The massacre of civilians in Paris has shocked and horrified much of the world, Europe in particular, with the media fronting experts from every walk of life to try to explain it.  Inevitably, we found ourselves discussing the happenings since our thoughts as residents seem as valid as the experts. Satirical magazines poke fun at the establishment, faiths being prominent members of every establishment. Cartoonists and comedians have no fear of Protestant, Catholic or Jewish faiths, making them the butt of jokes with impunity.  But now, depictions of Mohammed are viewed as blasphemy by Muslims, or even an attack on their identity.  As a result, any cartoon or joke results in fury, threats and violence.  Most media avoid the risk, their immediate step avoidance; appeasement by any other name.  Who better than the citizens of Europe to understand the risks of appeasement?  Charlie Hebdo refused to lie down and have paid an awful price for their principles. Editor, Stephane Charbonnier, said he would rather die standing than live on his knees – we should salute a brave man.  Extremists use any excuse to try to drive a wedge between their and other religions.  They can’t be allowed to succeed. Muslim communities in Europe have generally been welcomed and have thrived in their chosen countries, but they are guests in our culture.  As guests they should accept the differences and learn to live with them. While disagreeing with any satirical mention of their faith, they must stand against the extremists that use it as an excuse.  Only the moderate Muslim communities can lead the drive to out the extremists.  Failure to do so will result in the rise of right wing groups, France and Germany being current examples.  Muslims are living in European countries by choice and must make allowances for the cultures with which they have chosen to co-habit.   

    Rita Ora has never shown up on our radar in the past.  Suddenly she appeared on The One Show last week to promote a new series of The Voice and we all sat up and took notice.  Her plunging neckline was certainly noticeable and generated a number of complaints.  Being kind, we assumed the neckline was to prove her lung capacity as a singer, our immediate reaction that she’d have no problem holding a note.  Ben summed it up rather nicely. “If she leaned forward we could see where she buys her tights,” was his dry comment.  Jez was rather more voluble and has relegated Rihanna to number two in his current singer list.  None of us have watched The Voice but that may change, at least for the first few minutes of each programme.       

    An election beckons and Alastair Campbell slithers quietly into the arena, his task to prepare Ed Miliband for the TV debates.  My immediate thought – there’s never a WMD to hand when you need one.  We’re even willing to travel to find one, provided the journey takes no longer than 45 minutes. RIP Chilcot.  

    Legislation that allows gay weddings has caused Ministers to examine proposals for sweeping reforms to how, what and where ceremonies may take place.  British Naturism is one organization seeking to conduct weddings.  We have nothing against the principle but it could raise a few logistic problems if church is the chosen venue. It could give a whole new meaning to the words “I do”, a ring being the only thing worn, so to speak.  The bride may also have to think hard about her hairdo, particularly if her blonde locks come from a bottle.  Kneeling at the altar might need to be erased from the service to save the embarrassment of guests in the first five rows of pews and the wedding pictures may get banned from Facebook.  That aside, we won’t be rushing to sit in the front pews again if we’re wearing a decent pair of slacks.   

    You can’t get to our age without having a relationship with cancer, sometimes once removed, in three cases too close for comfort.  Hence our anger at the axing of 21 cancer drugs on the basis of cost.  ‘Computer say no’ should only be heard as David Walliams superb riposte in the Little Britain series.  Any organization the size of the NHS will waste a certain amount of money, while government can’t count the black holes into which their budgets disappear. Surely there are better areas to save money than to take away precious months of family life from terminal patients.  It’s time for a petition!