quangos

wonderfulexchange13 Comments

Do we really think it’s helpful to ask non-British nationals seeking residency to learn that quangos are:

independent organisations that carry out functions on behalf of the public which it would be inappropriate to place under the political control of a Cabinet minister

without giving a single example?

My head is spinning, and I have two chapters to go before cramming the census statistics for tomorrow’s Life in the UK test.

Couldn’t I just sit a theology final?  Or a set of Maths highers?  Or maybe even a French exam?    Anything, really…

it’s time

wonderfulexchange9 Comments

champagne ready.

much joy.

4.50 pm.  With the whole world watching, Rick Warren decides to rewrite scripture.  (and I thought nothing could taint this day.)  Let’s hope Aretha saves it.

…well, you’ve gotta love her hat.

5.01 pm.  I didn’t know you could play the clarinet while smiling.  But just look at Yo-yo Ma.  Pure genius to choose Simple Gifts.

5.23 pm.  There it is, the phrase we’ve been waiting for:  Tolerance & Curiosity.  Not the oratorical fireworks I was hoping for, but good and true.

5.27 pm.  Tricky thing, poetry.  Elizabeth Alexander looking very scared.  ‘repairing the things that need repair’ is apt.  ‘take out your pencils; begin’, ‘say it plain, that many have died for this day’,  ‘today’s sharp sparkle’.  Not an easy task at all.

blessed benediction.  embodied sign.