Monthly Archives: May 2010

The Empty Chair (a.k.a. Cory Doctorow is Away)

Posted on 15 May 2010 by Robert

I wrote and performed an impromtu poem at the London Book Fair. Continue reading →

Posted in Books, Human Rights | Leave a comment

Blogger Wins Libel Case

Posted on 13 May 2010 by Robert

It is worth noting that both Dave and his partner looked relieved rather than happy. This case has taken three years to defend, and for much of that time he has had to defend himself. Continue reading →

Posted in Diary, Human Rights, London | 5 Comments

Coalition

Posted on 12 May 2010 by Robert

Welcome to our new Prime Minister, David Cameron, and his deputy, Nick Clegg. The above image was taken in M&S a couple of weeks ago.  Then this morning, I read the Alain de Botton thinks we need a Prime Minister … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | 2 Comments

Creativity in reading

Posted on 10 May 2010 by Robert

The term ‘creative writing’ can actually have a negative effect on the people attending these workshops, because it implies that writing is the only creative act Continue reading →

Posted in Literature | 1 Comment

Politics of Persuasion on Proportional Representation

Posted on 9 May 2010 by Robert

*This post contains excessive alliteration, which some readers may find offensive. Politics means different things at different times.  During the election campaign, it was the politics of presentation:  of a leader (and his lovely wife), and of a suitable narrative … Continue reading →

Posted in Debate, Liberal Conspiracy, London, Politics | 1 Comment

Linklog for 9th April to 10th May

Posted on 9 May 2010 by Robert

My del.icio.us links: 9th April to 10th May Supreme Court Upholds Freedom Of Speech In Obscenity-Filled Ruling – "I'm also wondering whether you and your fat-faced plaintiffs over there need to have some respect for constitutionally protected expression fucked into … Continue reading →

Posted in Linklog | Leave a comment

Ebenezer and The Case of the Election Night Tweeter

Posted on 7 May 2010 by Robert

Its is not often that you see one of the country’s top opinion-formers picking his nose. As I rounded the corner opposite the pub, I was greeted by the sight of Ebenezer, the celebrated blogger, raising his stubby finger towards his nostril. As it entered the nose, he gave his whole hand an expert twist, as if he were operating a corkscrew. He grimaced as something was levered loose, which he pulled out and began rolling between his thumb and his forefinger. Continue reading →

Posted in Internet Philosophy | 1 Comment

Behzti is no longer taboo

Posted on 6 May 2010 by Robert

While everyone else has been banging on about the election, I’ve been banging on about free speech.  Here’s a review that was commissioned for Index on Censorship and cross-posted at Comment is Free, so choose your forum for comments.  As … Continue reading →

Posted in Comment is Free, Index on Censorship, Theatre | Leave a comment

How [Stephen Fry] will vote…

Posted on 5 May 2010 by Robert

Stephen Fry’s long article on who he will vote for, and why, reminds me of David Foster Wallace… in tone, topic and structure. addthis_url = ‘http%3A%2F%2Fwww.robertsharp.co.uk%2F2010%2F05%2F05%2Fhow-stephen-fry-will-vote%2F’; addthis_title = ‘How+%5BStephen+Fry%5D+will+vote%26%238230%3B’; addthis_pub = ”;

Posted in Politics | 1 Comment

Gates and Hashes

Posted on 2 May 2010 by Robert

In a rant about the Gillian Duffy thing, Mr E complains about a bit of political shorthand: I’m sure I can’t be the only one, by the way, who is tired of seeing the suffix “-gate” attached to every minor … Continue reading →

Posted in Internet Philosophy, Media | 1 Comment