tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-92145458741101398152024-03-05T12:12:23.678+00:00The Hurley Bird Catches the WormThe Warblings, Witterings and Warm Words of Gareth HurleyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger371125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-89583352752879534852018-09-05T22:58:00.001+01:002018-09-05T22:58:38.659+01:00What the Flippin' Flip?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg210NwLjr6Zrcon0qqTNqeiw-QoSDmYkpD_2_aOIZgbnJCk31kcaHE4sAo-IMA-prz6P37UtM8fAC97RMiAtjZdFQPDVEaW6P_bq_TeXhMwNJQX1Htmp5t1ClVWqFmsqaltg7Vr_sN92M/s1600/IMG_8792.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="750" data-original-width="618" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg210NwLjr6Zrcon0qqTNqeiw-QoSDmYkpD_2_aOIZgbnJCk31kcaHE4sAo-IMA-prz6P37UtM8fAC97RMiAtjZdFQPDVEaW6P_bq_TeXhMwNJQX1Htmp5t1ClVWqFmsqaltg7Vr_sN92M/s320/IMG_8792.JPG" width="263" /></a></div>
Some days you just need to ask, 'what the flipping' flip?'Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-24512444096482989922018-03-08T18:01:00.001+00:002018-03-08T18:02:02.218+00:00International Women’s Day: a Hairy Experience<p>On this day (international Women’s Day), it’s important to remember what makes men and women different. </p><p>Men think the quicker a haircut, the better experience it is. </p><p>Women think the longer a haircut, the better experience it is. </p><p>e.g.: ask both sexes* during a haircut would they like a coffee and the responses will sharply define the sex of the respondents. </p><p>Most women: “oooh, yes please.”</p><p>Most men: (checks time) “no thanks.” (thinks “yuck, hair in me mug? No ta).</p><p>I rest my case. </p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVUy3Eye9HgQXdnrqp0B2zM4xZS1gkkiM0q5Q_XP9hmlQZDGAy_Y8R2tyOwHANUoUd9ewMGEZvBI4lTCJioxyjOF_2H16Mu-GAiA6wu2hppDjb1KMFpZsuXTrhTNfNN-P6yc0VxfSIlCU/" alt="">Above: an early gender-bender gives away his chromosomes by declining a cuppa, despite the hairnet & other ladylike attire. </p><p>*other made-up “genders” aren’t included as they aren’t real. <br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-89898358652103497022017-10-20T10:15:00.001+01:002017-10-20T10:15:41.622+01:00David Starkey on The Reformation: ISIS in action<p>The Oct 2nd edition of the bbc history mag podcast is very interesting. The (atheist) historian David Starkey is interviewed on the Reformation.</p><p>He says its iconoclasm was the Isis of its day and left England a land of ruins - and that it was hugely unpopular in England. It meant art especially was stopped dead for 2-300 years. He references Eamon Duffy’s excellent work studying the Reformation’s effects, but not Cobbett’s seminal work, The History of the Protestant Reformation in England & Ireland, which is a shame as the latter centres on the social impact, i.e. that the poor, infirm & elderly who had been helped and supported by the monasteries, were left with no support structure <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS6ddD9E0MiKaDaw8Srq8M0u0pC49EP30q13CWgDdato9mmtDp-wscVXMdmkm2PoxgEblzF0TZbSXzUy5DjSS4cJkm9VPaXwSwGVmv1sFajyJfaX15wksznaY2K5AGf35Soa4TGGxvuos/" alt="">- a cataclysmic event for the lower working classes. </p><p>The podcast was put out ahead of a new bbc2 programme by Starkey on the Reformation. It sounds fascinating. </p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-44200814117506638052017-10-11T14:49:00.003+01:002017-10-11T14:53:30.972+01:00My Pub Urinal Limerick<p>When I visit a pub urinal,
</p>
<p>I often think of old vinyl,</p>
<p>But you never oughta</p>
<p>Get Smoke on the Water,</p>
<p>The prognosis could be quite final. </p>
<p><br></p>
<p>By Gareth Hurley esquire, 11/10/2017. <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS4LpVe-5fkc7f72y1v9CGF2eWWHYqvv8aS708toVuSopZZ6hHEdX0zLBiNMA6vKPYdekFkJs9nbNT0C9QslAJqx0Xbszcn7pDGgociE1PyF41DGdRI9uBTtCqqXaoZyxcftxbMytt8fI/" alt=""></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-47002036778128559482017-09-24T17:58:00.001+01:002017-09-24T17:58:09.183+01:00Death of a Superhero<p>You've all heard of Cornman right? He was the pint-sized superhero who used corn-on-the-cob handles/skewers like throwing stars, to fight evil n stuff.
