KT Dodge

Andrew wants me to record an acappella version of this songs with my lyrical tweaks.

I do another bit to dissuade Americans of the notion that the NHS is a perfect way to manage health care. Be prepared to be appalled by some of the things I report on for PJM.

I have a piece up @ Pajamas Media about the positive effects the untimely cancer death of Jade Goody is having on the UK. I speculate on what effect could be made if an American celebrity did something so selfless, like say Paris Hilton.

Well are you one of those ‘other women’ who have just been dropped by your married lover?  It seems that in recessionary times rich men are cutting back on extra expenses and mistresses are one of them.  It seems that financiers, hedge fund managers and brokers are all cutting back and know that a costly divorce would be financial suicide during a downturn.  Oh dear, all those dropped mistresses better have something else to offer.  Lets hope that you all feathered those nests of yours during the good times and he doesn’t own your apartment as you might find yourself homeless.

I am delighted to say that I will be taking a short course at Lee Strasberg to enhance my acting skills.  Manhattan seems much more ‘polite’ than I remember 10 years ago.  Everybody (well except the drunk in the bar!!!) was really courteous and could do nothing but help us and have a laugh.  I hope my longer stay there will yield the same results .. now all i’ve got to do is find a place to lay my hat!!!

I finally got my butt in gear and went to see Slumdog Millionnaire.  From the moment it started it swept me up and propelled me into Mumbai life.  The energy bursting out of the screen was incredible.  This energy continues throughout the film which has a wicked pace with a very satisfying structure and storyline.  It is really well written and acted.  I now know why it has won so many awards which are richly deserved.  This film touches all the right notes and if you haven’t seen this film yet go see it it really should not be missed. 

Its in response to a rather glowing review of the NHS that appeared a week ago or so on the site. I write about my <a href=”http://pajamasmedia.com/blog/british-health-service-a-national-disgrace/” experiences</a> over the last few years..

Well my husband is pretty depressed, he’s gone as far as saying that this is the worst day of his political life because the US is about to get a ‘Socialist’ President, namely Barack Obama.  He doesn’t object to Barack Obama as a person and admires the fact that the US has elected a minority President.  He just doesn’t see how a socialist vision works in the US.  I’m still waiting to see how his whole presidency pans out.  I know how much debt the UK is in helped by a Labour Government and I suspect he has the same kind of plans to attempt to spend his way out of trouble.  I must admit he is more charismatic than any of his UK counterparts but will this make him a successful President?

Once again the complacency of the NHS lets a patient die. A down syndrome patient who suffered a stroke and was unable to swallow died of starvation when he had not been fed for 26 days due to a lack of communication between the doctors and nurses who were treating him.  The Doctors thought that he was being fed through a tube in his nose when he wasn’t.  This total lack of communication and care is becoming all too common in the NHS.  I will never forget my terrible experience at the hands of poor nursing care when I broke my ankle a few years back and keep wondering whether it will ever get better.  I was lucky that I had the support of family and friends to oversee my care in hospital and cannot imagine what it would be like if you are debilitated enough that you cannot explain what you need.   For a patient to die in hospital because of starvation is absolutely shocking.  It seems to me that the NHS is better at harming people than healing them these days!

There’s always so much pressure at New Year to firstly have a good time and secondly have a good time.  This year I intend to stay at home all warm and cosy with a bottle of wine and some nice home cooked food.  No trudging through inclement weather for me.  No worries about not being able to get a cab, or if I can get a cab can I afford it without applying for another mortgage.  Maybe I’m just getting old and more cynical.  What is it about New Year that makes every bar, club, cab service triple their prices?? at least that’s what happens in London.Now don’t get me wrong, i’m pleased 2008 is nearly over.  It’s not been the best of years for people close to me and like most I hope that 2009 will herald in happier healthier times.  However, with recession gripping the world methinks 2009 may be tricky. As I said I’m going to stay home but wish all you brave souls who still want to party on one of the most expensive nights of the year…. happy 2009.