All Hell Let Loose

I was reading a copy of the BBC History magazine the other day when I came across an article by Max Hastings. He has written a book about the Second World War called, ‘All Hell Let Loose’. He says he was asked how it was possible to write yet another book about that period in history. Surely it had been done to death. He counters by providing a number of facts and statistics that may surprise many. The book is written with ordinary people, soldiers and civilians, at the centre of events, rather than the big-name politicians and generals who usually occupy that ground. Continue reading “All Hell Let Loose”

End of an Era.

Johnny finally acknowledges what we all knew and hangs up his International boots…

To say I have played through four World Cups, two Lions tours, 91 international games and a ridiculous number of injuries and other setbacks gives me an incredibly special feeling of fulfilment.

Not a bad achievement at all, I would hazard to say.

Not just a kicker…

Too silly

Yes, I know I’ve already had one turn today but some things just have to be said. What’s wrong with this sign in Hamley’s toy store?

It is ‘guilty of gender-apartheid’, allegedly.  Which means you can’t identify a toy as suitable for or likely to appeal to a boy or a girl! So Hamleys, bless their unisex cotton socks, have changed their signs (oh, sorry ‘signage’, woo-oo) to categorise toys by type only.

Personally I’d be happy if they’d changed them to say ‘ boys and junior dykes’ and ‘girls and latent poofters’. How about you?

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/newsbysector/retailandconsumer/8952627/Toy-signs-changed-after-Hamleys-accused-of-sexism.html

Darkest December

Today should be cancelled. Hurricane-force wind, driving rain and no light to speak of. Even the birds are hiding under our eaves. Except this little fella – whose portrait I have borrowed from you-know-where. He’s a nuthatch who enjoys a lone foray into the yard where our bird-table stands. And he just eats.

Maybe he’s got the right idea.

Smitten by a kitten

Well, considering I wasn’t too bothered about a new cat, not yet anyway, I have been knocked sideways by this little bundle. Here she is (no we still are not sure, but I seem to feel she is a she) on our previous, much missed cat’s chair, quite bold now, though a little out of focus!

and five minutes later asleep

Continue reading “Smitten by a kitten”

Poetry Competition – A New Beginning

Theme for the first competition  of 2012 – A New Beginning.

Anything you wish to make of it.  The New Year,  a new home, a new country, a new love, a new bike, upon being released from prison – you get the idea.

To avoid the somnolence which follows the season’s festivities I would like to set the closing at midnight January 10, 2012 (GMT or equivalent) or when the first female contribution is made, whichever is later 🙂

In the Festive Spirit.

A gentle reminder. I’d like to share an experience that I had this weekend regarding drinking and driving. Its obviously very relevant during the forthcoming festive season.

Many of you will know people who have had brushes with the authorities on their way home from the odd social session over the years.

Well, a couple of nights ago, I was out for a few drinks with some friends and had a few too many light ales than maybe I should have had – It happens.

Knowing full well I was very likely over the limit, and knowing I’d had a close call from being pulled over by a traffic cop to take a breathalyser only the week before, I did something I’ve never done before – I took a bus home!

Anyway, I arrived home safely, enjoyed the ride and it was all free of worry about police pulling me over and testing me.

I know we often avoid doing this and take the risk of using the car we came in to go home in, BUT DON’T DO IT! The police will eventually catch you, you will lose your licence and maybe even your livelihood!

I’m sharing this experience with you because the incident was a pleasant surprise to me, particularly since I had never driven a bus before!

Yawning

A Beeb story (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-16052112) suggests contagious yawning has its origins in animal or at least caveman behaviour – most likely to occur amongst family or friends, as some kind of ‘heads up’ signal.

All I know is that it was outlawed by my parents outside our own four walls (rude, they said) and by school teachers, who perhaps interpreted it as a sign of tiredness (go to bed earlier) or boredom (I’ll bore you, lad; just wait and see). Funny how what was probably a way for the tired body to wake up the brain with a fix of blood became a social phenomenon worthy of comment among our mentors!