In an uncharacteristic display of good taste my Dad bought me the John Peel auto/biography for Christmas.
It is one of those books that, once started, it was hard to put down.
The first half of the book was written by Peel himself before he died, the second half written by his wife Sheila with help and support for their children.
Peel's humour, humanity and wit shine throughout his chapters. There were several real laugh out loud moments and a lot of genuinly interesting stories as well. Sheila's half was equally compelling and brought a different perspective to Peel.
If anyone who listened to Peel either on late night Radio One (as I did as a teenager and student) or who enjoyed his dry wit on Home Truths hasn't got hold of a copy yet I would strongly recommend it.
When he died I listened to the tribute programme on the saturday on Radio 4 on my way to a Lib Dem training event and arrived, untypically for me, with tears running down my face. I guess after years of listeneing to him that I felt he was more friend than DJ. This book reinforced that feeling.
Wednesday, January 04, 2006
Friday, December 30, 2005
Ben Rammisatosser
As Jonathan Calder and Stephen Tall have already pointed out the online petition organised by The Liberal calling for Charles Kennedy to resign appears to have no way of checking whether the people signing are actually Liberal Democrat members at all.
For example I was able to sign it with the entirely ficticious name of Ben Rammisatosser giving the email address as Ben.Ramm@libdems.org.uk.
Any news reort quoting the number of people signing it should be ignored as a result and any journalist reporting such figures as fact - without finding out first how The Liberal has verified the membership of each person signing - should be ashamed of themselves.
For example I was able to sign it with the entirely ficticious name of Ben Rammisatosser giving the email address as Ben.Ramm@libdems.org.uk.
Any news reort quoting the number of people signing it should be ignored as a result and any journalist reporting such figures as fact - without finding out first how The Liberal has verified the membership of each person signing - should be ashamed of themselves.
Monday, December 26, 2005
Doctor Who Digital Episode Disappointment
Apparantly there was an interactive digital episode of Doctor Who following the Christmas Special.
We pressed our red button when told to by David Tennant but the best that was on offer was Coldplay live.
It appears that the episdoe was not available to those of us on NTL, Telewest or quite a lot of Freeview boxes. The only reliable way to get it seems to have been Sky Satelite which I for one refuse to subscribe to.
The BBC trailed this episode widely and should have made it clear that access to it was so restricted. They should now make amends by showing the episdoe online.
We pressed our red button when told to by David Tennant but the best that was on offer was Coldplay live.
It appears that the episdoe was not available to those of us on NTL, Telewest or quite a lot of Freeview boxes. The only reliable way to get it seems to have been Sky Satelite which I for one refuse to subscribe to.
The BBC trailed this episode widely and should have made it clear that access to it was so restricted. They should now make amends by showing the episdoe online.
Tennant Triumphs
Well after sitting round waiting all day for it I thought David Tennant's debut as the Doctor was 'fantastic'. He appeared to pick up the role and run with it from the off. Billie Piper was as good as ever and I thought the storyline in this episode was good and fitted the one hour spcial well.
There were just enough Christmassy elements to make it festive without getting in the way of the plot. And there was plenty of humour too - pulling out Tennant's Casanova costume in the wardrobe, the 'very Arthur Dent' comment and the Star Wars references all raised a chuckle with me.
And the final twist in the story was brilliant too, and could lead to some very interesting developments along with the forthcoming Torchwood series. Seemed to me to be quite a big hit at Thatcher's attack on the Belgrano and Blair's weakening as PM in one short scene.
And then the trailer ... Sarah Jane Smith, Cyberman and K9! What more could a small boy want for Christmas?
There were just enough Christmassy elements to make it festive without getting in the way of the plot. And there was plenty of humour too - pulling out Tennant's Casanova costume in the wardrobe, the 'very Arthur Dent' comment and the Star Wars references all raised a chuckle with me.
And the final twist in the story was brilliant too, and could lead to some very interesting developments along with the forthcoming Torchwood series. Seemed to me to be quite a big hit at Thatcher's attack on the Belgrano and Blair's weakening as PM in one short scene.
And then the trailer ... Sarah Jane Smith, Cyberman and K9! What more could a small boy want for Christmas?
