20th Century
Postcard from Berlin
In June 2017 Master Reggie and I decided to go on a ‘lads’ tour of Berlin. Master Reggie had just completed his degree course and Mrs Reggie suggested it was time for some Father and [more…]
Culture
Arts
A paralysis of dignity
[Credit for this piece goes to Mojo, without whose astute observations I would not have been inspired to write these words.] I don’t know about you, but for a number of years now, there has [more…]
Arts
Arts
The Swaling, Part Nine
We are in the front room at 28 Dumfries Street, Kovan. The awful Nicolaas and Dora Clogg have called in response to an “Operation Bonfire” appeal in the Straights Star. Tai Tai and Lotus are [more…]
Arts
Book Review: Agent Running in the Field by John le Carré
A while ago this reviewer attended a lecture. The subject was ten books that had changed the world. Delivered by Melvyn Bragg, author of a work of the same name, having been talked through three [more…]
Arts
The Swaling, Part Eight
Tai Tai was invited into Belinda Wong’s business services premises on the seventh floor of residential block 357, apartment six. It was a standard-issue Housing Development Corporation room but fitted out for business. It was [more…]
19th Century
South Carolina Canal and Railroad Company
It is obvious from many of the articles that appear on this website that history and mechanical things are of interest. So here is one that combines the two, the history of a railroad and [more…]
Arts
19th Century
The Rise and Fall of the British Police
In light of the recent abominable and unprofessional behaviour, during riots and public demonstrations, by members of what used to be a well-respected British police force — together with their now routine displays of a [more…]