I’m just about recovered from Cheltenham, which was as usual a full programme of events all day and networking all night.
I was glad to see Simon Singh there. Simon’s outspoken criticism of the claims made by chiropractors has resulted in the British Chiropractic Association taking him to court for libel.
The British libel laws, long overdue for reform, work only to stifle free debate with the threat of enormous financial penalties. Science – like politics and the arts – relies on free and open discussion to progress.
You can learn about the campaign to keep libel laws out of science here. I hope the campaign succeeds, and I hope it also refreshes the spirit of scientific enquiry that has been eroded lately.
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Introduction

Freethinking, subversive, pro-enlightenment and anti-establishment, irresponsible hedonist or deep humanist, … Well, look, if I could summarise myself in 50 words I wouldn’t need such a big website, would I? Take a stroll down the professional menu to the left, or amble through my interests below.

Work

Writing is what I do mostly. Some of it is factual, journalism mainly but with more (and less) substantial pieces too. Other stuff is humorous, anything from the odd gag for topical comedy shows to full- length feature film scripts.

I also perform comedy myself. Improvised shows with fellow performers and musicians from Instant Wit, also science-themed double-act the Comedy Research Project, some solo stand up, compèring and things like panel games.

All of which is great practice for hosting serious events - debates on science and politics, speeches, competitions and launches. And of course I’m always happy to share my own opinions with an audience, live or broadcast.

Principal Interests

Flying, riding, driving, and generally kicking back against the New Puritans; Twentieth Century Opera and Twenty-First Century engineering; follow the orange links below to specific interests.