Month: November 2014

Ambulance Stories (46)

~ beetleypete ~ 16 Comments

Clean up after your dog

As a responsible dog owner, I always clean up after my dog. There are plenty of dog-poo bins in areas where dog-walking is popular, so no excuse to leave anything unhygienic around. It may not be one of the best things about owning a dog, but it just has to be done. Sadly, in many parts of London, there is little evidence that the dog owners of that city follow suit. This story is as much about the bystander involved, as the victim. It is not a pleasant tale, but then many aspects of life and death are far from pleasant.

One morning, we were called to a main road nearby. The job was given as, ‘man fallen, not moving.’ At the end of the rush hour, Holland Park Avenue in west London is still a busy thoroughfare. You will encounter heavy traffic, late commuters still hurrying to the underground station, and morning shoppers waiting for shops to open. When we arrived on scene, we were met by a middle-aged lady. In that area, eccentric people are common, so her appearance was not that unusual. She was dressed in a style that you might describe as ‘retro-sixties’, except that her hippy clothing was almost certainly original. She was short, and overweight, and despite the cold morning, large hairy toes protruded from the sandals she wore. She carried a substantial handbag, and I could see the head of a cat sticking out from one end. The zip was fastened sufficiently far along to prevent the feline escaping, though it was obvious from its wriggling, that this was just what the unfortunate animal was attempting to do. In looks, she resembled the genetically-engineered outcome of a cross between Catweazle, and Miriam Margolyes. (See links)

She told us that she had been waiting for the nearby grocery shop to open, so that she could buy some milk. A well-dressed man had been walking towards her, heading in the direction of the underground station. She related how he had suddenly stopped still, and had then fallen straight down, with no attempt to break his fall. She said that it was, “as if an unseen cable had suddenly pulled him forwards, into the pavement.” I thought this was a very good description of someone collapsing after they were already dead; possibly from a brain haemorrhage, or something similar, giving them no time to contemplate their demise. My colleague walked over to the prone figure of a tall man. His head was covered by a plastic carrier bag, draped across the rear of his neck. The lady offered an explanation. “I did that, it’s not very nice under there, poor man.” My partner recoiled as he removed the bag. All around the dead man’s face was a foul substance, giving off a terrible smell. The lady nodded. “I told you, it’s dog shit,” she loudly exclaimed.

We got the man into the vehicle. He appeared to be in his sixties, and was dressed in smart business clothes. We tried as best as we could to carry out our normal resuscitation procedures. This meant cleaning the excrement from his mouth and nose, before using suction to remove what we could not get out from the inside of those orifices. He was obviously ‘well-dead’, a phrase we used often; but as he was in a public place, and the incident was not that old, we were naturally compelled to try as hard as possible to revive him. Continuing with all of our usual protocols, we took him off to the nearby casualty department, alerting them of our arrival. Despite the presence of the dog muck all over his head, hospital staff continued the attempt at resuscitation for some time, but could get no output. Without the benefit of knowing the results of a post-mortem, we could only conclude that something had killed him instantly, as he walked briskly to the station. He had been doubly unfortunate, as he had fallen face first into a very large pile of dog poo, left on that street by an inconsiderate dog owner. We threw away much of the equipment used, in case of any infection, and had to spend ages deep-cleaning the larger items, before returning to disinfect the whole vehicle on the inside. Dog waste can carry a disease called Toxocariasis, and this can cause blindness, particularly in children.

I often think of this poor man. Not only did he die in public, he died with a lack of dignity, caused by a thoughtless individual, who could have cleaned this up in a moment. At least the strange lady tried to spare him some of that.

https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=miriam%20margolyes
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=catweazle
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toxocariasis

Courtroom vindication

~ beetleypete ~ 12 Comments

This post will mean little or nothing to those of you outside of the UK, so my apologies in advance.

