20th Century
The Desert War – September 1942
A funny old month September 1942 in the desert. A few attempts to break through on the sand but only half hearted. The navy was still in the thick of it and the air war [more…]
Blog
Computing
The Pocket Calculator
Introduction Some of you may know that the Doc has been ill after falling off of a ladder. A very bad accident and I was lucky not to break anything (other than my confidence at [more…]
Economics
The many perils of “Stockholm syndrome” politics
It’s been a tumultuous couple of months in UK politics. After a troubled time in office, plagued by scandal, internal party frictions and much public embarrassment, Boris Johnson exited the stage leaving behind a big [more…]
15th Century
The Amazing Life (And Death) of Xpoual (Es-po-al) De Colon
There is no definitive date for the birth of Xpoual de Colon. It is believed he was born between August 26th and October 31st in 1451 in Genoa, although there are also claims that he [more…]
Literature
Postcard from Cork
Warning: do not expect to find anything in this postcard about Irish craic, trad’ music, green pastures, comely colleens, or comparisons between Murphy, Beamish and Guinness stouts. There won’t be much either about “the 850 [more…]
Fiction
Samyaza Chapter 24, Home and a Difficult Decision
Afarin opened her eyes. There was a bright light behind the curtains, and she could hear Jean-Claude in the kitchen. This is my house. There are many like it up here on the hill, but [more…]
Animals
Larry’s Diary, Week One Hundred and Sixty
Monday Good morning folks another week dawns and I am getting used to being left alone in the flat much of the time. At least I can pop down to the office if I get [more…]
20th Century
Nostalgia Album, Orléans
In the old photo above we observe Orléans cathedral at the end of a wide cobbled street with a row of cars parked on the right hand side. Not its real name (Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Croix [more…]
Hobbies
Crossword No. 236
First correct entry out of ‘the hat’ wins a book of your choice (subject to T&Cs) & a mug! Email entries to me by 6.00 pm Friday, subject ‘Crossword’. Contact here on email Winner of [more…]