Wow! A think tank making sense?

I must have read the article wrong. In the Guardian today, a think tank report published by the Centre for Policy Studies is recommending that there should be a single agency responsible for dealing with all benefit claims, and that one application should be enough to cover them all. Have I read it right? It [...]

Genetics or chance?

I apologise in advance for the poor picture quality of my ‘letters’ – I photographed them rather than scanning them onto my computer, purely out of laziness – the camera was right by my side, whereas I would have had to walk into the next room to use the scanner! However, it’s readable, so I’m [...]

And life goes on…

Life goes on. This is something we say after bad things happen. It is equally true, though, after good and exciting and long-hoped-for things happen. I am thrilled that Senator Obama is now the President Elect. Like my Mum, I think I am probably a natural Democrat. I am excited and hopeful for the next [...]

And now we wait…

So, it’s finally here. 4th November 2008. US Election Day. Anxious eyes around the world clock watch as the minutes pass ever more slowly towards the closing of the polls in America. Please, if you are a US citizen, go and vote. Preferably for Senator Obama, but please vote. Think about how many things are affected [...]

Good old bilingual road signs! Always good for a laugh!

Please, please have a look at this article on the BBC website today – surely this can only happen in Wales?!? Is there anywhere else in the world where this sort of error routinely happens? Just in case you can’t be bothered to read the whole thing – here’s a teaser for you; When officials [...]

Best investment practices?

Last night, my husband was happy to point out this article which highlights a far more productive use of money over the past year than many traditional savings or stock schemes; This is the best financial advice I’ve heard all week: If you had purchased £1000 of Northern Rock shares one year ago it  would [...]

Lack of provision for Stroke survivors in Mid-Wales

I was disappointed but not unduly surprised to read today about the lack of rehabilitation and related aftercare that there is in Mid Wales for survivors of strokes. I grew up in Mid Wales, in the county of Ceredigion, and the local people grew accustomed to having to travel long distances for health care. My [...]

Gordon Brown is in his element

Isn’t Gordon Brown looking more comfortable recently? With the current financial (I don’t want to use the word ‘crisis’) situation, I think he is more in his comfort zone, as he was for such a long time Chancellor of the Exchequer to such good effect. I have felt quite sorry for him since he took office [...]

‘Faecal bacteria’ – why not just say poo!

My daily trawl of the BBC News website has highlighted another disturbing news article, this time about the amount of ‘faecal bacteria’ on commuters’ hands in England and Wales – ewww! Makes me glad that I don’t generally have to use a bus more than once a week. And it also makes me think that [...]

Can Madonna and Guy have some privacy, please?

It is being reported that Madonna and Guy Ritchie are about to announce their imminent divorce. If this is true, is it too much to ask that they are allowed some privacy in sorting out their personal life in the coming months? There are children involved, and I’m sure that the whole process would be [...]