Weather Here, Wish You Were Lovely...

So I strode manfully out along the icy pavements this morning, ignoring the attempts at snowfall from a handful of snowflakes falling from the sky.  So few were swirling around the air that it was almost possible to count them.  I didn't try.  

The world has returned to normal.  Unsmiling faces, busy shops, all well wrapped up, wishing they were indoors again.  Comparing sausage prices and meat content, the local butcher has closed, due to rising meat and rate prices, an old woman pushed in and took numerous packs of cheap 'Lincolnshire sausages.'  'Having a party?' I enquired.  'No, for the dog, he likes them,' she said smiling.  These are the dogs favourites, so what the dog wants, the dog gets.  I suspect many households have the same situation.  Ruled by a cat, dog or parrot, while the people are put to one side so the animal rules.  

This, and climbing the stairs without falling back down, has been the highlight of the day, so far.

Mirror

You may not have noticed, but Donald has been acting the 14 year old again.  While you were cleaning up after Christmas he has attacked Venezuela, kidnapped the leader and his wife, and imprisoned them in the USA.   Note: The BBC are not allowed to say 'Kidnapped.'  They must call it 'Captured.'  

All the while this is ongoing he has also sent a larger fleet to the east end of the Med, possibly to attack Iran.  There is it appears no end to his stupidity.  

Now, we none of us liked the leaders of Venezuela, or Iran, however, to unseat them in this manner is not the normal democratic process, the one used by the USA for many years now.  This is thuggery, from a juvenile delinquent.  Now Donald thinks he can steal Greenland also, it is time for the free world to be counted here, although  under Keir Starmer it is unlikely the UK will intervene.

Shameful.

Glasgow Herald

Scotland, and the north of Scotland in particular, is covered with snow.  Few people would be surprised at this news.  This has happened regularly since the last ice age passed by several thousand years ago. 

The gritter lorries and covering roads, snow ploughs are wandering across rail lines in the far north, and a demand for soldiers to dig small villages out, so they can escape has been heard, and ignored. 

Apparently, one of those storms with silly names will be covering us with snow on Thursday, I may be back at the supermarket quicker than I intended!  Two days of horrible snow for us, who live in the driest county, which will cause chaos for several days, then be forgotten about as always.

Life goes on.

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?

Trump's Reichstag?

On February 27th 1933 Van der Lubbe set fire to the Reichstag Parliament building in Germany.  This action, coming only four weeks after Adolf Hitler had  been sworn in as chancellor, opened the door for Hitler to take sweeping action to stabilise his position.

Van der Lubbe was born in the Netherlands, his parents divorced, his mother died when he was an adolescent and he moved in with his half sister.  A few years later the teenager being naturally very strong found work on a building site.  While there he became interested in the Labour movement and became involved in Communism.  An accident with lime almost blinded him and he found work difficult, though his interest in communism did not ease.  He worked among the unemployed to support the movement. 

For reasons unclear Van der Lubbe, who had been involved in other minor arson attacks, found himself in the Reichstag late one night setting it ablaze.  The blaze spread quickly and totally destroyed the building.  The police soon found the culprit who had not escaped and took him to court.

Adolf Hitler was delighted.

With Lubbe's admission of being communist Hitler arrested the leading Communists at the time, and thousands of others, real and imaginary possibly, were also taken in by the police.  Thus at the next elections soon to follow a vast number were unable to vote or put forward their case.  In this manner the Nazi stronghold was created and after announcing an emergency order, civil liberties were removed.  Hitler had complete power as dictator from this moment on.

Van der Lubbe was tried, found guilty, and executed.  

Whether he was working alone, whether others were behind him, or indeed whether Hitler himself had found a way to put the arsonist up to this cannot be proved today.  However, this action led to Adolf Hitler's complete control of Germany.

Many are asking, is the death of Charlie Kirk Trump's Reichstag moment?

