Monday, November 30, 2020

 Day 233

Just a story today I am bereft of words and can think of nothing to write!


The Contract


From out of the storm, the rider appeared. His faced masked clothes dusty his pale horse steaming. I recoiled in horror he is huge bigger then I had imagined. His weapons casually draped across his body. Danger coiled in every muscle .

I stepped back nearly stumbling as he dismounted. He tied up his snorting mount. Turning towards me his long black coat swirled dust falling. He pulled down his mask removed his hat and shook his handsome head. My nerves were taught, strained, electric.  I’d sent for him and now he had come. 

“Hello” I croaked nervously

He grinned “ Don’t worry everyone reacts like that relax I’m only dangerous to my next victims” his voice was gravel

I managed a weak smile. 

“ I need a drink” he said

I motioned for him to follow and lead him to my camp. He towered over me and as he walked brushing the dust off his hat. I handed him the water skin  he lifted it and took a long pull “ I was hoping for something stronger” he growled I shrugged. “Oh well” he said and took another drink.

“This your camp” he asked

“Yes”

“Been here long”

“No”

He put down the water skin and sat on a large log. “Man of few words uh” he grinned white teeth 

“You sent for me, what’s the job?”

“Killing” I answered

“It always is” he replied “Who and how many?”

I sat down and poked at the fire with a stick sucking my lip. “Five “ I paused “ They are all one family the Landers, the father and four sons”

He looked straight at me “What did they do, to have me make them die?”

“ They” I choked up tears welling once more “ They killed my family” I managed

He nodded “Nothing worse”

“Couldn’t do it yourself then?” The question took me by surprise

I couldn’t speak I shook my head.

He nodded again “ It’s a hard thing to do for revenge even harder” 

“They murdered them for their land” I was shaking “I’m no killer but I can’t forgive”

He dug in the pocket of his coat and brought out a piece of parchment. “ You’ll need to sign this” he said

“What is it?”

“It’s a contract that authorises me to carry out your instruction. I cannot proceed without it. It against the code.” He handed it to me

“Should I read it?”

“Up to you, most don’t” he grinned again

It wasn’t long, so I read all of it. I looked up “It says here if you fail, I forfeit any right to try again”

He stared right through me “ I never fail. Sign it don’t sign it, it’s your call”

I took the pen he offered dipped it in ink and signed. I handed it back, he rolled it up and pushed it back in the pocket.

“Do you know where they are. It’ll save me time” He stood, massive, like a slab of rock.

“ I do” I answered

“Care to share” 

“They are on the farm they killed to get” I stood up “ It’s about a days ride from here to the North west. There’s a large oak that grows in the middle of the trail, take the left fork”

He nodded and put on his hat.

“How will you do it” I asked

“Do you care?”

I shook my head eyes downcast.

“I’ll find you when it’s done. Will you take the farm back?”

I shook my head again “ I never liked farming that’s why I wasn’t there when it happened”

“Wondered how you’d survived” he turned to go.

“What’s your name?” I called after him

“You know my name” I heard him call back

He mounted his steed and slowly rode off waved his hand.



The Landers are all dead. The farm lays empty and abandoned. He returned and told me, my contract was fulfilled. I paid him the twelve pieces of silver. 

I asked if I could ride with him for a while he shrugged and said that was my choice. I’ve been following death for three years now he doesn’t seem to mind.


Stay well





Sunday, November 29, 2020

 Day 232

I wonder if it is even worth continuing to point out the failings, deception and lies of this government any more. They deny everything and if the don’t want to discuss it say the matter is closed. Politicians have always been economical with the truth but the Conservatives have taken it to a level never seen before. If they don’t like the criticism from appointed bodies or the judiciary they proposes to a change or curtail their powers! Never have we had such a spineless bunch of ministers who line the pockets of their chums and seemingly have no shame and will not answer to it. I have read many articles and pieces about the corruption that is rife but nothing seems to make the slightest difference this government is as close to running our country like their own personal fiefdom as you can get. With an 80 seat majority and a leadership that whips the party to consider voting for policies that many I suspect abhor there is no prospect of fairness and humanity any time in our future. You the British people fooled by false prophecies and ridiculous lies not only fell for Brexit but that Johnson would take us forward into a glorious new future! Covid has put a large hole in those so called plans but their handling of it has been confusing at best and full of corruption and mismanagement at worst! On December 31st we are officially no longer members of the EU, only one month away and the “oven ready deal” Boris promised is far from done and indeed is in tatters! When you place your trust in a proven deceiver and liar, you shouldn’t be surprised when it all goes pear shaped! We have collectively allowed this tragedy to unfold and the majority of us will pay the price, not the PM’s mates though he has taken care of them!

