DE-CLUTTERBUG

How lovely to have a panic button! How many times throughout life would it have been nice, looking back, to have been able to press a panic button. Is that not part of building up the 'jigsaw of life's experiences'?

Should it be the responsibility of Facebook and similar chat rooms to have the system in force whereby youngsters if unsure of the communcations being received by another party 'press a button or click on the icon'! Ever heard of turning the computer off, if need be at the mains.

When are parents going to start taking responsibility for the behaviour of their children instead of always 'passing the buck'?   

De-Clutterbug was brought up as a child with the instructions; "Not to talk to strangers. ...."

If Cannabis has been proven to aid sufferers of diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, it should surely be freely available for doctors to prescribe through the NHS?

It has been reported that sufferers have been illegally purchasing Cannabis to alleviate their symptoms and in doing so regulating their own supply which may do more harm than good.

Let it be clearly understood that De-Clutter Bug does not advocate the usage of any drugs or usage of dangerous substances for any purposes. All drug taking, narcotic substances, addictive medicine should be made illegal without classification, unless prescribed for medical purposes by qualified physicians. But, after proper scientific research has been made, there, like most speculative topics, must be exceptions to the rule. Especially if proven benefits from taking drugs such as Cannabis can be ascertained.

Cannabis [hemp, a plant of the Cannabis genus, especially C. sativa (common hemp) and C. indica (Indian hemp); a narcotic or mood-altering drug, variously known as hashish, bhang, marijuana, etc. Obtained from the cannabis plant.

Parkinson’s disease a degenerative disorder associated with ageing, and parkinsonism due to other causes.

Elocution the art of effective speaking, especially public speaking, in terms of enunciation and delivery; eloquence.

Not so very long ago television, radio, orators, public speakers and presenters were engaged for their ability to pronounce words correctly, legibly. Their pronunciation, grammatical understanding, comprehension and the ability to be understood by the listener and audience a prerequisite of the position of employment: This was known in my recollection as BBC English.

Now there seems to be a leaning towards colloquial, speech impediment, and slurred or phrased speech in such a way as totally or as near total, non-comprehensible. The speed at which some sentences are reeled off leaves the listener bemused, baffled and confounded.

Let me also, at this juncture, bring in the other jobs which have caused concern if not anger, to the general public; those that handle telephone help lines, call centres, doctors and nurses are not always discernible or understood this can lead to all sorts of misunderstanding.

I recall at school, within the curriculum, elocution lessons were provided specifically to train the student to pronounce succinctly and be understood by others. Perhaps this should be re-instated within the school lessons to assist with teaching the English spoken language as it should be understood, deciphered from written form and heard. In most countries the language of the country is taught with pride. The people do not feel embarrassed by their homeland or the mother tongue nor do they abuse it either through poor grammar or pronunciation.

With so many foreigners now living in this country and the regional tongues is it not time to bring an end and lead by example. After all the media are in the best position to show how the English language should be spoken and portrayed. Perhaps these elocution lessons should be re-introduced benefitting all?

De-Clutter Bug has always said that immigrants should be given enforced birth control; the pill, the snip or alternatives to be able to live in OUR country. So why am I not surprised that the heading in the paper latterly reads 'Migrant Baby Boom'.

De-Clutter Bug is not racist nor against children but I do feel that as 'integration' is not happening we should watch ourselves as the so called minority become the majority.

Watch out for additional article in De-Clutter Bug's World on another revelation!

Now let us get one thing understood - If you asked De-Clutter Bug to don football boots, go out onto a pitch and play for 90 minutes kicking a ball around; I would be there in a flash. I simply enjoy playing sport, tennis, rounders, volleyball, table tennis, the list is endless.

But, if you expect me to traverse from playing to watching on television cricket, albeit the Ashes, football, tennis, snooker, darts etc. Then forget it, let me be. OK I am interested in the outcome but not to be for hours aimlessly watching. Sorry, I have now probably alienated myself from most readers but I surely am not alone? Or am I?

There are exceptions to the 'rules' I do have a passion for horses and all the sports associated but even then I would rather be riding cross-country than watching.

Is De-Clutter Bug the only person who finds it despicable that MPs are taking holidays, home and abroad, whilst our soldiers are fighting in Afghanistan?

Obviously, MPs have no conscience, or they would have remained working. If nothing else to establish a way of bringing our young men home without further blood shed! 

There seems to me to be a lack in the Warwickshire area of England of hedgehogs. We used to have a family, frequent visitors, to our garden. I blamed neighbours for their over zealous use of slug pellets in their gardens for their demise but since the floods of  9 April 1998 they are no longer to be seen in the surrounding countryside. Has anyone else noticed or have I just not been observant?

It has been brought to my attention that badgers, who have now become more prevalent in the area, have now added hedgehogs to their menu. With their long claws the badger is able to prise open the hedgehog, as it is in defence position, rolled tightly up into a ball, and kill then consume. This would make sense and account for the demise of the hedgehog in Warwickshire.