Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton will be vying to get their nose in front in the MP4-25, although friction is guaranteed as different circuits suit their contrasting driving styles.
Team principal Martin Whitmarsh expressed optimism that last year's disasterous pre-season preparations which hindered their ability to challenge for honours would be averted, although they acknowledged a big obstacle to winning could be internal competition between the drivers.
AutoEvolution writes that it was the first official meeting between the two drivers, so all eyes will be trained on any psychological weaknesses under questioning from the world press corps.
GPForum noted the launch was streamed live online, a move which heightened anticipation among fans and increased the exposure and scrutiny on the team.
WorldCarFans have an excellent photo album of the event which is well worth a look for all you auto-fetishists out there.
He explains that the launch at the 'plush' HQ of Mclaren's main sponsor was a reflection of the professionalism of their organisation. They didn't try to dodge any of the issues, instead they were using the event as an opportunity to come up with satisfactory answers and assert the strength of their challenge.
Both drivers expressed their satisfaction with the distinctive 'shark fin' design and said the first impressions were positive.
As Martin Whitmarsh commented "preparation is the key to success."
Oranjepan says: If only all our politicians were as open and accountable as professional sports-people!
Chairman John Madejski praised his ability to organise the team and said the wealth of success achieved coming through the ranks at the club would enable him to pass on his knowledge effectively to players.
Brian McDermott paid tribute to his longstanding relationship with Mr Madejski and said "I am delighted to have been appointed manager of a club that is very dear to my heart" as the team faces a season-defining run.
He added seperately that fans have a big part to play in helping keep the team out of the relegation zone. And team connections have pulled together to give him their backing.
Steve Coppell said it showed the man has personality to win to have survived a ten-year apprenticeship.
"He's a great deal of integrity, he's very honest, he'll tell it as it is. He's a little bit quieter than Steve, if that's possible."
Commenters questioned the 'steady as she goes' appointment given the clubs position, but Mr Madejski tried to give reassurance that the Slough-born McDermott is a perfect fit, answering any doubters himself, "Do we need upheaval? The answer is no."
However some questions have been raised about the state of club finances and the level of pay-off given to sacked Brendan Rodgers.
Ben Rice thinks the appointment comes as a relief because it puts to an end some of the uncertainty at the club. However he says the real problems are on the pitch where an proven goalscorer is needed.
Jonathan at 106pts worries that the time to promote the idea of 'continuity' is not whilst the team languishes in the relegation zone and asks who is really responsible for the annus horibilis of 2009.
The Reading Fan is aware that a low-profile name like McDermott's wasn't the first choice on the terraces, but offers the benefit of the doubt in a balanced post titled the season starts now.
Meanwhile Alistair Coleman worries about a return to the wilderness.
Cllr Ennis says the biscuitmen may crumble if they are put under too much pressure, but then gets carried away with himself and identifies the first game at Barnsley as a 'six-pointer'.
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Update: Luckily the away game turned in Reading's favour as mass demonstrations by Barnsley supporters against their chairman Simon Davey created a difficult environment for the Tykes and Shane Long's 'combative, fighting streak' proved perfect for Reading to run out 3-1 winners.
No, it's not more about the state of winter road maintenance which has been getting bloggers all worked up, but the 180-degree reversal by Reading West MP Martin Salter regarding the validity and value of blogging.
Only 3 months (at most) before he follows through on his self-imposed decision to leave office he has decided to take up typing a few regular thoughts to engage more directly with the people he represents.
His 'blog' can be found on the Telegraph's platform - here - which is unfortunate because post syndication is disabled.
This is, as martinsnothteone reminds us, a man who used the law to delete 3 previous versions of critical blogs and who once said:
"There is no prospect of my ever blogging. What little I have seen of the blogsphere, it seems to me to be the last refuge for tragic insomniacs who lack social skills."
This in contrast to reknowned social-media advocate Cllr Daisy Benson, who argues that politicians should embrace new media as a way to 'break down barriers' and engage with the public.
The move has given former colleague Jane Griffiths a whole new lease of life as 'Salterwatch'.
She starts off by welcoming him to the arena, but notes the irony of a Labour party stalwart choosing such a solid right-wing platform as the Telegraph.
She subsequently discovers that the Telegraph pays £150 per blog post - which is nice work if you can get it (considering I average about one-per-day), but that Mr Salter is already resorting to recycling his 'Westminster Diary' which he supplies to the local print media every fortnight.
Elsewhere well-known local commenter Nowtas emerges from his shell to write a blogpost on the subject. He describes Mr Salter's blog as the 'feeblest' among the Telegraph's stable, worth only a 'giggle'.
In unrelated news Conservative MP for Reading East, Rob Wilson warns too much hot air may suffocate, as new research shows 76% of the population in the south-east of England are putting themselves at risk of being poisoned...
The question of anonymity/pseudonymity is one that it close to this blog's heart, so Left Outside's essay on the subject is one which can be heartily recommended.
The unaffiliated West Berkshire blogger states that he enjoys blogging as an end in itself, but he does it primarily because he cares about other people... which leads him inevitably to focus on political questions.
As he says: "I like being able to have an effect on people for the better – no matter how small an impact."
Although blogging and anonymity are both equally relatively pointless, he argues that it's about a desire to strike a balance between influence and personal growth. Reading the examples he provides, you can understand why!
