The Poppy Appeal: Politicising Memories

I thought maybe I’d try writing this despite how taboo criticism of wearing poppies has become in recent years. That our way of remembering the tragedy of death in war should be so totally controlled by one organisation is something we should be concerned about; memories are personal, but also disputable, and the singular, and highly selective branding is hugely problematic to myself and many others.

Where Science and Politics collide

In an era when we’ve become used to Science running the Political landscape, last week’s sacking of the government’s chief drugs advisor was a kick in the teeth for anyone who thought we had entered an era of “rational government”, where science was the true deciding factor on all matters of government policy.

The BNP, Free Speech, and BBC Question Time

A senior government member has struck out at the BBC’s Question Time for its invite to BNP leader Nick Griffin, who is currently due to appear on the 22nd October edition of the program. Peter Hain wants the BNP’s invitation rescinded because they aren’t a lawful organisation, due to a court ruling over their constitution.

Tories face Fraud-Charity Smear over Atlantic Bridge

This morning, as I settled down to catch up on the world, having slept two hours longer than I should have, a labourite friend’s twitter screamed at me with the following: “The Tory scandal the media are too scared to touch” – an obscure charity called Atlantic Bridge, set up by now-shadow defence secretary Liam Fox, designed to promote the special relationship so many of us loathe.

Murdoch decides it all (again!)

Once again, the kingmaker of Britain (an Aussie) has decided who shall be leading the country after the next election, and unlike the last 12 years, he’s going for the Tories. Corporate Britain has few more capable subverting democracy than Rupert Murdoch, but today his friends must be pretty happy with him.

Climate Migration: A film idea

As I was out cycling recently, I began to wonder about the kinds of Climate Change films being made, and it occurred to me that one area there has been almost work on so far is climate change migration, the idea of people moving away from the equators in search of a liveable environment could make a pretty epic film. The main twist I’d like to see in it: I think it should be about a family from Britain struggling to migrate into overpopulated Norway.

Lois: Would Women have caused the Credit Crunch?

Today sees the return of a former guest blogger to discuss an article I spotted but didn’t manage to get round to commenting on. Thankfully, someone else did it wonderfully for me; many thanks Lois! I have a couple of submissions for the next couple of weeks, but if the summer provides any thoughts on Gender, do send them over.

On Tubthumping, Populism and Michael Moore

Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the Garforth Arts Festival for the first time, thoroughly enjoying the line-up of acts they had acquired, including the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, who had me in stitches. It also featured a long standing band that many see as a one-hit wonder: Chumbawumber, of Tubthumping fame.

Michael Jackson: Society’s Problem?

It seems a little odd to get caught up in the celebrity hype of the moment, but I do think Michael Jackson’s passing requires a pause for thought. Much about the man can be said to be somehow special, different, or down right weird. But to be honest, much of it was downright tragic, and put the guy in a lose/lose situation.

The Importance of Memory

Being in Berlin, even if only briefly, has reminded me of the importance of ‘Memory’, one of the major Generalised Issues* that the British sadly fail to make enough of a deal about. Its also made me wonder whether all airports should be torn down or not.