Did a hell of a lot of walking yesterday- from my place to the station via the post office (to pick up my new 500gb hard drive- just finished backing up all my files earlier) to get the train to London. Then walked from Victoria to Haymaket for the LPUK meeting (was quite interesting, had a good talk afterwards with some of the others there and bought a party mug!) and on to Charing Cross. Go the train back to Gravesend and walked from the station to my Mum's house, and back into town later on to meet friends down by the river to see some fireworks.
All together must have done at least 6km in the day, no wonder was nearly falling asleep in the pub.
Today had a lazy morning and after lunch went home and cut the grass and cleaned out the animals. Been trying to catch up on all this weeks episodes as well as getting up to speed on the Sacred Blacksmith (watched the first part and was unimpressed, but after seeing this thought would give another go.)
This week will be out Thursday to watch Biffy Clyro at Brixton, have Friday off and am planning to go to Tate Britain with a frined, and and the ALCL on Saturday.
Have also been giving the credit card a workout, ordered Lucky Star vol 2 and Maria Holic 1 mangas, plus the second Ouran DVD and new Luke Haines CD. Only 16 days to next payday!
Sunday, 8 November 2009
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Marking a mark on Bonfire night
Has been a busy couple of days, out at the ASI the last two nights and finally started commissioning a new clean room at work
. Sadly because I was so busy today I didn't have time to go to join in at Parliament square.
Tuesday was the more interesting of the two events as it was this man here, the devil himself talking about the LPUK, specifically how to transition to a minimal state and how non governmental organisations like Friendly societies can help.
This pretty much helped me make a decision have been pondering the last few weeks. I have been wanting to get more involved in politics, and since the LA conference have been trying to decide what to do. Despite the talks given by Shane Frith and Mark Littlewood about trying to move the Tories and Lib-dems in a more (classical) liberal direction, Marks subsequent defection to the IEA and Dave's speech on the EU have made my mind up.
Therefore tonight I joined the Libertarian Party UK.
While I think this will never result in me becoming an elected politician (thank god!), hopeful we will be able to have some influence on the current political climate (similar to how the green party did). According to the website is an AGM this Saturday so will try and head into town for that.
It may not be much but that is how I've marked bonfire night this year.
. Sadly because I was so busy today I didn't have time to go to join in at Parliament square.Tuesday was the more interesting of the two events as it was this man here, the devil himself talking about the LPUK, specifically how to transition to a minimal state and how non governmental organisations like Friendly societies can help.
This pretty much helped me make a decision have been pondering the last few weeks. I have been wanting to get more involved in politics, and since the LA conference have been trying to decide what to do. Despite the talks given by Shane Frith and Mark Littlewood about trying to move the Tories and Lib-dems in a more (classical) liberal direction, Marks subsequent defection to the IEA and Dave's speech on the EU have made my mind up.
Therefore tonight I joined the Libertarian Party UK.
While I think this will never result in me becoming an elected politician (thank god!), hopeful we will be able to have some influence on the current political climate (similar to how the green party did). According to the website is an AGM this Saturday so will try and head into town for that.
It may not be much but that is how I've marked bonfire night this year.
Monday, 2 November 2009
Into the storm
Watched this tonight, a good dramatisation of Churchill's war years. What seemed most interesting to me was how callous he could be (such as ordering the wounded to be evacuated last at Dunkirk or how Singapore had to be defended to the last and no thoughts should be made for evacuation), and how prophetic he was in how Labour would screw up the (already bankrupt) country.
Would have been better with Albert Finney though IMO (was great in the gathering storm a few years ago). And now need to call it a night, out in London again tomorrow.
Would have been better with Albert Finney though IMO (was great in the gathering storm a few years ago). And now need to call it a night, out in London again tomorrow.
More on breaking up the banks
Eammon Butler has a good bit on the ASI blog on breaking up the banks. Money quote;
'I'm very much in favour of having more, and smaller banks. Our problem has been, and is, the lack of competition in the sector. Banks have merged and grown then merged and grown again. Without competition, the banks have been able to drift into risky forms of business that their customers don't want, and to pay themselves huge salaries and bonuses for not very much useful public service. They've become so big that government cannot possibly let them fail, lest the entire monopoly financial edifice comes tumbling down.'
My thoughts to a T.
