Slave Labour or Gaining Employable Skills?

Again, I hate to rant about a news topic, when I don't normally care for current affairs (unless they're veterinary or horsey linked), but I am absolutely appalled by the attitude presented by the media towards the government's controversial proposal to introduce compulsory work experience for civilians on Job-Seeker's Allowance.

It's being talked about as though it's an outrage that people who can't (or won't) find work would be expected to do something productive with their time instead of sitting on their backsides, earning benefits. Surely being offered the opportunity to gain vital retail experience with big firms and learn invaluable employable skills would be a privilege? As a temporary voluntary placement, the people undertaking such experience wouldn't be working for free or participating in slave labour; they would be paid the Job-Seeker's Allowance for doing precisely that; learning skills that will make them more successful in seeking a job. I can't see the companies that are considering becoming part of the scheme allowing themselves to be seen to be exploiting people who haven't got any other options.

Personally, I think the big wigs of the media needs to take the fluff out of their skulls and start listening, rather than damn everything the government tries to do to wipe up the mess we're in at the minute. This doesn't mean I agree with every decision that David Cameron makes, but this 'slave labour' perception is, quite frankly, ridiculous.

Hinckley... or Melbourne?

Today has been noticeably mild... too mild for February. Is Hinckley the Melbourne of Britain, where you can experience 4 seasons in one day? We've certainly had 2 seasons in 2 days. It's been an absolutely beautiful day, which slightly eased the grumpiness when the fire bell went off at school earlier. I suddenly realised I didn't know where to go so just followed the throng of people moving towards the astro.

It would appear that I've been oblivious to the veterinary world for a while and the Schallenberg virus has suddenly come to my attention. It slightly worries me that vets are still trying to find out what exactly causes it and how to treat it. Lets hope it's not another 'Foot and Mouth' type epidemic. I'm also not liking the contraction of the disease coming airbourne from France/Belgium/Holland and yet possibly spreading by a vector - midges. Surely it's too cold for midges at this time of year? I shall keep an eye on the updates on this disease I can't pronounce and comment accordingly.

Incidentally, Glasgow University gave me some very good news the day before yesterday: because I deferred early enough, I'm, liable to pay the 2011 fees. This is fabulous and, despite all my ranting and claiming that I should quite rightly pay the higher fees for my own education, I'm not going to say no. Call me a hypogriff but would you turn down that offer?

Lent was going well until I realised Mum had bought chocolate eclairs. Tempted, but I won't give in. Instead, I've got 6 weeks of hunger to look forward to. Sometimes I forget why I do it...

J.

Baking... ish.

Pre-lent baking was much needed to satisfy my chocolate addiction before I banish all things resembling sugar for 40 days. The cookies were a disaster, but the brownies rock.

But this isn't really about baking. Well, sort of. While tackling the nearly re-hardening melted chocolate and trying to pummel it into my brownie mix, I was half-listening to the news. This is most unlike me, but Mum had left the TV on. However, I was disgusted by some uproar about Loyds cutting 2 million pounds worth of bonuses. That was shocking enough. But that fact that it was to be divided between THIRTEEN executives absolutely disgusted me. Our country is in economic meltdown yet we've got this kind of money to throw about? And for what? Sitting at a computer doing SOD ALL. You never hear anything about people with respectable jobs getting ridiculous bonuses. How well paid is a policeman? Or a nurse? A dentist, doctor or vet? Not THAT well paid and their jobs are worth a million times more to the community. There is something seriously wrong there.

We also had a finance meeting earlier about uni. Mum took the words from my mouth with "why did you have your accident?" I would've been part of the last year to have the lower tuition fees. But so what? The other people there were getting all high and mighty about interest rates etc. Why should the rest of society pay for MY education to allow ME to get a good job? A student loan is the cheapest loan you'll ever have so stop winging about it. Yes, it's going to cost a bloody fortune for 5 years at vet school, but it'll be worth it in the end, and that's all that matters. So quit your moaning.

I had an inspirational ride yesterday and today's was quite productive too, but Pepsi seriously needs the dentist. She's chomping funny and leaning... so if it's not her teeth, it's a behaviour issue with a habit she's developed. I hope not, since that'll take ages to train her out of. We'll see.

J.

Taking the plunge

So, I decided to start a blog, after much musing.
Lets see how often I post.

It may be a lost cause, or it may turn out to be quite regular.

J.