Author Archives: odeboyz

May in December

Posted on December 11, 2017 by odeboyz

Like Chamberlain’s dodgy agreement with Hitler With a weak PM vacillating Skating on a fragile future No clear answer to the Irish question Grasping, at absurd incongruities Knowing the world’s waiting to see her fall. Must come up with a … Continue reading →

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Boats moored on Lake Windermere, October 2017

Posted on December 8, 2017 by odeboyz

  John W.

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A convenient miracle

Posted on December 8, 2017 by odeboyz

An Irish priest was stopped for speeding in west London. The police officer smells alcohol on the priest’s breath and sees an empty wine bottle on the floor of the car. He says, “Sir, have you been drinking?” “Just water,” … Continue reading →

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The Dunmore Proclamation and Virginian Slaves in 1775

Posted on December 8, 2017 by odeboyz

In June 1775 royal authority in Virginia was in tatters. Lord Dunmore, the governor, was incapable of enforcing royal authority on the Virginians and concessions were impossible. Virginia was in a quasi-revolutionary situation. Dunmore was so concerned that he made … Continue reading →

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Technological sabotage: Rene Carmille 1942-4

Posted on December 5, 2017 by odeboyz

René Carmille — was a punch card computer expert and comptroller general of the French Army, who later would head up the Demographics Department of the French National Statistics Service. As quickly as IBM worked with the Nazis to enable them to … Continue reading →

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Film Review ~ Paddington 2 (Hugh Grant and All Star cast)

Posted on December 5, 2017 by odeboyz

This is a wonderful family film. When I went there were a few children but a significant number of adults who were thoroughly enjoying the experience. Insofar as there is a storyline it’s puerile and it doesn’t matter one little … Continue reading →

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A Trade Unionist has a tough life

Posted on November 30, 2017 by odeboyz

The CEO of a big company calls in the senior trade union negotiator to try to avert a strike. CEO: “Pleased you could come Fred. I’m sure that everything will be OK once we fully understand each other.” Fred: “We … Continue reading →

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Repair and Maintenance in Tower Blocks

Posted on November 30, 2017 by odeboyz

Practically no one gives any thought to the effort required to keep tower blocks fit for purpose. Once upon a time Councils undertook to repair almost any or everything. For example, Hackney Council in the 1960s controlled its DLO (Direct … Continue reading →

Posted in Economics, housing, Politics, tenants rights | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Book Review: Mark Billingham ~ Love Like Blood

Posted on November 28, 2017 by odeboyz

Detective Inspector (DI) thriller novels follow a predictable path. Firstly there is a hideous murder, then a maverick brilliant dysfunctional DI wades in, followed by a denouement. So far so predictable. So why are they so popular? Apart from the … Continue reading →

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How Long is a piece of String?

Posted on November 27, 2017 by odeboyz

A question that started In Dar Es Salaam Has puzzled us all Since the world began. The question is asked And left dangling there… No answer is offered, It just isn’t fair. If an answer isn’t wanted. Well that’s just … Continue reading →

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