</p>
<p><br></p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtHZyDV5GKNre6Ny3ou5NXifCH7g_IDVw6DCjjegkBKqoQ-boC2bFHmrBn26oAqtZh0wuNN6ojjtnaX9jrLRGNSN4jz2eK05BiD4UZC1zXJM_SwC_5fw7MbwCjgzVuTvS0UUoSqPNQVGM/" alt=""><br></p>
<p>Above: cornman's weapon of choice. </p><p><br></p>
<p>His jokes could be a bit... corny. And he could get a bit moody when he 'got a cob on.'</p>
<p>But criminals and evil-doers feared his homespun brand of justice. </p>
<p>So today I can only apologise because after I parked the car I saw this directly behind one of my tyres. </p>
<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnZsQSxtOqHhydEia4a7WNS9V8-PuUY9Nxi8yLBh4ZuC4OrJCAMiR-LFM61zUtJ-HC6VaBNJ2ZS9dCU_56XJuU-ZdbEpRIPlMe83GzngnRn4GYvrWnHz5axzanjQ4-LenYJBB6yQ_m-S4/" alt=""></p>
<p>Yes it seem Cornman is no more. He's moved onto that great BBQ in the sky. </p><p>And the streets feel a little less safe...</p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-68834513871663535812017-09-23T16:57:00.001+01:002017-09-23T16:57:32.555+01:00Nasty Nazi Slippers?<p>There was a Daily Mail (quelle surprise!) story 'tother day about a bloke upset that his online ordered slippers has swastikas in the grip pattern on the sole. </p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzRxNISaXAWnVHQVxX4OCmWOvUZA_miv4iQStAmnDRXcrz3D10XLGIpYW4FPx3cN1wB7e8no2Ko6IflBMy2mjiD0_mAg1cmYmlCTZkwWJCHVsbWZcRRcPuK5F2oXw0CJuSbTJBtVlXng/" alt=""><br></p><p>Above: Sam Purdie with the Nazi slippers. "They ain't purdy."</p><p>Well imagine my shock when for my recent birthday (I'm 28) Mrs H asked what I wanted. After my usual litany of wine gums, beers n whiskey, I said I might need new slippers. 'Cos I like gardening I said "what about some pansy ones?" (I move with the times, see). </p><p>I think I may have to return these though: </p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoY0slMAHKo8p8Dr_GnJ5PI1Q9c8VZDqe-bCpkHs8NW3qZCqE0TUFboqu-98bBDezEEdyjnP-Gq8cvk-sufs94uKp9OXeLb-acqO1aEU461L5EgQbuUnaUpXU2PLsNJt4A2q-0h85HwMc/" alt=""><br></p><p>Not only did she get it wrong, but they clash with my T34 loafers (if you don't know, ask your dad). </p><p>Mind you, I have taken to singing "snooze-time, snooze-time uber alles" of an evening. </p><p>Plus I can't wear them whilst shaking my fist at the News at Ten. I don't want people to think I'm a sauerkraut. </p><p>And to close here's a sign Mrs H and I stumbled across in Marlborough, in case the above has driven you to alcohol. Amen. </p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIfX-svxTO6uGP5wgCXxFIkrVgiOz7qsqwmaazL8nqA5xRvsHh9AANvJ08F8AmrI9XgpgBQKTIceG-o8gYn4koRMEubemsnLVl_NZ-1WWXLkd1AXBhaI8_XD-kMkEkz1ROeeiaVsOhP1w/" alt=""><br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-6712381928180474622017-08-11T10:22:00.003+01:002017-08-11T10:26:01.025+01:00My Trusty Chalice Needs Cleaning<p>Like an ancient oak whither a regent hid, amidst the foliage, escaping the accursed roundheads of Cromwell, my mug can be aged by counting its rings. </p>
<p>Yes I need to take it home. To misquote another regent, 'a clean mug, a clean mug, my kingdom for a clean mug.'<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMnR2yOjjqQkJR8VQhouGVsieuEZrflomAOFmIg_bohyD8_ejSWauGhbq57I3VQubfaGNB4h4di0Yl19fV68KsWZWF8tMogdpvsH5J6zefnWKUO-5Ou0OBaBt1K9BTvYDT-QO6p9LieY/" alt=""></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-57556531953121989432017-06-04T14:12:00.004+01:002017-06-04T18:34:48.507+01:00Time to Defeat Jihadi Terror<p>Britain beat the Nazis in WW2. Not by hashtags, not by tying teddies to lampposts, nor by asking Germans here if they'd be offended if we said hurtful things (or indeed sang Germaphobic songs, about Hitler's testicular deficiency).</p>
<p>The difference is we declared war, interned Germans, imprisoned PoWs and hung traitors. We're doing none of that. We just talk about inclusion & communities...</p>
<p>So when politicians talk about the "Blitz spirit" or how we are stronger together, point out these differences. </p>
<p>The Blitz-spirit got the benighted victims of carpet bombing through a long dark night, but it didn't happen in a vacuum. </p>
<p>In 1940 Nazi sympathisers were interned, British forces fought in France, Norway, volunteers were called on to fight in Finland, Britain invaded the Faroes & Iceland, Churchill promised blood, toil, tears & sweat, we engage the Italian navy, the Home Guard was established, civilians were evacuated from Gibraltar, the Italians were fought in British Somlialand, the RAF fought bitter battles with the Luftwaffe in the skies over Britain, Churchill ordered the bombing of Berlin, British forces fought Italy in Libya & Egypt, the BBC set up anti-Nazi French & Dutch-language Radio Belgique, convoys were started to Malta, Britain defeated Vichy France in The Gabon... and tens of thousands of troops were evacuated from Dunkirk. </p>
<p>So the idea that the Blitz occurred in a vacuum is absurd. We waged war. </p>
<p></p>
<p>There comes a time when a nation has to stand up to an evil ideology that worships destruction and murder. </p>
<p>Isn't that time now? </p>
<p>Wherever & whenever jihadis raise a flag we should work with forces ranged against them, via aid, supplies or involvement depending on the situation. Fighting Isis (and not the Syrians fighting them!) might be one example...</p>
<p>But the idea that we are fighting jihadis like we fought the Nazis is a joke. And the analogy is a good one. Not all Germans were Nazis, but all Nazis were German* -- not all Muslims are jihadi terrorists, but all jihadi terrorists are Muslims. </p>
