Maudling Monday Again

Like our pal on the roof I enjoyed watching the rain from a viewpoint today.  Scurrying up to Sainsburys and back was sufficient air for this lump of fat.  Naturally I scrolled through the papers and discovered that nice Rupert Murdoch's paper 'The Sun' has been losing some £86 million this year.  Apparently paying for all the lawyers that lost the case to the famous people hacked by his editor that did not know it was going on cost around £26 million alone.  He could have bought a reasonably good centre half for that price if he looked around.  He could certainly have obtained a journalist or two for a great deal less.  Still I suppose journalism is not Rupert's way is it.
He did claim that 36 million or more click on his 'Sun' website, not mentioning the 'Mail Online' claims 80 million hit theirs, neither mention that most are the same small number of people going round different items.  The number of 'bots' sent by Conservative Central Office and that nice Mr Putin, a friend of Rupert, also account for a large number of 'clicks' on comments columns.  Still as long as the advertising comes in to pay for it all, what's that?  Oh dear, advertising falling also?  
It could be worse, he could own the 'Daily telegraph' as that has lots a million readers under the present boss.  The Barclay Bros will let you buy it for around £500 million.  Any takers?

I have thought of a new party game.  It's called connect new phone to facebook or BBC.  This entails making the victim install these 'apps' and then log in.  The one who does so quickest, or the one who avoids throwing the phone pout the window is the winner.  Why do these things act like spoilt children?  Why do they not do what I want?  I am getting there but I have to keep lying down in a dark room every so often.   I will however show my great niece I am not a 'technophobe,' unless I fail to get through to her on the text bit...

Sunday Blether.

Sky

Another weekend of rain where it is already flooded.  Terrible for those living in such conditions.  Made worse by the ignorant response of this government.  Boris still hides away making no comment.  I suppose he has their votes...
Rain and wind for us also tomorrow but nothing like that suffered up north.  I suspect many homes will be up for sale in the next year or so unless better flood defences are installed.  Whether this government will see these as urgent enough or indeed more important than any of Boris's vanity projects and spend money where it is required we have yet to see.  I would not place bets here however.

The streets were wet this morning as I awoke, around 5 am this morning.  Rising early is an indication Spring is close as the early morning get me up early.  The rain persisted for a while as I pondered the walk to St P's.  There was no choice for my lazy tired body and I decided to remain indoors while enjoying my own Spiritual time, reading the book, Jeremiah 27 & 28, and pondering on the result.  I also tuned in to our clever curate who broadcasts his sermon on his page.  Therefore I got that and was able to criticise in a holy manner while chomping on home made soup.  He also cannot disagree with me.
So often we read of people claiming they have had a 'spiritual' experience.  It turns out they have been out in the country, by the seaside or just away from the built up area for a while.  Good for them I say.  This however is not 'spiritual' but it is refreshing, recreating if you like as it changes our thinking by allowing us to wander amongst green places, or by a sea view hopefully not crowded with sunseekers.  I longed for such times when in London and still today look forward to Spring so we can get out and about.  This does not equal spirituality however that only comes from meeting 'spirit' either good or bad!  I was seeking to meet the good.

The problem with seeking the good is that it reveals how bad I am!  Therefore it can be a tough, rather than a pleasant time.  The good Lord has standards and each time I investigate his book these tend to appear.  This changes my behaviour, sort off and improves my life, but it is difficult.  Maybe I ought to join one of these modern liberal churches where they use a 'loose-leafed' bible removing pages they do not like or are making life hard.  The type that talk about 'Love' but ignore 'holiness.'  Easier on the life but such an approach does not bring you closer to Jesus.

Now, I'm Not One to Complain, but...