The renewal of Reading's Empty Homes Strategy is starting to have some practical effect. Two local charities have started to work together with the council and landlords to ensure potential homes don't go to waste and have a negative impact on local communities.
Reading Single Homeless Project and The Forgotten British Gurkha (which is based in Reading) have taken on agency status to help bring empty properties back into use by people who may be lacking a stable home environment.
Lead councillor for housing, Cllr Deborah Edwards, explained, "Reading does have a number of homes that are empty and need investment so they can be brought back into use."
In addition, the deposit guarantee scheme is enabling more younger people and families get onto the first step of the housing ladder.
LibDem parliamentary candidate for Reading West, Cllr Daisy Benson is pleased that her local campaign efforts as chair of the housing scrutiny committee have woken the authority up to some of the problems being experienced by residents. She adds that "housing is not just about bricks and mortar: neighbourhoods matter too."
She also picks out the recent announcement of a national empty homes policy which will be a major plank of her party's general election manifesto, saying this is "great news."
Her colleague Reading East PPC, Cllr Gareth Epps, is also excited by the manifesto pledge:
"It's a real win-win. It creates jobs; makes much better use of resources (and is sustainable in the true sense of the word) and embodies fairness."
He estimates the total figure of empty properties in Reading is about 2,500.
Labour's Minister for Housing, John Healey MP, recently visited Dee Park and the Chatham Place development to highlight investments being made in new housing stock.
Cllr Mike Orton said, "Care for the elderly is a top priority and this scheme will allow people to settle in and live independently in their own home."
Rachel Eden was also there to show her support. She argues that "council-owned and managed housing is more accountable and preferable to housing association when possible."
Wokingham PPC and leader of the opposition LibDem group on Wokingham borough council, Cllr Prue Bray is equally concerned about the 1-star service offered by Conservatives in this area.
However one additional consequence of the housing shortage is that temporary emergency housing remains dependant on volunteers as charitible fund-raisers.
Oranjepan says: Housing is a big issue for many in the congested south-east, so making sure money is spent on making better use of the land and buildings we have is sure to be a big vote-winner.
The charter for city statue requires royal assent and submissions are being made to coincide with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee year in 2012, which will mark the 60th anniversary of her coronation.
Reading looks to be favorite among the competitors, which includes Medway in Kent, Croydon, Milton Keynes and Perth.
Leader of Reading Borough Council Cllr Jo Lovelock commented, "We want to put Reading on the map and becoming Berkshire's only city will certainly do that."
A range of events will be scheduled throughout the year if assent is granted and officials are hoping it will be 'third time lucky' after the town failed in two recent bids in 2000 and 2002.
Some controversy surrounded the decision which came at the full council meeting earlier this week, as opposition representative Cllr Dave Luckett tweeted, "Very bizarre and baffling that [the motion] wasn't unanimous."
Perhaps he should read the range of opinions expressed on Reading Forum.
But his colleague Cllr Richard Willis goes further and turns attack dog against the LibDems.
He makes a range of vicious comments calling the group 'unprincipled' for voting 'en bloc' against the motion, accuses them of not being grown up and perversely saying they resorted to sniping and cat-calling!
In addition he makes it clear that Conservatives support a 'land-grab' to redefine the boundaries of the borough to include in 'Greater Reading' the areas of Tilehurst, Woodley and Earley which are currently in West Berkshire and Wokingham boroughs.
Cllr Warren Swaine responds for the LibDems by publishing his speech in full. He says a change in title to "the City of Reading will make absolutely no difference to people in their ordinary life."
And Reading West PPC Cllr Daisy Benson copies out her speech too. She asks "Is bigger, necessarily better?"
The motion approved the creation of a steering committee to include representatives from political parties, business and community groups and members of the town's voluntary sector.
It's been a busy day for Gemma - the animal scientist has been writing her schedule and discovered her plan of activities comprise a stereotypical Liberal Agenda.
It seems some people just don't get why anyone with a good background and a university degree would want to lower themselves to such levels, well, be prepared for an insight into what every young tearaway is really getting up to!
27th January 2010 marks the 65th anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp where some of the worst atrocities during the Second World War were committed.
So it is an apt day to memorialise the suffering.
Natalie Slater advertises an exhibition that is being held in the Broad Street Mall, displaying historical documents about the persecuted Dutch teenager Anne Frank as well as highlighting ongoing areas where incidents of cultural tension have flared up.
Former Mayor of Reading, now director of Reading Council of Racial Equality, Rajinder Sophal offered the unanswerable comment:
"We have seen some worrying signs in recent times that those people who prefer division and conflict are using the current economic downturn as an excuse to take support from ordinary people. History teaches us this is a slippery slope to deep racism and Holocaust Memorial Day is a good way for us all to increase vigilance and to unite our communities."
Meanwhile the political debate about the appropriate way to mark the event rages on the left.
Cllr John Ennis attended the official 'Legacy of Hope' event at the civic centre where a range of speakers urged greater action against hatred and persecution.
He comments that he is in agreement with the argument that "it is the pursuit of power, influence, resources and particularly money that acts as a pretext for genocide and war."
Meanwhile Jane Griffiths goes on Salterwatch noting that her former Labour colleague promised to attend the event, but didn't turn up... it can only be assumed he got caught up in his nets when he went fishing, or he had some vital election planning to do.
For more information visit the HMD website and light the virtual candle of hope.
Campaigning comedian Mark Thomas came to Reading this weekend when he made a stop on his 'Manifesto' tour and several local bloggers were there to give a review.
