Scottish Blogs: All the news that fits

02-Sep-10

Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 2-Sep-10 6:18pm ] [ T ]

Front Gardens annual awards [ 02-Sep-10 6:00pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 2-Sep-10 5:18pm ] [ T ]

Today's Non-Story [ 02-Sep-10 5:05pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

A new study suggests that, when given a choice older people prefer to read negative news, rather than positive news, about young adults. In fact, older readers who chose to read negative stories about the young actually get a small boost in their self-esteem, according to the results.

Lead author of the study at Ohio State University, Professor Silvia Knobloch-Westerwick (what a mouthful) said younger people, who are less certain about their own identity, prefer to read about other younger people to see how they live their lives. Older people have greater certainty regarding their identity. The Professor conducted the study with Matthias Hastall of Zeppelin University Friedrichshafen in Germany.

Results showed that younger people showed no differences in self-esteem based on what they had read while the more that older people read negative stories about younger individuals, the higher the older person's level of self-esteem tended to be.

What a lot of erm... drivel, although it does make me wonder if a few hip flasks were involved the day the 98 older adults (aged 50 to 65) went to the computer laboratory for the test. You may be interested in 'destination amnesia' though. It often happens to me these days.

source



Holyrood Chronicles [ 2-Sep-10 4:49pm ] [ T ]

Music of the week [ 02-Sep-10 4:49pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Toque [ 2-Sep-10 3:18pm ] [ T ]

Royal Bank of Scotland Creates Jobs in Scotland [ 02-Sep-10 2:29pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Good news for Scotland:

The bank has told staff that up to 12 offices could close in England, with some jobs added in Greenock and Edinburgh.

The centres set for closure or downsizing in 2011 are Leeds, Bolton, Enfield and Harrogate.

The following year, Norwich, Bradford, Telford, Plymouth, Milton Keynes, Liverpool, Bristol and Borehamwood have been earmarked.

The Leicester, Southampton and Nottingham centres are under review.

The English taxpayer owns the majority stake in Royal Bank of Scotland.



SUBROSA [ 2-Sep-10 2:18pm ] [ T ]

Thank You Mr Haig, Thank You [ 02-Sep-10 12:48pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


Dear Mr Hague

I know you've been under intense pressure in the past 24 hours regarding your personal life but I would like to thank you for saving my sanity during that period. Your timing was perfect.

Yesterday a man published a book about himself and in the past week or so thought he'd spoken to everyone he surmised would be valuable to the success of his book launch. Yet you dominated the headlines. Excellent.

By yesterday evening you were still headlines and Channel 4 News' Labour leaders' debate drifted into oblivion (the only place for it). Again I thank you for saving me from the endless media analysis of the Not Famous Five.

Your sexuality doesn't interest me in the least but your capabilities as the country's Foreign Secretary do. In your position sharing a twin room with a male colleague was rather a silly thing to do, but people like me are forced to do it regularly, even with strangers. Only last year I was enrolled on a training course and arrived to find I was sharing a twin room with a total stranger - female of course. It could have spiced the weekend up a little if it had been some unknown male, but alas, I'll never know.

Now you've given your detailed response the matter should be laid to rest and you get on with the job which we pay you to do. Time to come up with some answers about the transfer of powers to the EU and to give us a vote on these. Time to clarify how the changes in the EU justice system will affect us. Lots of problems for you to resolve.

My sincere thanks once again.

Yours

Subrosa

PS May I suggest you buy a camper van for your personal use during campaigns? I know they're advertised as having room for two, but from experience the space is only enough for one plus a decent sized TV. Don't buy one if you're in the least claustrophobic.



Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 2-Sep-10 1:48pm ] [ T ]

My Song of the Month: August 2010 [ 02-Sep-10 1:48pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Last month going to my first live gig in what seems likes far too long I decided to do a new monthly feature. I thought I'd do a new feature at the end of each month let you share the song of my month. It may be the song that means something to me, the one I couldn't stop singing (out loud or in my head), the one I kept presses play and repeat on various formats, the one that sums up my month, its moods, its events etc.

Therefore I was going to post this one before a minor hiccup made me reconsider the whole scheme. But I say what the heck. A plan is worth doing if you stick to it warts and all, mixed emotions, feelings the lot.

This was my song for August and it actually ticks all the the boxes above. Enjoy.



SUBROSA [ 2-Sep-10 12:49pm ] [ T ]

So Topical [ 02-Sep-10 12:20pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Hootsmon Headlines

Conan has his own large following, but for those of my readers who haven't seen any of his work then view the image. Conan's satirical headline 'Hootsmon Headlines' refers to the Scotsman - once upon a time the most powerful media in the east of Scotland and with more than a little influence in the west. He's a master of his art.


click to enlarge


If Music Be the Food of Love Play On [ 02-Sep-10 9:07am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


Not being a fan of Shakespeare - although my father tried hard to convince me of his throughout my childhood - sometimes his words do have resonance.

Fife council has taken the controversial step of cutting its music tuition budget by 25% and they intend to cut it another 25% next year. For those readers outwith Scotland, Fife council is run by the SNP. I'm saddened they are so short-sighted taking what they think is an easy option concerning cuts in their education budget.

A conservative councillor contacted the Courier to complain that targeting music is a bad move where the education of children is concerned. I would agree. Children must be offered subjects which involve interactivity with their peers, teach them team playing and also the responsibility of learning that effort does pay.

Naturally music isn't appropriate for all children to learn such skills, but sport and music are the main subjects in which children can learn so much. I was one who benefitted from Dundee's director of education's decision, back in the 1950s, to offer every child the opportunity to learn a musical instrument.

The decision to reduce expenditure on music reduces the value of our education system. Now it will be only for these children whose parents can afford to send their children to private lessons. Unfortunately private lessons do not provide many of the skills which lessons within the school environment provides, so often they alienate the child from their peers because, when education authorities reduce music budgets, the after school music classes are lost and they are vital to those who do take private lessons.

I would ask Fife council to reconsider, but of course it's too late. I would also suggest they spent less money on teaching children subjects which will be of little or no use in their adult lives, but I know I'm whistling in the wind.

It would appear Fife council are following the comprehensive agenda, educate our young for the state examinations and nothing else. What a tragedy for so many of our children. It's my understanding sport has also been cut back in recent years. Aye, Scotland's doing fine complying with an education curriculum which churns out robots.

There was a stooshie at a recent council meeting when the tory councillor wasn't allowed to speak his mind about the cut in music provision. The chair said 'the subject wasn't on the agenda'. Surely any committee agenda has AOB (Any Other Business) on it. If this committee didn't have AOB on their agenda then I find that most unprofessional because that's the opportunity for anyone to bring up matters which concern them. Shame on you Councillor Douglas Chapman. Your excuse has a distinct bad smell about it.

source


Toque [ 2-Sep-10 10:49am ] [ T ]

What Motivates the English Defence League [ 02-Sep-10 9:56am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Over at Harry's Place Edmund Standing has collated some quotes from EDL members that shed some light on what motivates the EDL.

I recommend that you read that piece in conjunction with BritologyWatch's excellent 'Racist' English nationalism: an alibi for Britain's anglophobia and Islamophobia.

It's all too easy for the commentariat to describe the EDL as 'English nationalists', and looking at the English Defence League, with their profusion of English flags, they could possibly be forgiven for using that label. But it's an incorrect label. It is labelling to compartmentalise and isolate. It's a label, as BritologyWatch argues, that is conveniently used to distance the views held by the EDL from those of mainstream British society. In this way English nationalism can be objectified as 'the other' in a simillar way to how the EDL objectify Islam as 'the other'. But the English Defence League are not really English nationalists (they're not advocates of popular sovereignty, and they're not demonstrating for an English parliament or English independence). No, they're actually very pro-British with a strong sense of Britishness. It will be an inconvenient truth for some but the EDL are as much a British disease as they are an English disease.



Holyrood Chronicles [ 2-Sep-10 10:48am ] [ T ]

Bottom of the barrel [ 02-Sep-10 10:48am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Quote of the day [ 02-Sep-10 10:48am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SNP Tactical Voting [ 2-Sep-10 10:19am ] [ T ]

SNP Tactical Voting - The End of the Line [ 02-Sep-10 10:19am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Today I announce the mothballing of one blog (this one) and the beginning of another (Better Nation).

First, the obligatory but still utterly unnecessary preamble, (mostly just included because I wrote this months ago and then bottled the imminent retirement, can't put those words to waste now):

The Green Party has returned its first MP to the House of Commons which is a tremendous effort given the First Past the Post system it has been fighting against for all of these years. With the 1% of the vote it received it should have returned 6 MPs, the same haul as the SNP, and that's before taking into account all the tactical voting that's been going on, obscuring the Greens' true popularity.

However, despite this good news, we are stuck with the return of a Tory Government, replete with a Cabinet which worryingly somehow contains Climate Change sceptics even in this post-Copenhagen, post-Kyoto, post-Al-Gore and soon to be post-Maldives era. This has effectively scuppered any realistic chance of stabilising global emissions by 2015. Saving the world was a daunting task before the challenge of reversing the increase in carbon emissions in 5 short years, failing is surely a foregone conclusion now unless something remarkable happens.

I noted the weary resignation of the Green candidate in my own constituency during the last election campaign, destined for fourth place but making all the right arguments at the hustings and receiving the strongest and warmest applause. I couldn't help but wonder at the time if Al Gore being robbed of the US Presidency by George Bush was the moment the planet missed its greatest opportunity to alter its tragic direction. That said, despite Ms Lucas' presence on those ironically green benches, GE2010 will have to go down as yet another moment where the greatest threat to life as we know it barely got a word in edgeways.

