programmes to watch

Yes, they were saying this morning that worldwide, where people have the option to register for assistance, many then choose not to use it. It is knowing the option is there that comforts dying people, especially those with an illness where the end involves horrible suffering.

 

The current system in the UK is cruel, in my view. I am aware that some medics are resisting their support for the bill, because they don't feel medically trained for the proposed new system, or they feel the NHS has systemic inadequacies which mean the new system would not work. I am not sure if theirs is therefore, a defeatist argument, or a realistic one, but I do feel the cruelties of the current system need to be swept away.

 

I go back to the old argument of “you wouldn’t treat a dog that way.” When our poor old cat’s hypothyroidism got too much to treat, the vet called at the house, sat beside the cat, who was lying in bed, gently gave him one small injection to knock him out followed by a bigger one to kill him and that was it. All over in a couple of minutes and all very caring and quiet and dignified.

 

Yes, that makes sense. I think the muddle we are in is a legacy from when established religion had more of a sway in our minds. I do understand the fears re coercion, but would hope there would be a robust way of dealing with those concerns. Who were those doctors and nurses who killed patients? One of them was Dr Ship...something. what were the safeguards there, one might ask!

 

The discussion this morning was saying this new bill would not create extra work for the NHS as these patients are already being treated for terminal illness. The changes would just add another option. Yes, a judge would have to review the case and actually speak to one of two drs involved in assessing the patient was (a) terminally ill and (b) mentally competent to make the decision, but it was pointed out the courts are quite often involved in cases where people are in a vegetative state or there is a qu over continuing life support, and the system works very well.

I understand religious people may not wish to take this route, but I see no reason why religion should be able to dictate what an atheist chooses to do. It's like abortion. You might not be willing to have one yourself, but should you be able to stop someone else?

IMV, there are no prizes for getting to the end by enduring the unendurable. Assisted dying means someone already in a desperate situation need not die alone and maybe earlier than they need to (while they are still able to act on their wishes independently) just because they are not allowed support to take that route.

 

My current binge watch programme is Shetland (BBC i player).
I love the rugged landscape, the characters and the plot twists. It is brilliant at keeping you on the edge of your seat to discover 'who dunnit!!' Thoroughly enjoying it, don't want it to end.

 

They've been repeating the original [and better!] ones too, with Dougie @Meomye - I've got them recorded.

 

Yes @fairygirl, I have started from series 1 and I agree the early ones are great. The cast are brilliant, especially Dougie as DCI Perez.

 

Yes - the originals are far better IMO @Meomye - I'm not keen on Ashley Jensen at all.
If you get a chance- if they repeat it or if it's available online - Dougie was excellent in a drama called In Plain Sight, based on a horrible serial killer Peter Manuel [played by the great Martin Compston] where Dougie played the detective. It happened around the time I was born, and not too far away, so it was a big event.

 

I prefer Shetland with Alison O'Donnell as Tosh in charge. I found it hard to understand what Perez said.

 

So does OH @Busy-Lizzie and we both like Tosh. I've found the earlier series being aired ITV3 so am catching up as I didn't see the first 2 or 3 series.

I like the characters and stories in both the old and the new but do always wonder about living on an island with no trees..........

 

Thank you for your recommendation, @fairygirl , I do believe I watched that drama but would like to see it again.
@Obelix-Vendée, I agree about not having any trees. I have not been to Shetland but found it very strange when visiting Orkney with very few trees (if any?).

 

There are lots of areas of Scotland where trees are 'minimal'.
Doesn't stop it being beautiful though.
I'm very surprised anyone finds Dougie's accent difficult.
I love anything Mark Bonnar's in too. Another actor who can do comedy as well as drama -with equal expertise.

It [In Plain Sight] was a great drama @Meomye. Both of them were superb in it.

 

@fairygirl I think it was more that he spoke too softly and didn't pronounce all the consonants, such as t. Words ran into each other.

 

We have been watching The Private Lives of Plants a David Attenborough series from back in 1995 on BBC iPlayer. So long back but fascinating filming. Episode 1 showed the fungus earth star which we have growing in our wooded area. Another slot explained how the ivy leaf toadflax manages to get into all the nooks and crannies...again another plant we have. He was as usual in his blue shirt and white/cream trousers and he didn't appear to be concerned about getting dirty. Probably has so many changes he can do. Very interesting series.