Tergiversations.
From Andrew Rawnsley’s Observer column, 15 November 2025:
Might be hard to work into a conversation, but it seems to define much of contemporary discourse.
Word of the day
Author: Ian Hanna
Good morning, Regina SK.
01 November 2025. 7:40
Doing the right thing, after the damage was done.
Late Thursday UK time, the “Firm” did what it should have done last week:
The original statement lacked accountability, a sincere apology and allowed the main subject too much agency over its tone and content. And it led to further leaks which further inflamed public discontent.
As a result, there was a needless week-long period of public anger and outrage, damaging the brand.
There needed to be someone in charge with a steady hand–someone who could foresee the inevitable public dissatisfaction and take the extreme action required.
Unfortunately, they waited a week to see if it would blow over.
That seldom works.
Peppercorn Rent? Who comes up with this stuff?
One can only laugh and express curiosity at the stranger aspects of the British legal system and the extreme deference shown to the royals.
According to The Times, who obtained a copy of the leasehold agreement for Prince Andrew’s home, he pays “one peppercorn (if demanded) for perpetual access to his 30 room mansion:
Meanwhile, moves are afoot to have Parliament weigh in and permanently strip Andrew of his royal titles. As I suspected, while last week’s official statement was an attempt to end the matter, that’s not going to work. It did not go far enough.
This story isn’t over.
How not to make a statement:
PR professionals and issues management experts take note: the “Firm” had a chance to draw a line and limit this crisis. Today’s statement blew that chance.
No apology, no contrition, no regret.
A missed opportunity. Now, this issue will fester through weeks of speculation about the future of the monarchy.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/oct/17/prince-andrew-to-give-up-royal-titles
First snowfall fades
This week, things changed quickly here on the prairies.
“From new hope and half-forgotten joys”
Celebrating Fall in Saskatchewan
Ian Hanna 