So what can the Green party do? Circumvent Westminster and seek to educate and mobilise the public to take direct action? It's worth a go I suppose.

For me, after much deliberating, most of it publicly stated on this blog, I've decided that I can't avoid the inconvenient truth of not being able to realistically maintain an SNP blog (as this would always be perceived) when I'm not a member of the party, don't particularly believe in independence, feel my political sympathies being pulled, yanked even, in a different direction and am unlikely to return to Scotland in the near to medium future.

I will say that I remain baffled by the visceral hatred that the SNP attracts from a wide, disparate group of individuals and institutions. The party's objectives and aspirations are valid and well-meaning and, as far I have been able to tell in my relatively short time amateurishly studying the partys progress, it is chock full of thoroughly pleasant, intelligent, motivated people who seem incapable of giving in no matter how down the chips may be. May they live long and prosper.

Alas, there is no SNP candidate on my upcoming ballot slips and for me, with my somewhat 'all or nothing' mentality, there is no sufficiently good reason to get involved with the local Nat branch here. So it is to the Greens that my political community spirit goes, as I already let on a few weeks ago.

Reading Zac Goldsmith's absorbing The Constant Economy got the ball rolling and the conduct and arguments of Westminster Green candidates on Twitter and blogs, the Two Doctors blog which I barely ever disagree with and Patrick Harvie's excellent performances inside (and outside) of Holyrood cemented the rest.

I've been much more of a Green than a Nat for a while now I suppose so it's time to fondly pat down the walls of this blog that has served me so well, switch the lights off (of course) and head off to pastures new.

Those pastures are already up and running as I will be embarking on a blogging experiment with fellow seasoned veterans James MacKenzie (of Two Doctors) and Malc (of Malc in the Burgh) at Better Nation. It won't be business as usual though as I intend to blog considerably less over the next six months or so but what it will be is a reflective, intelligent (hopefully), slightly nerdy and above all optimistic take on Scotland and its potential. Please make sure to stop on by (or better still, update your Bookmarks and links!)

Thanks for everything that this blog has given me; basically an illuminating lifting of the lid behind how politics works and a satisfying but humbling readership including literally hundreds, perhaps thousands, of tremendous comments that helped shape my thinking and no doubt others' too. It's been a great ride for someone who didn't feel he had a right to be in the blogosphere when he first stepped into it and, although I won't miss pesky journalists asking me what my employer may think of a certain blog post, I will miss the challenge of maintaining a high posting rate and mixing up the debate.

Not that this is farewell of course, Better Nation will hopefully take off and I daresay an urge to post something rampantly partisan and tactical-related will see me back here sooner rather than later once the 2011 campaign gets going in earnest.

The blogging bug is a bit like flying Ryanair after all - You know it's damaging, dirty and wrong, but you just can't help yourself anyway!


Cheers!




Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 2-Sep-10 10:18am ] [ T ]

Open Letter to All My Female Friends [ 02-Sep-10 10:18am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Dear all,

This morning's Today programme on Radio 4 has just said that the Foreign Secretary being in a room with another man was a 'lapse of judgement' for a straight politician. Therefore and henceforth I shall have to make some adjustments to the way I live to avoid making a similar 'lapse' seeing as I am an openly gay politician this will affect my female friends and acquaintances.

To Caron, you had better not get ill again. I know during your recent illness I spent many hours coming to see you and sometimes turning up while you were still in your pyjamas. But if the press were to get hold of such information it would be dynamite and a serious lapse of judgement in their opinion. Therefore in future this will have to stop, even if you are on death's bed all meeting you will he have to be clothed in outdoor wear and you will have to wheeled or trolleyed, if necessary, to a public venue. If other's catch the pubonic plague as a result that is a price that will have to be paid.

Also Caron and Elspeth Finlay I know that you have often driven me into the back and beyonds to dump me on some strange street with loads of leaflets. However, in future I may have to insist on a male driver as the exit of a campaign headquarters in the sole company of a woman and not returning for hours, with the same driver, and then looking exhausted might be similarly misconstrued.

Dear Helen Duffett and Meg and others I do love the direct message conversations that we have on Twitter. But I think we are going to have to stop them which means the juicy stuff like planning the BOTY's, or bloggers at conference or just talking about hot men on TV will just have to be done in the open.

As for my dear cousin Rachel, we are going to have to keep using the Lab/Lib Dem supporting cousin epithet on all our tweets to each other using up some of the valuable 140 characters. If only your mother had been born male and we shared the same surname, that would have made things easier.

So sadly I shall have to make the required changes I cannot afford to have my character besmirched by keeping too close attention and proximity to members of the opposite sex. Guido and the MSM may well think I am slipping or defecting to a heterosexual lifestyle and that can never do.

Yours with regret,

Stephen Glenn


01-Sep-10
Sickening Republican Slight to Pride [ 01-Sep-10 10:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
This post has taken me a good few hours to finish. I've actually toned it down a lot on re-reading, all of which wasn't doing my blood-pressure any good I guess. Trying to be as objective as possible when I'm this close to the subject has been hard. So I decided to screw on my journalistic head (just like Wurzel Gummage if he had one) as much as I could.

I may have only been back in Northern Ireland for only 10 days but I've already learnt a lot in my few short days back here.

First a personal observation, I'm a lot more confident with myself and my sexuality now than when I last lived here. The other day I boldly lifted Attitude off the shelf in Asda between two blokes and strode confidently to the checkout to pay. It was only later that I remembered the looks they both gave me, not hateful, just shock that I was so bold.

The other is that here in Northern Ireland the gay community or at least that which takes part in Pride in more 'christian' and forgiving of the religious bigots than their counterparts over the water. As I read with great joy the attitude that Belfast Pride took to the protest against them, I saw it in action on Saturday at Foyle Pride. The many Christians in the parade shouting back their forgiveness and love at those who were protesting. I know there have been individual incidents down the years, but I like the approach that the Pride committees take here, it's show tolerance to everyone whether they want to be involved or protest. Indeed the approach led to the Parades Commissions saying it had no issues with either the parade or counter protest in Belfast.

Earlier today I was directed towards this comment thread I'll warn you now it does make for pleasant reading. For those of you who don't want to read it and I suggest you don't bother I'll give you a potted version of some of the lowlights. Highlights they are not and the whole threat gets sickening in too many different ways, many based on falsehoods, untruths and narrow mindedness.


Too bad this "Pride Parade" didn't end in the same way as that "Love Parade" did in Germany a few weeks ago.


That was in the death of 19 young music lovers.

It would be lewd if this was a hetrosexual event, it's "family fun" because homosexual militancy fits in with some peculiar liberation narrative fabricated by some deranged quacks a couple of decades ago.
escalating to this:

When I see pork [police] acting the hardmen against peaceful protesters like this I often wonder what it would be like if someone suddenly produced an assault rifle and dropped about ten of them. They'd piss themselves.

or this

[This parade] is just a way of portraying gays as normal, you are not normal. As a matter of fact, many gay people regard themselves as having an alternative lifestyle.

Which ignores the fact that alternative lifestyle is the moniker put on people by narrow minded people not those living the 'alternative' lifestyle themselves often, and it applies to heterosexuals as much as homosexuals.

Or this one which shocked me in a whole new way:

I interpret the homosexual question in the same way as the multiple sclerosis question or someone with permanent or semi-permanent difficulties in walking...et al They shouldn't be subject to abuse, harrassment et al. I'd mandate programs to educate people in that spirit. Additionally they should have optional treatment. Either way they should, if their character is up to scratch, have no barriers to lead full and rich lives and have no doors closed to them.

or this
Very true. These parents [who brought their children to the parade], who probably have more brain fluid then brain matter in their heads, have to be serious deranged to bring their children to something like this. Think about it, a parade is a form of celebration. These parents brought their children to an event that celebrates the idea of two people of the same sex sodomizing, molesting, and urinating on each other and engaging in all kinds of other deprived sex acts. The idea that such things are worthy of being celebrated only shows how criminally deprived and insane the world we live in has become. Everything good and noble is mocked and savagely attacked while all that is sick, deranged, and deprived is upheld as good and normal.
It almost looks like people who store up wrath are looking for a target, any target and the LGBT community in the province will do all too handily.

In the middle of it all is this:

Very disturbing information has emerged of the homosexualist infiltration in Catholic circles.
Before linking to another Catholic Website that has information off Facebook and pictures of an individual who happens to be on the Belfast Pride committee amongst other things. Followed up by this.

man seeks relationship

? this dangerous pervert needs to be stopped.

What person doesn't deserve to find a relationship, the fact that he is looking for one is surely not a sign of perversion but quite the opposite!

This is where I do get really angry, as I know the individual concerned. It lists his occupation, it lists a lot of personal information about him. Just like Chris Myers the individual works for a politician, but Chris gave up under the pressure he was under from falsehoods, the language used here is hateful and grotesque. The attitude of some of those posting is vindictive. The information is extremely personal. It is also on a discussion board that is lacking a complaint button that I can find. There is almost an incitement to hate going on in many of the comments in both locations.

The individual concerned is my good friend Mícheál, so no doubt when some other nutter decides to raid his publicly available pictures in future I'll likely end up in there somewhere too. That will be one that is hard for some of the hardcore to explain a Catholic Scout and a Presbyterian Boys Brigade man walking side by side carrying a rainbow flag or the pink jack.

I know it had an impact on him, but like me I feel that he doesn't care a pair of fetid dingoes kidneys what is going on. If he or anyone else does there are people who are going to be there for them. I'm still going to be the person I've learnt to be over the recent years. That man who proudly picks up the gay mag in public. Is not scared of offering other men hugs, consoling or otherwise, in public places.

