Blog
Jack Straw, the Poles, and the EU’s anti-death penalty day
I don't understand why the EU feels it is necessary to hold an anti-death penalty day, earmarked for 10 October. The fact that the death penalty doesn't exist in Europe means it is pretty pointless. And which other country which imposes it is going to take notice of...
Will environmentalists scupper Brazil’s success?
The Brazilian economy is thriving , according to this BBC report. The Economist magazine recently identified what it described as a new lower middle class "emerging almost overnight" in Brazil and Latin America - millions of people who are "the main beneficiaries of...
My first Vista post
I've been struggling all day to familiarise myself with Windows Vista now that all my programmes have been transferred over to my new computer. However, I have still had to install much of the software again, and as all my blogging software was installed by Geoff, and...
Should voting be made compulsory?
Greece's Conservatives have retained their lead in the latest general elections. But how many people are aware that it is one of 32 countries in the world where voting is compulsory? Even in the fire-ravaged villages of southern Greece, where many homes remain without...
A breath of fresh air
And the fresh air doesn't get much fresher - or more bracing - than on the North Norfolk coast. I shall breathe it in by the lungfull tomorrow as I walk the 12 mile scenic coastal path from Brancaster to Holkham with fellow members of Cambridge's Simply...
Welcome to the world, baby Milan Scoble
Since blog pioneer Robert Scoble's lovely wife Maryam gave birth three hours ago to their uniquely named son, Milan William, he has posted a dozen messages about it on Twitter (I share his network), as well as downloading pics of the lusty new arrival...
The missing – Stefan Punch
Stefan Punch was last seen on 27 August, 2003 at a friend's house in Cork County. His car was found the next day in County Clare. Since then, his phone has been switched off and his friends and family have not had any word from him. He is around 5Ft 11inches, of...
Our decaying care of the elderly
A guest post by fellow former regional press officer Janice Small who is helping organise Kent Conservatives' EU trealy rallies. This post focuses on a subject close to our hearts - our decaying health service for our elderly to ensure they have dignity at...
Lib Dems and leaflets
If a political campaigning leaflet arrives on my doormat, there is a good chance it could be from a Lib Dem candidate. One of their strengths is this basic form of communication, and gathering a team of volunteers to make the deliveries. This was particularly evident...