'I'm very much in favour of having more, and smaller banks. Our problem has been, and is, the lack of competition in the sector. Banks have merged and grown then merged and grown again. Without competition, the banks have been able to drift into risky forms of business that their customers don't want, and to pay themselves huge salaries and bonuses for not very much useful public service. They've become so big that government cannot possibly let them fail, lest the entire monopoly financial edifice comes tumbling down.'
My thoughts to a T.
Space news
Ford make a profit shocker!
Just shy of $1 billion in Q3. Looks like they will be the last man standing out of the former big 3.
Setokai ni Ichizon 4 and 5
A collection of shots from 2 great episodes. 4 starts with a strange fantasy-esque sequence. Turns out aka-chan wants Ken to write a novel promoting the school council. Each of the members has their own very differnt vision of what it should be.
Indeed. 
Great backhanded complement by Chizuru
+1
Ken's vision was pretty impressive as well though
Best part of the episode was when they gave up on the idea of writing a novel and decided to remake Strike Witches instead. Good casting,
Next they tried to form a band. Csan't think what this was inspired by...
Take that Kyoani!
In the end they decided to make a promo video (which came across as a typicaal PR corporate vid). Was quite funny how they found the idea of going outside so novel, then didn't show us what happened outside. Though Mafuyu's collapse was quite amusing
She does make a fine moeblob.
Final punchline- how the video inspired them to make more effort, which lasts all of a day.
Ep. 5 was a summer special but set entirely in the council room. Summer uniforms bring out Ken's letcherous side, and swimsuits force the girls to blindfold him!
More mini top hats!
More moeblobs!
More breast envy!
Screw plots, just keep giving me Aka-chan and co in cute outfits.
Was quite amusing how Ken interprets mundane speech into something more 'sensual'
Mafuyu and Minatsu look pretty good, but have to wonder about the collor.
Rest of the episode consisted of discussions of how the council members spent the rest of their time. Aka-chan and Chizuru seem very close...
Cutest shot of the episode. More please!
More!
More! (where is Chizuru's hand going?)
Another great cute shot of Aka-chan, needs photoshopping with a real gun or something...
Final though- was Chizuru copping a feel while carrying Aka-chan? And what exactly was she planning to do to her. We need a OVA special with these two....
Sunday, 1 November 2009
Halloween weekend
Faily busy one, was out Friday in Gravesend catching up with some friends, then yesterday went a ghost walk in the city.
Was pretty good, started off by the Monument and ended up at Barbican. Were a few people in costumes at various points supposed to be ghosts, but weren't that frightening. Was also a bit of a shame that the tour guide couldn't take us inside any of the haunted buildings she was telling us about (would also have been a bit better without her signing too!)
One thing that I did think a bit odd was how the guy who took all the cash didn't give out tickets or receipts, would have been dead easy to tag along without paying (or for him to have done a runner with all the cash!)
Comming home was fun too, lots fo cool costumes on the tube and stations. Even saw a few women with cat ears!
Today spent most of the afternoon putting up a new pair of curtains in the lounge and my brother and his girlfriend came over for dinner (was her birthday yesterday).
This week am going to be fairly busy, two events at the ASI I might go two and depending on how bust I am my pop over the river on Thursday to observe Old Holborn having fun.
Was pretty good, started off by the Monument and ended up at Barbican. Were a few people in costumes at various points supposed to be ghosts, but weren't that frightening. Was also a bit of a shame that the tour guide couldn't take us inside any of the haunted buildings she was telling us about (would also have been a bit better without her signing too!)
One thing that I did think a bit odd was how the guy who took all the cash didn't give out tickets or receipts, would have been dead easy to tag along without paying (or for him to have done a runner with all the cash!)
Comming home was fun too, lots fo cool costumes on the tube and stations. Even saw a few women with cat ears!
Today spent most of the afternoon putting up a new pair of curtains in the lounge and my brother and his girlfriend came over for dinner (was her birthday yesterday).
This week am going to be fairly busy, two events at the ASI I might go two and depending on how bust I am my pop over the river on Thursday to observe Old Holborn having fun.
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
Weeky round up 4x4
Another week nearly over, another quick round up of the current crop of shows.
As is week 4, have done 4 shots of 4 shows (and yes this will be the last week of this gimmic)
Railgun:
Needs more Kuroko randomness, main plot was ok but best part was her reaction to the 'undressing woman' legend.
eek thats one scary looking eye- looks like is about to pop out!
had she been watching Wierd Science?