Stay well





Saturday, November 28, 2020

 Day 231

Good morning all (2 of you) have a great weekend!

Stay well

Another of my short stories and when I say my, I mean I am not just putting them on this page, I wrote them!

  


The Con.


“Are you sure that bush is full of mice?” Madame Roxallana looked sceptical.

Lucifer Pudding swished his tail and twitched sensitive whiskers. “You don’t believe me?”

Madame whose tail never ceased swishing sat and gave him one of her superior looks.

The two lived together, both having been homed at different times and they just about tolerated each other.

“I don’t care if you don’t. I’m going in and if I come out with a juicy mouse, that’s your loss.” Lucifer strode off his muscular frame swaying, cock of the walk! 

Madame stared after him, she was torn but she would not give him the satisfaction of being right. Madame held a deep seated resentment of “The Pudding” since his arrival, long after this had become her adopted home. She would be the first to admit she teased him and was gratified at first, that when the chasing, hissing and spiting started it was always him that got the blame. Recently her two people had begun to look knowingly at her, as though they now understood the rules of the game. Humans were slow but they weren’t stupid. She watched as his grey fur, white patches disappeared into the bush. 

“Let’s see how successful he is” She huffed and turned back through the cat flap.

Madame sneaked into the lounge and sat patiently at the patio door watching. After a few minutes there was a rustle in the garden and a grey cat emerged from the undergrowth. Was that a rodent in his jaws. She strained to see. He had rolled over and was batting something, what was it? Lucifer continued to play but never gave her a clear view of the object. Should she go and get a closer look, should she give him the satisfaction!?

Madame Roxallana lay comfortably curled up in the blanket that was always on the sofa. Her female owner used it to keep warm and it was a perfect nest for a cat. She heard the pad of of four paws. She feigned indifference. Lucifer leapt powerfully up to his favourite spot on top of the sofa.

“Sleeping are you?” he said She did not answer “Ignore me then but just so as you know that bush is full of little scurrying mice” Madame turned her head “Catch one did you?” Her tone disdainful 

Lucifer bared his perfect teeth, yawned, stretched and settled “Sure did” He yawned again.

Later Madame strolled around the garden casually, as though she did not have a care in the world. She strolled up to the “mouse bush” as Lucifer now referred to it. She’d often spent time watching this bush, she was not convinced it held the treasure he claimed. Now she was not so sure. There was precious little evidence of rustling but the mice, could be tucked in their nests. Something caught her eye over by the bamboo plant, could it be, looking closer, it was confirmed, it was one of their toy mice. She looked up and there in the patio window was a grinning Lucifer.









Friday, November 27, 2020

 Day 230

You know why Northampton is not in tier 3 even though our rate is has risen? Simple we have a conservative MP Michael Ellis. An analysis of the Tiers pretty strongly indicates that most Tier 3 locations are Labour constituencies. Look at Slough a Labour seat in Tier 3 surrounded by a sea of Tier 2 are the people in Slough so much worse than every neighbouring constituency? This is the worse case of party political bias and has nothing to do with the actual science. This government run by an elite who have no shame or care for anyone but their cronies and are prepared to do whatever it takes to make the rich richer are not a government for the people. They are giving £7000 per day to consultants but can’t raise minimum wage to a decent level and are freezing some public workers pay. The shower billions on useless people and doomed projects, give money by the bucketload to companies and individuals who have no experience and little care for anything except getting the money from their mates in government. It is an outrage and we are standing by meekly as they do it complicit with a media that has lost the collective will to challenge them. We stumble towards this “bright”future post Brexit where Britain will once again prosper under its own flag and regain it’s rightful place in the world, bollocks! We are a small minded nation full of selfish small minded people whose only thought is for what is in for them and we are lead by a government whose behaviour endorses that every day. What happened to us? We used to stand up and fight for these injustices! Young and old together we were a force that had to be heard now we are nothing but a whisper in the dark, a pathetic cry in the suburbs. I cannot wait leave!

