Education 4 - Overseas Teaching Qualifications

The other day, I received an invitation to register for an IELTS course (No doubt my address was found from a simple Internet search, regardless of my wish to become a student or not).  Having recently returned from Bangladesh, and just about to go back, I decided to investigate this course.

This is how it was described to me:

IELTS Writing Preparation Course

Certificate Course

No. of Classes/ Sessions: 13

Total Hours: 16

Days: SUN-MON-TUE of every week

Time: 5:00PM - 6:15PM

Registration Fees: Tk. 5000.00/Participant (US$61.00)
Get 5% discount by paying online

This unique course aims at developing English writing skills for the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). The writing section forms an important part of the exam as it judges the candidate's ability to communicate in the written form. It evaluates how well the candidate is able to structure and frame his/her thoughts and how clearly he/she is able to express his/herself. This is especially important for individuals appearing for the Academic module as their ability to write well matters a lot in their professional lives.

Candidates appearing for the Academic module are the ones who are applying for admission for higher education or for professionals who are looking to get further training in English speaking countries.

By the end of this course the participants will learn Planning of Writing, Organization of Thoughts, Quality of Arguments, Sentence Structure, and Time Management.

Now this seems well and good, but my cynicism makes me wonder which IELTS book it is copied from.  Because, out of curiosity, I asked for details of the teacher, and received the following reply (Certain details deleted to protect the innocent):

Trainer Details: MBA ...., BBA ....  He is working as an outworker in both Academic Institutions and in Local Organizations.  Former Lecturer of  ....  Worked as a HR associate at the HR Department of ....  He attained Trainee worked at “Housekeeping, Purchase, and Laundry Departments” at ... Hotel, from March 01, 2010 to May 31, 2010.  As an Intern he worked at “Customer Care and Sales Department” at ... from 12th September 2006 to 4th December 2006.  He also Participated in 2 (two) weeklong “Live in Field Experience” (LFE) Program, January 2006, conducted on 25 families at Village: ... under total supervision of Bangladesh Academy for Rural Development ....

I wrote back saying that I could not send my students to this course as the Bangladeshi teacher not only had no teaching qualifications, but there is no evidence that he has an English language qualification either.  The frequently used phrase, "No experience necessary", seems to be taken too literally in this case.

This course, although well-meaning, is an example of the urgent need for foreign teachers to work in Bangladesh, but it is a very poor country, and other countries, for example, Thailand, China, or Korea, can offer much better financial incentives.  Nevertheless, the rewards for teaching in underdeveloped countries from the diligent students and grateful faculty make up for the small financial gain.

Music - Emotional Observation

Ludwig van Beethoven

Beethoven Portrait by Joseph Karl Stieler, 1820 (Beethoven-Haus, Bonn, Germany)

Beethoven's Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kh1qk_kgIc0

It's an interesting observation that, when listening to some of these video recordings, where we can watch the musicians playing, and we can see their facial expressions and emotions — if the music is happily romantic or sad, it is easy for the eyes to become moist ... this also happens at live concerts (Of course,  I'm just a silly emotional person).  Does it mean that we share the emotions of sadness or happiness with the musician?

On the other hand, when the same music is accompanied only by wonderful photographic images of nature, etc., then, I find that I'm not tearful.  Does this mean that the visual images are a distraction and, thus, I'm not listening seriously enough?

Also, if I watch the musicians a second time, I'm just as emotional (if not more) whereas the natural images become a little boring.

Therefore, perhaps, we should always close our eyes.

If emotions are concealed, then, one's character is suppressed.

Food 7 - Dinner Table Etiquette

A few years ago, while in China, I wrote a series of articles for a magazine regarding European table manners which has, surprisingly, just appeared from an old cardboard box.  Knowing that some foreign students are occasionally reading this blog ... and because I would not like to lose it again, I have edited it into the following digest version.

Imagine that you have been invited to an important dinner.  When I say, ‘important’, I mean that your boss or future father-in-law will be there.

You arrive, sit down, look in front of you and ... Knives! ... No chopsticks!  But, even if you are a European you may think ... Wow, three forks, knives, spoons, and wine glasses!  And no one to explain.  Read on.

