A CONFLICT OF LAWS

10:22pm Friday 4th July 2008

Why is it that remarks made by Lord Phillips the Lord Chief Justice have been twisted? In a speech at the East London Muslim Centre, reminiscent of comments by the Archbishop of Canterbury not so long ago, the Lord Chief Justice is reported as saying that Sharia Law has a place in the English Legal System but that severe physical punishments such as flogging, stoning and the cutting off of hands would not be acceptable. The Lord Chief Justice was, of course, talking about the possibility of parties agreeing to use Sharia law as a basis for mediated settlements rather than using court proceedings, whilst emphasising that there is no question of Sharia courts sitting in this country and that so far as the law is concerned those living in this country are governed by English and Welsh law.

LOYALTY

10:27pm Thursday 26th June 2008

One of my colleagues, Fred Burton, retired last week, after 72 years since he first joined the staff way back in 1936 . Save for a period of service with the RAF during the Second World War, his employment has been continuous, albeit in latter years devoted to library duties for two days per week. Now aged 88, Fred, who has been interviewed by both the Press and local TV station concerning this remarkable achievement, has accredited it to enjoying his work and the company of the other people in the office.

ALTER EGO

10:27pm Monday 16th June 2008

My son, otherwise known as Apprentice Man, was running in the North Yorkshire Schools' Athletics Championships on Saturday. He must have been fast because he is now to represent the County at 100 metres in the Regional Tournament next week. It's strange how people can be very different in their domestic and personal lives to how they appear to others. My own experience of Apprentice Man is that he is invariably slow, especially when it comes to getting out of bed or dashing for the school bus.

DIVORCE PROMOTION

10:09pm Monday 2nd June 2008

In what has become a celebrity obsessed culture, I'm told that our children now believe that talent manifests itself in an ability to sing or kick a football rather than excel in other areas including academically. Whilst I can't claim to have any genuine interest in the lives and achievements of purported celebrities, I do confess to reading trashy magazines in doctors' and dentists' waiting areas and as you will be well aware of repeating alleged quotes in this blog. However, I have come to the conclusion that the one person I would never hire to promote my business would be a celebrity divorcee. They only seem to give one line metaphors painting a picture of horror and pain.

AND THE WINNER IS..

8:58pm Sunday 18th May 2008

Last week I attended an awards ceremony. It began like the Oscars but without the red carpet. After drinks and a meal, the tension was mounting and when the names of the first nominees were read out there was a nervous silence before the winner was announced. We expected to see him be presented with some kind of token, if only a certificate. However, the presenter then announced that there were no prizes but the winners should come onto the stage to receive applause. A little like watching the Emperor in his new clothes the rest of the ceremony continued in the same vein with winners and non-winners both receiving fresh air.

STRANGE ENCOUNTERS

10:16pm Wednesday 14th May 2008

On the basis that laughter is supposed to be good for you today has been a great day. Is it May Madness or what?

HEAVY DIGGING

9:31pm Thursday 8th May 2008

I have managed to take advantage of the clement conditions to catch up with my vegetable gardening and have been undertaking some rather heavy digging in order to finish planting the potatoes. It was hard work but the weeds are now in retreat and I feel that I have achieved something.

	MUSIC TO THE EARS
	9:46pm Sun 20 Apr 08
	"Like living with a screeching violin," is how clients have described to me the effect of a wife's constant nagging. Little Girl has been learning to play the violin for four years. Today she was practising a new piece. Sometimes, I know how those clients feel.