Something very unusual happened this afternoon, at The Royal Courts of Justice, in London. The just side won, in a high-profile libel case. The sorry ‘Plebgate’ affair came to a conclusion, after two years of heartbreak and distress for those concerned. Former government Chief Whip, and Tory high-flyer, Andrew Mitchell, lost his libel case against The Sun newspaper. One aspect of this case, was that someone I know well, was also vindicated. Dedicated Police Officer, former colleague, and all round straight-up man, Toby Rowland, was believed by the judge. After all this time; facing the end of his career, and the loss of his reputation, justice prevailed. He told the truth. Mitchell is not only a liar, he has been proven to be one. His true nature has also been confirmed, with the ruling that he not only swore at the police officers concerned, but also called Toby a ‘Pleb’. This word has been at the heart of the issue since it was first reported in the tabloid concerned. It shows exactly what Mitchell (and let’s face it, many of his ilk) really think of ordinary people, including those who risk their lives to protect him at his place of work.

Not only am I overjoyed for Toby, who has proved his integrity to any who doubted it, I am also pleased to see this rare example of justice handed out by our High Court. Other officers involved in the incident have been dismissed, disciplined, even imprisoned. Lies were told by some, collusion was evident with others. None of this should take anything away from the fact that Toby told the truth from the beginning, and that he was willing to lose everything, to protect his reputation. It is reported that Mitchell now faces costs of over £3 million, and that his career is ruined. I say good. It is less than he deserves. No doubt one of his friends will come forward, and offer him a lucrative directorship, enabling him to slip away from the world of politics, and recoup his riches.

Toby will be left with much more. Something priceless. His good name.

Happy Thanksgiving

~ beetleypete ~ 8 Comments

This is one holiday that we do not celebrate here in the UK. Just as well too, as it is far too close to Christmas for comfort. It therefore has no meaning whatsoever in Beetley, but I would not be so churlish as to forget my readers and followers from the USA. So, to all of you enjoying this peculiarly American festive occasion, I wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving. My best wishes to you all. Pete.

The Last Spread (for now)

~ beetleypete ~ 14 Comments

This is the last post in the short series where I recommend blogs that I follow. Well, at least for now, as there may be others worthy of recommendation in the future, so I might have to re-visit this theme. I have not included quite a few of the blogs that I still follow. The main reason for this is not that they lack content, or are not presented with style, in an attractive way. It is just that articles are few and far between, often appearing in twos and threes, then vanishing for months. There is something to be said for this of course. Leave them wanting more, is an old idea, in both marketing, and entertainment. Less is more, in so many cases. Have a look around, and see what you think.

Using ballpoint pens to produce great art is not something you come across every day, or would normally think of doing. Yet this site will show you that it can be done, and done exceptionally well. Jane now resides in the north-east of England. She has had an interesting life so far, including spells as a Park Keeper in Camden, and a Tube-Train Driver on the Northern Line. Her Biro pictures are really magical, and the detail included is often simply breathtaking. Not only that, she also sells and auctions her originals and prints, to benefit very good causes. Endangered species, like tigers and wolves, as well as bears. She is also a great blogging companion, leaving comments, sending e mails, and generally being a valuable part of the community we love. See her pictures via the link, and be sure to enlarge them when you do.
http://picturesoflilyblog.com/

Niall is an Irish ex-pat, currently living in Canada. His witty and versatile blog covers many subjects; Films, Books, Poetry, The Irish Diaspora, TV shows, and much more. Like me, he also seeks publication on other websites and blogs, and he has been very successful with that. Often wryly amusing, always informed, and with just enough touch of the Blarney Stone to make it clear where he comes from. You may find much to enjoy here, but be warned. Bono features quite a lot.
http://ragingfluff.wordpress.com/

Nandia is undeniably an intellectual. Art historian, knowledgeable about film and cinema, and only posting when she feels the need. Her blog is challenging, educational, and a feast for the brain and eye. Personally, I cannot resist it. Whether it is bitingly accurate comparisons of old paintings with scenes in modern films, or recollections of her youth, it is always quite perfect. Look, and learn.
http://iknowwhereimgoing.wordpress.com/

