Mark: My Words

Welfare Reform Bill: A message to MPs #wrb

2012-02-01T23:04:00.005+01:00

Here's a message to all MPs that voted against the amendments to the Welfare Reform Bill.

Tory MPs. You are all cnuts.
LibDems. You are weapons grade cnuts.

Lies, Damn Lies and PIP Assessments

2012-01-22T22:16:00.003+01:00

A blind friend posted this on Facebook today. (Sunday 22nd Jan 2012)

“I took part in a pilot study for the new PIP assessments carried out by Group 4 Security (G4S).

In the report that the OT carried out she said I made 'good eye contact' - I am completely blind! She also put down the incorrect eye condition.

She also inspected our bathroom without permission. She said I had refused to give some info - a lie!

What confidence should we have when DLA is replace (sic) by PIP?”

The Bio-Psycho-Social Model- Bad Science: How the truth has been twisted

2012-01-19T12:08:00.009+01:00

I had planned to demolish the way in which the DWP and its Ministers cling to what they describe as the bio-psycho-social model. However a number of Guardian readers have done the work for me.

Why this official misrepresentation is allowed to continue is hardly surprising as without it the government's dodgy policy couldn't exist!

jochebed1
19 January
2012 6:46AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/discussion/comment-permalink/14220434

I am a pensioner on DLA for previously-misdiagnosed Multiple Sclerosis.

I have a suspicion that [Maria] Miller, along with Harrison and the rest of them gets even the psychosocial model of disability arse-backwards.

When I was young, that very model was used to point out that a disabled person's ENVIRONMENT contributes massively towards our "disabling us further"- massive employment discrimination, inaccessibility of public buildings and public transport...Very little of that environment has changed, although yes, it is getting a little better.

In true Orwellian Newspeak, the government's "model" of disability (unencumbered by ANY personal 24/7 experience of disability) has twisted the original democratic and egalitarian model around IN ORDER TO to discriminate us MORE, ON THE ASSUMPTION THAT IF WE HAVE TO STRUGGLE MORE TO SURVIVE, THAT IN ITSELF WOULD MAKE US BETTER.

Miller's and Freud's weasel words clarify nothing, and they were not meant to. It's all about getting half a million people off their statutory right for help, by hook or by crook, and to disguise that from themselves and from the public. They're so transparent...

But thankyou to all contributors, especially Arec Balrin, for telling the truth against the government's barrage of weasel words.

notherAngel
19 January
2012 7:24AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/discussion/comment-permalink/14220556

Another significant point has been made about the use of the BPS model. In its truest form the BPS model can be very effective in helping us understand illness not just in terms of the medical effects but in the way it affects our minds and social interactions. However that isnt that case here. What seems to have been done is that the BPS model has been cherry-picked for suitable terms then clobbered together into a form that can be used to deny the needs of massive amounts of sick folks while still claiming the validation of scientific basis.

jochebed1
19 January
2012 8:21AM
http://www.guardian.co.uk/discussion/comment-permalink/14220898

The "Harrison model" (Maria Miller's contorted "bio-psycho-social model) is itself a travesty -and distorted-plagiarism - of the 1970s psycho-social model of disability, which put the onus, not on the disabled, but on our environment.
Harrison's model is itself discriminatory, and is deliberately meant to be, in order to save the state money and promote the political goal of "survival of the fittest", in social policy as everywhere else (while providing an income stream for unqualified "assessors" doing discriminatory "assessments" in the name of the state.

Harrison and Miller can sue me if they think this is an inaccurate description.

A Personal Story

2012-01-15T11:46:00.007+01:00

I’ve never before described my disability. I consider my problems to be much less disabling than those of the truly courageous campaigners that produced “Responsible Reform” (otherwise known as The Spartacus Report). But that’s what we do as disabled people; we try so hard to get on with our lives despite the pain and frustration, commonly saying “of course I’m grateful that my problems are nothing like as bad as those endured by X, or Y or Z”. It is a form of stoicism or maybe denial, but it’s part of that mental armoury that gives us our determination and optimism, even when we are in pain and we have to wait another 3 hours for our next dose of analgesia.

For years (since my 30s) I’d battled with painful joints. Initially mainly my neck hurt, but I was told it was down to bad posture. 10 years and masses of physio/osteopathy and painkillers later, after a battle with a totally unsympathetic GP, I had an MRI scan. Well, well severe osteoarthritis resulting in bony spurs that were pressing on the nerves exiting the spinal column.

I continued to manage this into my 50s. However a whiplash injury had aggravated it considerably and I was struggling with the fine movements in my right hand. This was crucial to my work as a nurse as it was making it impossible to draw up injections. I was forced to take ill health retirement following a long battle with my employer. Subsequently I have had considerable deterioration in knee and ankle joints and lumbar vertebrae, due, apparently, to the years I had kept fit by running!
Trainers that absorb the shock hardly existed 30 years ago.

The painkillers hardly have any effect! I can no longer use low dose amitriptyline or anti-inflammatories because of either the cardiac risk or gastric bleeding, which is a shame as they were remarkably effective.
I have seen a remarkable, lovely, pain relief pain consultant who has tried everything in his considerable armoury including quite scary nerve blocks which have failed to work.
All I want is to be able to walk a hundred yards without pain or get downstairs in the morning without the use of a walking stick.
I can only imagine what an unbroken, pain-free night’s sleep must be like.

I would love to be able to cook fresh food pain-free and not have to rely on the disgusting slop that is microwave meals.

For this I receive DLA Low Rate Care but I’d much rather be able to cook, and walk to the pub!

Cameron and the Disabled

2012-01-08T10:26:00.005+01:00

Little did I know when I wrote this that Cameron, whose late son was severely disabled, would do the usual rich toff thing and continue the marginalisation of those with disabilities by mocking those with Tourette's.

The ConDem changes to DLA, replacing it with PIP, will remove the right to any financial help for people on the lowest care rate of the current DLA.

The disgusting Tory media machine has now persuaded a large proportion of the populace that disabled people are "scroungers". Disability hate crime is on the increase. I have personally been challenged as to my right to disabled parking, despite displaying my Blue Badge.

I had great pleasure in telling the last tattoed thug who queried my genuineness, that my damaged joints were a cumulative result of injuries sustained during my service as a police officer and then as a registered nurse. Hardly a stereotypical scrounger!

A New "Tory-Inspired" Society

2012-01-07T19:11:00.007+01:00

How unpleasant UK society has become in the last year or so.

Disabled people have been subjected to a government inspired campaign that has led to those in genuine need being seen as the same as the "scroungers".

Government and local authority help for the most vulnerable and needy has been minimised or abolished.

Some young people have had to abruptly finish their secondary education because the EMA was the only way they could pay their bus fares to college.

Hospitals have reduced staff and closed beds.
In the future, if you can't pay, the NHS will provide only a service from the cheapest contractor.

All this policy comes from the millionaires in Cabinet. They really have NO idea what life is like for ordinary working people, let alone those with health issues.

US Satellite warning

2011-09-24T16:18:00.001+01:00

"some things that have re-entered have sharp edges, so don't try to pick them up," said Mark Matney, an orbital debris scientist from Nasa's Johnson Space Center.

Let me tell you something Mister Matney, if a US Satellite the size of a fcuking bus has just landed on my house and fcuking vapourized it, getting a cut finger is the least of my troubles YOU TWAT!

Pear tarte tatin

2011-09-24T11:23:00.003+01:00

Pear tarte tatin

If you have an ovenproof frying pan (or one with a removable handle), you can use it both to caramelise the pears and to cook the tart, though a heavy, fixed-bottomed baking tin will do. Makes a 20cm tart.

1 packet ready-roll all-butter puff pastry
4-5 pears, ripe but still firm
80g unsalted butter
80g caster sugar
Juice of half a lemon

Heat the oven to 220C/425F/gas mark 7. Roll out the pastry and, using a plate as a template, cut out a disc around 23cm in diameter (or 1cm larger than your pan or tin). Prick a few times with a fork, and refrigerate.

Peel, halve and core the pears, then cut into thick wedges or fat chunks. Melt the butter with the sugar in a deep, heavy-based frying pan (of about 22cm in diameter, if you are using an ovenproof pan in which to bake the tart). Add the lemon juice and pears, and cook on medium-high heat, turning the pears from time to time and taking care not to break them. Cook until golden and tender, and the caramel is reduced to a thick sauce that just coats the fruit, about 20-25 minutes.

Arrange the pears cut-side up in the pan (or baking tin or tarte tatin dish, in which case scrape in all the caramel, too), cramming them together, and set aside until cool.

Drape the pastry over the pears, tuck it in around the sides of the pan to enclose the fruit, and bake for 20-25 minutes, until golden brown. Leave to cool for five minutes, run a knife around the sides and carefully invert the tart on to a plate. Let it stand for five minutes more, then serve on its own, or with cream, clotted cream or ice-cream.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/sep/25/choux-pastry-beurre-blanc-recipes

Lansley's statement is dishonest

2011-09-22T15:22:00.000+01:00

Headlines in todays papers saying that the NHS is writing off a £12 billion IT contract are totally misleading and an attempt to rubbish the Labour Party.
Here's the truth. The system is NOT being scrapped. The NHS is keeping "Spine" – which stores patients' care records, NHS email – the secure email system for the entire NHS, "Choose and Book", the appointment booking service, and Picture Archiving and Communications Service – which allows for the transfer of X-ray pictures. These were all developed as part of this IT contract.

