IN FROM THE COLD

Nationwide
Welcome for boost to housing market
Griffin tries to build extremist bloc in Europe
Darling says Labour to blame for BNP poll
Channel 4 puts back catalogue online

International
Shell settles Nigeria deaths case
Bound, blindfolded and beaten, by Israeli troops
Lebanon feels the Obama effect
Economy shows cracks in European Union

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Amused Cynicism has a fab post about why FPTP is dead.

UK Polling Report examines a comres poll on possible labour leaders for the leadership contest that isn’t…

Nothing British About the BNP examine this channel 4/YouGov poll about why people voted for the fascist scumbags.

James Graham thinks he knows who voted BNP and why – they are either scum, or they’re idiots.

Akela is even more forthright (and sweary) about BNP voters.

And Charlotte Gore thinks she has the cure.

And if you have 3/4 of an hour spare today, I really recommend listening to the Reith lecture on economics on radio 4, or you can browse through previous Netcasts

CRUDDAS BACKS BROWN

Nationwide
Angry Caroline Flint attacks Brown again
Bercow pushes for job of Speaker
Men ‘out-performed at university’
Justice Ministry warns on debt write-offs

International
Protests against Putin sweep Russia
Iran: Obama ’sweet talk’ not enough for Muslims
How America’s first couple overcame rocky moments
Shot abortion doctor buried in US

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Mr Quist examines the local election results and the performance of the three main parties.

Ben Goldacre destroys the arguments of the DRM fans.

UK Polling Report studies a poll which says almost half of Labour members want Brown to quit.

Charlotte Gore knows what’s wrong with politics.

James Graham is leading the army to fight media lies about Jo Swinson.

The Lay Scientist on the news that Peter Mandelson is now in charge of British Science.

James Forsyth on the Coffeehouse blog doesn’t believe that Gordon wanted to keep Darling as chancellor.

And finally, the guys who did the Irish Obama song, The Corrigan Brothers, have a song about MP expenses. Or if you’re too hung over for music, you can browse through previous Netcasts

HE PAYS THE PRICE

Nationwide
Labour MP spends over £13k on gardening
Seven days that will sink or save PM
Britain sold arms to Sri Lankan army
32 more cases of swine flu confirmed

International
Obama talks of being ‘honest’ with Israel
El Salvador’s first leftist president inaugurated
Pakistani militants abduct 400 students, kin
Why’d Obama switch on detainee photos?

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

UK Polling Report examines the collapse in Tory support in today’s ComRes poll for the Indy.

Holford Watch eviscerates the Green Party’s health policies.

Charlotte Gore wades into controversy (again) – this time over child welfare.

On Liberty Now has been watching the polls and thinks he has spotted a welcome trend.

Crust of the Grouch is not impressed by the Euro leaflets she has received.

Mark at Lib Dem Voice reports that the Lib Dems have been endorsed by Polly Toynbee. Cue cries of horror from across the Lib Dem blogosphere.

Anthony Barnett at Our Kingdom is not impressed with Brown the reformer.

And finally, Suzblog has this week’s Britblog roundup, or if that’s too much pink for you, you can browse through previous Netcasts

A BIBLICAL EXODUS

Nationwide
Johnson predicts worst Labour elections ever
Unions join demands for new voting system
Football stars plan to dodge 50p tax rate
5,500 Vauxhall Motors jobs in danger

International
Pakistani forces secure key Valley city
Facebook Pakistanis unite against terror
Bill and George Show helps rehabilitate Bush
Sotomayor pushes ‘identity politics’ to forefront

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Today, I am glad to be a Lib Dem. Even if the mice have been at Newswire’s cables again. We’re leading the news agenda! Hee!

Paul Walter has done a stats analysis of the Torygraph’s expenses coverage. Guess which party has the lowest average claim, and which the highest?

Make My Vote Count highlights an article in the Irish Times which demolishes Labour myths about PR.

Lib Dem Voice reprints an in depth interview with Nick Clegg from the New Statesman.

Caron has news of yet another Electoral reform group. This one has Stephen Fry in it!

