Author Archives: davidsberry

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About davidsberry

Local ex-councillor, tour guide and database designer. Keen on wildlife, history, boats and music. Retired in 2017.

Republicans Want to Turn the Entire Country into Oklahoma

Posted on February 9, 2018 by davidsberry

By Paul Waldman  February 8, 2018   © Washington Post We have in this country an essentially unchanging disagreement about what model of governance will produce the best economic and social results. Democrats advocate what we might call weak social democracy: … Continue reading →

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To the Shores of Tripoli

Posted on February 7, 2018 by davidsberry

One thing you have to give Film 4 is that it does ring the changes. Almost back to back, it ran the 1957 black & white classic “The Yangtze Incident” with 2016’s “13 Hours“. Other than being takes of derring-do … Continue reading →

Posted in Politics | Tagged | 2 Comments

Ich Bin Ein Amerikaner

Posted on January 31, 2018 by davidsberry

This week, Donald Trump’s first State of the Union Address was countered by a rebuttal from the Democrats in the form of  Rep. Joe Kennedy III of Massachusetts, who made an eloquent and passionate speech, made more symbolic coming from … Continue reading →

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Third Degree Burns

Posted on January 29, 2018 by davidsberry

It’s that time of year when function suites and community halls from Annan to Zetland are packed out with revellers tucking into their haggis and looking forward to a dram or three to accompany witty speakers. And why not? Late … Continue reading →

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A Year in Trumptopia

Posted on January 22, 2018 by davidsberry

We call Scotland a “small” country. But it is diverse: a Borders farmer; a Buchan fisherman, a Bara crofter, a Glesca bauchle differ ;ile chalk and cheese, even as they are are Scots. No wonder, then, that the USA—at some … Continue reading →

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Galloway’s Pier

Posted on January 16, 2018 by davidsberry

A hundred years ago an era came to an end in the Forth when was forced the Admiralty to declare the Firth of Forth a Controlled Area and a highly successful 1914 steamer season was brought to an abrupt end. … Continue reading →

Posted in Community, Transport | Leave a comment

Not Such a Capital Idea

Posted on January 15, 2018 by davidsberry

I have always been a booster for Edinburgh as a city: a walkable, architecturally inspired romp across panoramic hill and architectural dale that encourages exploration. City fathers of yore discharged their duty of care well, although some choices— as when … Continue reading →

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End of a Long Era

Posted on August 15, 2017 by davidsberry

North Berwick has recently grown with new residents—in fact, such growth has been common down its thousand-year history. From ferrymen originally, down through sailors trading with Hanseatic ports in the Middle Ages to coastal barques taking wheat, potatoes and turnips … Continue reading →

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The John Muir Line?

Posted on August 15, 2017 by davidsberry

In Summer 2015 the Borders Railway will end the line’s unique existence as the sole local rail service coming East out of Waverley station. But while the line to Galasheils could open up the Central Borders the existing service into … Continue reading →

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Putting Private to Shame

Posted on August 15, 2017 by davidsberry

Council housing has come in for some social stick down the years—mostly coming from petty snobbery. Being a ‘schemie’ myself I liked how our dads could turn their hand to building a sledge or knowing where to catch mackerel. Dads … Continue reading →

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