If a big idea is a good idea, it's worth nicking. Isn't it, Dave?
• A fascinating read indeed is Daniel Kawczynski's book Seeking Gaddafi. As mentioned here, the Tory MP paints a vivid picture of the Colonel: outlining Gaddafi's philosophies – some clearly revolutionary, some half-crazed. This one catches the eye. Gaddafi's "stunning announcement in September 2008 that he would abolish most of the institutions of government, no more education and health departments, just money paid directly to people to allow them to take care of their own needs". Power to the people. "Small bodies would be set up to replace central government ministries. Gaddafi told the nation: 'Each one of you, prepare to take your portion of the wealth and spend it as you wish. As long as money is administered by a government body, there will be theft and corruption.'" If only Gaddafi had thought to call it the "big society".
• And who, we asked, was the lout in the lift at the House of Commons who barked at Labour MP Stella Creasy, thinking it bizarre that she, and the female member of the public with her, should presume to use facilities set aside for honourable members? Creasy now knows, because, as the hunt gathered pace, the miscreant stepped forward with a letter of apology to her, if not to the civilian involved. It isn't Creasy's way to name and shame. Still, these things will emerge. Perhaps it was with that in mind that defence minister Andrew Robathan yesterday outed himself to reporters. Impossible to recognise every new MP, he said. An easy solution of course – just be nice.
• So the "dodgy dossier" was dodgy. That's a reasonable conclusion to reach following the disclosure of new evidence sent to the Iraq inquiry by Major General Michael Laurie, who worked for the defence intelligence staff. Was the dossier designed to make the case for war? "I and those involved in its production saw it exactly as that, and that was the direction we were given," he said. Little chance of hauling back Tony Blair for further questioning. He's already been grilled by the inquiry twice, and anyway, he's busy. Coming up, the chance for Australians to hear from the man for whom no job is too big, no fee too outlandish. Tickets start at A$1,000 (£650) for hard-up types. A$1,500 (£979) buys a place at the "meet and greet" and a photograph with Tony. Five cities on the tour. The subject is leadership. Our questions relate to authorship. But Tony's moved on.
• A letter arrives from our friends in the British National party. They're not happy. "It has come to our attention that some media outlets and publications are still using our old logo. Please accept this communication as written official notification that we, the British National party, have changed our official logo from the letters BNP with union flag infill to the stylised heart with union flag infill and the words 'British National Party' beside the heart." So that's no tall leather boots, no images of robes and pointy hats. Just the heart and the union flag, and the design Nick Griffin nicked from the Tories. Got it.
• Proof that, for all her culinary genius, it doesn't always pay to listen to Delia Smith. This was Delia last week, greeting the promotion of her beloved Norwich City with a vow of silence to raise funds for charity. "I am supporting Million Minutes because it's important to stand alongside young people. … What my 70 years on this planet can offer you is my utter conviction of the importance of allowing some time for stillness and silence in daily life." This was Delia on Tuesday, celebrating with 40,000 fans after a champagne reception by grabbing the microphone, insisting the club had escaped relegation and mispronouncing the name of the manager. "Come on, let's be 'aving you," yelled Delia, reprising her terrace battle cry. "We haven't gotta go up in the frigging play-offs next year." There is, as she says, a time for stillness and silence. This was not the time.
• Finally, many interesting things emerge from the talk between the Word magazine and the rock of all ages Keith Richards but what stays in the mind is the fact that one of his dogs is called Syphilis and the other Ratbag. It enlivens their little walks in the park.