We are back with the latest Weekly Waffle to discuss this weeks hottest topics. This week we are covering the fairness of the justice system in the UK, social networking, the BRIT Awards and the Oscars. Enjoy!
If you have any questions you would like our writers to answer, send an email to peter@dailywaffle with the heading “Weekly Waffle Question” and we’ll consider it for inclusion.
An employer is having to pay compensation to a former employee who stole from him. The employer made the employee wear a sandwich board stating he was ‘a thief’ whilst walking to the police station. The employer now has to pay the employee compensation due to the turmoil caused. Do you feel this is right?
Max: The level of compensation was too high, but the Law has to be upheld. Most people don’t frogmarch thieves by themselves, and they would inform the Police of suspected theft, let them do the job of arresting lawfully, otherwise we encourage vigilantes (who sometimes get it wrong and harm innocent people).
Im_Soapgirl: When I read this article I was horrified at the employees humiliation. No matter what he had done there are ways of dealing with it and I didn’t feel parading him down the street with a placard was the correct one.
ManUtdOT: I find this story incredibly frustrating! Human rights legislation has gone absolutely bonkers! Simon Cramer should be knighted, not having to sell his home to pay a guy that stole from him. In my opinion, criminals all to often get away lightly due to our disappointing judicial system. How is this situation different from criminals doing community service having to wear bright orange bibs?
A news story recently stated that a study in America has found that using social networking actually makes you more lonely. Is this a statement you would agree with?
JasDunham: I think that people substitute Twitter/social networking for actual networking. A lot of people hide behind Twitter and FB as a wall that separates themselves. However, I’ve found that for me, personally, I’ve connected with people and made actual friends. I have good friends up in NJ that I met on Twitter and we’re great friends now. Hung out several times. I find that it connects me with more people and I really like it. However, I can see an instance where people might neglect their personal relationships for social media.
BlissBubbley: It can do. Breaks from social networking sites are a good thing to do, get outside, go for a walk, visit a museum, just get outside. If you rely on these sites it can get harder to talk or make friends away from them. A healthy balance is key.
ManUtdOT: There are clearly two sides to this debate, both for and against the argument. Depending on the individual and character of the person, it may be easier to “hide” behind social networking sites and end up with more virtual friends than real ones. However, in my case, I feel I’m a sociable kind of person and social networking sites such as Facebook and in particular Twitter have enriched my social life. Only last weekend following the Manchester derby, I met with around a dozen people I had previously only “met” through Twitter. It was a great day and amazing to put faces and voices to the people on Twitter, especially as the group included people from Manchester, Warrington, Wales, Isle of Man, Ireland and even USA. This situation is proof that social networking sites can actually put you in real contact with like-minded individuals and make the transition from “followers” to friends.
At the Brit Awards, Take That walked away with the ‘Best British Group’ award. Some people have said that this has signaled the death of the Rock Band in the UK. What do you think of Take That winning?
Portishair: The Brits serves a purpose and despite what James Corden says it certainly isn’t all about THE MUSIC. Take That winning best band is wrong on so many levels but right in one, the presence of Robbie, Mark, Gary and the other two strong decreases the likelihood of viewers flicking over to the patronising gypsy show. Prime time on ITV is not where British rock bands belong. If you’re looking for proof that the UK rock scene is alive and well go see Biffy Clyro play the Royal Albert Hall in March or watch this .
Jas Dunham: We don’t listen to Take That in the States, so I don’t have much of an opinion on that. However, we’ve had some weird people win Grammy’s where people thought the end of XYZ was coming. It’s all cyclical and music always comes back around.
BlissBubbley: I didn’t think there would be any doubt that TT would win Best British Group, I do like them but I also do like the other nominees for the category. Biffy Clyro, Gorillaz, Mumford & Sons and The XX could have all won but for me it was always going to be TT. I didn’t think rock bands paid attention to awards? It’s not cool to win things is it?
With the Oscars coming up next week, who do you think will win Best Picture and who would you pick?
Portishair: Awards season can be quite depressing and when it comes to spirit crushing vomit inducing back-slapping nobody does it quite like the Oscars. Since the best film category has increased from five to ten nominees more interesting films are being represented but more often than not the results are less than surprising. This year there is a clear favourite but it’s not the performances, direction or screenplay that gives The King’s Speech it’s best chance but the backing of Harvey Weinstein, who practically invented the modern Oscar campaign. For me there’s one nominated film that deserves the Best Film statue. Toy Story 3. I could tell you why but anyone who’s ever seen a Toy Story film already knows why the conclusion of cinema’s finest trilogy deserves to be recognised.
Im_Soapgirl: it’s gonna be close between The Kings Speech and True Grit but unfortunately my hols have only just started so I’ve yet to check them out to make a personal choice 🙂
Max: I have a feeling Kings Speech will win it (or maybe True Grit) but I’m rooting for 127 hours.
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