Green Party campaigners Adrian Windisch and Rob White turned out in public to show solidarity (Mark Thomas endorses the Green platform), while Bracknell Blog's Dazmando was also in attendance.
The theme of the show is to give members of the audience a chance to suggest policies in direct democracy fashion, which will then be published and the 50 most popular of which Thomas has committed to campaign to enact - whatever they may be...
Adrian picks out a wide range of aspirations: - introduction of a national maximum wage - getting the government to give everyone the day off on their birthday - legalising homosexual marriage and getting the church to shut up about it - a three-day weekend - land instead of the dole - an IRA honour guard for Thatcher's funeral - no new blasphemy legislation - all politicians should be forced to wear the names and logos of the companies which sponsor them - anyone who supports ID cards should be banned from having curtains - All models should be picked at random from the electoral register - introduction of a law making it illegal for MPs to knowingly lie. It shall be known as Archer’s Law
the last of which he is clearly so proud of he mentioned it twice!
While Rob picks out these from the South Street show: - a Michelin star for Sweeney Todd's - more capacity in women's' toilets - everyone should carry around two salt sachets in case of more snow
as well as some other 'gems' from around the country: - disguising leopards as foxes as a sort of equaliser on foxhunts - invading Jersey with the aim of closing it down as a corporate tax dodgers paradise - supporters of nuclear power should be responsible for storing the radioactive waste in their gardens
but he notes the Reading audience ended up voting for the 'lacking-in-comedy-value' renationalisation of the railways.
On the other hand Dazmando makes a clearer distinction between the comedy elements and the serious side, highlighting Greenpeace's petition to stop the building of Project Pegasus at AWE Aldermaston and the campaign to force Bracknell MP Andrew MacKay to repay the £170,000 expenses he claimed fraudulently.
Oranjepan says: provocative it certainly was, but you wonder who the final joke is on.
He gains consistent ratings of 1.5-1.8m viewers on the daytime schedule since launching his Jerry Spinger-styled personal advice show in 2005 and has achieved the feat of remaining fresh and enthusiastic after more than 1,000 shows.
He said "This show isn't about me; it is about their issues and problems and how we can face them together - with complete honesty and openness," adding that "I am particularly looking forward to meeting ordinary American people and hearing about their extraordinary lives."
The Jeremy Kyle Show gained notoriety when it was described by a district judge as "a human form of bear-baiting which goes under the guise of entertainment" during a court case in 2007, brought for assault against a man who headbutted his girlfriend on-air. The man was subsequently convicted and fined £300 plus costs.
Another man was jailed in summer of 2009 after admitting grevious bodily harm committed against his girlfirend during recording for the show. In a lengthy and detailed article Richard Price grabs the sensationalist headline 'Jeremy Kyle Nearly Killed Me'
Co-president of production company Debmar-Mercury, Mort Marcus, said "We believe there’s a market for it if he can hit the right tone for this country." He explained that he was confident America would "wholeheartedly embrace" Mr Kyle because he brings "a unique sensibility to a proven format".
But media analysts point to declining daytime audience on CBS as the reason why executives have decided to lay out a big contract to lure an experienced performer in an established format stateside, although ITV executives think the process is being driven by greater media integration resulting from globalisation which naturally leads to greater competition for talent.
Meanwhile, On The Box commentator Sean Marland doesn't hide his contempt for the presenter. He thinks it is a shame Jeremy Kyle no plans to leave Berkshire for the US, and says it might be interesting to subject his PR statements to his own lie detector tests!
Elsewhere Jeremy Kyle appears to be exactly the type of man capable of splitting opinion down the middle.
In a online poll asking 'Is Jeremy Kyle a legend?' 52.6% responded 'no, he's just a moron', while the rest were impressed by his ability to entertain.
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Update: the Gyppo Byard at Last Django In Paris is unhealthily addicted to Jeremy Kyle - he says it is "the guiltiest of my guilty pleasures."
Mike McNamara is frustrated at the news media's inability to provide adequate information of what's going on around Europe. I can sympathise, although my focus is more local.
On the one hand corporate debt has been built up to an unsupportable level, but heavy job losses in an important export-oriented industry could have wider consequences for the speed and sustainability of the recovery.
Mike attacks the mainstream TV media for neglecting its' duty to provide enough scrutiny on matters of widepread interest and importance.
"I welcome the openness of officers and willingness to ensure any problems and issues are identified so more effective policies can be implemented in future."
She praises the dedication of council staff and notes how the same events have been calculated to cost other councils as much as £5m and expresses concern at how this will increase pressure on an already stretched budget for the year ahead.
The parliamentary candidate for Reading West lists a range of areas which she identified as areas requiring review, including:
Weather forecasting receipt and dissmenation of information
Emergency planning processes (including staffing of emergency control centre)
Gritting - supplies, stores, deployment and priorities - to include footways and provision of grit bins and grit stocks
Communication - including the Council's policies, role and capacity to get informaton about adverse weather conditions out to the public
Closer liaison between RTL (Reading Buses) and the emergency operations and co-ordination functions to ensure priority and ‘high community value’ routes remain operable
A recognised and accessible debriefing, information and update reports, including a "lessons learnt" process.
She also notes a nationwide 'Snow Summit' will bring together councils from across the country to share experiences and ideas on how to better prepare for future forecasts and concludes that the overriding issue is one of communication.
