Monarch of the Glen

Happy birthday Susan Hampshire – 73 today.

A scene showing a love which endures is a rare thing in modern television.

Critical Mass

In A Strange Land, Latitidue 44 and Musty Moments were the blogs I discussed with Jim Mora on Critical Mass yesterday.

In A Strange Land is on my list of top 20ish blogs. Its author is Deborah, a New Zealander living in Adelaide, who writes from a strong feminist, moderate left perspective on politics and life.

Her posts vary from serious and reasoned consideration of issues to reflections on life, family stories, delicious recipes and lately she’s given us a glimpse of her kitchen alterations.

Jim asked me is she was stroppy like Cactus Kate and Roarprawn. I hope none of them is insulted that I said no.

Deborah wrote a post mentioning Critical Mass yesterday. It includes a selection of past posts which new comers to the blog might enjoy.

Latitude 44 is written by Alex who, after five years working for a software company in San Francisco, is taking some time off to explore the Southern Hemisphere. S/he (I thought Alex was a he but when I re-read the posts realised that was an assumption which may not be correct) is living in Omarama which is one of the world’s best gliding bases.

It’s a newish blog – started in February. Posts so far cover his/her plans, journey to New Zealand, first impressions, an insight into gliding and the latest post is on happiness and the corporate you.

Musty Moments is the work of Ross Horsley who describes himself as a timid librarian by day and a frenzied fan of gory slasher movies by night. It’s an online scrapbook of unusual and amusing snippets he unearths while working at a history library. It also features his comic strip experiment, The Wesleys.  He hasn’t updated that for a while but if you go back a couple of pages you’ll find them.

My plan for my spot on Critical Mass is to discuss both the more popular blogs and also some of the less well known ones.

You’re welcome to suggest blogs for consideration.

Jonah Lomu

Happy birthday Jonah Lomu – 35 today.

Anchor Me

Day 12 of Music Month – Anchor Me by the Mutton Birds.

Inspired by Busted Blonde who’s just been mutton birding, but is back now so not involved in the stabbing on Titi Island.

8/10

My knowledge of political trivia is a bit better than it was for history today – 8/10 in the Dominion Post’s political quiz.

Will he really want to be PM?

Britain has a new Prime Minister.

That ought to be something he celebrates but the indecisive election result and the need for support from the Liberal Democrats, with whom the Conservatives have little in common, will put a dampener on celebrations.

Whether David Cameron leads a minority government or a coalition the task he faces is a difficult one.

Some commentators have suggested he’d have been better to stand back and wait. But I’m reminded of a comment Bill English made at a conference, the worst day in government where you can do something is better than the best in opposition where you can do nothing.

5/10

A slight improvement on last week’s score in the NZ History Online quiz – 5/10.

However, all but one answer was a guess and (blush) I got the first leader of the National Party wrong.