Arts
Long memories at Clashanimud
We are often now asked to believe that European countries have no culture, or even any connection to their own pasts – that they are all lands of immigrants, blank sheets on which anything can [more…]
Culture
Arts
A View From The Greenhouse; An Veritable Wall Of Stone, Innit?
I’ve been enduring enforced “bachelorhood” this week, as Mrs. C, unwisely a it turns out, has accompanied daughter number two on short visit to Canada, where she’s a bridesmaid for a friend she met whilst [more…]
19th Century
Review: 120 Days of Sodom by The Marquis De Sade
Just as an 18th century Président may stalk provincial France looking for innocents to corrupt, so bots chew their way through blogs looking for relevant wares to advertise. We must proceed with caution. On these [more…]
20th Century
Celebrating The World’s Longest Serving Monarch
The recent Jubilee bank holiday weekend provided an opportunity to pause for thought and consider the service rendered by the world’s oldest and longest-serving monarch and head of state. No, not her. She gets enough [more…]
Arts
A View From The Greenhouse, A “Mini” Postcard, The Right To Choose
I never enter the greenhouse these days without at least a sense of trepidation. The worst’s over, that much is clear and those plants which haven’t been totally ruined, even if they aren’t looking as [more…]
Arts
More Artwork 2022, Part One
It’s been several months since my last artwork article and I thought I would respond to SB’s request for more articles by submitting an update on latest purchases etc. Hope you enjoy it. You may [more…]
Arts
The tale of John Barleycorn
Whilst listening to some 70’s era music – the time when music demanded competence – I came across a track by Traffic. I listened and remembered hearing it many years ago and that it was [more…]
Arts
Coffee – Five Manual Brewing Techniques
This article is about different coffee brewing techniques that don’t require plug-in machines. Many people swear by expensive espresso makers, pod machines, or electric percolators, but I prefer the simplicity of manual devices. These are [more…]
20th Century
Film Review: Bridge Over The River Kwai
David Lean’s The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) is not just a great film, it is a nearly perfect one. Even better, it was recognised as such from the start by virtually everyone. [more…]