I have posted many links to this site before. I must confess to an interest, therefore an undoubted bias. Many film websites stick to specific themes, or genres. Some post short, often pointless reviews of terrible films, just because they exist. Some others seek to challenge, educate, discuss, and to promote the work of other film writers, (including me) by allowing them to post guest articles. This is one of those, and undeniably one of the best. Australian James Curnow obviously has a love of film, that can easily be found in his own articles. He has studied the subject extensively, and is currently working towards a PhD. This is a site for the real fans of cinema and film. Those wanting to discover new things, debate old ones, and participate in the overall process. A real favourite of mine.
http://curnblog.com/

I don’t follow many blogs written by writers who mostly concentrate on their own work. Not that there is anything wrong with that of course, there are just so many of them. In this electronic age, trying to get published is hard enough, then promoting the work is well-nigh impossible. So, what else can they do? I make an exception with this blog though. With his day job as a policeman, and a family to consider too, Rich Lakin manages to still get to write many excellent short stories, and has even published a book. From his home in the west midlands, a town full of history and industrial heritage, he has gained inspiration for some very entertaining articles and stories. His travels are also well-documented, and he has rightly won awards and prizes for some of his work. He doesn’t post that often, so following his blog is simplicity itself.
http://richlakin.wordpress.com/

Phil Ruggerio lives in Southern California. He has Type 2 Diabetes, and decided to do something about it, by declaring his own personal war on the disease. He has made some remarkable achievements, and he shares his story, together with those of other sufferers, on this blog. He also adds great advice, news on developments and drugs, alongside a few personal anecdotes that make his blog feel friendly and welcoming. He also has the collaboration of a qualified pharmacist, so his drug advice is guaranteed to be accurate. More importantly, he never tries to sell anything, and has no quack remedies, or promises of miracle cures. Just a genuine guy with a mission; I wish there were more like him. My reason for following this blog did not have anything to do with Julie having Diabetes, as she was not diagnosed at the time. I just thought that it was worthwhile, and deserving of support. I appreciate that this is very much a niche blog. However, if you want to know anything about Diabetes, or get sensible advice for someone you care about, then this is the place.
http://www.warondiabetes.org/

A Yorkshireman married to a Polish lady, and father of one baby girl. Living in rural Poland, trying to build his own house from straw bales, and live an ecologically sound and sustainable lifestyle, all at the same time. Sounds like madness, I know. But if you want to read tales of composting toilets, freezing temperatures, and even the use of ‘humanure’ (yes, it is that…) as fertilizer, then this is the place. Eddy Winko may not be his real name, but it is a great one, nonetheless. He also loves films, music, and Yorkshire (of course). One of my oldest and dearest blogging companions, he does not post so much these days, as farming, house-building, and a new baby keeps him busy. It’s a great read though, even if it sounds like your worst nightmare.
http://winkos.wordpress.com/

I will leave it at that for now. I hope that everyone finds something to enjoy, and whether you follow these blogs or not, I will continue to enjoy them, for their variety, wit, and intelligence. I will be back with some more, one of these days. Until then, normal service is resumed on this blog.

Spreading more words

~ beetleypete ~ 17 Comments

This is the second part of a short series of appreciation of the blogs that I follow. I am hoping to get them even more traffic, and some new followers or admirers. The first post on this topic was well-received, so I thought that I would strike whilst the iron is hot, and recommend some more excellent blogs for you to consider. As I said in the previous post, I have not informed the bloggers in advance, but I am confident that you will find much to admire, to gaze at, or to give you food for thought.

