Category Archives: Uncategorized

The mother of all ironies

Posted on 01/10/2014 by stewculbard

The dust now seems to have settled on the result of the Scottish referendum on independence from the UK. For the time being, at least, Scotland will remain as a part of the union. As to be expected, Elizabeth Windsor, … Continue reading →

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So that all may be heard

Posted on 13/09/2014 by stewculbard

This was the week when the Westminster Parliament resumed after the official summer holiday of the British political classes. Probably for perverse reasons, the most interesting aspect of watching parliamentary proceedings is the Prime Minister’s Question Time (PMQT). This session … Continue reading →

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Above, but not beyond

Posted on 03/09/2014 by stewculbard

Royalty is above politics. These words are often used in a collective defence of royalty with respect to political matters. If, therefore, that is actually the case – if the royals are indeed politically neutral – then why is secrecy … Continue reading →

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And did those feet

Posted on 15/08/2014 by stewculbard

As part of a recent visit to Scotland, I had the good fortune to attend the opening of the Commonwealth Games at Celtic Park, Glasgow. As a Scot by birth, it was a little galling when England finished the games as the … Continue reading →

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Appealing to the senses

Posted on 12/08/2014 by stewculbard

After spending several months in its pages, I have finally and fruitfully finished reading the American philosopher Daniel C. Dennett’s book: Breaking the Spell – Religion as a Natural Phenomenon (Penguin Books, 2006) As the title indicates, the book takes … Continue reading →

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In the ghetto

Posted on 30/07/2014 by stewculbard

Warnings are given before the artillery strikes. Residents are advised to leave their homes before people and homes are blown to bits. But where can they go? The Gaza Strip is a densely populated area of land, roughly 30 miles long and no … Continue reading →

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Not held to ransom

Posted on 06/07/2014 by stewculbard

For the past several years, I have been a member of 38 Degrees. This is a nation-wide movement that engages in lobbying action and campaigns in pursuit of what it perceives to be injustices in social and political matters, particularly tracking government … Continue reading →

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Half-full or half-empty?

Posted on 14/06/2014 by stewculbard

After returning earlier than anticipated from a visit to Australia recently, I immediately made an appointment to see a medical practitioner at my local surgery. I had been advised to do this following a health concern whilst in Australia, one that … Continue reading →

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Gongs

Posted on 29/05/2014 by stewculbard

I first heard the news when reading a letter from a friend in Melbourne. It was confirmed in Crikey – an Australian newspaper review. The Australian Prime Minister, Tony Abbott, has introduced knights and dames into the Order of Australia … Continue reading →

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Where are the women?

Posted on 02/05/2014 by stewculbard

It shares its name with mythology’s greatest female warriors. It is the world’s largest online retailer. Among its 120 most senior managers, only 18 are women – none of whom report directly to the big boss. The big boss runs … Continue reading →

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