It’s all in the blend
23 July 2010
Approximately two months ago I was afflicted with Bell’s Palsy. I’d never actually heard of it before. Basically something happens to cause damage and/or inflammation to the facial nerve, leading to paralysis on one side of the face.
It’s amazing how much you take your nervous system for granted; or at least, I did. Read the rest of this entry »
I won’t be voting for you (pt3)
10 April 2010
I have received a second reply from Alex Williams, our Tory candidate. Oddly, he seems to be unaware that the Digital Economy Act has already been passed, and writes in the future tense: Read the rest of this entry »
I won’t be voting for you (pt2)
9 April 2010
I have received a response from Kate Green (the emphasis is my own):
Dear Mr Yon
Thanks for getting in touch. I’m proud to be standing as the Labour party candidate, and very proud of the many achievements of the Labour governemnt [sic] since 1997. I am committed to representing the people of Stretford and Urmston in parliament – as Bev Hughes has done. I simply don’t believe independent candidates are either as effective or as accountable to the electorate.
best wishes
Kate Green
Labour parliamentary candidate for Stretford and Urmston
I think that is the funniest thing I’ve read during all of this tragic week.
UPDATE @12:37: Alex Williams (Tory candidate) has responded simply with “Thank you for your comments.“
Dear candidate: I won’t be voting for you
8 April 2010
Our current MP Beverley Hughes did not vote last night on the Digital Economy Bill. Nor has she bothered to reply to my correspondence on the issue. As she is standing down, I have written the following letter to the person who wishes to be her successor: Read the rest of this entry »
The BBC’s response
19 March 2010
Dear Mr Yon
Thanks for your e-mail regarding the BBC News Channel.
Please accept our apologies for the long delay in replying. We know our correspondents appreciate a quick response and we’re sorry you’ve had to wait on this occasion.
I understand you felt a report broadcast on 22 February contained an inaccurate and biased interview regarding the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in treating cancer.
BBC takes homeopathy bias too far
23 February 2010
For the first time, I have felt it necessary to write a complaint to the BBC.
Last night (22/02/10) just after 1930 on News24 an interview was broadcast on the subject of homeopathy. The interview was highly biased towards advocacy of homeopathy, despite the fact that it has no scientific basis and is proven to be ineffective. Of particular concern was the claim that homeopathic treatment could cure cancer. This claim was repeated an hour later in another interview, and not accompanied by any disclaimer. This is not just misleading but dangerous and irresponsible. Under the Cancer Act 1939 (specifically §4) it may even be criminal. It is utterly unacceptable, and I would like to know how you intend to correct this.
The interview itself is here, and it was also quoted as fact later on in the evening.
Social Skills 0 – Self Pity 1
22 February 2010
This evening I managed to upset somebody I really care about. I made a joke which, it turns out, wasn’t funny. Worse still, I did so publicly. I don’t want to get bogged down with excuses about my mind being wired in a certain way and having relatively low social intelligence for someone of high IQ; at the end of the day I’m 30 years old, and I feel about 13. I don’t understand why I haven’t learnt the lessons of all the previous situations where I’ve made similar mistakes, and I feel like a complete idiot.
Increased Resolve
2 February 2010
In my earlier post I expressed that I might “even organise a campaign or two of my own. Although if I’m honest that’s more likely to be next year.”
Reading that back made me feel a tad uncomfortable. I could hear myself saying something meant genuinely, but ultimately meaningless. “Tomorrow,” he said, “I’m going to quit procrastinating.”
Alfalfa and bees
30 January 2010
Today’s gem from Wikipedia:
Alfalfa seed production requires the presence of pollinators when the fields of alfalfa are in bloom. Alfalfa pollination is somewhat problematic, however, because Western honey bees, the most commonly used pollinator, are not suitable for this purpose; the pollen-carrying keel of the Alfalfa flower trips and strikes pollinating bees on the head, which helps transfer the pollen to the foraging bee. Western honey bees, however, do not like being struck in the head repeatedly and learn to defeat this action by drawing nectar from the side of the flower. The bees thus collect the nectar but carry no pollen and so do not pollenate the next flower they visit. Because older, experienced bees don’t pollinate alfalfa well, most pollination is accomplished by young bees that have not yet learned the trick of robbing the flower without tripping the head-knocking keel. When western honey bees are used to pollinate alfalfa, the beekeeper stocks the field at a very high rate to maximize the number of young bees.
Charlie Simpson is fundraising for UNICEF UK – JustGiving
24 January 2010
Age: 7
Target: £500.00
Total raised online: £67,964.00
Gift Aid plus supplement: £16,698.43
Awe inspiring stuff.