His dementia led statements are often senseless, but he is asking his justice secretary to arrest people who speak against him.  The democratic niceties of the USA are now being pushed aside for a mentally ill, spoilt brat, seeking vengeance on any who speak the truth.  The Reichstag fire destroyed Germany, will Kirk's death lead to the destruction of the USA as we know it?

Point Over There...

The neo-liberal fascist movement took another grand step forward last night.  Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill, in which Billionaires pay less tax, and the Trump voters lose their health care, was passed by 2 votes in the House.  The rich get richer, the poorest will suffer.  

The House of Commons is beginning to wonder what Starmer is playing at by cutting winter fuel payments and stealing from the disabled, Trump's victory reveals why.  The billionaires are behind this.  They practised with Brexit, found they could destroy a country by lying and pointing at 'migrants,' those foreigners amongst us.  They ignored the fact that since Brexit foreigners find it easier to come to the UK.

Now they have elected Trump, and though he was restrained last time he is back, the billionaires who control the press are quiet, they pay less tax, and the peasants can pay all the tax that is required simply by telling them that this 'is the American way,' and those who are not dying because of it will rejoice.

It takes some skill to identify a portion of a nation that will believe loose facts and not seek to define actual facts, yet the neo-liberals have done this.  The EU rejected them, though Hungary is a problem, and so far with stands the obvious nonsense.  How long can this last?

One US senator claimed some 83 Billionaires are behind Trumps latest bill.  They are the ones, along with many others here, and that nice Mr Putin, working to destroy the west from within, an old political trick.  Farage, Trump, McSweeney, Steve Bannon, Daniel Hanan, and the media owners all work for their benefit, not yours.  The privatisation begun by Thatcher opened the way, now we have two nations so divided and with such closed minds to how a coup has occurred and they are paying for this.  

Where are the politicians with gravitas, the 'Big Bears,' who can change this situation?  

They do not exist.  

I tell you, it's a judgement, and worse to come.

Reichstag Moment?

Could the riots occurring in Los Angeles and elsewhere be the 'Reichstag Moment' Donald has been looking for?  His policies owe a great deal to those followed by Adolf during the 1930s and those fooled an educated nation into following him to death.  Fair to say they did not realise this at the time, but when it was too late they were too far in to escape.  Will the Trump voters realise just where Donald is taking them?

In the West many right wing groups are on the rise, who is paying for them?  Who is financing the Farage's across the West?  Easy to say this is the work of that nice Mr Putin, but is it?  The Neo-Liberals are on the rise, hidden behind 'Think-Tanks' and rabble-rousers, but they one sided view they put across finds a home among many.  'Migrants,' 'The Boats,' 'White replacement theory,' and other fears are rammed home throughout Europe.  The self-absorbed actual liberals are too cosy in their own sphere to realise how Farage rioters see the world.  With a simple cause to follow, a simple answer to complex questions, a Tommy Robinson to follow, with hope of a change that will benefit them, it is understandable why they follow quickly.

Trump has won in the US by the means practiced during Brexit.

The same people are making money behind both.  The same rich people are getting richer, the same peasants, holding pictures and sending cash to their favourite rabble-rouser, are paying more tax.  That is, if they have a job.

Now Trump's thugs are mishandling their case, with a reaction from decent Americans, we see an opportunity for Donald to declare a national emergency, just like Adolf.  An emergency that never ended, until May 1945, and an emergency that allowed Adolf to rule by decree, just like Donald.

Will this be his chance...?

Trump Tarriffs

As the world falls apart you cannot but help laugh at some of the situations that arise.  The latest is the incompetent manner of Trump and his Tariffs.  Such tariffs are not unknown, but it needs to be said that the normal practice is to make use of them in a manner helpful to your own economy, not in a scattergun approach making use of little intelligence or understanding of the costs to your self.  Trump has done this in a rather silly manner.  

The two I like best are the penguins on Heard Island & Macdonald Islands.  Here the penguins comprise the totality of the population yet Trump has demanded tariffs be placed on them.  The Emperors will not be pleased.  

