2 November 2011

Capitalism in Crisis . The motto adopted by the protesters camping on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral. Hallo there! Do you think the rest of us are asleep and not aware that capitalism is in crisis? The finance ministers from the countries in the developed world have been scratching their heads now for two or three weeks to see what more they can do to avert this crisis. (In the meantime, all the protesters seem to have achieved is to have caused a schism in the clergy at St Paul’s Cathedral with both the Canon and now the Dean having resigned.) A number of eminent personages, who are meant to know about such things, still suggest that Greece will renege on paying the next instalment on its debt. This despite a proposal for rescuing them which includes writing off half of the present debt. . How many people in this country would welcome such an opportunity?

Be that as it may, the Greek government did not grasp this generous offer with both hands and fall on their knees thanking the Almighty, instead, the Greek Prime Minister has decided that he will put it to the people via a referenda. (Then presumably when things go pear shaped. He will be able to turn around and say that the people themselves are responsible as it was their choice, that is, assuming they vote not to accept the offer) Okay, I agree that the offer comes with strings attached, which may not be palatable to the Greek populace. However, they got themselves in this mess by fiddling their income tax and spending money as if it had gone out of fashion, but despite that have been offered a way out. I suspect the referenda will show a large majority in favour of rejecting the terms of this offer. Then, where will we be? If Greece goes under, i which it has been prophesied, by the same proophrt that Portugal may follow, then Italy and finally, France, all of whom, this sage goes on to suggests will leave the Eurozuro.. Heaven knows what chaos will be caused to the global financial marke,. If this comes to pass. I have always understood that it was Spain who would likelyto be in trouble next. but they had not been in the news lately, so perhaps they are out of the woods for the time being.

(I don’t know where this line appeared from or why it should be there but I cannot remove it, so please ignore it)

Coming back to the people camped on the steps of St Paul’s, what on earth do they expect us to do about capitalism being in crisis, other than what is being done? Wave a magic wand and wish all our troubles away? Establish a communist state overnight, perhaps.? No, we are stuck with capitalism, for better or for worse and we must all tighten our belts and hang on. In the end of the day it’s all about confidence

One wonders why the police did not remove the 80% of empty tents overnight, except I suppose they would have been infringing these so-called protesters human rights. I remember there was one chap who set up camp opposite the Houses of Parliament, on a traffic. island,. He ‘lived’ there for over 11 years protesting against the Iraq war (I wonder if anybody ever told him that the war had been over for some time? ) I think a number of legal attempts were made to remove him but in the end the powers that be decided to leave him there, presumably, thinking that he would soon get fet up with the uncomfortable accommodation and move voluntary.. However, give him his due, he stayed there, winter and summer until he recently passed away. I imagine some left winger will now want to have a statue erected to him on the spot! I cannot think of any other country in the world. who would put up. with this sort of thing. But then, I suppose that is something we should be proud of, the freedom allowing people to protest peaceably.

. Anyway, the world is undoubtedly in crisis financially at the moment ,and UK Ltd is as bad, if not worse than many other countries. The screw has turned and people are beginning to feel the pinch. Cuts are being made in almost every sector of society. I heard yesterday that the government is considering cutting continuing care and even those who qualify may be means tested. Alice told me this and thinks she heard something to the effect that those people who could afford it would have to pay the first £35,000 a year for continuing care, but don’t quote me on that! I just hope that having been awarded it. we might be immune from retrospective legislation. Certainly, if we were means tested. we would have to pay it and that might influence whether I go, sooner rather than later.!!

The good Dr arrived back this late evening, just before I went to bed so, no champagne tonight just a good measure of whisky for the doctor. It was a little wary after his journey. (My own regular doctor recommended years ago that the single whisky every evening was definitely good for me .Something to do with making the heart beat a little faster -but sadly, although clearly medicinal, not on the NHS!) He will be staying until Sunday so it looks as though we might get through a bottle or two of champagne unless highlight I can persuade him to switch occasionally to whisky, for which he also has a fondness. You might say if I can afford champagne then I should be means tested for continuing care. You could say that but I could not possibly comment!