Lansley's statement is dishonest

Amy Pond Again

2011-09-10T19:33:00.003+01:00

EU Madness

2011-09-09T09:30:00.002+01:00

A nurse from Eastern Europe who has not worked for 20 years by law HAS to be allowed to work in the UK even though their knowledge is totally out of date and therefore of considerable danger to patients.

However a UK nurse who has not worked for THREE years is legally required to attend and pass a Return to Practice Course/update before they can be re-registered and allowed back on a ward.

WHO do you want to nurse you?

Amy Pond

2011-09-06T14:01:00.004+01:00

Illumination......

2011-09-04T05:04:00.002+01:00

From the archive. Tuesday, November 11, 2008

My car doesn’t have the multimillion pound technology that enables the pilot of a fighter jet to see its target many miles away in pitch darkness. Neither, I’d hazard a guess, do white vans and many other vehicles on my daily journey to work in the dark. Furthermore, not being a Super Hero, I don’t have X-Ray vision, (or the ability to pat my head and stroke my stomach in clockwise circles simultaneously.)

I’d always thought that street lights were a remarkably sensible invention as they would (surprisingly) illuminate the streets when it’s dark. Regrettably my local council differs. They need to save money (no doubt the “fact-finding” tours to exotic Caribbean islands are a much higher priority). Of course switching off the lights isn’t publicised as a way of containing their budget, it’s proclaimed as a “Green Initiative” by the expensively hired marketing consultants.

Consequently pedestrians and unlit cyclists manage to disappear in the gloom and deep shadows of the early morning, when most sensible people are still in bed.

The great thing about headlights on cars is that the cost of switching them on is almost negligible, unlike domestic electricity bills which often equal the size of a City banker’s annual bonus. They enable me to see the cyclists and pedestrians before I run them over and upset my boss by being late arriving at work.

So, can someone explain to me why it’s apparently cool to drive with only sidelights on in the pitch dark?

Put Your Lights On!

Nice Buttons!

2011-09-03T16:28:00.001+01:00

Seen in Gloucs

An MP!

2011-07-13T16:03:00.003+01:00

Nicola Blackwood MP. Wow!

Just How Arrogant Can You Be?

2011-07-13T15:45:00.003+01:00

News Corp. said that while "the proposed acquisition of BSkyB by News Corporation would benefit both companies ... it has become clear that it is too difficult to progress in this climate."

Yes it’s bloody difficult when you withhold evidence from the police, and employ people to dig the dirt on any copper who dares challenge you.

Let’s not indulge in weasel words Murdoch. Your entire organisation is morally corrupt and you think that you are more important than the Law.

You are going to find that the Law wins.

The Toothless PCC

2011-07-07T05:11:00.008+01:00

I formally complained about an article in "The Independent" that was prejudicial to the forthcoming case concerning PC Simon Harwood.

This is the reply received.

“The complainant was concerned that the article contravened a notice from the Department of Public Prosecution requesting that nothing was published that would prejudice PC Simon Harwood’s trial.
The Commission made clear that columnists are entitled to express their views, provided that they are clearly distinguished from fact. While it acknowledged the complainant’s concern that the article was in contravention of the notice issued the DPP, it was not for the Commission to enforce the terms of such a notice or to establish what information would be likely to prejudice the trial. Rather, the Commission was required to enforce the terms of the Editors’ Code of Practice. Given that the complainant had not specified any inaccuracies in the article, the Commission could not establish a breach of Clause 1 (Accuracy) of the Code.”

In other words, the PCC acknowledges the contravention but can do nothing because of its terms of reference.

This surely establishes the need for greater regulation of the press. Until recently I would have battled against further controls. However the press’s gross abuse of its “light touch” regulation means that it is time for formal controls enforceable in law.

Shifty and Untrustworthy

2011-07-05T13:08:00.011+01:00

So News International is having another internal investigation, another opportunity for them to hide more evidence.

The Police should be investigating, not a bunch of people trying to protect their own interests.

At last we are beginning to understand why Andy Coulson resigned....twice.

But the hacking of Milly Dowler's voicemail happened whilst Rebekah Brooks was editor.

Whether she knew about this at the time or not, she was the boss.

She now has no alternative other than do the honourable thing and resign.

For the benefit of News International employees:

honourable US, honorable adj
1. possessing or characterized by high principles honourable intentions
2. worthy of or entitled to honour or esteem
3. consistent with or bestowing honour

Chav Scum

2011-06-29T17:48:00.004+01:00

Kelsey Donkin

Chav scum gets away with sick behaviour. Courts show they are gutless as usual.
22 years old, 3 kids, on benefits. Vile piece of lowlife.

Ms Donkin shouted 'bang, bang' at the police officer and made a gesture like she was using a shot gun towards PC Rathband, reportedly in an effort to impress her friends.
The mother of three has now apologised to PC Rathband in a letter and said she was pleased to have avoided a jail sentence. No doubt her solicitor advised her to write the letter, hardly a spontaneous gesture or true sign of remorse

Save The NHS

2011-03-24T09:32:00.006+01:00

F1 News

2011-02-21T17:15:00.002+01:00

Bernie: "Have you got the cash stashed in the bags as I requested?"

Crown Prince: "Yes Bernie it's all here ready to be picked up" (rat ta ta ta tat in the background)

Bernie: "Hey what's that? machine guns?"

Crown Prince: "Nah it's my wife having tap dancing lessons"

Berni: "Ok no problem be there as normal, please make sure the credit slips are made out in German, the Zurich gnomes like it that way"

So, what do you do for the Big Society?

2011-02-20T04:07:00.009+01:00

So, what do you do for the Big Society?
Sod all as far as most ministers are concerned.
Andrew Lansley's answer qualifies as the most pathetic.

The PM wants hard-pressed families to volunteer more. We asked government ministers if they walked the walk... (From The Independent 20th Feb 2011)

David Cameron

Prime Minister

I am saving my local pub and church hall.

Nick Clegg

Deputy Prime Minister

Can't say, won't say

William Hague

Foreign Secretary

Can't say, won't say

George Osborne

Chancellor of the Exchequer

I have volunteered for a number of charities in my constituency.

Kenneth Clarke

Justice Secretary

I am voluntarily putting in place policies which mean that charities are subcontracted to deliver rehabilitation programmes for ex-offenders.

Theresa May

Home Secretary

Can't say, won't say

Liam Fox

Defence Secretary

I support the Strawberry Line Café. Patron of North Somerset Mencap, Children's Hospice SW, Clevedon Pier & Heritage Trust, Portishead Lifeboat Trust.

Vince Cable

Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills

I am patron of Shooting Stars Children's Hospice, Ndoro Children's Charity, PKD and Richmond Mencap.

Iain Duncan Smith

Work and Pensions Secretary

I am president/patron/trustee of 15 causes, including Chapel End Savoy Players, 27F Squadron, Motability, Prostate Cancer Charity.

Chris Huhne

Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change

Can't say, won't say

Andrew Lansley

Health Secretary

I ran a Sunday school once for the local church. Now I tend to do things in the constituency, like the WRVS at the local hospital. (The Daily Politics, BBC2)

Michael Gove

Education Secretary

I help out in the crèche at St Mary Abbots Church. I am a supporter/patron/ fundraiser of seven groups, including Frimley Park baby unit, Help for Heroes.

Eric Pickles

Communities and Local Government Secretary

Can't say, won't say

Philip Hammond

Transport Secretary

I am joint president of Weybridge Youth Club, vice-president, Basingstoke Canal Society, patron, White Lodge Trust (for children with cerebral palsy).

Caroline Spelman

Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

I set up two charities in my constituency: one to help drug users and one to help the victims of domestic violence.

Andrew Mitchell

International Development

I founded the Conservatives' social action project in Rwanda and return each year to teach English. I have a long-standing involvement in charities.

Jeremy Hunt

Culture Secretary

I set up my own charity that helps children with Aids in Africa.

Owen Paterson

Northern Ireland Secretary

Can't say, won't say

Michael Moore

Secretary of State for Scotland

Can't say, won't say

Cheryl Gillan

Secretary of State for Wales

Can't say, won't say

Danny Alexander

Chief Secretary to the Treasury

I back a number of local groups. I am a supporter of the Cairngorms farmers' market. (Daily Mirror)

Baroness Warsi

Conservative Party chairman

Can't say, won't say

Lord Strathclyde

Leader of the House of Lords

Can't say, won't say

Francis Maude

Cabinet Office minister

I do – golly, what do I do? I do a whole load of things. I'm involved in my local church. Um, gosh, that's a really unfair question cold. (PM programme, Radio 4)

Oliver Letwin

Cabinet Office minister

I spend a Sunday morning a month serving at the community shop in my village – which I helped set up. I was a trustee of the Social Mobility Foundation.

