A New Beginning

This post is serving two functions.  Firstly, it is a thank you to everyone who has read my ramblings over the past three years and voted for me in the Total Politics awards.  I'm not folding MitB entirely, but I am recognising that the rate of posting has withered a bit over the past few months, and in that sense, it is all but done.

However, I have a new project.  Jeff (SNP Tactical Voting), James (Two Doctors) and I have decided the time is right to embark upon a joint blog project, which we're starting today.  We've called it Better Nation and we hope it will be a collaboration of good quality work (well, each of the three of us made the Total Politics Top 10 - just!) which will also take a little bit of the pressure off of us to post as regularly.

So, if you liked our writing individually, stop past there for a read and debate our views.  Equally, we're fairly open to guest contributors (we don't want it to be a closed project) so if you are interested, get in touch.

Thanks again - and see you on the other side!

Malc

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Total Politics Blog Poll 2010

I wasn't sure that I was going to post my nominations, but since I have every other year (2008 and 2009) here are the 10 blogs I voted for in the Total Politics Blog Poll 2010:

1. SNP Tactical Voting (2008 - #1, 2009 - #1) 

For me, the undisputed king in Scotland (which he, sadly, no longer is in) Jeff's blog remains my number one for a couple of reasons - frequency and content are both high.  Where does he get the energy?  Maybe he's actually a Duracell rabbit...

2. Two Doctors (2008 - #7, 2009 - #2) 

Although the frequency dipped after his candidacy in the 2010 election, James keeps his position mainly on the back of content - it's green politics with an international flavour.  And that appeals to me.

3. J. Arthur MacNumpty (2008 - #5, 2009 - #3) 

Sensing a pattern here?  Will's detailed analysis of the week in Parliament and thoughts on electoral reform, coalitions and boundaries are a psephologist's dream.  Long may it continue.

4. Lallands Peat Worrier (2008, 2009 - unplaced)

High-brow legal analysis written in a style which is unusual and, I think, unique in the blogosphere.  Also done with a sense of humour, which I enjoy.

5. Planet Politics (2008 - unplaced, 2009 - #10)

I like Stuart's "criticise everyone" approach, which is refreshing.  Highly non-partisan, almost anti-politics, I find myself reading it more and more.

6. Eric Joyce MP (2008, 2009 - unplaced)

For me, this is the best Labour blog in Scotland.  Eric Joyce is partisan when he wants to be but fairer than some others with it.  A former minister, he gives insights which are rare in this forum, and he has a writing style which resonates with the reader.  I suspect Mr Harris will beat him out for "best MP blog"... but not by much.

7. DoctorVee (2008, 2009 - unplaced)

Duncan's blog is eclectic to say the least - he splits time between each of his interests - but I find plenty overlap between my interests and his (new media, politics and F1) which keeps by interest going.  Equally, he deserves credit for his role in establishing the Scottish Round-up, which is still going strong (though he is looking for some help in that area - any takers?!).

8. Bethan Jenkins AM (2008, 2009 - unplaced)

See - I have broadened my reading slightly.  Bethan Jenkins' blog gives me an up-to-date picture of what is going on in Wales, obviously with an overtly partisan Plaid slant.  This one is on the up - and I'm glad, because she very kindly allowed me to interview her for my PhD.

9. Caron's Musings (2008 - unplaced, 2009 - #5)

What I said about Caron's eclectic blog last year remains true today.  It does have a more political slant now I think, especially now that her party is in government.  Though I'm not convinced she's sold on the coalition yet...

10. Stephen's Liberal (previously Linlithgow) Journal (2008 - #6, 2009 - #9)

I don't really know how Stephen maintains the frequency of posting, but it is fairly impressive - especially when you consider how much work he does for a certain diddly wee no-hoper junior government party.  I hope (for his sanity) he doesn't land at #11 again!

So there we go, my top 10.  Obviously by (small c) conservatism showing through, with many of my previous favourites maintaining their position in my vote.  As usual, there are many more cracking reads in Scotland to keep an eye out for - I think time constraints have really cut down my blog-reading (though Google Reader is an amazing help on that score!).

Good luck all - you'll probably find out the results in about a month.

