COMMENT
If there was anything more revolting than seeing children looting JJB outlets before setting fire to them, it was Theresa May endlessly parroting the line devised by her masters, namely: "it's criminality, pure and simple, and these criminals will face the consequences of their actions."
I swear I heard her say this 9 times in a single 3 minute interview on radio 5.
In fact, she and the government have been so anxious to sell this line that I begin to feel they do not actually believe it themselves, and that the real cause is indeed the revenge of a disaffected youth railing against the further privations the latest round of Tory cuts has brought about in their lives. In which case I can only stand with them, at least in a moral sense, as they torch the emblems of a capitalist establishment that cares little for them or their kind.
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
Saturday, 6 August 2011
tragedy on Svalbard
COMMENT
Yesterday on Svalbard, a remote island north of the Arctic Circle, a hapless outward bound student was attacked and killed by a polar bear. It succeeded in badly mauling 4 other young people before it was eventually dispatched with a bullet.
The dead boy was 17. That's a rotten age to leave the world: you haven't really had a chance to live yet. And the parents, inconsolable in their loss.. "Who'd a thought he'd go that way", they must be puzzling.
But what happened really there? A party of young people, more or less a tourist group, is taken into the domain one of the most naturally aggressive animals in the world, and one who looks upon human beings as food sources. And at the height of the summer, when the sea ice is all but gone, the bears are nearing starvation. They must abandon the sea which is their normal habitat, and eke out their meagre existence on the unfamiliar, and in this one's case, dangerous, land.
I have a suggestion : in view of the environmental pressure those magnificent but beleaguered creatures are under, they should be left alone in their dwindling habitats as far as possible. And that means no more tourist groups of whatever description. It might help more people survive, and perhaps more bears too. We owe it to them, if we are to consider ourselves an advanced civilisation.
Yesterday on Svalbard, a remote island north of the Arctic Circle, a hapless outward bound student was attacked and killed by a polar bear. It succeeded in badly mauling 4 other young people before it was eventually dispatched with a bullet.
The dead boy was 17. That's a rotten age to leave the world: you haven't really had a chance to live yet. And the parents, inconsolable in their loss.. "Who'd a thought he'd go that way", they must be puzzling.
But what happened really there? A party of young people, more or less a tourist group, is taken into the domain one of the most naturally aggressive animals in the world, and one who looks upon human beings as food sources. And at the height of the summer, when the sea ice is all but gone, the bears are nearing starvation. They must abandon the sea which is their normal habitat, and eke out their meagre existence on the unfamiliar, and in this one's case, dangerous, land.
I have a suggestion : in view of the environmental pressure those magnificent but beleaguered creatures are under, they should be left alone in their dwindling habitats as far as possible. And that means no more tourist groups of whatever description. It might help more people survive, and perhaps more bears too. We owe it to them, if we are to consider ourselves an advanced civilisation.
Wednesday, 3 August 2011
beurocracy gone mad dept.
On Monday I was asked to do an urgent house call on the way into surgery. Consequently I did not have the benefit of having her notes with me. Fortunately, as I knew her well they were not really necessary. Or so I thought.
On my arrival, having been let in by an elderly neighbour, I found a confused old lady, off her feet (a doctor's expression for being unable to walk) and, as she was living alone, completely unable to look after herself. I phoned the local hospital to arrange emergency admission, something I have done literally hundreds of times in the past. I gave the patients' details, then was asked to give the postcode of her house.
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't know it", I responded.
"Can't the patient supply it?"
"I'm afraid not. She's rather confused, you see, as I explained earlier."
"Well I'm sorry, doctor, but I can't send an ambulance out to you until I get a postcode."
I will admit that at this point I became a little testy.
"Oh really? So if the patient simply sits here at home and dies of neglect, I can tell the coroner's inquest that although I gave you the correct address, you wouldn't send an ambulance here because I didn't give you the postcode? How do you think that's going to look?"
"There's no need for you to adopt that tone of voice with me, doctor. I'm just doing me job as I've been trained to do."
It took a lot more persuading, cajoling and, eventually, abuse, before the operator accepted the admission. But before I put the phone down, I said:
"Thank you for that. I'm now going home to memorise the postcode of all 4000 of my patients. Goodbye."
