tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83445437439084416832024-03-05T08:17:49.065+00:00SpidercommentMaccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-57096326223049314442011-10-28T12:13:00.000+01:002011-10-28T12:13:19.722+01:00Barlow watch and the ExpressThere<span style="font-size: small;"> are new posts</span><br />
<br />
<div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/">Here</a></div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;">and</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><br />
</div><div style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS",sans-serif;"><a href="http://watchingvicbarlow.blogspot.com/">Here</a> </div>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-37178049383712585882011-08-23T18:04:00.001+01:002011-09-03T14:22:59.671+01:00Sock puppets are back!The Macc Express comments section is patrolled by a few embittered old men who want to shut down conversations that don't ft in with their jaundiced and reactionary view of the world.<br />
<br />
Lead by a an policeman (an ex not very good policeman, apparently) and a couple of dodgy accomplices, these people have been on a mission since they destroyed the late and largely unlamented Barlow's beef.<br />
<br />
Anyway, hi to a new one: VivaDiva<br />
<br />
Say hello, you know that you're reading this!<br />
<br />
And now, welcome back............<br />
<br />
<br />
Joe!<br />
<br />
<br />
Ta DaMaccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-57545435108394113192011-07-17T12:09:00.000+01:002011-07-17T12:09:33.892+01:00Jerry!Does he really think that anyone believes him?<br />
<br />
More to follow.Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-15989294846908239852011-05-06T19:08:00.000+01:002011-05-06T19:08:16.424+01:00Just what is going wrong at the Macclesfield Express?<a href="http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/">http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/</a>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-88978577977890549442011-02-28T17:12:00.005+00:002011-03-04T19:26:58.246+00:00Continuing censorship by the Macclesfield ExpressIt seems that they don't like being challenged over their apparent support of the bullies on their site and so are not publishing my posts.<br />
<br />
This is what I have tried to post today on <a href="http://menmedia.co.uk/macclesfieldexpress/comment/blogs/s/1408899_whose_bright_idea_was_this">this</a> thread.<br />
<br />
<i>"We don't need a trial to know that fire will burn your nad (whatever that is), that would be a bit silly. However in this case the LA seems to be acting quite sensibly by conducting a trial to find out what the real impact will be in the real world."</i><br />
<br />
I suppose if I had stooped to the tactics of Junior and co then I might have a chance.....<br />
<br />
Update: persistance pays off! After submitting the post at least 10 times, it has now been published. So maybe just wearing them down is a strategy.<br />
<br />
Update: False optimism I'm afarid. The Express still seems to be allowing some of the vilest comments from the most thuggish of contributors and yet stopping others from commenting, even in reply to something someone else has said.<br />
<br />
So far I have tried at least 8 times to post this, in the thread indicated above:<br />
<br />
<i>"You miss the point. There is plenty of evidence already that sticking bits of your body into flames is going to hurt, so we can agree that testing that would certainly be silly. However, in this case we don't know what the outcome would be so testing in the real world, rather than speculating on the basis of lack of knowledge, seems to be a sensible idea. <br />
And, if the end result is that us Council Tax payers can save a bit or our hard earned money, then that would be great. But we won't know unless the Council tries to find out."</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Now, compared to some of the knuckle dragging and nasty comments they allow, this is really rather measured and mild. Just what is wrong with the Express that they find such things as this so threatening?<br />
<br />
given the continuing, double-figures, decline in sales and readership, you'd have thought that they might want to encourage local people to be involved. Sadly they (or at least their web people) seem to see many of us as threats, rather than as customers. What a silly approach.<br />
<br />
<br />
Update: Well, eventually, it has been published. Persistance pays, but why should it be necessary? Lee Swettenham and his team really seem to be getting it wrong here. Don't they realise how much they are damaging the paper by their actions?Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-61008093062136838882011-02-24T12:17:00.001+00:002011-02-24T12:17:38.196+00:00The puppets are back and circling - puppet bingo beginsWe've already had "Junior", who is next? Or rather, which puppet identity?<br />
<br />
My money is on "David Davies"Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-64154666915977755692011-02-23T14:06:00.002+00:002011-02-23T14:06:22.157+00:00Macclesfield ExpressA new comment on here:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/">http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
