The eagle-eyed of you might have spotted an extended and (slightly) uncharacteristic absence on this site. Well, exciting news for anyone interested: I’ve relocated to Australia. From the UK, that is. It’s probably important you knew where I started. After partially re-opening their borders, Australia is beginning to welcome tourists back into the country, witnessing... Continue Reading →
Why can’t we have nice things?
Admittedly, that phrase might be successfully applied to a plethora of significant concerns. I’m sure we could discuss the intricacies of human psychology and community interactions, but that would be boring. And depressing. Instead, I’d like to talk about something fun: Wordle. If you haven’t encountered it yet, Wordle has a fairly simple premise. It’s... Continue Reading →
This might be a good time to define “Western values”.
Tensions have existed between Russia and the Western world for over seventy years. It’s hardly surprising, given that Cold War thinking defined multiple generations of foreign policy, that attitudes of suspicion linger. The latest episode in the ongoing saga are disputes over Ukraine, with Russia insisting the region is vital for security reasons, the West... Continue Reading →
Shark – a magical underwater adventure with Steve Backshall
I do want to lavish praise upon the magnificent Shark with Steve Backshall, but you’ll first have to be patient, I’m afraid. It’s a challenging time to be a fan of the natural world. There’s so much majesty in the world unseen by my eyes, which would be exhilarating, did I not fear much of... Continue Reading →
Abolishing the BBC’s licence fee fits a worryingly authoritarian narrative
It won’t be immediate, but it certainly appears definite at this stage. The BBC’s licence fee will be abolished in 2027, protected by Royal Charter until then, and funding will be frozen for the next two years. In her announcement, Nadine Dorries boldly declared: “This licence fee announcement will be the last. The days of... Continue Reading →
Statues continue to upset Conservative MPs
Several prominent Conservative MPs voiced their disapproval of the ‘Colton Four’ acquittal by jury verdict, some even claiming this outcome undermined the rule of law. Needless to say, the ongoing debates swirling around statues continue to upset Conservative MPs. I think it’s important to note multiple lawyers, which is to say professionals actually versed in... Continue Reading →
Boycotting the Winter Olympics
Imagine you’re invited to a dinner party. You might not be especially close to the hosts, but a mutual friend, also invited, informs you that a fabulous banquet is in store. In fact, this glorious meal occurs but once every four years. As such, it’s a true spectacle. Guests congregate on the expansive front lawn,... Continue Reading →
Matt Hancock did more than ‘breach Covid guidelines’
Matt Hancock has been gracious enough to apologise once again for ‘breaching Covid guidelines’. That’s his euphemism for having an affair. But whilst it’s in the news again, however irrelevantly at this stage, let’s remember his actions consisted of more than simply flouting social distancing guidelines. It was embarrassing, of course, and his position did... Continue Reading →
Is tennis teetering on the brink of controversy?
As 2021 draws to a close, we have plenty to be thankful for. Simultaneously, much is alarming. Far from escaping the clutches of COVID-19, that particular virus seems poised to strike viciously against an apathetic population. Migrant crises are exploding on the Polish border and across the English channel. Climate breakdown is unrepentant, as are... Continue Reading →
Thanks for coming, everyone.
If anyone missed it, the diplomatic pantomime of Cop26 has unfolded over this past fortnight. Well, I’ve been somewhat distracted, so a few weeks ago now. Proceedings were ushered in under the shadow of the UN’s latest IPCC report declaring a “code red for humanity. And, well, “We showed up” said Joe Biden, criticising China... Continue Reading →