I heard a quote this morning from a 19th century French statesman: "When we ask for advice, we are usually looking for an accomplice". It resonated with me. Whether consciously or sub-consciously, I think we are happiest when we are met with agreement. We don't have to think too hard then and we … [Read more...]
Francis Blake of London N17 – just got to quote you!
I was really taken with this letter in The Guardian (5/10/11) Notes & Queries page because it made me still with wonder. I have no idea whether I am allowed to just copy and paste a reader's letter but in good faith I have to! Bravo The Guardian - not only has it the smartest writers but … [Read more...]
Around Ireland with an Appetite
I have recently returned from a "Round Ireland with an Appetite" trip and was so proud that everywhere I went (yes everywhere) the customer service was excellent. From the smallest tea-shop to celebrated restaurants and all stops in between - the "one-step-extra" service just lightened my … [Read more...]
Why we need the Nanny State
As I watched the news yesterday about the cage fighting club in Preston, Lancashire - I heard a father of an eight year old, in defence of allowing his son to take part in this awful spectacle "What else would he be doing - out on the street causing havoc?". Let's just clarify this for a moment: … [Read more...]
Jonathan Ross and his role in stamping out anti-social behaviour
I was listening to Michael McIntyre on Radio 4's Desert Islands Discs recently and was particularly moved by something he said about the vitriol aimed at him by some other comedians at an award ceremony he attended. He recalled how awful it was to have snide comments made about him in front of his … [Read more...]
Where do children learn to reason?
Several years ago, I watched a fly-on-the wall television documentary that followed public school pupils through their daily school experience and I remember desperately wishing that just one element could be transferred to the state system: the opportunities that were offered to these pupils to … [Read more...]
Interview with Rt.Hon Alan Johnson MP
I interviewed the Rt.Hon Alan Johnson MP for our new page to celebrate people who have changed their destination: people who, despite unconventional or difficult beginnings, have flourished and determined a different life. Having long been an admirer of his, I asked Alan to be the first person to … [Read more...]
“In Recovery” a forever state of mind?
I met with a very interesting man this week whose name we have changed of course. "Callum" was struggling with his stress levels and is frightened of this as he considers that not managing them well could lead him back to his old habits of Class A Drug use of nine years earlier. During our … [Read more...]
Struggling to find a window for the euthanasia plan……
I couldn't help but think about Bill O'Hanlon (the founder of Solution Orientated thinking) when I read about the writer and director, Terry Pratchett's plan to sign up for Dignitas, the euthanasia clinic. Terry was diagnosed with Alzheimers in 2008. The story Bill O'Hanlon tells about himself is … [Read more...]
Popstar to Opera Star – the wider benefit for us all
Despite the formulaic "nice judge, nasty judge, professional judge" panel structure that hasn't changed since "New Faces" of the 1970s - ITV's Popstar to Opera Star is of wider benefit than just to the contestants. It provides an introduction classical music, wrapped up in a glitzy competition - a … [Read more...]