Rather plain pj's Kuroko, I expected better of you.
Haruka Nogizaka S2
Christmas alreaady? Yuuto gets ill at a party and is nursed by Haruka.
Do like Mika's flirting.
Alice is a welcome adition this season, can't beat a mute spiked bat-wielding girl in a reindeer costume.
Did also like how the gang faked the snow (what is the deal with Hazuki's costumes this series?)
Nyan Koi 
Added bonus this week was the bath scene
Here's hoping for a decensored dvd soon.
As is week 4, have done 4 shots of 4 shows (and yes this will be the last week of this gimmic)
Railgun:
Needs more Kuroko randomness, main plot was ok but best part was her reaction to the 'undressing woman' legend.
eek thats one scary looking eye- looks like is about to pop out!
had she been watching Wierd Science?
Rather plain pj's Kuroko, I expected better of you.
Haruka Nogizaka S2
Christmas alreaady? Yuuto gets ill at a party and is nursed by Haruka.
Do like Mika's flirting.
Alice is a welcome adition this season, can't beat a mute spiked bat-wielding girl in a reindeer costume.
So close, yet so far...
Did also like how the gang faked the snow (what is the deal with Hazuki's costumes this series?)
Sasko
Moving up in the rankings thanks to this weeks founding of the SOS-yuri brigade.
Though is a slight issue with one of the members..
.
.Did like how Sumi seems to be going off the rails with this development
Must be hard when you're love has fallen for a trap.
Nyan Koi
This show has been a bit of a sleeper, started off fairly dull and seems to be following the 'add a a girl each week' format. This weeks addition is the track team coach, who seems to be a yakuza daughter as well as some gender issues
Kanako is antoher plus for this show, a classic type a tsundere (though can't really blame her for blowing up after getting grouped)
Kanako is antoher plus for this show, a classic type a tsundere (though can't really blame her for blowing up after getting grouped)
Added bonus this week was the bath scene
Here's hoping for a decensored dvd soon.
Book review- In the beginning (book pile update 15)
Full title; My Life with the Manic Street Preachers by Jenny Watkins-Isnardi
A good insight into the bands early days and what it was like to grow up in a small welsh town in the 80's. What is most interesting is how little Richie Edwards appears, from what I'd read previously the 4 of them were a really close knit group. This suggests he was more of an causal acquaintance, and only became part of the band at a record company exec's suggestion (was a helper and roadie originally)
Other interesting part is the political backdrop, just a few years after the miners strike. The hatred towards the Tories and Maggie is quite apparent, and while I think breaking up the nationalised industries was a good thing is hard not to feel sympathy for the towns that were devastated by the changes of that decade.
The book ends before the band really gets going so is different to most music biographies. An OK read.
C
Still on the pile:
Diaries-Into Politics by Alan Clarke
On Liberty by John Sturt Mills
The Theory and Practice of Comunism by R. N. Carew Hunt
How to Live Forever or Die Trying by Bryan Appleyard
The Reconstruction of Warriors by E. R. Mayhew
Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein The Lunar Men by Jenny Uglow
The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker
The Half Life of Stars by Louise Wener
Life of Pi by Yann Martel Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear
Churchill by Roy Jenkins
Islands by Dan Sleigh
Schoolgirl Milky Crisis by Jonathon Clements
The Bumper book of Government waste 2008 by Matthew Elliot and Lee Rotherham
The Virtues of Capitalism by Arthur Seldon
The Open Society and its Enemies vol 1 by Karl Popper
Letters from Iowa Jima by Kumiko Kakehashi
The Bomb in my Garden by Mahdi Obeidi
Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy by Joseph Schumpeter
After the Victorians by A. N. Wilson
A good insight into the bands early days and what it was like to grow up in a small welsh town in the 80's. What is most interesting is how little Richie Edwards appears, from what I'd read previously the 4 of them were a really close knit group. This suggests he was more of an causal acquaintance, and only became part of the band at a record company exec's suggestion (was a helper and roadie originally)
Other interesting part is the political backdrop, just a few years after the miners strike. The hatred towards the Tories and Maggie is quite apparent, and while I think breaking up the nationalised industries was a good thing is hard not to feel sympathy for the towns that were devastated by the changes of that decade.
The book ends before the band really gets going so is different to most music biographies. An OK read.
