Month: July 2025

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MALE ROLE MODELS

Fascinating phone in on JO’B LBC this morning regarding a government initiative to get schools to introduce lessons on positive male roles to counter the INCEL misogyny. Firstly I will predict that the Mail will bleat on about the nanny state and Conservative and Reform politicians will state that hey know the answer! The phone in was brilliant with articulate contributions from young men.

So I am not going to provide answers. That there is a problem is beyond doubt, and it is analysing this that may be a clue as to what is required. In my life time the traditional family unit has virtually disappeared. Both parents now have to work, the traditional ‘male’ bread winner is no longer apt; divorce is more common (I was 19 when I met my first divorced person. pornography is now ubiquitos – no longer banished to the top shelf, now it is in every boys pocket!; Then there is the demise of the pub discussions – I am not sure if the absence of this discussion area has had an impact?; Society has become harsher – stating that immigrants should be left to drown is seen as acceptable, or Harry’s missus being paraded naked through the streets and pelted with shit is stated without reprimand by J.Clarkson. Reform extol the subserviant female role model and the concept of the alpha male. Trump avoids rape prosecution and states that it is ok to grab a pussy! and also supports Tommy Robinson.

So – the male role model has changed as being the provider is equally shared (or even the woman’s perogative). For most I would guess that the role model is different in every case, but if successful means a loving respectful relationship within the family. My family are not huggers and criers – but I appreciated their love, and hope my children and grandchildren do as well. If I look at myself as a positive role model I hold my head in shame – of course I could have done better – I would say I was average 6 or 7 out of ten? I have always tried to be there for them.

So what will the lessons be – so much danger in belittling the roles of those trying against adversity to do a good job? I also guess that the adversity is 99% financial. The demise of youth clubs and free sports clubs also deprives those who do not have the positive parental input from the peer enhanced examples.

There are so many people who will be incensed – misogynists primarily, then the priveldged upper classes who look in the mirror and see the problem; the alpha males; the indoctrinated working class subservient women. ultra religious folk; And the victims are the boys without men who set a good example (Clarkson, Trump, Farage, Robinson, and thousands more).

So I have proven beyond doubt that I do not know the answers – but also know for my grandaughters sake the answers need to be found- the rules have changed, the objective must be tolerance and understanding.

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WATER

There is so much crap talked about in the press. Scaremongering is rife. Yes there is a shortage of water in some areas – notably those relying on reservoirs. However despite the dry spring only the northern counties are affected. Those areas with mainly groundwater supplies are relatively unaffected. Rain over the next couple of days will only bring a temporary respite to reservoir levels. So it will be areas with reliance on reservoirs that are affected by droughts. Long term changes in climate will take longer to filter through the system for groundwater supplies. River flows are below normal almost everywhere across the UK which has a bigger impact on wildlife, especially when water companies pump out sewage. I have no idea about my next comments! But surely farms should take measures to ensure water supply in these times of climatic change? Mega water butts could be the future?

It does not look like much rain here until maybe tomorrow afternoon.

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ATTACK MODE

Ed Miliband has got it correct. The way to deal with the climate deniers is to face them head on with facts. The government should also do this with migration, pensions and many other topics – but start slowly.

The facts about climate change/warming are indisputable, even with the petrocompanies pumping millions into false scientific reports. Net zero will not happen overnight, unfortunately, and may come with an initial cost – but like my solar panels (7 years and I was in profit- so maybe 8 if I had taken out a loan). Yes the grid infrastructure will need reform and renewal at a huge cost. But once done, and with onshore wind and a solar subsidy for individuals we can make a difference that will not only save pounds but lives too.

Whilst my neighbours cut their lawns to the roots, and spray them with insecticide, my garden goes from strength to strength. Sage and thyme and rosemary are established and going strong, the yellow rose is brilliant but the others are taking their time. Lovage is good and te mints are struggling. However self seeded fennel, evening primrose and chicory are doing fine. The hanging baskets are also blooming. Regarding insects – lots of hover flies and some bees, butterflies – lots of small skippers (must be breeding?) and whites. No others yet despite the buddliea growing rampant at the back, and numerous nettles. Lots of ladybirds at the moment. I have stopped feeding the birds at the moment as the bird food was sprouting due to lack of interest! i will start in the late autumn again.

I have just had to tie back the fennel and evening primrose so the postman can get to the front door! I fight a constant battle with grass and brambles – but regarding the latter – I am leaving some to produce blackberries. My mulberries are rippening and should be ready latter next week – they do not transport well so will need to be picked and eaten!

So we are going to get some rain? A rain bomb is a possibility? What is a rain bomb? Not something that was around when I was teaching meteorology, but basically a torrential downpour associated with a thunderstorm. Most of the houses shown inundated with flood water are recent builds?