But, really, has this all got out of hand?
The TV and radio, the press in general, are spending an enormous amount of time of the Chinese Flu coverage.  They took a break for a while while the Caroline Flack death intruded, spent a day or so at the many flooded areas, which appear forgotten now, and are back with the Flu. 
Could it be there is no news available?  Could it be the English xenophobic way?  After all those trapped rather stupidly in Yokohama harbour have spent two weeks in a boring bedroom, now they are being airlifted back to similar accommodation 'somewhere in England.'  Is this story really so important?
I am impressed with the 'Daily Mail' coverage of Meghan and Harry.  Not at any time in the many column inches offered on the 'Mail Online' do they mention that Meghan is suing the paper because of its coverage of her!  Amazing that the paper does not appear to know this.  
However several times today she is seen as sour, vindictive and downright awful.  Harry is sulky, dim and just doing what she says.  While much of this may be a correct interpretation it would be nice if the 'Mail' admitted they are scared  she might win millions.
Oh and i looked at the 'Scottish Sun' again today.  
Don't!  It's just rubbish.
Of course one question not being asked by these papers is what happened to that Russian report that reveals how much Russian money and internet influence aided Boris.  Maybe that being released would be a good idea.

The good news is I, eventually, managed to get the phone working, made a call and then worked out the text setting and had received and sent texts. I expect now my women will be constantly nagging me through this!  I am in two minds whether to share the number.
More good news!
GiffGaff, who I joined on 'Pay as you go' have announced call prices increase from 15 to 25 pence and texting etc is also more or less doubling!  Rejoice, rejoice!!!
As O2 is the basis for all these companies, well many off them, it implies more prices will be going up elsewhere.  I blame Brexit!

No Time Today....

 

In between trying to get this phone to work, I did by 3:30, and doing the ironing, where are those servants?  I had no time to consider drivel to blog. 

 It's a hard life....

Wednesday Witter

The council planted Daffodils did their best to imitate Spring but all around dreichness remained. I was venturing out for the second time.  The supermarket had been blessed by my presence, not that Mr Sainsbury would be enriched by that over much today, and once I had returned home I cogitated  on spending money. 
My sister is in hospital, she felt rough, went to excellent doctor, who dumped her in an ambulance to hospital. A type of heart attack was upon her and now she lies complaining, unlike me, while being tested and manipulated by nurses. I suspect she will be home soon with a box of aspirin and a handful of coloured tablets to take.  I hope so, travelling up for a funeral is expensive!
However knowledge of what is happening there is limited.  I canny phone her man as he is too deaf to hear me, so I relay on daughter, who is not as efficient in informing me as she ought.  I therefore spoke, via facebook, to her daughter for facts.
During this I was called a 'technophobe' for not having a mobile phone and being unable to text. Although I indicated I have no friends and do not need one I was left feeling guilty about this so off I trooped to Argos, the shop not the ancient city, and spent money on a fancy phone.
Starting it up was complicated and eventually we are set. 
Now however I have switched it on and it wants the Pin number for the 'fingerprint' to let me in.
A dozen times I have put in four numbers, all wrong!!!
So now I have a phone I canny use!
I hate my life! 

Much later, after a lot of strange words, some online help, a video or two, and tea I managed to reset things and get the phone going.  Having never used a fancy phone, I struggled with that one that had a dial, and reading instructions that take it for granted you are 13 I worked my way through the encircling mists and succeeded to obtain a working mobile.  
Of course it would not make phone calls.
It took me a moment to realise I had to verify the Simm, so that can be done tomorrow.  My 'technophobe' hat is very much on and my head is spinning with jargon I do not comprehend.  That said I think it will be working by tomorrow, maybe.

Much of tonight was therefore spent glaring at the phone I hoped to use to contact my sister's phone why she lay in hospital.  My normal phone could not contact her either as her phone was switched off.  The reason, she was back home!
At the moment I gave up she called me.
That saved me a fortune, not that I mentioned it.
She has been coming home on the bus, found herself shaking, feeling a bit tight, and as the bus stopped at the surgery she went in.
The nurse practitioner, like all staff there, understood quickly, the doctor also and soon she was in an ambulance waiting at the hospital.  An accident got in before her but after tests, more tests and more proddings the doctor decided she had a small 'blip' interfering with the heart.  It had passed, she could go and take lots of tablets with her.
She was quite happy with the well cared for experience, her grandchildren, all adults (they say) were a wee bit shaken however.  So was I for a minute.  The cost of travelling up there for a funeral is enormous!  
That phone might leave me shaking soon also.