Monday, December 19, 2005
Cabinet Ministers to be asked to pay back profits from their diaries
Although this article doesn't specifically mention Cabinet Ministers ...
... I am sure they wouldn't be so hypocritical as to apply one rule to their servants but another to themselves ...
... would they?
... I am sure they wouldn't be so hypocritical as to apply one rule to their servants but another to themselves ...
... would they?
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Surely a christmas charity carol service isn't illegal?
I am more than happy to promote this christmas carol service which is being held to raise money for medical aid for Iraqi children. And after the bombing they've had by the british and american invasion forces, by golly they need the help.
There seem to be some concern that such a service might be illegal. Personally I think such such a suggestion is so utterly ludicrous that it can't possibly be true.
Not in a country that is so keen on defending our 'traditional freedoms' that we are willing to slaughter thousands of innocent people just to prove the point:
You are cordially invited to a public carol service in Parliament Square at 6pm on Wednesday the 21st of December 2005.
This inclusive service will contain both Christian and secular verse, and is expected to last no more than an hour.
Candles and song sheets will be made available, with donations going to Medical Aid for Iraqi Children.
Please note that if you attend this carol service, it will classify as a spontaneous demonstration (of faith, hope, joy and/or religious tolerance) and there is a possibility that you will be cautioned or arrested under Section 132 of the Serious and Organised Crimes and Police Act 2005.
Click here for more information.
And merry christmas Tim Ireland and well done for consistently challenging Blair and showing him up for what he is.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Gig frenzy
I am very pleased to have been able to go to a load of brilliant gigs recently.
I saw Fish in Cirencester a couple of weeks ago on his 'Return to Childhood' tour, it being 20 years (where did they go) since Marillion's Misplaced Childhood album was released. The first half of the show was a variety of his solo material and the second was a full run through of the album. This is one of my all time favourite albums and it was a delight to hear it played in full.
I then went to see Opeth in Oxford. Opeth are a sort of progressive death metal outfit and certainly the loudest band I have seen for a while. They are from Stockholm in Sweden and the frontman was very amusing, playing on his limited english vocabulary to great effect. Incredible musicians.
Next it was Marillion at the Kentish Town Forum on the finla date of their Not Quite Christmas Tour. I was in the balcony due to the downstairs tickets having sold out. This was one of the best gigs I have ever been to. Two and a half hours including thre encores, finishing with a hilarious Pogues style parody of their most rcent album title track. This album 'Marbles' was a real return to form for the band and they looked and sounded like a band at the top of their game.
On Thursday I went to see Magnum at the Astoria. They are also celebrating a 20th anniversary - of their most successful album On A Storytellers Night. Again the first half of the set was a mix of material from their ecellent back catalogue with the second half being the album in full. Magnum were one of the first bands i ever saw and they are still a terrific live act.
And on Friday I am off to see KINO - a prog rock 'supergroup' which includes Pete Trewavas from Marillion and John Mitchell from Arena. I am hoping to meet up for a pre-gig drink or two with other Marillion fans before heading for what will be a good and christmassy final gig of the year.
Rock on!
I saw Fish in Cirencester a couple of weeks ago on his 'Return to Childhood' tour, it being 20 years (where did they go) since Marillion's Misplaced Childhood album was released. The first half of the show was a variety of his solo material and the second was a full run through of the album. This is one of my all time favourite albums and it was a delight to hear it played in full.
I then went to see Opeth in Oxford. Opeth are a sort of progressive death metal outfit and certainly the loudest band I have seen for a while. They are from Stockholm in Sweden and the frontman was very amusing, playing on his limited english vocabulary to great effect. Incredible musicians.
Next it was Marillion at the Kentish Town Forum on the finla date of their Not Quite Christmas Tour. I was in the balcony due to the downstairs tickets having sold out. This was one of the best gigs I have ever been to. Two and a half hours including thre encores, finishing with a hilarious Pogues style parody of their most rcent album title track. This album 'Marbles' was a real return to form for the band and they looked and sounded like a band at the top of their game.
On Thursday I went to see Magnum at the Astoria. They are also celebrating a 20th anniversary - of their most successful album On A Storytellers Night. Again the first half of the set was a mix of material from their ecellent back catalogue with the second half being the album in full. Magnum were one of the first bands i ever saw and they are still a terrific live act.