Feel free to join inMaccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-32527875459536395972011-01-10T18:21:00.002+00:002011-01-10T21:07:39.696+00:00Mr Rutley on AVThis is the email I have received from him in response to my mail to him about AV:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Thank you for contacting me about electoral reform.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>As you will be aware, the Parliamentary Voting System and Constituencies Bill will provide for a referendum on the Alternative Vote system and for a review of constituency boundaries in order to create fewer and more equally sized constituencies.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>The Bill includes a provision for the introduction of the Alternative Vote in the event of a positive result in the referendum, which is scheduled for the 5 May 2011. The coalition agreement makes clear that despite bringing forward a referendum, this will not prejudice the position parties take during the referendum campaign. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Although this is likely to come as a disappointment to you, my own personal belief is that the First-Past-the-Post electoral system has stood the test of time and is also the system best suited to allow voters to elect strong, sustainable governments and to allowing voters to eject failed governments from office. As a result, I will be voting No in the referendum and will be supporting the NO2AV campaign. </i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Once again, thank you for taking the time to contact me on this important issue.</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>With best wishes,</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;"><i>David Rutley MP</i></span></div>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-76464005046204460892011-01-09T14:09:00.002+00:002011-01-09T14:09:35.425+00:00Macclesfield Express discussionYou can discuss the Macclesfield Express here:<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/">http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/</a>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-47955836555553191722010-11-19T11:35:00.002+00:002010-11-19T11:35:43.285+00:00Do you want to comment on the Macclesfield Express?Comment on a story, the paper or the way it is serving our community <a href="http://macclesfieldexpresscomment.blogspot.com/2010/11/welcome.html">here</a>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-89128822895694080382010-11-13T11:59:00.005+00:002010-11-13T12:06:03.623+00:00Twitter Joke Trial - I am SpartacusThe ludicrous decision handed down by Judge Jacqueline Davies on the 11th has, rightly, caused a storm. Thousands of people (me included) have re-tweeted the original tweet along with the hashtag #IamSpartacus.<br />
<br />
None of us have yet been visited by the Police, which just makes more of a mockery of the judgement and makes the CPS' and South Yorkshire Police's actions look even more stupid than they did at first.<br />
<br />
As for the judge: I cannot improve on the comment made by Philip Hensher in <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/philip-hensher/philip-hensher-laugh-at-the-authorities-if-you-want-but-dont-expect-them-to-get-the-joke-2132864.html">this</a> article in the Independent:<br />
<br />
<i>"This week, his appeal was dismissed by a judge, Jacqueline Davies, who has shown all the wisdom, intelligence and discernment of a warthog in a porcelain gallery.</i><i>"</i><br />
<br />
One of the best responses has come from Matt Flaherty on his blog, "Adventures in Flay-land". <a href="http://flay.jellybee.co.uk/2010/11/open-letter-to-judge-jacqueline-davies.html">See it here</a><i><br />
</i>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-11994976047264670862010-11-08T09:59:00.003+00:002011-01-02T10:52:23.310+00:00A summary of Junor's positive contributions to the Express' websiteAppears in brackets:<br />
<br />
<br />
( )<br />
<br />
Update, the hypocrite is back!<br />
<br />
He has nothing to say except to post abuse. It is amazing that he can't see the irony (or hypocrisy) of his approach.<br />
<br />
So, here is a reply, in case the Express censors it:<br />
<br />
<i>"Nothing to contribute, "Junior"? No surprise there then. Shame that you don't support the Police in what they have achieved and just want to indulge in your usual Mr Misery type, hypocrisy and abuse.<br />
<br />
I would have thought that, in your plodding way, you might have supported or praised the Police. How wrong I was.<br />
<br />
Tell you what, stop acting as if this is a beefy forum and try commenting on the article. You know, practice what you preach"</i>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-48172488115252163612010-11-06T07:29:00.003+00:002011-02-04T16:14:16.516+00:00Trolls, sockpuppets and disciplesRegular viewers of the V Barlow's section on the Macclesfield Express website will have noticed that, whenever there is criticism of Mr Barlow's views, various names pop up to atack the commenter.<br />
<br />
So, now we have "Junior". This looks like just another version of one of the tedious sockpuppets that infest that place.<br />
<br />
Same approach (personal attacks and no discussion of the article or opinions) and even the same phrasing etc.<br />
<br />
<br />
Sat 6th<br />
<br />
Well they're still there.<br />
<br />
There is "Four Twenty Wherever" accusing others of trolling and "Junior" with the usual bile. He can't even change the record; we now have the familiar attempt to impose his own rules on what can and can't be said.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure about 4-20 yet, although jumping in with accusations of trollery does seem rather suspect.<br />
I imagine Mr Barlow must be rather embarrassed by the actions of his disciples.<br />
<br />