However, he has gone further, a US base in the India ocean has also been targeted for tariffs, quite what exports come from an unoccupied island that possesses only US military men is not clear.  Maybe Trump knows better than everyone else?  

The tariffs could lead to economic meltdown around the world, 1929 and all that once again.  Our prized bank accounts bulging at the seams, no they really are, will easily be emptied and soup kitchens may well be our lot some day soon.  

This could be the end of the world.

It could be just another warning.

It certainly starts with Putin making use of gullible greedy people, hello Mr Farage, and the neoliberals continuing their quest to make the peasants pay while they enrich themselves.  

Christians must ready themselves for all situations.  Whatever happens trusting in Jesus will see us through this.  Following the worlds way will drag us down.  Our God cares, we must also.

 

Guy

Orange Balloon

The madman liveth!

I had to laugh the other day, the tragedy where a military helicopter crashed into a commercial airline landing at Washington opened the door to Trump to spew stupidity.  He did not respond with the gravitas expected of any leader, oh no, he immediately claimed it was caused by DEI, the 'inclusivity' deals at air traffic control.  

He took this further a day later, claiming the helicopter pilot was a 'transgender' who deliberately crashed into the place.  The next day that particular individual appeared in the press stating 'I am alive, here I am!'  Which kind of goes against what Trump was pushing.  I expect another day in court for the orange balloon.

I do not disagree with his ending the encouraging of deviant lifestyles, except he must consider them as people requiring help, an idea that has never crossed his mind regarding anyone anywhere.  

N one is trans, you are either male or female, however, life brings problems, and we react in different ways.  Those with such tendencies, or indeed any other tendency, there are many available, require our care and help, not to be targets for vote catching amongst the less well-educated, which is what got him elected in the first place.

Certainly there is no room for special days for gays or any other deviant behaviour, there is nothing to be proud about here, but we ought to be stating truth to people, not encouraging the lowest common denominator which in the end destroys them.

 

oops, I forgot to finish this today, I got caught up in the football.  Still, we won 6-0!  Hooray!

 

Trump

NBC NEWS

The USA lost a reasonably decent and efficient President the other day when Jimmy Carter passed away.  Now, with Biden standing down and heading for the lounge where he has wished to be for the past 4 years we have the orange balloon Donald Trump in charge.

I sat through part of his inaugural speech while having my dinner but I found both hard to swallow.  

Here again was all the absurd conspiracy theories being played out in front of us.  Here again was all the nonsense offered during the election.  Here again he had the power to put some of this into practise.  

Already he has begun sacking those around him who do not toe the line, just like Adolf did in 1933. Already he has begun calling the Gulf of Mexico the Gulf of America!  Already he has passed absurd policies too many to mention, all of which, such as leaving the WHO will endanger thousands of US citizens.  He has also ended the protection on drug prices that benefit the less well off in the USA!  Already he has left the agreement that is intended to prevent tax dodging across over 100 countries.

We see where his heart lies, money!

The American people, those especially who voted for him, will be the ones losing out.

However, he has claimed there are only two genders, and is now imposing this on the USA.  I must say I agree with him there, though sexes is the word, not gender.  It will take a while before Keir receives instructions to do the same.  

I see nothing else positive, only trouble and strife for all normal people around the world.  The US was considered a batshit nation under Trump before, the world laughed at what they had done, and now he is back because they voted for him!  Unless of course we can have a word re those electronic machines that Musk has interfered with.

It is a long 4 years ahead, but we can rejoice that Jesus remains in control.  He rules the world, not these rich men.  Their time will come and there will be nothing too see once where they stood. 

High Sunday, Low Monday

Here we are, the contributing members before the service with a short prayer before beginning.  It's the usual short prayer, 'HELP!' which is offered.  We then retire to our positions, breath deeply and pray it all works.  

It usually does.  The man leads, songs are sung, the book is opened and read, a sermon is given, and one intercedes for the masses.  This time it was me.

