Fact v fiction?

An excellent special edition of Front Row on radio 4 here discussing the value of historical novels and history's place in today's publishing including famous writers such as Tristram Hunt, Antonia Fraser, Hilary Mantel and Margaret Macmillan.

American town hall madness

The Democrats have been holding town hall debates across the country to answer questions about the healthcare plan. It has not been very civilised however...
See here for the Daily Show's John Stewart's take on it with clips from the debates and the ever interesting view from the now unemployed Sarah Palin.

Battle of the Bogside 1969

It is the 40th anniversary this week of the Battle of the Bogside in Londonderry, Northern Ireland, which led to the British Army's involvement in 'The Troubles'. At first British troops were welcomed as a neutral force but fairly soon they became embroiled in the conflict themselves. Interesting comment here in the Times and some great footage and reports here from Panorama.

Radiohead and the First World War

Thom Yorke, from Radiohead, was so moved by an interview on the Today programme in 2005 with Harry Patch, the last surviving British soldier from the First World War that they composed a piece of music for him. Listen to it here.

Is feminism still needed?

Janice Turner argues here in the Times today that it most certainly is and uses what she describes as the 'pornification' of society to prove her point. It has provoked a heated debate on the issue and of course comes at the same time as Lubna Hussein is fighting for her rights to wear trousers in Sudan at risk of being whipped.

Spies, Torture & Terrorism

An excellent article by the Economist here which analyses the torture debate and controversy in the US as well as comparing American views with those of other countries.