Archive for December, 2015
Why is the American middle class so anxious and why is Donald Trump doing so well?
December 16th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
One of the most astute commentators on the American political and economic scene is Robert Reich and he has just written this short article explaining why so many Americans are so anxious and seeking solace from “a strongman who’d promise to protect them from all the chaos”.
Posted in American current affairs | Comments (0)
The danger in the South China Sea
December 15th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
Five years ago, I did a posting which pointed out: “We think of the Middle East as the most likely location for global conflict, but the South China Sea is the scene of many worrying developments. China has declared that it views the South China Sea as a “core” interest and is beginning to deploy […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
The Darlington Christmas letter 2015
December 14th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
Each year, Vee and I send out a Christmas letter with our Christmas card to those with whom we have been in too little touch in the course of the previous 12 months. It’s a way of keeping friends up-to-date with our lives and activities and seems to be popular. You can now read this […]
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (0)
Ever heard of Louie Zamperini?
December 14th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
Like most non-Americans I guess, I’d never heard of Louis “Louie” Zamperini before Angelina Jolie made a film about him. It is a truly remarkable story: someone who represented the United States in the 5,000 metres at the 1936 Berlin Olympics and then, during his war service as a bombardier with the USAAF, somehow survived […]
Posted in Cultural issues, History | Comments (0)
The rise and rise of Alicia Vikander
December 13th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
Nine months ago, I did a blog posting which began: “You may not have heard of her but, believe me, you will.” This was a reference to the Swedish actress Alicia Vikander. Well, to confirm that 2015 has been her break-out year, today the “Observer” newspaper devotes three pages to an interview with her. I […]
Posted in Cultural issues | Comments (0)
The best news for a l-o-n-g time: we have a global deal on climate change
December 13th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
After 23 years of failure to agree a new global climate deal and negotiations in Paris that concluded with three all-night sessions, 196 nations have signed a deal on climate change set out in 31 pages of text and due to come into force in 2020. What are the key elements? To keep global temperatures […]
Posted in Environment | Comments (0)
‘World’s longest married couple’ celebrate 90th anniversary
December 12th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
Many congratulations to Karam and Kartari Chand – see here.
Posted in Miscellaneous | Comments (0)
A short guide to the Spanish political system
December 12th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
In just over a week’s time, Spanish voters will elect a new parliament and the two establishment parties are being challenged by two new parties, so the result could represent a new political settlement. In preparation for the election, I have written the 14th contribution to my collection of essays providing a short guide to […]
Posted in World current affairs | Comments (0)
What does the new forum Open Labour stand for?
December 11th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
“Open Labour is a Labour forum aimed at creating a kinder, more active and more equal society. We seek a politics where power and wealth are more widely distributed, and in which we work more cooperatively to make sure that power, wealth and opportunity are for all of us – not just those who already have […]
Posted in British current affairs | Comments (0)
How to be good
December 11th, 2015 by Roger Darlington
Another Friday, another visit to my set of web site essays on life skills. Today’s essay is arguably my most ambitious, since it is an attempt to suggest how to be good. Check it out here.
Posted in My life & thoughts | Comments (0)