The Jelling Stones, thousand-year-old Viking runestones, sit in the town of Jelling in Denmark. They tell the tale of Harald Bluetooth: one of the first kings of Denmark. Here's why his name is on your phone.
Note that in 1983 North London Line trains still terminated at Broad Street. I photographed that long lost terminus too and will share my shots with you one day.
Embed from Getty Images The psychologists Steve Reicher and Alex Haslam discussed the appeal of Donald Trump to his supporters for the Scientific American: A Trump rally involved much more than just a Trump speech. Important though his words were (and we will look at them in some detail), it is even more essential to look at the event as a performance of a particular worldview. Once again, the charge of irrationalism can serve to obscure; for if we view Trump crowds as mindless mobs led by primitive urges and stirred up by a narcissistic demagogue, it impairs our ability ...
My second-paragraph-of-third-chapter policy faces a challenge here! There are several interpretations. Second frame of third page Second frame of third chapter Second frame of Part III Gosh, the Eighties were different, weren't they? This is a classic graphic story of a man bringing down the autocratic society that Moore envisaged coming by 1998, after global war and Fascist takeover in Britain. I hadn't read it before, but I know Watchmen well (and am re-reading it this year with a group of friends on Facebook) and got through the first half of From Hell when it first came out, but haven't ...
Fri 3rd
19:58
Merseyrail – So just why has public sector body Merseytravel decided there will be no Guards o...
I have been pondering about the recent announcement that the new Merseyrail trains will operate without train guards yet the more I read about the project the less clear the answers become. Take the latest issue of RAIL magazine, which leads on the £460m fleet renewal. It quotes two significant things. Firstly it says 'It's implementation [ i.e. no guards on the new trains] was also a key recommendation made by the Rail Accident Investigation Branch, following a fatal incident at James Street Station in 2011 that resulted in the conviction of a train guard for manslaughter by gross negligence.' ...
Fri 3rd
19:21
Conservative Home forecasts advances for the Liberal Democrats in May's local elections
Their headline is: The coming local elections. Watch for a satisfied May, a beleaguered Corbyn...and a smug Farron But then it is one of those irregular verbs: I am pleased, you are self-satisfied, he is smug. So ignore that and cut to the chase: Then, of course, there are the Lib Dems. A Labour loss is not always the same thing as a Conservative gain. I suspect Labour will take a huge beating from everyone on May 4th - Conservatives, Lib Dems, UKIP, SNP, Plaid... But the Lib Dems pose a threat to the Conservatives too. In Cornwall the Lib ...
Last night saw another amazing gain for the Lib Dems resulting in our first new councillor in Rotherham since 2000! In Rotherham there were two seats up for contention - one a Labour seat and another for UKIP. Both changed hands. In Brinsworth & Catcliffe, Lib Dem Dr Adam Carter has three simple messages which were repeated throughout the literature and scripts for doorstep and phone canvassing. Adam lives locally in Brinsworth He works as an NHS doctor The Lib Dem Team are fighting for a new school The Labour vote went down an astonishing 26.2% from 2016 local elections ...
UPDATE: I have been offered a room. YAY! I've got a full day's Lib Demmery at HQ on the Saturday, and a place to kip would be most excellent! *ingratiating smile* (in case you're wondering why I keep asking this, it's because while the party's expenses structure WILL allow me to get a bed in London, the cap is so absurdly low, the only central London place I could actually kip in is one of those 12-tiny-beds-to-a-room dormitory places, and I'm not overly comfortable with the idea of that. So, you know, pathetic gratitude usually ensues for people who take ...
We have been trying (so far without success) to replace the ramp and steps at Clarence Park. Sadly we have been very badly let down by our contractor and our agent and this will impact on our future choices of expert. We are still trying to resolve the issue but it is proving very difficult. [...]
When our party, and the wider movement of people in our country who are broadly liberal, is at its best we are: understanding, tolerant, empathetic and open. But there are times when some people "on our side" are less than that. There are some people who do not understand the difference between robustly defending an idea and being rude. I know the aggression of the other side. I know all about the trolling and harassment on social media. In my years as a candidate I have had hate mail, someone follow me at night, silent phone calls and been signed ...
