What did that interview tell me?

I HAVEN’T watched it, so I am trusting the numerous media reports on the discussions with Oprah.

All of the people were well-known as were their background stories so what new information would we hear about them and their “workplace”?

A few themes emerged, including implied, if not actual, racism which is of course offensive, illegal and should not be tolerated – although it is a common part of many people’s lives. Many other people living in the United Kingdom or the United States of America face this daily.

A number of family members aren’t talking to each other. Yet again a common event and probably more suited to discussion on Oprah’s friend, Dr. Phil’s show. This can be solved in most families by actually contacting the others by phone or Zoom, and actually saying hello.

Stress in a family and at work, in this case the same thing, can cause sadness and lead to depression and unfortunately is far too common. There must be help available and privately although again, with many medical systems, it can be hard and expensive to access. For this couple, the cost is not an issue.

Having a family not support you fully, this time by not providing security, is a failing but the couple is very wealthy and can afford to fund their own care. Too many people in the world are abandoned by their families and many have no protection from the harshness of the world.

The only good thing was the reveal of the sex of what hopefully will be a healthy, happy child who will be loved by both parents, an event that also isn’t as common as it should be.

The “Firm” is not without fault, but the example set by the Queen in duty and service should be a model for the whole family to follow.

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Don’t say my name

Ex-US President Donald Trump has issued a legal notice to the GOP to not use his name and picture for fundraising. It probably didn’t need to involve lawyers as I am sure many members of the GOP don’t want to mention him again in any way.

Actually, it might be better for the whole world if his name is never mentioned again in any reference to politics.

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Mobile rudeness?

Has the mobile phone distracted the world or have people become ruder?

I parked outside a favorite coffee shop and before I had a chance to get out, a young man talking on his phone jumped into the back seat to be met with “This is the wrong car.”

He then asked if this was an Uber although still chatting on his phone. When told “NO!” he then got out without an apology or even acknowledging his mistake.

Although a trivial example of rudeness, it showed how a person on the phone can have little connection with the real world. What happened to asking if this car was the one for him before getting into a strange car?

What happened to not getting into a stranger’s car?

What happened to not talking on the phone while talking to another person?

How do people treat others as non-entities to ignore?

Time to put down the phones, lift the eyes up to horizontal and meet the world and the people in it.

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What to say?

Yet another childhood favorite has gone to the dark side or at least to the banned list, with six books by Dr. Seuss now no longer being published. They’re gone because they were seen as racist with inappropriate presentations.

It is obvious that many old books may contain content that is now no longer acceptable but is the answer to remove it? Or basically hide it away?

It might be better to identify the issue, explain why it is wrong and how to resolve these matters.

It’s not book burning but it’s still concerning to see books become unavailable. There is some wisdom in Dr. Seuss’ own words, “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s “not.” Or “Think and wonder, wonder and think.” And finally, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”/PN

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