Archive for July, 2008
Why are oil prices rising so fast? (4)
July 16th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
This is the fourth time that I’ve blogged on this subject in just seven weeks. In my second posting, I wrote: “If the cause is rising demand, then prices will continue to rise because demand will continue to rise but supply will probably only increase marginally (in the short term anyway). If the cause is […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (2)
Understanding the Qur’an
July 16th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
This week, Channel Four screened a two-hour programme on the Islamic holy book the Qur’an. This was television at its best: a thoughtful, informed and balanced examination of an important and controversial subject with global implications. The programme showed how the Shi’ite version of Islam as practised in Iran and the Whabbism version of the […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (1)
The American presidential election (49)
July 14th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
I’ve always told my American friends that, if Britain really was the 51st state in the USA, we would be voting for Obama big time rather than John McCain. Now we have the evidence that it would be by an astonishing five to one. We’re fired up and ready to go!
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
The American presidential election (48)
July 13th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
As discussed in this article, Barack Obama and John McCain are now thinking hard about the appointment of a Vice-Presidential running mate and there’s a lot of interest in one or both candidates choosing a woman. This is more likely to happen on the Democratic side and the article mentions three possibilities: Kathleen Sebelius, Governor […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
Rating your doctor
July 13th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
A new British web site opens today which enables all citizens to rate their doctors and comment on the treatment received. The site is called “I want great care”. As this article explains, the initiative is controversial with doctors who fear unfair or even libellous comments. In principle, I’m in favour of any scheme which […]
Posted in Consumer matters | Comments (2)
Lunch with Jesus
July 12th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
This week, I visited Lisbon for professional purposes in order to give a presentation on next generation broadband on behalf of the Ofcom Consumer Panel. I was only in the city for 48 hours but I managed to do a lot: a day at the conference, half a day’s sightseeing, and three meals in restaurants. […]
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (1)
What has Davies achieved?
July 11th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
A month ago, I did a posting on the decision of Conservative frontbencher David Davies to resign and force a by-election and wrote: “All that will happen is that the public purse will fund a totally unnecessary by-election in which there will no serious opposition and a very poor turnout. Davies will destroy his career, […]
Posted in British current affairs | Comments (0)
What’s your favourite Beatles song?
July 10th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
Each 10 July, Liverpool celebrates Beatles Day. The event marks the anniversary of the Fab Four’s triumphant homecoming to Liverpool after they conquered America in 1964. This year, various famous people have been asked for their favourite Beatles song and the leaders of our political parties have answered as follows: Gordon Brown – “All My […]
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (2)
Off to Lisbon
July 7th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
I’m off now for a couple of days to visit Lisbon and speak at a conference on next generation broadband. You can check out the programme here. My only previous visits to Lisbon were in 1993 and 1996 but I loved it [short note here]. I’m sure I’ll blog about the trip when I return.
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (1)
How happy are you?
July 6th, 2008 by Roger Darlington
Denmark is the happiest country in the world and Zimbabwe the least happy, according to new data just released by the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research as part of its World Values Survey. The USA only comes 16th, while the UK is just 21st, out of 97 countries – containing 90% of the […]
Posted in Miscellaneous | Comments (3)