Tuesday Twaddle

Priti Patel, the smug self satisfied Home Secretary, has laughed a lot today after ensuring her bill to stop Black people, sorry, poor people, coming into the country has passed in the House.  I wonder if it is possible her parents, and also herself, could be removed and deported for any reason?  I think the Home Office ought to investigate.
Each day passes and more and more Nazi like policies are being worked out.  The many connections to the far right are also making themselves known.  One day a decent paper will take courage and expose the corruption hidden away.  It will not be a paper belonging to Rupert.  
The floods continue to damage the nation, rain continues to fall, heavily in some areas, and Boris continues to hide away with Carrie in the 'Grace & Favour cottage in Kent.  I suppose he needs a break from Dominic's instructions.  He now gets to listen to Carrie's, well until he dumps her.

A little excitement added to the day recently.  Someone parked a police car on the pavement outside, tsk!  That sort of thing gives the house a bad name.  They however crossed into the park and then suddenly moved swiftly to intercept two other constables doing similar.  They ran over to the far side, discussed the day with an individual or two, one who took off and the other who fought back.  One then volunteered to aid the constabulary.
The other day an item on the news indicated some peoples brains were smaller, these tended to be people who were 'hooligans when adolescents and criminals when older.  This chap appeared to fit that bill.  Indeed many on the Police Twitter feed do at first sight.  It is however a short step from there to eugenics! 
Small time criminals, making their way through life the hard way.  Many would be better off if they actually worked.  I suggest however most would be unable to discipline themselves sufficiently.  It is all rather sad in a way.

One of my talented nieces works occasionally on cruise ships for a week or two.  She has just left one ship where she had spent 13 days trapped aboard as no-one was allowed off at any time.  The ship did not put in at any port bar one, and that for supplies, no-one was allowed off.  However they could wander about and were never confined to cabin.  She saw a lot off the sea before landing in Australia and coming home.  I told her to sneeze on board for a giggle but she decided not to...

Nicola Floods

i

Nicola has shuffled her cabinet once again.  The unfortunate minister forced to leave for grooming a young bot chiefly responsible for this.   Once again we see Nicola standing outside the world's centre posing with her cabinet, or at least some of the female members thereof.  Now she has a cabinet dominated by women, she must be happy.  Interesting that while men are involved nine are in the picture.  Once again we see the big failing in Nicola, her  inability to cope with being female.  

Most photos of her feature women, rarely she is seen with males.  Her cabinet is now dominated by women but will it work?  There is no doubt that many of the males involved do not set the heather on fire, possibly they are limited by the chain of the leader?  

Margaret Thatcher was unwilling to have inept women around, how many were members of her cabinet?  Theresa had them in hers but probably ignored much of what they said, she did have trouble listening.  However Nicola has a real problem with men.  She chooses people by their sex not their ability who knows what this will lead to.

She ought never to have read that copy of 'Spare Rib' in the library in Irvine that time.  It has left a mark.

BBC

Floods in Wales, floods in Scotland, floods all over the north of England, people are now asking "Where is Boris?"  A minister responsible for such things, whoever he was, appeared on TV this morning claiming Boris had asked him to 'represent' Boris while touring the floods.  This is acceptable up to a point, however Boris, or at the very least Michael Gove ought to show face here.

Of course they will avoid this, not only is it not in Surrey or Oxfordshire it is also an opportunity to 'Meet the people' and Boris knows what happens when he meets the people!  So no visit will be planned.

David Cameron did visit his constituency in Oxfordshire when floods rushed along the expensive houses there.  He claimed we ought to be able to do something about floods as "We are a rich country."  He did not visit the Somerset Levels which also flooded to a greater extent as far as I can see.  I am not sure if anything has been done there.

People flooded out, nothing to do with government mate, anyway Dominic says "Don't go."