<p>So let's declare war on jihad & the hateful Wahabi and similar strains of extreme Islam behind it. If we don't fight it - by all means necessary - we'll never defeat this cult of murder and destruction.</p><p><br></p>
<p>*outside of Germany few fellow-<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHZXDngnKHtpQWbQ9k_QdrkQ0Vxh5KTTFlQP1SDePyaKO4umrC3vOXNJYjmlxalCFz3TLGEl0CyX1PpYuBzQJYmWk1mnIwXVXCNApGRbbpF502yefcBD-enys9hnriHmQT-0BbSbFMG_c/" alt="">travellers were out and out Nazis, just as outside of Islam few fellow travellers are out and out jihadis. </p>
<p></p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-75251615444299685522017-05-13T15:06:00.001+01:002017-05-13T15:07:11.781+01:00Super Hillary?<p>They say not all heroes wear capes. Hmmm. Not all cape-wearers are heroes. It seems. Though salutations to whoever devised this costume for sheer bravado. <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV_V-aO2KQ7eMu_VA-6XVlmT7FckCDGLgQ1A2mC3Z5R1NNO6Bq8xHD02ZLBBkeNsOwEudCdPcUe-JYVXeAYQkUoVgj5TyrfX39-mGWF_tcDA8VhUl1HDHb_Hry__JClj38pF3ViUpkI3Y/" alt=""><p></p></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-1634196279254869242017-04-14T07:49:00.001+01:002017-04-14T07:49:41.206+01:00The Ballad of the Goodly Fere<p>If you get a chance read this poem on Good Friday. It reminds us of who Christ was and what He did. Fere means 'companion' from old Saxon. </p><p><br></p><p>Ballad of the Goodly Fere</p><p>By Ezra Pound </p><p>Simon Zelotes speaketh it somewhile after the Crucifixion.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>HA’ we lost the goodliest fere o’ all </p><p>For the priests and the gallows tree? </p><p>Aye lover he was of brawny men, </p><p>O’ ships and the open sea. </p><p> </p><p>When they came wi’ a host to take Our Man </p><p>His smile was good to see, </p><p>“First let these go!” quo’ our Goodly Fere, </p><p>“Or I’ll see ye damned,” says he. </p><p> </p><p>Aye he sent us out through the crossed high spears </p><p>And the scorn of his laugh rang free, </p><p>“Why took ye not me when I walked about </p><p>Alone in the town?” says he. </p><p> </p><p>Oh we drank his “Hale” in the good red wine </p><p>When we last made company. </p><p>No capon priest was the Goodly Fere, </p><p>But a man o’ men was he. </p><p> </p><p>I ha’ seen him drive a hundred men </p><p>Wi’ a bundle o’ cords swung free, </p><p>That they took the high and holy house </p><p>For their pawn and treasury. </p><p> </p><p>They’ll no’ get him a’ in a book, I think, </p><p>Though they write it cunningly; </p><p>No mouse of the scrolls was the Goodly Fere </p><p>But aye loved the open sea. </p><p> </p><p>If they think they ha’ snared our Goodly Fere </p><p>They are fools to the last degree. </p><p>“I’ll go to the feast,” quo’ our Goodly Fere, </p><p>“Though I go to the gallows tree.” </p><p> </p><p>“Ye ha’ seen me heal the lame and blind, </p><p>And wake the dead,” says he. </p><p>“Ye shall see one thing to master all: </p><p>’Tis how a brave man dies on the tree.” </p><p> </p><p>A son of God was the Goodly Fere </p><p>That bade us his brothers be. </p><p>I ha’ seen him cow a thousand men. 35</p><p>I have seen him upon the tree. </p><p> </p><p>He cried no cry when they drave the nails </p><p>And the blood gushed hot and free. </p><p>The hounds of the crimson sky gave tongue, </p><p>But never a cry cried he. </p><p> </p><p>I ha’ seen him cow a thousand men </p><p>On the hills o’ Galilee. </p><p>They whined as he walked out calm between, </p><p>Wi’ his eyes like the gray o’ the sea. </p><p> </p><p>Like the sea that brooks no voyaging, </p><p>With the winds unleashed and free, </p><p>Like the sea that he cowed at Genseret </p><p>Wi’ twey words spoke suddently. </p><p> </p><p>A master of men was the Goodly Fere, </p><p>A mate of the wind and sea. </p><p>If they think they ha’ slain our Goodly Fere </p><p>They are fools eternally. </p><p> </p><p>I ha’ seen him eat o’ the honey-comb </p><p>Sin’ they nailed him to the tree. </p><p> </p><p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizWLGvx6sqJtvgA49qGNB5_DLt7vyptZbmnRJ0z5OFluRiELv-4lM77BEYVQwDLZUIRK5Nrk2opQglAybozK0BL3kmJtk-ZHj1pW23NhJJSgyOHouQf1ZLzQzaFxrCQ19rjuCeDgJTo28/" alt=""><br></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-1060665006730946732017-04-05T21:52:00.005+01:002017-04-05T22:12:55.265+01:00Me & My Future Proof £1 Coin<p><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOZmQyalpir7NBrckR_ms-fFPmokLqVLHCNkbVefr45y68twC1znFh7jAXHC5KE6YKMRyRVtRcF1PDZ3L3gOF32INBhgSqjiqYiYsxJ6NUnMh9Yln2yJkYLnT0vpDgL0emrpJtLpl-2M/" alt=""> Today somone crossed my palm with silver... actually Gypsy Rose Lee it was a £1 coin. But lo. It was a Manx one. And after October 2017 it will REMAIN legal tender!</p>
<p>So it's going in my Arkwright's money-belt for after the revolution/armageddon/Welsh independence/Boris's benevolent dictatorship. </p>
<p>Yes. When the proverbial hits the fan and the Isle of Man is the only functioning society I'll be sitting pretty with my old school £1 coin. Who needs gold bullion?</p>
<p>Tru dat. </p>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-12679299123417673452017-01-01T17:45:00.002+00:002017-01-01T17:52:24.398+00:00My Mum, Barbara HurleyWell the last few days have been chaotic. It started yesterday (New Year's Eve) morning with a phone call from my sister Jayne, saying that mum had been rushed into hospital and she couldn't be sure but she was told it could be a stroke. We awaited more news, hoping for the best.<br />
<br />
