JK Rowling’s revelations about the sexuality of the most powerful wizard in the Harry Potter series have made headlines around the world. I have read comments from disappointed parents, complaining that the books ‘promote homosexuality’ — maybe they also promote the ability to fly and the sporting of long grey beards? Others feel forced by the author to discuss sexuality with their children ‘too soon’. But is the fact that Dumbledore is gay really relevant?

It’s election time here in Poland. There is always a tragi-comic side to the spectacle. Looking at it all from a slight distance, it seems absurd, slightly scary. The election circus seems to bring out all aspects of human behaviour larger than life, except, possibly, for integrity and respect. But then again, if I were back in the UK, would I really be able to vote with conviction either?

For weeks now the news has been full of the burgundy robed monks in Burma struggling against a military dictatorship which has showed itself to be increasingly brutal. During the democracy protests of 1988, 600 monks were among the 10,000 people killed. If the monks are acting as the conscience of the nation (as they also did under British rule), why does the regime not close them down altogether?

So, stress before and during pregnancy affects not only the gender of the baby but their future health and, so we are told, their intelligence. Not too much pressure, then!

Being diagnosed with a serious mental illness and being diagnosed with cancer are as bad as each other, according to just over half of British adults. A similar proportion describes people with mental illness as dangerous or scary.

It’s September 11th, and I’ve been wondering about that phrase ‘post-9/11 world’. Politicians use it often in referring to how the world changed following the terrorist attacks 6 years ago. I wonder whether they think we all share the same understanding; or do they just want us to think that they share ours? How DID the world change after 9/11? What does that phrase ‘post-9/11 world’ mean to you?

In response to the recent publication of World Health Organisation research into depression in The Lancet, the UK’s Mental Health Foundation calls attention to the cost to the economy of mental health problems: some 30 billion pounds in direct costs, and nearly 100 billion pounds when other social and health factors are included.