Often enough on night shift, waiting for my time on the well, one would be watching a bit of television while onboard the Norwegian rigs, after midnight and into the wee small hours of the morning. During that time, I did notice a lot of adverts for gambling websites. Some would be in Norwegian but the vast majority would be in English. Since becoming suddenly unbusy, following the serious downturn in the oil industry, I have been watching rather more television at home. It is only now that I have become aware of the amount of gambling advertising on UK ...
I've not done one of these in a while, and have about a million tabs open. Proper post tomorrow... Some suggestions on how to improve Twitter A good piece by a Labour MP laying out the arguments for basic income. ... Continue reading →
UPDATED DETAILS. Conservative seat. Cause: Resignation. LD candidate- June Kyte. Contact for helpers: Tessa Munt on 01934 440639 or text 07714 599669 or email tessa.in.touch@gmail.com.
The chaos in the car park of Maghull Town Hall and Meadows Leisure Centre around 7.15 tonight had to be seen to be believed. Grid lock was reached as far too many cars were trying to get in and indeed out. [IMG: Maghull Town Hall] The trouble was a double booking by Maghull Town Council of its Function Room involving Maghull Wind Orchestra and a Rotary Club dinner. The Wind Orchestra had to vacate the premises that they usually practice in each Tuesday evening hence the chaos. There are a lot of them with a lot of gear. 80 can ...
A short and sweet selection. People who favour places that end in -ster will find it particularly enjoyable.
Embed from Getty Images "When my information changes, I alter my conclusions. What do you do, sir?" asked Keynes. And there is no greater praise in modern politics than to call a policy "evidence-based". But does political argument really work like that? I think not. An article on the British Psychological Society's Research Digest blog today analyses a study published in the journal Discourse Processes: The researchers assessed 120 student participants for their prior knowledge and attitudes to genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and their need for dietary purity, measured by items like "I often think about the lasting effects of ...
Tue 23rd
19:32
Nicola Davies selected by Lib Dems for Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner contest
[IMG: Nicola Davies] Nicola Davies has been selected by the Liberal Democrats as their candidate for the Warwickshire Police & Crime Commissioner post. The Warwickshire county councillor has been a member of the Warwickshire police and crime panel for the past three years. She said: "My priories are retaining front line police numbers and neighbourhood visibility, improving detection and conviction rates and creating a victims charter. "I will offer a clear and independent minded approach, supporting the professionalism of all police staff whilst providing a strong challenge to the Chief Constable when performance isn't up to scratch." [Stratford Observer] For ...
Tue 23rd
19:32
Cat named after Nottingham Forest legend Brian Clough becomes celebrity - by visiting his local pub
The Nottingham Post wins our Headline of the Day Award by a distance: The feline takes himself down to the Blue Bell pub in Sandiacre at around 7pm each night and has become such a hit with regulars and staff that he has his own stool and a stash of kitty treats behind the bar. Brian particularly enjoys Monday's quiz nights and Wednesday's darts - where he helps himself to the leftover cheese cobs and pork pies. Now the seven-year-old moggy has even got his own Facebook page, with a helping paw from his owners.
A really lovely story, this, of three parallel narratives of lonely people finding their own paths in an Appalachian backwater community, the three stories turning out to be closely linked together (in a gutwrenching but joyful revelation on page 400). Lots of lovely observations about nature and human nature, with the core character a half-Palestinian, half-Polish widow who realises that she can adapt to her new environment and make it adapt to her. I was unaware that the American chestnut was all but wiped out by imported fungus in the early twentieth century; one of Kingsolver's characters is striving to ...
Just a wall of noise. Where's the tune? Everything turned up so high you can't hear anything. They can't sing. They can't play. You can't dance to it. You can't sing along with the chorus. All that violence and devil stuff - it's just about teenagers trying to look cool. Nobody can really like that rubbish. It's just something for deluded 'rebels' and knuckle-dragging morons. How can you listen to 'that stuff'? It's just not very good. It's not really 'music'. All the kind of stuff that heavy metal fans hear regularly when they start to talk about the kind ...
Liverpool presses to part-fund HS2 extension ResPublica* has drawn up a plan for the six authorities of the Liverpool city region, which would see them part-fund a £3bn extension of HS2 so that it would reach the city. Financial Times ran this story today * We [ResPublica] are an independent non-partisan think tank based in Westminster that seeks to establish a new economic, social and cultural settlement for the United Kingdom. Our interventions in public policy and public debate have been decisive, and our ideas have been adopted by politicians of all parties. With thanks to Cllr. John Dodd for ...