By 10.30 we were told it was a stroke and it was serious. We jumped in the car and headed for Cardiff. It was only what I can describe as weird seeing mum. She looked a lot better than I thought she would, she was conversing with ease. We talked about family history, the relatives in America, the news (the honours list etc.), and various other matters. She was joking too. Every now and then she'd say something a bit silly, but I assumed it was the drugs that were being pumped into her. Having said all that, the paralysis down her left hand side was almost total and obvious to see.<br />
<br />
The hospital staff said the course she was on could disperse the clot that had caused her stroke, but we wouldn't know for 24 hours. There was also a danger the thinning of the blood could cause complications. Other relatives came and went throughout the day, before we arrived and after we left too.<br />
<br />
We left feeling positive. Mum's response to questions on how she felt was "tickedyboo" and given her lucidity I certainly hoped for the best.<br />
<br />
I phoned the hospital this morning at 10.30 - 24 hours after the first course of drugs were given - to be told there was no visible deterioration, which was good news as far as it went. We'd know more later in the day when a CT scan was given and they could let next of kin visitors to the ward know more as the results came back.<br />
<br />
Then this afternoon I got a call off Jayne to say her boy Ross had been in to see his nan. The staff told him that the first course of drugs hadn't worked and that the next few days were crucial to see if mum pulls through or has some sort of relapse or follow-up seizure.<br />
<br />
I started by saying the last few days had been chaotic. In fact it's only been two days. But with the emotions, the downs, ups and downs again, the to-ing and fro-ing, it's seemed like much longer.<br />
<br />
Now we're waiting and praying for good news.<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-21799780074323206322016-12-26T15:24:00.000+00:002016-12-26T15:24:02.460+00:00A Merry Hurley Christmas Everyone<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSQgkNyY8fsAU2YESZVY4x44-dC3m4ps-W8staTePHRBPPhRPdRg2npeKpT0lQSNW2TaEQAikszAaTpd6cNbvnVC-gwljvE-FhRFdcQ1f1bUV_oxQWx-sxjwFiZaFGhQ5HwKtGRXFmKg/s1600/IMG_2727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWSQgkNyY8fsAU2YESZVY4x44-dC3m4ps-W8staTePHRBPPhRPdRg2npeKpT0lQSNW2TaEQAikszAaTpd6cNbvnVC-gwljvE-FhRFdcQ1f1bUV_oxQWx-sxjwFiZaFGhQ5HwKtGRXFmKg/s320/IMG_2727.JPG" width="224" /></a></div>
Well, after a busy day yesterday starting first and foremost with Midnight Mass, we had all the usual fun - gifts in the morning, Christmas Dinner, snooze time, Queen's Speech, afternoon/evening games then some films & comedies with drinks n snacks.<br />
<br />
And so on St Stephen's Day, aka Boxing Day, aka the second day of Christmas may I wish you and yours a Merry Christmas.<br />
<br />
And like Tintin, let's all remember the "reason for the season" and honour the Holy Family.<br />
<br />
Nadolig Llawen! Merry Christmas!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-579743514001051492016-10-16T11:56:00.001+01:002016-12-26T15:25:29.605+00:00Glyndwr, Churchill, St Francis: Judging Some Historical Figures by Their Pasts<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DMKv_YE_4DGIv8cwcLsLuGos6ZuSh98RXMiDQPdCz1pYUGWhuPT41dfJH0MgJzo7E10XBv4J4mBY7ocmMd6KJOlE_sNNLPdWUxOTjqAZVnjf3hUm-EZ8Jq72zMMS9yjI0HYfYVeK8M0/s1600/owain-glyndwr-649457174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3DMKv_YE_4DGIv8cwcLsLuGos6ZuSh98RXMiDQPdCz1pYUGWhuPT41dfJH0MgJzo7E10XBv4J4mBY7ocmMd6KJOlE_sNNLPdWUxOTjqAZVnjf3hUm-EZ8Jq72zMMS9yjI0HYfYVeK8M0/s320/owain-glyndwr-649457174.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Owain Glyndwr: an English Soldier</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="font-family: "helvetica"; font-size: 12px; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;">
History is funny isn't it? If we judged everyone on their pasts, well here's a few:</div>
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St Augustine would be an arrogant lawyer who freed a murderer. </div>
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<br /></div>
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St Francis would be a materialist party animal (probably a misogynist to boot). </div>
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Owain Glyndwr would be an English soldier defending the crown and killing for his king. </div>
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Winston Churchill would be a disgrace who ordered troops to fire on strikers and the mastermind of a battle that killed many and ended in total failure. </div>
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And of course there's Mary Magdalene who - although never called an ex-prostitute in the Gospels - was said to have had a 'colourful' past.</div>
