I remember as a child my dad used to bring home a comic from work on a Friday. It was the Beano and my favourite characters were the 'numbskulls' which were a bunch of tiny people who lived inside someone's brain. I loved the idea that the brain was worked by tiny people, I guess it's a little like that film Inside Out. I love reading now and I've just joined a book club which I'm loving. At present we are reading a very British Book, The Trial, by Rob Rinder. But we have a real mix of books to come in the next few months. The last book we discussed was Yellowface by Rebbecca F.Kuang. (oh and I love my audio books and kindle which are helpful because I own 5 bookshelves which are already heaving! )
Both very different books. Yellowface is very American and talks a lot about publishing, but is mostly about misfits and their personalities. The Trial is very British and talks a lot about British court trials It’s an easier read and takes a while to get into but has some great twists.
Living in the English East Midlands and with an interest in politics, my time has been consumed reading about the General Election campaign and the outcome for close on seven weeks. I get my news and comment from the BBC and The Guardian, a liberal leaning newspaper. I have read nothing else, apart from a few substack posts, including you Sandra.
Despite being a member of the Labour Party for 64 years, I have been described, fairly at times, as a maverick, an anarchist, left-wing and ‘too green for the Party’. And last Thursday I voted Green because, knowing Labour was going to win my constituency (Broxtowe), I could vote where my heart is, and has been for fifty years. It was a wonderful feeling. Friends and family voted Labour holding their noses. No one I know trusts Keir Starmer, but he is a lot better than any Conservative. The total number of votes Labour received in 2024 to win with a fantastic majority was a lot less than Corbyn got in 2019, when Labour was hammered, such are the vagaries our voting system. I hope I have another five years in me so I can experience the U.K’s next general election. I think the political landscape will be different, thanks to Reform, the right-wing party who got the third most votes but only five MPs, whereas the Liberals, who got far fewer votes, won 72 seats! The saddest thing of all was the turnout. Just under 60%, which means 40% didn’t vote, including a good few I know who refuse to believe their vote matters and believe ‘all politicians are the same’.
I have written every day and typed zilch, then there is the garden. Thanks to days and days of rain, there is a lot to do, then there is being tired.
I suspect you have been thinking a lot about Biden. I am not sure what to make of it. Your take would be interesting. 🐰
I don't think I've written about politics here yet. Won't start today. I do say what I think on Facebook though. Suffice it to say, I'll be voting BLUE all the way.
I so wanted to vote Green, but we had no chance in our constituency, I had to vote Labour to keep the Tories out. How nice to be able to vote with your heart. I had no faith in Starmer but I really I hope he brings change.
I remember as a child my dad used to bring home a comic from work on a Friday. It was the Beano and my favourite characters were the 'numbskulls' which were a bunch of tiny people who lived inside someone's brain. I loved the idea that the brain was worked by tiny people, I guess it's a little like that film Inside Out. I love reading now and I've just joined a book club which I'm loving. At present we are reading a very British Book, The Trial, by Rob Rinder. But we have a real mix of books to come in the next few months. The last book we discussed was Yellowface by Rebbecca F.Kuang. (oh and I love my audio books and kindle which are helpful because I own 5 bookshelves which are already heaving! )
Thank you for all this! I love the idea of the numbskulls. I haven't read either The Trial or Yelllowface yet, do you recommend?
Both very different books. Yellowface is very American and talks a lot about publishing, but is mostly about misfits and their personalities. The Trial is very British and talks a lot about British court trials It’s an easier read and takes a while to get into but has some great twists.
Thanks!
Living in the English East Midlands and with an interest in politics, my time has been consumed reading about the General Election campaign and the outcome for close on seven weeks. I get my news and comment from the BBC and The Guardian, a liberal leaning newspaper. I have read nothing else, apart from a few substack posts, including you Sandra.
Despite being a member of the Labour Party for 64 years, I have been described, fairly at times, as a maverick, an anarchist, left-wing and ‘too green for the Party’. And last Thursday I voted Green because, knowing Labour was going to win my constituency (Broxtowe), I could vote where my heart is, and has been for fifty years. It was a wonderful feeling. Friends and family voted Labour holding their noses. No one I know trusts Keir Starmer, but he is a lot better than any Conservative. The total number of votes Labour received in 2024 to win with a fantastic majority was a lot less than Corbyn got in 2019, when Labour was hammered, such are the vagaries our voting system. I hope I have another five years in me so I can experience the U.K’s next general election. I think the political landscape will be different, thanks to Reform, the right-wing party who got the third most votes but only five MPs, whereas the Liberals, who got far fewer votes, won 72 seats! The saddest thing of all was the turnout. Just under 60%, which means 40% didn’t vote, including a good few I know who refuse to believe their vote matters and believe ‘all politicians are the same’.
I have written every day and typed zilch, then there is the garden. Thanks to days and days of rain, there is a lot to do, then there is being tired.
I suspect you have been thinking a lot about Biden. I am not sure what to make of it. Your take would be interesting. 🐰
I don't think I've written about politics here yet. Won't start today. I do say what I think on Facebook though. Suffice it to say, I'll be voting BLUE all the way.
I so wanted to vote Green, but we had no chance in our constituency, I had to vote Labour to keep the Tories out. How nice to be able to vote with your heart. I had no faith in Starmer but I really I hope he brings change.
Hear hear. I wish you well, especially with the book club. Maybe a local writing group as well will help you find a best friend 🐰