Off the shelf intro

So now two years after the cataclysmic failure of my last blog I thought I'd have another go at it (or rather was gently prodded in this direction by a couple of friends). At any rate, as an opening post I thought I'd give a quick introduction in the not at all cliched Q&A format...

So what do you anyway?
I am a UK based computer science PhD student (this statement is accurate as of 18:52 5/9/2011).

What will this blog contain?
Basically it shall, assuming it doesn't end up mothballed like my previous blog, contain my thoughts on a wide variety of subjects that interest me. Primarily, I am likely to talk about politics, science and developments in the world of computer science. Whenever I discuss or criticize anything I shall always endeavour to ensure that my statements are accurate and evidence based.

Politics? Are you one of those Communofascioanarchosocialist types?
I have always had a passionate interest in the issues that affect peoples lives both nationally and internationally and have fairly strong opinions on them. I believe that in terms of politics it is very important to try and ascertain the fact behind the spin on many stories and that is something I hope to do with this blog
 In terms of my own personal politics I have fairly diverse views, indeed I've been described as centrist (which is the title I subscribe to), centre-right, libertarian and liberal. I am a fairly strong supporter of the current coalition government on many issues though there are some I am greatly critical of. If there was one party in the world whose view I almost entirely share it is almost certainly America's democratic party under Obama.  Looking closely at their record, the amount of positive changes they have brought when faced with very fierce opposition has been nothing short of inspirational.
Of course in terms of politics as John Maynard Keynes is disputed to have said;
"When the facts change, my views change with them"

And Science?...And Computing?
Love it! Can't get enough! I am perpetually fascinated by developments in the worlds of science and computing and will rant and rave about them at any opportunity. On the flip side of that I am greatly critical of pseudoscience, poorly done science and anything...unscientific. I am a firm believer in Carl Sagan's great quote "Extraordinary claims require extraordinary proof"

Anything else?
I will from time to time almost certainly post about my various other interests including games, books, comics and television...warning expect reviews of stuff from time to time

Why the name?
Just because you say it...

I apologize for the blogs current Spartan nature, I will develop it a time goes on...

Comments, criticisms and all forms of heated discussion are of course greatly welcomed. I do however want to keep this a fairly civil place and as such sexist, racist, homophobic or potentially libellous comments or links to sites that contain such content are likely to be deleted.