I’ve just done a Speed Awareness Course after being caught doing 34mph in a 30mph zone. To be honest I was pissed off - my friends often mock how slowly I drive and how angry I get when I see drivers speeding. I use my speed limiter almost all the time to keep within the limit. I assumed it would be a useless waste of three hours from which I would learn nothing - basically a scam so people could make money from me and the rest of those on the course.
I was completely wrong. The presenter was calm, polite, efficient and sensible and her manner made it instantly clear this would not be a waste of time. More importantly, the content itself was interesting, important and relevant even to someone who - clearly wrongly in my case - thinks they are a safe driver. I was really impressed. The whole thing was well put together and engaging.
So much of the commentary on Palestine today without much sense of the deep history. No this is unlikely to make much or any practical difference. But you can say this is a debt which has long been owed. The Palestinians expected state a century ago when the British took on the mandate. We didn’t deliver, scarpered in 48 and left chaos behind. For many, recognition is the least we can do- and long overdue.
It's the first week in September, that time of the year when I realise I've had three months to get my masonic suit dry cleaned and am now searching for a 24 hour cleaners. This is now an annual ritual.