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The End of Dry January
I always find that if I get into the habit of not doing something, I can get quite good at it. After about a week of not drinking, I have got myself out of the habit and I go in search of chocolates instead. The downside of this is that I am also very good at getting back into habits. Dry January knocks me out of habitual boozing but by spring, as a bit of warmth sets in, off I go again. By autumn, something alcoholic passes my mouth on most ...
Taxation and Why We Should Pay It
When I think about the various PAYE, VAT and corporation tax bills I pay, I do wonder why some people think we should try to avoid them. Many of us have been to state schools, seen our kids born in NHS hospitals and had operations at some point. These things are regarded as ‘free at the point of delivery’ but the money doesn’t come out of thin air. It comes from the tax we all pay. Glossy Brochures Over the years, I have had ...
The Death of the Pub
I went to a pub for a birthday meal last night. It was expensive and bang average. I can’t bring myself to say the pub's name, as on occasion, my blogs get picked up and put on web pages for crap pubs or something. I haven’t got the heart to put another nail in it’s coffin as the staff were nice and glad of company on another pitifully slow night. An Unwanted Cocktail Most country pubs appear to be finished. They are dealing with ...
A View From the Chaise Longue – It’s Tears Again!
I met a couple of my son George’s friends in Winchester yesterday. On a busy and buoyant Christmas afternoon the temptation was there to hang about and watch the game. However, the chaise longue had served England well and to desert it now would surely mean defeat. That’s right, England's fate rested on me staying loyal to a piece of furniture. Uneasy Confidence During the drive home, I felt an almost uneasy sense of confidence. ...
View from the chaise longue – England restore calm to win at a canter
It was red wine and the chaise longue for the culture vulture again last night. Yet again, I didn't feel physically and mentally equipped to go out in the cold and into a pub of football experts. I don’t know why, but hearing someone shout “GET GREALISH ON!”, every 20 seconds, seems more tolerable in the summer. Perhaps it's because you can escape to the garden when it is warmer? I must admit, I spent the hours before the Senegal game ...