I've been asked to publicise Watling Wood's bid for your votes in the Tesco "Bags of Help Scheme". I'm happy to do that, and publicise anyone else's local scheme if they get in touch. [IMG: vote for watling wood 001 (1)] Great news...there is some money waiting to be won which can be used to help improve Watling Wood, tidy up around the ponds, and even put in a pond dipping platform so our kids can get nice and mucky looking for bugs. But we (Leadgate Partnership and Groundwork Trust) need your help. You know all the money Tesco make ...
More educative entertainment from Tom Scott: Welcome to Innovative Space Logistics, in the Netherlands: they invited me inside their clean room to see an actual CubeSat satellite that's going into space soon!
I went along to TfGM's annual budget briefing event at Manchester Town Hall today. It's a meeting for the public to find out more about the budget, but with only 20-30 of the 2.7 million Greater Manchester residents in attendance, there were questions about how well publicised and promoted it had been. However, that aside it was a useful meeting, with the budget presented over the first half hour and then another 30 minutes or so for questions. The total day-to-day spending budget (i.e. not the big investment projects) for TfGM comes to a little over £270 million for 2016/17. ...
Taking charge of the Stay in the EU campaign, David Cameron was accused of using the politics of fear: claiming Britain will have greater security staying in, while leaving would expose us to unknown hazards. It's ironic, though, that his actions caused an astonishing split even in his own Cabinet. Are the British people expected to feel safe and secure while seeing our Government and the ruling Party split from top to bottom? How much effective business can such a Government enact in the next fraught few months? Meantime our own Party has had its share of turmoil and trauma ...
"Why are the Tories writing to us?" groaned my husband as he brought the post through this morning. Getting to the doormat before the dog is a daily challenge in our house. Remember how, before the General Election, the Tories carpet bombed their target constituencies with direct mail creating fear of a pact between Ed Miliband and the SNP? You almost expected them to say that they had evidence that Ed and Eck had done a deal with the Loch Ness Monster to crash the stock exchange after locating Trident to a lake in David Cameron's constituency. It was all ...
There is an interesting column by Mary O'Hara in today's Guardian on how President Obama is seeking to tackle homelessness in the United States. Having had a few City holidays in the USA I have witnessed the phenomena she describes of 'people living visibly on the streets and in "tent cities"'. It is very disturbing and it is clear that at a state and City level Government in the States there has been a failure to get to grips with this issue. Of course the USA does not have the safety nets that exist in the UK, but even here ...
I guess Farage and his motley crew are working on the basis that if they keep repeating nonsense people will come to accept it is true. .One particular oft repeated bit of nonsense is that in 1975 we were asked to join a free trade area and not a wider political project. I was about in those days and I have checked my recollections (it is never wise to rely on one's memory) Reader may not know that we left a free trade area EFTA to join the wider political project of Europe. This was not done underhand it was ...
Some important centenaries are marked in 2016 but for Liberals perhaps the most intriguing centenary of all is the one that marks the start of Lloyd George's term as Prime Minister. But Lloyd George's legacy is in danger because the Welsh museum dedicated to him might soon have to close. Gwynedd Lib Dem Cllr Steve Churchman and his colleagues have been valiantly fighting the closure due to a loss of grant of a mere £27,000. They point out what would be an incalculable loss to their community. We should surely all support their bid to save a precious slice of ...
There are many arguments concerning why the UK should remain a member of the European Union that I have been waiting for David Cameron to use for months now. But he finally used one in particular yesterday for the first time. It's a simple one: if we voted to leave in the referendum, it wouldn't be us out of the whole thing and clear the next day. What would begin instead at that point is a two-year period of renegotiation with the EU on what Brexit actually would mean in practice. It spells out just how much voting to leave ...
www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-35576892?SThisFB The BBC web site has the story – see link above [IMG: At speed] At speed, on a Hornby tinplate OO gauge layout in Maghull Town Hall not so long ago. It was only recently that I carried the story about the Hornby Company's trading problems but things are clearly moving on and possibly in a positive direction. Having lived in the town (Maghull – I lived there for 43 years) where Frank Hornby lived for most of his adult life, being a model railway enthusiast and as a Trustee of Maghull based Frank Hornby Trust means this is ...