(The Independent 20th Feb 2011)

BIG SOCIETY

2011-02-13T22:43:00.004+01:00

BIG SOCIETY = BS = BULLSH1T

"Dave is either the most arrogant or stupid politician on the planet.

No citizen anywhere , who is being clobbered by increasingly brutal tax grabs and to a slow death by 1000 cuts to existing community services is going to accept the hypocrisy and and the hidden agendas of Big Society."

Letter to MP re: DLA Reform

2011-01-30T19:35:00.004+01:00

Dear Sir

Re: Disability Living Allowance reform

I am writing to urge you, to press the Minister for Disabled People, to recall the Public Consultation on Disability Living Allowance (DLA) reform http://www.dwp.gov.uk/consultations/2010/dla-reform.shtml , and to cease work on reform of this benefit, due to serious flaws in the consultation paper. As such, the consultation questions are deeply skewed and any answers will be likely to support wholesale reform. This is both unfair and unwise, and will cause hardship for many disabled people. In this letter I will begin by discussing the problem with the case for reform, and then address the consequences of reform.

First, the case for reform. The reasons given for DLA reform are not robust, with little evidence to support the case for reform and, importantly, no independent academic research. My use of the word ‘little’ in this context refers to the two pieces of internal DWP papers used as evidence to build the entire case for reform – a footnote for one reference appears twice on consecutive pages. Thus the case for reform falls apart upon even cursory examination.

The wildest claim to support reform is that ‘evidence suggests that DLA can also act as a barrier to work’. This passage is footnoted, referring to “Disability Living Allowance and work: Exploratory research and evidence review, 2010, DWP Research Report No. 648” (RR No.648). This report also finds that “the main factor affecting the employment rates of disabled people is their disability or health condition” and that “a larger than average proportion of DLA recipients also appears to be affected by the specific types of impairment that carry the greatest employment disadvantage for disabled people” – yet these findings are not reported in the consultation paper, thus skewing discussion.

In fact, though the report claims that there exists a “perception of disability permanently precluding work is prevalent among individuals with disabilities not already in employment”, there is no evidence cited in the report that suggests DLA could be a barrier to work. The section and all references to it in the consultation paper could be interpreted as an attempt to misdirect, and should be removed forthwith. Further, it should be noted that the consultation commits the statistical crime of confusing correlation with causation. Whilst RR No. 648 does provide evidence that low employment is correlated with claiming of DLA, this in no way implies that one causes the other.

It could be suggested that the lack of evidence pointing to a need for reform has meant that misdirection was used in an attempt to convince the public that DLA reform is necessary. In particular, the graphs presented as Figure 1 and 2, on page 8 of the consultation paper, used to show the DLA caseload increasing at an alarming rate, are flawed in many ways, not least in the fact that no baseline is established for when take-up of DLA by people with disabilities plateaued after its introduction in 1992/93. There are further issues regarding the number of Pensioners as the report ignores demographic trends to show that there is a dramatic increase in claims by people over State Pension age. This is particularly questionable since a Pensioners’ eligibility for DLA would usually depend on their receipt of DLA prior to this – otherwise, they would be eligible for Attendance Allowance, as I am certain you are aware.

Figure 2 is also misleading as it could be read carelessly as showing that 8% of the population claim DLA. I am loath to interpret this as intentional misdirection but it is, at the very least, a sloppy drawing of graphs. Another example of sloppiness is the first sentence of paragraph 15 of the first chapter, on page 7 of the consultation paper, reading “In just eight years, the numbers receiving DLA has increased by 30 per cent.” This sentence is utterly meaningless and a misuse of statistics although, once again, I do not wish to interpret this negatively. Yet another example of the spurious use of statistics is Table 1 on Page 9 which presents the “Distribution of current caseload by rate combination”. This table appears between two paragraphs – 16 and 17 – arguing that the current system is too complex and the benefit is not understood. This is an odd, and potentially misleading, place for this data to be displayed.

Beyond misuse of statistics, sloppy presentation of data and lack of evidence, there are further points to be queried. Whilst RR No. 648 does give evidence that DLA is complex and not understood by all claimants, as suggested in paragraph 19 on page 10, this is surely grounds for improving the current system rather than expensively replacing it with an entirely new one. Likewise the assertion, in paragraph 18 of page 9, that there is no system to check that rewards remain correct. The statement that “Two-thirds of people currently on DLA have an indefinite award, which means that their award may continue for life without ever being checked to see if it still reflects their needs” is a rhetorical tautology. Indefinite awards are given to claimants with conditions that will not improve. Whilst it is not unreasonable that medical advances in the treatment of a certain condition should prompt re-evaluation of those cases, this could be achieved by augmenting DLA rather than replacing it.

The core argument of the consultation paper is that DLA is a benefit not fit for purpose. Paragraph 9 on page 6 of the consultation paper states that: “DLA is a benefit that provides a cash contribution towards the extra costs of needs arising from an impairment or health condition.” The arguments presented in paragraphs 14 and 15 of page 8, claiming that the benefit is not fit for purpose, do not touch upon the original purpose of DLA or offer any argument as to why it is failing to meet its original purpose. The information presented is that the DLA caseload and expenditure is a “lot more than was originally expected” and the aforementioned misuse of statistics on the increase in DLA claims. No arguments are presented as to why this means that DLA is not fit for purpose. The only way an argument can be construed is to look at the issue with a preconceived idea that there is an acceptable level of DLA claims prior to evaluating the health and impairment of claimants.

Finally, paragraph 2 betrays this preconception by stating: “We believe that now is the right time to reform DLA”, yet offers no qualification or reasoning for this belief. Paragraph 3 continues by saying that: “We must ensure that our resources are focused on those with the greatest need”, with no qualification or definition of the term “greatest need”. This could be pointed to as a suggestion that those with “lesser needs” will have to struggle unsupported with their impairment, and that the definition of needs is at the whim of the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions.

The arguments above demolish the case for reform presented in the consultation paper, dealing with each point made in the consultation paper. I will now address the second part of the consultation paper, explaining why the reforms intended by the DWP will be harmful to disabled people.

Paragraph 4 of Page 11 begins by stating that: “Central to Personal Independence Payment will be a new, fairer, objective assessment, which will allow us to identify those who face the greatest need, in a more consistent and transparent manner.” The previous section of the paper does not suggest that the current DLA assessment is unfair or that it is not objective, and neither is there evidence that it is inconsistent or lacking in transparency. The current system is assessment by a variety of resources; information from a carer or support worker, the person’s GP, specialist consultant or physiotherapist. Trying to slim down this evidence base to on homogeneous assessment will mean that the impact of disability on the individual is ignored. This is definitely not objective. Paragraph 4 also states that: “We are developing the new assessment in collaboration with a group of independent specialists in health, social care and disability, including disabled people.” What ‘independent’ means is that a private company such as Atos will be contracted to run assessments. This will include meeting with an ‘independent’ healthcare professional – not necessarily qualified as doctors - working for the assessors. The objections to a private company such as ATOS using unqualified staff who know their jobs depend on keeping to strict targets aimed to reduce numbers qualifying for a particular benefit are too many to list.

Paragraph 12 on page 13 of the consultation paper suggests that: “The criteria on which DLA is currently based, on care and mobility needs, are subjective and unclear.” It could be argued that this statement is subjective and unclear as there is no qualification of the statement, and no evidence is offered in support. As suggested in the previous paragraph, the lack of a formalized set of criteria for DLA awards is due to the varying impact of disability, meaning that such a ‘tick-box’ test would not be objective either. The following paragraph in the paper suggests that ‘care’ and ‘mobility’ may not be the best proxies for the additional costs faced by disabled people. The paragraphs also state that “there is currently conflicting evidence on the factors that affect the extra costs that disabled people face in the 21st Century”. The very fact that the only two DWP research reports cited to support offer conflicting evidence raises questions about the DWP’s choice to accept one piece of evidence above the other.

Paragraph 14 of page 13 offers the example: “‘mobility’ as currently defined concentrates on an individual’s ability to walk, not their ability to get around more generally.” It is true, generally, that people with disabilities are more mobile as aids and access have improved. However, this additional mobility has come with extra financial costs, such as new mobility aids, adapted vehicles, taxis. Moreover, it is crucial to remember that additional mobility does not mean universal mobility. Paragraph 15 of page 13 suggests an intention to refocus the Personal Independence Payment (PIP) at those most impaired in their ability to carry out a range of activities, because: “There is some evidence to suggest that individuals whose impairments have the greatest impact are likely to experience higher costs.” This statement is bizarre, as this is exactly what DLA does. Paragraph 16 on page 14 discusses splitting PIP into a ’mobility’ component and a ‘daily living’ component, with two rates for each component. This suggests that the change from DLA will be a vastly expensive rebranding exercise, as modifying DLA could achieve this.

