American perceptions of the British National Health Service: five myths

This article explores five strong beliefs, or myths, held by Americans about the British National Health Service: (1) the NHS is socialized medicine; (2) widespread rationing occurs; (3) NHS patients have to face long waiting times; (4) the NHS does not offer free choice of provider; and (5) private medicine is taking over. The authors explore how ethnocentricity and American values have shaped these five myths, and argue that these cultural biases limit the ability of Americans to objectively evaluate the NHS and prevent them from learning from the British system.     

BHB falls at the final hurdle (UK Court of Appeal)

In July 2005 the Court of Appeal allowed William Hill's appealagainst Laddie J's decision that the company infringed BHB'sdatabase right in pre-race data by publishing lists of horsesrunning in races on its website; the significance of this case,though, goes far beyond William Hill's website.     

REMARRIAGE AND STEPFAMILIES

Stepfamilies are becoming a common family structure all over the world. Those working with divorcing couples, particularly mediators, need to recognize not only the problems associated with stepfamily relationships but the strengths and the potential for positive growth. Drawing on research, this article invites us to understand the pitfalls in stepfamilies in order to help children and parents enjoy their new families and to beware of blaming stepfamily relationships for all the difficulties associated with day-to-day living.