I may have returned as a brave new, more confident, out, Northern Irish man. But while one gay campaigner is saying that homophobic sentiment is on the decrease, some of the sentiment that some of the homophobes display here is far once than anything I have witnessed in England or Scotland. There is still some way to go and Foyle Pride's first parade on Saturday is only going some way toward that. I guess I'm part of that work going forward, for however long that is, it's the attitude I've come back here with, I'm not gong to avoid any questions that are asked, see the start of Operation Evacuate.

There is an anger for the things and way that people posted the things on that thread boiling up inside me. However, the good politician within me is going to use that to make things better. I don't want Northern Ireland's young gay men to have to spend 17 of the first 22 years of their adult lives outside the province to gain the confidence I have. I want them to be able to do that right here.

I guess that is the third lesson that I've learnt since coming back here. Has it really only been ten days?


Freedom and Whisky [ 1-Sep-10 10:18pm ] [ T ]

Book Festival - the final days [ 01-Sep-10 10:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 1-Sep-10 9:49pm ] [ T ]

The Righteous Won't Like This [ 01-Sep-10 9:38pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


This is the chest X-ray of a person with bronchial cancer. According to Cancer Research 86% of lung cancer deaths are caused by smoking. One in three people develop cancer during their lives.
graph from cancer research

Note the number of breast and prostate cancers yet it's commonly thought that smokers, as Cancer Research publicise, are by far the largest group of lung cancer patients; thus putting excessive pressure on the NHS, not least through cost.

I'm sure those who think that smokers are the new lepers in society won't have been pleased with the front page of this week's Sunday Times. The newspaper has been passed on to me as I wouldn't give the Murdoch empire the time of day far less a penny.

As I can't provide a link I will type the article in full. It won't be good news for the anti-smoking Righteous who have the intense desire for smokers to be burnt at the stake but, at the same time, take their children to school in vehicles which have emissions which can cause serious bronchial problems in children. The same anti-smokers possibly use chemical sprays in their home which cause far worse problems that the occasional puff of smoke from someone smoking outside their home. After all, most smokers now smoke outside. I do. Not because I feel my smoking is a danger to anyone who visits me, but I am aware the smell of stale tobacco is unpleasant and also I've no wish to keep painting my home. We all know nicotine stains. So does bleach, Brasso, various kitchen and bathrooms cleaners, various car cleaners, yet smokers are the equivalent of the 'great unwashed'.

Here is the article:

New drug 'blocks' lung cancer

Smokers could be protected from lung cancer by taking a drug commonly used by diabetics, according to new scientific research.

The drug, metformin, appears to block the development of tumours. If proven, it would be the first drug capable of halting a smoking-related cancer before it takes hold, rather than treating it afterwards.

In theory, smokers could take it to cut their cancer risk - although it would not prevent smoking's many other health impacts.

Metformin's ability to block lung tuours has so far only been shown in animals and will have to be confirmed in humans. However, scientists say there is good evidence to suggest it could work.

In particular, there are already indications that smokers who take metformin for diabetes have a lower incidence of cancers.

"This wee-tolerated diabetes drug was able to prevent tobacco-carcinogen induced lung tumours," said Phillip Dennis, senior investigator in the medical oncology branch of the National Cancer Institute in America, at a recent conference.

His research will be formally published in the journal Cancer Prevention Research this week.

In Britain, which has 9.5m smokers, cigarettes are estimated to kill about 114,000 a year. About 43,000 of these die from smoking related cancers of which 25,000 are lung cancers.

In the research, Dennis treated mice with metformin for 13 weeks following exposure to the cancer causing agents found in tobacco smoke. They found the number of tumours in mice that had been given metformin by mouth fell by up to 50% and by injection 72%.

Such findings do not imply that smokers can escape ill health simply by taking a drug. Smoking also causes illnesses such as emphysema and cardiovascular problems. Metformin would not prevent these.

The Righteous will be so upset that money is being spent on research which has any connection to smoking. They never mention liver and kidney cancer of course because they're not yet on the agenda - that's for later when anyone who imbibes in a glass of two of anything alcoholic will become the new smokers. That, of course, will happen once all smokers have died from their habit.

How dare researchers spend good money on lung cancer tumours when most are self-inflicted? I can hear the indignation way up here in the north.






Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 1-Sep-10 7:18pm ] [ T ]

I'm In Seventh Heaven [ 01-Sep-10 7:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
It is indeed that time of year again. Total politics are currently in the middle of announcing the list of the Top Political Blogs for 2010.

Today it was the turn of one of the categories for which I am eligible that of the Top Scottish blog. For the past two years I have actually finished in eleventh place in Scotland on both occasions. This year however I am into the top ten at number 7, the spot held last year by my dear friend Caron, she has climbed to number 4. My spot for the last 2 years was so nearly taken by another Lib Dem Andrew Reeves is however only at number 12, journalist Alex Massie assumes the Stephen Glenn position.

Other Lib Dems in the list include Cllr Fraser Macpherson climbing 10 to 18 and Liberal Youth Scotland a new entry at 34. Another blog from Linlithgow and East Falkirk is that of Love & Garbage in at number 44.

Here is the top 10 political blogs in Scotland for 2010 (last year's position in brackets):

1 (1) Tom Harris MP
2 (3) Underdogs Bite Upwards
3 (2) SNP Tactical Voting
4 (7) Caron's Musings
5 (4) Mr Eugenides
6 Bright Green Scotland
7 (11) Stephen's Liberal Journal
8 (5) Two Doctors
9 Subrosa
10 (6) Malc in the Burgh

You can view the top 50 at the Total Politics site.



Cheaper travel for ferry users extended [ 01-Sep-10 5:19pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 1-Sep-10 3:49pm ] [ T ]

Today's Non-Story [ 01-Sep-10 2:50pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


I am not arachnophobic but it would seem the wife of an Essex man may have a problem with spiders.

She noticed one behind the lavatory in their home on Monday and called her husband. Not being able to reach it, the husband decided to kill it by spraying it with the can.

However, he was unable to see whether it was dead because the bulb in the bathroom light had blown, so he used a cigarette lighter to illuminate the room. The result? Auch surely you can guess. You're right. He ignited the gas fumes from the aerosol and caused an explosion. The blast was so strong it blew him off his feet and lifted the loft door off its hinges.

He suffered flash burns to his head, legs and torso and was rushed by ambulance to hospital after dousing himself with cold water by jumping in the shower.

A firefighter spokesman added, " We're not entirely sure whether the spider got away or not but there was no sign of it at the scene." (I like his style).

You'll be pleased to know the spider-catcher was released from hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning after treatment. What I'd like to know is how did his wife see the creature if there was no light in the bathroom?

source



Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 1-Sep-10 2:20pm ] [ T ]

Originally posted at 04:18. Now updated with new information which in my humble opinion makes this vitally important and potentially a coalition deal breaker.

Yesterday on my way to Liberal Drinks in Belfast I read a story that really got me seething, sadly I couldn't get signal on the train or it would already have been written up.

Apparently the coalition government has used its European opt-out not to sign up to a directive that includes a common definition of trafficking which makes it easier to convict people across the 27 member states. Dennis McShane is up in arms about the Government failing to sign up to this directive.

In the European campaign before it got scuppered by the expenses scandal the Lib Dems were quite correction pointing out some of the errors in the EU and some of its strengths including cross-border policing. We especially aimed our attack at the Conservatives who were wanting to scrap many of the protections that the EU gave our citizens under co-operative policing. Therefore if a directive was being ignored, or opted out on by the new Government Lib Dems would rightly be pointing that Dennis McShane has a right to be angry.

However, when I googled to find said directive the only result that came back that matched the remit of the story is this one. It has been open to signature since the 16th of May, so you suggest a new government would be keen to act on it. Unfortunately that particular 16th May is in 2005. Therefore does that mean that the directive has been around for five years? Does that mean the Labour Government, under which Dennis McShane was Europe Minister, failed to sign the directive in a full term of parliament?

Now of course there may well be another directive in 2010 that I have been unable to find. If there is and someone would like to post a link to it in my comments please do and I'll amend the post accordingly. However, it does on the surface, after my initial anger, to be yet another case of the Labour opposition trying to punch holes in the Government ship and ending up merely exposing their own shortcomings.

Update As I asked above any update on a new directive would be welcomed. Well Olga Ivannikova has provided just that. There was a new directive on 29 March 2010.

Therefore I would echo Olga's that we as Liberal Democrats should stand up so that nobody is enslaved in this or any other way. Not kowtow to Eurosceptic Tories who want nothing to do with Europe even when it is for the betterment of humanity.

This for me is a line in the sand which the Lib Dems should not step over. We should sign up to this EU directive. If not we as Liberal Democrats should walk away from the coalition.


Toque [ 1-Sep-10 1:51pm ] [ T ]

Ahem [ 01-Sep-10 12:35pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

"The EDP places considerable distance between itself and the EFP, emphasising that it has links with the SNP and none with the EFP or BNP." - Dr Colin Copus, English national parties in post-devolution UK, British Politics (2009) 4, 363-385. doi:10.1057/bp.2009.12

Quite. And my old man's a dustman, he wears a dustman's hat, he wears cor-blimey trousers and he lives in a council flat.

English_Democrats.JPG
The EFP's Les Andrews and Mark Cotterill at the EDP launch party.

Rushton.jpg
The EFP's Peter Rushton addresses the EDP



Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 1-Sep-10 10:49am ] [ T ]

Marketing films to 8½ yr olds in Newington [ 01-Sep-10 10:00am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 1-Sep-10 9:49am ] [ T ]

Dare Devils or Fools? [ 01-Sep-10 9:07am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


Greenpeace, on their website, have a picture of the Cairn exploration rig based off Greenland and 'shut down' written across it. Lots more propaganda about just how daring they were by evading the Danish navy and scaling the oil rig legs. 'Blimey this is exciting,' writes someone called Leila on board their ship.

