[which] blogger, wordpress, typepad, haloscan

It was Colin Campbell who made reference [in an e-mail] to support in the blogosphere and I can heartily second that. The number of pieces of quite constructive advice on what to do over the vexed Blogger issue was gratifying to say the least, some from quite surprising sources. Thank you and if I can do something in return … In the meantime: Blogger. When it’s working and if you have a good imported template, it’s flexible and understandable, if a little slow. Wordpress is snazzier but just doesn’t have the flexibility, e.g. widgets plus it also occasionally refuses. Typepad – I’ve heard mixed reviews. Haloscan – I’ve heard nothing. So, it’s the old dilemma.

[which is worse] evil intent, madness or incompetence

Doing the rounds in Canada just now

A commenter below, on the question of whether George Bush was satanic or nay, made the point: The Iranian is way more mad than Bush. Even my new found Bush hating levels allow me to see that. This set me to thinking: which evil is worse? That 1] from cold, calculated intent 2] from gross incompetence and general thickness 3] from madness?

[lewisham] fond memories of maggie’s cafe

Are you familiar with Lewisham? You know when you come from Tesco’s carpark along the narrow walkway between the station ramp and the café on the left? That’s Maggie’s and I got it into my head to write to her and find out how things were going. Maggie was a wonder in 1995, swirling round the café with two pots of tea, refilling people’s empty cups and asking if they were all right; and the food was the best and most reasonably priced in London. Basic fare, done well and what’s more – you could see them preparing it through there. Eleven years later, I imagine she may have moved on but the café/restaurant is still going. Check it out.

[in brief] thought for the day

In the immortal words of Tony Blair: Enough of talking, time now to do [1997]. Have a lovely grey Monday, enjoy an extended lunch with your colleagues and partners and keep your spirits up.

[school chaplains] return to real values

It’s right out in the open now and the gloves are off. In Australia, a new school chaplaincy program would not force religion on children but instead provide more choices, says Federal Education Minister Julie Bishop [Liberals – means Conservatives]. Labor has backed the plan [amazing], but minor parties, including the Greens and Democrats say the proposal blurs the line between church and state. The Green humanistic atheists can’t have it all their own way – the truth has to also be told sometime, as a counter-balance, according to their own enlightened debating rules. And this should produce some very lively debate. [Interesting that Blogger let this one go straight to post in 2 mins with no impediments.]

[islamic court] you’re a bit strong so no talks

Monty Lionheart has this one taped – do go across and have a look: 1] The Islamic Courts Union, which controls much of southern Somalia, has refused to meet the interim government for peace talks unless Ethiopian troops leave the country. 2] Although an 18-strong Islamic delegation flew to Sudan on Sunday, Adow said they would not engage with the largely powerless interim administration until Ethiopian troops leave. I’m a bit confused here – Sudan is not Somalia. Or is it all part of the same process – send in the militias to rape, mutilate and torture to death, then move in and offer yourself as the ‘saviours’?

[catastrophe] france runs out of garlic

Telegraph today, so therefore you’ve all seen it: But violet garlic, esteemed by the gourmand and grown only in one small part of France, cannot be obtained for love nor money. Brian Page, or "Garlic Brian" as he is known to his customers, is the sole importer to Britain of violet garlic, "I know it sounds absurd but there really is none left, and the French are very embarrassed about it," said Mr. Page, from Rogate, Hants. Firstly, I love this last vital geographical pin-pointer for Mr. Page. Secondly, I wonder if they meant ‘gourmand’ or ‘gourmet’? Thirdly, this could see an influx of vampires unless something is rapidly done to remedy the situation.

[what if] ahmadinejad on bush

Iranian President Mahmud Ahmadinejad, amid a struggle between two major clerical factions for control of Iran's influential Assembly of Experts, is trying to shore up his conservative base by portraying himself as a man with a direct link to God. As for President George W Bush, "he also receives inspiration, but from Satan", says Ahmadinejad. That’s as maybe but what if Ahmadinejad, by some fluke, just happens to have it … ? What if he might just be … ? Is it possible … ? Nah … forget I even mentioned it.

[literature] sunday evening quiz

Compressed plots – which novels and authors are described below?

1. An Irishman becomes so familiar with his bicycle that when cycling at speed the atomic structure of his body fuses with that of the bicycle frame.

2. A rather shy novelist arrives in New York to launch his first book, only to be greeted by a rioting mob of Black Panthers, old-age pensioners, gay rights activists and feminists after his blood.

Five more here.

[clive & bryan] publishing on demand

Clive Davis, in the Washington Times: "In POD, an author delivers his manuscript and the publisher edits, designs and sets it on a computer, but doesn't actually print any copies at all. Instead, it simply waits until somebody buys one. At that point, the book -- a proper one, on paper, with proper binding -- can be made on the spot and delivered through, for example, Amazon or direct from the publisher. Alternatively, the buyer can get it from a printing and binding machine rather like the current digital-photo processors. The latter method is the obvious one, and Starbucks is indeed looking at it." What do you think?