Old Gaffer

Dear all, My grandfather, the Old Gaffer himself, has asked me to inform you that he cannot post anything new at the moment as he is recovering from an eye operation. I’m pleased to say the operation went well, and he will be back as soon as he has fully convalesced.

Pensions In my last offering I referred to how I felt the Government should take over all our pension provisions. I don’t go back on that, but what I do feel is that all, every bit contributed, should be ring fenced for pensions and not, like all the taxes to do with motoring, from purchase… Continue reading 08.01.07, Meandering,Taxes, Watches, The NHS

I find that politicos today have the urge to utter something in order to be seen doing something, it could be bizarre, rather than being logical and careful. They make inaccurate statements which foster proposals of legislation, which in turn have to be rescinded or be modified. Here are examples. Longevity Again For years I… Continue reading 04.01.07, UK Politicos Speak with Forked Tongues

The writing yesterday forced me to examine the the selection process of a Prime Minister; but until the 40s, Royalty were really Sovereigns. We mostly saw them on News Reel footage at the cinema, being very royal and everyone else bowing and scraping, in some part of the Empire. We were proud to be British,… Continue reading 02.01.08, The Job Description of a PM.

I question everything, even myself, and there are few in authority I would trust any more, there have been such vast changes in probity and mores. This is my interpretation of statements, actions and their ultimate effect. QA 1, A statement by Prof. Iain Stewart on ‘Earth’. Those who followed the series of TV programmes… Continue reading 01.01.08, Questionable Actions

Proceeding from 29,12.07, I have a theory that more than basic intelligence is imparted in the genes, it includes advancement for us to have arrived technically where we are to day. My great grandchildren handling construction toys, telephones and other modern gadgets, with a rate of assimilation so great, I cannot but believe is to… Continue reading 30,12.07, Beauty, Originality and Aesthetics.

A caveat – what I write is from my own experience, reading and hearsay, not research. It all started through the paucity of good, amusing films, and the repetitious new versions of the old staples, like Kidnapped. Some have filled the gap, like Notting Hill and Love Actually, but I was brought up short when… Continue reading 29.12.07, The F word and Romance

I might lose another friend by talking about her cooking, but she can’t use a computer and her husband is too highbrow to read my blog, I’m probably safe. Have you ever bought defoliating choc-ices on a stick? Soph buys them because, after a gargantuan repast, they are all I can face for a sweet.… Continue reading 28.12.07, A Rant About Food