Broken People

Digital Spy

The 'British' intellect is a simple one.  The press understand this and follow, or is it lead, that intellect to a degree of profit for themselves.  For days we have been offered sensational warnings regarding 'Storm Dennis' which was about to blow us away and destroy the nation.  It didn't.  The warnings were in every paper, TV and radio also blasting out threats of suffering in 90 mph winds and heavy rainstorms.  In the end they were not much worse than what we usually receive. 
However as this was vitally important information nothing but the most urgent news could shift it from top spot, especially as it was being used to hide tales regarding our inept Prime Minister and his dog Dominic Cummings.
The heart of the nation is revealed (as the headlines would say) to be centred not on obtaining the 'Russian Report,' not on worrying about the Budget, not on questioning serious dodgy dealings in No 10 but instead on the death of an unknown women at 40 years of age.
Apparently this woman took part in a programme I would have thought unworthy of broadcast, but there you go.  As I did not watch 'Love Island' I cannot comment on the content, well I can as I know just enough to make me switch off, and I can say it is something that the death of such a woman is considered fit to splash over all front pages.  What sort of a society watches 'Love Island?'
There are court cases involved which concerned this woman, there was pressure from the media, there was her unstable mind, all these things contribute to her death.
The court case I did not concern myself with, apparently she bashed a boyfriend and the media lived on this for a while.  The media make use of her story and she and others complain she was used.  Hmmm.  These people seek attention and when it comes they cannot cope with it.  Those who participate in such programmes will be hassled without mercy by the tabloids who are clearly out of control.  
Nothing will be done.
Much may be made of her unstable mental condition, however I suggest anyone who wishes to be famous' in such a way, or indeed by being a 'Pop or Film Star' is clearly unstable.  The world is filled with broken people seeking attention.  Possibly  they just require proper 'Love' and 'Care.'  
It is very sad that a pretty woman should be killing herself at 40, or indeed at any time.  It is disgraceful that the media will live on this for days.  It is inevitable that the pother broken people out there will 'read all about it' and see no wrong in their desire to peer into another's broke life. 
The storm appears to have abated, many flooded in the usual places, less articles about them now.  I wonder what the media will distract our attention with next week in between using another young broken woman, and hopefully they say, breaking others for a story?

I was very impressed this morning as I walked to church.  Just before 8 am the rain came down in torrents, it was like looking at a gray mist. I began to plan remaining indoors.  However I was doing the reading this morning, Genesis Chapter 1 and a bit of 2.  This is quite long and the Rev thought it funny!  So I had to be there for that at least.  No offers of transport arrived, I waited for one of my women to offer, none did.  All those Valentine's cards wasted again.  However by the time I left it was dry.  I almost got to the door before any rain developed though I had the pleasure of walking home in heavy rain later.  My big jacket is still wet.  

On the corner near the church was an enormous puddle reaching out into the road, blocked drains must be doing this everywhere.  A BMW rounding the corner almost drove into it until he saw me walking by and moved out to avoid drowning me, thank you sir, but he almost hit a small car coming the other way.  I wonder how many people would have driven through the puddle?  I wonder how many accidents we do not hear about are caused by such? 
I look forward to the end of the great storm, or at least the great headlines regarding the storm.  Daily winter weather is upon us.

Shuffle!

Now Sajid Javid was not one of my favourite politicians.  He gave the impression there was little he would not do to reach the top, compromise was OK with him.  Today we see another brighter side to the man.  Instead of replacing all his top Treasury advisers on the orders of Dominic Cummings, our real Prime minister, he has resigned and refused such orders.  
Good man!  
However his replacement, Rishi Sunak, a man with no idea what life is like for 'the man in the street,' has taken his place.  Sunak has only been an MP for 5 years, has little experience of fighting behind the scenes, although he was 'Secretary to the Treasury' and has an economics degree, but is now under orders to change everything to suit Dominic.  If he allows this he may last a while but we know who is pulling the purse strings at the Treasury.
I wonder if Boris knows...?

The removal of some is neither a surprise or a loss to the nation.  The loathsome Leadsom has been dumped and I suspect will not be missed.  On the back benches she might be found sitting beside Theresa May, I doubt they will discuss children however.  
Quite a list head for the door, Dominic has clearly been busy.  Esther McVey, Theresa Villiers,  Northern Ireland Secretary Julian Smith, who I think also talked back, Attorney General Geoffrey Cox, he who 'forgot to mention £400,000  and ran an illegal fox hunt on his land wishes MPs to question Judges before appointment, and Culture Secretary Nicky Morgan along with Transport ministers George Freeman and Nusrat Ghani who you had never heard off but possibly disagreed with HS2 so get dumped, all these go.
New names of the unknown take their place.  More nobody's you have never heard off, more mistakes, buffoonery and false promises to come.  The future is looking good innit?  Another election within a year I say?

