Blog
Adoptions and paternity leave
Congratulations to David Miliband and his wife on the adoption of their second son Jacob. The Foreign Secretary's flying visit to the States clashed with an important Saudi state visit - but he has put family first and still taken his paternity leave. I wonder what...
Argentina and Oman’s contrasting results for women
Two very contrasting results have been announced for female political candidates. While Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner swept to victory as Argentina's first elected female president, there were no women elected in Oman. It's particularly disappointing because a record...
My Starbucks experience
After listening to Clifff Burrows, president of Starbucks for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, speak at this event about inspired leadership, I thought he might like to read my post about my son David's first request on waking up in hospital. It was for a Starbucks...
Mandelson reneges on trade agreements
My MEP Robert Sturdy is fuming at the way EU Trade Commissioner Peter Mandelson has reneged on vital trade agreements with ACP countries. We have issued the following press release condemning Mandeleson's proposal for regional agreements to be reached instead:...
Is Tech "Guys" a sexist name?
This very interesting comment has been made on my post where I wrote about my difficulties with Tech Guys: You do realise just how sexist dixons group and pcworld are being, don't you. tech 'guys'!? I'm a woman and I am a technician. I am not a guy! As a woman and a...
The missing – James Nutley
It is three years today since James Nutley vanished while on a golfing holiday with friends in Tenby, Pembrokeshire, aged 25. That evening they went out in town, but at about 11.00pm James left the group and headed back to his hotel alone. He has not been seen since....
An unplanned tooth extraction
I had toothache all weekend and managed to get an emergency appointment this morning (private with Denplan). How else these days? It turned out I had nasty abscess and the root of the tooth was fractured so nothing could be done to save it and it was whipped out. I...
Cambridge residents say: "Every little hurts"
Does any other supermarket arouse such strong opposition from protest groups than Tesco? Certainly not all communities welcome them, many prefer supporting local traders and retaining their unique identity when appropriate. Tesco's latests plans to open up in Mill...
James’ European football debut
The England-South Africa rugby match isn't the only important game being played this weekend. My youngest lad James will be playing football in The Netherlands with his team, Soham Town Colts FC U15s. They are heading for Heemskerk on a four day trip and have two...