Posts

Latest From Sean Duffy...

The New Extremism Definition: Friend or Foe?

Image
The government's recent revision of the definition of extremism has sent ripples through British society. While the specifics of who might fall under this new umbrella remain shrouded in secrecy, whispers of potential lists and proscriptions have some groups worried. But let's take a step back and play devil's advocate. If a group genuinely fears being labelled extremist, shouldn't that be a cause for introspection? The outgoing definition focused on "vocal or active opposition to fundamental British values" – democracy, rule of law, individual liberty, and tolerance. This, some argue, was too open to interpretation. The new definition aims to be more specific, targeting ideologies that promote hatred, intolerance, or violence, undermine democracy, or restrict freedoms. On the surface, this seems reasonable. Who, in good conscience, could argue for the merits of ideologies built on such foundations? Here's where the concern creeps in. Vaguely defined term

Friday the 1st: Hail No to the Vet!

Image
Mother Nature seems to have forgotten it's supposed to be spring. We had what can only be described as a hailstorm-nado last night, leaving a layer of treacherous little ice marbles all over the car. A bag of lukewarm water and a whole lot of scraping later, I managed to liberate my trusty chariot from its icy prison. Now, the real challenge: a trip to the vet with Poppy, the ever-so-enthusiastic cocker spaniel. Now, Poppy, bless her little cotton socks, is about as fond of the vet as I am of Mondays. Let's just say her "heroic" entrance involved a dramatic dive under my chair in the waiting room, accompanied by the world's most pitiful whimper. Despite her best efforts to melt into the floor, the inevitable happened. We were called in, and the vet, a kind soul with the patience of a saint, ushered Poppy onto the examination table. Now, you'd think this was a torture chamber, the way she whimpered and tried to burrow under the paper sheet. However, the second

The End: A Month in Mediocrity

Image
Well, folks, we made it. February is mercifully drawing to a close, and so too has my valiant (or foolhardy, depending on your perspective) attempt at a month-long photo challenge . Now, before you start picturing me as some kind of David Attenborough of the dishwasher or Michelangelo of the microwave, let me assure you, this wasn't exactly a high-brow affair. Remember that time in January when I warned you about an avalanche of mediocrity? Yeah, that wasn't just idle chatter. My chosen theme? The thrilling, the captivating, the utterly unremarkable world of my everyday objects. We're talking shower squeegees in their natural habitat (the shower), TV remote controls basking in the warm glow of the gogglebox, and the occasional mantlepiece maiden , for good measure. Let's be honest, these weren't exactly National Geographic-worthy snaps. But hey, they were mine, and I persevered. Sure, there were days when the creative well ran dry faster than a leaky tap, and the

Dent Fell: Don't be Fooled by the Name, It's a Hill of Character

Image
Dent Fell. Don't let the name fool you. This isn't some gap-toothed grin in the landscape. It's a proper little fell, a sturdy lad standing proud on the western fringe of the Lake District.  Standing at a mighty 352 metres (or 1,155 feet for those who still cling to the imperial system), Dent Fell might not be the tallest peak in Cumbria, but it packs a punch. It's the first proper hill you encounter on the legendary Coast to Coast walk, a rite of passage for any self-respecting outdoorsman. Think of it as the gateway to the Lakes, a chance to test your legs and admire the view before tackling the bigger boys. Now, some folks call Dent Fell by another name: Long Barrow. Sounds a bit dramatic, doesn't it? Like something out of a Tolkien novel. But fear not, there's no Balrog lurking beneath the surface. The name actually comes from a prehistoric burial mound found on the fell's slopes, a reminder that even these hills have a history. So, why is Dent Fell such

Night Shift Reward: Lentil Soup and the Sainthood of Spouses

Image
They say behind every great man is a greater woman. Well, last night, behind this bleary-eyed night shifter stood a woman practically wielding a machete, heroically chopping her way through a mountain of vegetables. The result? A steaming pot of Lentil Soup so good, it deserves an AI crafted sonnet :  In humble bowls, a simple feast takes form, A broth of gold, with earthy whispers tinged, Where tiny lentils, weathered through the storm, In gentle heat, to fragrant life are hinged. With verdant herbs, a dance of flavours starts, And carrots lend their sweetness to the stage, While onions sing their softly soulful parts, And celery with subtle bite engages. A sprinkle bright, of lemon's zesty kiss, Awakes the senses, sets the tastebuds free, A symphony of textures, more than this, A warmth within, a comfort meant to be. So raise a spoon to this unassuming friend, Lentil soup, a solace without end. Now, full disclosure, my culinary skills are more "instant noodles and a prayer&q

The Race Card in British Politics: A Dangerous Trajectory

Image
The recent flurry of accusations of racism, both levelled at and used by prominent figures, paints a concerning picture of the discourse surrounding race in British politics. While I won't delve into the specific rights and wrongs of each case, it's undeniable that the "race card" is being played with increasing frequency as we approach the next General Election. This trend, in my opinion, is deeply problematic and carries the potential for detrimental consequences. Let's rewind to 2023. London Mayor Sadiq Khan faced accusations of racism for using a pamphlet featuring a white family, accompanied by a statement suggesting they weren't representative of "real Londoners." This incident sparked outrage, with many criticising the insinuation that Khan's vision for London excluded certain demographics.  Fast forward to this month, and the issue of race has resurfaced in a different context. Lee Anderson, a Conservative MP, was recently suspended from