I took my place quite relaxed.  I had a thumping heart all week, I was very tired, and found many were in similar but different situations.  These bugs are affecting so many people these days I wondered if we would all make it.  I clambered up to the rostrum, took out my script and as we had been reading Jesus at the wedding in Cana, where he turned water into wine, I mentioned my friend from long ago.  When the church was going through a charismatic change he read this story and decided to act.  He placed several glasses half filled with water around the flat so that as he passed he would command them to turn into wine.  Sadly, this did not occur.  However, this is always something we ought to keep in mind next time the shops are shut.

I blethered on, joking about the vicar taking a week in the tropical paradise of Oxford which went down well. Prayer is often full of respect and almost fear among some, I think being ourselves and straight talking to the Father is best.

Some appreciated this, so it was OK.  I felt this Sunday relaxed and 'at home' as it were.  Very good indeed.

Listening to Trump as he was sworn in, this was what came to my mind.  I do not think he will prove me wrong.  I also regret eating while watching this, I ought to know better not to listen to US politicians at such time.  

Private Eye

Monday Shopping

 

You will have heard of the petition, signed by 2 million apparently, for a General Election now!

Clearly this is Musk inspired, a quick look at the readout here reveals who exactly is signing this petition!  Musk will have his goons, and their bots working to sign up, and it is possible some of the Farage rioters, at least those not 'inside,' will also have signed.  Somewhat tersely Mr Starmer has said they will have to wait 5 years for one.   Musk has not yet commented.  However, this does indicate what outside interference in the UK will be like under Trump and his beloved.  All sorts of daft ideas, many online, most absurd, will soon be appearing and demanding answers.  I suspect they too will fall on deaf ears.

I've been browsing for Christmas presents and obtained one or two for myself.  This, I think, is good going.  I am looking for a wee camera like this one among the cheap sites, and have found a possible which is lacking a battery.  This is OK as I can obtain one cheap, or reuse an old one I have here from this broken one.  One fault is the lens jams, and while I now have info on fixing it I am not technical enough to give it a go at present.  The complicated insides means I will have a thousand wee bits all over the place and the thing worse off!

So, money is spent.

I did buy one thing for one of the kids though...

So, amongst other things I obtained a few cards online, some of which are Christmas cards, while huge gaps remain on the list.  I was glad to sit here browsing as I had been taking what is laughingly called 'exercise,' then running about Sainsbury's, struggling down into the basement for the electric meter reading (having, in block capitals informed the online query regarding 'Smart Meters' as to why they cannot work here as their engineer reported to them years ago.)  I may have been tense at the time.  I then visited the wee corner shop full of odds and sods to browse and buy cheap tins of chopped tomatoes.  After which my knees made me sit and spend vast amounts of cash through 'PayPal.'  

Christmas has only begun and already I am going out to play Bob Dylan in the High Street!   

Trump

Economist

 

In spite of humanities best efforts Donald Trump has once again won the vote to be President of the United States of America.  The world stares at this with disbelief!  How could anyone vote for s demagogue, a liar, a cheat, an abuser of woman, and a man who is mentally ill?  Though when you consider some of the presidents from past times he fits in well there.  

So, how are we to react when he takes office?  The absurd political system takes until January before he becomes President, do you think Biden will lead a revolt, just for spite perhaps?  No doubt he will be seeking to put many of his plans into action, especially the ones Putin pays for, and many daft ideas he broadcast will in fact be seen to be his wishes in real life.  God bless America, even though they have left him behind.

There is a rise in inept right-wing governments, democracy as we have known it has been thrust aside, the world we grew up in is no more.  

Yet:

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

Boris Heads for the Door! Rejoice!

SKY

Boris has been shown the door!

Rejoice! Rejoice!

Instead of facing a by-election in his constituency and the response of the House, Boris has cut and run!  The coward would not face the people.  Of course, this means a by-election and Boris will leave this so things go badly for Rishi Sunak.  Sunak is to take the blame for the mess Boris has created by his life of selfishness.  Add to this it is no surprise Nadine Dorries, a Boris adherent, has also stepped down from the MP job she has not been working at for several months.  This also is to cause trouble for Sunak.  