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Total Politics Blog Poll

If I have any readers left, can I point you to the button on the sidebar that will take you to the Total Politics poll of best blogs 2010.  As usual, this is being run by Total Politics and promoted by Iain Dale, Labour List and Lib Dem Voice.  Some rules you may need to know:  


1. You must vote for your ten favourite blogs and ranks them from 1 (your favourite) to 10 (your tenth favourite).
2. Your votes must be ranked from 1 to 10. Any votes which do not have rankings will not be counted.
3. You MUST include at least FIVE blogs in your list, but please list ten if you can. If you include fewer than five, your vote will not count.
4. Email your vote to toptenblogs@totalpolitics.com
5. Only vote once.
6. Only blogs based in the UK, run by UK residents or based on UK politics are eligible. No blog will be excluded from voting.
7. Anonymous votes left in the comments will not count. You must give a name
8. All votes must be received by midnight on 31 July 2010. Any votes received after that date will not count.

I finished fourth in Scotland last year, but was much more active than I have been recently, so I'm not expecting much.  Indeed, I'm not even going to ask for your vote.  All I'm suggesting is that if you read blogs, you may want to vote.  Go on... 

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BBC Interview #2

As a follow up to my pre-election interview with the BBC, Auntie Beeb has interviewed me again for my reaction to the election.  You can read it here, soundbite and all.

"... while this was an election for a United Kingdom government, there is nothing united about the way in which its component countries voted."

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Return of the Malc

Couldn't resist the title...

Anyway, having had an extended (2 month) break from blogging, I felt the time was right to return. I'm struggling writing my thesis, there are just over 7 weeks until my wedding and I have no more time than I did before - but the time is right!

Actually, the main reason for returning to blogging is my inability to write fluently for my thesis. I am hopeful that returning to a more lighthearted writing style may in some way aid that. So, I'm back to blog on an ongoing recession, an upcoming election and, inevitably, some daft Lib Dem ideas. So here goes...

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All quiet

I realise posting has been pretty non-existent recently. I think I'm at a stage where I'm reconsidering why I blog/ if I can be bothered with it any more. If I carry on, it probably won't be anything like the frequency it has been in the past - I've just got too much on at the moment to really put a lot into it.

Thanks for reading. I hope you've gotten something out of my meanderings and I hope you keep the blog on feeds so you can read it when I do write something.

Until then, cheerio.

Malc

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Guest post

I've done a (rather lengthy) guest post for Jeff at SNP Tactical Voting on the subject of the SNP Government and independence. He's expecting a debate, so pop over and give your two cents worth. I'm not sure about his description of me as an "independence academic" but I guess at this stage in my academic career, I'll take any kind of description as an academic!

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Gerry Adams MLA, MP, Blogger

I've been away for a few days, and missed all types of political news and stories, and this is the first real opportunity I've had to have a wee look at a couple of blogs.

When I did, I had a wee look at the newly appointed "Best Non-Lib Dem Blog of the Year voted for by readers of Lib Dem Voice" Slugger O'Toole. Congrats to Slugger, commiserations to Will Patterson (a blog I always find interesting) who was also shortlisted.

Anyway, to the point. By way of this piece on Slugger, I found the blog of Sinn Fein President Gerry Adams. I had a read of it last night and found some of the pieces quite interesting and, indeed, quite insightful. Indeed, it isn't every day you stumble across a blog written by someone whose place in history is assured - as much for good as bad (depending, I guess, on your starting point).

So, last night I did some thinking. On the one hand, Gerry Adams is now, and has been since 1983, the President of Sinn Fein, a (semi)respected (or respectable) politician, helped to bring about and restore devolved politics to Northern Ireland and move Sinn Fein away from being the political wing of the IRA into a professional political party. On the other, Adams allegedly played a key role in Bloody Friday and was allegedly (according to Ed Maloney) a high-ranking member of the IRA (a claim vigorously disputed by Adams). He has, however, more recently, aided the devolution settlement by meeting Ian Paisley (in 2007) for the first time and helped to shape the power-sharing agreement thereafter.

For me - and this might get me pelters from some who know more about the situation than I do - Gerry Adams is symbolic of the transition that all politicians must go through when faced with the situation that both he and his country found itself in. That transition is from hard, abstentionist, narrow-focused, uncompromising black-and-white politics to a more consensual, compromise-based pragmatic style, willing to negotiate over short-term goals but never losing sight of the long-term.

I have no particular attachment to either side of the political situation in Northern Ireland. I have read, extensively, around the IRA and Sinn Fein as comparative studies for my Masters' thesis on the Basque Country and ETA and wrote, without bias (or with as little bias as anyone can manage) about it from an academic perspective. In that respect alone, I find the progress made in Northern Irish politics fascinating.