Update. On reflection I reckon that 4-20 is one of the regulars. Same old bleats, same old language, same old approach. Pathetic.<br />
<br />
4 Feb 2011<br />
<br />
Well, here we are in another year and the same old, silly old trolls and sockpuppets are there.<br />
Today we had "Quinlan" and he / she didn't even have the originality (or is it intelligence?) to change the script. It was almost word for word what we have seen before.<br />
<br />
What is it about free and open discussion that scares these people so?<br />
<br />
Interestingly his nasty little comment was removed by the Express after a while. Maybe they are finally waking up to the damage these nasty little bullies are doing to the paper's brand and image.<br />
<br />
Then we have "David Davies" who looks remarkably like a few previous users (names) and has pretty much the same MO. Typically snide response to someone commenting on a V Barlow article. One tell-tale is how quick they are to jump on anyone disagreeing with Mr Barlow. Mr "Davies" also seems to have some agenda concerning the local Police; now, who does that remind you of?Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-27766534041089481282010-05-28T12:20:00.002+01:002010-10-13T09:16:11.100+01:00Puppets and disciplesThey're back.<br />
The small group of disciples whose role in life seems to be to support Mr Barlow and suppress any discussion of what he has written have been active recently.<br />
Now we have "Chady" claiming not to be one (yes, really!) and yet trotting out the tired old ad homs that they have used so many times before.<br />
In particular he exhibits the classic fear of questions, preferring, it seems, the "because I said so" form of argument.<br />
<br />
Here is the post I have submitted to the Express in answer to this puppet:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">[quote name= Chady, Macclesfield].<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also you like to respond by labelling anyone who agrees as a disciple. [/quote]</div><div class="MsoNormal">If the cap fits....</div><div class="MsoNormal">The disciples are those who appear here, using<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a variety of names, and do so only ever to agree with Mr Barlow and attack those who want to submit alternative viewpoints.</div><div class="MsoNormal">Quite fun to see your name revived though; I thought that it was one of the more inventive ones.</div><div class="MsoNormal">[quote name= Chady, Macclesfield]The fact that you do not like him, does not give you a cart blanch right to slag off anything he writes. [/quote]</div><div class="MsoNormal">It is what he writes that I<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>dislike, not him; I’ve never met the man and gather that he can be rather good company. I’ve commented on what he has written and am happy to do so with you as well. I think that, in this case, he is not making a very good point. And the argument from authority fallacy you used does not support his points.</div><div class="MsoNormal">[quote name= Chady, Macclesfield]Then of course it is rather obvious that, you never answer questions, but only ask them, a very boring and insecure tactics[/quote] </div><div class="MsoNormal">Poor old Aristotle, he must be turning in his grave! And, of course, you are wrong in your claim and have no evidence.</div><div class="MsoNormal">You could, of course, enter the discussion and avoid the now familiar ad homs. In normal discussion people ask and answer questions. What is it that you fear about questions and what questions do you have of your own? We have had this ad hom from you many times before and, perhaps, this apparent fear of questions may say more about insecurity than asking them :)</div><div class="MsoNormal">[quote name= Chady, Macclesfield]The views in the article are those of Mr. Barlow, and not necessarily those of the Express.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are however the views of many Macclesfiedl, Wilmslow, and Knutsford residents.[/quote]</div><div class="MsoNormal">They may well be ( I am sure that they are), but that does not necessarily make them right. You don't test validity by<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the number of people who agree<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but by evidence. There are plenty of<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>examples of things believed by many that have been proved to be wrong.<br />
<br />
13 October: There's a new one! Calling him / her / itelf "Four Twenty, Whereever". Same approach though: no discussion or evidence, just abuse. <sigh></sigh></div>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-59167538073347502372010-05-14T15:45:00.000+01:002010-05-14T15:45:53.150+01:00The disciple speaksPoor old Comogio (or whatever name he chooses to use next), he really doesn't get discussion or humour, does he?<br />
His sole mission in life seems to be to protect and adore Vic, and woe betide anyone who may have any alternative views.<br />
He huffs and puffs with blustery (and probably synthetic) moral outrage at any person who strays from the Saint Vic line.<br />