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I dare say there's many more...</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-66397254359183090632016-10-05T10:01:00.001+01:002016-10-05T10:01:54.399+01:00Merville Barracks - Keeping the Memory AliveWow. Got an order in work going to a Para captain at 'Merville Barracks' - named after the DDay gun battery where my uncle, private Daniel 'Roddy' Hurley, died (DDay plus 1). The Paras disabled the battery (see my other posts for further details on Roddy & the battle there). <div><br></div><div>What a small world. Hope the order gets there ok. Wouldn't like to deal with an angry Para captain. ;)</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Below: 3 Para memorial garden at Merville Barracks. </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaA2CEJ1wsHaWhjK5W3pBl2p2GbFNb1Qh-GC6fnLZMWH5UvgBuVm2UjyANvzY8sSH4TKv2RnX_2o4_DgKZeJ8JY69-zknGwijYJ3r-iJnyWq1W1MjuO7_AY14RBht3MgZDLZUIawl428/s640/blogger-image-249731725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVaA2CEJ1wsHaWhjK5W3pBl2p2GbFNb1Qh-GC6fnLZMWH5UvgBuVm2UjyANvzY8sSH4TKv2RnX_2o4_DgKZeJ8JY69-zknGwijYJ3r-iJnyWq1W1MjuO7_AY14RBht3MgZDLZUIawl428/s640/blogger-image-249731725.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-91175866011622313922016-10-01T22:34:00.001+01:002016-10-01T22:34:01.694+01:00On Pondering October...Does anyone else think it's weird our 9th, 10th, 11th & 12th months are literally named 7th, 8th, 9th & 10th (Sept to Dec)?<div><br></div><div>I'm sure there's a perfunctory, boring reason - probably at the behest of one of history's most interesting & romantic figures - the civil servant; but I don't think I want to know that. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm with the 8 year old me who would imagine an upside down table in the living room was a boat being thrown about on the (shark infested) high seas. </div><div><br></div><div>I'd rather imagine some invading horde besieged Rome with their strange aquamarine banners, stitched in the Urals or Katmandu by expert craftsmen who were killed on completion to keep the secrets of their intricate craft from falling into enemy hands, fluttering in the breeze on the banks of the Tiber, to demand some late Emperor or early Pope insert an extra two months in the calendar. </div><div><br></div><div>Perhaps the truth is stranger still and more interesting, perhaps more baffling. But I doubt it. So don't tell me. </div><div><br></div><div>And as I look at the calendar proclaiming today the tenth month of the year, called October, starts and we move further into autumn and headlong towards 2017 wherein I shall be another year older and continue to pay bills and put up with all the cares and worries of adulthood, I can at least imagine those swarthy hordes encamped outside the Eternal City to demand those two extra months. </div><div><br></div><div>If it didn't happen that way I don't want to know about it. </div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div>Below: a Goth. He likes Blue Oyster Cult and tribal tattoos. His mum says he should clean his room and wear brighter clothes. Whatevs. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNiF8AeAc0caIHAx5cx5kBQfwFXH7-19K9vECesoGt-ieKlqKhu2JfOUsGmd-CgvCDQIsR5Z6-HRhPaNTuTrUbIc6B7RkZR3o1eHpuSgXRxPNSyD78kniVOfxIDbsFX4dHa3xRKL1qn8/s640/blogger-image--1727012490.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjNiF8AeAc0caIHAx5cx5kBQfwFXH7-19K9vECesoGt-ieKlqKhu2JfOUsGmd-CgvCDQIsR5Z6-HRhPaNTuTrUbIc6B7RkZR3o1eHpuSgXRxPNSyD78kniVOfxIDbsFX4dHa3xRKL1qn8/s640/blogger-image--1727012490.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-78622426590875426672016-09-30T09:02:00.001+01:002016-09-30T09:51:22.870+01:00The Hills Have Eyes meets Dad's Army<div>As Warden Hodges (a character I have based my entire persona on) might intone: "RUDDY HOOLIGANS!"</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFBms4G4Y0R9DQDnlzR9PWXY0RNpgsYeP1hTKoeoimeoNjiy4A9D7B8M-7DOkg6IsAklixv4gtcD5v9B6fvbo0Gpc8HtpWkHtQi6pc3XNWDKY6owcmmUYGnzk7xM9NqDxWLafri1PMFY/s640/blogger-image--771468784.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFBms4G4Y0R9DQDnlzR9PWXY0RNpgsYeP1hTKoeoimeoNjiy4A9D7B8M-7DOkg6IsAklixv4gtcD5v9B6fvbo0Gpc8HtpWkHtQi6pc3XNWDKY6owcmmUYGnzk7xM9NqDxWLafri1PMFY/s640/blogger-image--771468784.jpg"></a></div><br></div><div><br></div><div>It was like (the Sly Stallone/Davide Carradine film) Death Race 2000 trying to cross the road this morning. </div><div><br></div><div>Two social outcasts were bearing down on me at the speed of sound (I could tell, as the Abba medley they were blaring out reached my ear as they drew level). Only their twisted grimaces were visible through the grimy windscreen - the kind you see backwoodsmen driving in those horror road movies which invariably involve a digit or two being lost to a rusty blade. </div><div><br></div><div>And how apt, for 'twas the kings of the rusty Stanley blade themselves. The fearsome duo who walk around local shops just to wear down their carpets in an evil p<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif;">lot to garner business. The cads!</span></div><div><br></div><div>Some foul abuse was thrown from the open window as the driver cursed about my shop not selling suitable receptacles for Freddo Bars as the passenger (ensconced within what locals, with a wobble in their voice, call the "offcut van") laughed with a blood-curdling chuckle (the type only a hired-help can truly master over countless cups of tea).</div><div><br></div><div>Passers-by cowed in horror at the sight of such anti-social behaviour in broad daylight, though it may have been at the graffiti written on the back of the van (finger in dirt style), employing various cuss words and questioning the parentage of the boss of Carpet Rite. Who cares? Er I mean, who knows?</div><div><br></div><div>Then with a Speedy Gonzalez (and deeply racist act of cultural misappropriation) shout of "andalé, andalé" (though in hindsight it may have been "underlay underlay") they were off with a wheel-spin to the rough end of the high street where the police will only patrol in pairs and the grannies have tattoos with swear words. </div><div><br></div><div>I barely escaped with my life. It's true. Honest. