A History of Histories

I've finished a book!

This has taken me ages as all the books on the pile are slow reads.  This one began quite well but slowed down as we passed through time heading towards today.

John Burrow was an intellectual historian, and in this book eh seeks to discover why historians wrote, what past they were writing about, and what motivated them.

John reviews history from Herodotus, who gave us the term historia, that is inquiry, as we inquire into the past.  Beginning with Herodotus and Thucydides he reviews historians in their periods, though not always chronologically correct, from Greece and Rome and moving into the 'Christian' period.  

Then comes secular history, and more recent attempts at studying the past, England, France and the USA.  Then comes his treatment of the 20th century, in which he developed his ideas and fame.  

I found the book fascinating, especially in the earlier studies, as I at least knew something about them, but his later subjects I sometimes found myself lost, these are no use if you have not read French or other unknown authors.  Interesting it was, but confusing to an intellectual misfit like myself.  

All who study history will find something in this book, published in 2007, but as it progressed my reading slowed.  This speaks more for my lack of knowledge than the authors writing.

Well worth a read, if you have time.

Amtrak 52

Metro Jacksonville

 

Once the morning repast had been dealt with I floundered around trying to decide my next move.  

This took a while.

I could have gone out into the sunshine and cold wind to spend cash at the supermarket, but just could not be bothered.  Instead I sat around cogitating slowly, reading the grubby newspapers and once again checking Twitter to see if any intelligent life had landed.  There was nothing to report.

Then 52 came through.

Amtrak 52 is an unusual train.  It runs up from Orlando, Florida, to just outside Washington DC.  This train comprises one or two engines, around 16 coaches, and these days around 25- 30 Auto Cars.  These are trucks that contain cars, or automobiles if you are a US citizen.  The people travel down from the north, especially at this time of year with snow falling, to the Florida sunshine, and Donald Trump.  To do this they let the train take the strain as a very famous deviant once took money for saying, and put their cars in the auto trucks so they can drive them around Florida chasing or being chased by the 'Sunshine Girls.'  

Being 'Thanksgiving' Weekend there has been lots of to and froing from the masses, each either seeking time with, or avoiding time with their families.  So all the trains have been busy, and Mr Amtrak must be coining it in this weekend.  

There is a well worked routine for loading and unloading the cars.  Looking via Google Maps it is possible to see the cars in 6 sidings awaiting loading, then they are joined together following the coaches and off they go, usually on time.  

The coaches appear to be off two types, some have seats, other have single or double 'rooms.'  Shower facilities are on each coach, and of course there is a dining car for Breakfast, lunch and tea.  Therefore, you can either join others stuffing your face, or sitting in the viewing car, or lay about in your small room watching the East coast of the USA drift past.  The individual room is a good idea as passenger trains are not priorities in the US, the lines are owned by the freight companies, and they come first.  Any break down and you could wait for hours before continuing on.  

In such circumstances I may not mind to tell the truth.

The rail watchers on Virtual Railways play a wee game as the 52 passes north, and indeed the 53, as the train returns south.  The trick is to guess the number of engines, coaches and auto cars.  Simple games satisfy simple lives, and wee intellectuals are a not drawn into such things, well actually...

So this morning as 52 passed in the poring rain, and it was Aberdeen rain this morning, I suggested to myself it would be 2/16/28, of course it was 2/16/25, wrong again.  A silly game but those regulars who participate find it fun.  It amazes me how as we grow out of childhood we return to finding fun in silly games, the type adolescents despise, but folks above 25 often enjoy.  We are strange creatures.  

The overnight train, taking two days and sometimes three, is the 'Southwest Chief,' or 4 as it is known, the trains carrying names and numbers, even numbers one way, odd numbers the reverse.  4 Runs from Los Angeles Station to Chicago.  Now, I do not wish to be in either Los Angeles or Chicago but I reckon travel by rail would be a good way to actually 'see' the USA.  You could travel by road, but all highways look the same, the advantage there being the ability to stop and ponder, but rail is more comfortable, food is on hand, sleep nearby, and an attendant at all times available.  I could do with one of those!