Paragraphs 17 and 18 on page 14 argue that “The individual must have a long-term disability” in order to claim PIP, so that “an individual’s health condition or impairment must be expected to last a minimum of 12 months”. This will punish those who suffer debilitating short- and medium-term illnesses, but eventually recover their mobility and ability to care for themselves. Whilst people are ill over the short- or medium-term, they will have mobility and/or care needs and face the same extra costs as those with long-term conditions. They may even have to purchase mobility or care aids for their temporary conditions. Yet this consultation paper seems to ignore their needs. Long-term conditions are also targeted as paragraph 19 on page 15 suggests the end of automatic entitlement for certain conditions. The example of renal dialysis automatically entitling on to the medium-rate care component of DLA is given, and it is argued that: “As a result, eligibility for DLA is sometimes based on medical condition rather than the impact of that condition, meaning that support is not always appropriately targeted.” The meaning of this sentence and argument is completely opaque, unless it is to suggest that one should be denied support because they are too ill to use it; a thoroughly distasteful argument which I refuse to believe that the DWP countenanced.

Paragraph 20 on page 15 of the paper confirms that PIP will continue to apply the same presence and residence criteria as DLA, but may consider a habitual residence test. This will impact on workers not born in this country who develop a disability. This seems extremely harsh as, although it will make PIP consistent with other benefits, whatever one’s attitude to immigration, I cannot believe that anyone would argue that a foreign-born individual living in this country should be denied support if unfortunate enough to become disabled.

Paragraph 21 of page 15 argues for the full removal of PIP from individuals in “hospitals or similar institutions or care homes”. As care homes take income and savings into account, this will mean that care home residents no longer have any independent income to pay for short journeys or other ways of retaining independence, and become entirely institutionalized.

Paragraph 24 on page 16 states that: “We remain committed to the social model of disability. The new assessment will not be based solely on the medical model of disability and focused entirely on an individual’s impairment, but will instead focus on the ability of an individual to carry out a range of key activities necessary for everyday life. “ The meaning of this statement is unclear. Paragraph 26 adds little clarification, stating: “Activities we assess could include, for example, planning and making a journey, and understanding and communicating with others. The extent to which an individual could carry out these activities would determine their eligibility for Personal Independence Payment and the level of their award.” As I have argued above, such a tick-box approach to the impact of disability is counter-productive and not objective. A person able to complete the activities in your example may still need the same type of support as another who cannot.

Paragraphs 27 and 28 state that PIP will “take greater account of the successful use of aids and adaptations as part of the Personal Independence Payment assessment”. This means that successful use of aids – including wheelchairs – could mean that claimants are not eligible or eligible for a lower rate of PIP. This is a ridiculous suggestion. For example Tanni Grey-Thompson – one of the most successful athletes of all time – is a 6 times winner of the London marathon. She is obviously ‘successful’ in her navigation of London streets. Yet she will face the additional costs of her mobility needs just like any other person with a disability. The general truth is that successful use of an aid does not negate additional mobility costs.

Now I will turn to my conclusions.

The point that most angers me is the focus on DLA as a disincentive to work, which is both false and disingenuous. People who receive DLA do often have lower work expectations as the reform consultation paper suggests, and rightly so as many conditions and impairments make work impossible. Disabled people are often unable to compete equally in the labour market, because of ignorance and fear amongst employers and a lack of willingness to consider making adjustments that may well be relatively cheap and straightforward but are perceived as too onerous. People with high rate awards have the highest levels of impairment and are most likely to be unable to work, regardless of benefits, Those who do work are often only able to do so because of the aids, support or adaptations that DLA or Access to Work allows them to purchase. The focus on moving to work has no place in discussion about DLA other than to make the important clarification that DLA is not work related, and exists to assist with the additional cost incurred when living with an impairment or long-term health condition.

Other problems include the fact that the PIP proposals will see some current recipients of social care losing financial benefits now paid at least in part to the local authorities for receipt of that care. This will force the LAs to make up the shortfall in funding or, more likely, cut care packages. Another aberration in the recommendations made is the impact of these plans on independent living, making that harder to deliver. Removing DLA from those who receive care packages, and especially those in residential care, will not promote independence. Lastly, some people may lose money as the aids and adaptations they use to enable them to live with their impairment or long term health condition will be seen as negating the need for that financial support, ignoring the fact that the DLA Mobility Component may be the only way of paying for adaptations such as wheelchairs or taxis.

Although the caseload may be cut, PIP will still look very much like DLA. The current system allows for automatic entitlement to DLA for certain conditions. The new system will not allow for this, and will re-asses all claimants every few years. This is not only foolish but also costly as automatically entitled conditions are by nature the most severe and incurable. The only things achieved are the extra cost of unnecessary assessment, and hardship for severely ill people. Further waste comes from ignoring the fact that, unfortunately, people will remain disabled and have impairment-related support needs even if they no longer meet the new thresholds under PIP. They will be ignored up to the point they become seriously ill and end up costing the NHS and local authorities more in terms of hospitals and residential care. Further, the proposed reforms don’t take into account the reality that some conditions are severe but acute. Not supporting people with acute illness and disability makes it more likely that this will become a costly long-term problem therefore increasing dependency.

There is a strong feeling amongst people with disabilities that the Coalition Government have declared war on us, with a continual ratcheting of pressure on us since the Emergency Budget in June 2010. Announcements on Employment and Support Allowance, Incapacity Benefit, and Disability Living Allowance have made us feel that the Government is scapegoating us and removing the support on which we depend. E.g. Iain Duncan-Smith’s comments to The Sun newspaper [01/12/2010) suggesting that Incapacity Benefit claimants were partly to blame for a large fiscal deficit caused by a recession, a bail-out of the banks and quantitative easing. The only way that you can convince people with disabilities that you are not hostile towards us is to halt the current process of DLA Reform. Whilst there may be ways to improve DLA, they do not involve replacing it with a new benefit, and neither do they involve removing anyone from the claimant caseload.

I look forward to your reply particularly with reference to the points I have made. I hope that you might be able to ask Parliamentary questions regarding the conduct of the DWP during the compilation of the DLA reform consultation paper

Yours sincerely,

Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: A Tale of Two Villages

2011-01-23T21:01:00.002+01:00

Young people with nowhere to go, tricky home-lives and little educational aspiration will soon be vandalising slides and smashing windows and daubing filth on pristine sheds..................

Diary of a Benefit Scrounger: Introducing Signor Cojones

2011-01-21T12:15:00.003+01:00

There's a spring in my step this morning - my kids keep telling me to stop singing Porgy and Bess over the Pink Panther.

The Right Honourable Ed Balls MP, Shadow Chancellor. Has a nice ring to it. A pugilistic, defiant ring.
I can't think of anyone I'd prefer to square up to Osborne - to wipe the snivelling, Dickensian, sneer from his doughy face..........

http://diaryofabenefitscrounger.blogspot.com/2011/01/introducing-signor-cojones.html

One Month Before Heartbreak

2011-01-15T13:01:00.003+01:00

Posted on January 15, 2011

A fantastic initiative has been taken which hit the internet with force yesterday. The idea of ‘One Month Before Heartbreak’ which can be followed on their blog and on ‘The Broken of Britain’ blog – is to collate voices and raise voices and awareness about the government’s nefarious targeting of disability benefits in the month before the end of the consultation about changes to the DLA.

The campaign has also taken off across Twitter – and posts can be found with the #ombh tag.

I’ve written about DLA here. I have written up some responses to the consultation.

The best summaries of the cuts are listed by Community Care here. Too many for me to focus on one by one here in brief.

I have seen the difference that DLA and Attendance Allowance (a similar – but, crucially, lower – benefit for over 65s – cos as the government know, once you hit 65 and aren’t in the work market, your aspirations should decrease and so should the money you receive but that’s another argument for another day) make.

My concerns are two-fold

- Firstly, that the government have, straight off the bat, explained that they want a decrease in take-up of DLA by 20%. For all their guff about reforming benefit, we know that DLA is not the way to target fraud. There is, in fact, little fraud of DLA claimants and it is not an easy benefit to claim. If anything, the cost of re-assessing everyone by an independent company (ATOS) will obviously have a cost. The aim of this government is to cut costs. It isn’t about making things fairer. It isn’t about reducing fraud. It is an ideological decision by this government to target people who they think won’t have the fight in them and to pander to ‘Daily Mail’ politics of the ‘grumble of the self-righteous taxpayer’.

- Secondly, the Labour Party have stated that they support some of the government cuts on DLA and ESA (Employment and Support Allowance) . So let’s not assume that the wider fight is only with the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats in the coalition. This fight must be taken to the Labour Party, who, after all, introduced ATOS into the process of assessment. (CORRECTION – as pointed out in the comments below – I was wrong about Labour introducing the ATOS link – see ians12′s comment)

As for me, I’d like medical and social care professionals to be trusted to make judgements and assessments of people in their care. I have helped and co-signed many many DLA and AA forms over the years. I would never falsify any of my information and no form that I have assisted in the completion of, over the years, has ever been turned down.