It may be exciting to you Leila but your friends have committed a criminal act. There's nothing clever about hanging off the legs of an oil rig in your dry suits and safety gear, much of which will probably contain by-products of the very substance you detest- oil. I'm perfectly happy for you and your colleagues to put your lives on the line for your beliefs, indeed it's very noble of you, but as you bash out your propaganda on your laptop, in your expensive nylon kit and quite possibly cooking in Teflon coated pans, while cruising around in your fossil fueled luxury sailing craft, have you given one moment's thought to your hypocrisy?

Greenland's police spokesman, Morten Nielsen, said the activists are still on the rig and will be arrested. "When someone breaks the law - and it has happened here - the person or persons will be prosecuted," he stated from Nuuk, the capital of Greenland. The Greenland Premier Kuupik Kliest called Greenpeace's stunt an "openly illegal act" and a "gross violation" of safety rules.

"It is really worrying that Greenpeace uses all means to break the safety rules made to protect human lives and the environment in its quest for media coverage," said Kliest.

Throw the book at them Mr Neilsen. Dare devils or fools? Hypocritical fools.




Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 1-Sep-10 9:19am ] [ T ]

Spain Breaks Up Male Prostitution Ring [ 01-Sep-10 9:19am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Following on from the last blog post it isn't just women and children who are the victims of sex-trafficking. In Spain they have broken a male sex prostitution ring.

Apparently 60 - 80 Brazilian men were given a travel bag and airline ticket to Europe (often flying into Schengen, Luxembourg before being moved to Spain. Once there they were under threat to pay back their flight expenses and kept in brothels and given cocaine, poppers and viagra and put to work as male prostitutes. To pay back their fees of over €4000 on top of daily expenses of up to €200 the men were paying back half of what they earned.

A total of 14 people have been arrested eight in Palma de Mallorca, three in Leon, and one each in Madrid, Barcelona and Alicante.

Human Trafficking: Labour and the EU Directive [ 01-Sep-10 7:48am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Yesterday on my way to Liberal Drinks in Belfast I read a story that really got me seething, sadly I couldn't get signal on the train or it would already have been written up.

Apparently the coalition government has used its European opt-out not to sign up to a directive that includes a common definition of trafficking which makes it easier to convict people across the 27 member states. Dennis McShane is up in arms about the Government failing to sign up to this directive.

In the European campaign before it got scuppered by the expenses scandal the Lib Dems were quite correction pointing out some of the errors in the EU and some of its strengths including cross-border policing. We especially aimed our attack at the Conservatives who were wanting to scrap many of the protections that the EU gave our citizens under co-operative policing. Therefore if a directive was being ignored, or opted out on by the new Government Lib Dems would rightly be pointing that Dennis McShane has a right to be angry.

However, when I googled to find said directive the only result that came back that matched the remit of the story is this one. It has been open to signature since the 16th of May, so you suggest a new government would be keen to act on it. Unfortunately that particular 16th May is in 2005. Therefore does that mean that the directive has been around for five years? Does that mean the Labour Government, under which Dennis McShane was Europe Minister, failed to sign the directive in a full term of parliament?

Now of course there may well be another directive in 2010 that I have been unable to find. If there is and someone would like to post a link to it in my comments please do and I'll amend the post accordingly. However, it does on the surface, after my initial anger, to be yet another case of the Labour opposition trying to punch holes in the Government ship and ending up merely exposing their own shortcomings.


Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 1-Sep-10 12:18am ] [ T ]

6:15am: Nicolson Street robbery [ 31-Aug-10 11:03pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

31-Aug-10


New Online Newspapers featuring SSP Campsie [ 31-Aug-10 11:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 31-Aug-10 10:49pm ] [ T ]

Rowling gives £10m to MS centre [ 31-Aug-10 3:00pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Inveresk Street Ingrate [ 31-Aug-10 10:18pm ] [ T ]

Near Neighbours by Gordon Legge (Jonathan Cape 1998) [ 31-Aug-10 9:45pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Adam switched off the motor.

'Oh,' said Geordie, 'you're back again.'

'Back to listen to you and your blethers, aye.'

'By God, see if I was a younger man - I'd take my hand off your face before you could say Gazza. I've battered bigger than you, mind. Plenty bigger.'

Aye, I think I mind you telling me - hundreds of times.'

Geordie was the type as would probably be quite happy if Adam were to headbutt. He'd live off it for years. 'Aye,' he'd tell folk, 'just right in front of my face. What a mess it was and all. Blood and brains all over the shop. Never get that cleaned. That's what the polis said. Said to me, "Geordie," they said, "long as you live, and as hard as you try, you'll never get that cleaned."'

Adam replaced the seat. 'Well, want to give it a go, auld yin?'

Geordie made to get up. He adjusted his legs. He adjusted his legs like they were artificial. To all intents and purposes, they were.

(From the short story, 'Past Masters'.)



SUBROSA [ 31-Aug-10 9:49pm ] [ T ]

A Wee Bit of History Before We Become It [ 31-Aug-10 9:14pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

A guest post from Apogee.

There is one God looking down on us all,
We are all the children of one God
The sun, the darkness, the winds,
are all listening
to what we have to say.
- Geronimo


A Wee Bit of History Before We Become It

Since the 1500s America has been colonised (invaded) by the white man, and all the colours of the rainbow, since. The original owners of the country at first were relatively friendly until the incomers started throwing their weight about. The mistake the Amerindians made was that by the time they realised what was happening, they were a minority in their own land, militarily inferior, their religion and beliefs and way of life ridiculed and trashed by the incomers who knew and would allow no way but their own. And as there were more incomers, there were more and more children, so the Amerindian was suddenly a minority and no longer able to fight for what was stolen from him.

The Australian Aborigine had very similar treatment. Again, no chance of winning against heavy fire power, he, like the Amerindian at the start, didn't have any and by the time he did, all of a sudden he is perceived to be a threat and given no mercy. His way of life, religion and beliefs were also stolen from him.

So now we see a similar thing happening in Britain and it seems to be well on the way in the U.S.A.

Here it appears to be an invasion of people from Islamic countries. Parts of England are turning into Islamic no-go areas and these people bring in customs that are anathema to the natives. The numbers of them who seem not to understand the concept of rule of law is astounding, how many now coming here do so because the countries they are leaving would have given them swift severe punishment if they had stayed. And when they transgress out laws we cannot send them back because, basically, they might be punished, some of them deservedly so, for crimes/actions taken before they hastily departed.

We cannot send them back because of a diktat from a foreign administration.

We already no longer control our own country.

Our elected leaders gave control of our country to an Unelected Self Appointed Administration.

An administration that makes laws that allow extradition of native born Britons to other countries in the EU, for minor crimes or things which are not crimes in Britain and without any evidence of crime presented. How long before other administrations will be coming here to arrest citizens directly? It is suggested less than ten years.

But we cannot send back criminals and illegal immigrants to their own countries because they could be ill treated.

Does the indigenous natives of these Island have no human rights?

Notice how many of these immigrants are in the governing of this country as a ratio of their numbers here. It seems quite high?

Notice how much the Main Stream Media promotes so-called minorities against the indigenous peoples.

Notice how many councils give help to incomers to this country before they help the native Britons and note how often it is abused.

We can take back our country but it will require a complete change of attitude by this government, or a complete change of government. It will also require the people to waken up to what is happening around them, and very quickly, otherwise we will be in the situation of the Amerindians and it will be too late. Curry will be the national dish, not roast beef.

If we do not learn from history we will be doomed to relive it.

Apogee


Today's Non-Story [ 31-Aug-10 5:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


Let today's story be a warning to all who use mobile phones in toilets.

The photograph was taken in Xi'an, China and the young woman - who looks as if she's resting - is anything but. After dropping her mobile phone down the pan, she decided to recover it, only to find her arm firmly stuck. At first she was too embarrassed to cry for help but after eight hours trying to get free she began to scream. It looks, from the photograph, that it was a squat toilet she was using.

Rescuers had to remove the entire cubicle and demolish concrete surrounding the toilet.

She had been texting a pal when her mobile slipped out of her hand. How anyone manages to text while squatting beats me. Be warned!




Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 31-Aug-10 4:51pm ] [ T ]

Rowling give £10m to MS centre [ 31-Aug-10 3:00pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Stewart Stevenson MSP - Working for You [ 31-Aug-10 3:49pm ] [ T ]

Giving people their say on planning [ 31-Aug-10 3:49pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Holyrood Chronicles [ 31-Aug-10 3:20pm ] [ T ]

In praise of ... [ 31-Aug-10 3:20pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 31-Aug-10 2:20pm ] [ T ]

Calling All Dundonians [ 31-Aug-10 1:12pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

I was sent this link yesterday and really have to share it with fellow Dundonians. Some of the photographs brought back happy childhood memories but there are far too many (and videos) to view in one day, so I'll be a regular visitor for some weeks to come.

The site has been compiled by the efforts of one man who deserves great credit, not least for his humour. One tip: when viewing the photographs use full screen for a better effect.

Below is the site owner, in one of his guises, out and about in Dundee with his video camera. He's decided to 'invade' one of Dundee's top hair styling salons...


Ok, I know it's childish, but it made me laugh.



Stewart Stevenson MSP - Working for You [ 31-Aug-10 2:19pm ] [ T ]


Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 31-Aug-10 1:50pm ] [ T ]

Farewell Professor - Laurent Fignon 1960 - 2010 [ 31-Aug-10 1:50pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

There are very few top class sportsmen who wear their glasses while participating in their sport. But the bespectacled face and flowing mane of blond hair tied back in a ponytail were what earned Laurent Fignon his nickname as the Professor on the professional cycling circuit.

