On 24 November 1971 a man jumped out of an aeroplane at 10,000 feet somewhere between Seattle and Reno with $200,000.  Despite extensive searches he has never been traced or identified. The mystery deepened nine years later when some of the money was found in a river. As with any unsolved case there are numerous […]

Two ministers resigned this week over government proposals on the future relationship between Britain and the European Union, when they separate on 29 March. 75% of Members of Parliament wanted to remain in the European Union, but 90% voted to hold a referendum and are now reluctantly implementing its recommendation to leave. Following the resignations […]

Soon there will be a by-election in my ward. The candidates and their flag waving minnions are out in force, not giving any reason to vote for them but highlighting perceived failures by their opponents. None have anything positive to say about the area. MPs should be championing and campaigning to improve their town, but […]

Since 2013 the House of Commons has spent £2.4 million of taxpayer’s money on gagging orders for 53 former staff. On average each one received £45,418, more than most people in the UK earn in an year. They were payments for not disclosing information on the conditions of their employment, and are entirely separate from […]

Some media outlets have stopped using academic titles to refer to individuals. The historian Dr. Fern Riddell tweeted her displeasure and was then subjected to criticism for defending her right to use Dr. instead of Ms or Miss. As most critics were male it became a gender issue and women responded by putting Dr. in […]

This week Premier League players were granted an extra Saturday off each February, made possible by moving an FA cup game to midweek and cancelling any replays. Bad news for the lower division clubs who need the FA Cup income. Their players play more games for lower wages, but you don’t hear them requesting concessions […]

Most writers want to write full-time, but few can afford to do so. Obstacles such as paying bills get in the way. The ones who make it are those who match talent with hard work and patience. They reduce social engagements and balance professional roles whilst learning the craft of writing.  As they progress in […]

As I start writing questions for a forthcoming trivia night I remember the heyday of the pub quiz. A popular event that drew extra customers into the local pub on a Sunday evening or other quiet time. You came away, perhaps a little inebriated but with enhanced general knowledge and sometimes prize money. I enjoyed […]

Like many people I received a lots of emails this week, advising me to confirm that I still wished to subscribe to newsletters and other services. This is due to the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR as the EU loves acronyms) effective from 25 May in all EU member states and covers your personal data […]