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Archive for A Daily Roundup
Daily News Roundup - 17th April 2008
Here is today’s roundup of stories.
Comment
Brian Wheeler (BBC) - Could the web win it in London?
The internet is fast becoming a key battleground in the race to be the next mayor of London.
Jenny Jones (Comment is Free) - 10,000 trees? Yes please!
London elections 08: The Green party would welcome more trees. But we’ve already organised planting far more than that in the city
Economist (Economist) - Paper tigers?
Nepal goes Maoist: How worried should we be?
Charlotte Phillips (Times Online) - The Holocaust and the iPod generation
I took my children to Berlin to learn about Nazi Germany where my grandparents were killed. Did my history lesson succeed?
News
Chris Impey (BBC) - UK in new beef row with Brussels
Steak Tartare is something of a culinary passion in France - it is essentially a dish made from raw minced beef. It might be a continental delicacy, but it has led to a European Commission rule which has the potential to undermine a huge part of the UK beef industry.
Economist (Economist) - Fridges of the world, unite!
Smarter appliances mean fewer brown-outs
Nicholas Timmins, Public Policy Editor (FT) - GPs could face fee if patients use A&E
Family doctors could be charged when their patients go to accident and emergency units if they could have been treated at the local surgery.
Alan Travis, (Guardian) - Fewer than 3,000 websites produce bulk of child porn
Fewer than 3,000 English-language websites produce the bulk of child pornography images, according to the first authoritative analysis of the scale of the problem, published today.
Andrew Buncombe (Independent) - Delhi cuts torch route to avoid protests
Thousands of Tibetan protesters are gathering in Delhi ahead of today’s Olympic torch relay that could see the biggest demonstration against China yet. Such are the security concerns that only a handful of people will beallowed to witness the run.
KEITH BRADSHER (NYT) - A Drought in Australia, a Global Shortage of Rice
The Deniliquin mill, the largest rice mill in the Southern Hemisphere, once processed enough grain to satisfy the daily needs of 20 million people. But six long years of drought have taken a toll, reducing Australia’s rice crop by 98 percent and leading to the mothballing of the mill last December.
Sky (Sky) - In Danger: Bugs, Butterflies And Other Beauties
Here’s looking at you! The Red-Barbed ant is one of the endangered species featured in a new set of British stamps.
Nick Squires (Telegraph) - Chinese in Australia vow to defend Olympic torch from pro-Tibet scum
Thousands of Chinese expatriates are mobilising to defend the Olympic torch from pro-Tibet scum when it passes through the Australian capital.
Mark Souster (Times Online) - Martin Johnson sacrifices cash for glory
Brian Ashton was consulting lawyers last night after being sacked as England head coach to make way for Martin Johnson’s arrival as team manager. Ashton, who took up the job 16 months ago and was on an annual rolling contract, is considering launching a claim for constructive dismissal against the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and is ready to reject an offer to take charge of the union’s academy.
Scotland
BBC (BBC) - Challenging local tax unveiled
Plans to replace the unfair council tax with a local income tax have been published by the Scottish Government.
Wales
- E-democracy aims to beat apathy
New media is being used by the Welsh assembly in a new attempt at e-democracy to bring politics closer to the people.
Tags: daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper
[tags]daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper[/tags]
Daily Roundup for 15 April 2008
Here is todays roundup of stories.
Comment
Ian Buruma (Comment is Free) - Tibet last stand
The last glimmers of Tibetan culture are in danger of being extinguished by restrictions on language and the breakneck pace of development
Economist (Economist) - Palaeontology - Seeing the light
Palaeontologists can now look inside fossils without damaging them
Mark Jones (Times Online) - The hitch to marrying a rich woman
Men are happy to be with a woman who earns more than they do, a recent survey claims. But our writer, after his own research, doubts that
News
Audrey Gillan (Guardian) - TV presenter body not found for six days
The body of the television presenter Mark Speight was hanging from the roof of a building next to Paddington station for six days before he was discovered by rail workers, it emerged yesterday.