On my arrival, having been let in by an elderly neighbour, I found a confused old lady, off her feet (a doctor's expression for being unable to walk) and, as she was living alone, completely unable to look after herself. I phoned the local hospital to arrange emergency admission, something I have done literally hundreds of times in the past. I gave the patients' details, then was asked to give the postcode of her house.
"I'm sorry, I'm afraid I don't know it", I responded.
"Can't the patient supply it?"
"I'm afraid not. She's rather confused, you see, as I explained earlier."
"Well I'm sorry, doctor, but I can't send an ambulance out to you until I get a postcode."
I will admit that at this point I became a little testy.
"Oh really? So if the patient simply sits here at home and dies of neglect, I can tell the coroner's inquest that although I gave you the correct address, you wouldn't send an ambulance here because I didn't give you the postcode? How do you think that's going to look?"
"There's no need for you to adopt that tone of voice with me, doctor. I'm just doing me job as I've been trained to do."
It took a lot more persuading, cajoling and, eventually, abuse, before the operator accepted the admission. But before I put the phone down, I said:
"Thank you for that. I'm now going home to memorise the postcode of all 4000 of my patients. Goodbye."
Sunday, 31 July 2011
july book and film review
BOOKS
THE GIFT OF THE MAGI AND OTHER STORIES, by O Henry. The language and style of these stories have dated somewhat in the 100-plus years since they were written, but O still teaches how it is done: good characterisation, a narrative that sucks you in then delivers a surprise ending almost in the last sentence. If you only want to try one, then read the story from which the book derives its name: it's an absolute gem.
PARIS STORIES, by Mavis Gallant. Gallant's stories are much subtler than O Henry's with layers of meaning unstated in the text, but floating in the air around the story. Absorbing.
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S and other stories, by Truman Capote. The story that brought the attention of the world to Capote's great creation, Holly Golightly. Quite simply, a minor masterpiece. And the other stories, especially "House of Flowers" are a delight too.
THE SONG OF ROWLAND (French, anon, early 12th century) In the 8th century, Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne and his trusty lieutenant Rowland clash with a Moorish army intent on occupying France and converting all Europe to Islam. An epic tale of valour and betrayal that they ought to make into a Hollywood blockbuster. One is immediately drawn into an alien and frightening world, which continues to hold its grip on the reader even 800 years after it was first set down on paper.
FINNEGAN'S WAKE, by James Joyce (Naxos audiobooks, read by Jim Norton) Well known as one of the most impenetrable books of the 20th century, this is perhaps a reasonable taster for the real thing. It may be abstruse or even apparently gobblydegook at times, but it is also extremely funny and moving. Jim Norton's gentle Irish brogue brings the narrative to life, while the listener settles into a world of delight and confusion.
My best FW story: a friend, an eminent man of letters who read classics at Oxford, told me the only person he'd ever met who'd read it all the way through was the night porter at Merton Collage. Sweet...
FILMS
SALT (2010) D-Philip Noyce. Angelina Jolie plays one of those communist sleepers (remember the Manchurian Candidate?) but exactly whose side is she on? It's a slick, high-end actioner, but the end result is essentially sterile.
FLASHPOINT (2007) D-Wilson Yip. In pre-handover Hong Kong, cop Donnie Yen fights the evil drug dealers. The new Bruce Lee he ain't, but if you like a lot of highly authentic-looking kicking and punching, you'll like this a lot.
THE TURNING POINT (1979) D-Herbert Ross. A prima-ballerina is approaching her sell-by date, while her friend, who abandoned her dancing career to raise a family, compare notes. With a stellar cast (Shirley Maclaine and Anne Bancroft) and a top director, this should have been excellent, but it seems strangely dated today. Only the scenes of the actual performances, especially when the incomparable Baryshnikov is on screen, still shine.
CENTRAL STATION (1998, Brazil)D-Walter Salles. A woman befriends an abandoned child, and for reasons unclear even to her, helps him search for his father. A touching little piece, beautifully realised.
MAN OF ARAN (1934) D-Robert Flaherty. In the remote Aran islands off Ireland's west coast, a family ekes out an existence that hasn't changed much for a thousand years. One of the first "mocumentaries", this moving, highly naturalistic film was enormously influential in the development of the documentary film. Amazing.