 

Now I'm Not One to Complain, but...

Have you noticed how radio programmes have 'dumbed down?'  I mean on Radio 4 and 4 Extra.  Here we see the imposition of 'Bread and Circus's' clearly.
Once there were many good programmes covering a wide range of issues, often well researched, constructively presented and well worth a listen.  Today there has been a marked increase in drama, Political Correctness (almost every programme has to have a woman knowledgeable or not, and a lessening of factual, Historical or religious programmes.  It appears taking your mind of reality is now the main driving force in radio.
There has on Radio 4 always been far too much 'drama,' Books' and 'stories,' almost all aimed at women, but there is a great increase today.  This appears in my mind as part of the slow erosion of the thinking mind and the replacement with programmes that do not challenge and encourage a slow seeping of the questioning mind.  You do not get that from 'Book at Bedtime.'
This is a deliberate policy.
The new 'BBC Sounds' which replaced the 'iplayer' has also encouraged this by lessening the number of aged programmes than can be obtained.  Those that are available will be the ones chosen for us by our superiors, and we can trust them can we not?
We have a 'dumbed down' media, the press, TV and radio offer nothing to inspire, educate and open the mind.  Far too much follows the rule of the powers that be.  Any who oppose and disagree may well soon see their books burnt.  Just saying...

Now you mention it, why are there so many women chatting on Radio 3 these days?  There was a time the presenter presented the music and the music played.  Now it appears either  a woman presents, which means talks needlessly about, the music and some of it plays.  Now there has been women presenting on Radio 3 for some time, very good ones at that, but there is a new generation introduced by Political Correctness to fill the air with sound, the sound of their voice, not music. 
Yesterday the 'Early music Show was more talk than music, late the other night, just after midnight, a trio of women came on to discuss women composers, usually by giggling rather than talking and avoiding playing much music by female composers while they giggled like teenagers. 
Today, Donald MacLeod has a women to discuss Beethoven during 'Composer of the Week.'  Why?  He has never required assistance before!  While the Beeb is cutting back by removing 450 'journalists (no managers appear to be leaving) it is adding needless females to all parts of the BBC for PC reasons, thus increasing costs and wasting cash!  The money saved on journalists, mostly those who opposed Brexit I suspect, will be spent on the women infesting Radio 3 with their talk.  Talk?  Ten words when one would do thus offering less time for music which is what the station is for!
If I go on like this I may have to apply for a job at the 'Daily Mail!'

Sunday Moon

Another of what the media calls 'supermoon' hung over us last night.  The blether about large size and various shades of colour but it just looked the same as normal to me.  Some call this a 'snow moon' as it usually snows when it appears, possibly because this happens in winter and often it snows at that time.  Maybe the media 'workies' do not realise this?  As it happens we cannot see the moon tonight as rain clouds hide it and way up north those cold clouds will in fact be dropping snow over Scotland.  Flooding there today, snow tomorrow and I am glad I am not out there in it.  Still it will be gone in 48 hours and during that time the media will fill space with grumbles about hindered railways and airports and poor struggling commuters.  Including themselves I suspect though much of what appears in print can be offered from home these days.

Maybe it's because it's the weekend or maybe the storm is keeping him in but it appears to me that Boris is being very quiet.  Having been shouted at by Trump and told to remember who is boss he may be sulking.  It may be he and Dominic his other boss are working on a dastardly plan to change the world and not letting anyone know about it.  
Boris is not a worker, he likes others to do his thinking so Dominic can get away with much.  However he may be pushing it too much at the moment.  Banning journalists from the lobby briefing, let alone moving it to No 10 was not a bright idea.  While editors will still support him resentment will arise and words will begin to appear.  
I wonder how long it will take for something to emerge that brings them down...?