And on Friday I am off to see KINO - a prog rock 'supergroup' which includes Pete Trewavas from Marillion and John Mitchell from Arena. I am hoping to meet up for a pre-gig drink or two with other Marillion fans before heading for what will be a good and christmassy final gig of the year.
Rock on!
Christmas is coming
I had fun playing a certain rotund white-bearded gentleman yesterday evening at Jimmy's school kids' club christmas party.
It probably sounds a bit trite but it really is amazing to see the children's reaction. It is also interesting how the older ones know that they are in on the secret and don't let slip to the little ones.
It probably sounds a bit trite but it really is amazing to see the children's reaction. It is also interesting how the older ones know that they are in on the secret and don't let slip to the little ones.
Get F**ked at Woolworths
Woolworths have withdrawn the Jerry Springer - The Opera DVD because some of their customers might be offended. This is despite the fact that there is nothing on the packaging that could offend anyone.
Yet at their website you can buy several far more offensive products (hint - enter the f-word in the search bar).
At least they could be honest about the fact that they are a bunch of spinelss, hypocritical halfwits who gave in to an extremist pressure group.
More comment here and here.
Yet at their website you can buy several far more offensive products (hint - enter the f-word in the search bar).
At least they could be honest about the fact that they are a bunch of spinelss, hypocritical halfwits who gave in to an extremist pressure group.
More comment here and here.
Restricting free speech is not a restriction on free speech
Lord Falconer says it is "ridiculously overdone" to claim free speech is being undermined after the arrest of a woman for listing the UK's Iraq war dead.
So it's not a restriction of free specch to arrest someone for, er, speaking, then?
So it's not a restriction of free specch to arrest someone for, er, speaking, then?
Sunday, December 04, 2005
A true people's politician
A very touching article in the Observer by Mo Mowlam's stepdaughter http://politics.guardian.co.uk/politicspast/comment/0,9236,1657073,00.html
Mo Mowlam was my MP at home and I met her onec in redcar and once a few years later when I was running what used to be called 'Youth & Student Day' for the Lib Dem Youth & Students.
Apart from the fact that she impressed me by knowing who I was have met my parents a few times at local functions in Redcar, I was struck by he down to earth approach and what was clearly a very genuine humanity.
That she managed to achieve so much in politics, particularly in the peace process, whilst remaining a warm human being, perhaps shows how politics could be so much better if we would let it.
Mo Mowlam was my MP at home and I met her onec in redcar and once a few years later when I was running what used to be called 'Youth & Student Day' for the Lib Dem Youth & Students.
Apart from the fact that she impressed me by knowing who I was have met my parents a few times at local functions in Redcar, I was struck by he down to earth approach and what was clearly a very genuine humanity.
That she managed to achieve so much in politics, particularly in the peace process, whilst remaining a warm human being, perhaps shows how politics could be so much better if we would let it.
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Defending western values
I listeneed to an alarming interview on radio 4 this morning with british defence lawyer Clive Stafford-Smith who is involved in helping to defend some of the Guantanamo Bay detainees.
Aparantly another batch of detainees have been charged, including a british refugee who has been charged with 'conspiracy to commit war crimes'.
The US Government:
Kidnapped a british resident, incarcerated them without charge, plans to put them on trail before a military tribunal of judges handpicked by the US government, is allowing evidence gained after torture, will not allow the accused or his lawyers even see all the evidence aginst him, and will then only allow appeal to another appointed tribunal.
If any country other than the US was doing this wouldn't our Government be going up the wall?
And this is apparantly all in the name of 'defending western freedoms and values'.
It is an utter disgrace. Blair, Straw and the lot of them should be hanging their heads in shame.
Aparantly another batch of detainees have been charged, including a british refugee who has been charged with 'conspiracy to commit war crimes'.
The US Government:
Kidnapped a british resident, incarcerated them without charge, plans to put them on trail before a military tribunal of judges handpicked by the US government, is allowing evidence gained after torture, will not allow the accused or his lawyers even see all the evidence aginst him, and will then only allow appeal to another appointed tribunal.
