Author Archives: odeboyz

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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Constructed out of moonbeams

Posted on April 4, 2016 by odeboyz

In the past nearly seventy two years Most nights, I have laid me down to sleep Sometimes that blissful state Does not enfold me easily. But, on the many good nights I have simply, drifted away… I don’t know, precisely … Continue reading →

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

The Fatal Flaws in Operation Barbarossa 1941

Posted on March 31, 2016 by odeboyz

“With Russia* smashed, Britain’s last hope would be shattered….. If we start in May 1941, we would have five months to finish the job.”** Adolf Hitler 31st July 1940 The German High Command ought to have opposed Hitler’s cherished ambition … Continue reading →

Posted in War | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

A Removal from Terry Street

Posted on March 29, 2016 by odeboyz

On a squeaking cart, they push the usual stuff, A mattress, bed ends, cups, carpets, chairs, Four paperback westerns. Two whistling youths In surplus US Army battle-jackets Remove their sister’s goods. Her husband Follows, carrying on his shoulders the son … Continue reading →

Posted in Poetry | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Attlee* reviews Field Marshall Lord Montgomery’s** Autobiography

Posted on March 29, 2016 by odeboyz

“Some of the difficulties he gave his colleagues and superiors were due not so much to a profound intellectual disagreement with their views as, I think, to the fact that occasionally he could, and did, behave almost as a child…even … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Review | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Compounded Stupidity

Posted on March 24, 2016 by odeboyz

About fifteen years ago the Council decided that they would create a structural repairs contract as well as one for external decoration for our three tower blocks which we manage on their behalf. Unfortunately, they didn’t bother to consult with … Continue reading →

Posted in Autobiography, housing | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment