Author Archives: malcolmsmusingscom

In his autobiography Eric Idle refers to his famous song: ‘Always look on the bright side of life’ has probably been my subconscious motto throughout my life, but I never thought it would be a hit… On January 20, 2009 it officially became the number one most requested song at British funerals, Replacing Frank Sinatra’sContinue reading “The Bright Side of Life”

Yesterday morning I attended our Men’s Shed. From informal beginnings ‘Mensheds Australia’ was formally established in 2002. The notion of older men-in-sheds spread across the world with national associations of men’s sheds in many countries. Here in the UK, by 2023, there were over 900 men’s sheds… In Lowestoft a small group of us, inContinue reading “Lowestoft Men’s Shed”

Yesterday evening I drove through Lowestoft, past a huge building site. It was dark but lights were shining on busy diggers. High-viz jacketed men were shifting rubble, digging foundations. We’re told there will be: ‘a new restaurant catering for 80 people, a civic square, a new cultural and community hub with studio space for creativeContinue reading “Waiting, Wondering, Watching”

I’m reading Eric Idle’s autobiography. He writes about his childhood… church… boarding school… Cambridge University… comedy… writing… acting… Monty Python… Life of Brian… ‘Life of Brian’ is a satirical film about Brian Cohen, who’s born on the same day as, and next door to, Jesus. Brian’s subsequently mistaken for the Messiah… The film caused controversy;Continue reading “Faith, Inspiration and Action”

It’s been a noisy weekend. On Saturday afternoon Son-Pete and I went to Norwich to watch the football. Twenty-six thousand enthusiastic fans expressed their pleasure and displeasure loudly. In the evening, at Daughter-Jo’s fiftieth birthday party, there was music, and laughter. I’m aware of my inappropriate prejudice, but Jo’s friends… middle-aged women… are well-skilled atContinue reading “Good Noise, Bad Noise and Silence”

This old Proclaimers song is always sung with passion and intensity. It’s a song about love and loyalty, about purposeful action and intentional demonstration of that love and loyalty. When I wake up, well I know I’m gonna beI’m gonna be the one who wakes up next to youWhen I go out, well, I knowContinue reading “500 Miles”

Yesterday I watched Pip Hare on TV… On Sunday, 50-year-old sailor Pip will start in the Vendée Globe, a single-handed, non-stop, non-assisted, round-the-world sailing race. Setting off from the west coast of France, she’ll sail roughly 45,000 kilometres around the globe. She’s aiming to become the first woman ever to complete the race twice. HavingContinue reading “Pip Hare”

I read this morning about Jesus the good, shepherd. Caring… On last night’s news the Prince of Wales described the past year as the hardest year of his life. In February we learnt that the King had cancer and would begin treatment; six weeks later it was announced the Princess of Wales was undergoing chemotherapyContinue reading “Caring: William, Justin, Benedict… and Jesus”

On Tuesday Norwich City lost 2-0 to Sheffield Wednesday. Norwich City manager Johannes Hoff Thorup said: ‘I don’t think [there are] many positives in this…We tried to prepare and we didn’t prepare well enough.’ Losing is painful; it requires honesty… Yesterday focused on Donald Trump’s US presidential election victory. It’s easy to win well. KamalaContinue reading “You’re a Loser!”

I’m unsettled… …This morning I’m watching Donald Trump about to be elected President of the United States. Many folks are very happy. Democracy has spoken; America has chosen. Some still have deep reservations about Trump – politically, morally, historically… Where does it leave them? You have the choice: marmalade or marmite on your toast? YouContinue reading “Marmite or Marmalade?”