Enough old rope to hang oneself

In the first paragraph of Gerry Rafferty’s obituary by The Guardian, it mentions that his royalties for Baker Street were still bagging him £80k a year. How come more people don’t seem to realise how ridiculous this is?

I wanted to buy a house

I wanted to buy a house.

The nationalists said I had no right to live here. They would take my house from me.

The capitalists said I should buy several, create scarcity, protect my investment.

The democrats called for a referendum.

The socialists were suspicious. They did not understand why I would need to buy a house.

The communists said I had no right to my own home. They would take my house from me.

The anarchists were least concerned. Good luck, they said. Just remember it doesn’t really belong to you.

I Agree With Knickers

I’ve created a Facebook page “I Agree With Knickers”. Please like it to show your discontent with Nick Clegg, and encourage your friends to do so. It might not change anything, but it’s a nonviolent way to show solidarity. Cheers.

http://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Agree-With-Knickers/172851716070230

Every inaction…

So today I’m going to have a camera stuck down my throat, and another shoved… somewhere else. I’m trying not to dwell too much on the fact that had this been done eleven years ago, when I first went to the doctor with concerns about my guts, then maybe I could have been spared at least some of the problems that have followed. But it’s hard not to.

That would be an ecumenical matter.

I’ve decided to expand on my one-line bio on Facebook, and I think it’s worth reposting here too, as I imagine there may be church people who wonder where I’ve gone…

It’s all in the blend

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.

I won’t be voting for you (pt3)

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:

I won’t be voting for you (pt2)

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

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:

The BBC’s response

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.