Click here to see the sort of lesson that the agitators St Pauls Cathedral could well take note of. If they think Capitalism Is in Crisis, this may convince them that socialism is not the answer. I know that this, coming from America, was aimed at President Obama’s current policy but nevertheless is equally as apposite here as it is in the States.

 

 

1 November 2011

Last night was Halloween butt we were not plagued with ghosts or ghoulies orthe local children knocking on the door offering’ tririck or treat’.

Alice had a goodly provision of chocolate biscuits and other goodies to hand out in case we had our usual visit and we opted for ‘treat’. but, this year,they left us alone. Heaven knows what we would be ask to do if we said ‘trick? Maybe this is just another old tradition which is beginning to die out. Although I think the Americans, from whence I believe the tradition emanated , make still make much more of a fuss over this event than we do.

Last night I switched to sleeping in the new ‘nose only’ respirator which is far more comfortable than the one covers that both nose and mouth. The problem with this larger one is that it was likely to put pressure on the eye, which has just been operated on, which, of course, we were both anxious to avoid. In the event I had a perfectly comfortable night and got quite used to the new respirator and have decide to use it on a regular basis, from now on. The point is that, as it does not cover my mouth, as and when I get to a point where I need daytime intervention it might be possible for me to use this and still dictate at the same time.

The five-day weather forecast had promised that Tuesday was going to be ‘the best day of the week’, at least weather -wise, however at 9.15, half an hour before I was due to leave with Ollie, he telephoned and informed us of it was raining and did I really want to go. We asked iPeter the gardener and he was of the opinion that it was going to clear up, which is what the meteorological office forecast. So, on the strength of these two authorities, rather than what we could see out of the window, I decided to go, particularly as it was a relatively mild day. In the event it remained dry and is quite a pleasant day. In fact the sun burst through just about the time we got back to the clubhouse were able to sit outside smoking and drinking in comfort, this week the Major (Guy Hipkin) and John Gray did the honours, dressing me up feeding etc.

I got home about 3.15 and found that I had a four o’clock appointment with a dear old friend whose builder had gone broke on him. He wasn’t quite sure whether he should go from here. Although I was a little tired. I think I was able to help him.

. Today’s diversion might seem a little naughty to  some readers , if you are the slightest bit prudish then . please,  do not open it, otherwise , if you are a fairly free spirit, look at it and thank your lucky stars .that you did not marry an Italian. if you did , my commiserations. Click here to have a laugh

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31 October 2011

The day of my cataract operation has arrived. I left home this morning at around 11, complete with my two respirator masks, not knowing whether they would be able to carry out the procedure or not. It was all about lying flat for 30 min or so and their being able to work around the respirators. In the event there was a lot of waiting around, although the operation itself only took about 30 min. We actually lose the nose respirator as the other one was rather bulky and more difficult for them to work around. I was very apprehensive before the operation as the thought of them burning at a cataract with a laser, while I stared into a bright light was pretty scary. I needn’t have worried as there was no pain and I was not in any discomfort at any stage. I came home with a plastic garden over the high which I have to sleep in night for the next week and antibiotic and other drops which have to be administered for four weeks. Other than that the whole thing was a straightforward and I imagine my left I will clear over the next week or so

Our Prime Minister, Cameron, announced yesterday that legislation is going to be introduced to limit, or prevent, altogether, the disgusting pornographic websites which many people think are responsible for some of the horrific, sex, associated murders. We used to have a body called the British Board of Censors whose function it was through classify all of our films under A, for adult, or U for universal. Unfortunately, this Board was abolished due to the voices of the left-wingers who insisted that it was everyone’s human right to watch whatever they want to. Had the Board still been in existence,, no doubt, it may have had some role in what programmes are allowed to be picked up in this country on computers. It would certainly seem to be possible for the government to ban such programmes altogether as we have seen China imposing restrictions on what their population are allowed to see. At the same time as the British Board of Censors there was one wonderful housewife, Mary Whitehouse, who battled tirelessly against violence, sex and pornography on our screens and was the nub of many a joke but would that there were more like her today.

