As Karol Sikora wades into the debate over rationing health care for the elderly (in his case, specifically the allocation of life extending cancer drugs), it seems that the power brokers in the NHS are once again self-limiting any robust analysis by hiding behind the dogma that the NHS is operating within constrained resources and competing priorities. Which, of course, to a degree is true, but only if the solutions that are presented to the rest of us continue to be rooted in the political status quo.
redandwhiterag
Cuba!
Just back from a two week trip to Cuba with friends. If ever a country betrayed the contradictions inherent in a changing political and economic landscape, then Cuba probably takes first prize. Which made the trip extremely interesting and enjoyable, if a little on the warm side. In our opinion, you couldn’t go all the way to Cuba and fry on a beach for the duration (although many do, apparently) so we managed five nights in Havana, two in colonial Trinidad and then spent a week in Varadero recovering!
Conservative Foot Shooting!
It’s an easy and cheap shot and has been said many times since this was posted by the Tory chairman
Three Hours in the FA Cup
A poor first half for the Blades but they certainly found their feet in the second. A deserved, well crafted opener and a second soon after proved more than enough to kill off Charlton aspirations. And now a cup semi final and Wembley to look forward to. By contrast, Sunderland just didn’t turn up at Hull and were poor throughout. First goal was a quality header but the next …
Went Down Fighting
Not really a post as such, more to memo the date that Sunderland played in the Capital (League) Cup final. Lost but played good football, scored an excellent early goal, were tactically sound and were beaten by two outrageously fine strikes (the third was largely irrelevant). Take this form into the next few league games and premiership survival definitely on the cards. All this and the …
Professional Hypocrisy
Given the inexplicable nature of certain refereeing decisions in a number of high profile games over the course of this season has led to a degree of understandable consternation from fans and pundits alike, it was inevitable that the referee would become the focal point of disquiet and opprobrium. But even so……
The Politics of Envy Apparently?
Long time no post for reasons too boring to detail here.
So, what’s been happening while the blog has stayed silent. Amongst a raft of what can only be “is it me” surreal moments, the reaction to Ed Ball’s proposal to reintroduce the 50% tax rate has to take the biscuit.
Richard II Live Stream
Saw the above at the Riverside, Woodbridge last night – direct from the RSC in Stratford. Tennant excellent in the title role, particularly fine as he weakens and his power base slips away. All cast excellent so seems ungracious to highlight specifics, but I thought Oliver Ford Davis was particularly good as the Duke of York, struggling between his loyalty to the Crown and the …
Muscle Shoals – The Film
A film about the creation and development of Alabama’s “Muscle Shoals sound”, this is an affectionate and informative documentary about the origins of the “Muscle Shoals Sound” (the “river which sings” holds the key, according to many of the local contributors) and the legacy of its success.
Guernsey 2013
Just back from an excellent week in Guernsey. Our third visit in four years, so in danger of becoming a ritual! The self deprecating cheap shot would imply it’s something to do with our age but the island has more to offer than a friendly environment for those of a certain vintage.
Birthday Bash!
Last minute(ish) long weekend away in Ely at the Poets House Hotel. Very pleasant hotel with its butler service USP (which, perversely, we didn’t use). Excellent restaurant, which we sampled both evenings, and which looked to be popular with both hotel guests and locals alike. Just enough in Ely to keep you busy for two full days.
Premier League Ennui
Barely two weeks into the new Premier League season and I appear to be largely disinterested already. Although I am of advancing years (they definitely speed up as you get older, that’s scientific fact) I am not of the opinion that everything was better in the ‘good old days’ when players were paid a pittance, played for one club throughout their career and retired to run a pub, having received a few hundred quid from their testimonial.