So, I thought about this for awhile and, based simply on that final point - that the transition from conflict to cooperation is fascinating and Gerry Adams' role in that incredibly interesting - I decided I would add his blog to my blogroll.

If anyone does have issues with it, please let me know and I'll consider your comments. But do bear in mind I am very much a libertarian democrat when it comes to freedom of speech.

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Higher education as a "privilege"

Debate raging over at Jeff's blog on a comment the great man made about higher education. I say raging, it is mostly just me who is taking him to task for it.

Comment made by Jeff in his post:

Making students pay. Abso-bloomin-lootly. I find it bizarre that students get such an easy beat. I remember very well how skint I was back then but if we're going to keep the free tuition fees (which we shouldn't if we're serious about long-term investment in our universities), I think the least the youngsters could do is pay their way for water, sewage and rubbish collection. They certainly use their fair share of each.

And subsequent comment in the comments section:

I think my bottom line is, a university degree should be a privilege and not a right. And that should be reflected in the price, somehow.

From that comment, I took Jeff to mean that university should not be free, that it was a privilege and not a right to go and (perhaps unfairly) I thought it also meant that if you couldn't afford it, you couldn't go. To which, I said this:

Are you seriously saying that only those who are privileged enough to have parents that have cash should be allowed to go to uni?

From his comment, I considered that was a fair assessment of his position. However, he subsequently put me right in saying:

You seem to be suggesting that my philosophy is that only people that can afford to go to university should go. That's not what I'm saying.

The privilege should be reflected in the cost but for those who can't afford it, and are motivated, enthusiastic and have sufficient intellectual capacity, that cost should be borne by the Government.

Then there was some name-calling, some needling about PhD candidacy and general good-natured banter.

Anyway, the exchange raised for me what is an interesting point. Should students have to pay for their degrees?

The SNP (with help from the Lib Dems) have obviously abolished the graduate endowment, which means that higher education at undergraduate level in Scotland is essentially free. Now, I'm probably with Jeff in thinking that students should have to pay something for their tuition at university (and given I'm a PhD student and I DO have fees, I understand how financially difficult that might be). But I'm not sure how that could be done. Anyone have any thoughts?

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New layout

Been playing around with the layout again - though this time for good reason. Apparently, the previous template wasn't easily read on a Blackberry. Hope this one works better.

I've also made use of darker colours, which are apparently more environmentally friendly. Any comments on it gratefully received - I'm still tweaking bits.

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Bloggers Meetup - TONIGHT

Courtesy of the organisation skills of Duncan over at doctorvee, we have another blogging social evening going ahead.

The details are this:

TONIGHT (Thursday, 27th August)
Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh
From 6pm

If you do not know Edinburgh all that well, here's a map of where the Pleasance is.

In the case of bad weather, we will probably still meet at 6pm at the Pleasance Courtyard, then seek out an alternative venue (with a roof) elsewhere. Updated information on that regard will be available on Twitter via @doctorvee, @malch and probably @stephenpglenn too.

Also, if this is a first for some of you, and you don't know what we look like, we've vaguely thought of that too. Squint at the photos on twitter/ blogs and we look something like that. Duncan says he'll wear a green long-sleeved t-shirt. Stephen's bringing Lionel, his beloved Livingston-supporting bear and Jeff (@SNPTacticVoting) pledged to appear in spandex... though I suspect he may be joking. For my part, I'll wear my Toronto Blue Jays baseball cap, which looks like this (only in light blue). Hope that helps.

Seems like a fairly popular evening. Probably attendees include some of Scotland's top bloggers (five of the Total Politics Top 11) as well as some of the lesser known (but no lesser loved) bloggers out there. And who knows, maybe we can spring a surprise guest, as we did the last time.

Hope to see you all later. Yousuf - keep the rain in Glasgow!

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6th Best Scottish Political Blog (apparently)

I have guests staying at the moment and no time to give my blog the measured attention that it needs/ deserves. I particularly want to write a bit about the release of the Lockerbie bomber and the reaction, but that will take a good while given the nature of the post and trying to construct my thoughts in an articulate manner.

In the meantime, I want to thank those of you who voted for Malc in the Burgh as one of the Top 50 Scottish Blogs. I made it in at number 28 last year and have risen up the rankings to sixth this year - a hefty rise and one I'm quite proud of. If you were one of the 1500 people who voted in the poll (and particularly, if you were one of those who voted for me) thanks very much!

