Category Archives: UK

Politics, UK

35,000 people get this…

Over 35,000 people go to the time to sign a petition about copyright.

What does HM Government do? Give a nonsense response like this…

“It is clear that online copyright infringement inflicts considerable damage on the UK’s creative economy including music, TV and film, games, sports and software. Industry estimates place this harm at £400m pa.

The Digital Economy Act includes a number of measures to tackle the problem and we expect these to be successful in significantly reducing online copyright infringement. However this is an area of rapid technological change and developing consumer behaviour. The Act therefore includes a reserve power to introduce further “technical” measures if the initial measures do not succeed. These technical measures would limit or restrict an infringers’ access to the internet. They do not include disconnection.”

Politics, UK

Kenneth Clarke on geeks…

“If I was a sort of floating voter, I would say ‘this is a very attractive sort of geek here, but is he actually anybody who can run anything’? Geeks are people who should advise people who lead countries and lead governments, it seems to me.”

Kenneth Clarke relishes life back at the centre of government | Politics | The Observer.

I suppose what the UK government needs is more public school boys who’ve done nothing but study politics and work in marketing.

UK

Complicated Voting Systems…

I watched an explication of the Labour election process in the UK last night. Seemed very straight forward; or at least I thought that I’d understood it first time.

However, the TV presenter referred to it as complicated. It seemed odd to me that she’d passed that judgement on something that they’d explained in 2 mins.

However, it seems that she was not alone in her judgement.

Complicated Voting System | Daily Mail Watch

Environment, UK

Filling out forms…

“…members of a rescue team were prevented from getting to the scene of an imagined reactor accident for 15 minutes because they had to fill in forms about radiation risks.”

Exercise at nuclear submarine yard exposes serious safety failings | World news | The Guardian.

Architecture, UK

Poundbury

I’ve never been; it’s a long way to go for an hour of driving around.

However, these comments remind me of how I felt in the developments near Disneyland Paris.

“What can I say, it’s a true horror story. A mish mash of styles from different centuries, all added together. It’s a toy town, a museum of a mythical past. There is no soul, no heart, a perfect example of the need for difference, for organic spaces created over time. Constructed squares and public spaces lay empty devoid of the community spirit that was planned. Residents live in quaint and chocolate box ideas of beauty but nothing to do with real design and need. Cars are hidden away, gravel paths replace tarmac. I was waiting to see the film crew around the corner, to see the facade pulled away from this truly ugly and dispiriting space. It’s an over sanitised middle class ghetto that stinks of narrow minded people, it’s a sad simulacra.”

www.asvisual.co.uk: Poundbury

Politics, UK

“no attempt to check accuracy”…

When you have to apologize like this…

The Media Blog: Daily Star forced to admit it “made no attempt to check accuracy” of Raoul Moat story, pays damages

…you should probably just give up calling yourself a journalist.

Environment, UK

CMK

“To see what makes thecentre:mk special, go to the new mall next door: Midsummer Place, an inept design of “friendly” wavy roofs and tacky materials which contrasts with the original vision in almost every way.”

Milton Keynes shopping centre becomes Grade II listed

thecentre:mk is not a spelling error. The idiots think that this makes it more appealing.

Technology, UK

Beautiful pictures…

“The Mercury features an extended nose section that is vital to the aerodynamics of the train, allowing it to attain speeds of 225 mph. The train also includes a very inviting, bright and comfortable interior. The top deck has windows that curve up onto the roof allowing for views of the landscape as the train races down the tracks. The 400 meter-long train also includes some private berths for families or private parties that include bars, work areas, and couches. Even a child’s play area will be integrated into the train, along with a luxurious first class section for those who want to travel in style.”

Priestmangoode Unveils Design for British High Speed Train | Inhabitat – Green Design Will Save the World

And when will this train service start? Never, it’s a press release!

The big difference with Concorde, the Spitfire, Rolls Royce and the Routemaster bus is that they never had a press release but they really did exist!