Back again

 I am sorry that it has taken me so long to return to my blog. This is for four reasons:

1) No one reads it

2) I despaired when Britain got their own version of Trump.

3) I despaired when Putin invaded Ukraine

4) Covid made me despair

The problem is that all the things that were problematic in the world back in 2019: Brexit, Theresa May, Donald Trump, etc HAVE MADE THINGS 10 TIMES WORSE because those things happened. 

Just one example: Russia was not worried about America anymore (because Trump was his best friend) and thus invades another country and China says: "we'll stay your friends". Any similarities to the Axis? YES.

Another example...

Johnson lying all the time. He has parties during lockdown because he can - don't you know - he was the prime minister and nearly died. He has every right to attend a 'work do' and drink gallons of wine. What about all those people who did die even when they were obeying the rules of lockdown. I write this knowing that Johnson is in front of his peers right now and is lying AGAIN. 

He says he is a principled man. Here are some principles a world leader should follow:

• A bedrock of principles
• A moral compass
• A vision
• The ability to build a consensus to achieve that vision

Johnson (or Trump for that matter) do not have these. They are both caricatures and very frightening caricatures. Frightening because people BELIEVE them. And they walk all over "plebs" like us.

When Covid hit, I was happy to try and trust Johnson - he'll be advised by the right people, etc. I was very worried when he became 'seriously' unwell with Covid-19 - frightening. However, to lie and lie again when it is plain to everyone but his greatest supporters that he is lying! This is more frightening. 

Please can someone help us to climb out of this ABSOLUTE mess? Not a saviour. Just people who cares about other people and not being in the history books - tries to find peace in a difficult world map. Any chance please? And then - can we concentrate on the thing that will kill us ALL: Global Warming; Plastic pollution and all these other man-made disasters. 

When everything goes wrong....

When everything goes wrong, remember:

• Everything is temporary, even this.
• Happiness is a result of your approach to life, not what happens to you.
• The things, even those that seem small, that are going right in your life.
• The people who are in your corner.
• What you care about most and what you can let go of.
• That you ultimately choose how you react.
• Your resilience in other tough situations.
• Bad times don't define you, but your approach does.
• Worrying, anger, complaining, denial or any of the infinite other ways we try to circumvent pain when things go wrong won't change the situation.

Don't:

• Panic or get too far ahead of yourself.
• Go immediately to blame and criticism.
• Lash out.
• Self-destruct or numb yourself.
• Neglect your needs.
• Ignore your intuition.
• Focus on what should have been instead of what is.
• Try to control what is out of your control.
• Remind yourself of every other terrible thing that has ever happened to you.
• Ask "what if" or "why me" without also reminding yourself of what's possible and what makes you strong.
• Focus on others' opinions, because they're a reflection of the speaker, not you.
• Worry about who you are or are not impressing.
• Isolate.

Do:

• ccept, accept, accept.
• Stick to the present. Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, focus on what is actually happening now and what is actually in your power to do now.
• Focus on realistic expectations for yourself and the situation.
• Differentiate what you can and what you cannot change.
• Take one step, then another. Even if they're just baby steps, keep moving.
• Rather than focusing on the worst case, think instead of what else is possible.
• Look for the lesson. Challenging situations can often teach us what we have left to learn.
• Keep a positive attitude by remaining focused on solutions, skills, and strengths.
• Start small.
• Spend time with the people who support you.
• Appreciate the things going well, savor simple pleasures, and try to find the hidden gifts in the difficult times.
• Take care of yourself.
• Treat yourself with love and respect.
• Rejuvenate rather than simply tuning out or unplugging.
• Ask for help sooner rather than later.
• Consult or get a second opinion.
• Take the steps you need to keep working toward what you want in life.
• Sometimes we are too close to a situation to see it for what it is. Try looking at the situation from someone else's point of view.
• Give it the test of time. Ask yourself if this will mean the same thing in one, five, or 10 years. Look at the situation as a relatively short segment in the timeline of your life.
• Move, your body that is. Get moving to discharge energy. Walk 10 minutes in any direction starting wherever you are then turn around. Go for a swim. Plan a hike.
• Laugh. Watch a comedy. Call up a bubbly friend. Consider the stand-up routine version of this situation.
• Help someone else in need.
• Write. Vent your frustrations about this situation, brainstorm strategies to get out of it, or write about a more positive time in your life.
• Find a creative outlet.
• Read and reread motivational, inspirational, or encouraging words from others.
• Get outdoors and get inspired. Watch the sun rise or set. Listen to the birds. Take it all in to gain perspective.
• Give yourself a minute to regroup. Assess damages, sort out what can and cannot be done, or just get out of the middle of the situation.
• Choose one big goal to work on in order to make a lasting change.