I’ve been phoned by the DWP to ‘check’ I was legitimate and to discuss forms that I had counter-signed. Why isn’t that enough? Why does the government then need to employ a further independent private company to ‘check’ and to become rich in the process.

So I wholeheartedly support the ‘One Month Before Heartbreak’ campaign. I became a social worker to fight social injustice and I can’t do that solely in my office. This is a campaign that needs broad and wide support. So go to the sites, read about the personal experiences of people who rely on these supports and answer the government consultation.

Thanks.
Originally posted here

Chickpeas with tomatoes and spinach

2011-01-07T20:27:00.004+01:00

Ingredients
1 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
½ finger length piece fresh root ginger, peeled and finely chopped
1 red chilli, deseeded and thinly sliced
½ tsp. turmeric
¾ tsp. garam masala
1 tsp. ground cumin
4 ripe tomatoes, chopped
2 tsp. tomato purée (optional)
400g can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
200g baby spinach leaves
Rice or naan bread, to serve

Method
1. Heat the oil in a heavy based saucepan and fry the onion very gently over a low heat until softened. Stir in the garlic, ginger and chillies and cook for a further 5 minutes.
2. Add the turmeric, garam masala and cumin, stirring over a low heat for a few secs. Tip in the chopped tomatoes and add the tomato puree, then simmer for 5 mins.
3. Add the chickpeas to the pan with 300ml water or vegetable stock. Simmer for 10 mins before stirring in the spinach to wilt. Season and serve with rice or naan.

Spicy carrot cake with lemon icing

2010-12-27T19:31:00.005+01:00

This is perfect for one of those dark autumn afternoons in front of the fire. It's sweet, sticky, spicy and gooey.

225g grated carrots
6 tbsp olive oil
125g soft brown sugar, preferably rapadura
225g wholemeal flour
2-3 tsp baking powder
1 tsp grated nutmeg
1 tsp powdered cinnamon
2 to 3 tbsp honey
4 tbsp fresh orange juice

For the icing:
175g icing sugar
Juice and rind of 1 lemon

Preheat the oven to 170C/325F/gas mark 3 and line an 18cm cake tin with non-stick paper. Mix the carrots, oil and sugar in a bowl, then add the flour, baking powder, nutmeg, cinnamon, honey and orange juice, and mix until everything is well combined - it will be quite sticky.
Spoon into the prepared tin, level the top, and bake for an hour and a quarter or until a skewer inserted into the centre comes out clean (cover the top of the cake with foil if there are signs of burning). Leave to cool in the tin.
Mix the icing sugar with the lemon rind and enough of the juice (about six to eight teaspoons) to make a thick coating consistency. Spread over the top of the cake and leave to set.

Brussels sprout and potato bubble and squeak

2010-12-24T08:03:00.006+01:00

I can't claim any originality for this particular recipe as it's by Angela Hartnett, but it's great the morning after the night before. Top it with a fried egg and lots of brown sauce. Your Boxing Day hangover will thank you for it. Serves four.

50g bacon, finely chopped
1 small onion, peeled and finely chopped
50g butter
2 sprigs fresh thyme, picked
350g cooked brussels sprouts, chopped
450g cooked potatoes, lightly mashed (you can use leftover roast potatoes for this)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Plain flour, for dusting
Olive oil, for frying

In an ovenproof frying pan, lightly sauté the bacon and onion in a little butter until the onion is soft and translucent. Stir in the thyme leaves, then the sprouts and potato, and season generously. Set the pan aside and, once the mix is cool enough to handle, use your hands to mould it into four large patties.

Heat the oven to 200C/400F/gas mark 6. Dust the patties in flour, and fry lightly in butter and a touch of oil until golden brown on both sides (the oil helps prevent the butter from burning). Transfer to the oven for four or five minutes, to make sure they're heated through, and serve hot.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/2010/dec/04/christmas-standby-recipes-angela-hartnett

Protests hijacked by violent thugs.

2010-12-12T13:05:00.004+01:00

“I may be permitted here to express my personal opinion. I shall no doubt not be accused of not loving liberty, but I know that not all movements of peoples lead to liberty.

But I know that great anarchy quickly leads to great exhaustion and that despotism, which is a kind of rest, has almost always been the necessary result of great anarchy.

It is therefore much more important than we think to end the disorder under which we suffer.
If we can achieve this only through the use of force by authorities, then it would be thoughtless to keep refraining from using such force”

Armand II, Duke of Aiguillon, 1789

Pasta with Tomato and Bacon

2010-11-28T15:07:00.004+01:00

Servings: 4

Ingredients:
5 slices bacon
1 onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
1 can chopped tomatoes or chopped fresh tomatoes
Extra virgin olive oil
225 g spaghetti
Dried basil
Dried oregano
Dried parsley
Salt and pepper to taste
Grated Parmesan cheese

Directions:
1. Grill cook bacon until crisp, break into 1/2 inch pieces, and set aside. Sauté onions in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Stir in garlic and cook 1 minute more. Stir in bacon and tomatoes. Cover, reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
3. Stir basil, oregano and parsley into tomato sauce. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cook 5 minutes more. Toss with hot pasta. Top with grated Parmesan cheese when serving.

Chorizo And White Bean Soup

2010-11-25T14:03:00.005+01:00

Serves 4

This is one of those easy, versatile soups that you can play around with, use rosemary instead of thyme or add shredded cabbage or greens just before serving. Ideal for a last minute supper.

Ingredients

Glugs of olive oil
1 chorizo sausage (about 150g/5½oz), chopped
1 large onion, thinly sliced
2 celery sticks, chopped
2 garlic cloves, crushed and finely chopped
2 tsp chopped fresh thyme leaves
1 tsp paprika or Hot Smoked Pimenton
2 or 3 ripe tomatoes, chopped
1 litre/2 pints chicken stock
2 x 400g/14oz tins cannellini beans, rinsed and drained (or equivalent in dried beans soaked overnight and cooked)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

Method

1. Heat some olive oil in a large pan over high heat and cook the chorizo for 3-4 minutes until crisp. Set aside in a bowl, leaving the delish red oil in the pan.

2. Reduce the heat to medium-low, add the onion and celery to the pan and season well. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 6-7 minutes until softened. Add the garlic, thyme and paprika and cook, stirring, for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Add the tomatoes and cook for another minute.

3. Return the chorizo to the pan with the stock and bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for ten minutes. At this point you could add some thinly sliced cabbage to bulk it out a bit. Add the beans and cook for another five minutes.
Check the seasoning and serve with bread and lots of olive oil.

Roasted pumpkin and thyme soup

2010-10-29T11:17:00.005+01:00

Make Halloween Soup!

Ingredients

2-3kg unpeeled pumpkin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Extra virgin olive oil
2 medium onions, chopped
8 sprigs fresh thyme leaves only, plus extra leaves to garnish
2.25 litres/4 pints vegetable stock
300ml/½ pint single cream (Optional)
175g/6oz Gruyère cheese, coarsely grated

Preparation method
1. Preheat the oven to 200C/400F/Gas 6

2. Cut the pumpkin or squash into chunky wedges and scoop away all the fibres and seeds. Rub the wedges with oil, season well with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then place them into one large or two smaller roasting tins, skin-side down. Transfer to the oven to roast for 30 minutes, or until tender.

3. Remove the pumpkin from the oven and, when cool enough to handle, slice away and discard the skin and cut the flesh into small chunks.

4. Splosh some olive oil in a large pan. Add the onion and half the thyme leaves and cook gently for about ten minutes until the onion is very soft but not browned. Add the roasted pumpkin, any juices, and the stock. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes.

5. Leave the soup to cool slightly, then add the remaining thyme leaves and liquidise in batches until smooth. Return to a clean pan and bring back to a gentle simmer.

6. Stir in the cream (optional) and season, to taste, with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ladle into warmed bowls and place a small handful of the grated Gruyère into the centre of each. Scatter a few more thyme leaves on top and serve.

Spaghetti Al Crudo

2010-07-11T20:04:00.004+01:00

This is amazingly simple. I've just made a huge bowlful using some tasty tomatoes but without the capers and anchovies. It's very delish.

Spaghetti with tomatoes, olives, capers and anchovies. Crudo means raw, and in this recipe the sauce is uncooked. Look for a spaghetti with a surface that is slightly rough, rather than very shiny, because you need everything to cling to the pasta. Use quality ingredients, especially the tomatoes and basil.

Serves four (or six as a starter).

2 tbsp capers (baby ones, if possible)
4 tbsp black olives, pitted
5 anchovy fillets, finely chopped (Optional)
2 large ripe tomatoes, or 3 smaller ones (the best quality you can find), finely chopped
2 tbsp tomato passata
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
400g spaghetti
1 bunch basil
5 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

Put all the ingredients except the spaghetti, basil and half of the oil in a sauté pan and mix together, but don't heat. Taste and season.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil (use a little less salt than usual, because the anchovies will add salt later), drop in the pasta and use a fork to curl the pasta around the pan so that it gets submerged quickly. Cook for about a minute less than the time given on the packet (usually five to six minutes), until al dente. (It was 9 mins with the pasta I used.)