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-79036675331125626452016-09-25T12:09:00.001+01:002016-09-25T12:11:17.078+01:00Corbyn Elected. Imagine My ShockA few lessons:<div><br></div><div>1. As with Brexit, politicians learn that democracy sucks. </div><div><br></div><div>2. People - especially (but not exclusively) on the left - have had enough of spin & dodgy foreign wars. Thank God, or we'd be in Syria now supporting the decapitating "moderate" terrorists by bombing Syrian troops and creating another Islamist failed state like Libya. </div><div><br></div><div>3. MPs (as with Brexit) think they know better than the plebs. It will take them a long time to realise that: a. They don't. b. This antagonises people. A lot. </div><div><br></div><div>4. Politics is no longer straightforward. No more left v right. Voters especially are cherry-picking causes. For example I'd class myself as anti-war (classically left wing) but wanting strict migration controls (classically right wing), I'm against crony capitalism & favour protecting workers wages (left) but am pro life and pro death penalty for paedophiles (right). The idea that everyone is "left" or "right" is dead. But I think the parties and journalists haven't learnt this yet as they live in their own political bubbles. </div><div><br></div><div>5. Corbyn may win more votes in Scotland, but the SNP is so left-wing and Scottish Labour is semi-UDI will it have an impact?</div><div><br></div><div>6. Ironically Corbyn may win more votes in white, English working class communities (from ukip) because they were fed up of posh out of touch metropolitan "latte Labour" - but his inability to overturn the leftist dogma of open door migration will be a millstone for labour amongst the poorer English. </div><div><br></div><div>7. Despite the last two points the classic 'Mondeo Man' voter whom the Tories & Labour want to target in the Home Counties may well think Corbyn is too socialist for them. </div><div><br></div><div>8. One thing is for sure, this will reinvigorate politics. And at least HM Opposition may actually oppose HM Government on key areas (esp foreign wars). </div><div><br></div><div>9. It will also be interesting to see what bilge messers Blair, Mandelson, Campbell & the other corrupt New Labour war criminals come up with. </div><div><br></div><div>Interesting times ahead... Foshizzle. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbIEWQdyqXuDu8yoxeqrUaEOw9SUO4z9XBt8TTqyL4o2cZ0twD3GQ6Myng29xPUT7D3FtTlZRgv4NapTsm4R-W1stdbwMBnfwReBluo8c3-vh9hNzPTemZ0A-zG2OyJid_m-NWN5WXxs/s640/blogger-image-773495194.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbIEWQdyqXuDu8yoxeqrUaEOw9SUO4z9XBt8TTqyL4o2cZ0twD3GQ6Myng29xPUT7D3FtTlZRgv4NapTsm4R-W1stdbwMBnfwReBluo8c3-vh9hNzPTemZ0A-zG2OyJid_m-NWN5WXxs/s640/blogger-image-773495194.jpg"></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-76805682794693320092016-05-22T09:41:00.001+01:002016-05-22T09:45:21.985+01:00Bart & the Rubber Duck<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Silly Batholomew. </span><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">He got out of the bath today (no mean feat for a spider) all dripping wet and proceeded to tidy up his toys. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"What a polite young spider" you're possibly thinking at this stage, and you'd be right to. He the very model of arachnid courtesy and civility. He's nothing if not refined and chivalrous. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">But wait! There he was still somewhat moist after towling himself down (I had turned away. I'm no prude but there are private moments in a spider's life that simply do not bear scrutiny bordering on intrusiveness). This can take awhile as size is relative and what gives him a head start viz lack of armpits, is soon downgraded (to quote Donald Rumsfeld) in his overabundance in thighs. I was going to say groinage, but ever the gentleman...</span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Anyhoo, there he was still damp as a Lib Dem election promise, pottering about with one of his favourite bath toys (see pic) when he went to switch off the light switch. <br></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Oh silly Bart! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">"No!!!" I intoned, loud enough to warrant the use of at least three exclamation marks. Just in time to save my soggy, spider chum from the possibility of a shock greater than that of Lewis Hamilton paying his taxes. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">And so a minor disaster was averted. I'm not ashamed to say we had a brief hug in recognition of the moment, cementing our bromance in the best traditions of man-spider friendship stretching back, through the centuries, to a wee cave in Bonnie Scotland wherein sat The Bruce. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Bart says it goes back further to a Greek spider scaring Archimedes in the bath, but that's another story. </span></div><div class="separator" style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue Light', HelveticaNeue-Light, helvetica, arial, sans-serif; clear: both;"><br></div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe7a6HoM-8A3MLU_Cp99OQJSL_BcnYQBTGS_PzCJr-_jMz7924aRVJn3TpS-OAlxBY1kpwwq5CdcKd9vtfFRLtFGBbbx7XFvBI6edoZ6LfFE8jsQOms8jvS3jdgEHF9QimGNB4pValTA/s640/blogger-image--1946206982.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPe7a6HoM-8A3MLU_Cp99OQJSL_BcnYQBTGS_PzCJr-_jMz7924aRVJn3TpS-OAlxBY1kpwwq5CdcKd9vtfFRLtFGBbbx7XFvBI6edoZ6LfFE8jsQOms8jvS3jdgEHF9QimGNB4pValTA/s640/blogger-image--1946206982.