Prior to this appointment, Dr Griffin was professor at the State University of New York and had a private practice in Orangeville, Ontario. He also holds a Masters in Education and has been a teacher of Science and mathematics at secondary school level prior to his career in medicine. Dr Griffin is also the father of 4 adult children and stepfather of 2 teenage girls.

Last week, at the invitation of the AAESS Principal, Jim Crawford, Dr Griffin gave a talk on "The Development of Self-Discipline and Self-Esteem in Children" for parents, staff and students of the Al Ain English Speaking School. The bottom line is that from an early age, probably two years, parents must accept that for children to be confident and happy members of society they must be taught that there are rules and regulations that need to be observed. Dr Griffin offered a great deal of statistical and anecdotal evidence in his presentation and in the subsequent question and answer session.

Issues included dealing with tantrums, learning difficulties stemming from bad attitudes, and tensions which can arise in the triangle that can develop where children are seen as victims as, teachers as perpetrators and parents as the rescuer.

Of particular interest was the 'Job Description' for parents compiled by the inmates at a correctional institution for young offenders.

Certainly there was enough to enthrall the audience of over 50 and to guarantee a repeat performance later in the year.

Fine dining

STEPHANE Gaboriau was born in Charentes, France and at the age of 15 he began training as a chef in several houses, in particular that of Pierre Boutine author of the "Modern Art of Cooking".

In 1993, he opened his restaurant "Les Terrasses de la Villa Florentines" in Lyon. A year later he won his first star with the Michelin Guide.

Last week Stephane brought his culinary magic to the kitchens of the InterContinental Resort Hotel in Al Ain when he created a six-course dinner at Luce's.

Fine dining is something of a feature in the social life of the Capital of the Eastern Region. Members of the local Chaine des Rotisseurs enjoy similar repasts on a monthly basis in rotation between the city's three premier hotels, InterCon, Hilton and Rotana.