A German man, his lovely Norwegian partner, some imaginary ‘bookfayries’, and a home on the Norfolk coast, in one of its most picturesque places. All of this adds up to one of the most unusual blogs on my list. The learned Klausbernd, resident of Cley-Next-The-Sea, compiles unusual and informed articles and travelogues. These are accompanied by the sumptuous colour photography of Dina, who shares her time between work in Germany, and home in Norfolk. Not only will they introduce you to places and sights you have never seen, they also bring to life places you thought you knew, from a different viewpoint. Dina’s photography is improving in leaps and bounds, and the sea-faring Klausbernd, a successful author, adds detail and fascinating facts to their collaborations. It is a massively popular blog, and it is easy to see why. And it has bookfayries…Oh, and it is also in German, as well as English.
http://toffeefee.wordpress.com/2014/11/14/blakeney-point/

Arlene lives in the Philippines. She is a retired bank worker, a cancer survivor, and devoted mother and grandmother. She has a love of reading, and of buying books. She is also a great cook, using the traditional ingredients of her region. She loves to take photos, contemplate on sparrows in her garden, and to appreciate the orchids that grow in those exotic climes. Her religious faith is strong, but not an issue as far as the blog goes. She loves to reflect, to be with her family, and to post about how she is feeling, and anything and everything in her life. Visiting her blog is like taking a break, retreating from the busy side of life, and slowing down a little. Her blogs are very popular. She has enjoyed views in the hundreds of thousands, and has a loyal following. It is easy to see why.
https://arlene1956.wordpress.com/

I have written a fair bit about my past in London, as well as some posts about places that I recommend you visit. If you ever wonder how some of those streets and areas got such unusual names, then this is the site for you. Even though I know a lot about London, and have walked or driven over a good part of its streets, there is always something great to discover here. Elizabeth is actually an American. In her desire to publish a book about the street names of London, she has unearthed a rich treasure trove.
http://thestreetnames.wordpress.com/2014/11/07/gin-lions-and-the-black-prince/

Gretchen lives in New England, in the USA. She is an accomplished artist, restorer of furniture, and creator of floor-cloths. Her style, and especially her use of blues, keeps me captivated. Her stories about New England life, her cat, and her beloved garden, always make me feel good. I worry about her when the snow is bad, and she gets so cold; and when her upstairs neighbours drive her crazy with noise. She has some warm tales to tell, of life in a different place, and at a different pace.
http://regnistegg999.wordpress.com/

Someone I worked with, back in my Ambulance days in London. Now blogging about his love of photography, and his desire to master the art. A real Londoner, a dedicated Paramedic, committed motor cyclist, and someone that I am pleased to call a friend. His photos cover unusual aspects and angles of life in London, as well as his trips elsewhere, and his love of photographing live performers at gigs. He is still learning, but has already achieved a lot. Always happy to take advice, welcoming constructive criticism, and striving to do better. Check him out here.
http://jimjimmyjamesdotorg.wordpress.com/

Five more of my most-loved blogs for you. I hope that you get the chance to look at them, perhaps follow them, comment on posts, or just come back to them, now and again. They are all quite different, but all have their strengths and originality. There are a few more to come. Another time.

Spreading the word

~ beetleypete ~ 14 Comments

In the margins of most blogs, including mine, you may have noticed lists. They might be called ‘blogs that I follow’, or ‘Community’. These include those who follow my blog, as well as those who comment; and of course, the blogs followed by the blogger concerned. (In this case, me) I do not follow many blogs, by blogging standards, I am very choosy. I avoid following everyone who follows me, as very often, their motives are suspect. I prefer to wait a while, give it some time, and see whether or not they are genuine. So many so-called followers are just selling ideas and services, you have to be picky.

One of the problems faced by bloggers is exposure. And by this, I mean the correct exposure, not just aimless re-blogs, likes, or follows. You have to sort the wheat from the chaff, and decide who is serious, and who is just along for the ride. As I rarely re-blog other articles, I thought that I would begin this series of recommendations instead. I would like to promote some of the blogs that I follow, explain why I follow them, and hopefully spread the word about their blogs. To do this, I will add links. These may not always be to their best posts, but please explore, and hopefully find something you will like. I have not forewarned these innocent bloggers, to make sure that they do not manicure their blogs in advance. Please take some time to follow the links, and explore something different. I am sure that you will find it rewarding.

I have not included everyone, as I will do a follow-up later. To those of you missed out now, have no fear. You will appear at some stage.

