My Peep At Life... » People and Communities

All the little details

Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:53:33 +0000

Your wedding should be a fantastic day, but there is a lot to organise. Planning your big day means keeping track and deciding on all the little details that make up the big picture. One of the many things to sort out are wedding invitations, once the basics such as date and venue have been sorted. You can design your own cards or choose among pre-set designs, making sure everyone else knows about your big day.

Discover your personal history

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 21:13:31 +0000

I think finding out your own personal history can be fascinating. With latest technology you can now go back even further, by tracing your ancestry dna. A simple cheek swab can be used to trace back along either your maternal or your paternal line to find out about your distant ancestors from thousands of years ago. This is accomplished using genetic markers that are passed from parents to their children that can remain unchanged over many generations.

Support for everyone involved

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 22:46:08 +0000

Very often illnesses and diseases don’t only effect the patient. Cancer, such as mesothelioma, is one such that also affects the family and friends of the person affected. Thankfully there is help available for everyone involved, not just the sufferer. You can get more details of just what is involved and find a suitable support community so you don’t have to manage on your own.

Get off the vicious circle

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 10:01:24 +0000

Violence in schools is becoming a big problem, with over 7000 police call outs in the past year. The worst area appeared to be that covered by the Metropolitan police, but differences in how the statistics are recorded means comparisons are difficult.

I think this is a really sad state of affairs really, when did police have to be called to prevent violence in or near schools! I think we’re on a downward spiral currently, the lack of power for teachers to provide discipline, and the increasingly sloping shoulders of parents to take responsibility are all contributing. Hopefully this can be improved before the entire system breaks, I guess time will tell.

Festive Greetings where-ever you are

Wed, 31 Dec 2008 10:01:10 +0000

I think technology is both a blessing and a curse, but at this time of year it’s wonderful to be able to send greetings to family & friends where ever they are in the world.

Living in such a connected world can sometimes make it impossible to just get away and switch off, but it also means that you’re never too far away to hear from loved ones. Especially at Christmas it’s lovely to be able to get in touch easily, whether via phone, email or even video conference. It also means there’s even less excuse to not make the effort though.

Make this the year to get in touch again. Wishing you all a Happy and Successful 2009!

Repaying debts, however old

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 10:39:28 +0000

Still back in the dark ages

Wed, 17 Dec 2008 10:36:03 +0000

I like to think, for the most part anyway, that society has started to grow up and adopt a live and let live attitude to most things. However, this story of abduction and forced marriage once again proves me wrong.

I think it’s terrible that parents are still forcing their children into marriages chosen for them and not allowing them the freedom to choose their own lives. I don’t actually have anything against arranged marriages, it’s certainly worked for a number of people I know, but I think it should be optional, not forced. If the families all work together to choose someone suitable then there’s a good chance of it working out for all concerned.

Girls still ahead

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 10:55:32 +0000

While the gender gap in the workplace is often commented on, the gap at school goes the other way, with the girls performing better. A recent study also points out that not only the gender gap but the wealth gap also takes it’s toll, with poorer students being outperformed by wealthier students.

This is an area with many studies being done to keep on top of the issues and to try and address the problems. However, there never seems to be much improvement. This latest study suggests that low expectations are producing low results, so a culture of high achievement needs to be fostered in all schools and among all pupils. I have to agree with that up to a point, you certainly get what you aim for, so you need to aim high to achieve high. You need to be careful of putting too much pressure on pupils though and recognise their achievements whatever they may be.

Entering the real world

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:34:18 +0000

It’s getting harder every year to get started on the career ladder. This latest report from Scotland showed the number of people going straight into work from school has fallen.

However, the number going into further education has risen and the number unemployed has remained fairly stable so it’s not all bad news. It’s always a difficult time for anyone when you have to leave the safe education system to enter the ‘real world’. It should also be a really exciting time as well though, when you actually get to do what you want, rather than having it all mapped out for you!

Making the right choice

Mon, 01 Dec 2008 20:15:39 +0000

The choice of engagement rings is a very personal one for every couple. Sometimes both get rings, sometimes only one, sometimes you choose it together sometimes it’s picked out in advance by one person or the other. Whatever your choice is though, make sure you get it right, and that you’re both happy, as hopefully you’re going to be wearing it for a long time.