Dawn

Dawn

Monday, August 17, 2009

I see that 23 people were injured during a recent fireworks display down in Elche, despite the fact that everyone involved (in a special enclosure) was wearing protective footwear and clothing. It put me in mind of a night in that city in 1970 when the local youths took great pleasure in hurling every sort of incendiary device at a group of terrified British girls. And anyone else, for that matter. There was no question of protective gear back then. Or safety in any guise.

And talking of change in Spain  . . .  the Health Minister has said that 70% of the population support a total ban on smoking and has stressed that Spanish society is now mature enough to accept this. Hmm. I have my doubts and we will see. Sadly, the filthy habit is still widely seen here as a symbol of sophistication and personal freedom. Unlike pissing against a wall, which only reflects the latter.

Still down south . . .  A divorce lawyer this week argued that his client shouldn't be denied custody of the children simply because she had a nasty temper. This, he claimed, was simply part of her (stereo)typical Andalucian character. The judge was not impressed. Though possibly amused.

At last something to moan about here in the UK . . .  Last evening in lovely Leeds, I waited 10 minutes at a bar while the couple in front of me had their 3-quid-each cocktails mixed (slowly) by the bartender. I then paid 10 pounds for two (quickly delivered) half pints of lager, a Coke and a glass of NZ white wine. Or 2.50 each, on average. This seemed a lot to me, though I suspect I'm rather out of touch. Primarily because my daughter laughed and told me they were cheap. But this is not my real gripe. What annoyed me was the attempts made to embarrass me (as if!) into buying a 'large' glass of wine:-
"Would that be a small or a large glass of wine, sir?", and later
"You did say a large glass, didn't you, sir?"

There, I feel much better now.

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