Desire

“For every man hath business and desire.” You recognise  the words Shakespeare put into Hamlet’s mouth. I play a straight bat and will not hide from you my desire.

Published
Categorised as Psychology

Borough Polytechnic

In the 1980s polytechnics went out of fashion and were re-branded as universities. In 1892 Borough Polytechnic was opened by Lord Rosebery to provide practical instruction to people in the area. One of the speakers at the ceremony rather patronisingly hoped that “the Polytechnic would do its share towards perfecting many a valuable gem found in… Continue reading Borough Polytechnic

Published
Categorised as Art

Monetary Union

My first impression of James Agate’s diaries was that they are a bit dry but as I get to know the recurring characters I am enjoying Ego 2 enormously. Now I want to tell you about four things that happened last weekend.

Micawber

If I gave you a butterscotch early 1950s Fender Telecaster with a Gibson PAF humbucking pickup, what would you do with it? I might add, to make my theoretical gift more interesting, that it’s called Micawber.

Big Bang et cetera

I had a shock on Friday morning. Walking past Knightsbridge barracks I noticed two white vans by the entrance. There were three uniformed soldiers on the pavement and after I had passed I thought of going back to make sure they had checked the vans. Maybe I was over-reacting so I did nothing. At the… Continue reading Big Bang et cetera

Foreign Secretary Thrice

He was in opposition for twenty-three years and under his leadership mass resignations led to his only having twenty-five MPs in his party. While this may be Jeremy Corbyn’s political obituary it actually describes Charles James Fox’s career.

French Revolution

If Marine Le Pen becomes the next French President and she implements her espoused policies, the effect on Europe will be as disasterous as the French Revolution. It seems an unlikely outcome but there have been a few of those recently. In 1792 our politicians were complacent and maybe we are all doing this in… Continue reading French Revolution

Dinner at The Dorchester

James (Jim) Lees-Milne has plenty to say in his diaries about people he meets in the course of his work for the National Trust – often not nice things. Others are charitable about him.

Published
Categorised as History

Playing My Song

Jason Butler in FT Money last Saturday is playing my song. His article concludes: Market signs are telling UK investors that opportunity remains for diversification into the growing world beyond the borders. I am trying to position myself for a downward correction in equities. Safety plays are bonds, gold and emerging markets. If, like me,… Continue reading Playing My Song

Published
Categorised as Business

Counter Fodder

My favourite City restaurant in the 1970s was Turner’s Brasserie in Broad Street Station Arcade. If there were more than two of us we sat at a table with a red and white checked tablecloth attended by matronly waitresses.