THE DEVIL, PROBABLY (1977) D-Robert Bresson. A young man tries politics, psychotherapy and even the Catholic church in his search for meaning, but despite the fact that a number of very good-looking women seem to find him irresistible, happiness remains elusive. One of Bresson's best, with his usual slow-motion style nonetheless gripping the attention throughout.
SHE DONE HIM WRONG (1934)D-Lowelll Sherman. A good-time girl gets mixed up with the mob, while an incredibly youthful-looking Cary Grant can't take his eyes off her. But is he everything he seems? Early Mae West vehicle which showcased her talent as the wise-cracking vamp who's smarter than everyone around her. Watchable.
THE VIRGIN SPRING (1959) D-Ingmar Bergman. A family of devout Christians live out their lives in rural Sweden, but their adopted daughter makes secret offerings to Odin... Tremendously atmospheric piece from the master. Unmissable.
RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE (2010) D-PWS Anderson. From the sublime to the... One of those movies that has spun off from a computer game, and it shows. Most notable for its strong female leads (Milla Jovavitch and Ali Larter) who don't need no men to prevail against evil.
IT'S COMPLICATED (2009)D-Nancy Meyers. Yes, and a bit boring too. Streep has been distinguishing every movie she's been in for 3 decades, but even so I found this over-long and pleased with itself.
TAMARA DREWE (2010) D-Stephen Frears. A novelist and his wife rent their house to aspiring writers, but then their own behaviour begins to provide material as well as B and B for their guests...Based on Posy Simmonds' graphic novel, this is the kind of film we Brits do well. Good acting, writing and directing make this a perfectly satisfying and undemanding piece of light entertainment.
THE GIFT OF THE MAGI AND OTHER STORIES, by O Henry. The language and style of these stories have dated somewhat in the 100-plus years since they were written, but O still teaches how it is done: good characterisation, a narrative that sucks you in then delivers a surprise ending almost in the last sentence. If you only want to try one, then read the story from which the book derives its name: it's an absolute gem.
PARIS STORIES, by Mavis Gallant. Gallant's stories are much subtler than O Henry's with layers of meaning unstated in the text, but floating in the air around the story. Absorbing.
BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY'S and other stories, by Truman Capote. The story that brought the attention of the world to Capote's great creation, Holly Golightly. Quite simply, a minor masterpiece. And the other stories, especially "House of Flowers" are a delight too.
THE SONG OF ROWLAND (French, anon, early 12th century) In the 8th century, Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne and his trusty lieutenant Rowland clash with a Moorish army intent on occupying France and converting all Europe to Islam. An epic tale of valour and betrayal that they ought to make into a Hollywood blockbuster. One is immediately drawn into an alien and frightening world, which continues to hold its grip on the reader even 800 years after it was first set down on paper.
FINNEGAN'S WAKE, by James Joyce (Naxos audiobooks, read by Jim Norton) Well known as one of the most impenetrable books of the 20th century, this is perhaps a reasonable taster for the real thing. It may be abstruse or even apparently gobblydegook at times, but it is also extremely funny and moving. Jim Norton's gentle Irish brogue brings the narrative to life, while the listener settles into a world of delight and confusion.
My best FW story: a friend, an eminent man of letters who read classics at Oxford, told me the only person he'd ever met who'd read it all the way through was the night porter at Merton Collage. Sweet...
FILMS
SALT (2010) D-Philip Noyce. Angelina Jolie plays one of those communist sleepers (remember the Manchurian Candidate?) but exactly whose side is she on? It's a slick, high-end actioner, but the end result is essentially sterile.
FLASHPOINT (2007) D-Wilson Yip. In pre-handover Hong Kong, cop Donnie Yen fights the evil drug dealers. The new Bruce Lee he ain't, but if you like a lot of highly authentic-looking kicking and punching, you'll like this a lot.
THE TURNING POINT (1979) D-Herbert Ross. A prima-ballerina is approaching her sell-by date, while her friend, who abandoned her dancing career to raise a family, compare notes. With a stellar cast (Shirley Maclaine and Anne Bancroft) and a top director, this should have been excellent, but it seems strangely dated today. Only the scenes of the actual performances, especially when the incomparable Baryshnikov is on screen, still shine.
CENTRAL STATION (1998, Brazil)D-Walter Salles. A woman befriends an abandoned child, and for reasons unclear even to her, helps him search for his father. A touching little piece, beautifully realised.