Thursday Twittering

Freezing February and I am almost feeling normal at last.  No need at the moment to spend vast amounts of expensive Honey (sure to cure), nor is there another Brandy bottle sitting calling on me (the Viking single malt will do), nor indeed am I going through paracetamol like chocolate.  The toilet rolls have gone down a bit mind, no 'Man Size' tissues here.  All a con and only women use them.  So I await the arrival of a new virus, probably from China, and look to the future...

However the idea of going outside into the bright sunshine and freezing to death does not entice me.  Wandering round the corner to Tesco I note several men wearing little, the sun shining fools them into thinking it is warm, and I await the sight of them next week, if they are allowed out!  
The media is making a big thing of the next storm to arrive, these days they all have a name don't they, the idea that it will bring 80 mph winds, snow and bad weather is something of a surprise to the media.  I suppose few of the unpaid trainees writing this guff have noticed we suffer this way most December, January and February's, it used to be called 'Winter.'  I myself enjoy the sun rising earlier each morning, shining brightly in the back window, even if still somewhat low in the sky, and notice the Blue Tits in the trees opposite and the Daffodils about to bud in the area beneath.

  
Yesterday, having trudged down to the Post Office to post a packet, I  came home via Park that once was given to the town for sporting activities.  The large dressing rooms have been recently demolished, no-one could be found willing to pay a million to renovate them, and the tennis courts were dead and gone long before I graced the ground.  Football is still played, mostly young kids in organised games these days, few kick a ball around like we used to, and there is a feeling that more could be done if someone clever enough could work out what to do with the land.  
These Crows were happily wheeling around.  I wondered at first if they were a couple fighting of a stranger but I think they are just 'friends' bothering one another.  The third hung back letting them get on with it until they settled in the trees, always 'Cawing' as loud as they could.
I am told that Rooks and Jackdaws often share a roost together, Crows prefer to be at a distance from others.   A 'Rookery' in the Netherlands was seen to hold 40,000 birds at one time!  Imagine the noise!  Also some of these nesting spots have been used for generations.  One at least in England is mentioned in the 'Domesday Book' and is still in use.  I cannot remember which one.  These birds like to return to their 'home' and will continue to remain in one place until some joker cuts the trees down.  

Boris said...  No, let's not spoil the evening...

Lords!

Waterstones

There is a great joy in finishing a book, especially a book which has been enjoyable, educational or entertaining.  This book was certainly educational if not entertaining.
Already in control of much of the middle east desperate to control the Suez Canal and once the Royal Navy began to use oil to fuel its many ships the desert lands had become an important part of British planning.  From before the Great War and up to 1945 the British were everywhere and everywhere they were found they were in control.  In just over 20 years they had only Oman! Arab nationalism, Israel and more importantly as this book reveals the United States came to realise oil was important and they wanted it all.
The book takes us through the allies working together while trying to usurp the other.  We travel through the loss of Egypt, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and the last port, Aden.  The internal politics were used for and against Britain, Prime Ministers leant on the USA while desperate to borrow money, gave the cash to Arabs who would aid British interests and borrowed more!  Various US presidents supported the UK while also sending operators to work for the best interest of the USA alone.  
Nothing changes!
Governments were created, removed, supported and opposed at will, sometimes by both the US and UK and at other times in opposition to one another.  Murder of leaders was often contemplated, lies abounded and 'Nation shall speak peace unto one another' was not found anywhere.
The book gives a detailed insight into the political fighting that occurred over many years.  By 1967, when the book ends, Britain was out from everywhere, the financial losses, economic failure and the end of Empire left Britain with only Oman as a friend in the middle east.  Recently the Sultan died, we have yet to find out what will happen there now.

Disunited Monday

 

I am not sure if anyone has noticed but the Disunited Kingdom has left the EU.  So far there appears to be little difference, though businesses trying to transport goods may have evidence of the change, but if we look at the statements the Conservative Press is handing out we see obvious action.

Everywhere it is the EU to blame!

The have cheated, they have moved goalposts, they are not doing what we want, etc.  Boris panders to his groupies while the EU stand back and laugh at him.  The sheep will cheep him on but the fact is he will not get anywhere by bumbling boasts with the EU.

Meanwhile, Donald, fighting to keep the money he gets from being President attempts to keep the president job to serve his nation.  The opposition, two old men and one useless woman, struggle to mount a proper challenge.  The future both here and there is not bright.  