However, the thought of spending $1500 to do the trip when I reject the idea of spending £5 to travel by bus here puts me off.  One day when fit and healthy, rich and spoilt, I may do this.  Chances are I will not.

 

Disgraceful Racists!

When I drew back the filthy curtains early this morning, I was greeted by this!  And with today being St Andrew's Day I was shocked, appalled and felt racially abused.  All at once.  It could be worse, the 'Butchers Apron' is hanging badly on several other lampposts nearby.  Disgrace I say!

Incidentally, I was reading this morning of one man responsible for this flag racism, he and his mate went to France to confront asylum seekers and tell them what they thought.  Being thugs, thinking was not their strongest point, and the only video seen so far, features the two of them running away to their car and speeding off.  One is wanted in Spain for a scam, the other is noted for his thuggery.  Keep the women and children safe I say, lock them up.  The man behind this scam is of course a friend of 'Tommy Robinson,' the well known liar and rabble rouser, once again on holiday in a 5 star resort.  Who pays for this I ask?  Certainly the man who started the scam is the one providing the flags, so he will surely have the cash to aid tommy. 

These anti immigrant flags are all the way down the street now, costing thousands to remove, and inciting violence towards those who oppose them, a normal Nazi tactic.  If we had a ladder we could get up there and dump these rags, but my 3 step ladder will not reach.

There is of course no patriotism, no jingoism behind these flags, just racism, began by Farage, and continued by those on the make, politicians included.

This, you are mistakenly believing, is a black space with a wee dot of light upon it.  You would be wrong.  This is another exciting photo of an object in space, a planet I think, possibly Saturn, but I could not make head nor tail of the info on several night sky sites.  Why do they make it so hard.  Two or three other dim lights can be seen, but my camera cannot make them more distinct.  One day I will understand those star maps and know what I am looking at.

Just a wee reminder that today is St Andrews Day, the greatest man ever to come out of St Andrew's...

Now that is filled with US students who only go there to play golf.

Rejoice, Thatcher has Gone!

November 28th 1990, a date to equal the 3rd September 1939, or 23rd June 1314, or even my birthday.  For on this day in 1990 Margaret Thatcher left office for the last time, never to return.

3 million unemployed, known to the Conservative Party as 'scroungers,' rejoiced!  Miners in the remaining Miners Welfare clubs also rejoiced, decent people everywhere rejoiced that as woman who cared nothing for the individual had gone for good.

From 1979to 1990 this woman had encouraged greed and avarice at the expense of the individual.  "Society," she said, "Does not exist."  This was a catch phrase used to avoid saying "Let the peasants starve." Greed was good, money was more important than people, the NHS was transformed to save money in a ham fisted manner that led to the NHS costing much more than it did at the beginning, I know, I was in it.  

Miners under Scargill, a man I did not like, were put in their place and the working class treated to an attack on all of them because of his misplaced socialism.  This was not the socialism my uncles down Fife mines wanted.  Industry was replaced by a service mentality, except that the service, such as buses, trains and the Royal Mail were soon to lose the 'service' element as she worked to make them pay.  The whole point that the 'service' was subsidised to ensure society both industrial, commercial and  personal could continue, was lost on the money driven vixen.

Today we live in a divided society that is run by billionaires and corporates behind the scenes.  Israel and Russia, plus the dementia man in the White House have more influence on the UK today than any individual in the street.  All that we see today comes from her.  The rich get richer, the poor are treated with contempt, the middle classes are beginning to realise they too are considered worthless, and division and hate replace educated discussion in parliament.  No 'Big Beasts' dominate parliament today, just sleekit wee men and women with a chance for 15 minutes worth of fame, and a few million pounds.    

The UK is a mess, and Thatcher is the beginning of it.   "Rejoice, Rejoice, she has gone."

Another Market, Another Budget

Once again, as I stumbled my way through the Christmas cards, I discovered I was two short for certain individual family members.  As always it appears that no matter how many cards are lying here in the drawer, none fit!  So, it was off out into the sunshine, before realising the sun did not actually bring any warmth with it.  I then noticed the field was still possessing a smear of white on the grass, which I had ignored, and this would have told me that while the weather man said it was getting warmer he was in fact lying.  

