Archive for August, 2015


When was the last time you saw a Mauritanian film?

August 31st, 2015 by Roger Darlington

Never – right? Me too – until this weekend. We rented “Timbuktu” from Lovefilm. If you like action movies and can’t stand slow films with subtitles, this is not for you. But, if you are a discerning film fan who likes something different, you should try this. I’ve reviewed the film here.

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We would be stupid to ignore Tony Blair

August 30th, 2015 by Roger Darlington

Some people may not like Tony Blair; they might despise his inclusion of Britain in the invasion of Iraq; they may resent his warnings about the dangers of electing Jeremy Corbyn as the next Leader of the Labour Party. But the guy is the most successful leader that the party has ever had, taking it […]

Posted in British current affairs | Comments (3)


A review of the film “Mistress America”

August 29th, 2015 by Roger Darlington

If you’d like something a bit different that will remind you of the old screwball comedies, you should give this a try. I’ve reviewed it here.

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Catrin goes to Kenya

August 29th, 2015 by Roger Darlington

Regular visitors to this blog will be well aware that I have a granddaughter called Catrin who is now four and a half years old. I first saw her on the day she was born and my first posting about her was that day. Since then, I’ve been very fortunate and seen her an average […]

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My 25th short story: “The Fall And Rise Of Benjamin Morris”

August 28th, 2015 by Roger Darlington

It’s Friday when I post a link to one of my collection of short stories. So, sit down, make a cup of coffee or tea, and relax for a few minutes reading here.

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Is the ageing of those who can and do vote killing social democracy?

August 27th, 2015 by Roger Darlington

This is an (edited) extract from a blog posting this week by Nick Pearce, Director of the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR). “Most people are familiar with the inequality in turnout between the social classes. No less egregious is the inequality in turnout between the generations. This is now a major political cleavage, with […]

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Out of the mouths of babes …

August 26th, 2015 by Roger Darlington

Yesterday, I viewed the new Pixar animation movie “Inside Out” again [my review here] with my granddaughter Catrin (aged four and a half) and a young female friend with her son who is a very similar age to Catrin. They are both single children. Afterwards the little lad wanted to go to the toilet and […]

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“The Fallen Of World War II” – a powerful data graphics presentation

August 24th, 2015 by Roger Darlington

The Second World War was the bloodiest conflict in history. The actual death toll is the subject of many estimates and, for the purposes of his video, American Neil Halloran has used estimates which total around 70 million, He has produced a graphic which explains how this total is made up and how the toll […]

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What are the most popular names for new babies in Britain?

August 23rd, 2015 by Roger Darlington

According to the data compiled annually by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), the most popular names for children born in England & Wales during 2014 – published this week – were as follows: Position Boys Girls 1 Oliver Amelia 2 Jack Olivia 3 Harry Isla 4 Jacob Emily 5 Charlie Poppy 6 Thomas Ava […]

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Ever wondered just how far can one drive the predestination paradox?

August 23rd, 2015 by Roger Darlington

No – neither had I.  Until I watched a 2014 Australian science fiction thriller called “Predestination” which I’ve reviewed here.

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