While the pasta is cooking, put the sauté pan containing the ingredients for the sauce over the top of the pasta pan, so the steam just warms everything up a little and the flavours start to infuse.

When the pasta is cooked, drain, but reserve the cooking water. Add the pasta to the sauté pan and toss through, adding a little of the cooking water as necessary to loosen. Add the rest of the oil and toss through again. Tear the basil leaves, scatter over and toss through again. Serve straight away.

Spiced carrot and butternut squash soup

2009-11-21T17:46:00.003+01:00

The carrot and squash start to break down after half an hour’s cooking and, together with the starch from the pasta, will thicken the soup without the need for a blender. This is great for a hungry family.
The chilli is optional!

Serves 4

1 red onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 tbsp olive oil
1 or 2 large carrots, peeled
1 medium butternut squash, peeled and deseeded
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2-3 thyme sprigs, leaves picked
1 red chilli, deseeded and finely chopped, or ¼ tsp dried crushed chillies
1.2 litres chicken or vegetable stock
75g dried spaghetti or small pasta shells
Freshly grated Parmesan, to serve

1 Sweat the onion and garlic in the oil over a medium heat for 5-7 minutes until soft. Chop the carrots and butternut squash into 1.5cm dice and add to the pan. Season and cook for another 6-7 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.

2 Stir in the thyme leaves and the fresh or dried chilli, then pour in the stock. Stir and bring to the boil. Simmer for 25-30 minutes until the carrots and squash are soft and beginning to break down.

3 Break the spaghetti into small pieces into the soup or add the pasta shells. Stir well and return to the boil. Simmer for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is cooked and the soup has thickened slightly. Check for seasoning and ladle into soup bowls. Sprinkle with the Parmesan and serve.

Spicy roasted parsnip soup

2009-10-17T13:23:00.001+01:00

Just the thing for an autumn day

Ingredients
2 tbsp olive oil
½tsp coriander seeds freshly ground
½tsp cumin seeds freshly ground, plus extra whole seeds to garnish
½ tsp ground turmeric
½ tsp mustard seeds freshly ground
2 sprigs fresh thyme. Leaves stripped and finely chopped
2 garlic cloves
500g parsnips, peeled and cut into small chunks
1 large onion, finely chopped
2 plum tomatoes, finely chopped
1.2L vegetable stock

Method
Heat oven to 220C/fan 200C/gas 7. In a bowl, mix together the oil and spices. Add the parsnip chunks, peeled garlic cloves and the thyme leaves and mix well. Spread over a heavy baking sheet, then roast for 30 mins until tender.

In a pan gently sauté the onion in some olive oil until soft but not brown. Add the chopped tomatoes and sauté for a minute or two.
Add the roasted parsnip chunks give a good stir, then turn the heat up and add half the stock. Bring to a simmer.

Put into a food processor or liquidiser and process until smooth, adding more stock as necessary. Pour back into the pan with any remaining stock, season to taste, then heat until barely simmering. Remove from the heat and serve. Garnish with whole cumin seeds.

Slow-cooked courgettes on toast

2009-09-20T18:22:00.002+01:00

Cooked this way they lose most of their moisture and become a thick, fragrant, chunky mass. They can be used as a pasta sauce (just add a little cream) or the base for a lovely soup (blend with a little stock and/or milk). They also make a great toast topping/ bruschetta, which is my favourite.

Serves six.

3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1kg courgettes, finely sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the toast/bruschetta
6 slices of coarse country bread
1 garlic clove, cut in half
Extra-virgin olive oil, or butter
Parmesan, or other grateable cheese (optional)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan, then add the garlic, courgettes and a little salt. Cook gently, so the courgettes soften without browning. As they release their water, turn up the heat to bubble it off. When they become more concentrated and pulpy, turn it down again. Stir whenever they begin to catch on the pan, and do not allow them to brown more than a shade. Keep cooking until they are rich and oily, but not watery. Check seasoning.

Grill the bread, rub each side with garlic, and trickle with olive oil or melted butter. Pile a mound of the hot courgette mixture on top, grate over a little cheese, if you like, and serve.

(First published Thursday, November 20, 2008)

How to Protect Yourself Against 'Flu

2009-04-30T18:36:00.004+01:00

"Wash inside nose with soap and water night and morning; force yourself to sneeze night and morning, then breathe deeply. Do not wear a muffler, take sharp walks regularly and walk home from work; eat plenty of porridge."

'News Of the World' on 3 November 1918

Silly Film Titles

2009-04-30T18:02:00.006+01:00

My favourite is

"Can Hieronymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness".

I went to see it in 1969 just because of the unusual title!

What's your favourite silly/whacky/unusual film title?

Ben Foster 4th May 1985 - 27th April 2008

2009-04-26T09:02:00.024+01:00

Do not weep,
I am not asleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the softly falling snow
I am the fields of ripening grain
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circling flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night.

Where tranquil oceans meet the land
I am the footprints in the sand
to guide you through the weary day.

I am still here;
I'll always stay.

(Read by Mark at the funeral of his nephew, Ben Foster, on 3rd June 2008)

A Mother Speaks

2009-03-11T09:26:00.004+01:00

The mother of murdered Bath shop worker Ben Foster paid tribute to her “much loved and treasured” son after his killers were jailed on Monday.
Clare Wallace, whose son was stabbed to death in Ringswell Gardens, told how her son’s “willingness to do things for others without considering the risk” had led to the tragedy.

"In his 23 years Ben had grown into a loving and principled young man, protective of his family and friends.
He had decided several years earlier that his life would be better without alcohol and drugs and other stimulants. He had stuck to his resolve and did not judge others for their lifestyle choices.
His willingness to do things for others without considering the risk put him in Ringswell Gardens that fateful Sunday.
As a family we have to live with the dreadful consequences of that day.
I can only hope that other young people realise they are not invincible.
Ben was not perfect but believed in the innate goodness of people and could calm every situation with his gentle approach.
Now he has been deprived of the future that was his right and I would not wish that any family would have to go through the pain and devastation which we have experiences since his death.
I once believed the world was beautiful, just and perfect. This belief has now been shattered.
We would like to thank the police for handling the investigation so professionally and for their support, kindness and guidance.
It was only right that John Claydon and Kieran Thomas should be deprived of their liberty. However our lives will be without our much loved and treasured Ben, and no sentence will ever bring him back to us.”

Ben Foster, my late nephew

2009-03-09T20:48:00.005+01:00

On March 9th 2009 a judge at Bristol Crown Court heard how John Claydon fatally stabbed Ben Foster in Bath last year.
The 28-year-old defendant, of Surbine Road, Battersea, pleaded guilty to a charge of murder and was told he would serve at least 20 years behind bars before the Parole Board considers his release.
Kieran Thomas, 29, of Corbet Close, Wallington, Surrey, pleaded guilty to a charge of manslaughter and was jailed for 10 years.He will serve half the term in custody before he is released on licence.
Jailing Claydon, Mr Justice Field told him: “For the offence of murder there’s only one sentence and that’s a life sentence.“You stabbed Benjamin Foster with a long bladed knife in circumstances where he was completely defenceless..
“Nothing I can say will bring any comfort to Benjamin’s family. He was a young man with his whole life ahead of him.”
Ben was described by friends as “the most gentle person you could meet”.
One of three brothers, he grew up in Batheaston and was educated at Ralph Allen School.
At the time of his death he had been working at the Threshers off-licence in Fairfield Park and as a part-time labourer/bricklayer to pay for the flat he was renting.
He had hundreds of friends in the local area and further afield after spending time travelling in Thailand and New Zealand.
He was a keen basketball player and also practised tai chi.

A Tribute to Ben

Stating the Obvious

2009-02-22T11:31:00.006+01:00

The other day my fan mentioned to me that my recent blogs were a succession of recipes.

Thank you for pointing out something of which I was totally unaware, as I blog in a somnambulistic state and am amazed on waking to find that there is a new blog entry!

So while you wait for the next blog entry that isn’t a recipe, perhaps you’d like to catch up with this and this from my archive.

French Onion Soup

2009-02-08T10:15:00.006+01:00

I made this last night, much better than wearing an extra pullover in these freezing temperatures!

Serves 6

Ingredients
1½ lb (700 g) onions, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 oz (50 g) butter
2 cloves garlic, crushed and finely chopped
½ -1 teaspoon soft brown sugar
2 pints (1.2 L) vegetable or beef stock.
10 fl oz (275 ml) dry white wine
2 tablespoons Cognac (Optional)
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
Home made chunky croutons.
Grated cheese.

Place the saucepan on a high heat and melt the oil and butter together. When this is very hot, add the onions, and sugar, and stir them well from time to time until the edges of the onions have turned dark – this will take approx 6 minutes. Then reduce the heat to its lowest setting, add the garlic and leave the to carry on cooking very slowly for about 30 minutes, by which time the base of the pan will be covered with a rich, nut brown, caramelised film.