The market was filling the shops with people, almost all wishing to be in my way.  However, I obtained two disgusting cards that will do the girls perfectly.  'The Card Factory' is becoming my favourite card shop, and the prices are cheap, at least half other shops prices.  

I tramped along the main drag, watching the usual stalls with the usual stuff.  With a Saturday Christmas market approaching I expect the sleigh shining in the sun will have one fat man sat there on that day.  However, only one man with small cars on his very mixed stall interested me, I may be back on Saturday for one or two for the 4 year old.  Or even for myself.

A quick look in the museum did not bring forth suitable gifts, I actually avoided spending cash there for the first time in years.  I hobbled up the road avoiding the many dogs returning from their walk in the park, well wrapped up people and happy smiling dogs filled the street.

I came home to the budget.

I ignored the delivery of the budget, it takes too long and soon is discredited afterwards anyway, and searching the web find that the only good thing is the removal of the disgusting 'Two Child Cap.'  Only the Tories could come up with a policy that attacks children.  At last it will end, but slowly it seems.  I n Scotland measures have been taken to dim the effects of this cap and now the money used can go elsewhere.  Of course the SNP will probably spend it defending trans folks rather than benefitting the nation.   Scotland did get some of her own money given back, for which we are supposed to be grateful...

Cat calls from the cat leading the Tories, dull promises and speculation from Keir, rambling emptiness from the press, and little else.  Certainly no tax on wealth, though houses worth £2-5 million will be taxed, just about the cost of the chancellors big house.  

In short, nothing special here.

Shopping Trolley

Having carried a heavy bag home from the supermarket last week, I pondered on what to do to ease the suffering.  Ideas such as, buy a wife, have a maid in, or have the supermarket's deliver to my door, all went through my mind.  These were rapidly turned down on grounds of cost.

The Good Lord brought to mind an alternative so obvious that it had never crossed my mind in all the times I have been making use of these shops, use a trolley!

Yes, make use of a trolley, fill it with all the heavy things, push it down to your door, and return it to get back the £1 coin required to obtain the trolley in the first place.  Simple innit?

So today, after much thought, I inserted my coin, a real one, took the trolley and had a very different experience of supermarket shopping.  Like most men I usually take a basket, speed round gathering as I go, and avoid all these old women with trolleys barging into people and getting in the way.

Today, I barged into people, mostly men carrying baskets, and got in people's way.

Unused to the ability of such trolleys to have a mind of their own, I made my way round, chatting to men who also were disgruntled at the new managers ability to shift goods from one place to another so we cannot find them, and gathered all the heavy and awkward stuff I could find.  This done, and another man with basket sent into the ice cream fridges, I made my way to the checkout where one of the best young women was in control. 

Swiftly the masses were packed badly into the several overweight bags, swiftly, though no one was actually waiting at the time, it was remarkably quiet, we finished the job while chatting about nothing, well the weather, as we all do in this country.  I paid the bill while the lass informed me, with a gasp, what the total was.  I inserted the card, pressed the right buttons, and she gave me a long receipt.  Too long in my view.

The new grasping manager has once again raised the prices, almost daily from him as he seeks a bigger shop, and this enables me to gasp also as I look again at the total paid.  Just as well I forgot the whisky.

The journey home was short, tricky and on uneven pavements.

The parking lot was bad enough, sloping this way and that, once it held donkeys in a meadow, now it holds expensive chariots with grumbling unsmiling people.  Many wish the donkeys would return.

The trolley was quite easy to manage except on a slope.  The weight took it this way and that, while I struggled on occasion to keep it on the pavements, the camber, the remains of many water, gas and electric works not helping.  However, I only lost it once and entered the roadway, that motorcyclist was quite safe, even though he took an unexpected trip through the park.

Outside my door I had to keep watch as the brute kept wanting to slide away.  As I lifted each bag the weight shifted and the trolley moved accordingly.  I got the door opened, took the bags inside carefully, watch the movement of the trolley all the time.  This done, I left the bags indoors and took the return journey back to the store.  Much easier when empty, and the motorcyclist was busy brushing grass from his machine, I don't know how he got hold of that.  I pressed the chain in, took hold of my precious £1 coin, and returned home.  

