Gerard

General update

I've been pretty busy recently - work trip to Dublin last week and was at Bruce and Clare's wedding on Saturday in Sheffield. Dublin was rainy, but there was sunshine in Sheffield. I took plenty of photos, some of which I may upload at some point.

My sister and her husband and baby are off on a ferry back to the Netherlands today, so my Dad gets his house back to himself just in time for his birthday.

I'm off to Germany next week for a few days with boyfriend, which I'm looking forward to as work has been a bit tricky recently. I do have a few darts in the air from Team Karma darts club ( (c) Octopus 2006), and may have more news soon.

Religious symbols

I've just been reading about the BA staff member sent home on unpaid leave for refusing to conceal her cross under her uniform. BA say that religious symbols should not be displayed but makes an exception for hijabs and Sikh turbans as they cannot be concealed. Ann Widdecombe has chipped in to say Christians are being persecuted. Whilst I hate to agree with Ann, I do think that being sent home for wearing a cross is ridiculous and out of proportion, especially as crosses have been worn by Brits for centuries. Given that a cross is sometimes worn by people simply as a fashion accessory, I fail to see how it could be regarded as something that must be concealed to avoid causing offence. What other religious symbols do BA require to be hidden? I wonder what their view is on Muslim women wearing a veil?

I begin to wonder whether France's policy of no display of religious symbols whatsoever in schools etc has some merit. Although that also led to trouble as a few Muslim girls felt unable to attend school without wearing a hijab. Strange to think that almost every religion describes itself as a religion of peace!

Found a very entertaining new site - newsbiscuit.com which I think should be passed on!

Dara

Saw Dara O'Briain in Bradford last night, who was very funny. Tour dates here in case anyone else fancies seeing his show too.

Work is getting rather hectic now and I can log into my work computer from home, which I'm not altogether sure is a good thing. Enforced drinking is still a part of my job, and there may be a big session on Monday when one of our Irish clients visits. Work trip to Ireland on 18th October.

My one month old nephew and his parents are coming to visit on Sunday. Any advice on how to be a great Auntie gratefully appreciated!