They say you shouldn't write for publication when you're angry – so I shouldn't be writing this. But I am. Today I got a "consultation letter" inviting me to comment on some more street lights the council wants to remove to cut its electricity bill. What made me angry was that they've never taken a blind bit of notice of anything I've responded to on this subject before – so in my book "consulting" me is an insult. It's just like any other "consultation" process where it's a case of going through the motions, filling up ring-binders with comments that ...
[IMG: a] Last night saw another amazing gain for the Lib Dems resulting in our first new councillor in Rotherham since 2000! In Rotherham there were two seats up for contention – one a Labour seat and another for UKIP. Both changed hands. In Brinsworth & Catcliffe, Lib Dem Dr Adam Carter has three simple messages which were repeated [...]
There is a real sadness across Scotland today at the loss of a wonderful young man. Gordon Aikman was the Research Director of the Better Together campaign when he was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease in the Summer of 2014. We all hoped that he would defy the odds and, like Stephen Hawking, still be there in his 70s. Sadly that was not to be as his death was announced this morning. I only met him a few times. The first was at some reception organised by our Conference commercial people in Edinburgh a few months before he was diagnosed. ...
Former Lib Dem International Development Minister Lindsay Northover has been writing for Politics Home about the benefits for both recipients and us at home in the UK of our international aid budget. This is very important to read when it is clear that this is the next target of the right wing media and political types. She wrote of the impact on disease prevention: Since 2000 and the adoption of the Millennium Development Goals, the world achieved its commitment to halve extreme poverty. The Sustainable Development Goals adopted globally in 2015 aim to eradicate extreme poverty by 2030, leaving no ...
Crossens Saturday, 11th February, St John's Primary School, Rufford Road, Crossens, from 11am to 12noon. Churchtown Thursday, 23rd February, BoxTree Kitchen for Queenscourt café, Manor Road/Cambridge Road, roundabout, from 10:30am to 11:30am.
Context The Liberal Democrats have tabled an amendment to the European Union (Notification of Withdrawal) Bill. This legislation was introduced by the government in response to the adverse judgment in Miller v Secretary of State for Exiting the European Union, in which the Supreme Court concluded that Parliamentary authorisation was required before the Prime Minister could, in the terms of Article 50 (2) TEU "notify the European Council of its intention" to withdraw from the EU. The proposed amendment would require the United Kingdom and Gibraltar to hold a referendum on the "exit package proposed by HM Government at conclusion ...
[IMG: abandoned-car-at-sandy-ln-pk-30-01-16] A couple of residents have mentioned this to me in the last few days. My understanding is that Merseyside Police will be arranging for it to be collected and disposed of but I am not aware of a timescale for this to happen yet.
Can you imagine how you'd feel, waking up on the 24th February, to hear the BBC headline 'In what is being seen as a stunning boost to the hard Brexit campaign, Paul Nuttall, the leader of UKIP, sensationally snatched the seat of Stoke-on-Trent Central from a disintegrating Labour party. Nigel Farage is now live.' I'd feel utterly gutted. The Tories, with Labour's acquiescence, are already following the UKIP line closely enough, without an extra UKIP MP. I've been talking to people in Stoke, and looking at the figures. Labour are in massive trouble there. It's more than a decade since ...
Crosby Scouts certainly know how to through a party. They held a brilliant fundraiser for Burn's Night complete with haggis, piper, dance band and more tartan on display than will be evident at Murrayfield this weekend. I was greatly impressed by the contribution the Explorer Scouts made. Not only did they throw themselves enthusiastically into the dancing but the quietly and efficiently served the food and washed up afterwards.The local Alsop drama group told the story of Robbie Burn's -which was clearly a revelation to some sassanachs it followed by a Ceilidh . The event was held at Sacred Heart ...
I was delighted to be invited to Diana Beldam's 100th Afternoon Tea Party at the Soroptimist House in Southport. There was a great turnout and the members laid on a memorable spread to mark the occasion. Diana was very proud of her birthday card from the Queen which had pride of place on the mantelpiece along side a host of others. I asked Diana what the first thing she could remember. She recalled being picked up by her Father and being shown a Zepplin as it flew over her Yorkshire home. Zepplin's began commercial flights in 1910 and during WW1 ...