Stay well


Thursday, November 26, 2020

 Day 229

Todays word from Susie: SPUDDLE To be uselessly busy, to fuss about while achieving nothing or very little!

I think for most of 2020 I have been spuddling? Wendy and I were discussing last night how the fun has gone out of life. It is difficult to be spontaneous when your not sure what sort of risk is out there. By fun I mean those things which you do to only enjoy yourselves. Sometimes for no reason other than you can. Planning is limited, you can’t just pick up and decide to go somewhere. We all know the reason. Plans are on hold. The whim to just go and do has been eliminated for now. We can laugh and enjoy ourselves sure but we all restricted in some way. It’s a comfortable restriction but a frustration all the same. I for one am sick of getting up each morning only to see the same dull view out of the window. 

I apologise for the depressing you it is not my intention to bring you down. So in order to bring some joy into the proceedings a happy story.


Next Stop please



She ran as fast as she was able, it was hard at her age. She had to get to town. Breathless she arrived at the same time as the bus. She lent on the shelter for support. The queue shuffled forward, she stumbled and trod heavily on someone’s foot.  A man, he looked familiar. He caught her elbow and helped her right herself. 

“ Here lean on me” The voice seemed familiar too.

“Thank you, I’m so sorry, your foot”

“ No harm done, stout brogues” He smiled, so familiar

He helped her board, she just remembered to show her pass, noticing he did the same.

Helping her onto a seat he slide in beside. 

“ There” he said “ Your on now”

She turned to look at him “I was rushing, not as sprightly as I once was” He smiled, she thought it was a nice smile, comforting, vague recognition tugged in her mind.

“ I’m Michael” 

“Gloria”

“Nice to meet you Gloria” Nice manners to, well turned out, smart.

“Going to town, I was running late, I’m usually at the stop well before” She felt she was babbling

He nodded “Well you made it, so alls well eh?” She nodded back “ Yes thank you, your very kind”

They sat in silence, she kept sneaking a look at him, trying to place him, it was tantalisingly at the edge, she just couldn’t grasp it. She had to know, it would drive her mad. “Excuse me” she asked “ I can’t help feeling I know you”

Michael laughed, a gentle laugh and smiled, she knew that smile, she liked it. “ Wondered when you’d ask” he replied enigmatically. “ I’ve changed, we both have but I knew it was you, Gloria Denny” 

She gasped, no one had called by that name for forty years. “ That’s my maiden name, I’m Braithwaite now.”  A light switched on , suddenly, candles and music, a boat, a distant scene from yesteryear. “ Michael, Michael Farr, your Michael Farr” He laughed again “ I am, knew it would come back to you”

She smiled, memories came flooding back. She blurted “ You were so handsome” and giggled like the young girl she’d once been

The bus lurched and came a stop at traffic lights. Only one more stop to go. 

“ You were the prettiest girl at the dance, I remember like it was yesterday” he sighed 

She wasn’t sure what to say. “Do you live round here”

“ Yes not far from the bus stop”

“I live two streets down, on my own now” her stop was in view

The bus came to halt “This is my stop” she said He let her out 

They said goodbye

She was stepping down when she felt a hand on her arm, she turned “Gloria I’ll be at the bus stop same time next week”

Her smile blossomed as the doors closed behind her.



Stay well








Wednesday, November 25, 2020

 Day 228

Now that Trump has thrown in the towel, I suppose my relentless criticism of him will have to cease? So who will be my new hate? At the moment there is no outstanding candidate, though I am sure the are many who could benefit from my unstinting vitriol. To a degree I jest, I do not deliberately set out to find someone to rant against but they just keep coming! Each time you think that things settle some other nutter come along. The world is full of them but what I find difficult to understand is how they keep getting into positions of power. It seems you can fool a lot of the people a lot of the time! 

