Monthly Archives: July 2011

The Press—Trusted;Investigative;Profitable: Pick Two

Posted on July 14, 2011 by davidsberry

A boatload of pious claptrap has been written and broadcast over the last few weeks as the rest of the media has been circling the wounded News Corp like sharks homing in on an enfeebled killer whale. I am no … Continue reading →

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Minnesota Ice Tea Party

Posted on July 13, 2011 by davidsberry

While Scotland does not follow American politics closely, most will recall Sarah Palin as the ‘running mate’ of John McCain, Republican candidate defeated by Barack Obama in 2008. They may not recall the Alaska governor’s right-wing agenda and therefore won’t … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison VI

Posted on July 8, 2011 by davidsberry

What with Harry Potter’s latest wheeze or Kate wowing the Canadians or News of the Screws screwing itself, it’s been an packed week in the normally slack ‘silly season’. Long gone from anyone’s radar is the Christie report, about which … Continue reading →

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Crueller Even Than the Sea

Posted on July 6, 2011 by davidsberry

I had been convinced that my second guide trip this season to the Isle of May would be cancelled today. The Met Office inshore forecast for Forth was Southeasterly force 5 or 6 wind, moderate to rough sea state, poor … Continue reading →

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We’re Number (Fifty-) One!

Posted on July 4, 2011 by davidsberry

We are always being told how, being a part of Britain, Scotland derives major benefits from “being at the top table” or “punching far above our weight”. Let’s assume such logic isn’t mince. Well, why mess about with the has-beens … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison V

Posted on July 4, 2011 by davidsberry

From blog hits, it’s clear that dissection of the Christie Report makes less than riveting reading for our readers. But we make no apology for this instalment—nor for one more to come (anorak it may be, but it matters, guys). … Continue reading →

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No’ Awa’ Tae Bide Awa’?

Posted on July 3, 2011 by davidsberry

As part of her visit to open wur pairliament, this weekend, Queen Elizabeth presented new colours to six of the seven battalions of the Royal Regiment of Scotland (RRS: the 4th  Bn is absent, serving in Helmand). Those with little … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison IV

Posted on July 2, 2011 by davidsberry

In earlier segments of this huge topic I highlighted approaching problems in public services and suggested how the NHS half of expenditure might start addressing them. But pivotal across all public services are staff, whose engagement and motivation will be … Continue reading →

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I Say! How Soup-ah!

Posted on July 1, 2011 by davidsberry

With my iffy background as a prefab schemie, it never ceases to amaze me how the other half lives, still more that I seem to be on circulation lists that consider me one of them. The one that regularly has … Continue reading →

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Christie Eleison III

Posted on July 1, 2011 by davidsberry

Given that the NHS forms half of the £20bn-plus public sector in Scotland, it is disappointing that the Christie report makes only tangential reference to it, and then mostly to plead for better integration with social services. But, however much … Continue reading →

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