20th Century
Education
Economics
The Case Against Fordism
It’s hard to imagine where we would be today in terms of economic progress, industrial production capacity and labour dynamics if Henry Ford never existed. The revolutionary system he pioneered in the early 20th century, [more…]
Authoritarianism
Harambee! Harambee Tena!
The first ever fundraiser in Kenya took place in December 1928. It has been 96 years but we still say, Harambee!!! October 1, 2024 The year is 1926. Kenya is under colonial rule. Natives in [more…]
19th Century
Postcard from Birmingham, Part Six
In recent weeks we have allowed ourselves to be distracted by summer riots, 1980s football matches and pop concerts, the Falkland Islands and even the delivery of mail to the South Pole at Christmas. Puffins [more…]
Arts
The Origins of Terms and Phrases
There are terms and phrases which remain in use today, despite the fact they were coined many years or many centuries ago. In some cases it is quite remarkable that they have survived and stand [more…]
Democracy
OTF: Working Towards a Stable Society
Introduction One thing no other politician seems to be doing is looking at the whole as to what is required for a stable society. Having done so, it is then possible to work backwards and [more…]
Arts
A Taster Lesson in Italian
I am trying to learn Italian. Mia Nonna was Italian from Florence and I am going to the Italian Riviera for my main holiday this June. I can make a reasonable fist of reading simple [more…]
Arts
P’tang yang Kipperbang
This was one of the earliest films shown on Channel 4. It was broadcast on the channel’s 2nd evening on 3rd November 1982 as part of the “First Love” series – please bear with me! [more…]
Arts
The Cnuteneering Home For Wayward Lathes and Milling Machines Part 2^w 3.
Welcome back once more to the Cnuteneering Home For Wayward Lathes and Milling Machines (CHFWLMM Charitable Foundation, listed in Bermuda alongside Tony Blairs Foundation shell companies). We left the last installment with the establishment of [more…]