Monthly Archives: August 2011

Breaking down the barriers between town and gown

Posted on August 31, 2011 by

It may have Cambridge University’s rubber stamp on it, but the Festival of Ideas (19-30 October) goes beyond the ivory towers. For those who want to see what’s on, have a look at the programme. (PDF file) This year, the Festival strands … Continue reading →

Posted in Cambridge, Education, training and exams, Public administration & policy | 3 Comments

Public understanding of science

Posted on August 30, 2011 by

I wandered along to the Cambridge Skeptics’ event The Public Understanding of Science where the lovely Dr Alice Bell was holding court at an evening in the Maypole pub that was standing room only. An excellent event not for the … Continue reading →

Posted in Data, science and statistics | 2 Comments

Why are shoes not feet shaped?

Posted on August 29, 2011 by

Simple question really but one of those questions that is both child’s play but also a serious design issue. During the 1980s back in the day, a trip to the shoe shop meant having my feet measured not just for … Continue reading →

Posted in Fluffy topics | 6 Comments

Clothing

Posted on August 28, 2011 by

They say getting your first suit is a ‘right of passage’ for a young man growing up. Ditto a tailor-made suit if you head into a career that is predominantly office-based. But I’m no longer based in an office. So … Continue reading →

Posted in Fluffy topics | 4 Comments

Socrates and Brazil’s World Cup of 1982

Posted on August 27, 2011 by

One of the most painful pieces of football viewing for me is that of the game Italy vs Brazil where the Italians won 3-2 through the implosion of Brazil’s defence. Much has been made in old school footballing circles of … Continue reading →

Posted in Sport | Leave a comment

A wordle for the first 21 posts

Posted on August 25, 2011 by

A snapshot of what this ex-civil servant has been blogging about.

Posted in Social media | Leave a comment

Parliamentary Select Committees

Posted on August 25, 2011 by

I’ve been a Parliament-watcher for some time now – almost to the stage where during my final days in the civil service I felt myself being more on the side of Parliament than the executive that I served. Having spent … Continue reading →

Posted in Party politics, Public administration & policy | 2 Comments

Music makes us one

Posted on August 24, 2011 by

Back in what was left of 2008 I made a short diary entry about reflections on childhood – mainly on my own upbringing, where people who had a big impact on me at the time were now, and my own … Continue reading →

Posted in Music | 6 Comments

Giving them hope

Posted on August 23, 2011 by

When McDonalds is publishing adverts standing up for young people, you know that something has gone badly wrong with how society and the big institutions of our country have been looking out for the interests of our young people. Behind … Continue reading →

Posted in Campaigning, protesting and demonstrating, Education, training and exams, Employment and job hunting, Party politics, Public administration & policy | 6 Comments

Test match advertising – it’s just not cricket!

Posted on August 22, 2011 by

I went to my first test match today courtesy of my lovely friend and cricketing fanatic Laura – the final day of the fourth test at Kennington Oval. The series had already been won and the match as good as … Continue reading →

Posted in Sport | 1 Comment