Harriet Harman and her 'ginger rodent' jibe

Did you know there is an ongoing prejudice in the UK against red hair or ginger as the Brits call it? It's hard to believe that children get teased and bullied at school simply because of their hair colour but it's true. This prejudice, called gingerism in the UK, is supposedly not as prevalent as it once was but it's still around.

Indeed, gingerism became the talking point everywhere today because of a shocking insult made by the former deputy prime minister, Harriet Harman. Speaking at the Labour party's Scottish conference she called the Chief Treasury Secretary Danny Alexander a "ginger rodent". Now this would be bad enough on its own but it's much worse when you consider that Harriet Harman is a former equalities minister! Also, she didn't just make the insult up in the spur of the moment - it was a scripted speech!



I think Harriet Harman's jibe is shocking! Name-calling is childish and a form of bullying. I know politics can be harsh but resorting to personal insults is shameful. I'm sure parents of ginger-haired children don't find Harriet Harman's choice of words at all amusing! How can parents teach their children to accept others no matter what they look like after Ms Harman makes a speech containing such an obvious slur against people with ginger hair? Yes, Harriet Harman has apologised since it became such big news today but the damage has been done. Children with ginger hair in the UK will continue to be the brunt of cruel jokes and the target of bullies. It will only stop when everyone makes it clear that it's not okay to make fun of ginger hair. In my opinion, gingerism is never acceptable.

Do you think her jibe was just a harmless joke? This is what I've been reading from Labour supporters on twitter.

What are your thoughts about the incident? 

T-Mobile advert filmed at Heathrow Airport

A new T-Mobile advert was filmed at Heathrow Airport. The new flash mob advert featured a crowd of singers greeting passengers arriving at Terminal 5 on October 27th.

Book Review & Giveaway: Britain & Ireland by Robin Currie

I have reviewed a book called, Britain & Ireland: A Visual Tour of the Enchanted Isles by Robin Currie.

The review is on this post on my book blog, Bookish Magpie

If you would like a chance to win a copy of the book, please leave a comment on the post on my book blog, and I will enter your name in a random drawing that will take place after 6:00 pm on Monday, October 25th.

This giveaway is for UK residents only.

The Affordable Art Fair (21-24 October)

The Affordable Art Fair started yesterday in Battersea Park, London. This fun event continues today and throughout the weekend. The contemporary art is exhibited amongst the 120 galleries. There are also plenty of other arty activities - free workshops or demonstrations, and a series of informal talks about collecting art.

Opening times:
Friday 22 October 11.00am – 6.00pm
Saturday 23 October 11.00am – 6.00pm
Sunday 24 October 11.00am – 6.00pm

The Affordable Art Fair

First direct has created a short video with Affordable Art Fair founder, Will Ramsay and showcasing artist Natasha Kumar:

The Rescue of all 33 Chilean Miners

Like most everyone else around the world, I was mesmerized by the scenes on the TV from Chile showing the amazing rescue of all 33 miners. All of the men looked incredibly well after their ordeal. The 33 Chilean miners had been trapped since August 5, more than two months ago - a total of 69 days underground.

It was wonderful to see as each man was pulled to the surface and he climbed out of the specially-built capsule (designed for the operation by NASA and Chilean Navy engineers) nick-named the Phoenix "...because I think it will bring about a rebirth of the miners, and a new life for them," said mining minister Laurence Golborne. I loved the way each man was greeted by family members and then given a big hug by officials, including Chile's President Sebastian Pinera.

One of the most enjoyable moments to witness was when the second miner stepped out of the capsule. Mario Sepulveda also known as "Super Mario" was obviously relieved and happy to be rescued and didn't hesitate to show his feelings! He shouted chants and brought rocks with him, that he proceeded to hand out to the officials including President Pinera. They all graciously accepted his rock gift too! I loved that!

Second Chilean Miner Rescued - Mario Sepulveda



and Luis Urzua, the LAST Miner Rescued from the Chilean Mine (He was the leader of the whole group)



It was just so fabulous to watch a good-news story for a change. And it seemed as if the world was joined together while watching the incredible rescue of the Chilean miners. We all shared their feelings of relief and joy.

It's such an uplifting story. Did you watch?

CBS News Sunday Morning: Imagine John Lennon's 70th Birthday

Watch a lovely (and very moving) interview with Julian and Sean Lennon on CBS News Sunday Morning (Oct-3, 2010) :