The Answer To Life, The Universe and Everything is 72
Douglas Adams got it wrong according to this article on the BBC. As many know, he thought the answer was 42.
They Open a Beach at the Angel, Islington and It Rains
They opened a beach in the N1 Shopping Centre at Islington yesterday, complete with plastic Astroturf sand and grass, deckchairs and all the other things a beach needs.
Then it rained.
The High Cost Of Gluten Free Food to the NHS
The Times yesterday had a piece about the high cost of gluten free food to the NHS. They quoted an NHS gluten-free loaf at 32.27 and I know I pay a lot less than that for acceptable ones in Marks and Spencer, Waitrose or Tesco. They also said that you could buy gluten-free afternoon tea in Fortnum and Mason for £34 a person. I think I’ll try the latter out one day!
Anyway I was moved to write to the paper and here’s what I said.
As a diagnosed coeliac, I am entitled to various gluten-free prescriptions. But I don’t exercise my right, as most gluten free products available that way are inferior to products bought in normal shops and supermarkets. I do buy bread from a well-known chain twice a week and if I feel like some pasta I go to a chain of Italian cafes, where the penne is as good as any.
It would be much better if all of those entitled to gluten-free products were given vouchers that could be redeemed in shops against suitable products. That way we could eat quality rather than processed cardboard. Some might blow the vouchers on gluten-free chocolate biscuits, which are not available on the NHS, but then having coeliac disease, doesn’t mean you have to be miserable!
But innovation is the real solution. My local pub has a chef who is a coeliac. He made an alternative muffin from slices of grilled aubergine, a sliced tomato and some spinach. It was much better than any gluten-free bread I’ve ever tasted and complimented the Eggs Royale superbly.
Last night, I cooked one of Lindsey Bareham’s simple gluten-free creations; a chorizo, chicken and chickpea stew, all cooked in one pot. Delicious!
I do think though there is a much more cost effective way of getting coeliacs, gluten-free products. Why should we be subsidised so heavily, when there are people in a much worse state than we are? I would happily give up my right to gluten-free food on the NHS, which I don’t exercise, for a monthly voucher to be spent on something gluten free. I would probably use it to buy a gluten free pasta dish in Carluccio’s or some chocolate chip cookies or Damm Daura in Waitrose!
I do remember going through the gluten-free list with a pharamcist once. There is nothing there with any excitement at all.
A Web Site Not To Use
In my previous post, I mentioned that some web sites, when you access them, open a new browser with a full page advert.
I find this practice very unacceptable. I know that some of the more sleazy tabloids use this practice, but I just opened the web site for the Daily Express. I got a very unacceptable advertisement in another copy of my browser. Incidentally, when I closed this unwanted browser window, it immediately reopened and only by closing the original page containing the Daily Express web site, was I able to continue without being interrupted by offensive advertising.
So I shall be continuing of my policy of never having bought this rag in my lifetime! And I’ll never look at their web site again, unless there is a story there, that I have to look at. But I haven’t needed to yet!
I shall be reporting them to someone. But who?
If You Want To Get Breast Cancer Get Obese
A study from Oxford University about breast cancer has been featured on the BBC.
As someone, who has lost two close family members to the dreaded disease, it is a study that women avoid at their peril.
This is the last two paragraphs of the BBC report.
Dr Julie Sharp, of Cancer Research UK, said: “This is an important study as it helps to show how alcohol and weight can influence hormone levels. Understanding their role in breast cancer is vital and this analysis sheds light on how they could affect breast cancer risk.
“We know that the risk of the disease can be affected by family history and getting older, but there are also things women can do help reduce the risk of the disease. Maintaining a healthy body weight and reducing alcohol consumption are key to reducing breast cancer risk.”
Enough said.
Hackney Bans Smoking In Parks
According to this story, Hackney Council is going to ban smoking in children’s play areas.
I would support a wider ban in the borough to include all parks and bus shelters.
Ed Milliband Ignores The Internet
According to one of my favourite columnists, Sathnam Sangera, Small Brain wants to introduce new media rules. But what is he going to do about the increasing power of the Internet? Probably nothing! Although many would like all Internet-connected computers to have a government spy system in them! As Sathnam says, in a few years time, there won’t be too many journalists.
But let’s hope there are lots of entertaining columnists and bloggers.
The Olympic Opening Ceremony
A letter writer in The Times today has said that the Olympic opening ceremony is sport.
What tosh!
I’m with the Duke of Edinburgh on this, who said famously that you need someone to do a welcome speech and then just say “Let the Games begin!”
There should be another day of athletics or some real sport.
I shall not be watching the Opening or Closing Ceremonies, as watching some real football on Hackney Marshes will be more exciting.
The Caroline Law
I like this story in the Guardian. Here’s an extract.
A London judge has made legal history by becoming the first to deliver a verdict on her own after discharging a jury.
Recorder Caroline English performed the unprecedented role at Wood Green crown court because a friend of the accused was alleged to have been in regular contact with a woman juror and have passed information on voting intentions.
Under the 2003 Criminal Justice Act, judges may continue a trial on their own if satisfied the jury has been subject to interference and that the defendants can still have a fair trial. The provision had never previously been used.
I also have a friend, who is a judge with the same first name. She has a reputation for a similar robustness and sensible interpretation of the law.
So the next time, you’re in the dock, make sure the judge isn’t a Caroline or perhaps a Charles!
C’s Judgement Was Right
One of the characters on the periphery of the phone hacking was well known by C, my late wife. They sat on a committee together and she had a very low opinion of him and felt he wouldn’t rise to the level everybody said he would. He hasn’t! He did at least write me a letter of condolence when C died.
The Anonymous Widower 