Unlike most Asian countries, Europeans order their dishes separately.  Thus, you may start by ordering a salad — usually, salads are recognizable by the main ingredient in the name.  However, one popular salad, Caesar Salad, cannot be identified by its name (unless you are from Rome) it comprises a lot of lettuce and some croutons (small pieces of toasted bread) and some bacon bits, and the vital Caesar salad dressing.  Imagine my amazement at one restaurant when I ordered Caesar Salad to be asked my preferred dressing.  With some amusement I replied, “Caesar please.”  I became speechless when the reply was, “Sorry, we don’t have that one”!

Another unforgivable error, made by many Asian Western-styled restaurants, is the serving of various dishes in random order, or not allowing time between courses.  I have often thought about refusing to even order the main course until I have finished the appetizer ... just to observe the nervous expression on their face.

Oh, three knives and forks?  It is quite easy really;  you simply select the cutlery from the outside inwards for each course.  Wait staff may add a soup spoon on the right-hand side, if that is ordered.  Similar actions may occur if you choose to have fish or steak, by substituting the standard knife with a fish or steak knife (Often, the standard knife is not removed).  Finally, when you have finished eating the dish, place the cutlery together on the plate (A signal to a trained waiter to remove the plate).

Three wine glasses?  It is true to say, these days, that serving a variety of wines with each course is unusual.  Nevertheless, I believe that the practice can be an enrichment to a formal meal.  Actually, there could be as many as four glasses.  The first glass being a water goblet, then, continuing toward the right side there could be a champagne glass (if champagne should be served), then red or white wine glasses (according to courses served) and, finally, a sherry glass.

Ice water should be served when people sit down.  The most important consideration is that the wine compliments the food ... and the palate of the people drinking it (If red wine is not to your taste, say so).  And it is always worth considering the house wine at a good restaurant.

Generally speaking, dry white wine is served chilled in round-bowled stemmed glasses with fish.  Red wine should be served at room temperature in less-rounded tulip-shaped glasses with red meats and game.  Informally, red wine could be drunk throughout the meal.

Sadly, public education on this subject is unlikely to improve until restaurants employ a professional sommelier.  For example, some people in Asia do not know the difference between liquor, liqueur and wine.  Liquor is a strong alcoholic drink that has been distilled;  for example, whiskey, vodka, rum, etc.  It is never drunk with a European meal.  Liqueur is a strong alcoholic spirit that has been sweetened and flavoured (with fruit, perhaps) and is usually drunk at the end of a meal;  for example, Corvoisier or Harveys Bristol Cream.

It is worth mentioning that the soup bowl should not be lifted from the table, and making slurping noises is not considered an acceptable tribute to the chef (because he knows that it’s good).

Chicken legs should only be picked up by the fingers at KFC (Always popular in Asia because of the bones).  Lamb chops should be eaten with a knife and fork — only if the end is covered by frilled paper may this be held in the left hand to assist cutting the meat from the bone.  Shrimps should be eaten with one bite.  Clams, oysters, or mussels, if served in the shell, may be held in the left hand and removed with a small fork, and eaten with one bite.  Sauce or gravy may be soaked up by a small piece of bread (This would be a compliment to the chef).

Finally (and this may surprise some people), at the end of a formal meal, if one prefers decaffeinated coffee, it is polite to discretely inquire first, and decline if this is not so ... rather than asking for decaffeinated coffee.

Now, back to the restaurant reviews.

Travel 6 - South East Asia (Thailand)

Firstly, I should mention that this is not meant to be a travelogue intending to entice you to visit, it is just my personal memory of an event.  Travelling to Thailand is a wonderful experience.  Secondly, unlike Bangladesh, the immigration controls were very friendly, because Canadians do not require an entry visa.    And, thirdly, although I had travelled to the country before, to the very ancient city of Chiang Mai (which is very typical of cities in this part of Asia), this time, my friend and I flew to Bangkok (the capital) and it was a tremendous surprise.  From the huge modern Suvamabhumi International Airport to a city of high-rise buildings and good roads, we instantly noticed a comparison between the unruly traffic congestion of Dhaka with the polite diligent drivers of Bangkok.

Day Time - Lumphini Park, Bangkok

Our multi-starred hotel was great, and arriving a couple of days before the international conference, we were able to look around and relax.  During the conference, I toured on my own, and my friend became almost a stranger ... but we had the evenings together, and took advantage of a river cruise to enjoy views of the many illuminated temples, etc.