June - Half Way

We're all half way into 2010, and I've no idea where my path is leading. I've been so terribly busy with so many silly and pointless things - so I've no idea where the time went. I'm nearing 70 this year, and I want it to slow down. Men don't last very long and women completely outlive us, so our time is more precious.

Talking of time - have you looked at your family tree any time soon? See here - amazing service. I can't tell you how much they showed me about my ancestors history. I was so impressed.

Finally, I was starting to like Gordon Brown (our former Prime Minister), but now we have this strange government that no one voted for. I heard someone yesterday call them the ConDem government. How potentially apt. Unfortunately, they are a populist movement at the moment, so it'll be a couple of years yet, till we see how rubbish they are. But, then maybe that's all politicians? I mean, we all know Blair was rubbish now, don't we? Terrible person.

See you soon!

Happy New Year

Happy New Year to everyone around the world. 2010! It seems strange that we're now at this milestone of a year - it seems only yesterday that we were celebrating 2000! Ah well. As usual there seems to be a debate about whether we have started a new decade (which I believe we haven't). In the end though - who cares?! Have a look at one such debate here. This guy makes a very valid point, but I still don't care!

Grumpy Old Man has returned.

The Gurkhas win their rights to settle in the UK

I am very pleased with the news that the brave Gurkhas (pre 1997) who fought for our country are to be granted the opportunity to settle here. This started because Gordon Brown LOST a Commons vote on the matter (the first for a long time in Parliament) and has now finally granted them this wonderful justice.

The Government's response was as follows: "For many years, the Brigade of Gurkhas have shown bravery, commitment and dedication in serving this country, and continue to do so on operations today.

This Government has done more for Gurkhas than any other. It was the first Government to grant settlement to Gurkhas and the first to equalise pay and pensions, with over 6,000 former Gurkhas and their families already given the right to live in the UK. In April we took steps to increase the number of Gurkhas eligible to come to this country by 4,000 or, including families, 10,000 people.

The House of Commons has now expressed a clear view that all Gurkhas should be entitled to settle in the United Kingdom if that is what they wish.

This Government respects the will of the House of Commons and recognises the strong feeling and public support for this cause. Consequently, we have announced today that all former Gurkhas who served for longer than four years will be eligible to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom. They will also be entitled to bring their spouses and dependent minor children. There will be no time limit on applications.

This scheme recognises the unique nature of the service given to the UK by the Brigade of Gurkhas and is offered to them on an exceptional basis.

We believe that in announcing the new policy today, we have met their concerns and those of Parliament." See here.

Whether we can believe their statement about doing more for the Gurkhas than any other government or not, we know that common sense has finally prevailed.

The Queen of England

I was watching repeats of "Monarchy" last week on the new channel, Blighty. Over the years, the Monarchy has had to change what it does and how it does it, to such an extent that it has survived. And isn't it wonderful! Not only that, this programme has served to remind me that our Monarchy, and our great Queen really does have a wonderfully important purpose. She is a unique and special ambassador to our country and works every day for the good of the UK and commonwealth. Also, there is no doubt in my mind that she loves her countries very much.

Yes, it's true - I am a Royalist and proud of it.

Did you know that our Queen has been on the throne for so long, that her reign surpassed those of her four immediate predecessors combined (Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, and George VI), after which she became the third longest reigning British or English monarch, the second-longest-serving current monarch of a sovereign state (after King Bhumibol of Thailand), and the oldest reigning British monarch.

So that she breaks records and becomes the longest-living British head of state, Elizabeth would have to live until 29 January 2012 when she would overtake Richard Cromwell.

To overtake Queen Victoria and become the longest reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth would have to live to 10 September 2015, when she would be 89. To surpass the reign of King Louis XIV of France, and become the longest reigning monarch in European history, Elizabeth would have to live until 26 May 2024, when she would be 98.

