefit which is only given to the poorest households in Cornwall. ...

Posted by Alex Folkes on A Lanson Boy

A very sensible twist on the long-running differentiation debate: Lib dems approach speaker to see if nick clegg can make a separate commons statement on Leveson tomorrow, if necessary. — Patrick Wintour (@patrickwintour) November 28, 2012

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack
Wed 28th
13:11

Crisps and Sandwiches

At the end of the Earl of Sandwich's speech last Thursday on the Millennium Development programme, before he gave way to Lord Crisp, the printed Hansard records the following: "I was going to say a word about health targets, but in this environment, it seems very appropriate that a Crisp should replace a Sandwich." Yes, it appears in ITALICS. I have never seen such splendid presentation of a joke, even as good as one as this, in the Hansard for either House. The rules by which the wonderful composers of the Official Report operate are usually very comprehensive and very ...

Posted by Lord Tyler on Lords of the Blog » Lord Tyler

Simon Hughes said this year, "We are near to the end of the opportunity of being able to get a peaceful two-state solution because of the extent of the settlements. The separation of Gaza from the West Bank and the increasing encroachment of the settlements mean that an alternative to the two-state model must be explored. We need to be honest and realistic about having a Plan B and a Plan C as well as a Plan A, as an international community." Lib Dem policy supports a two state solution. Outlined here is what I believe the International community could ...

Posted by Joe Bourke on Liberal Democrat Voice

A Haringey Liberal Democrats story brings the news: Just 58% of children in Haringey go to a good or outstanding primary school compared to 92% in Camden, 91% in Barnet and 89% in Islington.The figures are laid out in a report by Ofsted that compared schools across the country and show Haringey is third worst council in London for primary schools. Figures for secondary schools also show Haringey behind neighbouring areas although the gap is smaller than for primaries... Cllr Katherine Reece, Liberal Democrat spokesperson on children and education comments: Parents rightly want the best education for their children and ...

Posted by Mark Pack on Mark Pack

Dawn Barr, 41, has been charged with the murder of Darren Orrett, 32, who died from a stab wound to the neck. Dawn Barr lives on John Avenue, Cheadle. Darren Orrett was stabbed at the house on John Avenue around 11.30pm on 20th November 2012.

Posted by Iain Roberts on Keith Holloway, Iain Roberts & Pam King

Police are urging residents to make sure they leave their houses secure during the school run, after 14 burglaries and attempted burglaries across Cheadle, Gatley and Bramhall. Burglars have hit Lorna Grove, Altrincham Road and Belmont Road in Gatley, and Gatley Road, High Grove Road and Ashfield Road in Cheadle. Not all the burglaries have been during the morning or afternoon school run, but Inspector Steve Gilbertson is saying that time is increasinlgly common. The MEN has the full story.

Posted by Iain Roberts on Keith Holloway, Iain Roberts & Pam King
Wed 28th
12:01

On Sir Cyril Smith

So the Crown Prosecution Service have said that a dead, former Lib Dem MP, Sir Cyril Smith OBE, should have been charged with abusing children while he was still alive. The reason he wasn't charged, apparently, was because police at the time effectively assumed that an MP couldn't possibly have done anything wrong and that the alleged victims making the allegations were liars. And of course this has kicked up a big mess for Liberal Democrats (and the police and the CPS) given that, if the alleged victims are telling the truth, this was a prominent MP who was allowed ...

Posted by George W. Potter on The Potter Blogger

In July this year, I spoke at the 25th Privacy Laws Annual Conference. One of the things I most love doing is causing an audience to gasp with shock. I was asked about how businesses should best go about protecting the privacy of the customers - somewhat provocatively I replied "Why should they? Customers don't care." I then showed them the Twitter feed of @NeedADebitCard - all it does is retweet people who have taken a photo of their debit or credit card and then posted it onto Twitter. Like so... Cute new bank card http://t.co/1jWuUbql Getting a debit/credit card ...