PHD Comics on what would happen if research papers had a comments section (see? I’m not JUST linking to Lib Dems today!).

And if all that unashamed partisanery has convinced you to vote Lib Dem at the Euros on Thursday, A Northumbrian Abroad has a present for you; or if you’re still not a Lib Dem you can always browse through previous Netcasts

MORE CALLS FOR VOTING REFORM

Nationwide
Parties ‘collude’ to keep big donations secret
Catholic man killed in sectarian attack
Helena Kennedy denies organising against party
Clegg wants petitions to axe MPs

International
How radio is boost women in India
Tested by N Korea, Obama has few options
Moderate popularity challenging to Iran’s leader
Scams, sex and druggy escapades in jewel trade

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Nicholas Whyte has discovered some Eurosceptics lying. Witness my face of not-surprise.

Caron muses (with hollow laughter) on the image Dave the Chameleon is trying to project this week. If you are on Twitter this morning, by the way, you can hashtag a question #askdc and the glorious leader of her majesty’s opposition might deign to answer. Here’s my question.

The Honourable Lady Mark Valladares makes some good points about PR, echoed by me, here.

Crust of the Grouch has a wishlist for parliamentary reform.

Matt Wardman picks holes in Ben Bradshaw’s assertion that he has always voted for reform.

Our own Sarah Ismail interviews documentary maker Sapna Ramnani

The Yorkshire Ranter likes MPs to do constituency work.

And finally, Beau Bo D’Or’s genius continues to know no bounds – today his target is the egregious Dorries – or if that’s too pointed for you, you can always browse through previous Netcasts

ARSEBISHOPS Vs THE B.N.P.: FIGHT!FIGHT!FIGHT!

Nationwide
325 MPs to be swept away at next election
Women’s Frontline Army Role to be reviewed
Celebrating Diversity: Happy Families Week
The Torygraph Expenses Revelations rumble on.

International
Eleven Die in Morocco Stampede
Tales from inside the Swat valley
World Beard and Moustache championship opens (video)
La Repubblica rattles Berlusconi

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Caron and I (and many others) are fuming about the Torygraph’s treatment of Jo Swinson. James Graham has suggestions about what to do if you are furious too.

Anders Hanson on LDV wants to remind us all not to forget that there are local elections as well as sexy European ones next month.

Political Betting wonder if Gorbals Mick falling on his sword has saved Brown’s Bacon. Mmmm. Bacon. I should get breakfast.

Pickwick joins the chorus of approval for the church of Scotland’s decision regarding Scott Rennie.

Paul Walter wants to free the Mid Bedfordshire One.

Nosemonkey thinks voting UKIP might be good for the EU.

And finally Wondermark has a bunch of reports from the WB&MC, or if that’s too hirsute for you, you can browse through previous Netcasts

ACTIVISTS: BROWN ‘NEGLIGENT’

Nationwide
Labour chief whip defends £18,800 food claim
Gove gets slapped wrist from constituents
Civil servant mole: ‘Tories dumped me’
Motor industry bailout scheme in chaos

International
Palestinians discouraged by Obama-Netanyahu talks
Sri Lankans say rebels crushed, leader killed
Iraq TV airs alleged confession of terrorist
U.S. health officials troubled by new flu

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Amnesty International have a petition going for the 20th anniversary of Tiannanmen Square.

Chicken Yoghurt details how our beloved government have given a four year old PTSD.

John Beacroft-Mitchell is supremely annoyed by how the MPs expenses scandal is affecting him, as a local councillor.

And speaking of the BNP, Mark Pack has caught them out lying again.

Mark Reckons: keeping track of the “Gordon: resign!” petition so you don’t have to.

And if you want an insight into the horrors of the MSM, you could do worse than reading Kathy Clugston’s account of being a BBC Radio 4 announcer; or you can browse through previous Netcasts

TOP DONORS AGAINST LABOUR

Nationwide
Latest Tory and Labour MPs caught in scandal
“I was groomed for Jihad in Britain”
Clegg calls for Speaker to Quit
40% of us want to vote for RON

International
Tamil Tigers’ last retreat cut off
Norway win Eurovision
From Iron Curtain to green Belt
Somali militants capture key town

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Mark Reckons that the electoral system caused the MP expenses scandal – with an update to his data here. Our Glorious Leader, Alix at LDV and Mr Quist are singing from the same hymnsheet.