Night Time - River Chao Phraya, Bangkok

Later, we stayed on for a few extra days, and flew down to the town of Hat Yai in the southern province of Songkhla, where my friend had previously taught at a university, and met some old friends (Actually, a one hour drive further south).  They had deliberately not been warned of our arrival in order to avoid great welcoming celebrations, but the abundance of joyous tears everywhere was extremely moving, and a perfect example of Thai hospitality.  Then, we had to force ourselves away on an overnight train to Bangkok.

A final evening at a Thai restaurant was mandatory, of course.

When in Thailand, Eat Thai Food ... Of Course

Then, back to the anticlimax of Bangladesh, which lasted a few more days until returning to Canada (Another anticlimax).

Early Morning Arrival - London, Ontario

Quotation - "That's quite a lovely Jackson Pollock ...."

Woody Allen

           

Allen:      That's quite a lovely Jackson Pollock [painting], isn't it?
Woman:  Yes, it is.
Allen:      What does it say to you?
Woman:  It restates the negativeness of the universe.  The hideous lonely emptiness of existence.  Nothingness.  The predicament of man forced to live in a barren, godless eternity like a tiny flame flickering in an immense void with nothing but waste, horror, and degradation, forming a useless, bleak straitjacket in a black, absurd cosmos.
Allen:      What are you doing Saturday night?
Woman:  Committing suicide.
Allen:      What about Friday night?

From; Play It Again, Sam (1972)

Travel 5 - South East Asia (Bangladesh)

The 1:00 AM arrival, from China, at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka, Bangladesh, was my worst airport experience ever.  Travel agencies indicate accurately that one can obtain a Visa on Arrival at the airport, but nothing is said about the inability to obtain Bangladesh taka at any currency exchange outside the country.  Therefore, at 1:00 AM, the main currency exchange point is closed ... and, thus, the great ‘red tape’ odyssey began.

More than one hour later, I exited Immigration control, found my suitcase, and walked outside to be greeted by a huge number of aggressive taxi hustlers, not to mention the residual humidity and high temperature.  Eventually, I met the driver sent to take me to the foreign teachers residence ... another 45 minutes.

Arriving at the residence, I was met by a tall, muscular, bare-chested, eunuch-looking porter, who carried my heavy suitcase up three flights of stairs.  The apartment had two en-suite bedrooms, occupied by two nursing teachers, and one spare room for me.  Thus, my outside bathroom contained a ‘squat’ toilet and a cold bucket shower.  I just ‘crashed’ onto the bed for the remainder of the morning.

Next day, although having been advised to rest, I walked to the campus of the International University of Business, Agriculture and Technology (A fifteen-minute walk).  Rickshaws were available, but I was still trying to come to terms with the value of the taka (It seems that the rickshaw ride would cost approximately 20 cents Canadian).

Hey, taxi!

Then, I was met by the senior foreign teacher, the head of a Canadian-sponsored nursing faculty, who knew nothing about my terms of employment.

Eventually, I was introduced to the Vice-Chancellor, who explained that, although there was an English language faculty of 16 professors, there was not a specific English language programme.  He wanted to create a BA (Honors) programme as soon as possible but, at the moment, English was taught as a minor subject.  My task was to audit the English classes, both students and teachers, and produce a report providing advice for improving the teaching.

Excellent Students

The audit of English language classes concentrated on the teaching of oral English and, although there were instances when regular classes concentrated on the teaching of reading and writing, it was possible to observe teaching styles.  Readability of PowerPoint presentations was particularly interesting.

University Tagore Celebration

During this period, the university celebrated the anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, a writer, poet, and composer, who won the first Nobel Prize for Literature for a non-European in 1913.  I was introduced as the guest of honor ... and it was.

Tagore Celebration Student Participants

I finished my report four weeks later and, although requested (invited) to stay and teach for the remaining four weeks, I found that the negative conditions found in my report were very difficult to overcome within the short period remaining.  Therefore, I did not hesitate to accept an invitation to move downtown to my friend’s apartment ... with its modern conveniences.

Relocating to the relatively modern down town area, nevertheless, had its drawbacks.  Although 90% of the population are Muslim, according to the Constitution it is a secular country, and it is not hard to imagine a mosque on (almost) every city block.  Normally, I could live with that, but this is the 21st century and the imams have discovered electronics (Loudspeakers).  Now, I could live with that too, if the range of sound from each mosque did not overlap, but they do and the sound of calls to prayer is similar to the echos of the Grand Canyon.  Of course, there will be at least one reader who will chide me for being critical of the traditions of another country.  Nevertheless, the reverberating sound of the calls outside one's bedroom window every (every) morning starting at 5:00 AM ... is extremely irritating.