The simple job then was to hoist five, now much heavier bags, up the stairs, and into the commodious apartment.  That's six times I have been up and down those stairs today!  Once inside it was easy to distribute the many beer bottles tins of veg to their places.  When finished I considered I had in one fell sweep filled at least enough for the run up to Christmas, and in some cases beyond that.  I suspect that with the fast rising prices I will have saved money with this trip also.  Now all I have to collect is light things like bread and milk, and occasional other fresh foods.  Much easier all round.

Of course I have not moved since, eating and drinking and seizing up is all that is left for today.

Yodel

When you wish for incompetence, then cometh YODEL.  Yodel, a white van man organisation, has the worst delivery record in the world.  A small item I ordered for Xmas is coming this way, after at least one week it has still not arrived. 

Last Monday an email claimed, 'We will deliver your parcel between 19:00 and 21:00 pm.'

They lied.

Tuesday night, when Scotland were playing, 'We will deliver your parcel between 19:00 and 21:00 pm.'

They lied.

Nothing since.

So, I tried their website.

I looked and I searched, I clicked here and there, I shouted and yelled, but there was no way to communicate with them, not even by AI.

I then chose to go through the needlessly long log on page.  

Eventually I had logged on, eventually I thought I would get somewhere.

I didn't.

In bold it said, click on our webpage to talk.

Nothing clicked.

They offer at the bottom, call us between these times.

However, they do not offer a phone number to call.

Could it be the laptop responds differently to the phone?

I logged, eventually, on the phone,  

It made no difference.

So, I await response but there appears to be no lies about deliveries tonight.

In the morning, I will contact the lass that is sending the 2nd hand toy over.  

She is not at fault, but maybe she can contact them?

With Yodel, you never know.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

Great is Thy Faithfulness (Tune: Faithfulness - 3vv & chorus) [with lyri...

I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue, Series 18

Scotland Will Be Coming

The explosive noise that was recorded very high on the Richter scale last night was nothing more than a nation qualifying for the World Cup in the USA during 2026.  I say USA, but it is also Canada and Mexico who share the expensive competition these days, no longer can one country afford this.

The rejoicing from 5 million Scots was heard around the world.  Here we see the nation that invented the game, developed it from the beginning into the supreme activity it has become, and yet have failed in every attempt to win this trophy, or indeed any other!

Irony!

With less than 3 minutes on the clock this magnificent overhead kick brought Scotland's first goal.  His time in Italy has not been wasted.  The next 90 minutes, plus add-ons, offered a game that went the way I expected.  Lots of good but wasted skill from Denmark, lots of effort and occasional brilliance from the Scots.  I expected a result along the lines of 3-2, though was unsure who would win.  In the end three outstanding goals, plus a well worked corner saw 4 goals hit the net and Scotland qualify for the first time in 28 years. 

All the players were outstanding, especially Craig Gordon, who remains on the bench for the Heart of Midlothian, yet produced excellent saves at the right time.  Not bad for a man who is 42 years old.

Mr Shankland scored the second goal not long after half time.  Some foolishly thought the game over then, and how can anyone think the Danes were finished?  Two sides who gave everything, two sides who desperately wanted to qualify, two sides with a lot of similarities in the national nature, two sides desperate to win, yet only one goes through.  It may be the Danes will have a play-off against another second placed side, I did not check this, but they do deserve to be in north America next year.  

Many of the players last night would not have been born when Scotland last failed at a world cup.  Even goalkeeper Craig Gordon would only have been 15 or so then.  Of course I myself am only 32...

My first world cup was in 1974, when I worked at the Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh, now of course that is a block of flats.  I recall pretending to clean a table for 45 minutes while Scotland struggled against a country that no longer exists, Yugoslavia!  I stood by that bedside of a man with a broken leg while we watched the distant black and white TV at the far end of the ward.   All was still, bar the occasional groan and utterances, not from physical pain, from the football.  A draw was the result, and none we too happy about that.

