We are now on the run up to a proposed election so it is essential for us to question every sound-bite delivered on television, and statement quoted in the press We know the manifesto, offered so graciously on the stump, will not be lived up to, the promises, either watered down or ‘adjusted’. There are… Continue reading Random Thoughts 28, Do you feel as frustrated as I do?
Author: jp
The ‘E’ Numbers are too late in being checked.
Sometime ago I wrote a few remarks about ginger biscuits of all things, and showed how if you leave them open to the air, to go soft, re-box them in a tight container, they return to their original crispness – this didn’t happen in the old days. I am allergic to scented soap, the result… Continue reading The ‘E’ Numbers are too late in being checked.
Belfast 1946 to 50 in order, Characters 1
The Little Man in Portnoo, Co Donegal In the hotel in Portnoo, one wet Sunday lunch time, I came across a strange little man. We all met for a pre lunch drink and a chat. In those days Portnoo was not as well known and the people who summered there were generally medical or clerical.… Continue reading Belfast 1946 to 50 in order, Characters 1
Belfast 1946 to ’50 in order, Old Ned.
My in-laws were generous and kind, and any member of their extended family in trouble was welcome. So it was when Ned came to stay, permanently. Ned was both a character and a knowing old devil. In his late eighties when I first met him, tall, stooped, severely rheumatic, lame and rheumy of eye, he… Continue reading Belfast 1946 to ’50 in order, Old Ned.
Belfast 1946 to50 in order, The camera and the Twelth
Insult leading to nearer injury. The most salutary lesson, though, was to come on the ‘Glorious Twelfth’ of July 1949. By this time I had learned that it was referred to as the Glorious Twelfth. An aunt living in Bangor who had borrowed a camera from our next-door neighbour, had unfortunately been rushed to hospital.… Continue reading Belfast 1946 to50 in order, The camera and the Twelth
Belfast 1946 to ’50 in order, Ignorance is not bliss in Belfast.
In spite of having worked in Belfast for fifteen months I was ignorant of this country’s traditions. During the war local differences were dwarfed. Today English School children know ten times more than I did, as I had never seen an Orange Procession until 1946 I looked upon the Orangemen like I did the Scouts… Continue reading Belfast 1946 to ’50 in order, Ignorance is not bliss in Belfast.
Ministers are thoughtlessly tinkering with education
Someone once said, I think it was Christ, ‘Forgive them for they know not what they do.’ I think, ‘haven’t a clue’ is more apt. in this case. According to a News item on TV there is a move afoot to make those children not able to reach a basic level in English and Maths,… Continue reading Ministers are thoughtlessly tinkering with education
Belfast 1946 to 50, College capers
Study And The Benzedrine Pill For years I have known I can’t be taught, I prefer to read books and find out for myself. Whether, as I suspect, the droning of another voice hypnotises me, or whether I just nod off, all I know is I tend to get on better on my own. My… Continue reading Belfast 1946 to 50, College capers
Random Thoughts 27, The Big Rip Off
This isn’t about a rip-off of global proportions, but to old gaffers like me it represents a fair proportion of their pension. I’m talking about Sky Television, the poor quality it offers, and the position it holds in the life of retired people. When I say old gaffer, I mean really old, – like ‘ought… Continue reading Random Thoughts 27, The Big Rip Off
Random Thoughts 26, Waste Disposal
It seems that to save the world we have to be badgered on a daily basis with new government proposals, which will not be implemented for at least four or five years, and which are half baked anyway. They are running them up the mast. to see who salutes them as usual, but this won’t… Continue reading Random Thoughts 26, Waste Disposal