A strange time we are living through and for those with a nature that leans towards the “black dog” as Churchill called it, it must be especially difficult. I have some experience with living with one who is prone to depression and this year for her has been more difficult. There are many, for whatever reason. are not as able to cope with this unprecedented situation. Even those of us who are reasonably robust have felt the strain and danger of this year. If you know someone whose mental fragility is under strain, there is little you can do other than be supportive and most importantly be prepared to listen, no matter how trivial, irritating or unreasonable! Trying to advise them will not work and can often reinforce their negative thoughts.  They are unreasonable and hyper critical of themselves, even though they have no justification for it. Nothing you can say or do will necessarily help and for men it is especially hard because we like to “fix” things! So if your supporting someone be kind and as empathetic as you can, it’s not easy and sometimes you will lose the plot!

Stay well









Tuesday, November 24, 2020

 Day 227

Todays word is SNOLLYGOSTER One who abandons all integrity in favour of retaining power!

So Trump has at last grudgingly given up, even though he still whines that the election was fraudulent. The hubris of the man is beyond belief. Even while handing over the reigns of government he will no doubt cause as much difficulty as he can. Once gone he will continue to stir up division and snipe at the new administration preparing his hopefully doomed attempt to get re-elected in 2024. The Republican Party must come to their senses and dump him immediately, he is not the future for them and he should never have been allowed to win the nomination in 2016. 

Boris has “toughened” the Tiers? There are no words that adequately describe the muddle that the government is in! Hancock is a disgrace. Patel is a bully. Sunak is a the man just waiting to take over from Boris. The pandemic can only be controlled if we all behave sensibly irrespective of what any authority might put in place. The prospect of a working vaccine is an enticing one and we have to hope that it is as effective as the trials have so far shown but to believe that it will end this quickly is naive in the extreme.


Stay well





Monday, November 23, 2020

 Day 226

We will be okay for a few days to take a risk? Not before and not after but for a few days we will be fine! It beggars belief. I don’t want to ruin anyone’s Christmas (though I’m not bothered) and I understand it’s a “special’ time for many but relaxing the rules for a “few” days, really! We are in the middle of a pandemic, it is unpredictable and virulent. It’s one Christmas and as important as it might be to people, you’ll get over it! I would wager a small bet that there will be a spike because of it and there will be those who, we know, will abuse the privilege. It’s all very well praising the British peoples resolve and fortitude but less we forget during the summer, the scenes on beaches, demonstrations, raves, house parties and flagrant disregard for the advice all over the country! The difference now is simple, the weather. I get the dilemma that the authorities and the Government are in and it would not be popular to restrict the Xmas period but this is not about popularity this about life and death. Why is a few December days any different from all the other days we have had to take precautions? I freely admit I have been a humbug for years and that the only thing I like about the festive season is the gathering of our small family but if it’s not to be, it’s not to be! We can still give and receive presents. Good wishes can be exchanged. Tell me how you would feel if after these “few” days, members of your nearest and dearest have the virus and if the worst happened! I am not trying to be a doom monger, just a realist.

Stay well











Sunday, November 22, 2020

 Day 225

Well as I predicted Boris has let Patel off the hook. It is pointless writing or saying anything because with this government, we the people are ignored. Let’s put this simply in terms we all understand. Your in your workplace, just an ordinary workplace anywhere and you boss comes in and starts shouting and swearing at you! Firstly whether intentional or “unintentional” it is unacceptable at any time under any circumstances! Is it bullying? Whether it is or not, you would not allow it to happen and you would have every right to complain and take the matter further. Patel is a barrister, a trained professional, she must know how to behave? There seems to be a different set of standards for Govt. Ministers and yet there is not they are subject to the same standards as any other boss. The report says there is evidence of bullying, unintentionally or not, therefore she has to go!

