Oops, forgot to mention that the same National Health Service, responsible for administering Britain’s fine one-payor health care system,  two days ago started refusing hearing aids for people with “mild” hearing problems.  The directive suggested that those affected should take certain steps, including learning to lip read and turning off noisy televisions in order to “make the best use” of their hearing capabilities.   You just cannot make this stuff up.  It’s just around the corner here !                          WHAT THE HECK !