Lucy is a young woman, residing in Norfolk, not too far from where I live. She has a comfortable life, and a relatively privileged lifestyle. Financially comfortable, and supported by her parents, her life is one of horses, good schools, music, orchestras, and foreign travel. She also enjoys exploring this island, accompanied by her boyfriend, G. Yet there is so much more to discover. She has recently embarked on a programme of voluntary work. She has been living on a reduced diet, and working to raise awareness of food poverty in the UK, and the need for Food Banks. More power to her, for realising how lucky she is, and trying to do something about those less fortunate. Her thoughts and ideas, as well as some very good photos, can be explored here.

team v: the hunger challenge – day three and summary

Are you interested in painting, art, and poetry? Do you like to relish excellent prose, literally taste it in your mouth, and lose yourself in wonderful articles, sumptuously illustrated? Is history your thing, and especially history as it relates to art, drama, and painting? Pippa writes this blog as well as anything ever written. There is talent, alongside passion, as well as real intelligence, and an understanding of what matters. There are few finer blogs on the Internet, and I do not make this claim lightly. Educate yourself, examine your hidden cultural desires, and just relish the excellence.
http://pipparathborne.wordpress.com/

David Miller is an accomplished American. He is a published author, fluent French speaker, and composer of song lyrics. He is also a dedicated compiler of Limericks; these days, a forgotten art. He loves film and cinema. as well as exploring his chosen abode, Nevada, and the deserts around Las Vegas. A former teacher, he has a lot to say, and it all makes sense. He has so much to offer. A lifetime of experience, foreign travel, unbiased opinions, and a lot of knowledge about many things. Nice photos too.
Please check out his writing here.
http://millerswindmill.wordpress.com/

I confess that I love history. If you share that love, and seek the quirky, the unusual, or just the basics, you could do no better than to look here. Everything from poets to graveyards, Bourbons to Fascisti, no stone is left unturned. If you want to know about plague pits in London, or swords discovered in Russia, it is all here. How about Greek military formations? Covered. Waterloo? Early medicine? All here. The inimitable Sarah Vernon, a lady of great wit and education, former actress, current writer, and Cretan ex-pat, delivers every day, without compromise. She also has some amazing personal connections throughout history, that just serve to further sweeten an already sweet pill. Give it a go. I guarantee that you will be hooked. i know that I was.
https://firstnighthistory.wordpress.com/

If you enjoy travelogues, and like to see accompanying photos, Jude has it all. She has been there, done that, and taken a photo of it. Currently residing in the UK, though perhaps not for ever, she relates her tales of travel with detail and direction, and the photos that accompany the posts tell the story as well. In case you missed it. She is one of my original and oldest blogging friends, and supplies me with considered criticism on my own blog, as well as loyalty and a consistency that has no price. Join her on her travels here.
http://smallbluegreenwords.wordpress.com/

OK. That’s five to get you going. Lots more to come, as I currently follow almost thirty blogs. Check them out, and see what you think. Why not follow them? It’s not difficult, and costs nothing. And you might find something to enjoy. My blogging world would be a smaller and and darker place without my friends.
So, spread the word.

Holding my Breath

~ beetleypete ~ 6 Comments

I rarely re-blog anything, but I couldn’t resist this film found on Jean Reinhardt’s blog. It is a cut above the average You Tube clip, and filmed to cinema standards. The next time you are congratulating yourself after a difficult cycling commute, have a look at this!

9/11

~ beetleypete ~ 9 Comments

As far back as I can remember, I have always loved to watch the TV news. My earliest memories are of serious-looking men with clipped accents, reading from sheets of paper. This progressed to outside broadcasts, with interviews, and footage of grey men walking into Downing Street, to debate worrying events at home and abroad. Then came the heyday of the foreign correspondent, embroiled in revolutions and wars across the globe, or reporting on terrible outbreaks of disease and famine, from countries we had never heard of. There was film from Vietnam, Cambodia, Biafra, Angola, and other wars in yet more places we knew little about.

