Raffles 2 is up and running

The Lizard get’s word from out East that the Industry Wide Exercise (codenamed Raffles 2) in Singapore is underway.

It’s co-sponsors are The Association of Banks in Singapore (“ABS”) and The Monetary Authority of Singapore (“MAS”). As we reported in an earlier blog, the scenario is based on an outbreak of pandemic flu.

An exercise communication (click here to see it) indicates that a practical drill will take place on 5th September.

Those of a nervous disposition are warned they may see bankers donning specialist protective clothing (after all those large lunches, XXXL versions are apparently in short supply) and customers visiting financial institutions may be forced to have their temperature taken. You have been warned.

Pandemic risk

The Lizard is interested to see that the National Risk Register has just published a report that puts a flu pandemic at the top of the charts, riding high above terrorism and flooding as potential risks that might afflict the UK. They warn 750,000 people could lose their lives.

Number 10 commissioned the study following the launch of the Register in March.

Fear of a pandemic has rather dropped out of the news of late so it’s interesting that the powers that be continue to see it as the major threat.

In recent years Crisis Solutions have done a huge amount of work with Banks and Supermarkets in an effort to help them prepare for a pandemic.

If this is a concern for your organisation and evidently it should be then go to our website and take advantage of our free FluPlanner. Click here

Welsh karaoke

In response to the last blog on political gaffes, Red Dragon – he may be Welsh – says if you really want the good stuff look no further than John Redwood’s famous attempt to sing the Welsh national anthem when Secretary of State for Wales. Go here to see it and have a go at singing along yourself.

"No Comment, but don't quote me" Dan Quayle

The holiday season is upon us, the politicians are away and the country can settle back calm in the knowledge that no one is in charge.

That being the case let’s turn the spotlight on our political masters – particularly on some of the things they say.

Let’s start with the political put down. The master was Winston Churchill who described Clement Atlee as “a sheep in sheep’s clothing,” and “a modest man with so much to be modest about.”

He said of Stafford Cripps the humourless Labour Chancellor, “there but for the grace of God goes God.”

He also had his brushes with women. Lady Astor said to him "Winston, if you were my husband I would flavour your coffee with poison." To which he replied, "Madam, if I were your husband, I should drink it."

But of course what we really love is the gaffe, the moment when the foot becomes firmly lodged in the mouth.

Sadly John Prescott is no longer deputy PM, but he had his moments.
“The green belt is a Labour achievement and we mean to build on it.”

And his boss, Tony Blair, famously said, “I never make predictions. I never have and I never will.”

Let us not forget John Major, Mr Blair’s predecessor, who knew how to confront his detractors. “When your back’s against the wall, all you can do is turn around and fight.”

As Anne Robinson discovered, being rude to the Welsh is a risky business, but sometimes you have to live dangerously, “They’re all the same. They’re short. They’re fat and they are fundamentally corrupt.” Rod Richards, Welsh Office Minister, on Welsh Labour councillors.

But no list such as this would be complete without a couple of Bushisms. Where does one begin? Perhaps, “If we don’t succeed we run the risk of failure.”

Or, "Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we."

But let’s leave the last word to Richard Nixon to sum up what must ultimately be most politicians view of the electorate,

“The voters have spoken – the bastards.”

If you’ve got a favourite political quote – drop the Lizard a line.

A word from our mixologist

The head barman at The Crisis Lounge has come up with a snappy line to promote the bar.

“The Crisis Lounge continues to be great value - providing optimum added-value quick wins in an upcoming going forward way.”

Where does he get these expressions from?