Such things do not mean as much now as they did then, I am used to Scotland losing at the big games, but nonetheless when we scored I almost leapt out the window.  I was glad also for the manager Steve Clarke.  He has, in spite of opposition, criticism of tactics, players and his rare smile, taken Scotland to two Euro Tournaments, and now one world cup.  No Scots manager has done this before.  He deserves credit for his man management, his tactics, his team, and his success.  No matter the grumbles, he has been successful, and can now relax for three months.

There are many questions now being asked.  Who will we play?  Where will we play?  And, how many Scots fans will be turned back by the Border Police for slagging off Donald Trump?  Almost all who travel to the USA will have done so, he is not popular in Scotland, nor indeed in any off the other nations represented at this tournament, and I await news of how they will deal with this.

While these questions continue I have only one question, why am I so tired this morning...?

Beware USA, Canada and Mexico, we'll be coming! 

US Foodstuff

I have been influenced b a foreign power.  Strange to say it is neither Israel nor Russia who are behind this fateful influence, it is the tasteless gourmets of the USA that has had an influence upon me today.

You see, yesterday, while I was minding my own business and struggling to keep warm in the cold north wind, I accidentally fell once more upon Reiko's Blog  

Normally such badly spelt blogs, whether on Blogger or WordPress would appeal to a thinking person, I however, was intrigued.  Reiko, as you soon realise, is a dangerous 'rescue' dog.  Wild and untamed, it is now homed in an appropriate place, alongside a man who is dangerous, wild and untamed.

They are both doing well.

Alas, for reasons unknown Reiko decided to cease being wild and instead wrote an item on peanut butter.  This extremely long blog, with pictures to keep one awake, detailed the rise and money made by a substance are unusual as peanut butter.  

Now I used to like this substance, and often bought it.  However, the cost of living being what it is, and my memory being what it became when watching the prices of the better types of peanut butter soaring through the roof, made me forget to buy it.  This dogs blog brought back memories of this stuff.

As I was reading this late at night, well about 8 pm, I could do nothing about the craving that had begun while reading about the men who developed a process begun by native people in South America.  That is where peanuts originated, and the lads turned the peanuts into a smooth compound to 'ease their gums,' he says.  US men on the make, and Americans are always 'on the make' where money can be found, developed this substance, Kellogg's were also involved at one point, and they originated in Braintree, Essex, as you may know.  So, soon peanut butter was a US staple, and has become one in the UK also.  

It is fair to say that my three thin, small slice of 'Vintage Cheese bloomer,' bread with crunchy 'Whole Earth' peanut butter, tastes considerably better than the absurd 'Peanut butter and Jelly (they mean Jam)' sandwiches.  Read Reiko to find out the sandwich suggestions found in US cookbooks!  There is little to wonder as to how Elvis and his family suffered from heart attacks!  

Anyway, having developed a desire for this stuff I paid through the nose for the jar I bought today.  I spent £4:75 for 454g of this stuff, most of which will go into the pockets of the greedy Sainsburys shareholders.  I bought this having remembered what I read about these jars on the shelf some years ago.  I looked for the best, the one without 'added sugar,' and any other muck to enhance the flavour or long life of the product.  The only suitable one there was this, and while the 'smooth' version had a £1 price reduction, I had to go for the 'Crunchy.'  Only Yanks use smooth peanut butter, either for their gums or to add gooseberries to it, or some other unsuitable in the real world additive, like hard-boiled eggs.   I reckon their diet is responsible for their mental unbalance.

Now, as lunchtime approaches, I have lost my appetite for lunch.

I know not why.

Monday Mumping

This was shown on Twitter several times over the weekend.  Somewhere in Spain, amongst the police avoiding gangsters, we find Englishmen (note he says 'British') wandering through the town, flying UK flags, demanding foreigners go home, and threatening the locals.

Do they understand the word 'irony?'

I fail to comprehend why the Spanish police, nice gentlemen all, would stand back and allow this demonstration in Benidorm?  Where are the batons?  Where are the riot squad?  Where are the aeroplanes taking this lot back to Kent?  There are at least 25 people involved here, possibly more out of camera, but faces covered and union flags while grumbling about migrants?

Really?

It has been a long time since last week.  I wonder how many people have forgotten the cost of war this week?  I notice war is continuing in several places, hidden away inside news reports, and yet little has been heard of care for soldiers on the street.  

