Lent

There was a man in America who lived to 100. The local radio station sent a young whippersnapper to interview him. He asked for the secret of his longevity. "I never argue," he replied.

"Come on, Grandad, there must me more to it than that, ."

"I guess you're right."

----

So I've given up arguing for Lent. I've already given up booze and cigarettes.

Ashes of London

Everybody learns about the great fire of London at school but this book brings out a lot of detailed information which you may not be aware of.

The political background to the fire is fascinating. In particular, the book references the "Fifth Monarchists". The name comes from the idea that the Babylonian, Persian, Greek and Roman monarchies would be succeeded by the reign of "the great beast" (a term which might apply to numerous other royals in history) and then the fifth monarchy, the kingdom of Jesus. You can see why people living in poverty and dire oppression might find it attractive.

There is also a reference to the significance of 1666 as a number but you will have to read it to find that out.

This is a good read. 

Better end-of-life care

There is a campaign for assisted dying. We need a campaign for better end-of-life care. 

The media and the politicians support assisted dying.

The Marie Curie charity is one campaigning for better end-of-life care. Too many people are suffering avoidable pain and the politicians’ only answer is death. Not for the politicians obviously. Just the hoi polloi.

Jim Ratcliffe

I find it interesting that Jim Ratcliffe paid £0 in personal income tax in the UK in 2025, as he resides in Monaco, a tax haven where no income or property taxes are levied.

By contrast the OBR said that migrants’ per capita contribution to the UK is around £19,500 per year.

So who is colonising whom?

Flash Phantoms

Fresh Words

It is so gratifying to be published by a literary magazine!

Feedback on eBay

Peace with Honour

To offer a peace prize to someone who has invaded your country is strange behaviour by Machado. Would we have done the same for Hitler, I wonder? #machado #venezuela #trump