Posted by Terence Eden on Terence Eden has a Blog

Every week Liberal Democrat Secretary of State for Scotland Michael Moore writes a column for newspapers in his Borders constituency. Here's this week's edition. David Steel book launch Last week I attended the launch of the latest biography of David Steel in Westminster, this one written by David Torrance. At the event I was pleased to be able to thank David publicly for the support and inspiration he has been to me over the years. The book, to which I contributed the foreword (but otherwise none of the writing or research!) is certainly a testament to all David has achieved ...

Posted by Michael Moore MP on Liberal Democrat Voice

I've already half-nailed my colours to the mast on Leveson. First, I am opposed to any form of state regulation of the press. Secondly, to those who argue that 'state underpinning of en independent regulator' is entirely different, I'm eager to find out details of what that actually means in practice. In today's Guardian, John Kampfner has a terrific article underscoring the liberal argument for maintaining a free press, and rightly critiquing those so-called progressive voices urging regulation: I suspect some of those around Leveson, and around the Hacked Off campaign really do cavil at the thought of an impolite ...

Posted by Stephen Tall on Stephen Tall

I wrote this piece to appear in the "opinion" section of the Manchester Evening News on Monday, but they refused to print it. The MEN is owned by Trinity Mirror. Tell me what you think? Were they right to censor ... Continue reading →

Posted by John Leech MP on John Leech MP

The British constitution is a curious beast. It can lie slumbering for many years, hardly changing at all and then suddenly change quite radically. We have seen this happen with events such as votes for women and the devolution of power to Scotland, Wales and London. What seemed fixed and permanent turned out not to be so after all. We may be slowly moving towards such a turning point with the current situation in the Church of England. This week the church voted not to allow women bishops. There has been lots of sound and fury from members of the ...

Posted by Mark Thompson on Mark Thompson

On 13th November Lib Dem Voice covered an article by Paul Waugh in the Spectator which publicised allegations of child abuse against the former Liberal MP Sir Cyril Smith. Yesterday the Crown Prosecution Service issued a statement about Cyril Smith. It begins by describing decisions that were made in 1970 about a file of evidence handed to the Crown Prosecution Service. The file, from Lancashire Constabulary, contained allegations made by eight men that they had been subjected to indecent assaults by Cyril Smith as teenagers. The allegations were very similar in nature, and were allegedly conducted on the pretexts of ...

Posted by The Voice on Liberal Democrat Voice

As I tweeted last night: Chris Patten pwns Philip Davies here RT @gdnpolitics: A duel of two Tories turns on Patten put-down for a pit bull bit.ly/TkjXf9 — Stephen Tall (@stephentall) November 27, 2012 Simon Hoggart's sketch — which is brilliant not least for being a near-transcript — captures the theatre of the confrontation between old school Tory, Lord Patten, and the nu-skool Tory, Philip Davies: Mr Davies started by demanding how much the resignation of George Entwhistle had cost. (Plenty). Then he got on to the interviews Lord Patten had given. He had gone on the Andrew Marr show. ...

Posted by Stephen Tall on Stephen Tall
Wed 28th
09:24

Wordless Wednesday

 

Posted by Trisha xx on ripplestone review

David Cameron is expected to shortly unveil his plans for minimum alcohol pricing, expected to be between 45p and 50p per unit. The fact is that, while this is a plan to deal with binge drinking, it's not a good idea. Punishing the responsible majority for the actions of an irresponsible minority is not the liberal way and this is, quite simply, a badly thought-through plan. I am a student. Like most students, I live mostly off money I'm given by the government in the form of student loans. Like most students, I typically spend maybe two or three nights ...

Just because a nettle is thorny doesn't mean it shouldn't be grasped. It is commendable, therefore, that a few months ago an article appeared on the Libertine. It argued that the status quo on tuition fees should be backed in our next election manifesto. This is my riposte. In my opinion, our current policy of ...

