In a tight spot yesterday

Speaking of getting old my big sister turns forty today. Big sisters are good things. They have kids before you, which means you get  all the fun of being an uncle without the responsibilty of a being  a Dad. They’re another Mum to turn to when you’re sulking with the real one. They’re around when…

Will the future be selfish? According to the Henley Centre the answer is yes.  Three out of there four scenarios for 2025 are based on people following their own self interests. It doesn’t make sense in the face of Live 8 or the Tsunami fund; or does it? I’m not sure this report is that…

This skeptical envirnomentalist has an interesting twist on global warming. He argues that we’re  better off promoting free trade or tackling Aids before thinking about climate change. Four Nobel winning economists asked, "How can you spend $50bn to achieve the most good possible?", the answer was a ‘to-do’ list with climate change at the bottom.…

There’s been some trouble at Knowsley Safari Park near Liverpool, where the baboons have been ripping out St George’s flags from the cars of football mad visitors. Vandals or aesthetes?

The thing about stereotypes is that they’re usually right. Yorkshire Trading Standards have found that measures of beer and spirits usually fall short, proving Northern England’s legendary reputation for meanness. The shining exception was Leeds, where the problem is over pouring. This isn’t why I live there, honest.

Here’s a useful Top Ten rules for innovators. I particularly like the idea of changing stuff once your happy with it – just in case you find it turns out better. Way too many people fall in love with their first idea.

Went to a wedding last weekend. Caught up with old friends and for a while we managed to act our age (32ish). But of course it didn’t last. By the taxi home the booze had worked it’s usual dark magic and we were boys again. I didn’t feel 18 the next morning though, I felt…