MAN OF ARAN (1934) D-Robert Flaherty. In the remote Aran islands off Ireland's west coast, a family ekes out an existence that hasn't changed much for a thousand years. One of the first "mocumentaries", this moving, highly naturalistic film was enormously influential in the development of the documentary film. Amazing.
THE DEVIL, PROBABLY (1977) D-Robert Bresson. A young man tries politics, psychotherapy and even the Catholic church in his search for meaning, but despite the fact that a number of very good-looking women seem to find him irresistible, happiness remains elusive. One of Bresson's best, with his usual slow-motion style nonetheless gripping the attention throughout.
SHE DONE HIM WRONG (1934)D-Lowelll Sherman. A good-time girl gets mixed up with the mob, while an incredibly youthful-looking Cary Grant can't take his eyes off her. But is he everything he seems? Early Mae West vehicle which showcased her talent as the wise-cracking vamp who's smarter than everyone around her. Watchable.
THE VIRGIN SPRING (1959) D-Ingmar Bergman. A family of devout Christians live out their lives in rural Sweden, but their adopted daughter makes secret offerings to Odin... Tremendously atmospheric piece from the master. Unmissable.
RESIDENT EVIL: AFTERLIFE (2010) D-PWS Anderson. From the sublime to the... One of those movies that has spun off from a computer game, and it shows. Most notable for its strong female leads (Milla Jovavitch and Ali Larter) who don't need no men to prevail against evil.
IT'S COMPLICATED (2009)D-Nancy Meyers. Yes, and a bit boring too. Streep has been distinguishing every movie she's been in for 3 decades, but even so I found this over-long and pleased with itself.
TAMARA DREWE (2010) D-Stephen Frears. A novelist and his wife rent their house to aspiring writers, but then their own behaviour begins to provide material as well as B and B for their guests...Based on Posy Simmonds' graphic novel, this is the kind of film we Brits do well. Good acting, writing and directing make this a perfectly satisfying and undemanding piece of light entertainment.
Saturday, 30 July 2011
big friday, long saturday
Yesterday I filled in for one my partners and covered the Friday afternoon surgery. Well known as being often the toughest gig of the week, I was certainly out of practice.
When I started out in general practice I did every Friday afternoon for 4 years. I then took my earliest opportunity to hand it on to the new junior partner, who then handed it on herself when a third partner was introduced. Yesterday's surgery showed how dramatic these things can occasionally be.
My very first patient was a 1 year old boy, said to have been unwell all week with flu like symptoms. His temperature was 40.7, and more worryingly seemed irritable, in a way very different from the tired, can't-be-arsed irritable thing little ones often get into. This can be a sign of cerebral irritation, or "meningism". I phoned the hospital to arrange admisssion and next for a taxi stat, knowing this would be the quickest way to get him there. I do hope the whole thing was a false alarm. I love making mistakes, especially ones like being too cautious.
I misjudged my brother, it seems. Within 36 hours of our little chat he had caught the train home, thanking everyone most humbly for all their help and confirming what was plain to see; namely that the sea air has done him a power of good. Good for you mate!
Today we undertook a 9 mile walk through the countryside north of Ross-on-Wye, specifically to catch 2 ancient churches: the church at Dymock, a bluff Norman edifice that even has some of its Anglo-Saxon beginnings still visible, and St Mary's church at Kempley, another Norman church, but notable for its extraordinarily well preserved medieval wall paintings. How they escaped the Puritan vandals I have no idea.I took a few shots, but it's hard to do them justice. The roof is the oldest surviving timber roof in England. I love that sort of thing. Plus it didn't rain, preferring instead to be a delightfully balmy (some call that humid) day out.
When I started out in general practice I did every Friday afternoon for 4 years. I then took my earliest opportunity to hand it on to the new junior partner, who then handed it on herself when a third partner was introduced. Yesterday's surgery showed how dramatic these things can occasionally be.
My very first patient was a 1 year old boy, said to have been unwell all week with flu like symptoms. His temperature was 40.7, and more worryingly seemed irritable, in a way very different from the tired, can't-be-arsed irritable thing little ones often get into. This can be a sign of cerebral irritation, or "meningism". I phoned the hospital to arrange admisssion and next for a taxi stat, knowing this would be the quickest way to get him there. I do hope the whole thing was a false alarm. I love making mistakes, especially ones like being too cautious.
