Blog
Why are we behind the Koreans with QR shopping codes?
As an enthusiast of QR codes, I wonder why we are behind the Koreans who have embraced this technology for supermarket shopping. Hat tip to the erudite Winchester Whisperer for alerting me to this: The Korean company, Homeplus, has taken shopping to a new level by...
How our special educational needs provision could be transformed
There are 1.7 million children in England with special educational needs, ranging from dyslexia and Down's syndrome, to autism and attention deficit hyperactivity. The way their needs are met is currently under review by the government. And not a moment too soon. Next...
My moonlight walk for charity
In one mad impulsive moment I put my name forward to join the Cancer Research UK charity Shine walk through London on 1st October. I have entered the half-marathon, so 13 miles of pavement plodding - but for a great cause, and I will be in great company too having...
Could Westminster’s working hours modernise from today?
Joan Ruddock MP will today lobby her colleagues for a change of working hours in the House. It's quite a modest request really: she suggests close of day at 6 or 7pm midweek for business in the House, enabling MPs to get back to their young children in time to read...
Abcodia’s serum biobank
Here is my latest video showing Abcodia's biobank, and explaining how its serum collection can for used in the research and development of molecular diagnostics. Abcodia’s CEO Dr Julie Barnes and Prof Ian Jacobs , non-executive director with Abcodia and the lead...
Twinings – bring back the old Earl Grey
I have just joined a new Facebook group urging Twinings to ditch its new wishy washy Earl Grey tea and reinstate its original aromatic recipe loved my millions around the world. The new version is weak and tasteless, like perfumed dishwater. It lacks substance and...
Howard Jacobson and bloggers
I am flattered to have my blog praised on the new Dale & Co political website run by Iain Dale. A post written by guest writer Martin Thompson questioned the scathing attack on bloggers made by the 2010 Man Booker prize winner Howard Jacobson. This is what Mark...
Why is Westminster still not family friendly?
I wonder who the woman MP was who Andy Burnham saw strolling across Westminster Bridge 10.30pm one night with her baby in a buggy, having just finished work. For anyone who thinks MPs have an easy time, this is the reality for those with young families who are...
Walking for health Jim’s way
I have spent the summer working on a genome campus with no free time for my regular walks, but now I really must get into shape for my weekend away with the Cambridge Rambling Club next month to the South Downs. I expect the undulating landscape there to be much more...