Author Archives: odeboyz

The Governor of the Bank of England and the Nazis in 1934

Posted on August 15, 2017 by odeboyz

Monty* says that Hitler and Schacht** are the bulwarks of civilization in Germany and the only friends we have. *Montagu Norman, Governor of the Bank of England **Hjalmar Schacht, President of the Reichsbank (He was found not guilty of crimes … Continue reading →

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Toxic elitism in British grammar schools in the 1950s

Posted on August 15, 2017 by odeboyz

” In the sixth form we were divided into subject based groups on a very traditional basis. The academically brilliant were encouraged to enter Sixth Classics to study [ancient] Greek and Latin. The next most able were encouraged to go into Sixth … Continue reading →

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The lottery winner and his wife

Posted on August 11, 2017 by odeboyz

Jack returned from a journey after trying to empty the train bar. He was greeted by his obviously unhappy wife as he staggered and weaved off the train She immediately laid into him about his drunkenness. He tells her he’s … Continue reading →

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Our intolerant society: a rough sleeper in our tower block – London Borough of Havering 2017

Posted on August 11, 2017 by odeboyz

On our Council estate in north-east London we have a diverse group of people including some very obnoxious individuals. At the repulsive end of the spectrum our caretaker came across a woman sleeping rough in the basement of one of … Continue reading →

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Book Review: The Carl Hiaasen Omnibus~ Tourist Season, Double Whammy, Skin Tight

Posted on August 8, 2017 by odeboyz

This omnibus edition hits our value for money target and, even better, they are an excellent read. Hiaasen satirises Florida: this is basically impossible as Florida is self-satirising. Hiaasen’s targets are politicans, developers, criminals, businessmen, tourists and the annual influx … Continue reading →

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Time

Posted on August 8, 2017 by odeboyz

Seconds turn to minutes Minutes the whole hour through Days pass so fast, don’t you know it In time, another year, is anew. So the decades slip by The young think a decade is ages Plenty of time to plan … Continue reading →

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A robot bartender chats to customers

Posted on August 4, 2017 by odeboyz

The robot bartender says, “What will you have?” “Whiskey.” The robot brings back his drink and asks, “What’s your IQ?” “168” comes the smirking reply. They then chat about physics, space exploration, and medical technology. After the guy leaves he … Continue reading →

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Kennedy, Khrushchev and the Great Compromise 1962-3

Posted on August 4, 2017 by odeboyz

  The 1958 installation of missiles in Italy and Turkey provided compelling evidence, for the Soviets, of the USA’s malign intentions. Khrushchev resolved to remove the American missile threat to the USSR’s existence. The Cuban Revolution in 1959 provided an … Continue reading →

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Bob Dylan on the Beatles

Posted on August 1, 2017 by odeboyz

When Paul McCartney played an acetate of “Tomorrow Never Knows” for Bob Dylan, Dylan’s response was “Oh, I get it. You don’t want to be cute anymore.” http://marginalrevolution.com/marginalrevolution/2017/05/dreaming-the-beatles.html Chris

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Character building explained

Posted on August 1, 2017 by odeboyz

Now the commencement speakers will typically also wish you good luck and extend good wishes to you. I will not do that, and I’ll tell you why. From time to time in the years to come, I hope you will … Continue reading →

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