It is said that the language we use influences the way we think and feel, and possibly even how our minds develop and decline. For those who are bilingual or more, it introduces all sorts of interesting dimensions. So when conversing, for example, there are choices to be made consciously or otherwise as to the language…
Snail mail
It was probably in the late 1980s that I became aware of the word 'openness'. That is, openness as it relates to governments and large organisations. It seems to me that it arrived from Russia in the form of Gorbachev's glasnost. Whatever its origins it was a concept, particularly as it related to drug companies,…
A view from abroad
Eventually, and perhaps begrudgingly, the media and the public here in France became aware of the Scottish referendum. Then, all of a sudden, their interest came with a rush. There is a tendency in France to ignore or negate issues that they see as of 'Anglo-Saxon' origin, but by early September the idea that the Scottish…
Signs of humour
Like most people, I love a good laugh. Indeed, when it comes to escaping the humdrum and lifting the spirits, laughter is probably as good a remedy as any. The butt of jokes is often a politician or a political event, or perhaps a social injustice. Whatever the target, for most of today's laughs we…
A novel experience
Throughout my adult life I have rarely read books - fiction or non-fiction - and since reading is standard fare amongst my friends, I have been very much an outsider. Then, suddenly last week, I found myself reading a book that I couldn't put down. There were times when I continued reading for hours.…
A bad case of le Willy’s
Despite my misgivings [Reflections of a Postmodernist, 11 July 2014], buying a television for our cottage in France has proved worthwhile. Just this month it has allowed me to watch key events at the European Athletics championship, and my wife some favourite DVDs, but it has also revealed its limitations. Our subscription did not allow me…
The sausage dog and Mrs Toad
What a summer of poisoning it has been! At an international level we learned that President Putin had started employing tasters to check that there was nothing untoward in his food. In the UK, the government announced its plans to hold a public enquiry into the death by radiation poisoning of the Russian secret agent…
Whistler’s mother
When it comes to etiquette, I'm in a muddle. I am happy to doff my hat, wait my turn in a queue or offer my seat to women in the underground, but at the same time I see a problem with the idea of politeness for politeness' sake. To me, following rules of conduct or social…
Cutting the cord
Already this year I have spent three months in France and I plan to be there for at least another two. Next year I imagine it will be even longer. Inevitably, with these extended periods abroad, I began to wonder exactly where I belong - a question which, at my stage of life, comes as…
Reflections of a postmodernist
It’s not that I have a problem with modernity, but upgrading one’s life isn't always what it's cracked up to be. Of course there are benefits but there can be losses too. What seemed like an obvious advance can give rise to pangs of nostalgia for the old way of doing things - was the…
The Joe Collier Blog 