A thoroughly decent viewpoint, Mike. I feel slightly ashamed that I watched the final, as so many of us did.

Comment is about What Mattered Most (blog)

Original item by Mike Bartram

When you look at it that way, she had a lot of wisdom, John. We certainly need her back.

Comment is about What Nana would have said. (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

There's a great physicality to this, Brenda. I really enjoyed it.

Comment is about Trees in Winter (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

It's as you say, Ray. Mind you, Jools Holland's Hootenanny isn't bad, as well as, er, that's it. Didn't Kenneth McKellar do the rugby commentaries ('They'll be dancing in the streets of Dumfries tonight')? No, perhaps not.

Comment is about LOST AND GONE FOREVER (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thank you, John. I never cease to say 'there but for the grace of God go I' every Christmas.

Comment is about IN THE BLEAK MID-WINTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Julie, Stephen, Rudyard, Brenda, K Lynn, John, Hélène and Holden

Thank you Keith, Flyntland and Uilleam. Sometimes we can shrug off slights and insults as not being worth a response, but it can be a different matter when a friend (especially a vulnerable one) comes in for this treatment.

And thanks to Julie, Stephen, Rudyard, Brenda, K Lynn, John, Hélène and Holden for your support.

Comment is about Breaking Point (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thank you John, for your part in expressing an unpalatable truth about our society.

Those whose bodies and minds are broken through conflict are now, as ever, thrown on the scrap heap.

I remember the scandalous news from a few years ago, about the sub-standard, unhealthy accommodation which forces families had to endure, (and still endure?)

I understand the anger about" immigrants and the workshy".
But I beg everyone: don't distract from the government's failings by taking it out on others, many of whom are in genuine need.
💓

Comment is about IN THE BLEAK MID-WINTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Ever so sadly missed. RIP Terry and thank you!

LS

Comment is about Terry Hall (blog)

Original item by David R Mellor

John I will never ever believe that we can't treat our service personnel any better than this! Makes me so fucking livid!
surely to god we don't need to be told what these guys have been and are still going through.

And in the meantime millions of the workshy continue taking the fucking piss! The sooner they get these lazies of their doped or drunken arses and use THAT money for people who MORE than deserve it-the better! FUCKING LIVID!

LS

Comment is about IN THE BLEAK MID-WINTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A bleak poem covering a bleak subject

Keith are you sure that the immigrants are illegal? crossing the Channel to seek asylam is not illegal. and the fact that they are in hotels means that they have not yet been processd so neither you nor I know if they have a right to stay or not, In the latest tradgedy most of the assylam seekers came from Afghanistan and were fleeing from terror. What would we do in their shoes?
The problem is one of processing - if it were speeded up those without good reason to be here could be sent back ASAP- and those who stay could work as they clearly want to.
The family who gave themselves up in our village (I live near one of the main entry points for small boats) were people just like us - polite and well behaved. Spite if you like -I will weep.

Comment is about IN THE BLEAK MID-WINTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Hits home perfectly. Good one Zach

LS

Comment is about Skinner box III (12/20/2022) (blog)

Original item by Zach Dafoe

A Christmas poem which highlights what we would rather not see or hear. 2,500 ex servicemen sleeping rough, the elderly and unemployed going to Food Banks and Warm Banks in a country which is a member of the G7. Then we see 419 hotels requisitioned by the Government to accommodate illegal immigrants in the warmth and comfort with three meals a day and free access to all medical services. And all in the Bleak Mid Winter. I could spit blood.
Keith

Comment is about IN THE BLEAK MID-WINTER (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thanks Uilleam and MC for your comments. I enjoyed getting Nana's vocabulary out and having a play with it, if you will! 😀
Yes we are paying for incompetence, MC-and how!
Thanks too for the likes Helene, Julie and Flyntland 😁

Comment is about What Nana would have said. (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

How well I remember them - we took ourselves very seriously in those days. I also remember the 'Corries' with their 'authentic' highland sets and real wooly sweaters. Then, more recently, came 'Runrig' two of whom became present day M.P.s
As for 'Strictly' loud - bright - demanding and turned off.

Comment is about LOST AND GONE FOREVER (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Thank you Rose, Doug, Leon, Clare Patricia and Stefan. It was the music of my youth, in London.

Comment is about Front man (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

M.C.
We are speaking of a real threat, about which the UK government has concerns: that threat is currently the one from the UK Far Right.

You present two logical fallacies i.e. "Whatabouteries"-commonly known as "Red Herrings".