She advocates greater engagement with social media by the authorities as the fastest means of providing accurate real-time information to the public.
He accepts the widespread public criticism of the handling of the mini-crisis, but recognises the efforts made by services to keep running normally under conditions of 'exceptional adverse weather'.
He notes that there are lessons to be learnt with regard to communication with the public and picks out that the council has prioritises a review of both the role and coordination of procedures, however he excuses Reading's authorities by explaining how the blizzard which hit during rush-hour on Monday 21st December (report, reaction, more reaction, round-up) also affected neighbouring authorities across the region - so no-one was immune.
Cllr Ennis suggests Reading wasn't appreciably worse prepared, nor any worse at dealing with the problems. He also makes an inspecific attack on people who 'stole' grit, which to his mind may explain why some grit bins were empty.
However both Cllr Benson and Cllr Ennis express the hope that outside interests will not play a part in the review as the election period cranks into full gear.
Cllr Benson states:
"it is vital that local residents get the opportunity to hold the Council and it's performance to account in an open and transparent way."
But Cllr Ennis gives an implicit warning about how the scoring of cheap political points may influence future policy for the worse. He says:
"I hope the discussion does not become too party political or "council bashing" as contrary to the perception of some, it did snow on Tory councils as well."
Oranjepan says: It is noticable that local Tories have not been more forthcoming on precisely how they're engaging with the formal processes of the council - either in the press or online. Some might say they'd be more vocal if they felt it suited them to, but I couldn't possibly comment.
Green party campaigner Adrian Windisch spent his Saturday evening writing a blog post to summarise the events which unfolded together with a few opinions from the local political blogosphere.
Mr London Street has a slightly different way of looking at the world - he says English snow is 'more deadly, more dangerous and more disruptive' than any other, "the swine flu of snow".
The application comes as part of the Queen's diamond jubilee celebrations in 2012.
Council Leader Cllr Jo Lovelock proposed that an all-party City Status Partnership Board should be formed to coordinate the bid with representatives from the public, business, community and voluntary sector and argued that schools would be encouraged to get involved in offering support as part of the Olympic year.
Leader of the Conservative group on Reading Borough Council, Cllr Andrew Cumpsty attacked the current Labour administration for failing in previous bids in 2000 and 2002, saying, "We behave like a city, we look like a city."
But LibDem leader Cllr Kirsten Bayes emphasised a more practical approach, asking to see more details before making a commitment. She explained, "right now we are not clear on the benefits that would come from city status."
All sides were concerned that any costs involved in the bid should be minimised during the current economic period, but Reading Post commenters were nonetheless highly sceptical that Reading's disorganised growth through 'urban sprawl' gives the town a recognisable identity worthy of a city.
There has also been a strong underlying sense of mistrust in politicians boosting image without the substance to back it up.
Reading Forum visitors are cautious about the value of a bid, picking up that there are no figures on the expectations for additional investment into the local economy or the actual amount it will cost.
An interesting side discussion is the contentious subject of political reform, with suggestions of boundary changes to the borough and the possibility that a 'Lord Mayor' would be introduced (though a directly-elected mayoralty has yet to figure in the equation).
Meanwhile Reading Post editor Andy Murrill makes a rare foray into the opinion stakes to offer his full backing to enhanced civic status.
He says 'Reading deserves to be a city' because it will raise the national profile of Reading and bring a 'feel-good factor' back to the local economy.
Reading Post is conducting a wholly unscientific poll on the subject - Mr Murrill's viewpoint is currently holding sway, so why not try to influence the decision-makers and go and take part too...
Opposition groups are celebrating victory over Reading's dominant Labour group after a decision to impose big increases on car park charges was overturned without a fight.
The move came under heavy criticism from Conservative and LibDem groups who felt it was being pushed through without adequate consideration or consultation.
Labour deputy leader and transport spokesperson Cllr Tony Page apologised for abusing the political process by seeking to impose changes against normal protocols.
Conservative transport spokesperson Cllr Willis is somewhat triumphalist in his attempt to claim credit for the U-Turn, but notes how the rises in car park costs is a result of a recently-agreed 15-year deal between RBC and car park operator NCP which guaranteed council income rises in line with inflation (which is soaring according to John Redwood).
However LibDem transport spokesperson Cllr Duveen picks up that the plans have not been stopped in their tracks, only watered-down as they will be subjected to the correct processes of public consultation.
Both sides argue the case shows the Labour party to be in decline both locally as well as nationally, providing more reasouns to vote them 'out' of power - Cllr Willis says they are 'clapped out', while Cllr Duveen says Labour are 'out of touch'.
Cllr Benson responded to complaints that some of the borough's poorest and most vulnerable residents were only given a month over the holiday period to respond to detailed documents. It seems very few are happy about the quality of the current service and even fewer about the prospect of being targetted to plug the gap in the budget which has grown from ban management.
Oranjepan says: With budget planning fully underway in preparation for the year ahead a major battle over the narrative of cuts and spending is already being fought. Labour has lost round one.
Opening shots have been fired on council's local budget plan for 2010 as the preliminary discussions reach their conclusion and the different sides begin to set out their stalls.
Howard Thomas of the Common Sense Party lights the fuse by recalling the heated marathon discussions which lead to LibDems eeking concessions out of the Labour proposals last year.