This footage was often startling. Napalm exploding, dead bodies in the streets, people being executed, others dying of malnutrition. All beamed uncompromisingly into your living room, as you relaxed after your evening meal. Home news also went up a gear. Industrial disputes, strikers fighting with the police, demonstrators in huge numbers protesting about foreign wars, nuclear power, and anything else that they opposed. Reporters began to challenge politicians, asking them awkward questions, and delving uncomfortably into their private lives. Celebrities became news; their holidays, love affairs, and frailties, all shown on TV, as if it was something that everyone needed to know.

Then came the age of the pundits, experts drafted in to explain difficult issues to the viewers. Election specials, swing-o-meters, military commentators, medical specialists, and university academics. All found a seat next to the familiar anchorman. It seemed that no report was considered to be worthy enough, unless accompanied by comment from someone who was speaking from experience or study. Once the features became so widespread, with excited journalists in five different places at once, we soon saw two newsreaders; working as a team, feeding off each other as they bounced from Northern Ireland, down to the Falklands, then segued seamlessly to events in Beirut. After twenty years of dedicated news viewing, I was still lapping it up. I rarely considered the fact that all this was easily edited back in Britain, and that we were only ever seeing what producers, sponsors, and governments, either wanted, or allowed us to see. It wasn’t that I was especially naive, It just didn’t occur to me.

In 1997, the BBC launched a dedicated news channel, ‘News 24’. This was my first real experience of ‘rolling news’. This is essentially a twenty-minute round-up of the news, repeated constantly, over the whole day. Unless anything new happens, they continue to rotate the stories, adding sports results, weather forecasts, and some interviews, to break up the monotony. I was soon addicted. I got to know the different presenters by name, and I had my favourites. There was no advertising to disrupt proceedings, so I could watch what was happening to my heart’s content. It was as if they had invented the perfect channel for me, and I had it on all the time, when I was not watching drama, documentaries, or films. After a busy run of shifts at work, I used to enjoy doing little on my first day off. Getting up late, and eating breakfast at lunchtime as I watched the new news channel, was my idea of a perfect morning.

That is exactly what I did, on the 11th September, 2001.

Early afternoon in London is after the end of the morning rush-hour across the Atlantic, given the time difference. People in New York were still arriving for work in some places, though many had already been in their offices for some time. The BBC interrupted their routine news, to bring an item of ‘breaking news’, concerning an explosion in the iconic twin towers, part of the World Trade Centre complex. I noticed that they were using images supplied by both Fox News, and Sky News, so I immediately changed channels to Sky News, to see if they had better information. They certainly did. More people on the spot, different angles, helicopter cameras, and eye-witness interviews. I settled down to watch this, noting that they had decided to suspend all advertising, such was the serious nature of this event. It was soon obvious that this was going to be something memorable, and then another incident happened, a second aircraft struck the other tower.

I confess that I was riveted. As well as the usual reporters trying to get to the scene, and reporting from some way off, the new technology now available provided mobile phone footage, home video footage, and eye witnesses being spoken to on the telephone, as the events unfolded. TV news companies from other countries, documentary film-makers, static CCTV, and individuals with their own equipment, all this was thrown into the mix normally controlled by a handful of established media companies. Nothing was considered unacceptable. Wide-eyed, I sat transfixed by terrible images. People jumped to certain death from the windows, their last moments filmed in detail, as they plummeted hundreds of feet onto the street below. Trapped occupants waved frantically for help, standing in the wreckage of their offices, flames clearly seen roaring a few feet behind them. Then the towers collapsed, one after the other, with some interval between.

Now we could see the plight of the rescue services, as fire engines, police cars,and ambulances were consumed by thousands of tons of falling rubble. Presenters speculated on the fate of anyone left in the building, and whether or not anyone involved in the rescue attempt could possibly survive. Dust clouds gathered, rushing along the streets of the city, overwhelming and choking anyone unable to get away in time. All on film, all on video, all commented on constantly. Injured casualties stumbled into view, covered in dust, bleeding, fighting for breath. They looked dazed and confused, yet microphones and cameras were thrust into their faces; inane and unanswerable questions posed, time after time. Shot from across the river, the sight was incredible, almost beautiful to behold. A masterpiece of destruction, unparalleled on live television. I could not tear myself away, and sat for hours, not even leaving to use the toilet, or to make a drink. I sent text messages to Julie, and others unable to watch, giving them constant updates on the unfolding story. This was something huge, something historical, and I was watching it happen. I wasn’t about to miss a moment.

