As far as this writer is concerned there are always suitable subjects for rage, angst, grief etc.
First, how I loathe the clichés used by politicians viz: "In real terms since 1979/1997/2010;" in response to any question: "What is important..." and currently, the infuriating expression "Hard-working families." Grrr.
Second, bloody religion. The Sunni versus Shia battles - these people are even worse than the Prods and Caatholics in Ireland. Stupid, stupid people. Grrr.
Third, the decline and progressive emaciation of the English language. The Daily Telegraph seems no longer to be able to distinguish between the noun "licence" and the verb "to license," and also the difference between "complimentary" and "complementary." Pathetic. Grrr.
Fourth, with the wonderful exception of the excellent Catherine Edwards ("Roman Women" BBC4) the apparent enthusiasm of the BBC to recruit and employ persons who are incapable of speaking clearly. Dreadful accents abound and also other solecisms - e.g. some "live" correspondent referred the other day to "several cup-of-teas." Such people are as unsuited to appearing on broadcast media as say, Lord (John) Prescott.
We have:
- the appalling Americanism "impact" meaning "affect" (why?)
- the irritating expression "leverage" pronounced incorrectly (meaning what?)
- weather forecasters who warn us about "claads" and "shaas," others referring to "yeees."
- the horrid term "going forward"
Fifth, sentimental treatment of little furry animals - e.g. the badger cull row. I do enjoy "Springwatch" on the television (despite the grating accents of the very highly expert presenters) but their glamorisation of foxes makes my blood boil. Had I land of my own, I would certainly devote a meadow to wild flowers to encourage the bees etc. and take care of my woodland, but I would also have a shot-gun and any fox that stuck its murderous head up would have it blown off. Sadly that traitor Blair banned hunting. I have never forgiven these horrible creatures for the slaughter of my beloved hens in France.
Grrr, grrr, grrr, grrr, grrr.
Until the next time.