WILLIAM J. BROAD (NYT) - In Weak Rivets, a Possible Key to Titanic’s Doom
Researchers have discovered that the builder of the Titanic struggled for years to obtain enough good rivets and riveters and ultimately settled on faulty materials that doomed the ship, which sank 96 years ago Tuesday.
Obituary
BBC (BBC) - Green Party Peer Lord Beaumont dies
The Green Party peer, Lord Beaumont of Whitley, has died aged 79. He was chairman of the Liberal Party when he joined the Lords in 1967 but then defected to the Greens in 1999.
Economist (Economist) - Charlton Heston
Charlton Heston, died on April 5th, aged 84
Scotland
- Fight to allow gay blood donors
A petition by gay rights campaigners against what they believe is discrimination over who can give blood is to be considered by MSPs.
Wales
- Row on archbishop immoral claim
The archbishop of Wales says it would be immoral for Wales not to have full law-making powers in the near future.
Tags: daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman
[tags]daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman[/tags]
Daily News Roundup - 26th March 2008
To mention it once again, I continue - since the hyperlinks which they broke when they redesigned their website continue to be broken, and I have received no response to requests for them to sort it out. I have added this paragraph to the Daily Roundup template.
Here is today’s roundup of stories.
Comment
BBC (BBC) - In quotes: The ethics of embryos
The government says an accommodation will be reached with Labour MPs opposed to a controversial bill which would allow animal-human embryos to be created for scientific research.
Economist (Economist) - Egypt the pressure cooker
Social unrest has been growing on the back of rising inflation, which is undermining consumer purchasing power and fuelling general dissatisfaction with the fallout of economic reform. This has led to a rising number of demonstrations. These include further protests against rising prices by thousands of textile workers at Mahalla al-Kubra (who are generally credited with having started the current wave of labour protests in late 2006). Groups such as doctors, nurses and university professors have also threatened to strike, a rare phenomenon in Egypt.
Alan Sugar (Times Online) - Sir Alan Sugar: talking tough
As The Apprentice begins a new series, the show’s hanging judge reflects on what has made it, and him, a success
Magnus Linklater (Times Online) - The Army must go into schools
Rule one: never underestimate the vacuous posturing of the National Union of Teachers
News
BBC (BBC) - Constitution reform plans set out
MPs will have the key vote in future deployments of troops to war, Justice Secretary Jack Straw has said.
Jane Dreaper (BBC) - Many UK nurses quit for Australia
Last year almost 5,000 nurses formally signalled an intention to find work in Australian hospitals.
Ian Drury (Daily Mail) - Shameless: Speaker in £100,000 court bid to keep MP expenses secret
MPs launched a shameless last-ditch legal bid yesterday to keep how they spend millions of taxpayers’ money secret.
NEIL MacFARQUHAR (NYT) - Many Muslims Turn to Home Schooling
LODI, Calif. — Like dozens of other Pakistani-American girls here, Hajra Bibi stopped attending the local public school when she reached puberty, and began studying at home.
Sky (Sky) - Tourist Faces Prison For Defacing Statue
A Finnish tourist faces jail after he broke off part of the ear of an ancient Easter Island statue to take home as a souvenir.
Robert Winnett (Telegraph) - Bid to keep Gordon Brown’s expenses secret
Michael Martin, the Speaker of the House of Commons, has launched a High Court legal challenge to stop details of Gordon Brown’s personal expenses claims being made public.
Scotland
BBC (BBC) - Salmond in independence test call
First Minister Alex Salmond is to challenge his unionist opponents to put their plans for Scottish constitutional reform to the test of a referendum.