The main problem are the left-wingers who insist that it is everyone’s right to do what wish , including watch anything they desire, however disgusting,, provided it does not harm anyone else, but unfortunately there is no direct evidence that such harm is the result of these dreadful programmes. or at least not sufficient evidence to influence the powers that be to do anything about it. Having said that, there are certainly instances where horrific murders appear to have been inspired by something shown on television.

Talking of the left-wingers. They have been arguing to allow all of those tents on or around the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral to remain there until the occupants decide that they will leave peacefully. In other words, there was to be no forced eviction as such would be infringing the human rights of these non-violent protesters. Of course, I agree that everyone should should have the right to protest peacefully but it should not extend to denying access to our greatest church and disappointing thousands of tourists. What about their human rights? The worm has turned and I believe if the protesters don’t leave peacefully in the next day or two. they will be forcibly removed. In doing so they will undoubtedly resist and possibly attack police and then blame them for any violence which has taken place. It is a lose lose situation as far as the police are concerned, who do a splendid job under such circumstances..

The talk of the UK leaving the European Union seems to have been squashed, for the time being by the vote in the Commons strongly against carrying out a referendum on the subject. I have no doubt that if such a referendum was conducted it would be heavily in favour of us leaving the Union but it is a lot more complicated than just severing our ties with the rest of Europe. I’m greatly in favour of Cameron’s approach. He says that when your neighbour’s house is on fire, the first thing you do is to help them put out the fire and then resolve any differences you might have with them after that.. He likens the present financial difficulties of the Eurozone like the neighbours fire. Let’s get something in place that will secure the future of the Euro and then, by all means, let us attempt to drag back some of the powers which had been taken away from us by the European Parliament. I would certainly like to see our own Supreme Court being the last port of call for all appeals and not leaving the option open to any litigant to go to the European Courts on Justice, – in particular the Court of Human Rights – which is expensive and drags out: what is probably already lengthy litigation. paid for by the British taxpayer. We have had the best judicial system in the world in this country for the past 200 or 300 years and I really don’t see that we should weaken our own position by allowing a large group of disparate judges from all sorts of practically underdeveloped countries, making binding decisions for us.

What more appropriate thing to finish with them to give all my readers an eye test. Click here for a bit of fun Faithfully answer the questions before you look up the answer- no cheating!. You might be interested to know that according to this I am a genius-join the club!

30 October 2011

Carla came in at 7.00 this morning, instead of unusual 7.30, fundamentally to assist Alice in getting me to a sitting position on the edge of the bed without either pulling all my weight on one arm on or straining her. I think we may well make this a new routine. One carer coming in half an hour before the other, one during which time she can, do my tummy rubbing (if we decided to go on with it) give me my early morning tea and breakfast and then to finish shaving me before the second one turns up. This will considerably relieve ”my lovely’ in the early morning.

The good Dr. Michael left for the Airport . at 9.15 and we were left to have a quiet day together after all our recent activity. -no bad thing As I said yesterday Michael will be back in on Wednesday and, in fact, instead of leaving on Saturday. the way as originally planned ,.is now staying here until Sunday as all of the flights . he wants are full. We heard today that Qantas Airlines are on a 24 hour strike which means that there are thousands of passengers stranded in various parts of the world. What a time to do it with all the heads of the Commonwealth in Australia for their meeting with the Queen. Mick agreed with me that it’s crazy as it is common knowledge this airline is close to the brink of bankruptcy, thus the talks of them merging with Singapore Airlines. This sort of strike could be enough to push it them over the edge.

