odespinner

We are all having a tough time with lockdowns and death taking a heavy toll. But just imagine for a moment if you had fled religious persecution and found yourself in a refugee camp…not the easiest situation to imagine. Now picture the scene where you’re living in a tent with…

As our family approaches 4 weeks staying at home, we are amusing ourselves in different rooms around the house. I got first dibs on the dining room with its view of Divis mountain and patio door. Here I sit with my notebook listening to music as I tap away inexpertly…

No booze today My love has gone away The bottle stands forlorn A symbol of the dawn No booze today It seems a common sight But people passing by Don’t know the reason why How could they know Just what this message means The end of my pubs, the end…

There are many opportunities for creative thinking, necessity being a right mother and all that. Some writers have put their stuff online free of charge and live streaming of cancelled public events is now a thing. Even the Grand National was organised as a virtual race. Bookies gave the proceeds…

In the world, there are different political philosophies that determine our economic systems and consequently the choices we can make and the freedoms we enjoy. In the face of the covid19 virus, those different systems expose our vulnerability to react promptly to the best effect. The South Koreans have harnessed…

I listened to the debate on BBC Radio 4’s, the Global Philosopher this morning on Pandemic Ethics.  Michael Sandel is a great leader of debates and prompts participants to give interesting answers. Is stockpiling food unethical? Should prices be regulated for scarce goods? Should preference be given to loyal customers?…

We did not panic buy. Our cupboards are looking a bit bare and the online shop is taking over two weeks to be delivered. In the meantime, we rely on our son to brave the supermarket encounters. Staying at home is tougher than you might think. No popping to the…

Enforced isolation gives us all ample time to reflect on the things that matter. Our own survival is probably top off most people’s list. So isn’t it remarkable that the NHS’s appeal for additional workers got such a huge response? Does that mean that human beings can do things for others…

We are lucky that our son went shopping for us and drove us on a trip to relieve the boredom of being cooped up. This is an opportunity to get creative, so why am I binge watching TV? No doubt I will immerse myself in fiction eventually, but the seriousness…

Norway has its explorers, brave men who withstood extreme conditions in order to discover something new about our planet. Polar expeditions were particularly dangerous and the voyages of Amundsen legendary. The ship Fram was used for journeys to find the North West passage and reach the North and South poles.…