Just going to make cheese straws with sun dried tomatoes, basil, mustard, pepper and sprinkled with parmesan! No recipe so fingers crossed! Oh, just remembered to add garlic! Or is it to much?

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STORIES

Life under Labour has become very boring! Where are the MP’s watching porn or touching up colleagues in Westminster bars? Where are the impractical scams and gross inefficiencies? The main stories this weekend – Angela Rayner being suspended by Unite (so what!); small boats (RW Press are desperately trying to keep this story live – it sells papers to the knuckle draggers); BBC tying itself in knots over anti-semetism and Gaza (If it had remained impartial then it would not be criticised with such vehemence over showing a 3rd rate pop group at Glastonbury leading an anti-war chant).

And the killing of children continues in Gaza and the West Bank; and in the Ukraine; but the media is generally weary of the slaughter of innocents, it would much rather talk about the Beckhams, Master Chef, royalty – all the things that they believe we actually give a fuck about! I suppose some do – is it jealousy or vicarious pleasure in schadenfreude?

Wimbledon wombles to a close – despite vain attempts to make ‘who is in the royal box today’ headline news, frankly I am not interested! There seems to be an interregnum as the last superstars of this century retire and we wait for a new crop to develop. The game has become more professional – where are the Nastase’s, McEnroe’s or Borg’s of today? I apologise if this is sexist nonsense! Womens tennis has not had the personalities, although the Williams sisters and Navratilova etc. have captured the interest by being just brilliant. On which – a thought – why are the points 15, 30, 40, deuce?

Today is the final of FIFA World Club Championship – wgaf – a one billion $ prize fund. The funds will distort the fair play rules, why Chelsea? and not Liverpool or Arsenal? Fortunately football is a very demographic sport – well almost! Leicester won the league a couple of seasons ago. But teams that thrilled last season like Brighton, Bournemouth, Brentford and Notts Forest have all seen their best players move to richer clubs. How will Sunderland fair next season – they are buying skilled young players – I hope they will survive mid-table!

Palestine Action. Where can I get a t-shirt and stickers?

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LIVE AID

BBC 2 aired the concert from 40 years ago. I cried at the Cars set in the David Bowie bit. I really did care, and still do, but what has changed? Rich fuckers still being obnoxious, and extolling their wealth. I still fucking hate them and the system that lets children die from starvation and the rich fuckers flaunt their wealth like Bezos and Sanchez in Venice. Just how these fuckers can justify their wealth is beyond me. I am back to 1975 anger! Have I done enough in my life? Could/should I have done more?

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WATER

My water butts are getting low – not surprising when I am using 15ltr + every day. So my 200ltr one is empty and the 100ltr one is low but the 50ltr one ok for now! 40% chance of rain on Monday – I could do with a big downpour soon!

The water companies themselves have been trousering profits for so long that they have forgotten that they are supposed to provide clean water and treat sewage. No new reservoirs for 30 years (indeed some in cities sold off for housing!). Can there be any doubt that the public want privatisation of the water companies, even if it requires higher charges in the short term. I would suggest ownership is transfered to the residents who use the water and sewage facilities. If there are surplus profits in the future – then they would benefit. An incentive for conservation of resources as well. The water companies have justified bonus payments as being retention bonus’s. What bullshit. I would hazard a guess that most directors know jack shit about water supply – they are appointed to maximise profits and manipulate finances.

OK – and you and I are expected to obey a hosepipe ban whilst golf courses, etc. are given dispensation to use as much as they like. If there is a ban here – they can fuck off, and then fuck off some more! My wildlife garden is on average 1m high throughout with a couple of mulberry trees, a large apple tree, a baby apricot tree and lots of raspberries and roses. These are swarming with skipper butterflies and whites, hover flies and bees. My garden is an important service station in the wilderness of lawns cut to 5% of their lives and then insecticided. Temperatures in the garden are lower than neighbours and it is ahaven for wildlife.

These do not do justice to the garden. Stepping out of the patio is stepping into a wilderness! (and I have over 50 plants indoors!

So why should I watch my plants wither whilst the golf course can water? Oh, and they do not water the wildflowers, only the  Bentgrass and Bermudagrass are commonly used. TBH who would obey a hosepipe ban whilst the water company directors earn 6 or 7 figure salaries for circumventing te law. Yes I am fucking angry!

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FUCK

How are so mny Americans so stupid? MAGA supporters are blaming the government for causing the floods that killed over a hundred. I cannotbcomprehend the short circuits that must take place in their brains. Are there people wandering around with black smoke coming out of their ears? They have a MAGA president with, admirably, a large number of brain cells missing – but why would he want to kill white christian girls in particular? Still the knuckle draggers will need to blame someone. God would be the first culprit but due to any proof of its existence they need someone else – migrants cannot really be blamed, nor blacks, gays, or any of their usual weaker victims. So it is back to the government – always good to be blamed, but this time for the weather? Perhaps the wankers should look at their grossly big vehicles for once.