He expects similar dramatics this year and takes a vicious sideswipe at the Conservatives for their destructive attitude 12 months ago (when they argued for reductions in Council Tax without offering any ideas on how to pay for it), wondering whether they have come up with any yet.
The majority of the £120m+ budget is set on a baseline with about 3/4 of the total funded by government grants, which are ringfenced to cover statutory requirements.
The rest comes from tax reciepts, other charges and fines levied. With Council Tax rises capped at at maximum 5% there is little room for political discretion over additional spending, but this becomes the battleground for intense debate as the primary means for parties to put in place the principles their votes have mandated.
Independent Cllr Tony Jones doesn't have to suffer huge amounts of internal wrangling so is quickest off the mark and presents his 4 proposals.
Meanwhile the local establishment and council bureaucracy have their own interests to look after.
Borough Council Chief Executive Michael Coughlin reflects the official view supported by the dominant Reading Labour Party as they point to new research showing reasons for optimism about economic recovery, using this to condition the view that cuts may be less necessary this year than might be expected or may be demanded.
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Update: Cllr Benson uses her campaign diary to highlight the disparities between different neighbourhoods across the town, noting that younger people are being hit disproportionately hard by the national economic gloom.
She says the growing gap between rich and poor is not just a matter of statistics, but of unfairness made manifest by the current authorities in ways which blight whole families and communities.
After the frost comes the thaw and interest turns to the things which were once buried but are now uncovered.
Potholes are created when ice forms in worn or damaged road surfaces and are a constant nuisance to drivers and cyclists alike.
Karen Blakeman has been out with her camera taking pictures to report repairs needed in Caversham - as she says "the lower half of the road on Donkin Hill looks as though it has been repeatedly bombed."
She advertises Potholes.co.uk, which is a campaign website set up "to highlight poor state of British roads and help motorists seek compensation from Councils" - although she notes that the operators of the site have a commercial interest which makes her query its' value.
Reading List picked up on the issue last year to promote the variety of ways and services available to the public which can be used to report problems so they can be dealt with before they get worse.
You can contact your council directly by freephoning 0800 626 540, or you can report the location of any required road maintenance to your local councillor.
Or you can avail yourself of online services.
Fill That Hole is an excellent public resource operated by the Cyclist's Touring Club, while FixMyStreet can be used to report a wider variety of problems (including lighting, litter etc) run by the recommended MySociety group of civic advocacy volunteers.
Conservatives hoping to make a big splash by bringing party leader David Cameron to Reading have suffered a backlash from commentators.
The general tone of criticism has been to question the actual level of the engagement demonstrated by the party.
John MacGarvey was "surprised, but not displeased" that the event was able to be rearranged quite so quickly after a previous cancellation - apparently due to the harsh weather. However he was a bit annoyed that the timing and location of the event could have been more convenient.
Labour election candidates Anneliese Dodds and Naz Sarkar challenged the tory leader to a real debate, provocatively claiming the event would have been more accurate if it had been called 'Cameron Select' rather than 'Cameron Direct'.
Cllr Glenn Goodall contrasts Mr Cameron's visit to an earlier visit by LibDem leader Nick Clegg, who ensured plenty of advance notice was given, and who chose the time, location and format of the meeting to ensure members of the public were able to fully engage in two-way communication.
And Jane Griffiths picks up on a report by Natalie Slater that Labour activists picketed the event, who were angry that they had been frozen out. She notes how this isn't the complete truth, as invitations had been sent to selected opponents.
He says the event provided a 'fascinating perspective' on politics.
After a brief introduction he was able to ask the first question from the floor, asking why the tory leader had changed his position on drugs policy. He describes Mr Cameron's shifty response as a deft and subtle way of avoiding directly answering the question - not once but twice.
He compliments Mr Cameron on an assured and professional political presentation, who is highly personable, but was nevertheless clearly dissatisfied with the overall effect.
Mark was clearly unimpressed by the repetitive focus on current economic constraints and the negative aspects of what he couldn't do rather than any solid policies - even noting an 'odd' admission by the Conservative party leader that he probably wasn't able to convince floating voters in the audience to vote for him.
Mark picked up several stylistic similarities to Tony Blair but concluded that the prospective Prime Minister still has a lot of work to do honing his messages in a way that was to appeal effectively.
Dazmando was also in the audience.
He complains that the venue was pretty small for the number of people who would obviously have been interested in attending and says this had a clear impact on the political balance of the people who were there - which meant the tory leader was given an easy ride as many hot topics (such as gay marriage, the EU and MPs expenses) were not covered at all.
Rounding up, he generously adjudges the tory leader to be sincere and well-meaning, but admits he was frustrated with the evening, just as he is with the current situation in general. He came away only hopeful that he will do a good job if he does end up as the leader of the country after the general election.
He says he feels like he didn't learn much from the slightly negative responses and overly-deferential and occasionally fawning crowd... or just maybe that tells you everything you need to know.
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Update: World-renowned communications guru Neville Hobson picks up on the launch of Mr Cameron's poster campaign. He says that reactions range from ridicule... to ridicule.
The Conservative leader is starting out early in his rise to being a figure of fun, and Neville explains that although most of the jokes at his expense are pretty mild they do highlight the problem facing all politicians: the need to be believed and trusted in order that they are taken seriously - which is why the airbrushed photograph is so damaging, as they build up the image of a fake.
The Local Government Information Unit has nominated Reading councillor Daisy Benson for an award as one of 5 representatives across the whole country for their efforts at the forefront of the sphere of online activism.