C
Still on the pile:
Diaries-Into Politics by Alan Clarke
On Liberty by John Sturt Mills
The Theory and Practice of Comunism by R. N. Carew Hunt
How to Live Forever or Die Trying by Bryan Appleyard
The Reconstruction of Warriors by E. R. Mayhew
Nudge by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein The Lunar Men by Jenny Uglow
The Blank Slate by Steven Pinker
The Half Life of Stars by Louise Wener
Life of Pi by Yann Martel Darwin's Radio by Greg Bear
Churchill by Roy Jenkins
Islands by Dan Sleigh
Schoolgirl Milky Crisis by Jonathon Clements
The Bumper book of Government waste 2008 by Matthew Elliot and Lee Rotherham
The Virtues of Capitalism by Arthur Seldon
The Open Society and its Enemies vol 1 by Karl Popper
Letters from Iowa Jima by Kumiko Kakehashi
The Bomb in my Garden by Mahdi Obeidi
Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy by Joseph Schumpeter
After the Victorians by A. N. Wilson
Quick links 9
The economist joins the ranks of those who slam the new Freakanomics book (there was a scathing review in the metro today too),
The future of free videos on the Internet looks bleak, especially following this announcement,
Russian belligerence is looking worrying,
GAMC to be nationalised.
And finally (seen yesterday but was out last night) Lord Stern wants everyone to give up meat to save the planet- money quote;
'Up to 20,000 delegates from 192 countries are due to attend the UN conference in the Danish capital. Its aim is to forge a deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions'
What is the carbon impact of this going to be? i'd be more convinced of the threat if were having a video conference instead!
The future of free videos on the Internet looks bleak, especially following this announcement,
Russian belligerence is looking worrying,
GAMC to be nationalised.
And finally (seen yesterday but was out last night) Lord Stern wants everyone to give up meat to save the planet- money quote;
'Up to 20,000 delegates from 192 countries are due to attend the UN conference in the Danish capital. Its aim is to forge a deal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions'
What is the carbon impact of this going to be? i'd be more convinced of the threat if were having a video conference instead!
The top 5 anime list
Steven has a post (via) on top 5 lists and what they say about you. As top 5 lists are my speciality had to respond;
1) Azumanga Daioh
2) Lucky Star
3) Elfen Lied
4) Clannad
5) Minami-ke (first season)
Humour is the key for me, plots are optional.
Bubbling under:
6) Haruhi (S1)
7) Kannagi
8) K-ON
9) Excel Saga
10) Maid Guy
Which seems to reinforce this, humour and randomness are what I like, though yuri and brokeness is also go have a separate list for those shows;
1) Maria+Holic
2) Strawberry Panic!
3) Minami-ke (only common show on the two lists)
4) Otoboku (aka Maidens are falling for me)
5) Candy Boy
Remains to be seen where the current crop of shows will fit in these lists
1) Azumanga Daioh
2) Lucky Star
3) Elfen Lied
4) Clannad
5) Minami-ke (first season)
Humour is the key for me, plots are optional.
Bubbling under:
6) Haruhi (S1)
7) Kannagi
8) K-ON
9) Excel Saga
10) Maid Guy
Which seems to reinforce this, humour and randomness are what I like, though yuri and brokeness is also go have a separate list for those shows;
1) Maria+Holic
2) Strawberry Panic!
3) Minami-ke (only common show on the two lists)
4) Otoboku (aka Maidens are falling for me)
5) Candy Boy
Remains to be seen where the current crop of shows will fit in these lists
Monday, 26 October 2009
Libertarian Alliance 2009 conference report
Well done to Sean Gabb (pictured), Tim and Helen Evans for organising another great conference. Was a wide range of speakers covering pretty much everything from philosophy to banking to pron (!)
Saturday
Session 1: The UK Libertarian Party: Chris Mounsey (Communications Director, UK Libertarian Party; Blogger, The Devils Kitchen)
A good summary of why a bunch of bloggers decided to start a new party, their current manifesto, success's so far (7% in a coucil bye-elections), and future prospects,
Session 2: Thoughts on Objectivism and the Philosophy of Ayn Rand: Professor Tibor Machan (Emeritus Professor of Philosophy, Auburn University; Research Fellow, Hoover Institution at Stanford University; Adjunct Scholar at the CATO Institute)
Haven't read much Rand, not that interesting to me. Mainly listed other writers who had similar things to say.