Mark Thomas on why Labour voters should never vote Labour again (video).

Clive James has his own theory on the reasons behind the expenses scandal.

Caron’s Musings is a little ray of political sunshine in a cloudy week.

Peter Black AM is hoping, not hating.

NETCAST EXTRA / by Sunny

Gareth Young examines the English Democrats’ alliance with the white nationalist England First Party.

Andy Worthington says the government’s lies have now bee exposed as its clear a spy visited Binyam Mohamed in Morocco

And finally Septicisle has his usual weekly round-up, or you can browse through previous Netcasts

SWIMMING POOLS… MANURE… MOATS!

Nationwide
Paying bills for Tory grandees
System is a piece of shit, say MPs
Outrage after Speaker rebukes MPs
Poll shows public revulsion at MPs

International
Taleban using white phosphorus made here
Commander ousted in shift in Afghan war
Journalist release shows divide in Iran’s leaders
German town goes complete car-free

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Feministe reports that the Londoner in jail in Laos must publicly deny being raped in order to maybe escape the firing squad.

Questioning Transphobia has a thought-provoking piece on how all us cis folks talk about gender.

David Matthewman’s post on the Expenses Row is excellent: Yesterday, David Cameron and Gordon Brown competed for the title of ‘least convincing apology from a party leader’

Septicisle’s is also really good, with lots of linkage to sources.

With the above two entries in mind, Ann Onymouse has made An Open Letter to The Lib Dems (NSFW, probably)

Johann Hari asks why worship is forced on 99 per cent of children without their own consent or even asking what they think?

SpEak Your Branes highlights what passes for logic amongst creationists.

HubblePAO has been livetweeting the hubble repair mission.

And if you’re still link-hungry, Amused Cynicism has this week’s Britblog Round-up; or you can browse through previous netcasts.

G20 POLICE ‘INCITED’ CROWDS

Nationwide
Thousands spent removing ceilings … and moles
Blears paid no tax on sale of flat
Peer claimed £130,000 for mother’s bungalow
Britain jumps on Bollywood bandwagon
Safety threat to planned nuclear stations

International
China overtakes US as Brazil’s trade partner
Pakistan faces biggest human flood since 1947
Parks fortify Israel’s claim to Jerusalem
Pakistan strikes back at the Taliban
Burma’s Suu Kyi ‘in poor health’

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

NAWE publicises the Benjamin Franklin House Literary Prize 2009. It’s something we should all be having a go at, I reckon.

Steve Webb MP wants the expenses row to be sorted out as quickly and as transparently as possible. As does Zombie!Gladstone. Mr Quist has some suggestions as to how this might be done.

Alex Wilcock’s heart goes out to poor, sweet, Barbara Follett.

The Lay Scientist goes all Ben Goldacre on the Daily Fail’s ass.

Jonathan Calder has news on the Boris Johnson Cloning Project.

Septicisle has the usual collection of weekend links.

And finally, if you’re really REALLY bored, Our Kingdom has a book-length conversation between individuals, parties and social movements who with or without borders nevertheless rarely talk to one another; or you can browse through previous Netcasts

WILL ROYAL MAIL FINISH BROWN?

Nationwide
Labour prepares for a hammering at ballot box
School closed after pupil infects four classmates
Clubs face penalties for facist fans
British cases of swine flu jump to 27

International
Obama moves to capture lost tax from multinationals
U.S. bill aims to triple aid to Pakistan
Fiat move for GM would create $100B giant
South Koreans convicted in Iraq scheme

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Charlotte Gore has started a meme, which has been picked up by a couple of other people – can you name ten people who would be a better PM than Brown?

Daddy Alex thinks he has found the stupidest thing John Prescott has ever said. Yup even stupider than “I want you, Tracy”.

The e-hippies have done a pretty indepth study on the policing of dissent in this country. It’s long, but it’s worth digging into.