I misjudged my brother, it seems. Within 36 hours of our little chat he had caught the train home, thanking everyone most humbly for all their help and confirming what was plain to see; namely that the sea air has done him a power of good. Good for you mate!
Today we undertook a 9 mile walk through the countryside north of Ross-on-Wye, specifically to catch 2 ancient churches: the church at Dymock, a bluff Norman edifice that even has some of its Anglo-Saxon beginnings still visible, and St Mary's church at Kempley, another Norman church, but notable for its extraordinarily well preserved medieval wall paintings. How they escaped the Puritan vandals I have no idea.I took a few shots, but it's hard to do them justice. The roof is the oldest surviving timber roof in England. I love that sort of thing. Plus it didn't rain, preferring instead to be a delightfully balmy (some call that humid) day out.
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
the art of willful forgetfulness
Yesterday I had arranged with my brother to go out to the coast where he is recuperating with my mum. We had agreed to share a Chinese take-away. I arrived at 12.15, 15 minutes late, but he had already left, without troubling himself to consult me about my particular preferences. When he returned he had brought egg-foo-yung and sweet and sour pork. I have been allergic to eggs since my earliest childhood, whereas I have never really liked pork, and even if I did it would have been difficult to eat with my teeth in their current state. I allowed myself the luxury of calling him a "fucking idiot", though what I really meant to say, but was unable in the event to articulate, was "You fucking selfish idiot".
In the interests of general concord I let it go at that. However, seeing how much he had improved, I did enquire as to how long he would be staying with mum. He replied that it would be soon, and I had to remind him how tired mum was looking, and pointed out that it would be a shame if he recovered completely but she then collapsed with exhaustion. He took it on board, though it remains to be seen if he heeds my advice. Historically, he has been no better at taking my advice than I his. That's brothers for you...
In the interests of general concord I let it go at that. However, seeing how much he had improved, I did enquire as to how long he would be staying with mum. He replied that it would be soon, and I had to remind him how tired mum was looking, and pointed out that it would be a shame if he recovered completely but she then collapsed with exhaustion. He took it on board, though it remains to be seen if he heeds my advice. Historically, he has been no better at taking my advice than I his. That's brothers for you...
Sunday, 24 July 2011
a chat with the psych
Up to the local DGH (District General Hospital)to see my psychiatrist last Friday. I must be getting better I suppose, because the intervals between appointments are getting gradually longer. It's been nearly 3 months on this occasion, and we agreed that the next will be of the same length.
I had been a little concerned coming up to this appointment, because I really have been feeling relatively OK recently, and didn't really have anything substantive and meaty to offer him. I did talk about my recent dental disasters and the problems with both my mum's and my F-in-L's Alzheimer's. But these, as we conceded to each other, are just normal "life things". And with my writing going well I really do feel as good as I have felt for some time.
Would it be fair to call me happy at the moment? Not sure. I've never put much store by the whole happy thing. To me it's always a retrospective thing: "That time before, when I did that or that was happening, I was happy then." Right now, you're just getting on with stuff, hoping it will be trouble free and trying not to get annoyed about it if it isn't,
I don't think I have ever deliberately sought happiness. Just tried various things to do that would hold my interest. A technique, if you like, for avoiding UNHAPPINESS. Now that I do believe in, and of course like everyone, I have spent quite a bit of time there.
I had been a little concerned coming up to this appointment, because I really have been feeling relatively OK recently, and didn't really have anything substantive and meaty to offer him. I did talk about my recent dental disasters and the problems with both my mum's and my F-in-L's Alzheimer's. But these, as we conceded to each other, are just normal "life things". And with my writing going well I really do feel as good as I have felt for some time.
Would it be fair to call me happy at the moment? Not sure. I've never put much store by the whole happy thing. To me it's always a retrospective thing: "That time before, when I did that or that was happening, I was happy then." Right now, you're just getting on with stuff, hoping it will be trouble free and trying not to get annoyed about it if it isn't,
I don't think I have ever deliberately sought happiness. Just tried various things to do that would hold my interest. A technique, if you like, for avoiding UNHAPPINESS. Now that I do believe in, and of course like everyone, I have spent quite a bit of time there.
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