1. "even back in the days of Moseley and his Black Shirts, the movement had little support within the greater population ".
2. What is perhaps more of an insidious threat is the existence of
the "Far Left".

Comment is about Muslim terrorist (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Well I hope your wishlist wants get granted kamryn
all the best!






Rose 💋

Comment is about new year, new me. (blog)

Original item by kamryn

😅 lovably lewd!






Rose 💋

Comment is about song for my martian cock (blog)

Original item by nicola van straaten

Thank you all for your opinion.

M.C. Newberry...... Every crime committed by a muslim isn't jihad. The moment it's labelled as jihad, the criminal becomes a hero and his crime becomes jihad. We should refrain from creating criminals as heroes who are worshipped blindly for their crimes.

Extremists and practicing muslims never commit crimes. It's the non practicing muslim criminals who do so. Most of them don't wear the religion Islam on their sleeves.

@J. Coopey...... Precisely. Thanks.

Comment is about Muslim terrorist (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

An informative piece, Ghazala. It is telling that the media all too frequently refer to “Muslim terrorism” but unaccountably never referred to crimes committed by the IRA or UDF as “Christian terrorism”.

Comment is about Muslim terrorist (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Thanks, MC. I find a fun diversion is to guess the number of times Derek will say “It’s lovely”. But Clarkson!!!?? I wish the gauchos had caught him.
And thanks for the Like, Julie.

Comment is about BANGERS AND CASH (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Thank you Helene.
Also - thanks are due for the "likes". You know who you are.

Comment is about SNOW WHITE POPPIES (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Good governance is essentially linked with the handling of the
nation's economy. And good housekeeping is intrinsically tied
to the same thing - cash connected! We have had incompetence
in control and the rest of us are paying the price.

Comment is about What Nana would have said. (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

UK government's position:
The UK Home Office's position:

Not mine!

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2019/09/20/fact-sheet-right-wing-terrorism/

Comment is about Muslim terrorist (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Unfortunately for their religion, it has been "hi-jacked" readily
by extremists within its ranks under the name of "Jihad" - and
vile things done in that cause for the world to see and wonder.
As for the "Far Right" mentioned by UOC...even back in the
days of Moseley and his Black Shirts, the movement had little
support within the greater population and that is likely now.
Those that are known as such now are more of a threat to
the complacency of the left-leaning liberal mindset than any
national security.
What is perhaps more of an insidious threat is the existence of
the "Far Left" - an entity that exists quietly and unobtrusively
in rarely mentioned or referred to sections of social influence.
The Atom Bomb traitors from Cambridge and the Burgess
crowd fell within that range of fifth column existence. .Doubtless, their kind exists now but that is rarely referred to in
any MSM.

Comment is about Muslim terrorist (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

I have been following "B&C" for some time - now watching the
latest "Restoring classics" versions of the concept. The range of
vehicles found and offered for sale has been asource of constant.
interest - so pleasing to know so many have survived. I confess
to enjoying occasional episodes of the original "Top Gear" when
irreverence was much in evidence and opinions were offered
without apparent fear or favour during tests and extended
travels beyond these shores - not least when Jeremy Clarkson
upset the locals in South America one time and made his
exit ASAP. What fun!.

Comment is about BANGERS AND CASH (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

A parable for the age perhaps. We seem to have encouraged
a world, which, unlike that which our immediate forebears knew
and dealt with so stoically, is hardly comparable in terms of
risk, loss and grief on a daily basis. Indeed, it appears that there
is some strange need to invent a state of ongoing alarm and
despondency for whatever reason, actively encouraged by those
career controllers - politicians and their various hangers-on in
search of funding and influence. Save us from those who vex
our very existence.

Comment is about Look at the Skies (blog)

Original item by Hélène

I'd write my deepest sentiments in cursive across faded paper 
And send it to you by earth's breath 

That's so poetic!

Comment is about Third Wheel. (blog)

Original item by Jordyn Elizabeth

Someone close once advised me:
"What matters is, not so much the problems you have to deal with, but the way you deal with them."

I can to some extent, control my own problems, but I must give my friend the benefit of the doubt?

Comment is about Breaking Point (blog)

Original item by Stephen Gospage

Thankyou, Graham. And quite right, Uilleam. Top Gear is for tho mindless.

Comment is about BANGERS AND CASH (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Ghazela
I describe myself in my profile as "Just a simple poet" and that is true, I live 'close to the ground' and have always tried to shy away from the wider world, so I read what you had to say with great interest.
You give a very balanced explanation of a situation that I have found hard to grasp.
You have given me a lot to think about and that is good. I also read'and agree with, Uilleams response.
For me this is the great value of WOL.