Well done to all of those who found a place in the Top 50, particularly those whom I read almost daily and those whom I voted for myself. Hoping to see many of those illustrious Scottish bloggers represented in the Top 200 UK list when it is published later this month.

Here's the list in full:

1 (1) Tom Harris MP LAB
2 (3) SNP Tactical Voting SNP
3 (25) Underdogs Bite Upwards LIB
4 (2) Mr Eugenides CON
5 (8) Two Doctors GREEN
6 (28) Malc in the Burgh N/A
7 (30) Caron's Musings LD
8 Yapping Yousuf LAB
9 Scottish Unionist N/A
10 (4) J Arthur MacNumpty SNP
11 (11) Stephen's Linlithgow Journal LD
12 (5) Kezia Dugdale's Sopabox LAB
13 Lallands Peat Worrior SNP
14 Grumpy Spindoctor LAB
15 Rantin' Rab LIB
16 (15) Blether with Brian MEDIA
17 (36) Andrew Reeves LD
18 The Steamie MEDIA
19 (7) Ideas of Civilisation N/A
20 (16) Doctor Vee N/A
21 (6) Scottish Tory Boy CON
22 Al Jahom's Final Word SNP
23 (9) Scots & Independent SNP
24 (29) Sound of Gunfire LD
25 Willie Rennie MP LD
26 (12) Freedom & Whisky LIB
27 (31) Scottish Roundup N/A
28 (22) Fraser Macpherson LD
29 (13) Indygal SNP
30 Planet Politics N/A
31 Calum Cashley SNP
32 (20) Andrew Burns' Really Bad Blog LAB
33 Anything Caron Can Do LD
34 Didactophobia RIGHT-WING
35 Microshaft N/A
36 Wardog SNP
37 Kevin Schofield MEDIA
38 (39) Political Dissuasion N/A
39 Shuggy's Blog LEFT-WING
40 (33) Aitken's Edinburgh LAB
41 Cybernat SNP
42 (24) North to Leith SNP
43 Aye We Can N/A
44 (18) Clairwil SNP
45 (35) Katy Gordon LD
46 (37) Bellgrove Belle SNP
47 Advanced Media Watch SNP
48 Prats in Power LIB
49 Holyrood Patter SNP
50 Another Side of Lesley Riddoch N/A

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Bloggers meet (yet again!)

Evening!

As you may have already read elsewhere, there's some chat about having another wee gathering of those blog-minded folks (and indeed, those who comment on blogs - so as not to exclude anyone) at some point before the end of August.

As I (apparently) did such a good job the last time round (journo and occasional blogger Iain Macwhirter made a swift appearance late on) Duncan nominated me to put it to the blogosphere to suggest some dates/ times/ places.

The current suggestion that is kicking around is that, given it is Edinburgh Festival time (and that those of us who live/ work/ blog in the city were chatting about it) is that we meet somewhere here, take in the sights and sounds of the Fringe - perhaps even a show - sometime in the last couple of weeks of August (being either the week beginning the 24th or the 31st of August).

I'm going out on a limb on my own here, and suggesting that, like last year, we find somewhere near the Udderbelly at Bristo Square on the basis that it is fairly easy to find and pretty close to a couple of venues. As for dates etc, I'm fairly flexible - if you have any suggestions or are particularly interested in going to see a particular show, you know where to put your comments (that is, below the article - or direct them to Duncan, Will or Jeff who seem to be the organising committee). We just seem to be gauging interest at the moment.

Anyway, for anyone who hasn't been to one of these things, they're usually pretty good fun. Folks have strong views (otherwise - in most cases - the blogs would be pretty boring!) but in "real" life they are all pretty approachable, laid back and fun to have a drink and a chat with! So, if you can make it along, its worth it. And for those who have been before, its always nice to see you all again!

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My Top Ten Blogs of 2009

Took me a wee while thinking about this, but here is my selection for the Total Politics Best Blogs of 2009 poll. I don't think I'm breaking any rules by letting you know who I voted for - I think its an open and transparent way of voting. Plus, its not like I'm telling you who to vote for - just letting you know which ones I'd voted for - an opinion if you will (which is, in essence, what blogging is all about).

I've based my list on a couple of criteria: the frequency with which I check the blogs, the quality of the posting, the writing style and the reaction they evoke in me.

Apologies in advance to those that I have not included in my ten but the problem with a top 10 is just that: there are only ten spots available. Though there might have been only nine had I opted out of the honorable and chosen to vote for myself. At the end of the day though, for me that's just not cricket.

