Update on a previous post.

You receive an email from someone you know (or at least someone who knows you) with a terrible tale of being robbed in a foreign country and needing help.

Of course, it’s a scam, but an interesting scam, I’ll grant you.

To stop this from happening to you:

• Run a malware/virus checker. I recommend avast! which is free for home use.
• Use a strong password (i.e. not “password” or your dog’s name or “ManUnited”)

Oh yes, and this was my reply to the scammers:

So sorry to hear about your troubles. My apologies for not responding sooner.

If I'd known you were going to Madrid, I would have offered you use of my apartment. If you're still there, by all means head over to Calle de Rafael Calvo, 33, 28010. There is a spare key under the plant pot to the left of the door.

We had a Plasma TV installed for the World Cup, so feel free to relax and recover for as long as your need!

Give me a bell when you're sorted.

Best wishes,

James

Nominations Requested

As parliament (not Parliament) winds down for its summer recess, now is a good time to think about your nominations for Bristol’s Parliamentarian of the Year 2010.

In traditional fashion (which I just made up) nominations for this award begin one week before the House rises for summer recess. The winner will be announced on the day preceding the return of the House. (5th September 2010)

Being an MP is not just about acting as “lobby fodder” for the Government in crucial votes, or taking on the role of glorified social worker for the less well-balanced members of their local community.

The fundamental role of a member of parliament is to read, scrutinise and ultimately contribute to legislation that affects every citizen of this county. This award exists to recognise the contribution of Bristol’s MPs to the parliamentary process, to encourage you to read Hansard (The House of Commons Daily Debates) and to highlight particularly worthy actions by your local MPs.

Eligible Members In Government

Charlotte Leslie MP, Bristol North West

Stephen Williams MP, Bristol West

In Opposition

Kerry McCarthy MP, Bristol East

Dawn Primarolo MP, Bristol South

Retired/Unreturned

Doug Naysmith, formerly Bristol North West 

How to make a nomination

Please send your nominations to BPY2010@jamesbarlow.co.uk, including the following information:

• The Name of the parliamentarian you wish to nominate.
• The specific action taken in Parliamentary debate for which you wish to nominate them, with reference to Hansard. The action should have taken place in the period since the preceding summer recess. For 2010, the qualifying period is 12th October 2009 – 27th July 2010
• The reason why you feel this action justifies recognition.

Judges

I’m seeking a panel of local citizens to review nominations and declare a winner. Please contact BPY2010@jamesbarlow.co.uk if you’re interested.

Sponsorship

I’m seeking sponsorship from private individuals, local businesses or community groups to pay for the administration of this award, the production of a trophy, and any incidental expenses that may arise.

If you or your company/group would be interested in sponsoring this award, please contact BPY2010@jamesbarlow.co.uk for further information.

Trophy

I’ve prepared the following preliminary sketches of what the trophy could look like, as a certificate, engraved plaque or (my personal favourite) a Bristol Blue Glass commemorative plate.