November 2007

Sir Ian Blair,public figure I've never taken part in a pub quiz, or even seen one for that matter, and I don't really like pubs. But I am an inveterate dreamer, so I say, imagine the tension after an evening, with scores level, as two teams square up to each other for the final question down at the local on quiz night. There is much pride and reputation riding on the result of the match. The audience has watched in awe as questions on Latin and obscure elements from the periodic table are dealt with at great speed and with effortless confidence, almost arrogance. The question asking for the name of the first astronaut to be heard whistling while in space takes a little longer, and some conferring but not much longer. These people are amazing, it is both a privilege, and shaming, to be in the same room with them. Then comes the killer question, "name the last public figure to resign as a consequence of public outcry, and a sense of duty". The clock can be heard ticking, far away irreverent traffic continues to make a noise, closer, tears are held, but only just, in check. The listener becomes aware of their breathing as if part of a Buddhist relaxation technique. Finally defeat is acknowledged, the clever are humiliated and even the distant relatives of the contestants admit to being gobsmacked.

Decorated, but without honourWho would know the thinking behind the recent decision taken by General Musharraf to allow the state even more powers in Pakistan?

gravestoneI gather from Hansard that John Mann MP has found that there have been but two deaths in 28 years from falling gravestones. Indeed it was Mr Mann who had to put this on record, in fact answering his own question in the House of Commons,as there are no centrally and officially collected figures. Mr Mann is annoyed that, in view of this number, the responsible authorities continue to act irrationally and lay the stones flat, despite the low risk of their falling. Is this another example of the rampant health and safety mindset that has done so much to skew decision-making in the UK? As I type, our neighbourhood is in the third week of what sounds like an artillery battle, but is really the run up to Guy Fawkes' night. I'm grateful to Mr Mann for shedding light on this gravestone matter, and had Guy Fawkes got his way I imagine many more than 2 people would have died as a result of the explosion he planned. I've no idea how many people die each year as a result of fireworks, perhaps Mr Mann could ask? My point being that the 'authorities' always seem to concentrate on the most bizarre things, while leaving other matters untouched. I wonder if Guy Fawkes had an opinion on this? History does not record if he did, ah well.