We and he knew this day was coming when we would bid farewell to a two-time winner of the Tour de France and the man last man to ride unto the Champs-Élysées in the maillot jaune to lose it by the narrowest margin ever, only 8 seconds to American Greg Lamond. Last year he had announced to the world that he was undergoing chemotherapy for metastatic cancer. He had in his retirement become a commentator on the sport, something he was doing again this July and there was an interview with him during the ITV converage when his familar voice was struggling but he current one was determined to carry on.

He was brought into the Renault-Elf-Gitane team in 1982 to support the four time winner of le Tour Bernard Hinault. But the team leader failed to make the start line in 1983, Pascal Simon assumed that role, but midway through the race had effectively lost that position to Fignon losing 3 minutes over a 15.6km on the individual time trial up the Puy-de-Dôme. A couple of days later on Alpe d'Huez Simon also lost the lead of the race to the young pretender to the crown France's next big thing. However, at just 22 he became the youngest winner of the tour since 1933 when they rolled into Paris.

He repeated the feat the following year, after winning the King of the Mountains in the Giro d'Italia while coming 2nd. In 1989 having won the Giro for his only time the order was reversed by that new aerodynamic bike and riding position adopted by Lemond on the Champs-Élysées.

His best finish in the third Grand Tour the Vuelta a España which is currently in progress was third in 1987.

Here is the day in 1989 that he attacked Lemond and keeps tabs on Pedro Delgado to take the maillot jaune, in honour of the Professor



Laurent Fignon 1960-2010



Waste water spillage problem [ 31-Aug-10 1:50pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
At the start of last month, I raised with Scottish Water the mess around the Riverside Drive/Riverside Avenue junction (pictured right) where waste water has blown through the manhole cover.

At the time, Scottish Water responded, but this has since happened again, and I have again raised this recurring problem with Scottish Water.


Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 31-Aug-10 1:20pm ] [ T ]

Edinburgh appeal for Pakistan floods [ 31-Aug-10 12:00pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SNP Tactical Voting [ 31-Aug-10 12:19pm ] [ T ]

Compassion Fatigue [ 31-Aug-10 12:19pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
From Kenny MacAskill, circa Aug 2009:

"In Scotland, we are a people who pride ourselves on our humanity.
"It is viewed as a defining characteristic of Scotland and the Scottish people.
"The perpetration of an atrocity and outrage cannot and should not be a basis for losing sight of who we are, the values we seek to uphold, and the faith and beliefs by which we seek to live.


From William Hague in a Conservative press release today:

"We must harness Britain's generosity and compassion to help the rest of the world"


Kenny was vilified by many, including Tories, for the former and his supposed claim that Scotland has a monopoly on compassion.

I look forward to William receiving the same derision.


Inveresk Street Ingrate [ 31-Aug-10 11:18am ] [ T ]


"How much do you want us to collect?" said Recevo

"Forty ought to do it for now. We had a little communication problem in the past. Maybe he was kidding me, but I couldn't understand much of what the old guy said. Typical, with these immigrants - they don't even bother to learn the language."

That's because they've been too busy workin', tryin' to feed their families. Workin' like dogs, as if a dog could ever work that hard. Not that any of you snow-white bastards would understand the meaning of the word-

" . . . That's why I thought it might be a good idea for Karras here to go along. That sound good to you, Karras?"

Karras smiled and nodded. He thought he'd mix things up this time.

"Yeah," said Reed. "Karras and this Georgakos bird, they speak the same language. The two of them can sit around together all night and grunt."

Gearhart snorted, issued a gassy grin. Karra heard Reed strike a match to the Fatima behind his back. The smoke from it crawled across the room.

"Forty dollars," said Recevo, trying to cut the chill. "That should be a walk in the park, right, Pete?"

"Not a problem," said Karras.

"Hey, Karras," said Reed. "Be a good little coloured girl and fetch me that ashtray offa Mr. Burke's desk."

"I'll get it," said Recevo, but Karras held him back with his arm.

"I asked Karras to get it for me," said Reed.

Karras pointed his chin in the direction of Gearhart. "Ask Laird Cregar over there to get it for you, Reed. He's a little closer."

Gearhart's grin turned down. He didn't make a move for the ashtray, and neither did Reed.

Recevo drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. He shifted in his seat. "Mr. Burke, what should we do if this Georgakos gives us an argument?"

"He won't give you an argument," said Burke, keeping his eyes locked on Karras. "He wouldn't give an argument to a couple of boys who've seen the action you've seen. Would he?"

Burke himself had seen no "action", as he was on the brown side of thirty. But he had a brother who had fought in the European theatre, and being a veteran meant something to Burke. There were points to be had there, Karras figured, and some degree of slack.

"We'll take care of it", said Recevo, and he and Karras rose from their seats.

"Hey," said Reed. "I've got an idea. Maybe you ought to wear your uniforms over to the Greek's place. Wear your medals, too. Maybe that would help.

"Maybe you'd like to go with them," said Burke, with a touch of acid in his voice.

"Reed might have a little problem there," said Karras. He'd need a uniform, too. And the last time I checked, they weren't handin' out uniforms to Section Eights."

Reed stood from his chair, blood coloring his face.

"Hold it," said Burke. "You two can play if you want, but not in here."

"Guy kills a few Japs," muttered Reed, "thinks his asshole squirts perfume."

Burke raised his voice. "Shut your mouth, Reed, and sit down. You can thank me later."



Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 31-Aug-10 10:48am ] [ T ]

Endorsement of the Day [ 31-Aug-10 10:48am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
This morning I had a debate with John Prescott on Twitter regarding NHS Direct. I reckon we both fought our respective corners and fought them hard. Figurative punches were being thrown much to my relief. Me pointing out the lack of money to do everything and the rational for looking at what was essential and therefore needed to keep being funded was what was important.

The fact that nurses currently on the NHS Direct lines will be returned to front line duties and actually treating people. At one point John seemed to suggest that NHS Direct nurses in their current number were essential as "It's about the quality of service - the reassurance and knowledge that saves lives." But NHS Direct isn't where lives are saved that is through the diagnosis and treatment by Doctors and Nurse Practitioners in our surgeries and hospital.

Anyway we got to a point where the entrenchment was shifting, John said, "In case you hadn't noticed, YOU'RE the Government now. Enjoy!"

To which I replied "Sadly John I didn't get elected. But yeah I know that. At least this Government has realised there is a fiscal hole unlike you"

That led to this:

While I'd obviously welcome such a ringing endorsement for my debating skills from an ex-Deputy Prime Minister from a former Government. I'm sure I can could on the endorsement of the current Deputy Prime Minister in the current Government and leader of my party Nick Clegg.


Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 31-Aug-10 9:48am ] [ T ]

Fringe ticket sales up 5+% [ 31-Aug-10 8:30am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 31-Aug-10 9:48am ] [ T ]

Independence for Scotland [ 31-Aug-10 9:17am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


There have been several posts here about independence for Scotland but I would like to draw your attention to a few blogs which are currently holding interesting debates - NewsnetScotland, BellaCaledonia and Scotland Unspun.

At last it seems the SNP are awaking to the fact that an election is only 9 months away and Alex Salmond has decided to put independence top of the SNP campaign agenda. Not before time. They need to get ahead instead of allowing Labour to set the course. Often in the past Alex Salmond's party has been caught trying to deny Labour's accusations but to little effect. They've allowed Labour to 'get in first' and spent campaigns attempting to play catch up.

One lie churned out by unionists won't be heard during the next months - "We can't rely on North Sea gas much longer". How often has that been said in the past years by those who want to enhance the myth that England subsidises us? Although this is the second giant find in just a week there is talk, in oil circles, that more are expected. Surely Scotland isn't going to let our oil go to London without insisting we get our share of the spoils. As Alex Porter writes, we need to emulate Norway, not Australia.

I have hopes of an election campaign focused upon independence, oil and the fact the Westminster coalition has no mandate to govern in Scotland. The 'respect' agenda lasted all of around 48 hours so we've nothing to lose. Let's go for it.



Holyrood Chronicles [ 31-Aug-10 9:18am ] [ T ]

Disgraceful [ 31-Aug-10 9:18am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 31-Aug-10 8:17am ] [ T ]

Scottish power road closures [ 31-Aug-10 8:00am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Toque [ 31-Aug-10 1:50am ] [ T ]

Steve Uncles: "England is the gratest kingdom in the worled" [ 31-Aug-10 1:14am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

You can read through the Wikipedia edits of Steve Uncles here. I particularly enjoyed this one (Steve's contribution in red):

SteveUncles.jpg

But this effort to type "We win by the way" must surely take the prize.

We min

The same IP address was also responsible for a malicious posting against an opposing English nationalist party, in which Richard Aitkins is accused of being a white nationalist (the irony being that Steve Uncles himself cooperated with the England First Party).

The same IP address was also responsible for foul comments posted to Steve Shark's blog.

And for this slanderous and untrue comment about me on the Socialist Unity blog (the slur about my marriage repeated here recently by Steve Uncles).

Good work English Democrats. Are you proud of yourselves?




Teachers, after suffering the blows of last years cuts in education, are being asked to work an extra half an hour a week in front of classes. In a cynical move, Labour run Glasgow City Council has proposed this as a reduction of "marking time" and called for a re-negotiation of McCrone - the agreement that was supposed to ensure they worked a 35 hour week.


Teachers in Scotland already work an average of 10 hours unpaid overtime and have borne the brunt of cuts that have meant class sizes on the rise and fewer adults in the class. Glasgow has already cut support workers and assistants jobs that help with children needing extra educational input.