The inconsistencies in our current restrictions regarding Covid are bewildering. I will not go through all of them it would take to long. I think we all realise that some places that are allowed to open are no less or more dangerous than those that are closed. The point is for all of us to be vigilant and wear masks, not gather in groups and be sensible. I was in a local supermarket yesterday and there are those who are wearing masks and those who aren’t. The cashiers have no protection and are not wearing any. Now I am not worried because I have a mask on. I know that is not 100% foolproof but then nothing is! I am torn. From a personnel view I am not to bothered if the lockdown continues, I won’t like it but it does not have the same impact on me as those who still work and have children at home. On the other hand I am acutely aware of the economic and social damage that it is causing. I appreciate that this is the dilemma in a nutshell. The figures at this moment do not support a lifting of lockdown. It would be a good idea if those supposedly dictating the rules actually behaved responsibly themselves! 

Stay well









Friday, November 20, 2020

 Day 224

Todays word: AUTOLATRY self worship placing one in the centre of every situation!

Surprise surprise, Johnston backs Patel. I’m shocked!

Today a story:

Don’t Ask




“What song is that “ she asked throwing the covers off and planting her feet on the carpet

“Beatles” I replied “from The White Album”

“Yes but what song” she started pulling clothes on I watched, I loved her shape “ stop staring at me and tell me the song” she laughed

“Blackbird” I laughed back

She went in the bathroom , “ Are you working today “ she shouted over the flushing loo

“No” 

“Okay, I won’t either” she came back in towelling her hair

“How will they cope without you?” 

“Oh sod them they’ll have to  won’t they” a look of resignation brushed across her face

“ Sod them then” I started singing “Sod em all, sod em all the long and the short and the tall” picking up discarded rubbish from last nights take away. I turned back to say something to her she was right there put her arms around and kissed me. Backing off I made to grab her she slid away, nimble. “Just a sample” she teased

“Your a bad girl and I shall have my way with you later wench”

“ Ooh sir “ she pouted “ My mother warned me about evil men like you”

“ Good job you didn’t listen then” 


We ate bread and jam for breakfast it was all I had. Washed down with tea. 

“ You need to buy food” she said with a mouthful of bread

“I’m not here much I eat out a lot” 

“ Is that why we mostly stay at my place is that what you call eating out” 

“ I could take a bite out of you right now” I said reaching for her

“ Down boy” She slapped my hand and stuffed more bread in her mouth

We ate in silence. 


I’d met Sophie, at her companies very plush offices in Holborn  I was presenting my agencies proposal. I had difficulty in concentrating distracted by the vision sitting at the other end of the table. She was gorgeous. She smiled at me and then winked I dropped my pen totally flustered. I got it together and did a reasonable job they seemed pleased.

In the coffee lounge I’d just finished chatting with the creative director Kieron I turned to put my cup down she was standing directly behind me. She looked up I held my breath “ I’m Sophie”

“ You certainly are” I replied She laughed. I’d never understood the phrase “fall into her eyes” I did now

“Your Finn?”  My mouth was dry it wouldn’t work but I managed “Yes” 

“Nice presentation dull but nice” she sipped her coffee Get yourself together I said to myself. “ Plastics, not much you can say really” Sparkling repartee get it together. “ What is your position here?” 

She smiled “ It’s my company” 

“Oh fuck” “I said “ I should know that I’m an idiot!”

“ Yes you should” she replied laughing “ Idiot perhaps let’s find out. Ask me to dinner” 

I tried not to look surprised, took a deep breath “ Would you like to go to diner with me?” 

“That’s very kind of you yes I would” She turned and started to walk away, looking back she said “if you get my number call me” and she left

I stood there with my mouth hanging open not sure what had happened.  I was smiling broadly.

Her number how do I get her number? I found Kieron. “ Sorry to bother you but Sophie asked me to call her about some details and stupidly I didn’t get her number?” He smiled “ Did she now of course mate no problem”


Saturday night nervously I stood outside The Smoking Goat in Shoreditch. I’d waited  two days before calling trying not to appear eager playing it cool. “ Oh hello, it’s you” she answered “ trying to be cool were you, two days I was beginning to think you’d lost interest” 

I might be out of my league here. “ Sorry been busy” I lied

 “ I’m sure you have “ she sounded amused

 “ Do you still want to go to dinner?”  I asked praying I’d not blown it.

There was silence, I panicked, “You still there?” 