This petty, schoolboy arguing has meant little to the electorate, it has however, lined the pockets of many who do not require the handouts, and reduced the money for those, if they are still living, who require such aid.

At the same time Trump, the orange coloured Boris impersonator, is also heading for a fall.  Keeping stacks of White House documents illegally may bring an actual jail time for the crook.  We can but rejoice that justice may well be catching up on those who have robbed us for many years.

The Boris press is having a breakdown, they fear they may be next, and this on top of Prince Harry having them exposed in court as underhand crooks.  The nation, well the majority, will however, be saying Rejoice!

 

Here is a clip of Boris' resignation letter. 

Trump, Tech and Spring!

Once Joe managed to get his aged head in the White House it was hoped the end would come for the fat, orange blob.  However, in spite of insurrection, rape allegations, court decisions and obvious mental health problems, Trump once again heads the count for the Republicans as Presidential candidate.  We think the UK parliament is in a mess?  

How does a man who supports the Russians in Ukraine, use and abuse women so openly, talk like a 14 year old taking his first drugs, and lie so obviously retain this position?  Uncle Joe is no hero and some of his statements are somewhat dubious, but with a choice between a semi dementia man with some decency, and a Nut Job who considers, and probably believes, that the world is there for him and him alone, which would you choose?  Joe would not lead the US into a war, against the Ukraine, Trump might!  Trump, with the monetary understanding of Liz Truss, could demolish the worlds economy in less than her 43 days.  Yet, many US citizens will vote for him!

The west has been morally degraded by the policies of great wealth and false liberalism.  The 'Stonewall' type freedoms have deluded many, the creation of wealth and the removal of that wealth has left many distressed, and Covid did play its part here.  It is interesting how immoral governments and economic distress go together.  The stability built up since 1945 has been gradually eroded.  The west has nothing to hold it together now.   And a return of both Trump and Johnson is on the cards.

Sleep well.

In the real world Spring has produced a lively concoction for the wee beasties.  Buttercups and these white things that I can never recall the name off, these abound round the park.  Yesterday, my body failed to make Kirk, so I wondered across the park enjoying the greenery.  The council cut down the dead daffodils and allow the space to be filled with all this beastie attracting growth.  They do manage it well, and this replaces the areas killed off by front gardens being turned into car parks.  No wonder the number of sparrows is diminishing.  

I love technology, I really do!

I love how technology enables my laptop to manipulate the anti-virus in such a way as it logs itself out, logs itself in, all unasked, and then slows everything down while it contemplates what it is doing.  This, I only understood after uninstalling 'Avast,' and then re-installing the thing this afternoon.  Why did it do this?  Was it attacked by a virus?  Anyway, all is now well, apparently, but every day, and in everyway, we are being driven mad by the technology that was discovered to aid us and make our life easier!   

Greasy Trump

Being the 'silly season,' the holiday time when politics and politicians are unusually quiet, the media has been desperate for something to fill the spaces.  Editors everywhere are glad Olivia Newton-John has died, now they have something to say.

Twitter was full of men of a certain age informing us of their first love, things like that I have no wish to know personally, but many who ought to have known better were in tears.  

For myself, a music lover, I was not a fan.  Having seen 'Saturday Night Fever,' when it came out, announced as they all are as a 'film not to miss,' and in my opinion 'with a rifle,' ought to have been added, I had no desire to watch a film full of 'pop' music and meaningless acting.   Naturally, we were all told it was one 'not to miss.'  Again I suggest the rifle.

The disease which took the lass is indeed unfortunate, sad to see a woman of 73 years dying like this.

The music, in my humble view, ought to have died in 1973, long before it came to the screen!

Think

The good news today, also taking up some space, is that the FBI have raided the orange liar in his Florida house.  The hope, and it seems likely, is that they will find stolen documents, items to connect him to 'suspicious activities,' and something to land him in jail.  Whooppee!

