[house of lords] modest proposals for the restoration of same

Edward III would turn in his grave at the Lords Destruction Bill intended to be presented shortly. The US has a grand system, suitable for the US but Britain still has the vestiges of its own time honoured system. Thus I present a small selection of the Lords Preservation Proposals for your perusal: Firstly, the House of Lords is to be known, in perpetuity, as the House of Lords and the Woolsack remains untouched by grubby comm--- sorry. Next, a selection of proposals on Composition, Law Lords and Bills here.

[sublime noise] what is your fondest memory

"It must be generally admitted that Beethoven's Fifth Symphony is the most sublime noise that ever penetrated the ear of man," wrote E.M. Forster in Howard's End. Sublime … yes. But how about this: Leeds’ Lord Mayor, members of the Clothworkers’ Foundation and music enthusiasts from across the region heard Murray Perahia’s virtuoso performance of Schubert’s Impromptu in E flat. Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor David Sugden, said: “We are honoured and privileged to have witnessed such a sublime performance in this stunning hall.” So what is the most sublime noise you’ve ever heard, by whom and where? Brahms’ Trio for Clarinet, Cello and Piano or perhaps Juan Garcia de Salazar’s Dixit Dominus?

[political correctness] raising its ugly head in glasgow

More than surprised that the blogforce north of the border didn’t pick up on this one: I am delighted that Glasgow City Council is going to outlaw sexism. I really despise being referred to as 'hen' and feel there is no place for this level of offensive disempowerment. I'm actively involved in trying to rid the church of exclusive language, and would like to see certain words banned such as brethren.....and yes, I'd like to see the end of the word chairman. Chairperson is absolutely fine. That comes from some hen called Helen, in reaction to the GCC’s Lovely Liz and reported by, of all people, Vox Day in the US of A. Political Correctness. Excuse me one moment - I need to find a bucket.

[faces] mirror, mirror, on the wall ...

Let's face it, you can't hope to get anywhere today unless you're photogenic. So who's the most photogenic of these, in your opinion?

[windows] ie 7 is coming whether you want it or not

This article is important enough to run in full: Attention, Windows XP users! Big changes are coming to your computer, and if you’re not paying attention, the biggest one may come regardless of whether you want it. Last week, Microsoft made the latest version of its Web browser, Internet Explorer 7, available online. On Tuesday, the company will post to the Web its newest music and video player, Windows Media Player 11. You’ll be able to download Internet Explorer 7 at www.microsoft.com/ie and Media Player at www.microsoft.com/mediaplayer. Even if you don’t grab IE7, it’s going to come to you. More here.

[baseball] smudgy hands talk of the day

If you’re a Brit, then you might not see how smudgy hands could be a top headline: Twenty-three consecutive runless innings in the postseason have suddenly turned Kenny Rogers into a money pitcher. But televised images of a smudge on his left hand have some wondering whether the Gambler is playing with loaded dice. Then: A couple of the Cardinals' hitters said the ball was acting funny. Still mystified, then came this: Since 1988, there have been three instances of players being suspended for using pine tar. Finally I understand. Globe & Mail Article here.