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-26469188246474752682016-05-22T09:38:00.001+01:002016-08-21T06:48:48.614+01:00SNP to Make me King of Scotland?Far be it from me to engage in pointless hyperbole, as I once told the Sultan of Brunei as we sipped cocktails on the poop deck of his Royal Yacht 'Loaded Innit,' but I am due to be crowned the King of Scotland. <div><br></div><div>Yes it's true. You see Mrs H's family goes back to Robert the Bruce (see pic here) and the Stuart line. </div><div><br></div><div>Oh BoJo may think he's a big knob (if stories in Private Eye are to be believed) with links to the Hapsburgs, but when it comes to royalty, right here right now, I have it on good authority (Patch the dog) that I am what the common people call "a shoe in" for the post. </div><div><br></div><div>Now we all know the SNP rule north of the border, even though they didn't get the independence vote so many wanted, so here's my plan. </div><div><br></div><div>I'm going to write a letter (I know, old school right? So very, Mary Queen of Scots) to the Scottish Parliament at Holyrood to stake my claim and await the popular acclamation and adulation that (modest though I am) is sure to follow, just as day follows night. </div><div><br></div><div>Then, just like Bonnie Prince Charlie, the rightful Stuart King (deposed by a bunch of scheming German Protestants & English merchants) I will make the long march (only northwards this time!) to reclaim my crown. Culloden will be avenged. </div><div><br></div><div>And there we are. The rest should run quite smoothly. King Gareth I of Scotland. I like it. It flows as smoothly as a fine old Glenmoranjie malt. </div><div><br></div><div>And before the accusations fly, let me say that I'll be a magnanimous King. I will seek alliances with old Royal Houses. It could be fun! Who's with me? Let's get the Bourbons, Hapsburgs, and Romanovs back on the thrown. Let's make Tara Hill & Machynllyth centres of Royal culture and power again. </div><div><br></div><div>Any advice on what my 'Letter to Hollyrood' should consist of I'd be mightily obliged. I want to come across as regal and firm, but not overbearing and haughty. </div><div><br></div><div>I'll also need some help designing my new Royal Crest. I'm thinking the ancient Stuart crest of Scotland with a dragon added, like Margaret Tudor's (see image here) which had the Welsh dragon the Tudor's introduced to the English crown, but a bit more 'blokey' perhaps with a small Bluebird on there. Plus something borrowed from County Cork for my own paternal lineage ("Bene Fide" has a nice ring to it). </div><div><br></div><div>For my retinue when we decamp to our ancient holdings in Scotland I'm going to need some very loyal advisors. Send your CVs into Hurley Towers. We will, of course, like all royal families, keep our holdings outside of our realm, and so the people of Wales won't lose our presence totally once we (the Royal we) ascend the throne atop the Stone of Scone. </div><div><br></div><div>Can I also scotch (!) the rumours of a purge of public figures once the throne is ours. Wee Nicky Sturgeon will be quite safe, for the time being. Oh, and if Fiona Bruce and Ken Bruce want any role in Royal Scottish affairs they will have to forego their BBC stipend. <br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPGxdx_xNZyJcqHgNA_1Y3sdWSsC27jgzNGpcqBe46-5rsXMjOgiLDTOvYaiVbB0t2INRJZBilteoJBtBvcsB9dRPYs7_es8n1J6oiix_Kry264nKOCgP2xHJINfSDWGNVQ7EN3ilhhw/s640/blogger-image--234462881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPGxdx_xNZyJcqHgNA_1Y3sdWSsC27jgzNGpcqBe46-5rsXMjOgiLDTOvYaiVbB0t2INRJZBilteoJBtBvcsB9dRPYs7_es8n1J6oiix_Kry264nKOCgP2xHJINfSDWGNVQ7EN3ilhhw/s640/blogger-image--234462881.jpg"></a><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilPGxdx_xNZyJcqHgNA_1Y3sdWSsC27jgzNGpcqBe46-5rsXMjOgiLDTOvYaiVbB0t2INRJZBilteoJBtBvcsB9dRPYs7_es8n1J6oiix_Kry264nKOCgP2xHJINfSDWGNVQ7EN3ilhhw/s640/blogger-image--234462881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMDmgZInHiEZJS0Gh9B_KS2amNFOdoPcSmrKb5zX7hFMn6Qd6xxlXD0KXQ8wY9DiIk8PX1TKB-QEpxWvlJ8K7oUy1t8CE7IzB6VmAQfSWj9x0GkjkF5jnotFbkdIWK_kpPmHtu0m03QU/s640/blogger-image-954257045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxMDmgZInHiEZJS0Gh9B_KS2amNFOdoPcSmrKb5zX7hFMn6Qd6xxlXD0KXQ8wY9DiIk8PX1TKB-QEpxWvlJ8K7oUy1t8CE7IzB6VmAQfSWj9x0GkjkF5jnotFbkdIWK_kpPmHtu0m03QU/s640/blogger-image-954257045.jpg"></a></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-65003439733460416832016-03-20T08:50:00.001+00:002016-03-20T08:50:44.402+00:00Sunshine on a Rainy Day...I took this pic on Friday as I took Patch the Dog for a walk (or vice versa). There's something that renews my wonder of the world when I see rays of sunshine shining through the clouds. Like a child who sees something new and exciting for the first time. <div><br></div><div>Yes even with Patch yanking my arm out of its socket and the usual worries of work, bills etc etc, every now and then something reminds me to stop and wonder at the glory of God's creation. </div><div><br></div><div>Yes. Even you Patch. </div><div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi0ISPP9OCPgMgZJorFet23OUSugUM96oSO7bsGIS0C7zeHDCkIrY1FuXctYmYdSAGe-6t74XF5BClyE5f0sP4yBF-NNM9sQtUK_bFI5H39RmXokfRnfxwriF50-qgrEKIYrIyXLMeVk/s640/blogger-image--1340278707.