Poor chap, life with him must be one long round of misery.Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-27332877214637654602010-05-13T18:53:00.000+01:002010-05-13T18:53:02.871+01:00Excellent<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-very-punny.png?w=473&h=594" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://cheezfailbooking.files.wordpress.com/2010/05/funny-facebook-very-punny.png?w=473&h=594" width="507" /></a></div>ExcellentMaccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-42134138244500016882010-04-01T18:26:00.004+01:002010-04-01T20:28:44.545+01:00Simon Singh - excellent news<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;"></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Simon Singh has won his appeal,which is excellent.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Although he is not out of the woods yet, it leaves the British Chiropractic Association (an organisation that, in my opinion, happily promotes bogus treatments even though there is not a jot of evidence) between a rock and a hard place. </span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Their reputation, such as it was, has been dragged through the mud by their own actions.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">The estimable Jack Of Kent has commented on the legal aspects of the case </span><a href="opera:illegal-url-37"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">It will be facinating to see what the BCA (an organisation that, in my opinion, happily promotes bogus treatments even though there is not a jot of evidence) does next.</span></span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Edit, there's more, all over the blogosphere. <a href="http://www.skepticat.org/2010/04/up-yours-bca/">This</a></span></span></span> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: 2; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: "Lucida Grande", "Trebuchet MS", "Verdana", "Helvetica", "Arial", sans-serif; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-size: small;">sums it up very well.</span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span></span>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-21372257031165492482010-03-16T08:13:00.001+00:002010-03-16T13:15:00.420+00:00On Venables, Bulger, Mrs Fergus and Maggie AtkinsonAn excellent article here that cuts through the hysteria around Venables and the comments made by Maggie Atkinson<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-victims-should-not-be-allowed-to-shape-law-1921859.html">http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-victims-should-not-be-allowed-to-shape-law-1921859.html</a>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-25885490072964262262010-03-16T06:49:00.011+00:002010-04-01T01:05:02.315+01:00Letter sent to Mr Winterton on 16 March 2010<span style="font-size: small;">S</span><span style="font-size: small;">adly Mr Winterton has signed David Tredinnick's silly motion on homeopathy and the report of the Science and Technology Committee's report, EDM 908, and has thus joined what is being referred to as the "Stupid List".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">This is the email I sent to him today. I'll update with any responses.</span><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><i><span style="font-size: small;">Dear Mr Winterton,</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Recently we were very lucky that the Science & Technology Committee investigated the use of Homeopathy in the UK. It was a balanced and well deliberated investigation. </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> The MP David Tredinnick has asked MPs to sign EDM 908.</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><i><span style="font-size: small;">This is an attempt to subvert a remarkably well researched piece of evidence.</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><i><span style="font-size: small;">The fact that it was raised by an advocate of astrology should raise sufficient doubts about the motives behind a blatant attempt to undermine a parliamentary investigation into mumbo-jumbo and quackery.</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><i><span style="font-size: small;">You may be interested to know that many bloggers and famous commentators are keeping an eye on what they call the Stupid List (EDM 908). Frankly, having our paid representatives championing quackery does us no good service.</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><i><span style="font-size: small;">To suggest that public money should be spent on quack treatments that</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">do not work and</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">have been proved to be no more effective than placebo (in other words giving no real medicine at all!) when we</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;">see that the health service is having to restrict the use of real drugs with proven benefits for, say, cancer patients is appalling.</span></i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><i><span style="font-size: small;">If we allow uninformed or misguided opinion or just sheer ignorance or prejudice to rule the health service in this country then we will be in trouble. It is science that is needed not non science.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> I note that you have signed this motion and hope that you will reconsider this and remove your name; I am sure that, now you have been alerted to the real facts, you will reconsider your position.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> A full and balanced commentary on this misguided motion can be found here:</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><span style="color: black;"><i><a href="http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2010/03/mp-david-tredinnick-is-wrong-about-the-homeopathy-report.html"><span style="font-size: small;">http://www.quackometer.net/blog/2010/03/mp-david-tredinnick-is-wrong-about-the-homeopathy-report.html</span></a></i></span><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> I f you would like more information on this subject to help you represent your constituents better, then I will be happy to help.