Blog Posts

Thoughts

5/11/2015

With all the scaremongering from elements who support those who were beaten in the last UK general election, I can't help noticing how much pandering to the PC Brigade contributes towards the fundamental problem which faces the NHS; that is to say, failing to balance the books. And my own experiences reveal examples of lamentable waste of money; and in paticular, sending completely (IMHO) unnecessary letters.

For example, when it was discovered that I have a broken toe, my GP told me that he would arrange for me to see a foot specialist. Why it was necessary, therefore, for the hospital to send me a letter to confirm what my GP had already said; i.e. they are going to arrange for me to see a specialist, but not actually offering an appointment, is completely beyond my understanding. In due course, no doubt, I will receive another letter with the aforementioned appointment.

Another instance of an unnecessary letter is the practice of sending the patient a copy of the letter a specialist sends to the GP after a consultation. I'm sure the PC Brigade will point to something called The Freedom of Information Act; however, why send the letters to patients who don't want them? The minority who might want the informantion could make an appointment to see the GP. Simple!

Sport:

17/10/2015

I suspect (and hope) the fact that the Rugby Union World Cup is being shown on terrestrial TV will help to illustrate to the general public the fundamental differences between rugby and Association Football; and, in particular, how many of those who play soccer are downright cheats compared with their RU counterparts.

Elaboation isn't necessary; however, it's a matter of absolute fact that simulation and disrespecting the officials is endemic in the, so-called, "beautiful game" but almost unheard of where the oval ball is concerned. It has often been supposed that the enormous amount of money involved in The English Premier League, for example, is a factor; however, it has recently occured to me that there might be another, less obvious - and, perhaps, contentious - reason for the differences; and that is education (or the lack of it).

Let me explain.

It's no secret that the elaborate scouting system employed by EPL clubs often results in young boys, barely into their teens, being spotted and inducted into acadamies and, as a consequence, their conventional education is basic - at best. By comparison, however, many Rugby Union players went to private schools; so, on the one hand, they are much better educated and, on the other hand, have been taught to respect authority. How many times, for example, can cocky Premier League players be seen directing quite obviously obscene language towards officials; whereas huge front-row forwards address the referee as "Sir".

End of Story.

Miscelleaneous

12/9/2015

Having lived in comparatively remote locations for many years, the fact that the pavement outside the front of Minterne is little more than four or five feet away has provided us with a new experience because passers-by can quite easily see inside our parlour. Equally interesting is the fact that the rear of the bungalow is surrounded by a variety of different properties (many of which are higher than us); thus providing others with an oppotunity to see into our back garden.

A few days ago, however, the tables were turned because we become the watchers instead of being watched. This happened in an area to the rear of the local Baptist church which backs onto our garden where we had often heard children (probably from a play-group) enjoying themselves; but we had never actually seen them because of the hight of the fencing.

On this occasion, however, we were able to catch sight of what was going on because a bouncy-castle had been erected.........

Thoughts

14/8/2015

I could have imagined a time when, had I been interested in politics, I might have been tempted to support The Labour Party. After all, the basic principles of socialism which comrade Marx laid down are quite admirable. However, as I have often thought to myself over the years, the fundamental problem with socialism is socialists; and the reason for this is that the moment they gain power or authority, they suddenly become capitalists; and in so doing, abandon their working-class principles - and, more importantly - their working-class supporters.

As a consequence, speaking for myself, it is easy to hold them in contempt.

The Islington brigade, for example, conned the party membeship into believing they would honour their election pledges; only to let them down again and again. Is it any wonder, therefore, that the grass-root members of The Labour Party hope that, in Mr. Corbyn, they have found a knight in shining armour who will not betray their socialist principles (nothwithstanding the fact that it makes them virtually un-electable).

Thoughts.

30/6/2015

I'm not one who tends to get involved in issues which might be considered 'political'. However, this somewhat tongue-in-cheek suggestion on Facebook (above) reminded me that I've actually been giving a good deal of thought to the middle-east situation, recently: and I have come to the conclusion that the so-called civilised world have been sitting on their hands for far too long.

Was nothing learned from the rise of the Nazis in the thirties?

The parallels are there to be seen and the scale of ISIS's mindless babarism seems to be becoming more audacious as each day passes. However, conventional air-stirkes don't seem to be having any meaningful effect and land-forces would be equally ineffective.

So, what are the alternatives?