Comment is about Muslim terrorist (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Oh, the hypocrisy in high places!
And the hypocrisy in low places-
in the lowest of the low, in the muck-raking, click-baiting, gutter-sniping press / media.

Over recent years, concerning a variety of matters, I have increasingly come to use the expression:
"Follow the money".😡

Comment is about What Mattered Most (blog)

Original item by Mike Bartram

"leaning more into accountability. Thinking about what I contribute, "
Admirable thinking.

"new year, new me."
The number of times I've told myself that-and disappointed myself!

Slow, and incremental change works for me.
😉

Comment is about new year, new me. (blog)

Original item by kamryn

I think you have touched a very raw note here.

"those we love
those we don't even know -
fear for the planet
fear for the future
fear rises in our bellies,
fear dances in our brains"

I wish I could be more like Uilleam - I try - but fear for my loved ones still "dances in my brain"

- so I will breathe

Well done Helene for a sensitive and relevent poem

Comment is about Look at the Skies (blog)

Original item by Hélène

fallen off a flitting?
Not heard that for a long while! Love it.😊

Comment is about What Nana would have said. (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

Can't stick Top Gear, never could. Such overgrown over-excited schoolboys.

I'll give Bangers and Cash a try.👍

Comment is about BANGERS AND CASH (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Such a shame I don't believe in Martians!
😕

Comment is about song for my martian cock (blog)

Original item by nicola van straaten

ditto

Comment is about new year, new me. (blog)

Original item by kamryn

Thank you all so much for the likes and comments. They are always much appreciated. Happy Christmas! 🎄

Comment is about If I Were A Wolf. (blog)

Original item by Clare

unusual
daring
appealing

Comment is about song for my martian cock (blog)

Original item by nicola van straaten

Hélène, I refuse to be ruled by fear, to be ruled by those who literally make a living and profit from fear-mongering.
💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐💐

Comment is about Look at the Skies (blog)

Original item by Hélène

great poem John and such a great loss and only sixty three years old. Tragic! keep on writing your worthwhile poems mate

Comment is about Front man (blog)

Original item by John E Marks

Well, Adam.
I've woken to a blue sunny sky, and for that I'm grateful.
So I'm determined to get out of these walls today and get some fresh air and sunshine into myself.

No!
to fear-mongered mask-wearing!
No!
to alcoholic gel hand-wringing!
No limits!
😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁😁

Comment is about Apartment (blog)

Original item by Adam Whitworth

Even after recent hard frost and snow, some trees near us continue to give shelter, holding on to their leaves.

Comment is about Trees in Winter (blog)

Original item by Brenda Wells

Thank you Ghazala.

As you say:
"...a terrorist is a terrorist irrespective of their religion, nationality or education."

I agree with you.
And it is a sad fact that in the UK, an increasing threat is from the "Far Right".

https://homeofficemedia.blog.gov.uk/2019/09/20/fact-sheet-right-wing-terrorism/

And unfortunately in the UK, Far Right terrorists / racists are encouraged by some of our "dog-whistling" politicians, and hate-mongering news media.

Comment is about Muslim terrorist (blog)

Original item by Ghazala lari

Like an Æsop's Fable.

Comment is about If I Were A Wolf. (blog)

Original item by Clare

not only do I think that this is a well written piece but also that you are certainly going in the right direction kamryn
( beautiful name)
may I give you a friendly suggestion? I would change your sixth line to- I will not be absent from myself?

Comment is about new year, new me. (blog)

Original item by kamryn

Thanks John, KJ Stephen A and Stephen G for the likes.
And thanks for the Betjeman comparison, Stephen. I really appreciate that! 😁
Ten Km is a tough one to take even for GB!

Comment is about Roadworks Rap (blog)

Original item by John Botterill

Hi John

I just wanted to wish you and your family a very Happy Christmas!

Thank you so much for coming into the studio twice this year & for all your contributions to my spoken word specials.

Your dulcet tones will be heard again on my Christmas Special Radio show on Christmas Day itself in the first hour after 3pm 🎄

Comment is about John Botterill (poet profile)

Original item by John Botterill

Hi Nigel I just wanted to wish you a very Merry Christmas!

Your Christmas poem has now been included in my show so you will be heard on Christmas Day on Allfm 96.9 around 3.50pm 🎄

Tell all your fans😁

Comment is about Nigel Astell (poet profile)

Original item by Nigel Astell