Glasgow has also quietly shed 500 teachers in the past two years, and the Labour council also presided over closures of 22 schools last year under the previous scandal riven Labour provost, Steven Purcell.  All of this has impacted on teaching and learning.  Children are being made to suffer because of the neo-liberalist ideology of the combined forces of the Tories, Liberal Democrats and Labour and the apparent capitulation of the SNP.

Locally, this has been a complete capitulation to the Tories and Liberal Democrats by a so called Labour Glasgow Council. Not only have they quietly cut education provision through staffing, but now they are essentially asking teachers to take a pay cut.

Labour along with the Tories and Liberal Democrats are peddling the lie that cuts are necessary. The SNP are keeping a cynical silence and after Salmond and Cameron met shortly after the election of the most reactionary Government since Thatcher (and actually becoming more reactionary by the hour), the SNP seem powerless to criticise the ideological cuts they are telling us are necessary. This is not true. There are huge amounts of money around - but in the hands of the bankers and billionaires who caused this crisis (including the RBS who recently have launched an incredible campaign saying they are giving thousands of pounds to Scottish Education, when in fact they were one of the major factors that have led to the crisis in Education  over the past two years!)

SSP members in EIS wish to unite with other trade unionists in decisive campaigns - including coordinated industrial action - to defend jobs, pay, educational expenditure, and national action to enforce maximum class sizes of 20 across the board, as a pre-requisite to improved education and better conditions of work.

How will this be paid for?

The SSP have long been campaigning for a Scottish Service Tax in place of the Council Tax. This would mean the poorest families would pay nothing, but the highest earners would pay more - a fair tax in other words. The richest would pay a modest extra 10% in tax - which when you realise their income grew by 30% last year alone - is a drop in the ocean. The revenue generated by this tax alone would save our Scottish Education System, save jobs in the Public Sector and ensure the Tories and Liberal Democrats do not return us to the eighties when Thatcher and Major had public education on it's knees.  See also our alternative budget

The SSP support the ballot for strike action the EIS are calling in March - but urge the union to unite with other unions and stand together in solidarity against these attacks on the working class.

Upcoming events at which teachers and the EIS can unite with others against the Tory and Liberal Democrat cuts:

Sat 4th Sept UNISON-convened anti-cuts strategy conference - aimed at all public sector unions and community groups. More HERE

Weds 29th Sept European TUC anti-cuts day of action.

Sat 2nd October Street Rally against cuts… as a Scottish contribution to the European TUC action, AND as a stepping up of efforts to bring members from across different unions and community groups together - as a means of building towards the STUC demo (see below), AND to begin to crank up unity in action BEFORE either the Tories and Liberal Democrats OR SNP govts set their spending cuts in concrete.

Sat 23rd Oct STUC Scottish Demo (more details soon)


30-Aug-10

SUBROSA [ 30-Aug-10 9:49pm ] [ T ]

Nothing in Life is Free [ 30-Aug-10 8:56pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


There's no such thing as a free lunch, or in this case a free train or bus ride.

Veterans who fought in Iraq and Afghanistan will soon be able to travel free on rail and road public transport. The plan is part of a package being drawn up by the government to help retired military personnel settle back into Civvy Street.

Up to 70,000 ex-soldiers who served on the front line since 1990 will get free travel for at least 5 years. Other perks cover housing, education and mental health.

There will be:

Help to buy homes
Grants for university tuition fees
Opportunities to retrain as teachers
Extra help for families of serving soldiers
Free university scholarships for children of soldiers killed in action.

David Cameron is expected to announce the Veterans Package in October as part of the Strategic Defence Review. Many men and women who have been invalided out of the armed forces are already entitled to free transport.

The catch? In return for this former soldiers will be expected to stay longer on the Service Register - the list of personnel who can be recalled for service.

Quite a cunning political move. The MoD increases the size of the Service Register and will possibly decrease the numbers of those currently serving. The perks will last only up to 5 years; any longer and the personnel would require full retraining. The only problem I have is with the 'perks' not associated with free travel. Shouldn't we be providing these already?

source



Mark's Edinburgh North & Leith blog [ 30-Aug-10 6:18pm ] [ T ]

What kind of recession in Edinburgh? [ 30-Aug-10 6:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
I came across a very interesting article by Iain MacWhirter today. The drift of his article, that Edinburgh is living in something of a fool's paradise, because its dependence on public sector employment means that although the city appears to have been relatively unscarred by the recession so far, when the threatened 'savage cuts' do materialise, Edinburgh will be particularly badly hit, is very persuasive and for that reason very worrying.

My own impression is that the impact of the recession in Edinburgh has already been much more serious in some sectors than his article suggests. Being at home in Edinburgh during the Parliamentary recess allows me to meet many more local people on a casual as well as an organised basis, and this summer I have been making a particular point of asking people how they have been affected by the recession. The picture is certainly mixed. Builders, joiners, architects, property lawyers - anyone involved in construction has certainly been hit very seriously. Financial services, though, do not seem to have been as badly affected as most people feared. The tourism and leisure sector seems to be more varied - and some businesses find unexpected benefit from the recession. And although I know many IT workers have been hit, one freelance IT worker I met said it was a very busy August - but that's because people weren't away on holiday so were using his services at a time when they normally don't.

And I've certainly noticed many more people coming to my surgeries who have become recently unemployed, with benefits and other problems as a result, even though unemployment in Edinburgh is still much lower than in many other cities. But if Iain McWhirter is right, then that could certainly change if we do end up with a 'double-dip' recession as many predict, and which I fear will happen as a result of the Europe-wide rush to cut budgets quickly.

This Friday, I will be having one of my regular meetings with Jobcentreplus where I will be able to get a detailed picture of the current unemployment picture in Edinburgh. I'd be very interested in any views or information of how the recession is affecting particular businesses or sectors of the local economy to inform me for that meeting. You can post your views here, or send me an email or write to me if you prefer.


SUBROSA [ 30-Aug-10 5:19pm ] [ T ]

Where Does £2 Million an Hour Go? [ 30-Aug-10 11:11am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

UK Contributions to EU Institutions: £ bn

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Cum. 05 - 09


Gross Contribution

(15.1)

(15.4)

(15.8)

(16.4)

(17.4)

(80.1)


Receipts from "Brussels"

9.1

9.3

8.5

9.8

10.7

47.4


Net Contribution

(6.0)

(6.1)

(7.3)

(6.6)

(6.7)

(32.7)

Graph from Dan Hannan


My posts regarding the EU and the missing promised referendum have attracted some comment. This one is from Edward Spalding and combines the Constitutional changes with EU scepticism:

The legislative incontinence and constitutional vandalism of the Blair
years provoked a great deal of debate in eurosceptic and libertarian
circles.

The introduction of "family friendly" hours in the Commons was about the
only discernible effect of "Blair's babes" and was a godsend for the
government. Hours of parliamentary debate were curtailed. Timetable and
guillotine motions were ruthlessly imposed, depriving the opposition of
its power to keep government ministers out of bed at night and so to
force second thoughts on a dictatorial government, openly contemptuous
of any parliamentary convention standing in the way of its will.

The debate on the Lisbon treaty Bill, a very far-reaching Enabling Act
for the EU Commission transferring huge powers away from Parliament,
was an appalling example of this. Much other badly drafted legislation
was churned out in the same way. The Lords do their best as a revising
chamber to mitigate some of the worst effects.

Josh of the Campaign for a Referendum has asked me to bring his site to your attention and I'm happy to comply. I first read about it yesterday at Dick's place but what Josh wishes to emphasise is that this is a serious attempt to collect the required number of signatures. In the Election 2010 Coalition Government manifesto, under Political Reform, it was announced that any petition that secures 100,000 signatures will be eligible for formal debate in Parliament and that the petition with the most signatures will enable members of the public to take a bill eligible to be voted on in Parliament. The Campaign consider this to be a unique opportunity to embarrass and hold the government to account.

What we must ensure is that any referendum is not merely a case of yes/no but that alternative options are offered.

If you need help calculating the cost of the EU, then you have to look no further than Dan Hannan's latest post. Our contributions to the EU have risen to £2 million an hour.




V&A at Dundee - Making it happen [ 30-Aug-10 4:49pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
The exhibition of the six shortlisted designs for the building that will house the V&A at Dundee will open at the University of Abertay Dundee Library on Wednesday 29th September.

It will run until Thursday 4th November and will give all Dundonians the opportunity to give views on the six designs.

The V&A at Dundee website is at www.VandAatDundee.com.


SUBROSA [ 30-Aug-10 3:49pm ] [ T ]

Today's Non-Story [ 30-Aug-10 3:31pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]



Here's a happy wee story. Are you a Star Trek fan? If so this will interest you. If not then you too may think it's a non-story.

Alex Salmond has been given an intergalactic boost in his bid to 'Klingon' to power according to the Scotland on Sunday. The SNP leader is to be made a Starfleet Officer and awarded 'Membership of Distinction' to reward his dedication to promoting the long-running sci-fi series and its values. It's no secret the First Minister has a life-long love of Star Trek.

The 4,000-member fan organisation, based in North Carolina, has never previously recognised any politicians or leaders, restricting honorary membership to US astronauts and cast members. Rear Admiral Jonathan Lee, the group's chief of communication, wrote to Alex Salmond inviting him to accept the title.

"We have never previously awarded a complimentary membership to a government leader.

"However, based on your declared appreciation for Star Trek, combined with the fact that you lead the future birthplace of one of it's most beloved characters (Chief Engineer Montgomery Scott) we felt it would be appropriate to make this gesture in the hope that you will appreciate the sentiment in which it is offered.