I began to feel uncomfortable though, Did I really want to watch this? How many times should I watch someone jump to their death before it became acceptable, on TV news? What of the families and friends of the victims, and of the hundreds of rescuers? Should this really be allowed to be televised, knowing the devastation it would bring them? There were other incidents that day. An aircraft supposedly flown into the Pentagon, though there was less convincing film of this; and the damage did not seem to add up to what would be caused by a large airliner, full of fuel, hitting a building at ground floor level. Another aircraft, saved from destroying the White House, by the brave actions of some passengers, had crashed into a field in the countryside. Film of this crash site was unconvincing. A little debris, a large scar on the ground. Where was the wreckage, and the scores of bodies that would have been scattered all over? I began to feel uneasy, something wasn’t right.

By now, the TV companies had almost all of the reports back under their control. They were using the other footage as they saw fit, editing film to show the aircraft hitting the second tower, time and again. They were showing the collapsing towers, and bringing in teams of ‘experts’ to say why this had happened. Not long after, the claims began that it was known who the culprits were. They had names and photographs up on the screen, and were blaming it all on a plot by Osama Bin Laden, carried out by Al Qaeda operatives. By the time Julie got home from work, I was still watching all this. I had to go over to the shop to buy something for dinner, as I had not made my usual supermarket run. My legs were stiff from sitting, and I was literally ‘newsed-out’. Over the following days, I watched some follow-up reports, with a growing sense of unease. Something did not seem right about this whole event.

A lot changed that day. Since then, we have become used to surveillance film, cockpit cameras, even cameras inside cruise missiles, capturing the moment of impact on a building in Baghdad. We were treated to the war against Iraq shown in high definition, explosions in glorious technicolour. We are familiar with journalists being ’embedded’ inside specific military units, and filming combat up close, as it happens. The Internet has completely changed the way news is viewed around the world, and there are even brutal executions posted online, almost daily it seems. Rolling news has expanded, and now includes film previews, technology and financial advice, as well as book reviews, and short documentaries. I still watch it, but never for so long now. I prefer the local news, like something made in the mid-1960s, that has taken fifty years to reach the screen. Farming reports, local football clubs, problems with the fishing industry, wind farm objectors, and charity fundraisers.

Because something else happened on that day in September. I stopped believing what I saw and heard, and began to question what was really going on, behind all that hysterical footage. I lost trust in the news, and it will never return.

The NHS: Something good

~ beetleypete ~ 13 Comments

There are always stories in the media about the poor state of the Heath Service in this country. We have all heard the sorry sagas of unacceptable waiting times, botched operations, and postcode-lottery drug administration. You could be forgiven for believing that the NHS is on the verge of collapse; swamped by high demand, pressurised by an increased immigrant population, employing staff who have no interest in the job. This is not my experience though, and I feel that someone needs to put the opposite view, just for a change.

In any organisation as large as the British National Health Service, there will always be errors. It is impossible to provide a service envied the world over, without accepting the reality of mistakes being made occasionally, and the odd member of staff who is not up to the job. I do not wish to detract from individual cases of tragedy, or to comment on them. Instead, I would like to offer an overview of where it does work, instead of criticising every tiny aspect of where it does not. I must start by stating that I know of nowhere else where a system like this exists, and works. We pay a relatively small amount into our National Insurance Scheme, and receive huge benefits in return. Those not working, or unable to pay, receive exactly the same care, free of charge.