The other news, good so far as Mick is concerned, is that five-day trip, around Thailand, due to start next week, will almost certainly be cancelled due to the extensive flooding – something like 2/3. rds of the country is under water.and tourists have been advised to stay away. This is good news for Michael start next week as he was not particularly keen to go, in any event. I feel really sorry for our dear friends at the Anantara (see videos The Beautiful Anantara, as this is just the beginning of their high season.)

Now that internal struggle in Libya is over and Gaddafi is dead, NATO have formally ceased their role and we must now see what sort of administration comes from those we have been assisting to get rid of the former dictator. Quietly, going on at the same time there are sporadic uprisings in Syria, which the president says is just down to a few agitators and troublemakers but that is not the general opinion. Will that be the next country to go in this domino affect?

A little joke for you Click Here

29 October, 2011

Another busy day. I spent the first three or four hours struggling with the voice activation systems . First, the Windows 7 version until I became too frustrated at having to remember the different commands and then I switched back to Dragon, which, amazingly, behaved very well and allowed me to get most of today’s entries down before it started playing up one.

As, it was warm enough for me to go into the garden. Alice got me into my wheelchair (she’s getting quite a wizard at that single-handed) and out into the garden with a drink, my smoking stick and a little cigar just before daughter Chloe, Karl and the three grandchildren turned up for lunch.

The little ones (or rather, not so little. Fred now being 14) love the freedom of the large garden were soon tearing around as usual. I think they have not quite used to the wheelchair and I’ve no doubt that Chloe has explained, in simple terms, why I am in it. I’m sure she has told them that I’m not actually ill, but have a a problem with my muscles and, in fact, I doubt very much whether they will notice any difference this time from the last. Time they came.

It was a tossup as to whether we would eat in the garden but in the end the gusting wind drove us indoors, I must say it is a great joy to see them growing up and learn how well they getting on.in their respective schools. I think I mentioned before that Seb passed .his grammar school entrance exam, some months before he would normally have taken it and has two more schools to try before they finally make up their mind which one to send him to. Lucky them, many parents would give their right arm for a free place at one of the top ten academic grammar schools in the country. After that it will be little Lara, who I suspect is probably the brightest of all of them and certainly as bright as the boys. They are all coming here for Christmas, it fortunately, being ‘our turn’.. ‘My lovely’ has sensibly booked rooms in the very comfortable B&B at our gate as having seven extra people in the house, that is, including son Miles and Kimberly, might prove too much for her as well as looking after me. at the same time. Otherwise, hopefully it will be business as usual for which I’m very thankful ,as heaven knows where or what state I shall be in next Christmas, that’s if I’m even here!

I have to confess that after 2 ½. hours of involving myself with family I was a little tired and adjourned to my study. I seem to get breathless on these occasions, and cannot really participate in too much conversation which really saddens me, but heaven knows I’m lucky to be here and still in a position to enjoy them

After a game of croquet. they very considerably left just before 4.15, minutes before the good Dr Michael arrived from Sweden en route to Germany. It was literally a flying visit as he is due to leave at 9.15. tomorrow. You might think that Sweden to Germany via UK is a rather odd way of going but the point is we live close to Stansted airport so it’s only a 15 min taxi ride from whence he can pick up one of the cheaper airlines like like Ryanair. He’s going to stay with the Schneiders, who I had the pleasure of meeting in Sweden and who has since been here. They really are a lovely family and I’m sure will spoil him rotten. In any event he will be back here next Wednesday and we will hear all about it.

I was sorry to be rather weary when Mick arrived and at his suggestion, we did not bother with the champagne is he felt I was too tired and alcohol would made me worse. Very considerate of him.

I went to bed at the usual time , although at one stage I had suggested to Carla that we could make it 10 o’clock as the clocks go back one hour, tonight (Spring forward, fall back) and I would have to spend another hour in bed, but she was fairly firm with me when she saw me at six o’clock and said I looked tired and she thought it best if she came at the usual time, and of course she was right, I was very much ready for bed at 9.30., despite having done very little except nod off in front of the television during the evening. Even the good doctor we noticed was fast asleep from time to time so he clearly could do with the rest as well. A happy day but a full one.

