New World in the Morning

Yesterday we learnt of Roger Whittaker’s death. His songs were beautiful, gentle, warm… His ‘New world in the morning’ reminded me of five of yesterday’s conversations… Jack’s computer had stopped performing; his health isn’t good; he’s recently fallen; he’s frustrated with his work; one or two people had recently let him down… he was doingContinue reading “New World in the Morning”

A Cacophony of Complaints

People are always complaining. Last night’s news included… …Complaints from train drivers, continuing their long-running dispute over pay and conditions. This industrial action (or inaction) includes two more strikes days and an overtime ban… …Complaints about the proposed 112-mile line of 50 metre pylons, across three counties, carrying offshore wind power from Norwich to TilburyContinue reading “A Cacophony of Complaints”

Unexpected, Unexplained, and Just Plain Bonkers

My mind’s a bit scrambled… It started with a discussion with granddaughter-Hannah. As part of her pre-university work she’s writing book reviews on several children’s books. She explained… she’d chosen ‘The Three Little Wolves and the Big Bad Pig’. That wasn’t what I was expecting… The story’s an inverted version of the traditional ‘Three LittleContinue reading “Unexpected, Unexplained, and Just Plain Bonkers”

All You Need To Know About Money – In Four Songs

I learnt yesterday that PG Tips has spent £50m and two years developing a new blend of tea, in a teabag that infuses in just 60 seconds. PG Tips boss Liam McNamara says: ‘We’re investing a record £50m to keep up with the changing tastes of today’s tea drinkers. Our new blend means consumers canContinue reading “All You Need To Know About Money – In Four Songs”

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

‘The Good, the Bad and the Ugly’ was a 1966 Western starring Clint Eastwood (the Good), Lee Van Cleef (the Bad), and Eli Wallach (the Ugly) … Recently two older gents were engaged in a conversation I’ve heard many times: ‘Young people today… glued to their phones… no respect… in my day… worked hard… entertainedContinue reading “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly”

Consent and my ‘Touch-ometer.

Three weeks ago Luis Rubiales kissed Spanish footballer Jenni Hermoso on the lips after Spain’s World Cup win. Hermoso has filed a legal complaint against Rubiales for sexual assault and coercion. Rubiales has finally resigned but continues to insist that the kiss was consensual… Consent requires a sensitive ‘touch-ometer’ I was brought up in aContinue reading “Consent and my ‘Touch-ometer.”