The award is designed to highlight politicians who have "embraced new technologies and used them positively to communicate with communities" in order that their example can be used as a way to encourage best practise.
Congratulations must be given to Cllr Benson, who explains how she has picked up lots of issues concerning members of the public through her engagement with social networking sites.
Apart from her blogging, and being highly active on twitter and facebook, she also cites the innovative use of online video and photo sharing sites which have enabled her to use communication technology to push for political change and improvement.
The full list if nominations are:
Cllr Daisy Benson, Reading
Cllr Tim Cheetham, Barnsley
Cllr Ross Grant, Leicester
Cllr Alex Perkins, Canterbury
Cllr Steve Tierney, Cambridgeshire
Meanwhile ward colleague Cllr Glenn Goodall has been a reluctant convert to the advantages of online technologies, but decides the recent snowy period has convinced him of the power to make a positive difference when it is used well.
And Alan Bunce powerfully explains how he is won over by the immediacy and accuracy of new media to bypass propagation of negative ideological messages.
"People sometimes dismiss tools like Twitter when really they should embrace them. It’s important to break down barriers between politicians and the people they represent to improve understanding on both sides."
However some commenters seem all too willing to dismiss the award on the grounds the LGiU is a public affairs advocacy group which saves taxpayers money by working to improve political services and championing local democracy. It was itself awarded 'Think-Tank of the Year' at the Public Affairs News Awards in 2008.
Oranjepan says: It seems that Cllr Benson's selection to fight the general election in Reading West for the LibDems is at least partly off the back of the reputation and profile she has gained online - Labour and Conservative opponents will be concerned that the ability this provides her with to reach voters directly will have a big impact on the outcome of the result.
The move by local Labour politicians comes in stark contrast to recent advice by national Labour figures on car parking at NHS hospitals when minister Andy Burnham MP said a "fairer, more consistent approach" is required.
Conservative transport spokesperson Cllr Richard Willis says he was 'horrified' that Labour had tried to sneak through a 'massive' increase by 'stealth'.
Meanwhile LibDems have utilised 'call-in' powers under the 'No Overall Control' system to force the council leadership to justify the decision or reconsider.
Transport spokesperson Cllr Ricky Duveen says he was outraged by the move, explaining, "There has been no consultation with local councillors, no notice, just a decision announced."
But Cllr Willis tetchily responded in an update by citing unnamed officials who have 'confirmed' tory claims for credit, although Reading List understands the 'call in' was effectively invoked by both sides separately.
Conservatives are pleased that some long-stay charges are to be reduced, but are angry that some previously free sites will have charges levied for the first time. Clearly they think everything should be paid for directly from council tax revenues.
In an almost opposite position LibDems responded to residents complaints about long stay parking at the Recreation Rd car park by agreeing to introduce charges, which would enable short stays to remain free while paying for recent revamps.
Oranjepan says: Who makes the decisions shows who is in charge. Who is consulted shows in whose interests the decision is made. Comparing the reasons given now to those they gave previously shows how good they are at doing their job.
With fresh wave of snowfall sweeping across the country Alan Bunce offers some timely reassurance about the ability of the local online community to provide direct up-to-date information of direct use to individuals.
He explains, this is in contrast to national journalists, who offer only 'endless scaremongering'.
As he says "They want you to panic. Journalists won't win awards if the news is too wishy washy."
The deadline for members of the public to have our say on the latest plans (dubbed 'Project Pegasus') at AWE Aldermaston closes on January 15th and anti-nuclear activists have been spreading the word
According to AWE’s Infrastructure Director, Andrew Jupp, "Project Pegasus will provide suitable workspace in a secure environment to support continued operations when existing facilities reach the end of their operational lives." [1]
The planning application for the 18,500 square metre development was lodged on 30th November with submissions to be made by 23rd December, but campaigners concerned that the significance of the plans to the generational replacement of the UK's Trident weapons system successfully pushed the closing date back. [2, 3]
Cllr Glenn Goodall provides an informed list of details explaining how controversial planning applications are regularly submitted during periods when the public may be otherwise occupied during holdiays.
He notes councils from across Berkshire have lodged official objections on technical issues, specifically regarding safety to the public during transit of materials by public highway and questions relating to security from potential terrorist attacks.
However he is concerned that the local press and media are not keeping the issue in the forefront of public awareness as the Labour and Conservative parties have conspired to prevent the future of our nuclear arsenal from becoming a matter of wider public debate.
Rob White shows his opposition to nuclear weapons by providing contact details for the West Berkshire planning department.
You can have your say by emailing planapps@westberks.gov.uk or you can send your comments via the West Berkshire Council website.
While the local authority may only consider individual objections on the grounds of planning, they are also required to take into account the scale of public feeling on the matter.
"There is a massive contrast between consultation over the government's plans to build new nuclear power stations and the lack of discussion over developments at AWE Aldermaston."
Green Party campaigner Adrian Windisch encourages members of the public to join him in a 'non-violent blockade' of the site on 15th Febrary. He says "you can sit, lie down, lock-on or simply provide support for those blockading."
John McGarvey is impressed with the displays of creativity being shown in the snow locally as people find new ways to occupy themselves in the unusually wintery conditions.
Adrian Windisch is concerned that supplies of grit are dwindling, but Cllr Prue Bray responds that grit doesn't work below -5 Celcius.
