All entries for Monday 11 February 2008

Sharia and English law

Writing about web page http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/newsandevents/audio/

I had a very interesting discussion with Professor Shaheen Ali this morning on the current debate around the place of ‘Islamic Law’ within the UK legal framework following Dr Rowan Willams’ comments.

The podcast is a bit longer than normal, but probably worthwhile as Shaheen has some really interesting opinions on the current debate as well as giving some really useful contexts for considering the issues.

: 11 Feb 2008 15:57 |  Tags: Audio Islam Podcast Sharia |  Comments (0) |  Close comments |  Report a problem

Itch scratched

Follow-up to New bike itch from Contemplating the Frame

Thanks to the Treasury I am now proud owner of one of these:

I bought the slightly cheaper version with Tiagra gears and simpler wheels but it’s still a good bike. At least if the components get trashed through lots of commuting and cruddy weather it won’t be too miuch trouble to replace them.

Obviously heavier than the Trek SLR I also own, but it’s pacy enough on the roads even with the bigger tyres. It’s quite a bit slower up a lengthy climb but not so that it becomes a slog.

Where it scores serious points is off road – it goes like stink. I took it for a bedding in ride up the Stratford Greenway and it’s really really quick both on the track and grass. It eats up the distance very easily and is a joy to ride – comfortable, responsive and tough enough to take some punishment. It was easier to turn onto the grass most of the time than wait for people to move out of the way and it handled the change of surfaces well.

I do need to fit it with some mud guards as the ones I use on the Trek won’t fit it thanks to the brakes. I also need to add a rack for commuting.

One small apology is needed to the owners of Toby – a small dog that decided to have a disagreement with me as I scooted past. Toby decided to have a snap at my heels so I accelerated away and Toby followed – for about 400m. Toby’s owners were left well behind and I hope weren’t too distressed. Considering the alternative strategy for dealing with yappy snappy dogs tends to be a well aimed kick to the offending mutt it was probably for the best.

: 11 Feb 2008 09:36 |  Tags: Cycling |  Comments (3) |  Close comments |  Report a problem