Finally “ Yes I will” a pause “ But you better be entertaining”


I checked my watch, eight forty five she said eight thirty I hoped she was just fashionably late. A cab pulled up it was her.  Stunning tight red dress, silk pashmina, hair piled high. 

She walked over I tried to compose myself. “Hi” she said. 

I tried not to stare, failed “wow” I said


That first evening I took  her back to her apartment said goodbye at the entrance she kissed me on the cheek. “Not a complete disaster” she laughed “ Call me soon, goodnight”

I stood watching her disappear down the foyer  my heart beating fast. Not a complete disaster the evening had gone well somehow I relaxed and was actually quite amusing. Sophie was charming, funny, intelligent and beautiful. I hoped she had enjoyed herself.

I couldn’t wait two days to call her this time. I rang when I got home. She was still awake. “ Mr Lucas” she said laughing “ What a surprise” 

Our second date was the next evening she buzzed me in. We never left her apartment!


That was two months ago. It has been passionate, exciting, unpredictable, energetic, wonderful.

Sophie loves me I love Sophie. I asked her why once, she thought for a few seconds and replied “Don’t ask”

I have know idea if it’ll last I hope so. I’m going to enjoy it. If she breaks my heart it’s worth it!


Stay well







 Day 233

I am going to rant so fair warning!

Trump is like a contestant in the Olympic hundred meters final who clearly comes second and then accuses the winner of fraud because he ran faster! He is making America a laughing stock clinging to thin air by his fingernails! We all knew he would not go quietly but this is beyond outrageous!

Priti Patel should resign, she won’t and Johnson is too scared to sack her. We might just have a little more faith if he did but of course they are Conservatives and they have no shame. He defended Cummings and he will defend her! 

Now this nonsense with Fairytale of New York by The Pogues! What the fuck are they on about play it all or don’t play it. Who is offended? If you don’t like any song or are offended by the lyrics you have the ultimate option, switch it off! This Christmas song has been around for a very long time, have we been offended by up till now? The language in it is sung affectionately and anyone new to the song probably would not understand it anyway. It’s madness. I am not really that bothered about this one song (frankly I’ve heard it far to often anyway), it is yet another example of a worrying trend that we the public are no longer capable of deciding what we want to listen to! Whilst I will never condone the use of language used to deliberately offend or insult with the intention of hurting or aiming prejudice at anyone, we need to separate the truly offensive from harmless emphasis of past recordings. There are many more songs that are far more offensive than this one that are sung without a second thought and often at official occasions.

Now Track and Trace or Lost in Space as it should be called! In itself I am sure the technology is probably sound. We have been able to trace each other’s devices for some years, however the science upon which it was based and the implementation has been a disaster. It kind of works! It is dependant on so many factors that it stood no chance. Tracking is simple if you are basing it on a single criteria but the factors required for this system ensured it could only at best partially work and at worse would be a failure. It is not so much the fact that it has not worked as well as was hoped, it is this governments insistence that it is world beating and robust. In theory it’s a great idea but sadly as with many systems, government implemented over the years, it has proved to be a costly disaster! It’s a shame and I suspect a case of too many cooks? Cautious optimism rather than bombastic crowing when it was being introduced might have been better!

Rant over thanks

Stay well

Thursday, November 19, 2020

 Day 232

It’s all bollocks, all of it! I can no longer read any of the news without just thinking what a load of crap. This latest fuss over Diana and some interview she did in the 90’s with the BBC, what a a waste of effort and expense! She was a grown woman and not as naive or innocent as they would have you believe and she’s dead! Never could understand all the bloody fuss over her.

Apportioning blame for things past is a fruitless exercise and yields nothing but dragging up the past. It may bring some small comfort to those who wish to know but it changes nothing. I have never been one to dwell on the past or have regrets, they are a waste of energy. The occasional pang of “I wish I had not done or said that” flits across my consciousness but it never lasts long. There are things I would like to eliminate no matter when they started, like the pain Wendy suffers from everyday or my ageing eyesight! There are many pleasant and happy memories we all like to bask in and so we should. 




