Fix  room sounds fairly innocuous, doesn’t it … nothing to see here, move along please.
But the fix rooms being proposed for Glasgow are where the powers-that-be want addicts to go to inject safely, under supervision, maybe even with medical grade heroin.

And that simple idea will no doubt kick off a storm of controversy about using public money to keep criminals in their habit instead of locking them up.

Which is about as short-sighted a take on the situation as you could get.

Theses fix rooms, the first in the UK, are being proposed for a simple reason – to stop addicts shooting up in public places.

Now, Aberdeen is no stranger to needles and syringes being found in places where they pose a massive danger from stairwells to streets near schools.

Wouldn’t it be far better if addicts had somewhere official to go, where needles can be disposed of safely, where addicts can be supervised, the drugs they are taking known to be untainted and where they can come into contact with services who can help them?

Or are we all quite comfortable with the idea of kids possibly catching sight of folk crouching in doorways pushing a plunger of God knows what into their arm?

The outcry from some quarters is driven by the harm that drugs do and the criminals involved.

Let’s take a look at that.

If you were to class drugs according to social harm then alcohol would likely be Class A.

But because most of us like our drug to come in a glass we have our own fix rooms. It’s just that we call them pubs.

As for criminality, fair point.

The drugs trade is run by lowlife hoodlums who hold lives cheap, just so long as they line their own pockets.

The bulk of crime in our city is driven by drugs and our taxes pay a staggering amount for the police and courts to combat that. It’s a war they will not win.

Surely, the answer is to legalise the drugs trade. Take the criminals out of it, make it safer with government controls and then tax it to the hilt.

The funds raised could be put to better use – like paying for our health service.

Sure, it’s a massive shift in thinking, but surely it’s worth at least putting it on the table.

Or does anyone really believe the status quo is fine and dandy.

We have a massive societal problem. Let’s fix it.

Fireworks are not safe and shouldn’t be sold in shops

Is it just me or are the streets a bit quieter than normal for this time of year?

Fewer bangs and explosions going off at random all through the start of the winter nights?

Could it be people are finally getting the message and not spending their hard-earned cash on heavy ordnance masquerading as “fun fireworks”.

Are they flocking, instead, to the organised events which are a) safe and b) help raise money for charities?

If so, can we now take the next, logical step, and stop selling fireworks in shops? Please.

Having allergies can be very frustrating for me

I have to get off my couch … no, it’s not another fitness drive, but a literal need to stay away from my furniture.

I have developed an allergy to our dyed leather sofa which has involved an ugly rash and pills, potions and lotions to fix it.

It’s all down to me being so darned sensitive – well, my skin is at any rate.

And having been through all this before – a nickel allergy stops me wearing watches – I know the only cure is not to touch stuff that sets you off.

So, it’s either a new couch or a cheap throw from Primark. See you in the Trinity Centre then.