Ruth Fowler (Comment is Free) - Border control freaks
There’s no sense in an immigration system that penalises C-list celebrities whilst turning a blind eye to more obvious dangers
- Panesar points way home as Black Caps go down fighting
The Sikh of Tweak, with career-best figures, bowled England to victory by 121 runs in the third and final Test at McLean Park this morning but not before some spectacular hitting by the New Zealand debutant Tim Southee sent the post-lunch scoreboard spinning like a fruit machine.
Wales
BBC (BBC) - Pressure mounts over embryo bill
The government faces mounting dissent over controversial embryo laws after the Archbishop of Cardiff joined calls for a free vote on the legislation.
Tags: daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper
[tags]daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper[/tags]
Daily News Roundup: Not Today
I have not done a Daily Roundup today, as there are two reports coming out later this morning about weekly events at Holyrood and Westminster on the Wardman Wire.
There will also be the first introductory column in our new “Senedd Circular” column by Pippa Wagstaffe, who edits the “Miss Wagstaff Presents..” blog watching the Welsh Assembly Government. Miss W is currently in a hiatus - so I may post the introductory column.
The “Circular” Title was inspired by the shape of the chamber, rather than a plan view of any Senedd member after too many political lunches, or the path followed by debates. Really.
The link to find ALL our weekly reports from Parliaments is here.
Tags: daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper
[tags]daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper[/tags]
Daily News Roundup - 19th March 2008
To mention it once again, I continue - since the hyperlinks which they broke when they redesigned their website continue to be broken, and I have received no response to requests for them to sort it out. I have added this paragraph to the Daily Roundup template.
Here is today’s roundup of stories.
Comment
Simon Jenkins (Comment is Free) - Closure mania ignores the real cost of axing post offices
The state pursuit of shortsighted savings is ripping the heart from communities. No wonder Britain is up in arms
Jonathon Freedland (Comment is Free) - London’s election holds the future for progressive politics, not just Ken
Livingstone needs voters to take the issues and candidates seriously in a contest that will have repercussions nationwide
Economist (Economist) - A setback for Mr Sarkozy
The ruling centre-right Union pour un mouvement populaire (UMP) suffered heavy losses in municipal elections on March 16th, in what was widely viewed as a protest vote against the president, Nicolas Sarkozy, whose popularity has slumped sharply.
Economist (Economist) - A ravenous dragon
The hunger of China for natural resources has set off a global commodity boom. Developed countries worry about being left high and dry, but the biggest effects will be felt in China itself, says Edward McBride.
News
BBC (BBC) - Watching Ken re-election launch
At the launch of his official campaign at the Royal Festival Hall on the south bank of the Thames, Ken Livingstone aimed to persuade seven million Londoners that he is worth another go at the helm.
Johny Caldwell (BBC) - Pub had Good Friday Agreement link
Imagine the scenario: a man pulling you a pint in a pub tells he was involved in negotiating one of the most significant documents in both British and Irish history.
Nicholas Watt (Guardian) - McGuinness: there was no need for Bloody Sunday inquiry
Sinn Féin regarded Bloody Sunday inquiry as not necessary, says Blair’s former chief of staff
Frances Gibb (Times Online) - Damning ruling that Heather Mills tried to bar is published
Heather Mills was castigated yesterday as a greedy fantasist who indulged in make-believe; a less than candid witness and a woman whose claims about her marriage to Sir Paul McCartney were devoid of reality.
Carolyn Asome (Times Online) - Top designers join fad for putting pre-teens in adult clothes
Beyond Boden: designers like Marc Jacobs and 3.1 Phillip Lim are creating stylish clothes with eye-watering prices
Times Online (Times Online) - Text of full judgment: Heather Mills v Sir Paul McCartney
Neutral Citation Number: [2008] EWHC 401 (Fam). Case No: FD06D03721. IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE FAMILY DIVISION THE HONOURABLE MR JUSTICE BENNETT. Between : James Paul McCartney Petitioner/Respondent - and - Heather Anne Mills McCartney Respondent/Applicant
Scotland
BBC (BBC) - Tony Benn to give Holyrood homily
The veteran politician and former Labour MP Tony Benn is to lead the time for reflection at the Scottish Parliament later.