Stay well


Wednesday, November 18, 2020

 Day 231

Todays word from Susie BLOVIATE To sound off with empty rhetoric. To speak wildly with little or no substance 

Well how are you doing a few weeks into our second lockdown? Fed up, pissed off? Or have new vista’s opened up and you have discovered exciting new talents and hobbies? Are you sat in front of the TV binge watching or listening to the radio? What ever you are doing there is always something to look forward to! My wife just said “Are we only on the 18th of November Blaaaah!”

Now biscuits. Wendy just asked if I still wanted a packet of Rich Tea, to which I replied yes it’s an elegant biscuit! I am partial to a Rich Tea but I also like a Ginger Nut and occasionally a Choccy Digestive! A Hob Nob is ok but I am not fond of a Custard Creme or any biscuit with a filling. A Garabaldi is alright and Chocolate finger is nice. Talking of Chocolate, what is the obsession we seem to share for the richest of Chocolate cakes. I like Chocolate but not in a rich smothered cake. I am positively repulsed by any cake or pudding that is too sweet. It makes my face pucker like I’ve sucked on a raw lemon! What are your favourites?


Stay well










Tuesday, November 17, 2020

 Day 230

Trump will go, he has no choice. It was never going to be easy, he was always going  to be as awkward as possible. At least we have been spared his gloating and rhetoric had he have won! Now what will all us Trump haters do, once he finally excepts defeat? We will have to find another to pour our vitriol on. The Americans will have a tough time finding an individual to complain about but I’m sure they will. We on the other hand still have a selection of government ministers to pick from and of course the chief buffoon Boris himself.

I suppose in many ways Trump fulfilled that time honoured position of being the boogie man and while he was President and hogging the headlines and dividing opinion, lots of other stuff slipped under the radar! I am sure when he looks back he will view his time in office as one of the biggest publicity campaigns in history and will profit from his controversial time in it. He will tell anyone and everyone what a wonderful President he was and how much he got done for America. History will reflect on a time in American history when it was never so divided. Never have that had a President who could have been less presidential. It is to early for retrospective assessment, after all he still hasn’t conceded.

I have been most amused by those who have made comments where they claim they have won a contest that they obviously have never been in let alone won! Taking the piss out of Trumps tweet “I won the election” By the way I won the the Formula 1 championship!

I hope he becomes a figure of fun, remembered as the clown he so obviously is. Unfortunately however much of a figure of fun he becomes, he also must be remembered for the damage and heartache he caused, for his mismanagement, his callous remarks, his refusal to engage, his isolationism and much more. Let’s hope that all the pending law suits that can be brought go ahead and he is reduced to a nobody by the verdicts.

On a personal note I will have to find another to rant about as my campaign to have him removed has had such an influence on America they actually listened and voted him out!

Stay well









Monday, November 16, 2020

 Day 229

Well RIP Des and well done Lewis. 

I’ve just read that NHS staff parking is being raised by 200% by some authorities? If this is the case then I am lost for words. That staff who do such vital work at any time have to pay to park at all is regrettable but to raise their fee, in some cases to £720 per annum is outrageous! 

Each report one reads almost irrespective of the country it is reporting appears to highlight the divide that exists in all of them. The world is divided in every sense, politically, racially, tribally, ideology, wealth, opportunity and much more. We believe we are so civilised and yet it seems there is more disharmony than ever before? Unfortunately with discord, violence is never far away! And once more I sight the ever crowded social platforms with spreading false and hateful incitement. People have always been susceptible to propaganda, the internet has made it so much it so much easier. Now of course these platforms under pressure have become paranoid and are starting to police the content. This is ridiculous, how can you trust FB, Twitter etc to censor themselves, they were responsible for allowing the publication of it all in the first place! They have far to much power and the wealth to resist. I love the internet and thing it has been one of the greatest innovations mankind has ever invented but as with all inventions it has very quickly became a double edged sword. Freedom is a tricky mistress and sometimes you have to accept the bad with the good. The all embracing reach of the web does mean that anyone can be sift through content that is contentious or at worse will indoctrinate. I am not going to delve into the fundamental reasons why you would look at this content to begin with, that is a whole other discussion! 

