Author Archives: odeboyz

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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The first winter snows in Aberdeenshire

Posted on November 24, 2017 by odeboyz

Del

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A School Teacher Joke

Posted on November 24, 2017 by odeboyz

I hate it when people just use big words to make themselves sound perspicacious. Richard M

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How the first Black Community was formed in London after 1772

Posted on November 24, 2017 by odeboyz

The first British Empire included many slave-owning regions, which were ruled by British appointed Governors. The West Indies and America*, were the most important. Most slave-owners had direct connexions with Britain and there was a constant flow of returnees for … Continue reading →

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

The Scream

Posted on November 21, 2017 by odeboyz

I screamed again and again It surfed the noise of the city No-one heard or cared Chris  

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