Naturally the right-wing press have launched a support drive for him.  Nigel Farage threw in the 'Deep state' word, implying something is amiss.  He is correct, though of course he is the one amiss, and if they come for Trump, they will come for Farage soon.  That is something I look forward to.

'Deep State,' is another of these none existing phrases thrown out by those causing problems.  The implication is that secret organisations are doing them down.  This is true, but Trump and Farage are behind any such organisation, although we know there is in fact no 'Deep State.'  Just like the word 'Woke,' when you ask them to explain what it means there is silence.  Just point over there and say 'woke,' and the sheep will be happy.  This is an old trick going back into prehistory, nothing new in lying.  

Trump is determined to get re-elected, even though most of the US government will oppose this.  Our Donald, Boris Johnson, thinks he too can make a come back.  Both need to as they wish to avoid jail.

Personally I hope they fail and end up inside.  These men have deceived their nations, and the world, caused misery to millions, broken every law, opposed democracy, and unless stopped those paying for them will cause economic disaster to us all.

Thursday Blether

 

It has not taken the Tories long to respond to last nights outrages in the USA.  Boris (who once suggested the Nobel Peace Prize for Donald) offered a mumbling statement condemning violence, possibly written by Donald.  Priti Patel managed not to condemn Donald and muttered away, Michael Gove, Donalds friend, said nothing, Rees-Mogg, once delighted to work with Donald, has not posted on his Twitter feed, possibly he has not seen the news.  At best the insurrection is played down, while most laugh and cheer off camera and hope it happens here also.

A Welsh Tory suggested that those opposing Brexit could riot in such manner, on Twitter, Unionists, possibly Tory members, are claiming similar actions will occur if Scotland seeks independence, others claim SNP independence seekers will behave this way (make up your mind).   

It is clear to all, bar those who thought this was a genuine revolution under way, that Trump has done this just to keep a grasp of power.  When he loses power he can then be brought to account for his crimes, mostly dating back to long before 2016.  No wonder he lies in a desparate manner.

Soon Boris it will be your turn surely?

 

 

'Lock Down' will have an effect similar to the last ones.  My hair needs cut, this may not happen until March, Priti Patel wishes people to be ordered off the streets by Police, fined if they do not obey, and shops will run out of so many things under Brexit that soon panic buying will return.  

I have avoided going out, not that I wished to go anywhere, but in the dark, before 7:30 I wandered round to Tesco, coughing all the way and scaring several people heading for work as I passed.  This gave me a laugh and forced them to walk well over 6 feet away from me.  The early morning cough is just that, but they don't know!

Once again I thought I am here choosing bread, once more I collect milk, not the out of date stuff going cheap, once more I ransack the same shelves as before, almost always choosing the same items with only an occasional bright experiment attempted.  

When at school I was jealous of those wandering the streets while I was locked up not learning anything.  It seemed good to be outside wandering to and fro whenever you liked, I looked forward to the time I could join them.  However, I was disappointed greatly to discover that such freedom as I had imagined was brief if it actually existed, work, wages and a hundred other things imprison all of us daily.  

When young life is bright, the future tempts with excitement and pleasures, travel, strange places, new temptations, new pleasures, new people, and adventure moulded to the individuals needs, or so I thought.  Reality was not the same.  Being an adult did not bring much bar wondering what was for tea that night?  What shall I eat tomorrow?  Where can I buy cheap the required clothes?  And so on.  Living in London people spoke of the many wonderful places to visit, the shows to see, the stars, the pleasures available, yes indeed some were tasted, however, travel across London takes time, pleasures are expensive, work tiring and most do not spend their time enjoying the city, they are too busy just living.

Then, suddenly, one day you are a grandfather.  Not that you are a grandfather, it is just that you are old!  In your mind you are 25, in the body 30 years have been added.  The need for distant pleasures fades somewhat, those you once laughed at sitting, possibly in the car, staring out at sea, you no longer laugh at because you are one of them, chomping on sandwiches while staring at the sea suddenly is fun.  The bright lights are faded in your eyes, the joys empty, the pleasures too expensive and not worth much.  Rather the smile of a child in the family, a dogs wagging tail or a cat sitting on the laptop appear more interesting and the joy longer lasting.