</span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></i><i><span style="font-size: small;"> Yours sincerely</span></i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">Update. 20.15 on 16 March. No acknowledgement yet.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">Update: 19.20 on the 17th of March. No acknowledgement yet. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">24th March. Still no reply,not even the courtesy of an acknowledgement. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">Well, here we are. 31 March and still no reply. One really has to start to doubt the commitment of Mr Winterton to serving his constituents; you know, the ones who pay for his rail fares.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">And the Macclesfield Conservative Association don't seem much better. An email (via their site's "contact us" thing) about this matter still has had no reply.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">However, interesting news: the "Stupid List", of which Mr Winterton is a member, seems to be getting more publicity.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">The esteemed Mr Colquhoun has commented </span></span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><a href="http://www.dcscience.net/?p=2829"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">And SpiderComment makes it to Wikipedia </span><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EDM_908"><span style="font-size: small;">here</span></a></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", "Arial";"><span style="font-size: small;">The sooner this man goes, the better, although the Macclesfield Conservatives seem to want to uphold his less than proud tradition.</span></span>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-42192310534165226862010-01-06T14:54:00.000+00:002010-01-06T14:54:02.161+00:00Ladybird book of atheist busesExcellent<br />
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<a href="http://crispian-jago.blogspot.com/2009/12/ladybird-book-of-atheist-buses.html">Clicky</a>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-652840556201234842010-01-06T14:40:00.000+00:002010-01-06T14:40:56.364+00:00Food for thoughtExcellent climate change cartoon<br />
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<a href="http://s3.amazonaws.com/twitpic/photos/full/55273225.jpg?AWSAccessKeyId=0ZRYP5X5F6FSMBCCSE82&Expires=1262789685&Signature=WaOIccn2Lg%2FIKKG9FyG9w%2Bj8UVQ%3D">Clicky </a>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-73411610956273450492010-01-03T11:32:00.001+00:002010-01-03T11:32:29.730+00:00Atheism thoughts"I contend we are both atheists, I just believe in one fewer god than you do. When you understand why you dismiss all the other possible gods, you will understand why I dismiss yours."<br />
...Stephen F Roberts<br />
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An excellent blog article can be read here:<br />
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<a href="http://jackofkent.blogspot.com/">http://jackofkent.blogspot.com/</a><br />
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The much admired Jack Of Kent once again makes for interesting readingMaccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-89909136037195960892009-12-19T13:37:00.000+00:002009-12-19T13:38:24.083+00:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2009/12/19/129057009281136109.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 500px; height: 667px;" src="http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2009/12/19/129057009281136109.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-33109739409378172182009-12-19T10:32:00.003+00:002009-12-19T18:55:31.853+00:00The Ladybird book<p>I strongly recommend this:</p><p>The Ladybird book of Chiropractic treatment and English libel law</p><p><a href="http://crispian-jago.blogspot.com/">http://crispian-jago.blogspot.com/</a></p><p>Brilliant</p><p><br /></p>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8344543743908441683.post-62100608504782797052009-11-19T10:20:00.002+00:002009-11-19T10:22:28.259+00:00Vic and his constant knocking of the town<p>I have just posted this on the Express website in response to V Barlow's article about parking charges. Let's see if they allow it to be posted.</p><p><br /></p><p><em>"I really don't think that less than the cost of a small orange juice for parking is what tempts or deters people from shopping in Macc. In fact the freer roads, not clogged by parking, is welcome and makes visiting a nicer experience.<br />Is a trivial cost really the issue? After all Vic prefers to shop at Handforth Dean and doesn't seem to mind the cost of driving there (40p+ per mile) to do so.<br /><br />I challenge Vic to come up with 3 really creative initiatives to stimulate our town center and stop recyling this tired and lacklustre suggestion.<br /><br />Over to you Vic, let's see what creative answer you can suggest to help our town.<br /><br />Let me suggest, as a first, start saying positive things about it and the people in it. I have spoken to people who say that the image you portray of the place really puts them off."</em><br /></p><p><em><br /></em></p><p><em><br /></em></p>Maccspiderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14307832729778442851noreply@blogger.com0