In truth I have not really noticed, I am sick of the lot of them.

 Guardian

I like the aftermath of these terrorist attacks.  I do not mean the suffering or the pain many endure I refer to the sudden appearance of people who "Something should be done," or "I see where the fault lies."  Often ex-police or surveillance people, sometimes politicians often just ''experts,' who had nothing to do with it.  

They have been out in force.  The man ought never to have been released, though the Law said he had to be, the surveillance was 'not good enough,' though police have suffered cuts, and so on and on.  TV and Radio along with the loudmouths in the media, yes Piers Morgan I mean you, spouting about what ought to have happened long after it has happened.

I wonder how many would have confronted the machete waving terrorist if they had confronted him?  I would have run!  Well, walked slowly...

'Experts,' the media is full of them.

Friends and Shopping

I was being interrupted by one of my women this morning via facebook informing me of her 'Bestie' girl friend being with her.  The 'Bestie' I thought i very much a female thing.  They have known one another since school, at her wedding her 'Bestie' was the bridesmaid, now 34 years later they still get together.  Today they were going shopping, something women were made for, and tomorrow they are being dined by another aged friend to celebrate their 60th birthdays, well one is 60 the other may be older.
This is a female thing the 'Bestie.'  Men make friends but do they keep a 'Bestie?'    
One of these not so young women thought that her husband made friends depending on his work hobby, church, association, and kept them as mates while they worked together.  They did not keep much in touch after they moved on.  I think there is something in this.
I had many friends when following the football, maybe 'friends' is too strong a word, and made several friends in various jobs (that's job as opposed to career which everyone has today.)  None kept in touch although occasionally we meet and chat, their families, work or life as it is moves us apart though we remain acceptable to one another when we do meet.  No Christmas cards, no phone calls, little contact otherwise appears to be the norm.  Having said that I am in touch with two or three who have been friends for around 40 years or more, but it is not quite the same.  Our close friends rarely number more than two or three while we have between a dozen or twenty friends we may be happy to meet, the rest are acquaintances.
Friends are useful, there is the 'Prisoners,' or 'Soldiers Friend,' on hand to aid sailors in court or soldiers attempting to get at their pensions, a Friend at the Court, at least in England (but at what cost?) and we always remember the proverb 'A Friend in need is a pest.'  

Friends can be useful as I say, 
Proverbs 27:6 'Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.'
I have 'benefited' from many of such wounds.
"A friend may well be reckoned the masterpiece of nature."  So claimed Ralph Waldo Emerson though he did not explain what problem the friend had saved him from.
And my favourite and most appropriate quote. 
Proverbs 17:17. "A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity." 

That sums up friendship but it is interesting how make and female react to it in differing ways.

  
After another week of suffering, I caught a cold on top of my ending cold and have not been out until today.  This morning I considered things were getting better and made a scurry up the road to fill the fridge.  Excellent I thought and had myself a good healthy lunch with green leaves and tomatoes, cheese and stuff, it all went down well.  
Now my insides hate me and my stomach will not let me eat anything else today.
When will it all end...?

 

Barber!

Clipartstation

Today I had a haircut!

This haircut took THREE QUARTERS OF AN HOUR!!!!!

Yes indeed, almost half my day was spent in a barbers this lunchtime! 

The day started in the normal manner, I went back to bed after breakfast, and went downhill from there.  The idea was to visit the local shop for a haircut.  This proved impossible, not only were they busy but Jim was on all alone and he does not like me.  So I mused on another barbers, there are about 17 male and female hairdressers of various sorts in this small town, and I chose one that had been recommended situated next to Tesco.  This was the type of barber old men go to and I had a view in my mind what he may be like.

I WAS WRONG!

A man was having his hair cut, a man of, er, mature years.

A second was awaiting his turn.

I sat staring out the window at the world passing by.

I sat and waited.

I waited.

I waited.

I waited.

After a considerable time the barber (or was he a hairdresser?) finished fussing rather too attentively to his customer, clearly a regular.

He left.

The second man took his place in the seat (bought second hand from a dentist I wondered?) and the operation began.

