Monthly Archives: April 2016

Anchorites: The Search for Perfection

Posted on April 29, 2016 by odeboyz

St. Benedict’s Rules (530 AD) were the first to be widely adopted by monasteries . These governed every aspect of a monk’s life. Intensely religious people, both men and women, wanted a purer religious experience without distractions. These people wanted … Continue reading →

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Sir Malcolm Sargent on Stockhausen

Posted on April 25, 2016 by odeboyz

When Sir Malcolm Sargent, chief conductor of London’s ‘Proms’ festival was asked whether he had ever conducted any Stockhausen, he was briefly silent before replying, “I think I once trod in some.” I take it, the great man didn’t care … Continue reading →

Posted in Humour | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

The Governor

Posted on April 21, 2016 by odeboyz

Mr G, or the “Guv” as I called him some nearly fifty years ago was a formidable Hackney “project manager” but that was well before such a title came into popular use. I had of course heard the stories of … Continue reading →

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A Nervous Bridegroom Conversation

Posted on April 19, 2016 by odeboyz

Larry Fortensky* I’m very nervous Elizabeth. Elizabeth Taylor Why’s that my dear? Larry Fortensky Well I know what to do but I’m not sure that I can make it interesting. *Elizabeth Taylor’s sixth husband (Chris)

Posted in Humour, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

In awe of nature

Posted on April 18, 2016 by odeboyz

Who is it that sets the silent sound When Sycamore trees fed from the ground? Must burst forth their green leaves Each April when spring comes around. Do Sycamore’s tell the Bluebells bulbs “Your time is right to give delight … Continue reading →

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The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact 1939: Bismarck’s Final Triumph

Posted on April 15, 2016 by odeboyz

The most audacious diplomatic pact of the twentieth century was between Nazi Germany and the USSR: the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact (23rd Aug 1939). It was audacious but stood in the tradition of German foreign policy established by Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck’s … Continue reading →

Posted in History, War | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Passion

Posted on April 12, 2016 by odeboyz

Passions stirred violently in Acacia Avenue Years of easy unthinking living disappeared in a moment Careful budgeting, penny pinching, and rising house prices Meant security, a comfort blanket, unchallenged living Nice living. Then passions came into their lives. They didn’t … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

How restaurants manipulate their customers

Posted on April 12, 2016 by odeboyz

High-priced entrees on the menu boost revenue for the restaurant – even if no one buys them. Why? Because even though people generally won’t buy the most expensive dish on the menu, they will order the second most expensive dish. … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Different Times

Posted on April 8, 2016 by odeboyz

When I was a boy, my two older brothers and Mum & Dad lived in the basement rooms of a large ten roomed Regency terraced house in Gibson Square in Islington. Like hundreds of other families we rented our home, … Continue reading →

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Lyndon Johnson’s driver and the actuality of racism*

Posted on April 5, 2016 by odeboyz

“Well Senator …. we drive for hours and hours. We get hungry. But there’s no place on the road we can stop and go in and eat. We drive some more. It gets pretty hot. We want to wash up. … Continue reading →

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