Nothing changes.

Sunday Slavering

Blue sky!

There is a bit of blue sky high above!

This makes a change from the grey cloud that has covered the world again today.

With rain and cold wind you almost get the idea that this is November!

Surely not?

If that was the case TV and radio would be full of adverts for Christmas.

I have not seen any, but there again I do not watch TV.

There has been a 'suggestion,' I use that word loosely, for a small gift for one of the kids.

This is now on it's way to me, and soon to be despatched onwards to the dearly beloved.

Few will get much this year.

The cost of living, the lack of funds, miserly attitudes, and spending all my cash on scotch pies, has led to a drop in gift giving.  This year I may just hand out 'I.O.Us' and be done with it.  

I will expect a return on this mind.

We had a baptism this morning, one mum and two very young kids.  I am not keen on kids baptism, it is not biblical in my mind, and I don't care if John Calvin disagrees.  The mum may be fine, as an adult she can think and make decisions, but kids cannot.  We felt for the mum and dad, the kids clearly have SEN problems and were very hard work today.  It all became a bit calamitous and loud.  Not helped by having it at the end, rather than the beginning as normal.  Had this come first the kids could have gone out to play afterwards.

I am also considering scribbling my thoughts on the preachers version of the Kingdom of God.  He, like so many other Anglicans, including the Bishops in this area, forget the word 'Repent.'  Come to Jesus indeed, but it means changing your ways, not just sitting in church.  He is already not speaking to me after the other week, so this may be good, if I do it.  

Great War Magazine Volumes

I have 13 volumes of this work.  It is now lying across the couch gathering dust.  It has to go.  What was obtained, cheaply, I now must pass on as it is off no use to me today and someone somewhere might benefit from it.  

I dropped a note to the local school, one that is famous for the remembrance service they conduct, but had no reply.  Possibly this is because I enclosed a zip file of pictures and their system junked it, maybe not.  If they wanted it they would not have to pay, it could be useful for them, but otherwise I am unsure of how to dispose of 13 heavy volumes with a limited readership.  This collection of a Great War magazine might not be everybody's cup of tea, but someone somewhere would like it.  

I have seen these on E-bay with prices ranging from £30 to £300, and who would pay this?  Much better if there was a suitable place to bestow it to.  Of course, they would have to collect!

Dismal Round Up

Heavy rain all day.  

News full of 'Alice from accounts' and her desire to raise taxes being hindered by the mess the economy is in.  The right-wing press, so angry at her raising taxes (theirs) are now angry that she is not raising taxes.  Behind the scenes, many are running to and fro, some to find answers, some to enable their man to take Keir's place.   Alice is looking for a way out and a pay-off.

While this frantic pace is the thing at the Westminster, Madame Tussauds, King Charlie is wandering about in the sunny garden he has expensively created.  Photographs of him smiling feature in all the loyal papers, none mention the money under his desk, still in plastic bags or suitcases, however.

I know not why.

Also, we find another man in uniform attending remembrance services who is an imposter.  An ex-police officer is on trial for wearing medals from the Falklands, though hew as too young to have been there, and another sailor with officer uniform and medals is called a fake.  

Why do they do this?

Do they wish to be seen as a hero?  Don't we all?  But by pretending to be something you are not, will not bring this result about.  Surely a police officer has sufficient opportunity to be a hero?  There are many small and great opportunities.  Why dress up?

The Telegraph It appears the US consortium, paid for by Middle Eastern money that originates with Middle Eastern royalty, has fallen through.  It now appears that either the Multi-Billionaire who lives in France and owns the Daily Mail will become owner.  The only other competitor is Paul Marshall, who claims to be Christian yet owns a large amount of GBNews and the Spectator.  What does the bible say about lies Paul, let alone racism, divide by fear, and follow a lying rabble-rouser?  Neither of these men will produce a paper based on open-minded journalism.    

 

Sunday Remembrance

We had a service at St Paul's in the morning.  I said a few words before the 11 am silence.  It appears to have gone well this year, I was not chased by people carrying cutlasses as last year.  All this standing around however, does not do me much good.  