Click here. to see an ingenious way of getting a fully laden truck over an raging torrent. Notice the guys bailing out the water!

28 October 2011

Today was the scheduled visit to the Arthur Rank Hospice in Cambridge. The object of the visit was to discuss two problems. One, the overnight pain. I have been suffering in my joints and secondly, the wind problem I have in my stomach.

Dr Margaret Saunders had pulled out all the stops and I was faced with a phalanx of experts. There was another doctor there called Judith, (I am not quite sure what her function was); although she did ask a number of searching questions; then there was Mark who was a pain consultant and his junior ,with a totally unpronounceable Asian name who I was allowed to call AJ- I imagine he was a registrar-and finally there was Jenny the physiotherapist.

Concentrating on the pain situation. after some discussion Mark decided that he could probably do something about the worst pain, that in my shoulder, by doing the nerve block. This involves a couple of temporary injections and then, if they show any promise, the more major nerve block operation itself. I was happy to go along with this, particularly as Mark decided that the shoulder pain probably emanated from the fourth 4^th./5^th. cervical fusion that I had had some years ago, as a result of my polo accident. (Not helped by ‘my lovely’, hauling me into a sitting position, by this arm, each morning, on the side of the bed, We are going to have to rethink this procedure ) We went ahead then with the initial injection carried out by AJ, under Mark’s supervision. Despite this procedure being carried out under local anamnestic, I can’t pretend it was very pleasant as the needle had to be pushed deeper and deeper until it hit bone – then it hurt! Nevertheless, the pain seemed to ease almost immediately-I suppose it was anaesthetised-and I am to expect a sore shoulder for about a week. Rather alarmingly Mark mentioned that there was a one in 3000 chance that ,as a result of the injection. I could experience difficulty with my lungs and breathing this evening and a careful watch had to be kept on me .At the first sign of any breathing difficulty we would have to call 999 – in the event, there was no problem.

As to the other joint pains and the bloating problem .these are matters that Margaret decided she would take up with Dr Lord, perhaps changing round some of the medication and substituting something for the Movicol – taken nightly, to avoid constipation

Despite now having been to a Hospice I am no better informed as to how it functions than I was before I went. ( I only went through the entrance into reception, then straight into a consulting room,)

This is just as well if the BBC ever gets round to making the sequel to Choosing to Die, the Hospice Way, as I have suggested to them, and they are considering, I would want to go, completely uninformed, with an open mind.

I didn’t get home until late afternoon (having had no lunch) and felt a little weary and unable to face the dozen or so e-mails that had come in, in my absence. Also, I didn’t feel up to tackling the new Windows 7, voice activation programme which I started going through yesterday. So, to finish today’s entry I will include a couple of jokes for you to chuckle over, Click here. for The Blarney Stone and then Here for medical Humour.

27 October 2011

A busy day of people coming and going. Of course, the day started in the normal way with the carers coming in to shower and dress me They were followed, mid-morning, by the domiciliary dentist, Sian, from the Saffron Waldon Community Dental Service, with her dental nurse, Sue. I had a good hygienist session and the dentist confirmed that my teeth were in pretty good condition.

Next came Sarah from Ross Nursing for my midday tummy rubbing. (aromatherapy) .When I see Dr. Saunderspice on Friday I shall discuss with her the efficacy of the tummy rubbing and then decide whether to continue with it, three times a day, as we had been doing for the past or four months.

After Sarah left there was just time to squeeze in my lunch before Paul (the computer) came for yet more tinkering with my laptop and to introduce me to Windows 7 voice activation. which is built into Office 2010 (which I used to for this entire entry without much difficulty). The work that Paul has done so far will, at least, enable us to isolate the problem, either as Dragon or something else . We should not really have had to be doing at this as a starting point which I would have expected the Dragon technicians to have started with asome months ago. I must say, with a minimal training, and not being used to the slightly different commands, I was pretty impressed at how quickly I picked up the Windows 7 system. Whereas, in the past, I was under the impression that the there’s nothing to equal the accuracy of Dragon, I shall have no hesitation in recommending the Windows 7 system before deciding whether that will do or they need something slightly more sophisticated At least, it gives me a backstop in the event that the Dragon people fail to resolve my problem. There is still no word from them, which frankly I think it’s absolutely disgraceful, particularly as they have been aware, for sometime, ,that I am severely disabled and rely heavily on this ,means of communication.