BBC (BBC) - Rapist met open jail criteria
Robert Foye, 28, admitted raping the 16-year-old in Cumbernauld in August last year after absconding from Castle Huntly, near Dundee.
Blogs
Richard Spencer (Telegraph) - A stand-off with Chinese police
Those patriots who fear that corruption and weakness have fatally damaged the ability of China to defend itself need not fear: today, the forces of law and order were pitted against the sharpest wits The Daily Telegraph could offer (viz., me), and won hands down.
Tags: daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper
[tags]daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper[/tags]
Daily News Roundup - 18th March 2008
To mention it once again, I continue - since the hyperlinks which they broke when they redesigned their website continue to be broken, and I have received no response to requests for them to sort it out. I have added this paragraph to the Daily Roundup template.
Here is today’s roundup of stories.
Comment
Max Hastings (Comment is Free) - The Iraq experience has laid bare the limits of raw military power
The next US president must reject the juvenile Bush vision, reach out to Iran and seek justice for the Palestinian people
AC Grayling (Comment is Free) - Precious liberty
As civil liberties come under ever greater pressure, it is time we exposed the old lie that says the innocent have nothing to fear
News
- Devolved policing crucial - Bush
President George Bush has stressed the importance of devolution of policing for Northern Ireland.
BBC (BBC) - Over 108,000 in detention in UK
More than 108,000 people are being held in detention in Britain, amounting to two in every 1,000, a survey suggests.
BBC (BBC) - Extent of secret links between government and IRA revealed
The full extent of a secret 20-year back channel between the British government and the IRA is revealed today by Tony Blair’s former chief of staff, who declares that the peace process might never have been possible without the link.
Economist (Economist) - Adam Smith - The economist’s house is on the (free) market
IN MOST countries it would have been marked by a fanfare of press releases and a long roll of fund-raising drums. Not in Scotland. This week Edinburgh’s city council put on the market the house where Adam Smith spent his last 12 years, from 1778 until 1790. Advertisements in the property sections of local newspapers seek offers in excess of £700,000 ($1.4m) for a 17th-century house of historical interest, but fail to point out its connection with the father of modern economics.
Telegraph (Telegraph) - Bryony Gordon
Toytown was left reeling at the weekend when Mr Plod announced to a packed press conference that he was investigating resident fox Basil Brush for making racist slurs against Rosie and Jim, the famous ragdoll travellers.
Alex Pell (Times Online) - Hey, Facebook, just let go of me
Joining the networking site is easy but closing down your potentially embarrassing account is not
Times (Times Online) - IOC finds no reason to hide pollution risks
Organising body says that tests have revealed that air quality will be good enough to compete in.
Scotland
BBC (BBC) - Row over ambulance complaint rise
The Scottish Ambulance Service has defended its performance after figures showed that the number of complaints had more than doubled in three years.
Christopher Martin-Jenkins (Times Online) - Ryan Sidebottom fulfilling promise for England
Six years shalt thou labour and on the seventh have thy reward. Thus might one paraphrase a familiar biblical text to summarise the rise, fall and rise again of Ryan Sidebottom, the left-arm fast bowler with the Charles II curls who has become England’s key to success in New Zealand.
Wales
BBC (BBC) - Assembly building success story
The Welsh Assembly’s new home was built broadly on time, on budget, and reached the highest environmental standards, a financial watchdog has concluded.
Tags: daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper[tags]daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper[/tags]
Daily News Roundup - 14th March 2008
To mention it once again, I continue - since the hyperlinks which they broke when they redesigned their website continue to be broken, and I have received no response to requests for them to sort it out. I have added this paragraph to the Daily Roundup template.
Here is today’s roundup of stories.