Jonathan Calder has this month’s Wikio exclusive, and the most worrying thing about it is that even after five days’ solid advertising coverage on the MSM (and even this blog), Guido still hasn’t knocked La Dale off his perch. Can anyone unseat the egregious Tory Tosser?

Stuart Sharpe has caused a big kerfuffle in the Lib Dem blogosphere for daring to suggest that we are insular and our websites are rubbish.

Our own dear Sarah talks about Chris Woodhead’s coming out as disAbled.

And finally Mr Eugenides has this week’s Britblog Roundup, or for yet more linkage, you can browse through previous Netcasts

THE ‘FASCIST’ COMES TO EUROPE

Nationwide
MoD under fire for all-male toy soldiers
Whatever happened to Thatcher’s children?
Criminals to face easier deportation
UK swine flu cases rise to 15

International
Hungarian Roma take to streets in defence
The rise and rise of Russian nationalism
How Lehman Brothers got its real estate fix
Hundreds isolated in Hong Kong hotel

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

SignTube has a video with advice about Swine Flu in BSL.

Meral Ece is a bit annoyed that her cousin, Tracey Emin, is being touted as a Tory.

Mr Quist has a look at how Gordon Brown is getting on with supplying all the things he promised in his mansion house speech in 2007.

Helen on LDV is picking on a poor, dear, sweet, innocent Labour peer who is ONLY claiming £100,000 for an empty flat…

Mark on LDV has the right idea, though, informing us about 6 Tories going to jail for electoral fraud. MUCH more important than Labour misbehaviour.

And finally SugarStacks has pictorial evidence of how much sugar is in lots of foodstuffs (with a USian slant); or if that’s too scary, you can browse through previous Netcasts

SCHOOLS TO ALLOW HOMOPHOBIA

Nationwide
Women take a back seat in the Tory party
Scrap ID cards now, say Cabinet rebels
Calm urged as Swine Flu reaches Britain
Human rights issues in welfare reform bill

International
Pakistani truce is on shakier ground
Taliban gunmen shoot couple dead for adultery
How an interview in ‘07 tilted torture debate
Sri Lanka halts heavy attacks on rebels

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie

Uncle Steve is mildly annoyed about our top story. Well, when I say mildly annoyed what I mean is, he’s tagged the post assholes.

Caron has news on how you can help the lovely Ms Lumley to help the Gurkha Justice Campaign.

The Radio Four Blog is following the story of the Farming Today beehive. Investigative journalism at its best, right there.

The LSE is having an event to discuss whether tax havens are a cause of poverty. One for all you filthy southerners…

How To Save The World has a very interesting manifesto for education.

Aaronovitch Watch has a review of Aaro’s new book before it’s even out.

Darrell Goodliffe at the social liberal forum on why people who care for traditional Labour values should vote Lib Dem.

And finally our very own Aaron has some handy hints on how to survive the aporkalypse; or if that’s too panic-inducing for you, you can safely and comfortingly browse through previous Netcasts

LABOUR PEERS FACE SUSPENSION

Nationwide
Senior Tory Councillor arrested for Fraud.
Crisis for New Exam System
BNP Candidate arrested for selling illegal firearms
Lib Dem PPC Defects to Tories
Magistrate Quits in Twitter Row

International
British Spy Loses Secrets in South America
Mexican Flu sparks worldwide panic.
Cricket breaks down boundaries in Israel.

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Your Name

Mr Quist thinks we shouldn’t be too worried about Mexican Swine Flu. Susan Watts begs to differ. Lay Scientist also has an excellent post on this.

Nadine Dorries plans to sue Damien McBride. Let’s hope she gets quoted LOTS in the media and then everyone will see how clueless she is… Rhetorically Speaking has a great post on this.

Slacktivist lays into his fellow evangelicals for being bigoted.

The Daily Quail on an unlikely champion of rights for immigrants.

Giandujakiss has made a vid on Joss Whedon’s Dollhouse. Those of you wondering what the hell this has to do with politics should watch it.

Political Betting on the possibilities of voter registration.

