Thought control in the form of political correctness
When I was younger, I loved to sit and watch the beauty pageants – Miss USA and Miss America. I enjoyed the Miss USA pageant more because it seemed more glamourous. Though I would roll my eyes when it came to interview time. If I had a favourite, I would worry that she might not [...]
Protesting against protests
I wonder if people ever wake up in the mornings and thank their lucky stars that they live in a free country. Or, do they like to wake up and wonder what they could possibly find to complain about for the day, what new issues to protest against? In a country where the right to [...]
Rewards or consequences for whistleblowers
Barbara Young, the chairman of the Care Quality Commission, has urged doctors and nurses to be more forthcoming in reporting bad care after the scandal at Stafford Hospital. While it does seem reasonable to suggest that more doctors and nurses should become whistleblowers to expose failures in the health care system, there is not much [...]
A Quick decision
What happened to the days of dark sunglasses and black briefcases? It may be stereotypical of our image of secret service agents, but how effective. Assistant Commissioner Bob Quick may not have had to resign had he kept that image up. Mr. Quick should have been accustomed to going through a line of journalists and [...]
My reactions for the week
There were many stories for which I could not dedicate an entire blog to, so I’m lumping them all into one. 1. It was supposed to be a 2p fuel tax, so why have fuel prices risen by 5p? 2. The price of tea has gone up due to a decrease in supply from Kenya, [...]
Dignitas seeking assisted suicides for everyone
The points made by Dignitas founder Ludwig Minelli have me shuddering. It is as if he has no social conscience whatsoever. The idea that anyone wishing to end their life should be allowed to do so, and even assisted, is repugnant. He doesn’t like the idea of “paternalism†– that we should protect people from [...]
A case of technology over-riding common sense
The fact that people still rely solely on satellite navigation to get them to their destination astounds me. I have had experience with such devices and have found some of their directions completely mystifying. Others consider me old-fashioned, but at least I know how to read a map. Now SatNav, or GPS (as it is [...]
Baggage handlers can’t handle the baggage
Working as a baggage handler must be tough. You have to be fit and strong to manage the loads that come off of those conveyor belts. There is always the risk of back strain as you bend and lift. So, anyone going into this line of work must be prepared for its sheer physical demand, [...]
How to serve immigrants who can’t speak English
What do you do if you are in a foreign country and cannot speak the language? It’s best to always be prepared and learn a few phrases beforehand, but sometimes that is not sufficient. What other advice would you give a foreigner? How about getting yourself a bilingual dictionary? How about finding someone who can [...]
Views on death and dying
Death and dying has become such a sensitive and controversial issue. Over the past few months, assisted suicide headlines have appeared quite frequently. Then, just yesterday, there was a BBC article on the ‘pious’ clinging to life. These two diametrically opposed views invite serious contemplations about our own personal stance on living and dying. I [...]
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