I sat staring at the world passing by.

I waited.

I waited.

I waited.

The barber, as he had with the first man, fussed and fretted and talked.  

Man did he talk!!!

I waited.

I waited checking my watch every time the Town Hall clock opposite chimed.

I waited.

I waited and considered having to shave again when I got home.

Eventually my turn came.

The seat awaited me, I struggled to stand having been sitting since dawn and crossed the floor of the once well maintained shop. 
He asked my desire.

I bit my lip and avoided using the word 'quick' and explained why the mop on my head required fixing.

He began chopping, talking, fussing, combing, talking, fussing, cutting, combing, talking, on and on and on....

Eventually he finished. 

The haircut was perfectly acceptable.

He was still talking.

I rose slowly from the seat and walked through a mass of grey hair wondering where it came from.

Replaced my jacket and enquired as to the price.

£11 he charged!  £7 at Chris & Jims.

I noticed he only took £10 from the previous customer.

I said nothing, after ageing greatly of the previous hours I did not care to argue, I just wished to leave and get away from his talking.  I paid and made for the door.  he talked, he spoke, he talked and only another customer, yet another well into his 70's, entered, did I manage to make my escape.

The light had changed considerably since I had got up.  

As I walked into town I was struck by how quiet everything was, something I had not noticed before. Usually buses, cars, passers-by, talking women, music, workers children and other noises were noticeable. Today it all appeared so quiet.

I may go elsewhere next time...

     

Twits

 

I like Twitter.

I realise that like all 'social media' Twitter can be very unsocial, after all there are many wee boys shouting the odds on there, and the 'pub bore' who we all ignore is now at hand in all the more important Tweets that we follow.  That said I find it a decent way to get information on important happenings re football and other matters.  

There are disadvantages however.

One problem is the repeat of news.  An item re Harry & Megan will be broadcast and appear online, this will be re-tweeted by several individuals and also by news outlets.  One story can appear dozens of times in many guises.  This can be wearing, especially when the story is three days old yet media keep plugging it.  

Another problem is when I make a sensible comment, that is all I do, and this is then 'liked' by others.  Why is being 'liked' a problem?  We in itself this is gratifying, the knowledge that I am right once again and many individuals wish to agree with me is in itself satisfying.  The problem arises when a closer look is made of those agreeing with me.   

Any comment laughing at one half of the Old Firm (Rangers & Celtic) will always bring support from those on the other side, the side hurt will always disagree, thinking is never required with these people.  Supporters of non Old Firm sides will often join in supporting my point and indicating their lack of love for the afore said pair.  That is fine in my opinion. 

However on other occasions I make comments and those that support me leave me wondering where I am standing.  On occasions those best regarded as being on the 'Far right' have agreed with me.  Some so far to the right they consider Boris to be a communist!  The 'Far Left' also like to agree on occasion, I am now worried I am now a Jeremy Corbyn fan!  If both types agree with me on any one point I begin to wonder if I was right in the first place.

A look through some of the 'likes' today reveal anti-Islamic English types, youthful males who put up hilarious (in their view) videos, and offer the 'twenty something' type humour that is not funny to anyone over er, 35...  Today I have a Donald Trump supporting, gun running, anti -immigrant Yankie on my side along with a Tory Brexiteer!  On the other hand I have a Guardian reading 'Green' liking me, a Liverpool fan who appears almost normal, various imperialist English demanding Scotland 'shuts up and obeys,' and then there is worse.

Several names have few followers and follow few if any others.  They post nothing it appears, merely adding their 'like' to sites that suit them, several of those have agreed with me.  Worrying innit?

What it reveals is the mixture of beliefs with no basis other than an individuals opinion, based on nothing permanent.  Several are clearly only interested in influencing quietly, others just want everybody to 'obey' all the while talking about 'democracy.'  The 'Likers' come from many nations, often presenting one side of that nations ideals, some appear unhinged indeed, few are willing to listen, a dying art and not one that will be encouraged by the UK political system nor its practitioners today.     

All in all my fan club today leave me wishing for an argument with an Old Firm fan.  Even they appear more sensible than those that have 'liked' me in recent days.  What does it all mean?