Adrian also complains that the government is using emergency powers to surreptitiously nationalise industries, but South East England MEP Dan Hannan asks rhetorically, "Is our reliance on state intervention symptomatic of the sapping effects of big government?" - well, you can guess his answer.
In respose entrepreneurs have spotted a marketing opportunity - Radio Bracknell advertises snow clearance services for commercial properties from Asset Fencing.
Meanwhile Thames Water has been struggling as water mains have burst, cutting water supplies. Redlands LibDems was contacted by residents to report a burst main affecting 4,000 people, while Wendy worries about less dramatic, but equally urgent problem of frozen water pipes - whether you're desperate for just a cuppa or to use the bathroom it's the same result.
But the ideological debate over climate change has also taken a turn in response to the current weather.
Conservatives are piling in to attack proponents of climate change theory by following the lead of John Redwood on his diary - many conservatives argue global warming is a fraud being used to promulgate surreptitious political ends.
Noted environmental sceptic Mr Redwood asked Labour environment minister Ed Miliband in the House of Commons: "Why is the Northern hemisphere winter so cold, and which climate model predicted this?"
Mr Miliband demonstrated by omission that the government had failed to prepare for recent events because they had simplistically ruled out the possibility that changes to the climate could affect the country in this way.
However both Left Outside and I notice that the freak weather is being caused by a diversion in the gulf stream to the east of Greenland as temperatures over the Arctic polar region have failed to drop low enough to freeze normal levels of pack ice - and that just such a weather scenario was widely recognised as far back as 2005.
This means the British Isles are not benefiting from the usual warmth of ocean currents and conditions are returning to levels more typical for these latitudes.
However, the good news may be that colder continents will mitigate warming trends.
Oranjepan says: Continuing to pump out greenhouse gases won't necessarily mean disaster, it could just mean skiing becomes more popular in the UK!
LibDems have selected Daisy Benson to be the prospective parliamentary candidate in the Reading West seat at the general election later this year.
She beat out competition from two highly regarded opponents, former Thatcham mayor Alex Payton and veteran West Berkshire councillor Tony Vickers, in a stong contest which Reading List understands raised turnout by over a third among members compared to the selection of Cllr Patrick Murray previously.
Adam Hewitt reports her immediate reaction that she was "delighted" to win the chance to represent local residents, with the offer of a promise "I won't let you down."
Mark Reckons notes that Cllr Benson "regularly tops the list of the most hard-working councillors in the borough" (see report) and points to her innovative use of social media as a way in which she keeps a close relationship with residents and supporters.
In fact Reading Post picks up that she was "overwhelmed" by the number of messages of support sent to her from the online community.
LibDem colleagues in Reading are also backing her to the hilt.
Cllr Ricky Duveen describes how Daisy has built up an "enviable reputation" after less than 4 years on the council, becoming deputy leader of the group and chair of the Health and Housing Scrutiny Committee.
Cllr Glenn Goodall picks up her campaigning efforts on crime and housing issues.
Glenn offers a telling compliment that when she first knocked on his door his housemate described her as "genuine and human" - which was what convinced them to vote for her.
Cllr Warren Swaine goes a step further and says she is a "hard working local politician who can demonstrate a real record of action helping people across the political spectrum," by inspiring grassroots support, not organised backing from millionaire non-doms and trade unions.
And Reading Liberal Youth proudly considers voters will appreciate "the opportunity to elect such a passionate individual with an incredible track record."
Conservative opponents were also quick to congratulate Cllr Benson, even praising her abilities!
Cllr Richard Willis went so far as to compliment her as "very active and outspoken", offering the insight that she will 'hope to make an impact' to raise the LibDem share of the vote in the next few months, although he notes the highest LibDems have achieved in the past is 18.1% in 1992.
The list of candidates in the Reading West constituency is now complete (in alphabetical order): Daisy Benson (Liberal Democrats) joins Bruce Hay (UKIP), Naz Sarkar (Labour), Alok Sharma (Conservative) and Adrian Windisch (Green) vying for votes.
On her candidate website Cllr Benson says "join me in my campaign to take back power from the two other parties who have both lost touch with the ordinary person."
Josh Harsant, Reading's Member of the UK Youth Parliament, offers good luck to all, saying, "may the best candidate win!"
It was to have been a significant event for #rdg and nationally when the leader of the opposition David Cameron MP came face-to-face with local residents of all stripes to answer wide-ranging questions and offer reassurance about the future of the NHS in his hands.
But he made a late decision to cancel and hold the event online instead - watch below
Local Conservatives considered it something of a coup for the prospective Prime Minister to visit one of the last Labour bastions in south-east England during the New Year period, as he is in the process of launching a 'winter offensive' in the media with an eye to making decisive advances as the drawn-out election campaign continues.
Event organiser Reading West PPC Alok Sharma tried to placate enquiries by putting it down to forecasts of weather-affected transport - although traffic cams show transport flowing freely. However Conservative councillor Paul Swaddle offered a contradictory explaination - that the event was "diverted to allow online to go ahead".
It is also particularly galling for party organisers considering all the cumbersome security arrangements and last minute notifications which go with preparing for a visit by a prospective Prime Minister at what would have been a high-profile occasion.
Reading List understands a number of potential attendees are disheartened at Mr Cameron's failure to grace our town with his presence at this much-hyped event.