After that, pour in the white wine, bring to the boil, add the stock, then stir with a wooden spoon, scraping the base of the pan well. As soon as it comes back to simmering, turn down the heat to its lowest setting, then leave it to cook very gently, without a lid, for about 1 hour. Season as required.

If it's extra-cold outside, add a couple of tablespoons of Cognac!

Spoon into bowls, add chunky croutons, grate cheese over the top and put under hot grill until the cheese has melted slightly.

Serve. Remember it will be VERY hot!

Puy Lentils with Sprout Leaves

2009-02-02T09:48:00.004+01:00

I’ve adapted this from Thomasina Miers’ recipe.

This is a very different way to use Brussel sprouts and might even convince entrenched sprout haters to try it!

Serves: 4-5

Ingredients
300g Brussels sprouts
350g Puy lentils
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 large onion or 5 shallots, finely chopped
2 small carrots, finely chopped
2 sticks celery, chopped
3 cloves of garlic, green inner shoot removed and finely chopped
½ - 2 bay leaves
1 tbsp chopped thyme leaves
500ml chicken or vegetable stock
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Extra virgin olive oil and parsley to serve

Method

1 First prepare the sprouts, or, if you can get them, use sprout tops. With a small paring knife, slice a few millimetres off the base and discard. Then cut two or three thin slices off the base of each sprout into a bowl. The leaves will then start to come away from the core. Do this with the knife and add to the bowl. When you come to the core, slice in half or into quarters.
The aim is to have a bowl of wispy, thin sprout slices and leaves that you can add to the lentils. I found this a bit fiddly, but it’s worth persisting with.

2 Put a saucepan of lightly salted water on to boil, add the lentils and allow them to cook for approx 10 to 15 minutes until the lentils are just tender but still have a nice bite to them.

3 In another pan, add a slug of olive oil and sweat the shallots or onion gently until soft and translucent.

4 Add the carrot, celery, garlic and bay leaves and cook over a low to medium heat until the vegetables are soft (about five minutes). Add the sprout leaves and thyme and stir-fry for a few minutes before adding the drained lentils and stock.

5 Cook together for about five minutes until the stock has been absorbed and the sprout leaves have wilted. Take off the heat, (add lemon juice, zest and chopped parsley, all optional), and drizzle with your best-quality olive oil. Season to taste and serve.

Pea and Broad Bean risotto

2009-01-31T19:10:00.008+01:00

The quantities are enough for 2 reasonable portions.

Vegetable stock approx 750ml - 1 Litre. I used Knorr vegetable stock cubes (hangs head in shame!!)
White Wine (optional)
25-50g butter
Extra Virgin Olive oil
1 medium or small leek finely chopped
3 shallots finely chopped (or half an onion)
170g Arborio rice
Fresh or frozen small broad beans, about 5 tablespoons worth
Fresh or frozen peas 50-100g
Clove of garlic finely chopped
Parmesan cheese (or whatever cheese you fancy)
Salt and pepper

Put the stock in a saucepan and heat until almost boiling. Then turn down the heat and keep it on a very low simmer.

Heat the butter and a dash of oil in a saucepan over a medium heat. Add the leeks and shallots/onions and cook for 1-2 (or more) minutes until soft but not brown. Add the garlic and stir well.

Add the rice and stir, using a wooden spoon, until the grains are well coated and glistening (about a minute). Add a glass of white wine now if you wish and stir until absorbed.

Add the stock a ladle at a time and stir until absorbed. After 15 mins or so add the broad beans and peas. Continue to add the stock at intervals, as before, until the rice is tender (about 18-25 mins in total).

Grate in some Parmesan (or cheese of choice!) and season. Mix well and remove from heat. Spoon into bowls and add some more Parmesan (or your chosen one!) to finish.

Christmas Bubble and Squeak

2008-12-25T11:57:00.004+01:00

Christmas Bubble and Squeak

This is a great idea for leftovers from your Christmas Dinner. The chestnuts add that extra “Christmassy” touch, but they aren’t essential. Use about 60 percent potato to get the right consistency, then whatever vegetables you like - carrots, Brussel sprouts, swedes, turnips, onions, leeks or savoy cabbage.

1 ½ pounds floury potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks
1 ¼ pounds mixed winter vegetables such as carrots, Brussels sprouts, swedes, turnips, onions, leeks or savoy cabbage, peeled or trimmed and chopped into equal-sized chunks
Olive oil
1 knob butter
200g package vacuum packed chestnuts

Cook the potatoes and mixed vegetables in a pan of boiling water for 15 to 20 minutes. When they're cooked right through, drain and put aside. Heat a glug of olive oil and a knob of butter in a large frying pan and add the chestnuts. When they start to sizzle, add the potatoes and vegetables. Mash the vegetables up in the pan, and then pat the mixture into a thick pancake shape. Fry on a medium heat for about ½ an hour, checking it every 5 minutes. When the bottom turns golden, flip it over bit by bit and mash it back into itself. Pat it out flat again and continue cooking until really crisp all over.

If it still hasn't browned, put it under a hot grill for a few minutes.

Merry Christmas Everyone

2008-12-24T14:01:00.006+01:00

I hope you don't deserve this!

Clementine & Almond Syrup Cake

2008-12-21T12:16:00.004+01:00

I was going to include a photo, but the cake didn't last that long!

Clementine & Almond Syrup Cake

This cake has a great, light texture and will keep, covered, for at least a week. You'll find, though, that you'll go back to it every few hours for "just another sliver".

200g unsalted butter
380g caster sugar
4 clementines, zest grated, and juiced
Grated zest and juice of 1 lemon
280g ground almonds
5 medium free-range eggs, beaten
100g plain flour, sifted
1/8 tsp salt
Orange zest, cut in strips, to garnish (optional)

Preheat the oven to 160C/325F/gas mark 3. Lightly grease a 24cm spring-form tin, and line the sides and base with baking parchment.

Put the butter, 300g of the sugar (the remaining 80g is for the syrup) and citrus zest in a large bowl, and use a wooden spoon and/or spatula to combine. Do not work the mix too much or incorporate much air. Add half the ground almonds and continue mixing to fold through. Add the eggs gradually, scraping the bottom and sides of the bowl as you go. Add the remaining almonds, flour and salt, and work until the mix is smooth.

Spread the cake batter inside the tin and level with a palette knife. Bake for 50-60 minutes - a skewer should come out a little bit moist.

When the cake is almost cooked, in a small pan bring to the boil 80g of caster sugar and up to 120ml of the citrus juices, then remove from the heat at once. The moment the cake comes out of the oven, brush it all over with the hot syrup, making sure it all soaks through. Leave to cool down.
Serve it as it is, (or garnished with orange strips optional), store in an airtight container.

The End of a Chapter

2008-12-08T14:55:00.006+01:00

It's been a fabulous, exciting 10 years since my brother took up the sport of motor racing.

Testing at Donington Feb 2008.

I've followed him through the highs and lows (and a couple of scary high speed smashes), and visited every major racing circuit in the UK on many occasions.

I've supported him through torrential rain and blistering heatwaves, often cooking for the team and making endless cups of tea to sustain them through the long hours of preparing/repairing the car.

But, it is no more.
The racing car has been sold, the motorhome is up for sale, and I'll have to find something new to occupy my summer weekends.

I'm In Love with My Car.

Beauty

2008-11-28T07:57:00.007+01:00

I love the simplicity and beauty of this video. The music by Max Richter is both gentle and slightly haunting.

A Knock on the Door

2008-11-26T21:15:00.008+01:00

Well, it wasn’t exactly a knock.

It was the sort of crashing that I imagine a police swat squad makes as they force their way into a crack house. (In fact if I’d known in advance I’d have sent them down the road to Number 103.)

So I ran at high speed down the stairs and leapt at the front door (which was still on its hinges), thinking that some terrible emergency had happened.
Imagine my consternation to see a man from Scottish Gas. Before it occurred to me to ask why he was so far from home, I asked him if there was a major gas leak.

“Are you the home owner sir?” “Never mind that" I said, “give me a meter box key and I’ll turn the gas off”.

It dawned on me that he wasn’t showing the sort of urgency I’d expected from the manic knocking at my door.

He was a s-a-l-e-s-m-a-n.

Because of the plague of salesmen round here who want me to buy gas and electricity at twice the price of my existing tariff, and the ones who want me to replace my very serviceable wooden framed double glazing with naff plastic double glazing; I have a large sign on the door provided by the Crime Prevention people
It says “NO COLD CALLERS”. The purpose of it is to discourage annoying twats from interrupting me, especially when (as was the case) I’m replastering a ceiling.

I pointed out the sign. The salesman said he wasn’t selling anything.

Strange that! Was he being paid to go house to house in a competition for the most disliked non-salesman of the week? Sounds like a cushy number as long as you don’t knock on Number 103’s door. They respond to unwelcome interruptions with something akin to a scene from “Apocalypse Now”.

I bade him farewell………….well perhaps I didn’t....................my second word to him was “off”.