Tue 23rd
12:01
Resilient Ludlow: We are embarking on an ambitious new project for young people next week
The countdown is on. From April Fool's Day 2017, Shropshire Council is predicting that it will no longer be able to fund youth services in the county. Even if it can find money, it will not be enough to fund youth support at the level we are used to or that we need. The future... Continue reading Resilient Ludlow: We are embarking on an ambitious new project for young people next week →
On a bleak windswept desolate morning in mid February, I walked through puddles of mud whilst alongside me a community of refugees, desperate to re-start their lives, remain near the French /UK border hoping to escape the situation and get to the UK, or some other place of sanctuary. I visited along with my Lib Dem colleague Councillor David Chalmers. I'm left wondering what will become to all those that I met this weekend. I believe in showing humanity, care and love for our fellow citizens wherever they come from in the world, especially those escaping from lives of persecution, ...
I want my Grandson, Jonah, and all the children of Liverpool to have a fine quality education in our City's education service Today's speech by the Chief Inspector of Schools, Sir Michael Wilshaw, has shown that Liverpool's Education system is ... Continue reading →
[IMG: cctv ] It is proposed that an Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) camera will be installed near one of the main routes into Hythe in order to increase coverage within the area. This is something that police forces intend to do countywide. ANPRs are used to help to detect, deter and disrupt criminality including tackling travelling criminals, organised crime groups and terrorists and they are used to assist with evidence in the investigation of crime. Community engagement regarding the roll out of cameras is necessary prior to installation being approved. If you would like offer any views on the ...
The House of Commons is rarely as packed as it was yesterday afternoon for Prime Minister David Cameron's statement on the EU Council, from which he had brought back a deal which he feel means Britons should vote to remain in the European Union. Dozens of MPs were left standing as the entertainment began. I [...]
With its drive towards the market, the government's higher education green paper risk undermining the public and educational benefits of universities. Back in November, the higher education green paper fell on universities like a brick in a pond on a quiet day. From its envisaged reforms of governance and regulation, its plans to promote greater competition between private providers and public universities, and its proposals for a Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), the green paper signals ever greater marketisation of higher education. Debates ensued, opinion pieces were penned, and formal responses to the consultation were drafted and redrafted. Since mid-January, the ...
Tue 23rd
10:41
The Independent View: Norman Lamb and Liberalism - a conversation at the Institute of Economic Affai...
2015 was a tale of two leadership elections, with the Liberal Democrat debate between Tim Farron and Norman Lamb overshadowed by the seismic shift in the Labour Party. But while Jeremy Corbyn winning the Labour leadership has led to a fundamental debate on the future of the Labour Party, the victory of Tim Farron may prove the more important - particularly if the time comes for the Liberal Democrats to seize back the liberal mantle in British politics. The Liberal Democrats, like the Liberals before them, have always held a useful counter-balancing position, able to simultaneously attack Labour for their ...
The motion going to the Liberal Democrat spring conference titled 'Electing diverse MPs' contains a wide range of recommendations for the Liberal Democrats to improve our diversity and generally they cover the full range of diversity strands, such as: Create a "2020 Candidate Diversity Task Force" to co-ordinate party-wide efforts to actively recruit parliamentary candidates from under-represented groups from both inside and outside the Party. and As a minimum the three state parties should follow the Canadian Liberal Party practice of requiring the relevant Local Party to provide documented evidence to their region or state (as relevant) of a thorough ...
[IMG: William Cotter VC] A SERVICE OF COMMEMORATION AND UNVEILING OF THE PAVER For the life and sacrifice of Corporal William Cotter VC 6th Battalion The Buffs (East Kent Regiment) & Former resident of the Parish of Sandgate. Sunday 6th March 2016 1:45pm: Service at St Paul's Church, Sandgate 3pm: Unveiling of the Paver at the War Memorial EVERYONE IS WELCOME Free Car Parking at Saga, Enbrook Park (by kind permission of Saga plc) and Castle Road Car Park (by kind permission of Shepway District Council). Published and promoted by Tim Prater, 98a Sandgate High Street, Folkestone, CT20 3BYPrinted (hosted) ...
miss_s_b | The Blood is the Life for 22-02-2016 posted The Blood is the Life for 22-02-2016 on #dreamwidth Instagram *headdesk* The In Campaign really is screwed, isn't it? The man who made 'the worst video game in history' - BBC News The Man who wrote the worst video game of all time Untitled Disgusting ruling from a court in New York. This can't be left to the Tory party - it's everyone's country at stake | Andrew Rawnsley | Opinion | The Guardian RT @nwbrux: This can't be left to the Tory party - it's everyone's country at ...