In reverse order then:

#10 Planet Politics
Stuart tells it as he sees it, doesn't really pull any punches, and has a way with words (see this post for a catchy title).

#9 Stephen's Linlithgow Journal
As much as I enjoy taking the wind out this particular Lib Dem's sails, the man's dedication to blogging/ tweeting is immense. Liberal and amusing with it - which is not always the case with these liberal types!

#8 Tory Bear
Right-wing political gossip, right enough. And good on TV. And in person too.

#7 Scottish Unionist
I know, I know. I mean, I don't really like the subject matter, or the fact that he is broadcasting it quite so loudly. But Scottish Unionist does a great job of exposing the dark side of politics and, when he's commenting and not just selectively quoting, the writing is pretty good. See for yourself.

#6 Iain Dale's Diary
The Blogfather. It's something he does so well that it is difficult not to pick him in my 10. There's something good on it 6 days out of 7. Or something like that.

#5 Caron's Musings
From politics to Formula 1 to trash tv, rounding up some good blog posts... oh yeah, and supporting my marathon effort, Caron's blog has everything you'll ever need to know about anything. Just a shame she's a Lib Dem really... ;)

#4 Yapping Yousuf
I've been really impressed with the progress Yousuf's blog has made in the last year. Yes, it is punctuated with the occasional partisan rant but Yousuf has really made Labour blogging in Scotland his own. Credit where its due - its not an easy job, especially at the moment, and the guy does well. Wee bit less partisan and he might have been a spot or two higher...

#3 J. Arthur MacNumpty
Credit to Will for having the patience to do what no one else can be bothered with and actually reading the official report. Every week. His weekly reports on votes are a good way of taking stock of how the week has gone at Holyrood and those posts are regularly punctuated with well thought out and provocative comments on the big political issues of the day. It really is an excellent read - I'd love to see him blog more frequently but I understand his problem on that score (I'm really not one to talk at the moment!).

#2 Two Doctors
James brings his own inimitable style to the blogosphere with a Green-liberal-left take on Scottish politics (and politics further afield). It's a cracking read and one which shows a maturity of thought not always associated with green politics. But then the Greens are not now the radicals they once were. Anyway, a cracking read and worthy of a high placing in this years listing.

#1 SNP Tactical Voting
There can be only one. No, not Tom Harris. I said when I voted for him last year that "The sheer volume of posts (and the quality) make Jeff's SNP Tactical Voting blog essential dailly reading. Some thoughtful posts on wider society, Scotland and local politics make it an interesting mix." That hasn't changed at all. Apart from maybe pushing the SNP line a little more than he used to. Still my top Scottish blog.

So there we are. Those are my selections. Leanings: 2 Nats, 2 Tory, 2 Lib Dems, 1 Green, 1 Labour, 1 Anti-Nat and 1 Anti-Politics. I think I read a fair selection of blogs!

Honorable mentions to other blogs I read fairly frequently including Subrosa (who has apparently opted out of the voting) Holyrood Patter, Doctor Vee, Ideas of Civilisation (who appears to be on sabbatical), Lallands Peat Worrier, Kezia Dugdale (who took a brief break) and, of course, Scottish Tory Boy (who has just returned from his hiatus). All cracking reads too.

Again, these are my selections and I'm not telling you to vote for these or any other blogs. I just wanted to share with you my thoughts on the blogosphere and the quality within.

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Europe

Apologies for a forthcoming lapse in posting. I'm off to Europe for a few days.

I'm away with the department to Vienna and Brussels, to meet with some representatives of some rather large institutions - the UN, NATO and the European Commission. I'll hopefully get some decent chat while I'm there. And some Belgian beer.

Anyway, I haven't been organised enough to schedule many posts, so you'll just have to wait until I get back for more of my meanderings.

Back soon.

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Thanks

Thanks to all who came along to the bloggers' meet last night. We had a good variety of political views (and none) about and a good blether about a variety of different subjects.

Hope everyone had a great time. As ever, with these occasions, what goes on tour, stays on tour. Though I will say, it was very nice to see everyone's favourite journalist of the moment stop by for couple of pints!

Looking forward to the next one... maybe someone else might want to organise that one!

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Blogging Drinks TONIGHT

Just a last minute reminder to anyone interested in the blogging drinks, we're meeting tonight at The Albanach at 7pm. I'll wear something that stands out - a green jumper. Then if you don't know me you'll know its me. Or something.