This of course does not mean you are dead!  Indeed no, programmes like 'Last of the Summer Wine' which many disliked as the humour was stinted, reflect many a gang of elderly statesmen who, in one way or another, behave in similar style.  The potential for trouble, as any wife will inform you, from the men seeking excitement can suddenly appear.  Those who volunteer in some capacity will always find ways to have fun.  Before the virus many groups aimed at the elderly abounded for those who cared to try them, not me, and aged adventure could be attended to.  Especially if there were three or four silly men involved.  Most such men must be bored now.

 

Saturday Cogitation

 

 

 

I've finished a book!

This is the first book I have got through in ages.  This is not from having ceased trying to read, I just could not be bothered with all the big words.  The effort to read was too much, possibly 'Lock Down' having an effect, but few words other than those required to identify items on supermarket shelves or football results were asked for by me.  This obviously did not stop me buying books!  The shelf is creaking with unread words, none in cuneiform but some dealing with that sort of thing, others just cheap, old books, that were a sudden desire.  They are now collecting dust until the right time to read them.  One lass sent me the wrong book, they all look the same don't they?  When I pointed this out and offered to keep the wrong, but perfectly acceptable book, and happily pay for it she allowed me to keep it for free.  I doubt she paid much in the first place, it is quite aged.  That was good.  I think she may be working for home for 'pin money' selling books she has collected from all around.  Good luck to her.  'Be Inspired' is the name she goes under on Amazon, though the rest of the books in her bookshop did not inspire me today.   I will however keep a look out.

Paiul Theroux's book is a condensed version of his travels.  I like his books, well written and honest. The tales do occur some time ago but allow us a glimpse into the lives of many in far flung places often in difficult times.  'The Great Railway Bazaar,' 'The Old Patagonian Express,' 'The Kingdom by the Sea,' where they miss Edinburgh for no good reason, and other travels are detailed.  These are shortened versions of his books put together in 1991 so a bit dated but still worth a read I say.  

I of course paid little for it.  

Did you know that there is an election occuring in the USA?  They kept that quiet didn't they?

It appears that the present President, a madman by all accounts who suggested first that the Coronvirus did not exist, even though he was informed about this in January, and then told his subjects to take Bleach to cure it!  Two did and died apparently.  He also caught the virus, he says, and recovered informing his people not to be afraid of the virus.  He ignored the 200,000 dead and millions till suffering while it appears he tries to stifle free health care in the US.  

Joe Biden is the other man.

That's all we need to know to vote for him, whoever he is.

 

 

As I look up from this monotonous Celtic v Rangers game I note the traffic has not lessened this Saturday in spite of the county being in a tighter 'lock down' from today.  Nothing appears to have changed, most here obey the rules and Saturday shoppers are ignoring them as much as usual.  To many football matches to watch for me to stir outside but as the death rate is higher I suspect the care homes are suffering a bit once again.  That is, both patients and staff!

 

Update on Update...

To amend an old army joke re adjutants:

'Is it lawful to kill anyone connected to Microsoft?' 

'Yes, as there will always be extenuating circumstances.'

Things were going as well as can be expected today, Tesco had been visited, the self service machine and I fell out and had to be rescued by the young lady almost wearing a mask.  I had wandered home, decided there was nothing to do but watch the boring cricket, which was quite good in the end, and settled down to eat and sleep through the day.

Microsoft interrupted!  

As I put the brute onto 'sleep mode' they offered an update.  I took this and waited.  Naturally when this finished, quite soon compared to last time, I fond things missing.  'Avast' anti-virus had gone, other things were closed down, and 'Edge' filled the page and would not let me remove it!  This took time and several restarts before their blasted new browser was removed from my screen.  They do not half push their luck when they push their browsers!  

Eventually all was well and then I watched cricket in the heat.  At least 28 degrees in here all day, I hate to imagine what is was like for those working outside, and the site of em in shorts led to the mirror being placed elsewhere, for my sake, I also avoided windows.

