Here's two thirds of the American band Fun with 'We are young' on Radio 1's live lounge. Just proving that sometimes a little less production is better than more...
13 July 2012
11 July 2012
10 July 2012
Give the Lords reform rebels what they want
It was always the case that just ten days was always going to be far too short a period of debate for proper consideration of the Lords' reform bill. Some of the proposals in the bill are deeply flawed - like the single 15 year term limit (an invitation to sloth and inactivity) - but its thrust is generally in the right direction. It is unacceptable in a democracy for lawmakers not to have a public mandate and the sooner we move to an elected chamber the better.
So the coalition needs to listen to the views of the bill's opponents, the Labour party and others and adapt the proposals accordingly. It also needs to timetable a lot more time for debate. So instead of MPs breaking up for a near two month break over the summer - why doesn't the coalition recall them and use this time to allow the extended debate the rebels are demanding?
So the coalition needs to listen to the views of the bill's opponents, the Labour party and others and adapt the proposals accordingly. It also needs to timetable a lot more time for debate. So instead of MPs breaking up for a near two month break over the summer - why doesn't the coalition recall them and use this time to allow the extended debate the rebels are demanding?
6 July 2012
Grove Tories lose plot after defeat
After a hard fought election campaign feet are tired and brains are often befuddled by the exertions of the campaign (and the celebrations/commiserations afterwards).
One can only assume that this is the reason for this frankly unhinged slur from Kingston Conservatives after their narrow defeat in Grove ward.
One can only assume that this is the reason for this frankly unhinged slur from Kingston Conservatives after their narrow defeat in Grove ward.
Andy Murray's dual nationality?
Congratulations to Andy Murray on reaching Sunday's Wimbledon final.
No doubt if he win's he'll be the first 'British' winner since 1936 (or whenever) and if he loses he'll be the 'plucky Scot'...
No doubt if he win's he'll be the first 'British' winner since 1936 (or whenever) and if he loses he'll be the 'plucky Scot'...
Friday favourite 66
An interesting documentary on the Beeb this week about the 25th anniversaty of Paul Simon's Graceland album and the controversy it caused in breaking the UN cultural boycott of apartheid South Africa. It's well worth picking up on iplayer.
But it reminded me of another more obscure artist (at least in the UK) who also fell foul of the boycott - Jonny Clegg. Here he is with his band Jaluka with Scatterlings of Africa from May 1987 his only UK hit.
But it reminded me of another more obscure artist (at least in the UK) who also fell foul of the boycott - Jonny Clegg. Here he is with his band Jaluka with Scatterlings of Africa from May 1987 his only UK hit.
Lib Dems squeek Grove
The excellent Rebekah Moll has held Grove ward for the Lib Dems with a tiny majority of just 23.
I don't have the full result but the top three were Lib Dem 710, Con 687, Lab 440.
Update: full result here.
I don't have the full result but the top three were Lib Dem 710, Con 687, Lab 440.
Update: full result here.
5 July 2012
4 July 2012
3 July 2012
Diamonds are not forever
The resignation of Bob Diamond is welcome - even if a week or so late. It is likely to be the first of many as the various investigations and enquires start to unpick the complex web of corruption in the banking industry.
On these matters Cicero is usually spot on. And his call for the government to take urgent action to split the big banks up is essential reading.
On these matters Cicero is usually spot on. And his call for the government to take urgent action to split the big banks up is essential reading.
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