If any country other than the US was doing this wouldn't our Government be going up the wall?
And this is apparantly all in the name of 'defending western freedoms and values'.
It is an utter disgrace. Blair, Straw and the lot of them should be hanging their heads in shame.
90 days detention - but why?
I have been thinking about why my reaction against the Government's plans for 90 day detention without charge is so instinctive.
Apart from all the arguments about how devastatingly life-wrecking such detention would be to the individual concerned (usually an 'innocent victim' that Blair and co are supposed to be concerned about), I think it comes down to the fact that they are simply not putting forward a case.
Blair's argument simply seems to come down to 'there are nasty terrorists about and the security services assure me that they need these measures to fight them'.
But there is no real explanation of how these powers would actually help prevent terrorism, no examples have been given from recent times to illustrate the difference they would make, and no clear explanation of why the alternatives being proposed by politicians couldn't do the job as effectively.
Which means that basically they are back to the same justification that was used for invading Iraq: trust us and trust the security services.
The problem is that on Iraq they got it wrong. And on previous attempts to change the law they got it wrong too (eg. the Walter Wolfgang incident)
So I don't trust them, and I don't trust the advice of the security services, and I feel dreadfully sorry for those who end up being the innocent victims of this unecessary and draconian proposal.
Apart from all the arguments about how devastatingly life-wrecking such detention would be to the individual concerned (usually an 'innocent victim' that Blair and co are supposed to be concerned about), I think it comes down to the fact that they are simply not putting forward a case.
Blair's argument simply seems to come down to 'there are nasty terrorists about and the security services assure me that they need these measures to fight them'.
But there is no real explanation of how these powers would actually help prevent terrorism, no examples have been given from recent times to illustrate the difference they would make, and no clear explanation of why the alternatives being proposed by politicians couldn't do the job as effectively.
Which means that basically they are back to the same justification that was used for invading Iraq: trust us and trust the security services.
The problem is that on Iraq they got it wrong. And on previous attempts to change the law they got it wrong too (eg. the Walter Wolfgang incident)
So I don't trust them, and I don't trust the advice of the security services, and I feel dreadfully sorry for those who end up being the innocent victims of this unecessary and draconian proposal.
Monday, November 07, 2005
My advice to Charles Clarke
Charles Clarke apparantly wants to know our views on how we can fight terrorism http://www.labour.org.uk/yourviewsonfightingterrorism
In his rush to find out our views the answers to the questions he has come up with could be misinterpreted. I doubt it is likely, for example, that many people will say that the Police shouldn't have the time and opportunity to fully investigate suspected terrorists!
Unfortunatelt the survey form didn't provide an opportunity to add explanatory comments.
I have therefore, being the helpful chap that I am, sent an additional email adding some detail to the YES or NO options available:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Labour Party,
I have just filled in a rather simplistic survey about my views on
fighting terrorism.
The questions were extremely simplistic and the answers will be completely
open to interpretation.
Most online surveys of this type have a general comments box. I would
recommend this in the future.
As I am sure Charles Clarke is interested in arriving at properly thought
through solutions to the threat of terrorism, I therefore thought it would
be helpful if I sent more detailed comments:
Do you think that our laws should be updated to cope with the current
security threat?
I answered NO because there are already more than enough legal measures in
place for the security services to take on terrorism and because I believe
that if we keep changing our laws every time there is a heightened threat
from terrorism then we have already let them win. There are perhaps a few
things the Government could do such as changing the rules on evidence to
allow phone tap evidence etc.
Do you think police should have the time and opportunity to complete their
investigations into suspected terrorists?
I answered YES (and frankly who is going to say NO to such a question?)
and as far as I know no-one is stopping them do this. The security
services do not have a very good track record on this. During the past
four years they have arrested nearly 1,000 people under the Prevention of
Terrorism Act 2000 yet only 23 have been convicted. There are clearly
major problems with the standards of evidence gathering which they need to
improve. Perhaps if they spent more time gathering real evidence and less
time arresting and holding innocent people the results would be better?
Do you think the government should make sure there are new safeguards to
protect innocent people?
I answered YES.
There are three things in particular I would like the Government to do to
protect innocent people:
1 Drop the plans to increase the length of time suspects can be held
without being charged. This is an affront to justice and will do untold
harm to innocent people whose lives will be wrecked.
