The internet is a fabulous source of news. And it’s now becoming so ubiquitous that you can find out local things that you might never find out otherwise. Here’s a slightly sad example. Harry is a local celebrity. He’s never far from the bar of our local pub. He lives on our road and you… Continue reading Local News
The Wrecking of British Science
Excellent article in today’s Guardian by Nobel laureate Harry Kroto. I was happy enough when he was making points like Thirty per cent of physics departments have either been closed or merged in the past five years. What is one to make of the deafening silence of ministers when, last year, the small Sussex chemistry… Continue reading The Wrecking of British Science
Faith Schools Petition
Oh this is so depressing. There’s a petition on the government’s e-petition site that calls for the government to continue its support for faith schools. It has a very bizarre set of scare quotes. We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to continue the support for faith schools and to ensure that in all schools… Continue reading Faith Schools Petition
Hack Day
So it seems I am cool enough to be invited to Hack Day. Looks like there’s an unofficial wiki for people to attempt to organise themselves before the day. There’s also some rather scary-looking small print to read. All we need to know now is – who is the mystery musical guest playing at the… Continue reading Hack Day
Recognition
A couple of nights ago I watched Starter For 10 (entertaining enough, great 80s soundtrack, rather predictable plot). There was one actress in particular who I knew that I recognised, but I really couldn’t place her. I have that kind of mind. I know when I’ve seen someone before, but it can often take a… Continue reading Recognition
OpenID
Following requests from a number[1] of readers, I’ve implemented OpenID for the authentication of commenters on this blog. That means you no longer need to authenticate using TypeKey (although that remains an option). It’s worth pointing out that LiveJournal users already have a OpenID account, just use the full URL of your LiveJournal blog (e.g.… Continue reading OpenID
When Atheism Isn’t Enough
When I added the story about Jerry Falwell’s death to my delicious list last night, I commented “Jerry Falwell finally knows that he was wrong”. But that’s not really right is it? This is one of those rare occasions when I wish I wasn’t an atheist. See, as an atheist, I know that Falwell doesn’t… Continue reading When Atheism Isn’t Enough
BBC vs the Scientologists
Of course I enjoyed last night’s Panorama about the Scientologists. John Sweeney’s screaming fit was a bit shocking, but I strongly suspect that I’d react in a similar way if I’ve been subject to the same kind of treatment that he had received. I’ve been interested in Scientology for a long time. Fifteen years ago… Continue reading BBC vs the Scientologists
Marina Hyde on Blogging
I used to quite like Marina Hyde. I still find a lot of her Guardian columns witty and well-written. But now I find (via Lloyd) this snippet from her Guardian showbusiness blog. If you read the comments you’ll see exactly what she thinks about blogging. For the benefit of those confused, I write three columns… Continue reading Marina Hyde on Blogging
Dawkins Responds to Critics
The paperback edition of The God Delusion is published next week. This edition has a new preface which Dawkins uses to respond to some of the common criticisms that have been leveled at the book. Normally I’d find it far too tempting to by the paperback just to read this. But happily, the article was… Continue reading Dawkins Responds to Critics