How bad is sexual bullying in schools?
I'll admit to a natural suspicion of claims that everything's got much worse since the good old days. It's not that they're never true; but we're worryingly good at seeing the past through rose-tinted spectacles. So I wasn't sure what to make of tonight's Panorama, on the apparent growth in sexual bullying in schools. To summarise the programme, sexual bullying is now commonplace in our secondary schools, ranging from calling someone gay or slut through groping to full sexual assault and even rape. Even primary schools are seeing inappropriate behaviour. Parents are concerned and the Internet and TV were wheeled ... (more)
Happy New Year
A belated one, as I have been away in a magically frost-bitten Scotland - where else? This shot was on route to Peebles. ... (more)
Randommy McRandom
1, I finally plucked up courage to take the Fitness test on Wii Sports and it thinks I am 53. FIFTY THREE! 2, alexwilcock sent me a homemade DVD of Doctor Who bits as part of my birthday present, and all I can say is that whoever created most of them is a filthy pervert. I approve! :D (more)
Clegg responds to Brown and Cameron economic proposals
Fair green future Dyfodol teg, dyfodol gwyrdd "Gordon Brown and David Cameron are con-men trying to fool the British public. "First we have an expensive VAT cut that doesn't help people and now the Prime Minister announces he will create 100,000 jobs without any idea of how. "David Cameron is offering his own fake giveaway. Cutting savings tax will mean someone saving £100 will only get an extra 40p a year. "If David Cameron is going to be taken seriously he has to identify what cuts he will make. How many fewer police officers will there be on the street ... (more)
Green Road out of recession
Nick Clegg today described Gordon Brown and David Cameron as con-men trying to fool the British public. He was responding to David Cameron's speech on the economy, in which he announced plans to scrap taxes paid by basic rate taxpayers' on savings interest and raise the level of non-taxable income for pensioners by £2,000 a year, and to Gordon Brown's interview yesterday, in which he spoke about government plans to bring forward £10bn of spending on public works, digital technology and environmental projects, claiming the programme would create 100,000 jobs. Nick said that, to be taken seriously, David Cameron would ... (more)
Why the Liberal Democrats? Part 1 in an occasional series
Several of my political posts may seem like they're attacking the party I belong to, the Liberal Democrats (especially those posts that have been reposted and 'improved' over on Labour 'Liberal' Conspiracy). This is the prerogative of members in the Lib Dems - get two Lib Dems into a room together and you'll have three [...] (more)
Morning glory
There I was browsing through the blogs postings this morning when I found 'International Fetish Day - what will YOU do?' swiftly followed by 'Tell us, dear LDV readers: what gets you up in the mornings?'. QED (more)
Nick supports Hastings Against War Gaza Vigil
Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Hastings & Rye, Nick Perry, attended the vigil organised by local group Hastings Against War on Saturday in Hastings town centre. After the event Nick said, "Hastings Against War is absolutely right to want to show solidarity with the innocent civilians that are suffering in Gaza at this time. "As a nation, [...] (more)
Nick urges Lib Dem colleagues to protect the Seaview Project
Nick Perry, Lib Dem parliamentary campaigner for Hastings & Rye, visited the Seaview Project (Southwater Road, St Leonards on Sea) last Tuesday to offer support during the holiday period. Nick spent time with staff and volunteers finding out more about the work of the project and the current issues of concern. Speaking after the visit, Nick said, "Through [...] (more)
Small World Reunion
50 years ago, the crew of the Small World balloon attempted a trans-Atlantic crossing. My dad, Tim, my grandfather Bushy, with Colin and Rosemary Mudie. They travelled four days in the air, then 20 days by sea between Tenerife and Barbados. {Artists impression of the Small world} On my father's birthday, after some time at sea and with some distance to go, they opened a tin of evaporated milk to celebrate. Here, Colin (left) and Tim meet again, in more comfortable circumstances, at a family celebration of Dad's birthday. {Colin Mudie and Tim Eiloart} (more)