2 Urgently review the code of practice for police use of firearms.
3 Admit that the basis for invading Iraq was completely wrong and
commit to not making the same mistake again so that thousands of innocent
people don't die again.
I hope Mr Clarke finds these comments helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Neil Fawcett.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
In his rush to find out our views the answers to the questions he has come up with could be misinterpreted. I doubt it is likely, for example, that many people will say that the Police shouldn't have the time and opportunity to fully investigate suspected terrorists!
Unfortunatelt the survey form didn't provide an opportunity to add explanatory comments.
I have therefore, being the helpful chap that I am, sent an additional email adding some detail to the YES or NO options available:
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Labour Party,
I have just filled in a rather simplistic survey about my views on
fighting terrorism.
The questions were extremely simplistic and the answers will be completely
open to interpretation.
Most online surveys of this type have a general comments box. I would
recommend this in the future.
As I am sure Charles Clarke is interested in arriving at properly thought
through solutions to the threat of terrorism, I therefore thought it would
be helpful if I sent more detailed comments:
Do you think that our laws should be updated to cope with the current
security threat?
I answered NO because there are already more than enough legal measures in
place for the security services to take on terrorism and because I believe
that if we keep changing our laws every time there is a heightened threat
from terrorism then we have already let them win. There are perhaps a few
things the Government could do such as changing the rules on evidence to
allow phone tap evidence etc.
Do you think police should have the time and opportunity to complete their
investigations into suspected terrorists?
I answered YES (and frankly who is going to say NO to such a question?)
and as far as I know no-one is stopping them do this. The security
services do not have a very good track record on this. During the past
four years they have arrested nearly 1,000 people under the Prevention of
Terrorism Act 2000 yet only 23 have been convicted. There are clearly
major problems with the standards of evidence gathering which they need to
improve. Perhaps if they spent more time gathering real evidence and less
time arresting and holding innocent people the results would be better?
Do you think the government should make sure there are new safeguards to
protect innocent people?
I answered YES.
There are three things in particular I would like the Government to do to
protect innocent people:
1 Drop the plans to increase the length of time suspects can be held
without being charged. This is an affront to justice and will do untold
harm to innocent people whose lives will be wrecked.
2 Urgently review the code of practice for police use of firearms.
3 Admit that the basis for invading Iraq was completely wrong and
commit to not making the same mistake again so that thousands of innocent
people don't die again.
I hope Mr Clarke finds these comments helpful.
Yours sincerely,
Neil Fawcett.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Wednesday, October 26, 2005
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
ID Cards website
My good friend and colleague Mark tells me that those pesky Lib Dems have launched a new campaign against Labour's Identity Cards plans - take a look at www.libdems.org.uk/noidcards
If I was very clever I would probably also be able to add a link button to my site. Sadly I am not.
If I was very clever I would probably also be able to add a link button to my site. Sadly I am not.
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Trumpton on the web
I'm sure anyone of a similae age to mine will be as astounded as I was to discover that you can get Trumpton ringtones!
http://www.t-web.co.uk/trumpepg.htm
I can still vividly remember excitedly waiting to find out what was in Lord Belborough's mystery crate.
Guess which DVDs my little one will be getting for Christmas!
http://www.t-web.co.uk/trumpepg.htm
I can still vividly remember excitedly waiting to find out what was in Lord Belborough's mystery crate.
Guess which DVDs my little one will be getting for Christmas!
Tuesday, October 18, 2005
The West Wing
Despite having missed the last series I thoroughly enjoyed the first two episodes of series 6 on More 4 on Friday.
Then I found this:
Ahh, the ever-cynical and sarcastic speechwriter. Gutsy and not afraid to speak up or clash with authority, his dry wit is amusing. But under it all he's just a big teddy bear... and the world's biggest Yankees fan.
:: Which West Wing character are you? ::
Then I found this:
Ahh, the ever-cynical and sarcastic speechwriter. Gutsy and not afraid to speak up or clash with authority, his dry wit is amusing. But under it all he's just a big teddy bear... and the world's biggest Yankees fan.
:: Which West Wing character are you? ::
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