Of course watching cricket only happened because there was no football.  Aberdeen ought to have been playing St Johnstone in Perth but some players went on a night out in 'Locked Down' Aberdeen, two tested for the virus and the others have to isolate for 10 days.  This led to an almighty row, rude words from the First Minister, and even ruder words from their manager when the game was put off.  They almost had to play with 8 players missing!  Good job it was postponed.  Such events may well happen more often during this season.

So no football, cricket takes all day, and now I am trying to find something stimulating for my mind, 'Pointless Celebrities' perhaps?  However I have no idea who any off them are!  Nothing else appeals, maybe the radio or better an old radio programme from the iplayer?  I will avoid entertaining myself by doing anything approaching work.

Venus!  These things have been hanging around the night sky for a few days.  I am glad that I can see them but why in the middle of the night?  That reminds me of Trump suggesting sending a man to the sun.  Angela Merkel indicates this is not wise and so Trump suggests 'Send him at night?'  Something about that appeals to me...

A friend has been made redundant as his company is suffering losses.  I passed a coffee shop today that has closed down, at the time I thought that this was the first of many.  My friends loss is an indication that many more jobs will go, not just because of the Virus but also because of Brexit.  In Sunderland 'Nissan' workers cheered the Brexit vote, several hundred have been made redundant and soon Nissan will go to Holland I suspect.  Today 'JCB,' who encouraged their people to vote Brexit have announced the paperwork is too long and expensive so they are off to Germany!  

What did people expect?

We are about to see thousands of job losses, redundancies and sackings, the rich will rise above it and the poor will remain the mass who suffer.  We have seen it before many time.  Pick up your Old Testament and read the Prophet Amos, he spoke of this concerning Samaria, similar causes and in the end destruction.  Somewhat different today, but not for those who are at the bottom, they will suffer most, and indeed worldwide!

Have a nice day...

I'm Saying Nothing but...

Slow Sabbath...

Been a slow day.  Made slower by having to drop everything and watch Newcastle United beating Sheffield United by 3 - 0 this afternoon.  Other things had to be put aside while I gaped at the Newcastle side in a vast empty stadium.  This did not spoil the game however, I enjoyed it and was pleased at the result.  Last night the BBC gave us Bournemouth v Crystal Palace just to indicate that Bournemouth are finished and will go down.  The only hope they have is that West Ham are also chronic and may fare even worse!  

This means I have wasted no time in seeking parades or protests to pretend I care about.  In Glasgow and Edinburgh (pronounced 'Edinburra') Rangers fans act out 'British Loyalism,' which in Glasgow means attacking peaceful asylum seekers meetings and of course the police.  'Unionists' are always violent, it i the English part of their imperialistic make up.  The Glasgow police (pronounced 'Polis') often appear somewhat right wing and 'loyalist also, at least those visiting Ibrox Park, Rangers home, often find.  This time however too many punches have been thrown, too many assaults have strained the officers and I think there will be many doors 'knocked on' at 6 am soon in various 'Loyal' districts.

I did notice the weather man claiming hot weather was in the offing.  It is summer I suppose, and this means the numpties will be racing to the beaches to collect virii from close packed sun lovers. I have watched them well behaved and well spaced out on Bournemouth's well cared for beaches but others may be less disciplined.  The NHS will be looking forward to the week...

Well he tried his best but failed to rouse much in Tulsa.  He managed to enable Nigel Farage, the attention seeking Hedge Fund chancer to visit him to swell the crowds.  Nigel was barred but allowed into the US as because of 'National Interest!'  Possibly he was interested in a 19,000 seater arena in which only 6200 bothered to come and listen to Trumps lies?  

In major news it appears the Heart of Midlothian have ended their time with Daniel Stendal and replaced him with ex-manager Robbie Neilson.  I wonder if Craig offered any advice here?  With court cases ongoing, league placing uncertain, this is a bright move that will please many and annoy others.  We await with interest further developments.