Monthly Archives: August 2014

Why YES is the Answer V: The Sisterhood

Posted on August 31, 2014 by davidsberry

Having spent two decades in California where feminism is alive, well and a major political force, let me disclaim right from the outset any delusion that I am qualified to speak for women. Several bright, articulate female friends taught me … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | Tagged | 2 Comments

Our Maritime Neighbours

Posted on August 29, 2014 by davidsberry

Apart from fishermen, yachties and the odd boat trip, few of us spend much time beyond our shoreline, let alone wonder what’s beneath. The superb food and drink we are becoming famous for includes excellent shellfish and a seasonal abundance … Continue reading →

Posted in Environment | Tagged | 1 Comment

Naysayers Anonymous

Posted on August 21, 2014 by davidsberry

Since the inception of this Independence Referendum campaign there have been cringe-worthy contributions from either side. But the good will shown by Salmond and Cameron at Aberdeen dissipated almost immediately on the NO side. Against a YES campaign that laid … Continue reading →

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Why Yes is the Answer IV: to Pension Questions

Posted on August 19, 2014 by davidsberry

Many of those still undecided how they will vote next month have an answer provided to them by their hearts but have yet to sway their heads on pragmatic concerns how life will turn out either way, based on credible … Continue reading →

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Girl Talk

Posted on August 17, 2014 by davidsberry

Last night’s TV included 2003’s Mona Lisa Smile, a film I had not seen. As a period piece of cloying post-war American consumerist culture, the location, set design and wardrobe depts get full marks but the screenplay—written by two men—seemed … Continue reading →

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It Cannae Be Canny—Can It?

Posted on August 14, 2014 by davidsberry

Last week’s FM Questions did not much advance the sum of human knowledge as JoLa insisted on asking the same question (“What is “plan B” if currency union is not an option?”) four times in an obviously scripted attempt to … Continue reading →

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Douglas Alexander: Politician, Thinker, Great Briton

Posted on August 13, 2014 by davidsberry

While I don’t entirely share Jamie’s degree of criticism, I admit Douglas’ SoS piece seriously undermined my previous level of regard for him as a unionist who avoided falling into closed-minded, hate-filled clichés typical of Brian Wilson, Ian Davidson et … Continue reading →

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The Poond in Yer Pocket

Posted on August 10, 2014 by davidsberry

The British Pound (£UK) has a long history as a currency. Prior to the 1707 Union of the Parliaments it was known as the English pound as the ‘Pund Scots’ was of rather less value—not least because of the country … Continue reading →

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Anorak of the Year

Posted on August 4, 2014 by davidsberry

Health warning: this blog is one only anoraks are likely to love. Ten years ago, Lothian Buses made great play of receiving the ‘Bus Company of the Year’ award for 2002 and emblazoned the fact on their buses. In the … Continue reading →

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Делать хорошую мину при плохой игре*

Posted on August 1, 2014 by davidsberry

“It is the servant who takes the money” —Lawrence of Arabia As a young man, I was proud to be British. But the more I became familiar with its Establishment and could compare it with other cultures, the more that … Continue reading →

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