Incidentally, another aspect of Bangladeshi life that will never be forgotten, is the low value of human life.  Every time I picked up a daily newspaper, I was astonished by the number of murders that were taking place every day (Every day).  There are two categories;  firstly the group attacks on males resulting from some petty street argument and, secondly, the 'honor' killings of females, more often than not, housemaids.  Then, only if reported, do the police become involved, but only to document the incident (Rarely is there a report of a conviction).  It is difficult not to mention religion in this context.

During my stay, my friend was required to attend a conference in Bangkok.  And as the hotel, etc., was paid for, it seemed natural that I should accompany her (Probably explained in part Travel 6).

Quotation - "I have wandered all my life .... "

Hilaire Belloc

"I have wandered all my life, and I have travelled;  the difference between the two being this, that we wander for distraction, but we travel for fulfillment."

Travel 4 - South East Asia (China)

Recently, I returned from a very long visit to South East Asia, specifically, China, Bangladesh, and Thailand.  Here, I shall write about the Chinese part.

After a very tiring 3-day series of flights from London (Ontario) via Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, to Kunming (Yunnan Province) I signed in to a comfortable youth hotel.

Headquarters of the Kuomintang before
they fled to Formosa (Taiwan) in 1945

Long May Youth Hotel, Kunming

Initially, I was met at the airport by a helpful old friend who thought that because it was only the afternoon, he should drive me around town to meet people ... after my sleepless time traveling across the ocean, that was the last thing that I needed, but it would have seemed very rude to explain.  Actually, once I was back at the hotel, it was evening and my tiredness had disappeared, so I took an evening stroll around Green Lake Park and my favorite Yunnan University campus.  Suddenly, it felt as if I had only been away for three weeks rather than the actual three years.

Cui Hu (Green Lake) Park

Unfortunately, most of my ex-students were unavailable for me to meet due to there being no means of communication put in place, but a few wonderful friends made contact.  Nevertheless, I was at a loss most of the time due to my very poor grasp of the Chinese language.

Car drivers were still dangerous ... they seem to adopt Buddhist practices, that is;  We have no wish to hurt you, and if we do, there is always the next peaceful life.

My visit coincided with a May Day parade.  It was extremely interesting because of an extraordinary number of minority groups in their colorful ethnic costumes, not to mention a noteworthy number of gays.

Yuan Tong Temple, Kunming

Later, my very good friend, Li Hua (Robert) invited me to join his family on a long drive to Fu Xian lake, the second deepest freshwater lake in China.  But I was disappointed to learn that the Chinese navy uses it for submarine experiments, and there are huge tourist resorts being built everywhere around it ... obviously without sufficient sewage controls.

After a few weeks, I was pleased to be able to fly to Dhaka, Bangladesh (The originally intended destination) meet my favorite ex-student, and begin work auditing the language faculty of a private university (To be explained in Part 2).

Quotation - "Education is an admirable thing ..."

Oscar Wilde

"Education is an admirable thing.  

But it is well to remember from time to time that nothing that is worth knowing can be taught."

Education 3 - Volunteer Teaching

I was recently introduced to a university in Bangladesh that was in need of a volunteer English language teacher.  But, after sending my resume, the reply stated that a PhD. was required, although a MA. English or MEd. with a TEFL certification, would be acceptable.

Naturally, I was very surprised, because in essence, additionally, they were saying that besides the academic qualifications, I would be required to pay my own travel costs (without reimbursement) and accept no salary.  If I were sarcastic, I would say that there must be hundreds of doctoral professors just queuing up to fill this post.

I feel it necessary to amplify my reason for surprise with a couple of examples.  I have devoted my life to an aerospace-related career, culminating in the writing of a user guidebook that, today, resides in the library onboard the International Space Station ... and a PhD. was not required to do that.  Recently, I returned from spending many productive years in China, successfully teaching English students from junior to postgraduate levels ... and a PhD. was not required to do that.  Maybe I should add, that I judge my teaching success from the number of Chinese students who still write to me asking me about a return visit.