And we have our share of meat heads here in the UK. Starmers deal with Macron may not stop the boats – the gangs have too much to gain for carrying on. However the proposed one for one makes great sense. If a refugee qualifies we should welcome them, and let them get jobs, etc. We need them. Also why does no one refer to the weather when talking about the small boats? We have had a huge amount of calm weather this year. Inevitably the numbers of migrants crossing the channel has increased. Why are people not blaming BREXIT? Oh – because the same people who voted leave are the people who complain about small boats and they do not understand that Brexit caused the small boats crisis.

Temperatures are above 30C – I am watering the greenhouse a couple of times a day, and might run the water butts dry! Whatever – lots of white butterflies and skippers, but also hover flies – I think my garden is a haven for the small and insignificant. NO that was the wrong word – they are not insignificant, and probably more significant than I could comprehend.

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ILL

Is this what I have? Labyrinthitis and vestibular neuritis? It seems more plausible than meunière disease which the doctor diagnosed in seconds! There is the feeling of nausea. I had a shower and put washing on, did Worldle Trinidad and Tobago at second attempt! So I sent text to shop telling them I was ill, then went back to bed. after 4/5 hours I felt well enough to get up and get my paper! Put the washing out, water the tomatoes and hanging baskets, I have eaten some grapes and olives (whoops – Labyrinthitis says to avoid – oh well! Still feeling a bit off but am up and about – I will not sleep tonight otherwise.

So the news. Trump turns his attention seeking and bullying efforts to Brazil. A 50% tariff and tells them to halt the trial of the last President (also a right wing bastard), Quite why he believes he has the right to dictate orders on a peaceful sovereign state is unknown – other than his egoistic gutter mind. Macron and Starmer are talking about the small migrant boats. What ever they agree will be slammed by the RWPress who seem to have forgotten all about the Tories ineptitude regarding, well everything!

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AWFUL

I am constantly surprised by just how bad the government were. NHS waiting lists; migration figures; water company negligence; education in a mess; housing crisis; the legal system; prisons. Just what were they doing?

Will Labour be any better or is it the system? First signs are not great. Has anything noticably changed for the better? Winter fuel payment fiasco; benefits cuts; inertia about water supply. The overall consensus is that we are getting more of the same ineptitude. Pandering to the RWPress and failing at every step with new policies. I do not want to hear about the multi billion black hole left bybthe tories. I want to hear about reform of just about everything. Every government department should be tasked with how they are going to revolutionise their policies within the budget restraints. I do not expect to agree with all of them, but a vision of the future is needed, fast. Starmer seems proficient at international relations which is a huge improvement on the past 15 years

Domestic news – my nextdoor neighbour was spraying weed killer on dandelions in her lawn. I hope the poison does not affect the growing number of insects in my jungle. She is fighting a never ending battle as my garden cherishes dandelions and the chicory, evening primrose and fennel are spreading! My roses are also looking good – hopefully they will grow in size over the next year to become fully fledged bushes. I might get some more in the autumn. I have red x2, white x2, yellow x2, white x3, purple x1 and orangex1. I also have a mallow that has appeared in the back lawn! i am cutting the sky rockets on my apple tree – I know it is not the time stated – but it feels right to me! Sage is escaping and rosemary and oregano is doing well, as is my lemon mint by the patio.

I might make some cheese straws with crushed pepper, basil and sun dried tomatoes later. I watered the hanging baskets at 5.30am this morning but may have to do them again later.

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THE RICH

So the Guardian runs a spread on the impact of the non-dom system. It included house prices bein marked down by 75%nand still not selling. I am sure that there are some who will move – but tax is surely only part of the reason for leaving. If it was the major reason then more would have left for cheaper cities. The abandonment of VAT exclusion for private schools should have little effect on millionaires. In many other ways the UK has much to offer. Is it hipocritical for the RW media who are so trenchant in their criticism of migrants; to be so upset about migrants leaving the country due to tax. There is obviously an ‘Us and Them’ situation here.

I am also not sure about the ethics here. If someone makes their money abroad (and pay tax there – this is where I am unsure), should they have to pay UK tax? Nothing is ever straightforward! I would rather see the likes of Amazon, X, meta, and Apple, etc. pay tax on the profits they make here rather than regeristing their companies in Luxemburg and Dublin. As for the drop in house prices – my heart bleeds! Maybe their mansions could be split into flats and affordable housing for those who live and work here.