Iraqi Interpreters
Deborah Haynes (Times Online) - Iraqi interpreters and families prepare for new lives in Britain
Iraqis who risked their lives working for Britain have been cleared to resettle in the UK, with the first families expected to arrive next month, The Times can reveal. The first wave will include seven former interpreters who have met the strict criteria for resettlement and have chosen to come to Britain. Many others have accepted cash payments to stay in Iraq or decided to resettle in a neighbouring country such as Jordan or Syria.
Comment
- A smothering embrace - Bebo
AOL - which is paying $850m for the social networking site, the other Facebook - is where innovations go to die. Remember Netscape? Bought for $4.2bn and now dead.
News
BBC (BBC) - All MP claims may be published
The Commons has been ordered to publish details of the claims of 14 MPs under Freedom of Information laws. Sources say all claims may be published by December.
Economist (Economist) - US Election - The scrap is getting uglier
THE Democratic race for the presidential nomination has settled into a pattern. Barack Obama gains momentum, and is nearly crowned the winner. Then Hillary Clinton wins a high-profile contest and makes a comeback, before Mr Obama builds up steam yet again. Mrs Clinton’s latest resurrection came with big wins in Texas and Ohio. But now Mr Obama is back. Over the weekend he won a caucus in Wyoming and on Tuesday March 11th he emerged as victor at a primary in Mississippi. He won both by margins of over 20 points.
Deborah Summers (Guardian) - Brown dampens Mandelson hopes of second term at EU
Gordon Brown last night moved to quash the hopes of Peter Mandelson of staying on as EU trade commissioner, despite suggestions earlier this week that the feud between the pair was diminishing and Mandelson was prepared to serve a second term.
Elissa Gootman (NYT) - For Bronx School’s Dancers, the Moves Are Irish
With a student body that is 71 percent Hispanic and 27 percent black, Public School 59 does not seem an obvious home for a thriving Irish dance troupe. And when Caroline Duggan first arrived from Dublin at age 23 to try her hand as a New York City public school music teacher, it wasn’t. Many of her students had never heard of Ireland. Why, they wanted to know, did she talk funny?
Rosa Prince (Telegraph) - Revealed: what MPs can claim on expenses
The John Lewis list was released under the Freedom of Information Act after weeks of pressure. The list of allowances is used by finance officials to pass or reject MPs’ expenses claims for decorating their second homes and buying household items. Until recently it was kept secret even from MPs who were not given formal guidance on how much they could spend on individual items. It shows that MPs are allowed to spend £10,000 for a kitchen and £6,000 to install a new bathroom. Air conditioning units, beds, food mixers and rugs are all allowed, while carpets and wood flooring can be bought at £35 per square metre.”
James Bone (Times Online) - Prostitute Ashley Alexandra Dupre behind Eliot Spitzer sex scandal cashes in
Ashley Alexandra Dupré, a struggling singer, uploaded a new track to Amie Street, an online music-seller, hours after she was exposed as the prostitute Kristen talking on tape about the disgraced Eliot Spitzer.
- Father and daughter team duped 15,000 pensioners out of £35m
Around 15,000 British pensioners are thought to have been duped out of more than $70 million (£35 million) by a father and daughter team working an aggressive investment scam in Florida.
Scotland
BBC (BBC) - Salmond’s Trump action cavalier
First Minister Alex Salmond took a cavalier approach to his involvement with Donald Trump’s £1bn Scottish golf resort, a parliament committee said.
BBC (BBC) - High heels spark car parking row
A councillor said she has been denied free parking that would save her walking half a mile in her high heels for meetings with the public.
Wales
BBC (BBC) - Inquiry into stabbed vicar death
A heath watchdog is examining why a man with paranoid schizophrenia who stabbed a vicar to death was not identified as a threat.
Tags: daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper
[tags]daily roundup, the skinny, matt wardman, wardman wire, mattwardman, independent newspaper[/tags]
