Maxtone-Graham-Simpson-Win also OMFG

Sometimes, people judge on outcomes. For example, the excitable Twitter idiot johnb78: For example: anyone who thinks that Paul Foot is a bad man because James Hanratty turned out guilty is a worthless idiot - because although JH was guilty, he shouldn't have been hanged on the falisfied evidence that was presented in his case. … Continue reading Maxtone-Graham-Simpson-Win also OMFG

What makes me angriest? Quebec.

There are many things in life that rile me. But in terms of 'obvious, absurd, insane unfairness that's tolerated for absolutely no sensible reason at all', Quebec is top. In most countries that have real languages and joke languages that are indulged, the joke language that's indulged is the language of the people the land … Continue reading What makes me angriest? Quebec.

Shorter US public response to Deepwater Horizon

"Dear Big Oil. Yes, we know this sort of thing is inherent to oil extraction, and we do still want cheap oil extracted - but please can you do it in places where instead of oiling up a few American pelicans and ruining American banjo-playing yokels' weekends by making them kill land animals instead of … Continue reading Shorter US public response to Deepwater Horizon

Sorry about this

I really want to steal the bust of Aneurin Bevan, the inventor of the NHS and all-round excellent Welshman, that's currently installed in the the House of Commons. Partly that's because I think it'd make an excellent decoration for my house. But it's also partly because I could lift it high in the air and … Continue reading Sorry about this

Fear and West Lothian

It occurs to me that a major reason why a Lab/Lib coalition was a complete non-starter is simply that it would not have commanded a majority of seats in England, and the regional parties it would have required for support don’t vote on England matters. Hence, it couldn’t have passed any domestic English legislation without … Continue reading Fear and West Lothian

Quiz time, wahey!

OK, so what links The Pit And The Pendulum, Richard Dawkins, and the Botswana national football team? The usual prize of a Simply Red album and a broken wireless router to the winner. Extra bonus points to be gained from suggesting the fourth clue. Unrelatedly, which punk song contains the lyric "I'm looking for you, … Continue reading Quiz time, wahey!

Quick thought on speeches

Not sure if these are downloadable, but listening on the radio I was really struck by the difference between Gordon Brown and David Cameron's speeches on winning their constituencies. Mr Brown is in the wrong job, and needs to resign tomorrow no mater what the final results, but the speech was heartfelt, interesting, passionate and … Continue reading Quick thought on speeches