Tue 23rd
09:58
Local Businessman and Councillor selected to fight Police and Crime Commissioner Election
[IMG: Dave Naghi] Local Businessman and long serving Maidstone Borough Councillor Dave Naghi has been selected by the Liberal Democrats to contest the forthcoming election for Kent's Police and Crime Commissioner. Dave has been a Borough Councillor for East Ward for 14 years and is currently a member of the Licensing Committee and a trustee of the Cutbush and Corrall Almshouses. He has a keen interest in youth issues and is Chairman of Maidstone Sea Cadets, and a member of the Kent Playing Fields Association and has had a long association with the Howard De Walden Youth Centre. He is ...
The Council is to begin consultation this week on proposals to extend the 20mph zone to the 'Heaton Park' area of Prestwich – this is the wide area bordered by Bury Old Road, Heywood Road and Whittaker Lane. – establish an area-wide 20mph zone with signing at all boundary points; – install 75mm high speed cushions (singly or in pairs) on Holyrood Road, Heys Road, St Austell's Drive, Orange Hill Road, Hampden Road, Heaton Street, Bailey Street and Newton Street; (But ONLY 13 to cover the whole area). – introduce "dummy" speed cushions on Hastings Road, Bailey Street, Kenyon Lane, ...
Have woken up this morning with both nose and eyes doing impressions of Bathtaps. I did not know it was physically possible for so much liquid to be produced by one respiratory system. I am oozing horrifically. I am very glad that I work in a business where I can do my job without having to infect other people, or even get out of bed if it should prove necessary to stay there. I don't have the fuggy head that often comes with a cold, but the snot production is unbelievable. I think I might have picked up Forrin Germs ...
Three new planning applications have been received in Holyrood Ward as below: Application Number: 59730 Registration Date: 08/02/2016 Location: 5 Roseland Drive, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2GX Proposal: Loft conversion with dormers at side and rear Application Number: 59718 Registration Date: 03/02/2016 Location: 26 Brooklawn Drive, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2GS Proposal: Two storey extension at side and single storey extension at rear to incorporate existing outbuilding; Front porch/single storey extension; Loft conversion with rear dormer Application Number: 59711 Registration Date: 02/02/2016 Location: 1 St Josephs Avenue, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6NT Proposal: Single storey extension at side and rear C Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you require further information or ...
As residents are aware, I recently undertook a visit to the composting operation at the Riverside Civic Amenity site, following complaints from residents to the north of the site last year about bad odours emanating from the area. I have now been given a useful update on the actions the City Council is taking to hopefully ensure the issue is not repeated this year - as follows: "... following on from our site visit we have had an on site visit from a technical consultant from the accreditation body regarding our composting process. Following that meeting we are proposing the ...
The office of the Greater Manchester Police and Crime Commissioner has three funding schemes available this year which local groups can apply for. A total of £900,000 is available. Community groups and organisations are invited to bid for funding that aims to build strong neighbourhoods, boost volunteering and empower young people. There are three funding pots available: – Commissioner's Neighbourhood Fund (£200,000): Grants up to £1000 are available for projects aimed at reducing demand on policing services, building safer neighbourhoods, increasing neighbourliness and encouraging communities to help themselves and others. – Active Citizen's Fund (£200,000): Grants up to £5,000 for ...
Tue 23rd
07:15Ludford Bridge to be closed for up to a month after being hit by reversing truck (new photos)
One of the main routes in and out of Ludlow, Ludford Bridge was damaged on Sunday night, when it was hit by a reversing truck that had tried to get up Lower Broad Street. The damage to the bridge is much worse (see photos below) that I thought when I visited in the early hours... Continue reading Ludford Bridge to be closed for up to a month after being hit by reversing truck (new photos) →
EU, U.S. Envoys: Macedonia Not Ready For 'Credible' Elections Strong stuff. (tags: macedonia ) Eight hours in airport detention for wanting to talk about a course? Welcome to the UK Britain's war on clever foreigners. (tags: ukpolitics migration ) order amid chaos What order should you watch the episodes of The Prisoner in? (tags: sf ) How to register your vote in the UK ...including if you left less than 15 years ago (alas, I left in 1997). (tags: ukpolitics ) Boris is a copper bottomed, double dealing hypocritical little shit. But what do you really think, @jerryhayes1? (tags: eu ...