Stay well






Sunday, November 15, 2020

 Day 228

I have had enough of all those who pollute our eyes with false fake news and “facts”   Why are there so many idiots out there who want to scare, confuse and generally fuck people round? Another consequence of far to much space for those who wish to spout unfounded propaganda to suit their own agenda. I have at times started to take notice myself but I realise quickly that I’m being sucked into a conspiracy theory with no real facts to support it! The current big one concerns the vaccine for Covid. Already the conspiracy theories and disinformation is pouring out aimed at scaring us and building on the trend in recent times that has espoused the idea that all vaccines are dangerous? Yes there have been drugs and other medicines that even with rigorous testing have proved to be either not as effective or do have some nasty side effects for SOME people! Medicine however well intentioned is not a foolproof science. To listen to some of these conspiracies you’d think that the pharmaceutical companies are trying to fundamentally alter our DNA in partnership with billionaires who seemingly are trying control us. Now I am no expert and I have a poor grasp of biology and medicine, so i will listen to those who are far cleverer and are actually experts. I have never heard a scientist say that vaccines are dangerous or that we should not trust the science. Not only that they explain why and how they work. The latest news of the vaccine for Covid is welcome but it will be some time before it becomes available and still has some hurdles to overcome before it is allowed to be released. Instead of condemning it out of hand and spreading unsubstantiated facts, lets give it the benefit of the doubt. And before I leave the subject, ask yourself this? How can you know very much about a vaccine which has only just been created and tested on only 43000 subjects, even the Pfizer who have produced it are still evaluating and they are saying so far it looks good! 

Now if you don’t want to take it fine, your choice but do not try to influence others by spreading unsubstantiated information. Personally I will when available, admittedly I am in the “vulnerable” range but even so i would have it.

Stay well











Saturday, November 14, 2020

 Day 227

I don’t profess to know a great deal about Dominic Cummings. I have read what you may have read and of course we all know about his shenanigans during the first lockdown. He has obviously been cast as the pantomime villain. He even has the look of a man of evil? He was instrumental in the campaign to leave the EU and for that alone should be vilified. Let us not celebrate too much now he is going. He will still be available if Boris wishes to talk with him, unless the reports of a real falling out are true? The fundamental problem here is not Johnston’s advisors but Johnston! Whoever his staff might be he is still the PM. Someone posted the video of Cummings leaving No 10 carrying his box and the flashes of the cameras going off with the caption “John Lewis have outdone themselves with their Christmas add this year” which made me chuckle!

I watched Question Time yesterday and though it pains me to say so Matt Hancock came over quite well and acquitted himself with a calm and even candid manner. Indeed under current Covid rules it was a calm and collected programme with little of the normal vitriol or political points scoring which was a refreshing change.

And now oh joy we have to take The Pudding to the Vet!


Stay well





Friday, November 13, 2020

 Day 226

Orca’s attacking fishing boats, ah revenge is sweet, we’ve fucked up their habitat for years, nicked their food source and generally made a mess of the oceans, so it’s about time they got some payback, good on em! Let’s hope the rest of the Whales start as well!

Moving on I read that Cummings is on his way, after the Communications director resigned yesterday from Boris’s back room staff. Is this the rats leaving the sinking ship? Surely like Trump trying to guide Johnston is a thankless task! 

I have written once more to my MP Michael Ellis to urge him to vote against the proposed changes to the Internal Market Bill, which was overwhelmingly rejected by the Lords This is the one where they break international laws “a bit”! Might I suggest you do the same with yours? 

I had a reply to my assertion that nurses and NHS staff, lauded rightly for their tireless work during the pandemic, should be rewarded with a real pay rise from Mr Ellis. He replied with a long explanation, including percentages and figures that seemed to support a generous package of rises for them? Subsequently, having done some research I have found that his details do it bear scrutiny and in real terms they have seen a 20% fall since 2010 (which just so happens is when the Tories first regained power!) Today I have sent him another email telling him so! My daughter in law a Alex is a Nursing Sister and to be fair gets paid quite well but she works over 70 hours a week and is constantly on call or has to be contactable. It is her dedication to the care of patients that keeps her doing it but even she has had enough and therein lies the problem. How many nurse and NHS staff will move on and do move on because that cannot stand the pressure any longer? One could argue that no amount of pay rise would solve that but at least it would help.

Stay well