Category: Fourre-tout

Yesterday was for me a rollercoaster of emotions. Early on, I felt depressed by the American public’s apparent apathy towards Donald Trump’s mad, outrageous policies.

It seemed to me that the American public was accepting the new Führer’s directives like a flock of sheep, because as a French saying goes, “Qui ne refuse pas, accepts.” “Who doesn’t refuse, accepts”. You ought to remember that in 1933, only three short months after Hitler became Germany’s chancellor, democracy ceased to exist. As a result, an estimated 70 to 85 million people died during World War II.

However, as the day progressed, a glimmer of hope emerged. In the afternoon, as I was at the pétanque court, socializing with friends, I suddenly heard the voices of thousands of demonstrators marching by the Marin Civic Center.

A large crowd had gathered, united in protest. Holding signs, chanting, and beating drums, this sea of determined faces reignited my faith. It reaffirmed my beliefs that true power doesn’t belong to a few money-grabbing zealots, but to the popular masses in the street.

Yesterday, the sight of all the demonstrations across America was a testament to the power of unity and the importance of standing up against tyranny. It was a fine example of democracy in action, where every individual’s voice contributes to a demand for justice.

At that moment, my gloom dissipated and was replaced by a sense of exhilaration. The people’s apparent apathy that had once seemed so pervasive was overshadowed by the energy and passion of the demonstrators.

The demonstrations at the Marin Civic Center were not just a protest against absurd policies; they were a celebration of democratic engagement, a call to action, and a beacon of hope for those who believe in the power of collective action.

They reaffirmed my belief in the potential for positive change and reminded us that, even in the face of adversity, there is always hope when people come together to stand for what is right.

No pasarán!

Alain

 

Television series often depict emergency services as highly coordinated, with competent and compassionate responders. This is a sugar-coated fairytale.

Real-life experiences can involve long wait times and responders who seem to be pretty cavalier about your welfare. This discrepancy leads to huge frustration during actual emergencies.

Emergencies are stressful and demanding, often requiring immediate and efficient response from first responders. However, the reality of emergency services can sometimes be starkly different from what is often portrayed on television.

I always thought that the responder’s first duty was to control the pain and then seek a solution to the problem. But I was wrong. They don’t seem to care about the pain. Evenings, especially Friday nights, can be particularly challenging for emergency services. The working staff disappears fairly quickly, and the care of patients is left to new or inexperienced people. This means that not all emergencies receive the prompt attention they deserve.

There are instances where first responders seem ill-prepared or unaware of the best course of action during emergencies. This lack of knowledge can lead to inefficiencies and potentially exacerbate the distress of those in need.

One of the most disheartening experiences during an emergency is encountering first responders who appear to be indifferent or even laugh during the rescue effort. Such insensitive behavior is not only unprofessional but is deeply hurtful to those who are suffering.

While many first responders are dedicated and skilled professionals, the system is far from being faultless. The challenges faced on busy nights, lack of preparedness, and occasional insensitive behavior highlight the need for improvements in training and resource allocation.

To improve the first attendants’ skills and manners, it might be a novel idea to temporarily hire television actors to teach them some acting skills. When you are in physical pain, compassionate words and actions are a must.

Bridging the gap between the dramatized portrayal of emergency services on television and the real-life experience is essential to ensure that those in need receive the timely and compassionate care they deserve.

Alain

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen.
Welcome to the Kingdom of Sterilizia, where, for most citizens, cleanliness truly is next to godliness.

Every morning begins with a grand ritual of sterilization. At dawn, the faithful rise, don their holy biohazard suits, and endeavor to disinfect every inch of their homes. The ritual would be incomplete without scrubbing the ceilings, for in Sterilizia, even gravity cannot be trusted to repel those innocent-looking buggers.

The Cleanse Wardens are the elite guardians who uphold the kingdom’s immaculate standards. Clad in antiseptic armor, they patrol the streets equipped with germ detectors and won’t hesitate to summon the Sanitizer Swat Brigade at the first sign of perceived contamination.

In Sterilizia, harboring and abetting dirt is considered a very grave transgression. Offenders (like me) risk being exiled to Filthoria—a realm where grime reigns supreme, and yet, astonishingly, life still flourishes. Filthorians seem to embrace untidiness and appear largely unaffected by it.

The annals of Sterilizia are rich with legends of cleanliness. The most revered among them is the tale of Sir Sanitizealot, who vanquished the Dust Dragon using an array of sophisticated cleaning weapons. His heroic deeds are celebrated annually in a grand festival dedicated to promoting cleanliness.

But as you leave the extra-clean kingdom of Sterilizia, remember: a little dirt never hurt anyone. Relax and let the little Dustbuggers roam free for a while longer. Embrace life’s messiness and find a balance between cleanliness and a touch of laissez-faire.

After all, it’s not the germs we’ve conquered that matter, but the memories—whether dirty or clean—we’ve created along the way.

Now repeat after me: “I shall not be afraid of dust and shall try my best to commiserate with the wretched sinners who live among us. Amen!”

Alain