Finally, my GP, Dr. Annette Lort came to give me a flu jab and generally catch up on how I am doing.

In between all these visits I initially struggled wth Dragon to complete my blog entry which, over the past few days, as got infuriatingly frustrating as it keeps freezing after a few words and therefore makes fluid dictation almost impossible.

After that long weary entry of woe the reader deserves something rather special. So I have reproduced some beautiful photographs of the Grand Canyon as you have never seen it before. Click here. Bear in mind that this enormous crevice in the earth’s crust was
initially carved out by a glacier in the last ice age, tens of millions ofyears ago. In a funny sort of way. it reminds me of my Yangtze River trip and
t he high cliffs either side, rising anything up to 300 m from the river below.

26 October 2011

I had the most frustrating days. Today need I say why, it was thilat wretched Dragon again. Paul has stripped most programmes down and reinstalled them from scratch which we hoped would have solved the problem, but to no avail. I’m getting so desperate now that I’m considering switching to the Windows 7 voice activation system which is building to the computer. I’m told that I can expect around 95% accuracy compared with the 100% I should be getting if Dragon was working properly.

 

Reverting to the demonstration at St Pauls Cathedral. that I wrote about yesterday It has become sufficiently serious for the Editor of The Times to make it his leading editorial. His views can be summed up to the heading ‘Don’t Carry on Camping-. However well spoken and idealistic. these St Paul’s protesters are acting without consideration for others and should depart’ “I can do no better than to quote from this leader ‘…the continuing occupation is now violating the amenity of visitors and people who work nearby. Sir Christopher Wren’s designs for the front aspect of his masterwork did not include a large number of tents (empty or not).. To be able to enjoy the view of the cathedral.. is an important right, as is the ability to visit it unimpeded. If occupiers simply say they will stay there as long as they choose, without considering the needs of others, they are being discourteous and selfish.

 

……..

 

This is a matter of liberty, but not just of freedom of speech. For as well as the right to protest, there is a right to worship and the right of free religious assembly…….’

25 October 2011

Having successfully effected the Dale Farm evacuation. we are now faced with another protest this time, according to the placards challenging the status quo With the slogan Capitalism Is Crisis’. As Libby Purvis said in today’s Times “Enough of this Glastonbury of grievance”

Her main irritation “ is with the Occupy protesters themselves and their bombastic announcement that they may well stay beyond Christmas. That’s not Christian, kind or reasonable.” She considered the other protests going on in the US, Germany, Italy and Greece; some of which, as she says “are interesting in focus, particularly on the overweeng ing power of corporations and the kowtowing of governments to big-money. Most are less impressive “. She “especially liked the German lad who arrived without a tent or sleeping bag, because’ there are always spares’ and is relaxed about time because, though he lost his job while ago, is on full pay until the end of November.’ Who, and what system does he think is paying him to sit in someone else’s tent being righteous?” I particularly liked her conclusion that this protest. “Is, basically a, tented tantrum. A nylon –roofed, media-savvy, Twitterati, festival-inspired, Glasto-generation sulk” I am left with the impression that like most of the rest of us, as Queen Victoria said ‘ we are not amuse

The world’s finance ministers, meeting in Geneva (?) have been struggling with the problems over the Euro while the rest of the world waits. with bated breath. There is no doubt that we are still near the precipice of disaster in terms of the global economic situation and it would take very little to push the world over the edge. (I don’t want to appear to be a clever Dick but I did point this out on my blog months before the rest of the world made public their concern) The most urgent matter to resolve is how to deal with Greece if it defaults on its loans. It appears that they are getting to grips with this and more, by looking forward to what would happen if Italy and/or Spain, followed Greece[s default A trillion Euro fund is being set up

(I’m not sure how many noughts that is as the Americans seem to vary from the English over this terminology but nevertheless it is a pretty large fund) to cater for this eventuality but this will not be in place before Christmas. Let us hope that nothing drastic happens in the meantime.

