Political Theatre Matters

We're voting today in the UK for both Euro-MPs and (in many places) for local councillors.

Both groups are widely ignored by the population at large; the former because they're seen as irrelevant, the latter because they're perceived as powerless. The only function of such contests, according to the cynics, is the opportunity to deliver a resounding 'Up yours!' to whoever's in charge at Westminster, where power over people's lives actually resides.

One of the biggest changes in recent years has been in the way in which votes are counted. It's become part of the problem.

Sheep and Goats

I've been looking at the job ads lately.

Not, as I know my boss reads this, that I'm planning on going anywhere.

The next move I make, of my own volition or otherwise, is likely to be into retirement. But it's human nature to be curious, so when a job comes up teaching Journalism at the University of Bountiful Opportunity (formerly Grimeville Polytechnic) it's very tempting to open the job spec and wonder "what if ..? "

Except recently I've spotted a worrying trend. Candidates can't even apply to teach Journalism without a PhD. It's happening across the board, not just at sniffy Russell Group institutions.

And that's wrong.