US President Donald Trump (Photo: Quartz) In recent weeks, there has been - unsurprisingly - a lot of speculation about the mental health of new US President Donald Trump. I'm no fan of Mr Trump or his policies. I find him genuinely frightening. However, as someone who's spent most of their adult life working in NHS mental health services, I am uneasy to see so many people commenting in public forums on his mental health - usually in reference to whether he has Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD). I'm very uncomfortable with armchair psychology, but especially when it is reduced to ...
As Mayor I have been called upon to open all manner of things this year. But there was a first on my recent visit to Formby Library when I was asked by Formby Rotary to cut the ribbon on a new park bench to mark the clubs 50th Anniversary. Over that period the Rotarians have raised several hundred thousand pounds for good causes locally and internationally. Local residents will know them for the Christmas Carol Wagon. Speaking to members they have some exciting plans for the half-century celebrations. Whilst in the Library I met with local voluntary sector groups who ...
Fri 3rd
12:00
After Brinsworth and Catcliffe we must all turn our attention to Stoke Central and Copeland
Thirteen days ago I broke off from a canvass conversation on a Brinsworth doorstep to take a call from Great George Street asking me to head to Copeland for the parliamentary by-election. Last night's victory for Liberal Democrat Dr Adam Carter in the Brinsworth and Catcliffe by-election is remarkable in many ways. The first Lib Dem elected in Rotherham since 2000. A 38.3% swing from Labour to the Liberal Democrats. A crushing defeat for UKIP in a ward they had high hopes. A victory for hope and optimism amidst the pall of recent scandals that have blighted Rotherham. Like many ...
What's this to do with? A recent article in the Peterborough Telegraph, reported that a recipient of a 'Literacy Hero' award by the National Literacy Trust, Richard O'Neill, had said the "...council should not use high levels of immigration as a reason for it having the second worst results from pupils leaving primary school." His comments [...]
Fri 3rd
11:44
Given the makeup of parliament and the Labour leadership, I don't see the point in the EEA legal cha...
I have written on the topic of Labour and the Brexit proceedings a great deal lately, so I'll try and make this one brief. Even I'm getting sick of talking about it; yet given how important this is for what remains of progressive politics in this country, it is still vital to catalogue every detail. The government is facing another legal challenge on Brexit, the substance of which is that a separate vote in the House of Commons should be required to leave the EEA that is completely separate to the one to trigger Article 50 that is currently in ...
Conservative 627 [52.3%; -0.3%] Labour 359 [29.9%; -3.0%] UKIP 213 [17.8%; +17.8%] [Green 0 [0.0% ;-14.5]] Majority 268 Turnout 17% Conservative hold Percentage changes from 2015
A key Lib Dem Brexit demand is that the people should have their say in a referendum on the deal for leaving the EU. Yesterday, in the debate on our motion to Gateshead Council, calling on the borough's MPs to oppose the current Brexit bill until guarantees are given on membership of the Single Market, Labour Leader Cllr Martin Gannon called for such a referendum. Well done Martin. Amidst all the
Fri 3rd
10:25ICYMI: Sarah Olney's speech in the Article 50 debate: We can't build country without fear & pove...
When I think of the country that I would like my generation to give to our children, I think of a country that lives without fear, poverty and inequality, but we cannot build that world by turning our back on our neighbours, closing the door to our friends, turning a blind eye to tyranny or walking hand in hand with intolerance. Sarah Olney has got the hang of making great speeches in the House of Commons pretty quickly. In the Article 50 debate, she spoke from the heart while revealing the obfuscation of the Government as they try to deny ...
Warhammer demon thing apologises for wearing fur Buckingham Palace warned not to serve Tango to Donald Trump Once again, DavyWavy writes the best NewsThump content. Donald Trump reportedly planning executive order declaring pre-marital sex, same-sex marriage and abortion to be wrong YAY totalitarianism! Interesting by election results in Rotherham by which I mean JFC LOOK AT THOSE LIB DEM NUMBERS HOLY SHIT. Look what happens when we fight for our principles instead of abandoning them. Are you looking, Cleggy? And Rotherham is a massively leave area too. It's almost like ppl like having a clear reason to vote for us... ...