Capitalism in Crisis might well be so, but I can’t help feeling that these protesters who are currently camped on the steps of St Paul’s Cathedral are onto a loser this time, particularly the lady who says she will remain there until Capitalism is abolished. The problem was that when these protesters turned up initially, the Canon of the Cathedral – or somebody equally as Christian and well meaning – made the mistake of welcoming them, presumably on the assumption that it was a one-day job and that they would then disappear. Instead of that an entire forest of tents has been erected on and around the steps of the Cathedral to house agitators, although it appears that 80% or so of them return to the comfort of their homes overnight and come back the following morning.

As a result of these agitators, one of our greatest churches has been forced to close its doors against the thousands of tourists who come here every year to visit it. Surely the Cathedral authorities could formally complain now against this occupation and have these people removed before the United Nations Committee for Human Rights l ends then was its support, inexplicably as it did with the Dale Farm squatters.

With the world in woe I finish this rather boring entry with something in which we can all take comfort, that is our magnificent Queen. As I said before she’s on her 18th visit to Australia and click here to see a photograph of a brilliant ambassadorial 85-year-old. (How proud must be the mum of the grinning sailor behind the Queen, I’m sure that this photograph in pride of place in his home)

24 October 2011

Today, Dr Saunders from the Rank Hospice, Cambridge, was scheduled to come here about the night pain in my joints, from which I am sporadically suffering . However, on reflection, she decided it would be better if I went to the hospice, where there are other consultants available on whom she could call. I think she had in mind the possibility of a nerve block, which I had once before on my shoulder, but which, in this instance, as all the joints are involved. I cannot think is the right answer. Anyway, I am now rescheduled to attend the Hospice this Friday.

 

Yesterday, I spoke to Craig Hunter, the producer of the controversial television programme, featuring Sir Terry Prachett, Choosing to Die.(See 15 June 2011 entry). Following the broadcast I spoke to the producer, Craig Hunter, and suggested a sequel, based on The Hospice. As Sir Terry nor I have never been to a hospice, I thought we could go together and try kill the myth that a Hospice is somewhere you go to die. This suggestion was put to the BBC wlo are still considering it. Craig said that he would chase them pointing out if I am to play a small role my predicted life span lessons week by week.

Having a little unexpected time on my hands, I decided to write to the person who sent me the mysterious Nepalese film (see 15th October entry). I was absolutely amazed at how beautiful was this film. There was no indication of where it was shot on the box, on other hand the scenery and subject matter appeared to me to be Nepalese or possibly Tibetan. I am very curious to know who the person is who kindly sent it to me and why with no covering letter or note other than a sender’s label on the back of the package. So, I have written what I hope is a nice thank you letter, the reply to which should satisfy my curiosity.

 

As another week gone by without any response from Dragon concerning my voice activation problems, I wrote to the senior technician, Ruben, pointing out that I had had 53 telephone calls to him at what I discovered, is a premium rate. Admittedly, only six pence a minute but a premium rate nevertheless. The lady who answers the technicians telephone informs the caller that the service is free, but does not qualify this by saying except for the telephone call, which is at a premium rate etc , therefore I asked Rubin to refund me the £37. For the first time ever. his response was rapid, as I might have expected. It is not our policy to…et al I responded to this, saying that it is a pity that they cannot deal with my problems as swiftly and asked him WHEN I could expect an answer. When Paul comes tomorrow. I think I will discuss with him the possibility of throwing this whole thing back to AbilityNet for it is, after all, that company with whom Dragon have a contract.