It's very possible too, after all, the Queen Mother lived to 102.

God Bless, the Queen. Thank you, Ma'am for everything you do for us.

You see, I don't need to be grumpy all the time. :O)

Straw targeted by online fraudsters

Sorry for not being around for a while, but I’m not sure anyone actually reads my blogs!

However in case someone does, I’ll return every two weeks or so (if not more), however I am finding my time is much more precious suddenly. I think my blog has become a place where I like to talk about the current news, and I especially like this idea because there’s so much interesting gossip out there.

This week, the Honourable Jack Straw is in the media – for the usual dodgy African scam. Justice Secretary Jack Straw has been targeted by Nigerian internet fraudsters. Requests for money were sent by email to hundreds of the Blackburn MP's contacts, claiming that he had lost his wallet while on charity work in Africa and needed 3,000 US dollars to get home.

No one falls for these kinds of scams any more. Or so I thought. A friend of a friend had and sent 500 Euro’s to some “princess” in Nigeria. Guess what? He never saw it again. MADNESS or DESPERATION.

Anyway, suffice it to say – no one fell for this scam, although Mr Straw received many phone calls: "I started getting phone calls from various constituents asking if I was really in Nigeria needing 3,000 dollars. It was an issue for constituents, not the Government. We are checking all that and I am assured there's no evidence that confidentiality of constituents was affected."

I bet that was annoying for him. :O)

Hearbeat is axed

I was a fan of Hearbeat when it first began, but I have not been for the last few years, because it's tired itself out! One of the things that always bugged me was the show's chronology. When the programme began, it was set in 1964. The setting then moved on, approximately in "real time", until it reached early 1969, where – apart from the Christmas episodes – it has now remained for some years. However, the show's chronology has been seen to be quite flexible: the inhabitants of Ashfordly and Aidensfield have certainly celebrated more than four Christmases between 1965 and 1969. What?! I just can't handle that, especially as they should be somewhere in the mid 70's by now!

All's well that ends well though, as ITV have announced they are axing it. It was on the news media today, please see here. I am pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed adding this fact on the Wikipedia page for Heartbeat.

Until next time!

Census 1911

I live in a very nice area of London, but sometimes I get annoyed by "youths" who are clearly up to trouble. Near my house there's a small, but picturesque pond, which is full of ducks. In amongst the noise of the planes going to Heathrow, I can often hear the ducks minding their own business, quacking away. HOWEVER, as many of you probably experienced, the first full week of January was freezing and below 0 degrees in lots of areas. We were the same. This meant, of course, that the pond froze over and the poor ducks couldn’t swim anywhere.

However, some “youths” thought it would be really cool to throw rocks at these poor ducks and dance on the ice too. What could I do about this? Well, as usual I got involved, but for once I decided against shouting at them. Instead I told the “youths” that they should get off the ice immediately, as I’d seen a crack on the other side of the pond. Well, it worked. The “youths” moved sharpish and have yet to return. I really don’t understand what goes through peoples heads to think it’s OK to throw stones at innocent and defenceless ducks?

OK, rant over. And now for something completely different.

I am loving being a blogger. OK, I know I've only just started, but I have already become fascinated by it all by looking at other peoples blogs. One blog has taken my interest the most. I have been interested in my family tree for a number of years, and was most excited by the news that the 1911 Census is now LIVE! I had a look at some blogs on the 1911 Census, and found just one: http://familygrowsontrees.blogspot.com/2009/01/1911-census.html

It’s an extremely interesting blog, and includes a link to an excellent article by the BBC. I may even consider asking these people to do some research for me. I know a lot about my family, but there's still so much for me to find out. Well done to them for creating the blog!

The weather is still cold in Britain and I’m looking forward to spring – my favourite period! In my next blog, I’ll try not to moan so much, but it really is hard not to!

Until next time!

Introduction to me...

Why the Victorian Gentleman? Well, because I like to see myself as a bit of an old fuddy duddy and there were lots of them in Victorian society! I also admire the Victorian period greatly, and we should always remember how much we have to thank them for many of societies creature comforts!

So that’s sort of me. In this blog, I’ll talk about many random things and I hope someone enjoys reading about it.

PS I am a miserable person, but I hope I am not too annoying. More of a Victor Meldrew kind of character.

Until the next time.