Terms of Endearment

2008-11-26T07:23:00.004+01:00

Calling older patients "dearie" or "love" is set to be ruled out as offensive by new guidelines from the Nursing and Midwifery Council

Congratulations to the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for outlawing the human touch, in pursuit of its alignment with the nonsense brigade.

Whilst not yet qualifying as an “older person”, I am incensed that a disciplinary body has compromised the notion of individualised care, a concept that is an integral part of the practice of a registered nurse.

If I were in hospital, in pain, distressed, lonely or confused, I can think of nothing more comforting than a nurse holding my hand and saying “it’s OK love, everything will be alright sweetheart”.

But now a nurse might lose their job for showing that essential humanity and compassion.

Stuffed Courgettes

2008-11-22T18:23:00.008+01:00

I've just made and eaten this. It's very moreish!

Stuffed courgettes

2 or 3 largish courgettes.
1½ tbsp virgin olive oil plus some for “drizzling”.
2 shallots or ½ small onion, finely chopped
1-3 garlic cloves, crushed and finely chopped
400g unskinned fresh tomatoes, finely chopped
200-400g Cooked or tinned cannellini beans, drained.
3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
½ tsp crushed chilli flakes (optional)

BREADCRUMB TOPPING
50g wholemeal breadcrumbs
50g Parmesan or Italian-style hard cheese, freshly grated

Preparation method
Preheat the oven to 190°C/gas 5.
Trim the ends from the courgettes, then cut them in half lengthways. Remove the soft centre flesh with a spoon or small sharp knife. Finely dice the removed courgette flesh and set aside.

Put the courgette halves in a bowl and pour over enough boiling water to cover. Leave for 2 minutes, then drain in a colander and arrange them, upright, in an oiled large ovenproof dish.

Heat the oil in a frying pan and gently cook the shallots or onions for 3–4 minutes, until beginning to soften. Add the garlic, and diced courgette flesh and continue cooking over a low heat for a further 5 minutes until they are almost tender. Remove from the heat. Stir in the tomatoes, the cannellini beans, the coriander and the chilli flakes, if using, then season to taste.

Spoon the bean mixture into the courgette halves, piling it up on top.
Sprinkle the courgettes with a mixture of the breadcrumbs, cheese and a little freshly ground black pepper, if liked. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake for 30-45 minutes until the courgettes are very tender and the breadcrumbs/cheese are crisp and brown.

Variations
When marrows are in season, use them in place of courgettes. Peel and cut a 1.5kg marrow into 9 rings, then scoop out and discard the seeds. Finely chop the flesh of 1 slice to add to the stuffing mixture, made with butter beans instead of cannellini. Stuff the remaining rings and bake as in the recipe.

A Winter Warmer for Carnivores

2008-11-22T15:12:00.005+01:00

Sausage hotpot with beans, for carnivores .

Serves: 4
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes (though the longer the better)

2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 to 4 cloves garlic peeled and finely chopped
500g sausages
55g cubed pancetta, or bacon lardons
4 baby leeks, or 2 average leeks finely sliced
2 sprigs fresh thyme 5
55g chorizo sausage, cut into chunky bite-sized pieces
250g butter beans, haricot beans or cannellini beans (drained)
1½ litres vegetable stock
8 mushrooms (medium flat mushrooms), sliced (optional)

1 Gently heat the olive oil in a deep pan. Add the onions and garlic and fry until softened. Add the sausages and gently brown. Add the pancetta/bacon, leeks and thyme. Put in the chorizo and turn the heat up slightly so that it sweats off some of the oil. This gives the leek and onions a lovely orange colour.

2 Add the beans, and stock.. Bring this all to the boil, turn down and leave to simmer for as long as possible, at least 40 minutes. The longer the better. Add mushrooms (optional) and cook gently.

Serve with creamy mash.

If you have time cook the sausages and pancetta first, drain well and add back to the pan with the leeks and thyme.

A Winter Warmer for Vegetarians

2008-11-22T06:30:00.005+01:00

Vegetarian sausage hotpot with beans

Serves: 4
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cooking time: 40 minutes (though the longer the better)

2 tbsp olive oil
2 medium onions, finely chopped
1 to 4 cloves garlic peeled and finely chopped
8 veggie sausages
4 baby leeks, or 2 average leeks finely sliced
2 large sprigs fresh thyme
250g cannellini beans (cooked and drained) reserve the liquid for the stock.
1½ litres vegetable stock (made using liquid from beans and 1 Knorr Veg Stock cube)
8 mushrooms (medium flat mushrooms), sliced (optional)
Hot smoked pimenton and paprika powder

1 Gently heat the olive oil in a deep pan. Add the onions and garlic and fry until softened without browning. Add the veggie sausages and gently brown them. Add the leeks and sprigs of thyme, and sauté until the leeks are soft. Turn up the heat, put in the hot pimenton (up to 2 tsps) and paprika powder (½ tsp) and stir to prevent burning. This gives the leeks and onions a lovely red/orange colour.

2 Add the beans, and stock. Bring this all to the boil, turn down and leave to simmer for as long as possible, stirring occasionally, for at least 40 minutes. The longer the better. Check and adjust seasoning. Add mushrooms (optional) and cook gently.

Serve with creamy mash.

This is one of my favourite winter comfort dishes.
I found that the best way is to fry the veggie sausages first, drain well and add back to the pan with the leeks and thyme.

Also you can add some finely chopped savoy cabbage towards the end of cooking. (I don’t!)

Slow-cooked courgettes on toast

2008-11-20T19:14:00.001+01:00

Cooked this way the courgettes lose most of their moisture and become a thick, fragrant, chunky mass. They can be used as a pasta sauce (just add a little cream) or the base for a lovely soup (blend with a little stock and/or milk). They also make a great toast topping/ bruschetta, which is my favourite.

Serves six.

3 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, peeled and chopped
1kg courgettes, finely sliced
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

For the toast/bruschetta
6 slices of coarse country bread
1 garlic clove, cut in half
Extra-virgin olive oil, or butter
Parmesan, or other grateable cheese (optional)

Heat the oil in a large saucepan, then add the garlic, courgettes and a little salt. Cook gently, so the courgettes soften without browning. As they release their water, turn up the heat to bubble it off. When they become more concentrated and pulpy, turn it down again. Stir whenever they begin to catch on the pan, and do not allow them to brown more than a shade. Keep cooking until they are rich and oily, but not watery. Check seasoning.

Grill the bread, rub each side with garlic, and trickle with olive oil or melted butter. Pile a mound of the hot courgette mixture on top, grate over a little cheese, if you like, and serve.

Words Fail Me.....

2008-11-20T13:50:00.008+01:00

Ben Foster 1985 - 2008

The latest news has not been good.

Death Star Cafeteria

2008-11-14T20:28:00.005+01:00

I have many favourites on YouTube, but this is my Number One.

Illumination......

2008-11-11T20:44:00.003+01:00

My car doesn’t have the multimillion pound technology that enables the pilot of a fighter jet to see its target many miles away in pitch darkness. Neither, I’d hazard a guess, do white vans and many other vehicles on my daily journey to work in the dark. Furthermore, not being a Super Hero, I don’t have X-Ray vision, (or the ability to pat my head and stroke my stomach in clockwise circles simultaneously.)

I’d always thought that street lights were a remarkably sensible invention as they would (surprisingly) illuminate the streets when it’s dark. Regrettably my local council differs. They need to save money (no doubt the “fact-finding” tours to exotic Caribbean islands are a much higher priority). Of course switching off the lights isn’t publicised as a way of containing their budget, it’s proclaimed as a “Green Initiative” by the expensively hired marketing consultants.

Consequently pedestrians and unlit cyclists manage to disappear in the gloom and deep shadows of the early morning, when most sensible people are still in bed.

The great thing about headlights on cars is that the cost of switching them on is almost negligible, unlike domestic electricity bills which often equal the size of a City banker’s annual bonus. They enable me to see the cyclists and pedestrians before I run them over and upset my boss by being late arriving at work.

So, can someone explain to me why it’s apparently cool to drive with only sidelights on in the pitch dark?

Put Your Lights On!

Mellow

2008-11-04T17:05:00.004+01:00

The weather continues to be dank and grey. What happened to the "Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness"?
I had a few days coming to terms with this yearly transition, triggered by the switch from British Summer Time to GMT. Like many others I whinged about the impending darker evenings, but luxuriated in the extra hour in bed on the Sunday morning.
However, I've now adjusted. I revel in drawing the curtains in the afternoon, the house is cosy, I'm cooking "hearty" food, having cake for tea at 4pm and my normally selective brain is insisting I "veg" in front of cr*p TV.

The mellowness continues as I dig out some of my favourite music.....

Life Changed Forever

2008-11-03T17:10:00.004+01:00

On 27th April 2008 my nephew Ben was killed.
He brought joy into the lives of everyone who knew him.
This tribute to Ben was created by his friend Luke Doyle.

Hibernation

2008-11-03T10:44:00.006+01:00

I've been in hibernation.

But yesterday something happened that inspired me to resurrect this blog.