Some have suggested nuclear weapons. However, such an option wouldn't be suitable for the region; although - and, make no mistake about this - if ISIS could lay their hands on them, they wouldn't hesitate to use them. So, for what it's worth, I would like to throw something into the melting-pot. Why not fight fire with fire and look into the possibility of carefully-controlled strikes using chemical weapons againt known ISIS strongholds?

Thoughts

27/6/2015

I've always appreciated the healing effects of heat; and, as someone who has suffered from a lifetime of fairly constant - mainly low-level - pain, probably the best part of my day is when I plunge my hands into a wash-basin full of hot water and the aches and pains disappear for a few seconds of blessed relief; at absolutely no cost to myself (or the NHS).

Are there any others willing to share their own experiences of quiet contentment?

Trixie

16/6/2015

Following on from the earlier blog which mentioned the fact that Trixie has been replaced by a younger and more slender model, I can disclose that in order to continue with a tradition of giving an appropriate name to some of my vehicles (the name Trixie was chosen because she's a tricycle), I have christened my new trike Newt. Crossword enthusiasts may undestand why (see below).

Trixie

8/6/2015

It's hard to believe that it's over four years since I bought Trixie and, although I didn't get to use her very much last year after she leaned against me rather heavily; causing me to hobble about for several months with a fractured ankle, I've enjoyed her company enormously.

The fact remained, however - and although I tried to ignore it, those close to me were noticing it - I was starting to struggle on occasions to cope with her weight; and in particular, when we were stationary. So, I made some enquiries and discovered that a lighter version on the trike concept had been introduced since I met Trixie; and, to cut a long story short, I've traded her in for a newer, lighter, model. (photos can be enlaged by 'clicking' on them).............

Basically, the new trike (above - centre) has dispensed with the side and rear panels which can be seen on Trixie (above - left) and the front has been streamlined, too (above - right). Dispensing with the top-box has also eliminated a tendency to be top-heavy at times and there is still a storage compartment beneath the seat (big enough for my helmet). So, I've decided that a small/medium sized rucksack would be a sensible option for longer journeys.

I was lucky enough to find a used model (only 850 miles on the clock) and it had the advantage of larger windshield than standard which makes longer journeys less of a problem insofar as wind and rain is concerned. The difference in handling and the improved nimbleness is really impessive and I'm hoping to make up for the mileage I lost last year. The reason for wearing my best bib and tucker in the photo was that I attended a small ex-military function, this afternoon.

Thoughts:

11/5/2015

I stumbled across this article in Facebook, today.

It's about a teacher in The USA who (quote) was forced into retirement for showing archival queer-scare movie; and it made me think about how difficult it has been for some (not all) of my generation to come to terms with the way attitudes towards the LGBT community have changed since we were young in the forties and fifties.

Take myself, for example.

As it happens, for a good many years; and for a variety of reasons, I have become good friends with several lesbians and gays and, as a consequence, I understand how warm-hearted, loving, and generous most of them are. However, it hasn't been easy; because - and I realise that some might suggest that this might be a figment of a fertile imagination - but, as was depicted in the video of the aforementioned movie, as a youth and a young man, there were three separate occasions when I felt threatened by the unwelcome attention of men who, in those days, were known as queers.

Now, I know that I'm not alone in having experienced such situations. Two of them occurred whilst I was in the army and, fortunately, fellow squadies would usually alert newcomers to where the danger might lie and the seriousness of the situation was often eased by a sense of togetherness coupled with a sense of humour.

The fact remains, however, that the sensation of fear and revulsion is difficult to erase from the memory; so, I would ask those of a younger generation to try to understand that some of us are not homophobic just for the sake of it; there is often a very good reason. Furthermore, dragging ourselves into the twenty-first century can sometimes be difficult; so, be gentle with us.

Thoughts:

9/5/2015

It happened in 2010; and it's happening again. The unfortunate manner in which some of the poor losers from the left of the political spectrum are venting their spleen on all and sundry as a consequence of the somewhat unexpected victory (and the measure of it) achieved by their Tory adversaries.

Although I'm not really surptised by the depth of their vitriol, what I find rather alarming (and, once again, the same thing happened after the previous general election) is the quite disgraceful language being used against individuals (and, in paticular, David Cameron) for whom the C word (and I don't mean cancer) seems to have become an accepted epithet.

Well, IMHO, it is not acceptable.

Furthermore, I doubt if the law permits such behaviour in a public place. And, in case anyone suggests that it might not be being used in a public place, I would point out that the internet, in general, and social-media, in particular has become very much a public place in recent times.

Perhaps, it's time something was done to deal with the issue.