"We believe in the dream of Star Trek: a planet united in peace, joining other worlds in the quest for knowledge and exploration. Starfleet is trying to set that example today and reaching out to you as First Minister of Scotland is just one of our many efforts to bring the people of this world just a little closer together."

As with all quality honorary memberships, the First Minister also receives an official Starfleet card and certificate as well as issues of the organisation's bi-monthly newsletter. He can also take online courses at the Starfleet Academy.

You can bet your last Rollo the unionists will be scrutinising every step he takes when on visits to America. Can't have him attending a Trekkie convention can we?

source



SNP Tactical Voting [ 30-Aug-10 1:17pm ] [ T ]

Labour should pick Ed (what do you mean 'which one'?) [ 30-Aug-10 1:17pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Too many leadership contests of late have involved picking the least worst candidate so it is to Labour's credit that they have a decision before them which will end with 'the most best' individual winning through.

I would say, with all due respect to the man, that it is only Ed Balls who has made a less than substantive contribution to the contest, with the other four candidates helping to widen the debate and ensure the next chapter in the party's future is as cathartic as possible. Perhaps it should have been the other MP in the Balls household putting their name forward.

Anyway, the debate seems to be moving towards where Labour needs to be in relation to other parties rather than where it wants to plant its feet. For a party that is supposedly searching for its soul, this is a strange way to go about achieving that objective.

Peter Mandelson warns against 'lurching to the left' and David Miliband talks of 'pivoting forwards', presumably both against Ed Miliband's recklessly liberal anti-war, anti-nuclear stance, (despite these being historically Labour ideals of course). To be fair to Mandelson, New Labour must have emanated from Old Labour for a reason so to go back from New to Old deserves strong consideration of the risks involved.

David Miliband is the current frontrunner but he represents a timid choice with his current strategy seemingly being to clamp down on rival challengers rather than clearly communicate his own vision. Indeed, the main reason I can see for voting for the older Miliband is that he is rightwing enough to win Middle England but left enough of Cameron to hold onto the base. It seems to be the classic New Labour error of power for power's sake all over again. The Greens certainly want David to win to ensure they can make the resultant mouthwateringly massive gap to the left their own. Cameron wants David to lose as the Prime Minister doesn't want another 'heir to Blair' on his patch.

Don't get me wrong, I'm very impressed with both Milibands, they seem bright, articulate, personable, fair and, most crucially, genuine. Either name would get my vote ahead of Clegg or Cameron as things currently stand.

However, Ed Miliband has that extra level of enthusiasm, that extra edge of radicalism, those extra green credentials and that extra bag of policies against his name. This adds up to momentum and a lightning rod for a liberal, progressive, lefty coalition that between the SNP, the Greens and the disenchanted Lib Dems, can ensure that the coalition will, somewhat belatedly, be held to account adequately.


Holyrood Chronicles [ 30-Aug-10 12:18pm ] [ T ]

A trifle optimistic? [ 30-Aug-10 12:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 30-Aug-10 11:20am ] [ T ]

Where Does £2 Million a Day Go? [ 30-Aug-10 11:11am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

UK Contributions to EU Institutions: £ bn

2005

2006

2007

2008

2009

Cum. 05 - 09


Gross Contribution

(15.1)

(15.4)

(15.8)

(16.4)

(17.4)

(80.1)


Receipts from "Brussels"

9.1

9.3

8.5

9.8

10.7

47.4


Net Contribution

(6.0)

(6.1)

(7.3)

(6.6)

(6.7)

(32.7)

Graph from Dan Hannan


My posts regarding the EU and the missing promised referendum have attracted some comment. This one is from Edward Spalding and combines the Constitutional changes with EU scepticism:

The legislative incontinence and constitutional vandalism of the Blair
years provoked a great deal of debate in eurosceptic and libertarian
circles.

The introduction of "family friendly" hours in the Commons was about the
only discernible effect of "Blair's babes" and was a godsend for the
government. Hours of parliamentary debate were curtailed. Timetable and
guillotine motions were ruthlessly imposed, depriving the opposition of
its power to keep government ministers out of bed at night and so to
force second thoughts on a dictatorial government, openly contemptuous
of any parliamentary convention standing in the way of its will.

The debate on the Lisbon treaty Bill, a very far-reaching Enabling Act
for the EU Commission transferring huge powers away from Parliament,
was an appalling example of this. Much other badly drafted legislation
was churned out in the same way. The Lords do their best as a revising
chamber to mitigate some of the worst effects.

Josh of the Campaign for a Referendum has asked me to bring his site to your attention and I'm happy to comply. I first read about it yesterday at Dick's place but what Josh wishes to emphasise is that this is a serious attempt to collect the required number of signatures. In the Election 2010 Coalition Government manifesto, under Political Reform, it was announced that any petition that secures 100,000 signatures will be eligible for formal debate in Parliament and that the petition with the most signatures will enable members of the public to take a bill eligible to be voted on in Parliament. The Campaign consider this to be a unique opportunity to embarrass and hold the government to account.

What we must ensure is that any referendum is not merely a case of yes/no but that alternative options are offered.

If you need help calculating the cost of the EU, then you have to look no further than Dan Hannan's latest post. Our contributions to the EU have risen to £2 million an hour.



Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 30-Aug-10 11:19am ] [ T ]

Quote of day: "Hollywood? If I've got time." [ 30-Aug-10 9:59am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 30-Aug-10 7:49am ] [ T ]

Inside Incredible Athletes [ 30-Aug-10 7:49am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Last night Channel 4 showed a really great programme called Inside Incredible Athletes. As regular readers will know I've sometimes mentioned the 'differently enabled' athletes* I've come across in the fields of athletics and bowling.

The show, which if you missed it is on 4OD here, is well worth a viewing and does show how differently enabled many of these athletes actually are. Highlighted brilliantly by England blind football captain David Clarke taking part in a five-a-side game between his current and former work places. Or dressage rider Lee Pearson who can control his horse without his hands due to his muscle difficulties. Or the fact that single amputees running with a blade compensate for the balance and weight distribution issues over time to make it look effortless when it is not.

It shows the athletes in all their attributes, jealousy of Lee's boyfriends getting a free car wash, the passion and aggression from the wheelchair Rugby guys, the wit again rugby player Steve Brown saying:

"Injuries can happen in any sport, or live. Believe us we broke our necks."


The passion and commitment for their chosen field in evident 2 years out from the London 2012 Paralympics. The event that Channel 4 will be covering in more detail and hours than ever before. This show not only brings the athletes to live a normal people with normal attitudes to getting on with things, it also explains some of the difficulties they have had to overcome to be at the top of their game. To be enabled in that different way. Some of them can compete alongside anyone, some need a slight equipment change, but all are able to compete and survive in the world on their own terms and that is what is so joyous to see.

* This was a phrase used by one of them to me saying, "I'm not a disabled athlete, I'm differently enabled."



Western Cemetery Association [ 30-Aug-10 12:18am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
I attended a very useful meeting on Thursday with representatives of the Western Cemetery Association and the Director of Leisure & Communities and some of his team, about the cemetery and supporting the Association's work.

The Association does excellent work in assisting with the conversation of the cemetery and we had a very positive meeting.


29-Aug-10


RECENT POSTS MENU [ 29-Aug-10 10:49pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Bill Newman on the Crocodile Tears shed for Jimmy Reid HERE

Guest Blogger: LEFTBANKER Raphie de Santos - Will the Euro Survive?  HERE

Towards a socialist Health Service (pamphlet circa 1978/79) HERE

More posts HERE

Towards a Socialist Health Service 1978/79 [ 29-Aug-10 10:49pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

I know nothing about this pamphlet, only that the message from 1978/79 is much the same as now as capitalism struggled to survive and in its struggle, made the working class suffer.  The message in this pamphlet may have dated in the money involved - but the message and lessons from their campaign have not.

The leaflet explains that, "The Sheffield Campaign Against Cuts in the Health Service was formed in June 1977.  the committee came out of the Thornbury Committee which had fought the first successful campaign against the Thornbury closure..."

I hope the successful fighters are still around to share their experience in fighting cuts.  Sheffield and the rest of the UK need their likes again in the face of the worst cuts and austerity measures ideologically imposed by the Tory and Liberal Democrat undemocratic coalition.

Other Pamphlets from the Past can be found HERE

Click on the images of the pages to expand.









































SUBROSA [ 29-Aug-10 9:19pm ] [ T ]

Something to Chew Over [ 29-Aug-10 8:54pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]



One third of Glasgow's most deprived three-year-olds have tooth decay, a new study has claimed. The University of Glasgow's Dental School noted that, on average, the poorest children had one-and-a-half teeth which had been filled, were decaying or missing. In comparison, the researchers found that the least deprived were missing a third of a tooth on average.

Researchers used the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation, which uses factors like income, housing, education and employment, to assess the level of deprivation for each child.

There is no reason is today's society, for any child, from any background, to have excessive tooth decay. Sixty years ago I lived in what would be called a 'deprived area' today, yet I'm not aware dental decay was any more prevalent than it was in the posher parts of the city. I can speak with a little knowledge because my dentist was my godfather and his wife, my godmother, who was what would now be called the practice manager. No fancy toothpastes then, only a dentist who insisted teeth were brushed three times a day. The school dentist and nurse regularly checked us wee ones to ensure we were obeying orders. School dental checks increased once sweeties came off ration as it was known sugar caused dental decay. A letter was sent to the parents from the school dentist if he wasn't satisfied. That was enough to shake the most indolent parent into action.

Therefore, although I'm not questioning these findings, I am saying money has nothing to do with children's teeth. Parenting has everything to do with it and money can't buy good parenting. Some people will never make good parents.

