Monthly Archives: November 2010

On the Weather

Posted on 30 November 2010 by Robert

It’s funny how we acclimatise to the, erm, climate. Walking to the station this morning in my boots, heavy coat, woolly hat and multiple layers of underwear, I suddenly recalled with a shock that not six months ago, I was … Continue reading →

Posted in Diary | 2 Comments

So you’ve had a threatening letter…

Posted on 26 November 2010 by Robert

Last week, Libel Reform Campaign terriers Sense About Science published a timely document on blogging and libel. Entitled So you’ve had a threatening letter. What can you do?, the booklet gives sage advice to those harassed by legal action. Sense … Continue reading →

Posted in Diary | Leave a comment

Kunzru on Multiculturalism

Posted on 25 November 2010 by Robert

Hari Kunzru is in Istanbul for the European Writers Parliament. He has just published the text of his speech, and the following passage is clear Sharp-bait: It seems to me that multiculturalism, once a useful and progressive kind of politics, … Continue reading →

Posted in Multiculturalism | 11 Comments

Would Libdems be better off with a ‘two-tier manifesto’?

Posted on 17 November 2010 by Robert

The Liberal Democrats might present a ‘Two-Tier Manifesto’ to the voters (although they would never use such a crass term). First, they will present a more general statements of principles and ‘red line’ policies, which they would expect to be a part of any coalition deal. Continue reading →

Posted in Liberal Conspiracy, Liberal Democrats | 5 Comments

#RoyalWedding, #RoyalWedding

Posted on 16 November 2010 by Robert

Following the technique of Kate Fox News, I thought I would ‘crowd source’ a poem about the Royal Wedding announcement.
Continue reading →

Posted in Diary | 2 Comments

The Internet is A Really Nice Place

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Robert

In the Independent, Yasmin Alibhai-Brown writes on the delights that post-colonials bring to the English language, and laments the decline of language and civility online: The future looks bright then, until you notice those who use new technology without due … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights, Index on Censorship, Internet Philosophy, Political Correctness, UK | 1 Comment

Day of the Imprisoned Writer

Posted on 15 November 2010 by Robert

Needless to say, I’m delighted at the news that Aung San Suu Kyi has been released from house arrest.  Another English PEN honorary member released, as we mark another Day of the Imprisoned Writer.  The PEN case list still has … Continue reading →

Posted in Human Rights | Leave a comment