Microblog

Great article in the FT and rather wonderful quote from Peter Hennessy on asked what he thought of Starmer’s promise to resign if get a fine for breaching lockdown rules: “I think it’s exactly right. He’s an honourable man. History would record him very favourably. Why do I know that? Because I’m writing the fucking history, that’s why.” 

https://www.ft.com/content/37a5b18a-77d0-4f17-ae0a-99802396ff36

Powerful emotional article in the FT about the death of a young man with epilepsy written by his sister. Recommended. https://www.ft.com/content/b2e9e0fd-b5fb-4a9e-91b6-f6b137e5a512 🔒

The song, This Is the Day, by THE THE, is still a regular for me and it sits on my running Spotify playlists. Fabulous to see a Guardian article about it but I can’t watch the YouTube video as it will wreck the images in my head: https://www.theguardian.com/music/2022/apr/25/how-the-the-made-this-is-the-day

If you are wondering what the hell a dead cat is, in political parlance, then read this excellent article by Sam Freedman on the Substack, Comment is Freed. It also does a brilliant job of explaining how politics largely works - spoiler - it’s usually cock-up rather than conspiracy.

There is an excellent short article in the FT today by Hannah White covering some of the detail around the consequences of Johnson’s lies and the importance of the ministerial code. It caught my eye as White has just released a new book three days ago, Held in contempt: What’s wrong with the House of Commons?, and I have it on my to-read list.

The book blurb suggests that White thinks the Commons is in decline and urges MPs to reform. The article is sharp and it bodes well for the book.

A charming article on how an elderly Spanish gent is selling his books rather than have them all dumped in a flea market when he dies and sold for a euro each. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/22/barcelona-bookshop-gracia-albert-costa

Want to read more online essays and long reads but constantly distracted? If you have an e-reader then a combination of two free software options can really help. More here: https://euanlawson.com/reading-online-essays-on-your-e-reader

I’ve got the reading list up for February and March. I’ll also start highlighting some good long reads/essays as well.

Many of the reality programmes on TV now love to do that thing where they cut to the participant speaking to the camera as they describe the various tortures. And they all speak in the present tense. Who does that? It’s weird and contrived. Arguably, two attributes applicable to any reality show… but, once, you notice the present tense tic it is impossible not to keep seeing it. You’re welcome.

What? It’s not actually Friday yet? It’s Thursday of course but inevitably it feels like a Friday evening as the long Easter weekend starts. A book I’ve had on a watchlist for a few weeks came out today - The Trespasser’s Companion. One to savour over the holiday weekend and there may even be some scope for a wee spot of activism.🙃

The Trespasser's Companion is out today! It's a practical guide that tells you how to win greater access to the countryside, by researching, designing and performing your own trespasses of your local area. pic.twitter.com/D6PL1HOMq2

— nickhayesillustration (@nickhayesillus1) April 14, 2022

The email from the Right to Roam folk announcing it can be found here. They have a link to buy it direct.

Rishi tarnished, Johnson shameless. The announcement of the fixed-penalty notices for the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer has just been made. I’m struck by just how torrid a time Sunak has had recently. I wonder if he may resign - he could well take Johnson down with him and he may figure he could come back later. I’ve no doubt that Johnson will try to tough it out but it is all utterly damning.

The fact that @BorisJohnson and @RishiSunak then lied about it, and would have continued to do so if the police hadn’t intervened, is truly shameless.

They broke the law.

But even worse, they took us all for mugs.

2/5

— Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK (@CovidJusticeUK) April 12, 2022

Lakes in a Day. I thought my experience on Ring of Steall in 2017 was as much Type 2 fun as I could handle. What could possibly go wrong? 😀

I’ve gone back to reading - quite a lot. I’ll post my reading lists again soon. Being off Twitter has re-energised me. Cathy Rentzenbrink has said that Twitter makes her “jealous, judgemental and jittery”. It’s a nice turn of phrase and even for a relatively light user I’m astonished, again, at the negative effects that are now dissipating. This Guardian article is a succinct summary of the problems and a reminder that despite the politico-media obsession, 72% of the population is not on Twitter.

If you haven’t already then make some time for the excellent Very Bad People by Patrick Alley. You have to admire the work of Global Witness and this is a tremendous account of their early days and investigations. Loved it.