Literature
An Old Man’s Musings Part Two
I do not look back in anger. Rather I look at what I have (and have not) accomplished. I have four children; the eldest is a successful software engineer though I have not seen him [more…]
Blog
Animals
Larry’s Diary, Week Two Hundred and Forty-Nine
Monday Good morning everyone from my first diary of the autumn. Overnight the weather forecast seems to have changed. Yesterday, this morning was going to be nice and sunny, but I have woken up to [more…]
20th Century
Postcard From Birmingham, Part Four
Earlier this year, as my wife and I passed Birmingham’s Town Hall during our day trip from the North, we hummed Mendelssohn’s Elijah which debuted in the city’s triennial music festival of 1846. At that [more…]
Fiction
Those Who Play With Fire, Chapter Nine
They were both up at 07.00, Sally was in the shower first, Dave made coffee and brought it upstairs, they swapped places in the shower, by the time he was out Sally was dressed and [more…]
20th Century
A History of Pop Music – 1963
Featured song: The Beatles – Please, Please Me This is a series of articles looking at pop music from 1955 when in my opinion proper pop music began up to 1999 when they stopped making [more…]
Culture
Profession? Northerner!
Last time we looked at the early career of Jimmy Tarbuck. We noted his success hinged upon – or was at least boosted by – a cheeky-chappy persona, quick wit, smart suits and a mop-top [more…]
Fiction
Jinnie’s Story, Book Seven – Chapter Twelve
It was when Willie was being handed over to Barnet General’s Paediatric Accident and Emergency Department when Jinnie heard the paramedics say, “suspected appendicitis”, which was what she feared. Willie was taken into a cubicle [more…]
Economics
The work ethic
It was made very clear to me at an early age that work is good and that work is necessary. I never questioned this, rather I was brought up to snub those who were workshy [more…]
20th Century
My Uncle David
My dad was one of eight brothers. The oldest of these, born in 1915, was called David. I can remember him from the 1950s but he was always a bit distant, a bit odd in [more…]