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWi0ISPP9OCPgMgZJorFet23OUSugUM96oSO7bsGIS0C7zeHDCkIrY1FuXctYmYdSAGe-6t74XF5BClyE5f0sP4yBF-NNM9sQtUK_bFI5H39RmXokfRnfxwriF50-qgrEKIYrIyXLMeVk/s640/blogger-image--1340278707.jpg"></a></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-12004361137827856712015-04-18T18:42:00.001+01:002015-04-19T12:43:17.988+01:00An Open Letter to Skechers ShoesDear Skechers Shoe People,<div><br></div><div>I bought these shoes 10 years ago in Boston, in that there America. </div><div><br></div><div>Despite wearing them to the point of destruction, you can imagine my horror when yesterday, after some heavy gardening, the sole began to come away. </div><div><br></div><div>Now I know many items have an inbuilt obsolescence (Mrs H says I've somehow stumbled and mumbled my way past mine) but in this age of countering the throwaway culture I'm distraught that my trusty workingmen's shoes have finally given up the ghost. </div><div><br></div><div>It's in this regard I throw myself on your munificence and ask that you let me trade in my old pair for a new pair. Now I know I no longer have the receipt nor the box but I'm sure as men of this world (if I were wearing high heals I'd address my concerns to a lady, but despite modern fads and fallacies I'm not, so I won't) we can agree to a mutually beneficial outcome in this matter - new shoes for me - and loads of free advertising for you. </div><div><br></div><div>Imagine the scene. Lots of trendy folks are strutting their stuff of a Saturday afternoon and I go by in my spankingly new Skechers shoes. "Oh wow!" they'll exclaim, as I glide by "look at them there shoes. It's like being in downtown LA or sumfink." A few weeks of that will be akin to a paid advert slap bang in the middle of Ant & Dec (no I don't know which is which either). </div><div><br></div><div>It's either that or a tube of super glue or (horror steeped on horror) they'll find their way to a landfill site. And I don't think any of us wish to see that happen. </div><div><br></div><div>So if you'll post a trade-in voucher to me I'll vouch (geddit?) in turn to be the feet of Skechers (I'd say be the face of Skechers like Demi Lovato but let's be realistic, she's not in my league). </div><div><br></div><div>Yours in hope,</div><div><br></div><div>Gareth Hurley (aka 'the feet of Skechers'). </div><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3AUDDGjf4Fup9aUAr6cQrI4K03ftrawfAFPIGbQ3mNsuO20KmG5Oo6e0jmM3j7vck_Bt6PRkFCElsZfUN4u4qY09FJRJzq6q2byVIl_gW-FhKAza_tqc7b7HYGGMG52lgXyyOO45re8/s640/blogger-image-455093890.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3AUDDGjf4Fup9aUAr6cQrI4K03ftrawfAFPIGbQ3mNsuO20KmG5Oo6e0jmM3j7vck_Bt6PRkFCElsZfUN4u4qY09FJRJzq6q2byVIl_gW-FhKAza_tqc7b7HYGGMG52lgXyyOO45re8/s640/blogger-image-455093890.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-71390585057899753582015-04-16T19:52:00.001+01:002015-04-16T19:52:24.967+01:00Wheelie Bin Laden - another Evil Mullah<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Those evil Bin Ladens! First Osama in Afghan, now his Irish brother "Wheelie". 😱 will the evil never end?</p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHryXrZ3FIz1sdjJMVE2FO8fZO1CpMvZS08I81NVwYRlYJJk-TaXvQXK-h7i7ucCATl-M2dh2M4BYVzfdnrGhdGfsVxmDMudIZcHvLzzbfi7D29OnIw38zWdVvjfpBpIJ29C3VDtqMZA/s640/blogger-image--496455532.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzHryXrZ3FIz1sdjJMVE2FO8fZO1CpMvZS08I81NVwYRlYJJk-TaXvQXK-h7i7ucCATl-M2dh2M4BYVzfdnrGhdGfsVxmDMudIZcHvLzzbfi7D29OnIw38zWdVvjfpBpIJ29C3VDtqMZA/s640/blogger-image--496455532.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-29338661158570769162015-04-16T16:37:00.001+01:002015-04-16T16:37:38.461+01:00Bart Finishes the Lights<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">Bartholomew Q. Kibble-Smythe (the spider) has finally finished the trunking over the electric wires. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">"Let there be light!" He proclaimed. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">It struck me he's given to melodramatics. But a good sparky is worth his weight in gold. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">That's £20 with Bart. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I asked him if he liked quoting Genesis and he mumbled something appreciative of Peter Gabriel (and "Collins should've kept to the drums") before scuttling away. Ever the primadonna.</p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJf8dz7yhJLrKrQIBcTSkv62cz-3qaAshay8JYe3RRIR6aMZ6VMJqGGAOJdoHinbISXfiY3TNsztwinein1dg_7vaxhhKlW_taI2c2dNt_8E8ybSawpPlQi1oXXyHotk3Er9MuUUwfWk/s640/blogger-image--1440080268.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOJf8dz7yhJLrKrQIBcTSkv62cz-3qaAshay8JYe3RRIR6aMZ6VMJqGGAOJdoHinbISXfiY3TNsztwinein1dg_7vaxhhKlW_taI2c2dNt_8E8ybSawpPlQi1oXXyHotk3Er9MuUUwfWk/s640/blogger-image--1440080268.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9214545874110139815.post-82574181552361443282015-04-15T19:24:00.001+01:002015-04-15T19:24:14.959+01:00Bartholomew Q Kubbel Smythe<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I have a new friend and his name is Bartholomew Q. Kubbel-Smythe. But he likes to be called Bart. </p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica; min-height: 15px;"><br></p>
<p style="margin: 0px; font-size: 12px; font-family: Helvetica;">I haven't asked him what the Q is for. Yet. It's still early days.</p><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOYaBShDseXLCBfJD3hg0PO_Id10DudjpAXjv_usRe0AdyjAL6S5JZshBCbCg3_JKYVOQe10_zrvd2wrCOKehrfKZHn4_AZy8lI_4muw3sqfz_QQotAZlhdzrGP1IU3lOAoi3IY67mmQ/s640/blogger-image--85508685.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVOYaBShDseXLCBfJD3hg0PO_Id10DudjpAXjv_usRe0AdyjAL6S5JZshBCbCg3_JKYVOQe10_zrvd2wrCOKehrfKZHn4_AZy8lI_4muw3sqfz_QQotAZlhdzrGP1IU3lOAoi3IY67mmQ/s640/blogger-image--85508685.jpg"></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0