And finally Septicisle has the usual collection of weekend links; or you can browse through previous Netcasts

TWITTERFAIL AT THE TELEGRAPH

Nationwide
Happy Birthday, Your Maj!
Speed Limits to be cut on A Roads.
Stephen Hawking very ill in Cambridge
Inside Broadmoor

International
Oxfam warns of climate diaster.
Cheney demands Obama reveal torture “success”.
Senegal gay convictions quashed.
Pirates laundering ransom money in Dubai

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

John Beacroft-Mitchell explains the new Lib Dem tax policy – or you can go to our fluffy friend for a longer explanation.

Amused Cynicism highlights research which proves that faith schools are not, in fact, better.

The World is My Country is one of many having a little giggle about TwitterFAIL.

Stephen Glenn on how the SNP are trying (somewhat ham-fistedly) to get in on this whole “smeargate” thing.

Slipscale at UK Bikers on the government’s proposed changes to the speed limits.

Alix at Lib Dem Voice highlights worrying news about the government sharing secret police surveillance information with E.ON in the run up to the Kingsnorth protests.

Redemption Blues has this week’s Britblog Roundup.

And finally John Rentoul’s bizarre Blair fetish churns out yet more comedy gold, or if that’s too vomit-inducing for you, you can browse through previous Netcasts

CHAVEZ RESTORES U.S. LINKS

Nationwide
Five killed in head-on M1 crash
Government Apologises to Binyam Mohammed.
Labour’s climate measures mainly hot air
Lib Dem donor accused on Israeli arms deal

International
Revolt stirs among China’s nuclear ghosts
Far-right Geert Wilders plans sequel to Fitna
Iran sentences U.S. journalist to eight years
Google avoids £100m UK tax

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Slim pickings today, since the whole internet is awash with the shocking news that dumpy middle-aged Scottish ladies can sing better than airbrushed pouty debs (the bits of it that aren’t still giving publicity to that cock Staines, anyway) so apologies for the paucity of links.

Stephen Tall at Lib Dem Voice makes the best post I have seen on the resignation of Alice Mahon (I also made a small post about it).

The Digger adds to the torrent of new evidence of police violence at the G20 protests.

The Lay Scientist rips into Christian Voice.

Sarah Ismail wants a discussion on disAbility and parenting.

And speaking of parenting, Mr Quist has no truck with Change4Life’s parenting messages.

Alex Wilcock has had a visitation from his local MP.

Tom Griffin thinks there might be an Irish lesson for the middle east.

And, as usual, Septicisle has more, or you can browse through previous Netcasts

POLICE SPIES INFILTRATE PROTESTS

Nationwide
Advisers to be sacked for personal attacks
Teachers demand 10 per cent pay rise
Academics to boycott new student immigration rules
A whistleblowers’ helpline for City fraudsters

International
Two die in clashes as troops besiege Bangkok
Rabbi-in-chief: Obama’s Jewish connection
Yade: The political star who’s eclipsing Sarko
Pakistan agrees to sharia law in Swat Valley

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Sorry, sorry, sorry, I know the netcast is late, but LOOK! I has a Dreamwidth! Lookit their Diversity Statement! This is a proper blog platform for Liberals! It’s all open and transparent and does all the cool things LJ does and WordPress does with none of the pains in the butt!

* cough *

Sorry. Bit excited. Will cast net now. Sorry.

Chicky Yog points out some of the things that are being covered up by the MSM hysteria over some pointless emails. Still, who cares about protesters getting arrested or war inquiries when there’s Westminster tittle-tattle to obsess over…

The World is My Country on China’s interaction with Africa and how it affects us all.

Gneil, Charlie Stross, and our very own Sarah have good posts on amazonfail.

LavenderSparkle has a fantastic post on the politics of the hijab (and other head-coverings for women).

Richard Herring reviews The Boat That Rocked in somewhat caustic terms.

The Lay Scientist points out a stunning bit of Daily Fail hypocrisy and double standards.