Concerned about this, I searched the Internet for similar opportunities, and discovered to my additional surprise that, previously, I was simply experiencing the tip of an iceberg.  It seems, generally, in order to volunteer for posts overseas one must associate with one of the many NGO’s in this business.  These NGO’s, although accepting of my lowly BA. degree, not only require that one pays for the airfare, but also  between $500 and $1,500 per month for the “privilege” (actual quote) of teaching at the colleges.  No doubt, it must be a privilege to live and work in a country with a 5-month monsoon season, a mosquito-infested environment, deep mud for roads, no safe drinking water, and electricity blackouts every day.  I suggest that there should be a serious investigation of the definition for the term ‘non-profit’.

I guess that there is nothing like the feeling of a teacher scorned.

Postscript - Since writing the above, I have been invited as a Visiting Fellow to another university in Bangladesh, in May, with more suitable conditions.  You may expect to read a blog with exciting details in the autumn of this year.

Travel 3 - Medical Insurance

Were you properly insured during your last overseas vacation?

A piece of investigative journalism, by CBC’s programme, ‘Market Place’, recently focussed on some much ignored facts regarding medical insurance related to overseas travel.

Firstly, the programme interviewed some victims who had their claims rejected by the insurance companies, thus, subjecting them to huge hospital bills ... one bill as high as $346,000.00.  In this case, the victim (I use that word advisedly) required multiple-bypass surgery, which was covered by the policy but, when the company checked with his doctor, it was revealed that he had previously had some gastrointestinal tests which he did not disclose — the fact that these tests were, in no way related to his heart condition, was considered irrelevant ... in other words, he had lied on the application, a totally unjust accusation. Obviously, these retired people have, now, had their lives ruined by so much debt.

The case for the insurance companies is that applicants are filling in the forms incorrectly but, as Susan Ang of the advocacy group CARP expressed, the complicated application forms require the knowledge of both a medical doctor and a lawyer to interpret them ... and there is no accountability.  In addition, a persons actual knowledge of their medical record may not be identical to the doctor’s file.

Additionally, the programme used hidden cameras to visit four different, well-known, travel agencies (Carlson Wagonlit, Marlin Travel, Thomas Cook), and all (except FlightCentre) gave incorrect advice to customers which, if claims had been made, could have resulted in huge bills.  The only advice that should be given by a travel agent is, “We are not medical professionals, please consult with your doctor”.

I recently visited my GP and discussed the subject with him.  He seemed unaware of the CBC programme, and seemed too quick to blame the patient for incorrectly filling in the insurance form and, then, with a smile on his face said, “Of course, [the court case] is no longer a medical problem, but a legal problem.”  Then, he went on to say, “The insurance companies do this all the time with impunity.”  I was far from impressed with his virtuous attitude.  Not to mention the 80-minute delay with my appointment ... that lasted five minutes.

Should you consult with your doctor?

P.S.;  It will be of additional interest that I have now been given my travel insurance policy by the 21st Century insurance company, and was amazed to discover the following warning attached,  "You must contact the Assistance Centre before receiving treatment.  Failure to do so will limit liability to 75% of eligible expenses."  I really pray that I maintain consciousness, following my first heart attack emergency, long enough to delay the surgeon's enthusiasm to start the life-saving procedure.

Quotation - "You yourself, as much as anybody ....

Siddartha Gautama (Buddha)

"You yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe,

 deserve your love and affection."

Religion 4 - The Global Blasphemy Law

As a keen reader of international media, I thought that I was aware of most things, but the following article, when it appeared in Forbes Magazine caught me on the hop.  It describes an attempt to create a global blasphemy law applicable to every nation.

US Supports UN Anti-Free Speech Measure 

While you were out scavenging the Walmart super sales or trying on trinkets at Tiffany or Cartier, your government has been quietly wrapping up a Christmas gift of its own: adoption of UN resolution 16/18. An initiative of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (formerly Organization of Islamic Conferences), the confederacy of 56 Islamic states, Resolution 16/18 seeks to limit speech that is viewed as “discriminatory” or which involves the “defamation of religion” – specifically that which can be viewed as “incitement to imminent violence.”  Whatever that means. 

