Blog
Iraq’s future – views sought for Kurdistan magazine
The deputy editor of a political magazine based North of Iraq has emailed me some questions regarding the future of his country, with an emphasis on Kurdistan, the language in which it is printed. Farhad M. Hassan has...
How switched on is the EU?
Germany's environment minister Sigmar Gabriel wants normal light bulbs to be banned in the EU and energy saving lights used instead. Studies show that carbon dioxide emissions could be reduced by 25 million tonnes a year if both households and the services sector...
Dame Helen’s crowning glory
Am I the only loyal subject who has not seen Dame Helen's Oscar winning performance in The Queen? Is it as fantastic as everyone says? If you have seen it, which do you think was the best part of the film, what made it so outstanding?
Let’s talk, small talk
Today, Blogpower's finest philanthropist Tom Paine, a British lawyer living in Moscow, is my guest author and describes his shyness with small talk. Is that a problem for you too, do you have an opening line that helps to get the conversation flowing? And have you...
What is your fear, and how have you overcome it?
I have written a guest post for the erudite Tom Paine on my fear of public speaking and how I am conquering it. You can read it here. It will be interesting to hear your advice about this, and whether you have any fears which you have overcome, and how.
Two unmissable programmes this weekend
I shall be glued to the TV for the final episode of Channel 4's The Search this evening which I was invited to audition for at the last minute. Just as well I didn't join the team, I know I would have struggled to crack those codes as my best friend is my sat...
Govt may face £305 million fine for farm payments disaster
This news almost slipped through unnoticed, but not quite. While the government pleads poverty over compensation for pensioners, it appears that it could be fined up to £305 million for its shambolic handling of subsidies paid to our farmers, which...
Is the cost of divorce to blame for fewer marriages?
With weddings hitting an all time low, I wonder if a major cause for men is the thought of getting stung in the divorce courts, like Colin Montgomerie and Ray Parlour, whose ex-wives can continue to live in luxury for the rest of their lives. Mind you,...
It might not be Shakespeare, but …
I reluctantly gave up my salsa class last year as it clashed with a drama group my son James joined and I had to drive him to his acting lessons each week. Now it all seems worthwhile as today he has his first professional role - as an extra on EastEnders. He is...