Economics
Leo XIV and Rerum Novarum
Upon his elevation, the new pope announced that he had assumed the name of Leo XIV. For those familiar with Leo XIII, this was a signal that the principles of Leo XIII as expressed in [more…]
Philosophy
20th Century
Is there life on (somewhere other than) Mars?
Once upon a time we knew our place in the universe. The science was settled and the experts agreed. The Earth was at the centre of the universe and everything we could see in the [more…]
21st Century
Big Boys’ Rules
In yet another BBC documentary on the subject, a Panorama edition entitled Special Forces: I Saw War Crimes dropped on 12th May and investigated serious allegations against UK Special Forces, in particular the SAS and [more…]
20th Century
Beautiful Kashmir
Never travel to a country that’s a funny colour on the map, or worse still, described by different coloured diagonal lines. Disputed territory is not only the cartographer’s nightmare, but also that of the traveller. [more…]
Democracy
Independent or Hamas?
The days when independent councillors were well-meaning, often single-cause, advocates saving a hospital or moving a gypsy camp, are long gone. Although Reform UK caught the headlines in early May’s local elections, their success was [more…]
Christianity
An Appreciation Of The Papacy of Francis I
Might every age get the Pope it deserves? If so, then what of the Age of Francis I? Jorge Mario Bergoglio, once Archbishop of Buenos Aires and the latest Bishop of Rome, died on Easter [more…]
Diary
A View (Of The Church) From The Road Near The Greenhouse; Further Reflections
For Christians, Easter is a time for both reflection and thanksgiving. The little church in the village where I live has a small but enthusiastic (if ageing) congregation. I know many of them to talk [more…]
Christianity
John Clare
John Clare I am—yet what I am none cares or knows; My friends forsake me like a memory lost: I am the self-consumer of my woes— They rise and vanish in oblivious host, Like shadows [more…]
21st Century
Always Worth Saying’s Easter Railway Review
Last week’s trip to Albania being too mainstream, this edition of Railway Review (how I yearn for the return of Question Time!) was going to be of an obscure South American mineral line. Observing the [more…]