The Brexiteering Trump supporter narrowed his eyes, curled his upper lip, glared at me and sneeringly stuttered: "You..you..LIBERAL. I removed the handkerchief from my pocket, wiped away what I believe was unintentional spit from just below my left eye, and gave him an infuriatingly rueful smile. To many conservative-minded folk a liberal is a threat to their way of life. Liberal tolerance of other religions, genders and cultures forces conservatives into politically correct language which sticks in their throats. The liberal emphasis on equality threatens their supremacy and culture. And liberal generosity is seen as undermining livelihoods and threatening security. ...
I have received residents' complaints about the dumped mess in Guthrie Street opposite the junction with Session Street - see photo below. I have asked the City Council's Neighbourhood Services if this can be cleaned up :
Just to let residents know about a new planning application in the village. Please just let me know if you have any queries. Change of use of 4 no. agricultural buildings to 40 no. stables, tack room/storage area and indo... Mellalieu Farm, Simister Lane, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 2SH Ref. No: 61040
Just to let residents know about a new planning application in your area. Please just let me know if you have any queries. Demolition of existing conservatory and single storey rear extension and erection of single store... 1 Peveril Close, Whitefield, Manchester, M45 6NS Ref. No: 61066
Just to let residents know about a new planning application in your area. Please just let me know if you have any queries on this. Two storey side extension; part two storey and part single storey rear extension; new pitched roo... 58 Holyrood Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1PE Ref. No: 61041
Just to let residents know about two planning applications in your area. Please just let me know if you have any queries on these. Loft conversion with gable roof extension and rear dormer; Replacement garage, new porch at side ... [IMG: Open for Comment] 87 Glebelands Road, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 1WF Ref. No: 61033 Conversion of existing basement into a habitable space with new plant/store room areas and instal... [IMG: Open for Comment] 46 Poppythorn Lane, Prestwich, Manchester, M25 3BY Ref. No: 61005
I think one of the themes of Time to Talk day this year is losing friends with relation to mental health difficulties. A day late, I figured it was worth a post to my underutilised blog. One of the things that affects almost everyone is drift. Over time we lose the closeness we've had with friends of old. When one has experienced mental ill health, this drift can feel more personal, especially in a world with social media. That said, there are people who react badly to the mental ill health of a friend, to the point of cutting ties ...
It's been a mixed start to 2017 for council by-elections from a Liberal Democrat perspective: spectacular wins and a series of no-shows without any candidates. This week brought three by-elections with...
Fields Medal mathematics prize won by woman for first time in its history ...an Iranian living in the United States. (tags: sexandgenderandsexuality uspolitics mathematics ) America's president: An insurgent in the White House @economist same as ever. (tags: uspolitics )
I think it is safe to say that Jeremy Corbyn is not having a good week. Having successfully split the Labour Party and lost thousands of members over his uncompromising stance on Brexit, the leader of Her Majesty's opposition has now put his foot in it at the start of LGBT History Month. The Metro say that Jeremy Corbyn has been criticised after he said people 'choose' to be gay and lesbian as part of a speech in solidarity with people, whatever their sexuality: However, the wording he used has raised questions. 'We're with you, we're in solidarity with you,' ...
(This essay, for reasons I explain in the first few paragraphs, is one I've started and stopped writing at least half a dozen times over a period of months. One of the reasons the third Beach Boys book wasn't out ... Continue reading →
Brinsworth in Rotherham is not the most likely Lib Dem territory, but tonight, Dr Adam Carter is the new Lib Dem Councillor for the area. This is the are which includes Orgreave, where the violent confrontation took place during the Miners' Strike. Liberal Democrat GAIN Brinsworth & Catcliffe (Rotherham) from Labour. — Britain Elects (@britainelects) February 3, 2017 And it's not by a tiny margin either. Brinsworth & Catcliffe (Rotherham) result: LDEM: 66.0% (+50.4) LAB: 17.1% (-26.2) UKIP: 12.8% (-16.4) CON: 3.0% (-8.8) GRN: 1.0% (+1.0) — Britain Elects (@britainelects) February 3, 2017 Wow! They had some quality tellers! Telling ...
This afternoon (Thursday 2nd Feb) I moved an emergency motion calling on Gateshead Council to have nothing to do with the Trump state visit. The motion also called on the LGA to encourage other councils to take no part in the visit and to refuse to offer help and assistance. The motion was agreed unanimously by Gateshead Council.