Posted by redmends on The Libertine

David Cameron threw away the best programme to get youths into jobs | Liberal Conspiracy (tags: ) EPBOT: Toy Catalog Goes "Gender Neutral" - Looks "Normal" To Me! An update on the story I linked to yesterday (tags: ) Too many reasons why On the hashtag #1reasonwhy which is doing the rounds about why and how women are excluded from tech industries. (tags: ) Iain Duncan Smith's Question Time lies exposed « Vox Political (tags: ) Disestablishment of the Church of England may be closer than we think (tags: ) Man Invites Virtual Girlfriend To Real Life Wedding Bride has ...

As Chair of Kingston Liberal Democrats I do have to declare an interest in this advert.... For full details on how to apply please go the Lib Dem members' website. The Local Party Executives of Kingston Borough and Twickenham & Richmond Liberal Democrats invite applications for selection as Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for the constituency of RICHMOND PARK. Completed applications must be received by the Returning Officer by noon on Friday 14 December 2012. Richmond Park is one of the most high profile constituencies in the country and a key Conservative/Liberal Democrat marginal that is a top priority for the Regional ...

Posted by Mary Reid on Liberal Democrat Voice
Wed 28th
07:33

The Story of Christmas

It's nearly December, which means that in our house it's time to get out the snowman, fill him with chocolates and count off the days until Christmas Day. Jane and the girls made him one afternoon many years ago out of a plastic bottle, cornflakes box and cotton wool and love. Although he's a little tatty around the edges these days (a bit like me really) he still appears every year. Advent really wouldn't be the same without him. [IMG: The Story of Christmas Advent Calendar and Homemade Snowman] The Story of Christmas Advent Calendar and Homemade Snowman But this ...

Don't forget Faith, Pride, and Chat, our informal social evening, is taking place on Friday, 30 November at 7 p.m in St George's Church on High Street. More detail.... At 8 p.m., also in St George's, there will be a short service for World AIDS Day. The service will begin promptly at eight o'clock in ...

Posted by Andrew McFarland Campbell on Faith and Pride

Dear friends, This year's Raising and Giving initiative, organised by Dundee University Students' Association in partnership with Cash for Kids to the benefit of the Tayside Children with Cancer and Leukaemia Lodge charity, has launched a custom made line of Christmas cards (see designs below!) The cards can be bought in shops on campus, ordered online at www.dusa.co.uk/shop the price of £4 per pack of 6 cards. Bulk orders over 5 packs can be made by emailing vpsa@dusa.co.uk, and we will ensure their delivery to your location. Birthday cards are also available for purchase at £6 per pack of 10 ...

Wed 28th
05:54

Days 5 & 6

At this point, it's pretty clear that I need to stop pretending that I'm participating in a running "streak," considering that I also missed yesterday's run. (For the record, I ran 1.5 miles tonight before hitting the gym. It was cold but DRY outside and I had to give my brand new "I cashed in all of my Amazon points, so it was free" Garmin 610 a workout!) I CAN, however, tell you that I was significantly more sore after the Seattle Half (or as my friend quite accurately described it, the "racewhereyourunupallthegoddamnhills") than I was after my first marathon! ...

Posted by Joyce on Joyce Goes for a Run

Content note: contains facetious discussion of rape, rape culture, victim blaming. Also racism. Also generally the sorts of things the Telegraph endorses these days. I'm going to link to a blog post. Feel free to not click the link if you don't want to. Free doubly free to stop reading the post at any time if you do click through. And be warned: the comments section is a particular toxic one and the standard advice about internet comments sections apply. Ready? Sweden's insane anti-discrimination laws have created a generation of lost women. Ye-ah. Anyhoo, even though it is a blog ...

Posted by Debi on Thagomizer.net

Doug Saunders is a Canadian journalist based in London. In this book he takes apart the mythology, current in both Europe and North America, that Muslim immigration threatens Western culture. The book is divided into four sections: In the first titled 'Popular Fiction' he examines the mythology as it is presented by various right-wing ideologues ...

Posted by Mira on Mira's Picture