He isn't much consoled by the virtual event, or the vague promise to reschedule an appearance by Mr Cameron at some unspecified date in the future either. Not even the prospect of a free evening to go drinking can cheer him up - he offers the caustic observation: was it the expectation of a 'frosty reception' that scared the tories off?
Meanwhile LibDem Cllr Swaine has a satirical jab at the expenseof his tory opponents.
Speculation has circulated around social networks that the so-called 'botched snow plot' by Labour ministers to oust Prime Minister Gordon Brown was a pure headline grabbing tactic designed to derail the launch of Mr Cameron's pre-election manifesto and that he has been forced to cancel appointments (including the event in Reading) to enable him to reorganise the build-up without wasting publicity opportunities.
As Adam Hewitt writes, the race in Reading West is wide open following well-known veteran Labour MP Martin Salter's decision to stand down for 'personal' reasons, but "Alok Sharma will hope... high-profile shadow cabinet visits pay off come polling day."
Well, there's not much hope if they can't fulfil their promises at this stage!
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Update: Linda Fort reports on the visit of Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling - he did manage to visit the editor of Reading Post to advertise the launch of a poster campaign.
Oranjepan says: It has also been noted that Reading is en route from parliament in Westminster to his constituency in rural Oxfordshire's Witney - if the tory leader fails to stop in at what is a vital target seat for him he will certainly be less likely to complete the journey in the opposite direction come late spring/early summer.
It is a debate which polarises opinion according to your driving style.
Some people buzz about everywhere thinking everyone should be responsibility for their own actions in the evolutionary bear pit of the roads, while others just tootle along trying to keep calm as the world thunders by.
And so it is with the politics of the speed camera debate.
Right-winger Cllr Willis applauds the courage shown by colleagues running Swindon Council to remove all speed cameras at fixed site locations.
He says that now, six months after the changes, "it is possible to assess the impact of the decision".
With all revenues being sent directly to central government while all maintenance costs are covered by local taxpayers, the opposition transport spokesman argues that the current system is a bad deal, while supporters call them machines a means of collecting stealth taxes.
Adrian covers a lot of ground as he cuts and pastes a bevvy of statistics. He cites Department of Transport figures showing £104m was raised from speeding fines and £110m returned to councils in the form of grants to pay for road safety measures (although this was distributed unevenly in proportion to numbers of accidents in different areas).
He quotes Robert Gifford of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (which concluded from a four-year evaluation that 100 lives are saved annually); campaign group Brake (which "wholeheartedly opposes this reckless decision" by Swindon Conservatives); the AA (who argue cameras are part of a full compliment of road safety measures); and the Institute of Advanced Motorists who say,
"this move by one local authority smacks of tokenism, and may fuel public cynicism that the priority is saving cash rather than saving lives."
Adrian also says six months is not enough time to make a judgement on the result of the decision in Swindon, although the parliamentary candidate appears to have already conceded defeat nearly six months out from the election time in the expectation of tory gains as he says "this may be the shape of things to come".
According to their report the government is in the process of releasing it's 10-year strategy which it hopes will Britain's roads 'the safest in the world'.
The introduction of more 20mph zones and smarter car technology, such as Intelligent Speed Adaption (making use of computer controls to override vehicle drivers), are expected to have a big impact on increasing safety.
Nevertheless, as Mr Gifford summarises, there is a 'looming battle' around the changing use of cars.
He says the car is the embodiment of two equally appealing concepts - mobility and autonomy - but if we are unable to find our own limits and mitigate any negative consequences we risk losing either or both as society will take over areas where individuals demonstrate irresponsibility.
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Update: Since the cameras were removed from Swindon streets, insurance claims have 'soared' - this is despite the number of speeders falling by a half.
Conservative council leader Cllr Rod Bluh stated this was vindication of their policy, but AA Head of road safety Andrew Howard criticised their ideological stance, explaining that the figures are within normal levels of statistical variation.
Oranjepan asks: Slow down, be stopped or pay the price?
Clearly for some speed cameras are a case of all or nothing - but when was there ever any single silver bullet?
Below-freezing temperatures tend to lead to ice and snow, so with a new weather front taking aim at the area residents are bracing themselves for a second wave of harsh conditions.
According to local radio station 107fm the snow is expected to hit at 6pm, with 15-30cm forecast and as much as 40cm over higher ground.
Reading Roars is on the alert (John McGarvey is apparently up for a mass snowball fight), while Reading Forum gossips on the sharp drop in temperatures which hit -8C last night.
Redlands LibDems reliably copy out the weather warnings from the Met Office and Highways Agency.
Meanwhile Conservatives prove the election campaign is all but underway as Cllr Richard Willis reliably takes aim at his opponents. Cllr Willis tries to argue the chaotic scenes would have been averted had he and his colleagues overseen the unforeseeable confluence of events.
He makes a serious intervention in the growing 'class war' which is becoming an undercurrent as parties position themselves ahead of this year's general election, and warns Labour against the inverted snobbery of launching attacks against those who grew up with privilege.
Although Eton School and its' £9,617-a-term fees are often used as a by-word for elitism, Mr Little criticised the level of discourse which falls back on using the tactic of caricaturing opponents as one it is important to rise above and which "one might have hoped" had been left behind in the last century.
The two most recent champion drivers - both British - were on hand at the Vodafone headquaters in Newbury to unveil the latest Mclaren, which is designed and built at Woking.
And in a typical example of the top quality journalism at the corporation Andrew Benson analyses the challenges facing the team.
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