Monthly Archives: January 2020

The golfer and the chicken

Posted on January 16, 2020 by odeboyz

A golfer sliced a ball into a field of chickens, striking one of the hens and killing it instantly. He was understandably upset, and sought out the farmer. “I’m sorry,” he said, “my terrible tee shot hit one of your … Continue reading →

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Gordon Brown’s* Aspiration to End Childhood Poverty, 1997-2010

Posted on January 16, 2020 by odeboyz

Gordon Brown became Chancellor after the Labour landslide of 1997. His aspiration was to end childhood poverty and no one would ever have a better opportunity. The Conservative party was in utter disarray and both he and Tony Blair commanded … Continue reading →

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Is war just sexier than peace?

Posted on January 13, 2020 by odeboyz

Del

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Book Review: Leslie Thomas ~ Virgin Soldiers (1966)

Posted on January 13, 2020 by odeboyz

Spike Milligan wrote his brilliant war autobiographies1 to considerable acclaim but he was building on this autobiographical novel by Leslie Thomas. Unlike Milligan Thomas took part in one of a series of grim colonial wars, which are now forgotten. The … Continue reading →

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An Irish Farmer has an accident

Posted on January 9, 2020 by odeboyz

An Irish farmer had a terrible traffic accident. When the case got to court the lorry owners’ lawyer said, “Didn’t you say to the police at the scene of the accident that you were ‘fine’?” He replied, “Well, I tell … Continue reading →

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Spotify quantifies the Top Beatles Album

Posted on January 9, 2020 by odeboyz

What’s the best Beatles album?  This is a question any self-respecting fan wrestles with on a regular basis.  What criteria do we use to decide?  Level of experimentation and growth?  What we revisit the most?  The album with the most … Continue reading →

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Malcolm X’s wisdom

Posted on January 6, 2020 by odeboyz

Chris

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Book review: Annie Duke ~ Thinking in Bets (2019)

Posted on January 6, 2020 by odeboyz

Gambling fascinates me and I like stories associated with gamblers. Kerry Packer is an endless source of pleasure for me. He was famously irritated by a braggart in a Las Vegas casino who wanted everyone to know he had a … Continue reading →

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Unforeseen consequences

Posted on January 2, 2020 by odeboyz

“Rodney,” Tom said, “Becky and I are getting a divorce.” I was stunned. “Why? You seemed so happy together.” “Well, ever since we married, Becky’s been improving me. She got me to stop drinking, smoking and gambling. She taught me … Continue reading →

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Workhouses and the Poor from 1834

Posted on January 2, 2020 by odeboyz

…..the able-bodied recipient of poor relief “on the whole shall not be made really or apparently as eligible as the independent labourer of the lowest class.”1 Introduction There’s nothing worse than paying tax and being taken for a ride. The … Continue reading →

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