7pm
Wednesday 29th April (TONIGHT!)

The Albanach
Royal Mile
Edinburgh

See you there.

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My first, my last, my everything...

Thanks to Jeff for tagging me with the Twenty Firsts meme. I suppose since all I'm doing today is reading, I should really play along.

First Job: Paper round. 6 days a week, starting at 6.30am. £14 a week. For four years I should add.

First Real Job: Parliamentary Assistant/ dogsbody for three SNP MSPs. On not much more than £14 a week.

First Role in Politics: Activist I suppose Joined the party in 2004 - talked into it by Nicola Sturgeon and my (now councillor) friend at a leadership hustings in Aberdeen.

First Car: Ford Fiesta. Which is what I currently have as well. But not the same one. This one was G-reg, silver and had a manual choke. They don't teach you how to start that in driving lessons, oh no.

First Record: Record?! Iain Dale's showing his age a bit here. If we're talking CDs, I have a vague recollection of getting Now 29 for Christmas... at age 10/11 The fact that we're onto Now 72 does make me feel a wee bit old. Though my parents do have the original Now that's what I call music on cassette.

First Football Match: I'm pretty sure this was the 1991 Scottish Cup Third Round match between Aberdeen and Motherwell at Pittodrie. Motherwell won 1-0 with Stevie Kirk coming off the bench and scoring a free kick with his first touch of the ball, with about 10 minutes to go I think. But then, I was seven at the time, so how I remember I don't know.

First Concert: This was either the Manic Street Preachers at the Barrowlands or Barenaked Ladies at the Music Hall in Aberdeen. Can't remember which one was first - both were excellent.

First Country Visited: Wales. Though if you want me to "go foreign" as it were, it'd be Spain. A family holiday in Ibiza of all places.

First TV Appearance: I think I was on the news a couple of times when I was wee when they came to the school... but I can't really remember.

First Political Speech: Speaking or listening? I made a five minute political speech to get elected to Stirling Uni student body in 2002. That was the height of my political ambition at the time...

First Encounter with a Famous Person: Pierre Van Hooijdonk signed my Celtic shirt in 1996. I reckon he was famous then.

First Brush With Death: Spectacular car write off in May 2006. Track rod end snapped when going round a corner. Across the road, ending in a ditch, upside down. The damage? A couple of cracked ribs. Lucky, lucky boy.

First House/Flat Owned: That pleasure is still to come (along with the pleasure of a killer mortgage no doubt).

First Film Seen at a Cinema: Remember seeing Batman Forever at a young age, whether it was the first, I have no idea.

First Time on the Radio: Actually helped my mate a couple of times on his radio show at uni... but I reckon I did a couple of sessions on Keith Community Radio when I was still at school.

First Politician I Met: The first? Ummm... Malcolm Bruce spoke to my Modern Studies class when I was at Keith Grammar. That'd probably be it.

First Book I Remember Reading: Bound to be an Enid Blyton one, which one I can't really remember.

First Visit to the London Palladium: Not been there, but I did catch The Phantom of the Opera on Broadway last summer. Excellent stuff.

First Election: The first one I voted in was 2003 Scottish Parliament election (when I was 19) but the first one I was involved with in anyway was probablythe 2005 UK General Election. I was working for Bruce Crawford in Stirling and helped the campaigns both there and in Ochil & South Perthshire.

That killed some reading time. Apparently I should nominate five folks to repeat. So, if you feel like wasting half an hour, on you go Jess the Dog, Stuart Winton, The Right Student, Stephen Glenn and Subrosa.

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"Rob Kearney gay rumours"

I don't really know what kind of blog I'm running any more.

Someone (in Ireland presumably - using google.ie) got here by googling the phrase "Rob Kearney gay rumours".

And this blog was the sixth result.

Just to clarify - I don't know. And I don't really care. Just hoping he plays a blinder for the Lions.

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"Meet the Bloggers" - Details

After an overwhelming response to my plan for blogging drinks, I have a plan.

Assuming I won't be able to please everyone, but I'm thinking Wednesday April 29th at 7pm at The Albanach on the Royal Mile (map here).

Apologies to those who can't make it this time - and indeed to those who live away from Edinburgh. Depending on turnout (and, I suppose, if people have a good time!) we can always try and organise another one sometime soon.

So, that's:
7pm, Wednesday 29th April
The Albanach, Royal Mile, Edinburgh

Hope to see you there.

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