News you might have missed: July 2014

From Kurdistan to the EU and Joan Hickson to Zayn Malik

Here's the news you might have missed in July... 

Politics

Kurdistan’s Moment?
http://dish.andrewsullivan.com/2014/07/02/kurdistans-moment-ctd-5/

An interesting angle on developments in Iraq...

Labour proposes 'technical degrees'
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-28197128

We could definitely do with more degrees in vocational subjects - there just aren't enough qualified lawyers, doctors and accountants in the UK

Lord Hill set to become UK's new EU Commissioner
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-politics-28310707

I like to think that I am politically aware but I'd never heard of Lord Hill

Nick Clegg: Tories are ‘lining up with Putin’ over European Court power curb
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/07/17/nick-clegg-tories-are-lining-up-with-putin-over-european-court-power-curb/

The thing about human rights is that they tend to be disliked by governments of all political persuasions. The UK helped set up the European Court of Human Rights and we should abide by its rulings.

Evan Davis to replace Jeremy Paxman on Newsnight
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-28401058

He should be good

“Many British businesses have woken up to Climate Change,” an interview with Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey MP (Part One)
http://aliberalhelping.wordpress.com/2014/07/24/many-british-businesses-have-woken-up-to-climate-change-an-interview-with-energy-and-climate-change-secretary-ed-davey-mp-part-one/

An interesting read, especially regarding Australia and democratic mandates for carbon taxes

“We want five green laws for a green Britain,” an interview with Energy and Climate Change Secretary Ed Davey MP (Part Two)
http://aliberalhelping.wordpress.com/2014/07/25/we-want-five-green-laws-for-a-green-britain-an-interview-with-energy-and-climate-change-secretary-ed-davey-mp-part-two/

"People don't know what green jobs are" - read part 2 of an interview with Ed Davey

LGBT

Taoiseach says same-sex marriage referendum to be held in spring
http://www.irishtimes.com/news/politics/oireachtas/taoiseach-says-same-sex-marriage-referendum-to-be-held-in-spring-1.1851674

Fingers crossed...

Why Balkan Countries are Wrong About Gay Marriage
http://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article/why-balkan-countries-are-wrong-about-gay-marriage

I'd missed some of the constitutional changes. I wish our media was more Europe-focused!

Christian bakery faces legal action for refusing to make ‘support gay marriage’ Bert and Ernie cake
http://www.pinknews.co.uk/2014/07/08/christian-bakery-faces-legal-action-for-refusing-to-make-support-gay-marriage-bert-and-ernie-cake/

Was bound to happen in the UK sooner or later. I wonder if they would make a "Happy Divorce" or "Happy Wiccaning" cake or whether they would be against their beliefs too

Don’t blame homophobia on colonialism, cultural relativists.
http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/07/03/don_t_blame_homophobia_on_colonialism_cultural_relativists.html

Don’t Blame Yesterday’s Colonialism for Today’s Homophobia - Blame American evangelicals apparently

Provincetown, Fire Island, Asbury Park, Rehoboth Beach: Do we still need gay resorts?
http://www.slate.com/blogs/outward/2014/07/30/provincetown_fire_island_asbury_park_rehoboth_beach_do_we_still_need_gay.html?wpsrc=sh_all_tab_tw_ru

I'd love to visit one day...

Entertainment

Liberal England: Joan Hickson was the greatest Miss Marple
http://liberalengland.blogspot.com/2014/07/joan-hickson-was-greatest-miss-marple.html?spref=fb

Just as Peter Davison was my Doctor, Joan Hickson was my Miss Marple

Zayn Malik on Israel-Gaza: One Direction singer bombarded with Twitter death threats after posting #FreePalestine

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/zayn-malik-on-israelgaza-one-direction-singer-bombarded-with-twitter-death-threats-after-posting-freepalestine-9633154.html

A spark of self-control over a social media account by a member of One Direction?

Julie Walters to open new UK Who Do You Think You Are? TV series http://historyrepeating.org.uk/2014/07/28/julie-walters-to-open-new-uk-who-do-you-think-you-are-tv-series/

Julie Waters and Mary Berry - can't wait!

Education

Greg Clark universities minister as Willetts steps down
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-28309712

I wonder if he will have time to make a difference before the election next year

The legacy of David Willetts
http://www.wonkhe.com/2014/07/17/the-legacy-of-david-willetts/

An interesting read...

Selly Oak branded 'like Brazilian slum'
http://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/selly-oak-branded-like-brazilian-7476407#.U87JBae5GDR.facebook

It might be hard being a year-round resident in a student area but comparisons to a Brazilian slum sounds like a bit of an overreaction... 

100 firefighters tackle blaze at former Cadbury family home
http://www.expressandstar.com/news/2014/07/30/20-fire-crews-battle-to-save-flame-engulfed-former-cadbury-home/

Sad news - I remember an epic snowball fight there

Student loans overhaul discussed by ministers
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/education-28528824

All ideas should be discussed - but i can't see how this would work without penalising some universities for having graduates that pay back less than graduates from other universities (i.e. penalising widening participation)

And finally…

Scotland unveil lurid parade uniforms for Commonwealth Games opening ceremony
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/othersports/article-2682689/Scotland-unveil-lurid-parade-uniforms-Commonwealth-Games-opening-ceremony.html#i-95686203da25aa57

Eye catching at least...

Irish name pronounced how it’s written
http://www.thedailymash.co.uk/news/society/irish-name-pronounced-how-its-written-2014071888688

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