Of course, I would like to see an end to prescription charges, still paid in England. I would also like to see a return to completely free dental care. With the right party in government, this would all be achievable. Despite this, the care provided really is exceptional. Those of you who are healthy enough not to need to visit a doctor, hospital, or other medical service provider may wonder what all the fuss is about. One day, you will find out. It is naturally more difficult to provide a good service in areas of high population density. Or is it? When I lived in London, I could normally see a GP within a week. If that wasn’t satisfactory, I could sit in the surgery, and would be seen after the other appointments. Attending a clinic in one of London’s busiest hospitals, University College, I was seen in under an hour. I only waited one week for the appointment to arrive too. At the same hospital, I waited just fifteen minutes for a blood test, and the results were with my doctor in four days. By my standards, by any standards, that’s very good.

Here in Norfolk, despite constant publicity to the contrary, it is even better. My GP has contacted me at home in the evenings, something unheard of in London. The out-patient appointments at the Norwich and Norfolk hospital are efficient, and thorough too. The staff are friendly and committed, and patients are never left to feel that they are an intrusion. The consultants and junior doctors take time to explain your case, and their treatment, and interact with you as if you are an adult, who wants to know what is going on. It is true that the regional Ambulance Service has a poor record. Given the legacy of poor management, under-funding, and the sheer physical geography of this region, that is understandable, if not excusable. The whole county has only two main roads, few dual-carriageways, and no motorway. Remote villages, weather problems, and the logistics of running a service covering six counties, all adds up to a problem that needs to be solved.

There are few major hospitals in this county. The ones that do exist are constantly criticised, with little balanced reporting of their struggle against the problems that they have to deal with. But there is little mention of the many good things. Mobile clinics, that remove the difficulty for patients of having to travel into the towns and cities for treatment. Sensible use of smaller hospitals, to provide out of hours GP clinics, geriatric care, and other community-based services. Widespread use of mobile community nurses, offering visits and treatment in the patients’ own home. We have had occasion to attend Eye clinics and Diabetic clinics, and my step-daughter has received very good service from the Maternity Department and Midwife team. Nothing seems to be too much trouble. Telephone calls to any branch of the NHS here are dealt with quickly and professionally. E mails are answered promptly, letters are sent out when due, and text message reminders of appointments are also commonplace.

I didn’t need the NHS for most of my life; but as soon as I did, it came through.

There is no magic wand to wave to make this service faultless. Given the increasing and ageing population, financial restraints, and new advances in medicine, it is always going to appear to be catching up. But it is undeniably good. And when you need it most, you will realise just how good it is.

Goodbye Mole

~ beetleypete ~ 12 Comments

After many weeks of mole posts, I have to let you know that Mr/Mrs Mole seems to have departed the garden of beetleypete. True to her word, the Mole Lady collected her traps, and levied no charge. We are now almost four weeks clear of mole disturbance, and the lawn is molehill free. Whatever was going on under the patio has ceased, and Ollie is snuffling no more, in search of furry tunnelers.

I may be presumptuous in my farewells, but as it stands, we have to assume that the mole has left for worm-pastures new. I cannot say that I am sorry to see the back of this velvety varmint. The damage was substantial, and the grassed areas are yet to fully recover. As for the paved areas, time will tell if damage needs to be corrected.

I saw my next-door neighbour recently, the one to the west. He was over at the play area with his small children, and he approached me. He asked if I had experienced any problems with moles. I told him the lengthy and sorry tale of our mole experience, and our efforts to eradicate it. He informed me that his once pristine lawn was now a shadow of its former self. Molehills had appeared in abundance, and despite setting a trap, he had been unable to catch the culprit. He was most concerned, as his lawn had been a picture, after a few years of hard work, and diligent attention to the grass.

I had to conclude that his house was now home to ‘our’ mole. It must have moved sideways, after exhausting the food in our poor soil, and trying to avoid the numerous traps installed by the Mole Lady. I wished him well with his efforts, but in truth, could offer little positive advice. I managed a contented sigh of relief, that our mole had chosen to relocate. Someone else’s problem is always theirs.

Goodbye Mole. Don’t hurry back…