Are there things such as school dentists these days? If not, surely it's not too difficult for any primary teacher to give regular instruction to wee ones on how to clean their teeth. Manufacturers of dental goods are always happy to give freebies in the hope that as children grow they will prefer their products. I few 'horror' videos would help relay the message.

Wouldn't it be far more beneficial for schools to spend more curriculum time on oral and physical hygiene rather than sex education - or as I'm told 'relationships'? Sex can wear thin with the years - rather like some people's hair- but having your own teeth is a lifelong valuable asset and our children must learn that. When I was a child there was no preventative oral health care. If a filling didn't 'work' then it was an extraction.

Continually providing children with sugar-filled fizzy drinks doesn't only happen in less well off families. So why are children from that society class so effected? The only reason I can see is bad parenting.

It's little or nothing to do with money. If it was children from wealthy backgrounds wouldn't have any tooth decay whatsoever.

source


Today's Non-Story [ 29-Aug-10 4:37pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


Most of us will have played Monopoly at least once in our lives although I doubt many of us have lost any sleep wondering about the location of 'GO'.

But the mystery must have caused someone a little insomnia - enough for them to decide to solve the 75-year-old riddle. Mapping experts at Ordnance Survey used digital mapping to trace and plot all the square on the board game on to a map of London.

They discovered that the iconic game's start square is Lambeth North tube station on the Bakerloo Line, near the London Eye. Under the rules of the game a player collects £200 from the bank every time they pass 'GO'.

So there you have it. Dust down your battered Monopoly board (if you can find it), set everyone round the table for a game, then when the opportunity arises, you can impress your company with your newly acquired knowledge. Not a bad way to spend an August Bank Holiday Sunday evening.

source




Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 29-Aug-10 4:48pm ] [ T ]

Two Who [ 29-Aug-10 4:48pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

The next series or Doctor Who is going to have a mid-season split after seven episodes, which what Steven Moffat calls a "game-changing cliffhanger" at Easter "an earth-shattering climax". It will return in the autumn with a run of six episodes.

It is not as The Grand Moff says splitting the series in two but making it two distinct series on the same budget with same number of shows. It means there will not be the long wait from the end of the series until the Christmas special. It also means that it is closer to the story arcing of the original series which had a story over a number of weeks before moving on. With the Moff in charge of that arc which will add to his other punctuations in the series even under Russell T. Davies.

It gives the Moff two premieres, and two climaxes. No doubt a return of his other vehicle Sherlock will also fill the schedules after its success this summer.


Holyrood Chronicles [ 29-Aug-10 3:18pm ] [ T ]

Not so difficult after all [ 29-Aug-10 3:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 29-Aug-10 12:19pm ] [ T ]

Mischief in Manhattan - Pat Condell [ 29-Aug-10 11:44am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Regardless what you think about the proposed mosque near Ground Zero, it's always worth hearing Pat Condell's straight-forward opinions.


Thanks to Counting Cats


SNP Tactical Voting [ 29-Aug-10 12:18pm ] [ T ]

Independence roars back up the political agenda [ 29-Aug-10 12:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
From this week's main story in Newsweek:

"the list tells us some important things about the world. For starters, smaller is often better. While there's no denying the vitality of emerging-market giants like China or Brazil or Turkey, they are often bested by tiny nations like Slovenia or Estonia, according to the data, simply because it takes less effort for these countries to improve their overall wellbeing.

In a Sunday Express interview, First Minister Alex Salmond has vowed that "the people can take the decision to force the issue (of an independence referendum)" as the SNP continues its bid to join the ranks of successful small countries across Europe.

The Newsweek overall rankings had Finland, Switzerland, Sweden, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands and Norway in the top ten and the supposedly stronger together and weaker apart United States, Germany, United Kingdom and France in the 11-20 spots. Superpowers, clearly, ain't what they used to be.

With the news of more oil than expected in the North Sea, Cairn Energy leading the exploration charge in the Arctic, Joseph Stiglitz surmising that UK wasted prior oil reserves and the banking crisis now settling down thanks to strong growth figures, now may be the right time for the Nationalists to up the stakes in the game of referendum brinksmanship.

Certainly Tavish Scott continues to sound distinctly flaky on this issue, no more so than in today's Scotland on Sunday article when he says the "the country has moved on" from considering independence and the "modern" Scottish Lib Dems don't give "two hoots" about a referendum. Tavish is entitled to state the latter opinion categorically as he leads the party, regardless of how incorrect the assertion may be. The former opinion, surely, can only be stated categorically after a referendum so it will be interesting to see whether, and how much, Tavish's views change as the election campaign progresses.
Either way, this is a welcome shot in the arm for Holyrood '11. It's heartening to see Alex Salmond intent on leaving it all out on the field for something he strongly believes in, and it's nice to see that Newsweek, indirectly at least, has the First Minister's back.


Mark's Edinburgh North & Leith blog [ 29-Aug-10 12:18pm ] [ T ]

Leith aid for floods crisis [ 29-Aug-10 12:18pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
I thought I would give a mention to a local organisation which is helping at the heart of the areas hit by the recent flooding. Newhaven based Edinburgh Direct Aid happen to have a direct involvement in some of in one the most affected areas, in Kashmir. They've launched an emergency appeal, and you can find details here

Please give generously to this and the other appeals - the public in this country have already done so, but much more is clearly going to be needed.


perspective [ 29-Aug-10 11:47am ] [ T ]

Alan Moore at the Edinburgh Book Festival [ 29-Aug-10 11:47am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

SUBROSA [ 29-Aug-10 10:48am ] [ T ]

Leave Our Troops Out of It [ 29-Aug-10 9:22am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
click to enlarge

I caught a glimpse of the news last night and saw young thugs throwing missiles in the streets of Bradford. Today's papers appear to 'blame' the EDL but, not being close to the situation, I prefer to accept the opinion of a fellow blogger.

I do wish these organisations would stop using our armed forces in the manner depicted above. Our troops don't want or need this form of support.



Inveresk Street Ingrate [ 29-Aug-10 6:19am ] [ T ]

Noel Gallagher had turned up at his local polling station to find that he was required to produce one more item of identification than he was carrying. 'Do you want me to sing you a fucking song?' he protested, before celebrity eventually got the better of bureaucracy. That night, though the South Bank beckoned, he remained on the sofa. 'I had a ticket for the Labour Party party, but I had that much fun watching Portillo and the others get done over I stayed at home in front of the TV. It was all champagne and cigars round our house. Meg and me got pissed and went out into the garden and played ['The Beatles'] Revolution dead loud with the neighbours banging on the walls.'



Stephen's Liberal Journal [ 29-Aug-10 12:17am ] [ T ]

A Little Bit of History [ 29-Aug-10 12:17am ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]

It's not everyday that you can say you took part in a little bit of history but setting off from Bangor on the 9:57 train this morning heading to my father's home city I did just that.

Meeting up with members of Belfast Pride at Great Victoria Street Station (a task I had to do in my own gregarious way as we weren't meeting Mícheál Carchrie Campbell until Yorkgate) it was off to Northern Ireland's second city for their inaugural Pride Parade. Starting from Duke Street railway station it followed the route of the 1968 Civil Rights March.

As a result it followed a lot of my families history, there are various members living on or near Duke Street in the 1901 or 1911 census. We crossed the Craigavon Bridge, around the 'Hands Across the Divide Statue' which was the closest point to the Fountain area where my father grew up and where my Grandmother lived most of her live. Also up past Carlisle Road Presbyterian Church where my grandparents were married. Eventually arriving having entered the city walls and exited them again at Guildhall Square.

Those of us who had travelled up by train had been a bit worried as the train pulled past the assembly point as there didn't seem to be a great turnout, but that soon changed, as this picture goes some way to show .



As seems to be the way with these things there was a little shower or two, but that didn't spoil the atmosphere as ever. Plus of course all those who marched were making that little bit of history.

One really great thing about how this first Foyle Pride was received was the way the car drivers on the Craigavon Bridge and the bus passengers, plus those along the pavement as we paraded through the City streets past the shops, bars and cafes were really supportive of the parade. Of course there were the dour church folk at the roundabout as we started, whose protested doesn't appear to have been registered on the Parade Commission's website (oops!). But the majority of the people of Derry were not listening to them but accepted the LGBTQ (Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Transexual/gender and Questioning) community to their hearts.

I'm proud to be a son of Derry descent for (at least) four generations on today's reaction.

See more pictures on my Flickr account.


28-Aug-10

Southside & Newington Newsblog [ 28-Aug-10 11:18pm ] [ T ]

10 posts in August [ 28-Aug-10 10:55pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]


The council's budget [ 28-Aug-10 10:17pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
As reported in today's Courier, the Liberal Democrats on Dundee City Council have decided that, as presently constituted, the so-called Changing for the Future Board, is not something we will be prepared to support and, as Group Leader, I will not attend the Board's meetings.

At last Monday's Policy & Resources Committee, the Labour Group Leader proposed and I seconded an amendment that would have made the Board open and transparent and would have also ensured the trades unions had representation on it. The SNP administration rejected this reasonable request in the usual "our way or no way" approach we all too regularly see from the SNP.

The events of the past week have done little to show that the SNP is in any mood for genuine co-operation with the others on the council and one can only conclude that the SNP administration simply views the Board as convenient camouflage for the cuts in services they intend to make.

I have always said that all on the City Council should be working together to the good of Dundee at a time of an extremely challenging financial situation. When the SNP starts to give a little and stops expecting absolutely everything their way, a spirit of co-operation will be possible. But, secret cabals are absolutely not the right way forward.

X Factor - Phenomenal! [ 28-Aug-10 10:17pm ] [ T ] [ G ] [ N ] [ L ]
Well, wasn't Mary Byrne rather superb!


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