Session 3 The State the Treasury is Now In: The Urgent Need for a Rediscovery of the Private Supply of Public Goods: Dr. Richard Wellings (Deputy Editorial Director, Institute of Economic Affairs)
(NB: camera died at this point, all photo's taken on my phone)
Very interesting talk on the need for massive cuts in public spending (£159 billion a year), and where that could come from (mainly welfare reform and encourage non governmental provision of public goods.
Session 4 A Libertarian Critique of the European Union: Josie Appleton (Convenor, Manifesto Club)
Described how the EU is a 'club' for a political elite and is built on consensus and can't face challenges or criticism. An interesting subject but presented a bit hesitantly.
Session 5 A Libertarian Critique of Karl Popper: Dr. Jan Lester (Libertarian Alliance)
As I still haven't finished The Open Society a lot of this went over my head, mainly seemed to be saying that Popper wasn't libertarian enough as he thought democracy was the best system (think Dr. Lester is leans more to the anarcho-capitalist wing)
After dinner speaker- Guido Fawkes
Dinner was pretty good, was on a table with a couple of Samizdatans and a couple of my friends had met at previous years conference. Guido gave a good speech on how the prospects for liberty were fairly bright
Dinner was pretty good, was on a table with a couple of Samizdatans and a couple of my friends had met at previous years conference. Guido gave a good speech on how the prospects for liberty were fairly bright
Sunday
Session 6 Sex Censorship Versus Freedom: Myles Jackman (Legal Affairs Adviser, Backlash)
Summarised the new 'extreme pornography' law and how illogical it is. What seemed most bizarre is attempts to expand to include text and cartoons.
Session 7 Thoughts of a Libertarian Muslim: Babek Farrahi
how an iranian-english muslim came to be a libertarian and the prospects of liberty in the middle east. Very interesting
Session 8 A Personal Story: A Libertarian Perspective on Being Home Educated: Sophie Robbins (Home Educated Student; blogger, ValleyForge)
More personal reflections, not the best speaker but very passionate
More personal reflections, not the best speaker but very passionate
Session 9 Tories and the Liberal Democrats: Prospects for a Classical Liberal Agenda: Shane Frith (Director, Progressive Vision)Jock Coats (Geo-Mutualist); Mark Littlewood (Campaign Director, Progressive Vision; Blogger, Liberal Vision)
'Chatham house' rule applied so can't comment on :(
(well done to Mark on his new job BTW)
'Chatham house' rule applied so can't comment on :(
(well done to Mark on his new job BTW)
Session 10 Banking, Honest Money and the Free Market: Dr. Anthony J. Evans (Assistant Professor of Economics and Course Director, MEB London, ESCP Europe Business School; Academic Director, The Cobden Centre)
(Forgot to take a picture!) Described how the Austrian business cycle explained the crisis and how can be used to clean up. Also a survey of public opinion on who owns bank deposits and what should be the governments role in the financial sector.
Afterwards were more drinks and had the most bizarre part of the weekend when I was invited to a hardcore gay club! (I politely declined). Overall a very good weekend. Might put some more notes up at a future point.
Quick links 8
Dan Hannan finds Atlas Shrugged a terrible novel (still haven't read it, will get round to someday),
Third party candidate ahead in New York congressional race,
Shannon Love on how the mainstream parties have caused the rise of the BNP (even though Griffin is an idiot I did think that Question time last week resembled the two minute hate),
a hilarious advert for crappy commie cars,
and finally, Firefly and Buffy references in a cop show
Third party candidate ahead in New York congressional race,
Shannon Love on how the mainstream parties have caused the rise of the BNP (even though Griffin is an idiot I did think that Question time last week resembled the two minute hate),
a hilarious advert for crappy commie cars,
and finally, Firefly and Buffy references in a cop show
Seperated at birth?
Male lead in generic harem anime?
Or a Top Gear presenter?
Just finished watching the first episode of a show called Ichigo 100%. Apart from really annoying background music was ok but predictable. Can tell right away the glasses girl is going to be the stunner above loser boy is chasing after.
It begins
Took this with my phone as was leaving work today. The foundations are almost done and the first parts of the structure of the shard are going up. 80 stories here we come!
Sunday, 25 October 2009
A very good weekend
Just got in about a hour ago from the LA conference. Were some really good speakers and met a lot of interesting people and remade my acquaintance with many I'd met last year. Took a few pictures and made some note which will try and post tomorrow.
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