Author Archives: Nick

The Have I Got News For You gender bias spreadsheet

I haven’t been doing weekly posts about it this series, but I am keeping the HIGNFY gender bias spreadsheet updated – you’ll normally find the updated version of it available on that link by Saturday lunchtime after a show. The problem is finding something new to say about it after every show, when the figures [...]

In praise of Nick Clegg

I have been accused by some of being far too negative about our party leader to which my response has been that when he does do something right, I’ll be positive about him. Which is why it was good to see Nick Clegg unequivocally blocking the “snoopers’ charter” yesterday. The proposals were the usual Home [...]

If we’re only monsters on Sundays, is that all right?

One of the most interesting features of international treaties and conventions is the loophole clauses that state when they don’t apply. For instance, the Geneva Conventions don’t apply on alternate Thursdays between 7am and 9.30am and there’s a complex formula to determine when the Charter of the United Nations doesn’t apply to certain countries. Obviously, [...]

Worth Reading 105: Better ways of making paper

How Liberal Democrat MPs voted against making it far harder to misuse libel – Depressing. A Senate in the Gun Lobby’s Grip – Gabrielle Giffords in the New York Times Dead children and monied politicians – and David Simon on how American democracy is failing under the unrestrained influence of lobbyists and money. Do you [...]

Castle Ward planning applications, up to 19th April

Quite a few applications this week: 130178: Advertisement consent for signage, Crouch Street. 130278: Advertisement consent for signage, High Street. 130715: New steps and landing leading to an existing barn, Crouch Street. 130716: Listed building consent for 130715. 130726: Listed building consent for internal and external works, High Street. 130747: Internal layout alterations, High Street. [...]

Worth Reading 104: The guns of Victory

Jeremy Grantham, environmental philanthropist: ‘We’re trying to buy time for the world to wake up’ – Guardian profile of the billionaire investor and environmentalist, with some interesting things to say about the negative impact of ‘climate sceptics’ and how preventing climate change makes long-term business sense. Your Lifestyle Has Already Been Designed – How much [...]

Libellous thoughts

I’m wondering if somewhere in Nick Clegg’s office, there’s a giant Wheel Of Fortune-style spinner, with all the party’s principles, policies and promises written on it. Every so often – around once a month or so – when he gets bored, the wheel gets spun, and whatever comes up is determined as the next big [...]

Liberated localism

I can’t remember if I mentioned it at the time, but I’ve had my first article appear in Liberator magazine this year. It’s called ‘The Failure of Localism’ and you can read it – along with the rest of the issue it’s in – here. Related PostsYou are free to do as we tell you [...]

Castle Ward planning applications, up to 12th April

Apologies, forgot to set this to post at the usual time. 130568: Refurbishment to public house, East Hill. 130605: Retrospective application for change of use from A1 (retail) to A1/A3 (retail/restaurant), Sir Isaac’s Walk. 130651: Advertisement consent for signage, East Hill. 130709: Advertisement consent for signage, High Street. Please note that I am a member [...]

Worth Reading 103: The United Nations shall prevail

The Philpott case is horrific; so is the attempt to highjack it for any political purpose – Some sense from Alex Massie. 15 Mid-Century Modern Dream Homes that will Kill Your Children – The hidden hazards of modern architecture “Paying More In” – Stumbling and Mumbling explaining one foolish statement people make about benefits and [...]