Initially proposed in response to alleged discrimination against Muslims in the aftermath of 9/11 and in an effort to clamp down on anti-Muslim attacks in non-Muslim countries, Resolution 16/18 has been through a number of revisions over the years in order to make it palatable to American representatives concerned about U.S. Constitutional guarantees of free speech. Previous versions of the Resolution, which sought to criminalize blasphemous speech and the “defamation of religion,” were regularly rejected by the American delegation and by the US State Department, which insisted that limitations on speech – even speech deemed to be racist or blasphemous – were at odds with the Constitution. But this latest version, which includes the “incitement to imminent violence” phrase – that is, which criminalizes speech which incites violence against others on the basis of religion, race, or national origin – has succeeded in winning US approval – despite the fact that it (indirectly) places limitations as well on speech considered “blasphemous.” 

The background to all of this, unsurprisingly, is an effort on the part of Muslim countries to limit what they consider to be defamatory and blasphemous speech: criticism of Islam, say, or insulting the prophet Mohammed – which, as we’ve learned, can mean anything from drawing a cartoon or making a joke in a comedy sketch to burning a Koran. Such acts – according to some readings of the Koran and, indeed, according to law in some OIC countries – are punishable by death. Hence the riots that met the publication of the so-called “Danish cartoons,” the fatwa against Salman Rushdie, the murder of Theo van Gogh, and on and on. 

Deception.   Here’s where Resolution 16/18 gets tricky.  Because who, exactly, arbitrates what is “incitement to imminent violence”? Violence by whom? If drawing a caricature of the Prophet incites violence by Islamic radicals to the tune of riots, arson, and murder, all sanctioned by the IOC itself – then drawing such a caricature (or writing a book like the Satanic Verses) will now constitute a criminal act. And that is exactly what the OIC was aiming for. It is also in direct violation of the principles of Western democracy – and the First Amendment. (Though it is crucial to note that any resolution passed by the General Assembly remains non-binding, which makes you sort of wonder what the point of all this is, anyway.) 

Moreover, since many would claim that the persecution of blasphemers is mandated by their religion, conflicts emerge between guarantees of free expression and the guarantee of freedom of religion and the practice of one’s faith. In other words: your free speech allows you to insult my prophet: my freedom of religion compels me to kill you for it. 

What about “incitement to violence”?  Whose violence? 

This is how the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation plays “Gotcha. 

This is how the American government, however unwittingly, subsumes its own Constitution in deference to the demands of the Islamic state.  It’s a dangerous game. 

Yet in all of this, America has stood strong in its defense of free speech – even blasphemous, hateful, racist, sexist, Pentecostal, homophobic, and ignorant speech. We must continue to do so, no matter what pressures we may face. Because in the end, limiting our rights to self-expression and – above all – the questioning of religious beliefs – will never help to make the world more peaceful – or more free.

Abigail R. Esman

Quotation - Some see private enterprise as a predatory ....

Sir Winston Churchill

"Some see private enterprise as a predatory target to be shot, others as a cow to be milked, but few are those who see it as a sturdy horse pulling the wagon."

"The inherent vice of capitalism is the unequal sharing of blessings;  the inherent virtue of socialism is the equal sharing of miseries."

Food 6 - The Grocery Store

With ‘Food’ in the subject heading, one may expect a discussion about a delicious recipe or a wonderful restaurant but, this time I am going to discuss something interesting (at least for me) about grocery stores.

When I was young ... now, isn’t that the quintessential opening line.  Anyway, there was a time when superstores were nonexistent.  One had the luxury of individual butchers, bakers ... and candlestick makers ... with an emphasis on the plural.

One could visit a butcher and give detailed instructions about the required piece of meat, and this was the normal practice.  Once taken home and cooked, if the meat did not meet one’s satisfaction, a complaint would be made and, usually, the butcher would offer a bonus portion next time.

The same would occur at the fruit and vegetable shop.  If there was a rotten apple somewhere, an acknowledgement would be made and an acceptable recompense would be agreed at the return visit, much in favor of the customer.  It was considered very important to maintain good customer relations.

Today, there is usually just one superstore serving each neighborhood and, in my opinion, good customer relations have virtually disappeared.

For example, some time ago, I bought some chicken pieces from a well-known supermarket.  When the package was opened at home, it was necessary to hurriedly open a window to remove the terrible stench of putrid chicken.  Being angry, I immediately returned to the supermarket.  The manager, when confronted quite politely, said that I could choose a replacement package.  This done, I returned to the cashier, who pointed out that the new package had a higher cost (approximately 20 cents), and insisted that I pay the difference.  When the manager returned, I explained that the journey to return the original chicken had cost me more than 20 cents, he simply gazed at the ceiling and refused to negotiate further.  Therefore, I retrieved the putrid chicken, but cannot explain what I did with it.  It should be sufficient to say that, when discovered some days later, the cost of cleanup would have been much greater than 20 cents.  And I have never returned.