And if you’re in the mood for feeling some feminist rage, you can read Crimitism’s long and detailed review of all the fail in The Nice Guy webcomic, or you can browse through previous Netcasts

100,000 MARCH THROUGH LONDON

… and six arrested

Nationwide
Tomlinson: man who was trying to get home
Pakistan pledges UK terror arrests help
Darling to offer £2,000 reward to scrap old cars
MPs earn rent while claiming home allowance

International
“I’m a successful Somali pirate”
Obama brings truce in culture war
U.N. Council may rebuke North Korea
Thailand cancels Summit after protests

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Lets get the self-referential, Westminster-centric circle jerk between a gaggle of despicable frauds out of the way first, shall we? If you actually WANT to read about it, HopiSen’s entry is the one I would go for.

Now, onto things that are actually important:

Stephen Glenn remembers Hillsborough.

Pink Dog has a roadsign for our times.

Bad Conscience wonders why something which seems a straightforward moral issue (policemen shouldn’t attack innocent bystanders) has split along left-right lines.

Charlotte Gore on why Labour talk up the BNP.

David A MacIntee reviews last night’s new episode of Doctor Who.

And if you still crave really vitally important stuff, Lay Scientist has a very serious health and safety video.

If you’re sensible, though, you’ll head on over to AMCTV, and watch one of their many totally legit classic movies which are now online for your pleasure (hat-tip MatGB), or you can browse through previous Netcasts

NUCLEAR’S NOT WORKING

Nationwide
Dead G20 man was ‘confronted by police’
Westminster Bridge closed after Tamil protest
G20 protestors plan new march Saturday
Smoothie operators sell out to Coke

International
US announces major defense spending shifts
North Korea seeks gain fromrocket launch
Iranian candidate calls Ahmadinejad an extremist
Empire State building goes green

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Think you’ve spotted a blog we should be linking to? Email and let us know!

James Holden has a make your own terror billboard webapp (thanks to Millennium for pointing it out to me).

Senator Stuart Svyret (he who broke the Jersey child abuse scandal) has been arrested without a warrant.

Guy Aitchison has a fabulous round-up of, and personal angle on, the G20 protests on Open Democracy.

Ouch, the BBC’s disability blog, on how the authorities deal with disability on the streets.

Helen Duffett is panicking about being stopped and searched at the airport, given the contents of her luggage. I say: Order that vegetarian meal and the consequences be damned, Helen!

Diffrent Colours wrestles with an ethical dilemma – is it right to work for a company whose morals you fundamentally disagree with?

Renegade Evolution discusses the possibility of feminist porn.

Will Rhodes has spotted possible grounds for challenging the EU Data Storage directive that allows us all to be snooped on.

And Charles Crawford has this week’s Britblog Round-up, or you can browse through previous Netcasts

POLICE ‘ASSAULTED’ G20 VICTIM

Nationwide
Geoff Hoon’s home expenses come under spotlight
‘Parents to blame’ for problems, say teachers
Archbishop Sentamu waves flag for England
UK torture collusion ‘widespread’, claims group

International
Roman police find sewer children
Scores of Tamil Tigers die in Sri Lanka clashes
Afghanistan to review ‘abhorrent’ sharia law
Large Antarctic ice shelf expected to break off

DAILY BLOG REVIEW / by Jennie Rigg

Think you’ve spotted a blog we should be linking to? Email and let us know!

Adrian Sanders MP (Warning to anti-Murdoch folk: blog is on MySpace) gives us a breakdown of his expenses claim. He might be interested to know that his daily “food and incidentals” claim, while not on the face of it unreasonable, is my entire household’s current WEEKLY food budget…

Melengro talks about sex and gender. It’s nice to read this sort of thing from a guy.

Nicholas Whyte wants us to reclaim þorn.

Bad Conscience on why estate agents should be regulated if we want to avoid getting into this mess again.

Costigan Quist wonders if those behind the anti-terrorism posters are willfully misleading people, or just stupid.

Will Rhodes fisks the new Tory darling Daniel Hannan.

Hagley Road to Ladywood goes all Ben Goldacre on the Torygraph.

David Boyle points out that equality is not just, or even mainly, about money.

And if you still want more, scurry on over to Septicisle, or you can browse through previous Netcasts