The Jamaican Mary Seacole became an heroine when she travelled over 4,000 miles to nurse and attend sick British soldiers in the Crimea during the Crimean War. During her life her exploits were revered, by royalty, the military elite and thousands of ordinary citizens. More than 100 years later, tens of thousands of school children view Seacole as a wonderful role model.
I was once the perfect mother. TV time was strictly controlled, no sugary sweets would pass my little darlings lips, and there was absolutely no way they would be allowed to use iPads, iPhones, Xboxes, computers or any other internet connecting medium until they were mature enough to use them. Possibly not even then. Of course that was before I actually had any kids.
The real fear comes from being judged. I'm a selective misanthrope and I do my selecting by watching your social media output. Some of you come across incredibly well but I think some of you are oblivious twats. I hate you. I'd never delete you though - you're my entertainment, my soap opera, my catharsis.
According to recent research, broadband internet access at home boosts our wellbeing. The UK Broadband Impact Study 2013 revealed that for many the internet is a positive social force for communications, entertainment, shopping, learning, health, employment and access to public services (the joy of super fast tax disc application.)
In the digital age newspapers are out of date by the time they are published. This is one of the reasons why publishers are investing more in their wider media strategy, with the Evening Standard recently announcing the forthcoming launch of a television channel. One side effect has been the rise of some very successful online publications, but most blogs are volunteer run and don't have enough resources or attract a broad enough readership to compete with the established media in quality terms.