I recently bought some mouldy strawberries from a superstore and, to be honest, did not trouble myself with a return visit, knowing that I would simply be offered a similar container.  So much for Mexican strawberries.

My point here is the attitude of large supermarkets that believe that you are obliged to be a return customer, no matter what, because they are doing you a favor by establishing themselves in your neighborhood.  I find this unacceptable when all imperfect groceries could be returned to the wholesaler for a refund ... and probably a discount on the next order.

Just a final thought;  would they get more respect if, instead of marking dated produce with a ‘50% Off’ sticker, they sent it to the local Food Bank?

I wonder if I should name the aforementioned supermarket?

Aerospace 4 - Solo Flight

Slingsby Skylark 4

This photo of a beautiful Skylark sailplane reminds me of the wonderful day that I flew solo in a single-seater for the first time.

It would have been in the late ‘70s, at the Dorset Gliding Club, located at the Tarrant Rushton airfield in the U.K. (Now closed).

Traditionally, new pilots are not given pre-warning of their first solo flight, to reduce tension.  On this occasion, I was given a short flight with the instructor and, when we landed, he jumped out and simply told me to stay at the controls because it was ‘time’.  His sole instruction was, “Don’t stay up for more than an hour”.

The sailplane was hooked onto a long cable attached to a single engined Auster (tug), I gave the ‘thumbs up’ signal to the wingman and almost immediately, we (the sailplane and I) were bumping uncomfortably across the grass field until, with one final bump, we were airborne.

It was difficult keeping in formation behind the tug because it normally flew at 110 knots and my sailplane preferred to fly at 75 knots, making the controls very sensitive.

Once we had reached the required altitude of 3,000 feet, I pulled the cable release, and the whistle of high-speed air suddenly dropped to a quiet swishing sound as I reduced speed ... and I was able to relax ... slightly.

I began to look for a cloud that indicated the presence of a thermal of warm air that should be able to take me into the clouds.  That day, there were a number of solid cumulus clouds and, choosing the nearest, I soon felt the pull of rising air and I banked into a circle to stay within the thermal.  The increasing adrenalin generated much excitement as I challenged the thermal trying to force me sideways.  Soon, we were at the base of the cloud at 4,500 feet.

At this height, I was able to dive away from the safety of the cloud towards another cloud that was in the direction of my intended travel.  This caused a loss of height, but I was soon able to feel the pull of another thermal and we began another climb.

I was even more relaxed now, and able to study the beauty of the surrounding clouds.  Nothing seemed to matter ... I was in the Land of the Gods.

As I casually looked around, I suddenly noticed a large bird near my wing tip.  I believe that it was a kestrel (a bird of prey).  We circled together for quite a while.  Such an exhilarating feeling ... being one with nature.  Occasionally, it would turn its head in my direction, as if to say, “You’re pretty good, for a human.”  Then, in an instant, it was gone, looking for its supper, I suppose.

One hour and thirty-five minutes later (It was easy to lose a sense of time when enjoying oneself), I was back in the circuit, brakes out, and rolling to a stop.  The instructor was, playfully, wagged his finger at me ... but he was really delighted that another student had successfully achieved solo flight.

I shall never forget that day.

The Perception of Beauty

In Washington , DC , at a Metro Station, on a cold January morning in 2007, a man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time, approximately 2,000 people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. 

After about 3 minutes:  a middle-aged man noticed that there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds, and then he hurried on to meet his schedule.

About 4 minutes later:  the violinist received his first dollar. A woman threw money into the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

At 6 minutes:  a young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

At 10 minutes:  a 3-year old boy stopped, but his mother tugged him away hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pulled hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head the whole time. This action was repeated by several other children, but every parent — without exception — forced their children to move on quickly.

At 45 minutes:  the musician continued to play. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

After 1 hour:  he finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed and no one applauded. 

There was no recognition at all.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before, Joshua Bell sold-out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100 each to sit and listen to him play the same music.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell, playing incognito in the D.C. Metro Station, was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people's priorities.  It raised several questions: 

1. In a common-place environment, at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty? 
2. If so, do we stop to appreciate it? 
3. Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:  If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made . . . how many other things are we missing as we rush through life?

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