Blog
What is a truth serum made from?
I was reading this grisly report about India's suspected third serial killer which mentions forensic scientists using a "truth serum" on two suspects. One is said to have confessed to eating the liver and flesh of his young victims. I thought this was the stuff...
Will UK politicians advertise on our political blogs?
I imagine many political bloggers would love the chance of making some dosh from their online discourse and interaction. If British politicians follow the example of what is happening in America, the chances are it could happen here too. Former...
Is the new Apple iPhone all it’s cracked up to be?
I thought how slick and beautiful the new Apple iPhone looked. But it seems all that glistens is not gold. Robert Scoble, Microsoft's former top blogger has given it the thumbs down, and there are 123 comments to scroll through and help me make my...
The joy of a love letter
When did you last receive a love letter? I imagine they are very scarce these days, with text messages and emails used instead to communicate those special tender feelings. The emotions and tragic acceptance of fate portrayed in Captain Scott's last letter...
Another day in London
I shall be on the train to London first thing tomorrow morning while you are probably still dreaming away, heading for a Blog Breakfast with Echo to discuss corporate and political blogging. I had a successful visit to the smoke today with my son David for his latest...
The two words missing from Robin Cook’s headstone
A picture of Robin Cook's headstone has been published today bearing his immortal words: "I may not have succeeded in halting the war, but I did secure the right of Parliament to decide on war". It naturally mentions his wife Gaynor and two sons. I wonder why it...
Waste is not rubbish, it’s a resource
We need to rethink our views on household waste, it is not rubbish, it is a resource. Any scavenger will tell you that, like those from Poland in my picture. It's an issue our government has ignored for years, which is why we are the worst recyclers in...
Parenting versus politics – Ruth Kelly’s choice
Should parental considerations dominant political ones? That was clearly the dilemma faced by Cabinet Minister Ruth Kelly in choosing to send her dyslexic child to a £15,000 a year boarding school as there was so suitable local authority alternative. If true, this...
My IRA prisoners escape "exclusive"
Reading about the latest bout of escaped prisoners reminded me of one of my journalistic highlights at the Cambridge Evening News. It was one Saturday afternoon and we were waiting for the nod to go home when a call came through to tell us that some IRA...