In the afternoon I hobbled across to the town ceremony, a mistake my body insisted correctly, just to obtain a picture or two.  Our vicar is responsible for the religious bit here, and did it very well.  He had taken an 8 am communion, the St Peter's 11 am service, then this at 2 pm, which ends with a march to St Michaels for a service.  I suppose that is enough for one day.    

I remember reading about a couple of preachers in the 1600s who spoke at a local church meeting in a farmers barn.  Now this was illegal at the time, attendance at St Michaels or St Mary's was compulsory, but 800 would meet in the barn anyway.  These two men walked from London to Chelmsford, remaining there overnight.  Sunday morning they walked 15 miles or so to the town, took the service, then walked 15 miles to Caoludunum and took an afternoon service there.   After which the walked back to the town, took the evening service and walked back to Chelmsford.  Around 60 or so miles.

Today this unthinkable, but people had no choice then, walking was the only transport for most, and it kept them fit.  Paul the apostle walked much, much more in days past.

Anyway, I walked the 500 yards back home and went to bed, that was enough for me.

Remembrance 2025

 

Spitfire

Not for the first time a Spitfire, Mark IX has appeared in the town centre.  Remembrance Sunday tomorrow has brought it back for another viewing.   The man accompanying the Spitfire was more open than the one last year, though he was there fiddling about pretending he was busy, so as to avoid the public.  I was told this was a Mark IX, I knew it was a later one, 1942 apparently, by the four props at the front.  The six exhausts instead of the original three was also an indication of change.  These aircraft continued to change until the fell out of use around 1956.  The jet fighter was by then the most potent weapon. 

Remembrance brings many displays such as these, and this one is indeed fitting.  However, all over the nation 'Remembrance' has become, 'Event,' these days.  Groups combine to erect a display better than last years and the act of remembering is pushed aside to commemorate with a display.  It reduces the Armistice Day to an event like Halloween, or Valentine's Day.  This should not be.

Certainly many wish to remember, they might have memories of their forefathers part in the two great wars, and some have discovered lost relatives while searching their ancestry and their particular war tales.  This is good.  

The original reason for war memorials was the loss of men in war, and the impossibility of the majority being made able to visit a graveside.  While tours did occur, some private, some through regiments, the vast majority were struggling to keep their heads above deep waters, a visit was impossible.  There again, with 300,000 men unidentified, some under gravestones marked 'Known unto God,' and others still lying somewhere under the battlefield, a visit to a grave could never happen.  The need to mourn at a spot where the lost could be remembered was important for a great many.  Wives, mothers, daughters were among the worst hit.  The declaration of death meant the wages stopped.  A pension might be allowed but could take a long time to work through the books.  In towns like this there were few other men available to bring in a wage and times after 1918 were very tough indeed.  The emotional trauma was not lessened with the loss of an income.  The suffering during the 1920s ensured that after 1945 there would be a new government, one that put the needs of the people before any other need, no matter how broken the nations finances were.  This country owes a great deal to the work of Clement Atlee and his men.

Trump Muppet

I don't think any photo sums up the Trump presidency any better than this one.  Gathered to hear money grabbing Pharma discuss dodgy deals for drugs, one individual collapses.  Those nearby attempt to resuscitate the man, and the man in charge of US health, KFK, runs away, Trump himself just stands there, staring ahead blankly.  This man has his hands on the nuclear option!

How long before Trumps drugs fail?

We know he is kept alive by drugs, his dementia is increasing, his other physical failings are supported by a variety of supports, yet the US media keeps quiet about him and the big brave rich people say nothing that might hinder their money.  

What is happening in the US is also happening in the UK.  The same billionaires are responsible, Putin is helping for his own reasons, and the people who vote for this are the ones to suffer most.  How stupid can the human being actually be? 

Trump informing crocers not to give out food to those who use food stamps is an excellent example of how the rich have always treated the poor.  The rich get richer, the poor pay taxes.  This is what Farage wishes to bring to the UK, the Labour and Tory Parties are following, both leading players are paid for by those running the UK, all wish to enrich the rich and make the peasants take the blame.

Where are the strong people who will stand up to this in parliament?