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funeral service

A memorable farewell

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March 18, 2025

I didn’t know Mavis, but all who did remarked on her kindness and deep devotion to her family. The memorial ceremony was a fine tribute to her with a brave eulogy by her son, Alan and two fine hymns.
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coffee

Neighbourhood coffee

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March 14, 2025

When I find myself downtown I try to find somewhere that serves a good cup of coffee. One such place is Neighbourhood. The only downside is their popularity, which causes queues out the front door. Their sourdough toast and jam is tasty and their espresso is top notch. On my…
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scams, Shopping

Fake reviews

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March 11, 2025

Why do some people post fake reviews online? I heard a story at the suit shop that two men who had never been to Belfast and appeared to live in Turkey posted a terrible review of the shop. They couldn’t get the review taken down. Some time later the men…
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writing

The art of writing

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March 10, 2025

I find that trying to write anything at home is impossible. Too many distractions. There’s washing to be done, fridge contents to be checked and TV to search for quality programmes to watch. Strangely, the atmosphere in a bar seems conducive to my writing. Obviously the number of pints has…
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EU, Trump

EU policy

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March 8, 2025

Now that Donald Trump has jeopardized the NATO protection of Europe it’s time for EU solidarity to show it’s mettle. Kaja Kallas is the EU’s foreign policy chief and grew up in the Soviet Union. Estonia finally got it’s independence and Ms Kallas is deeply suspicious of Putin and his…
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rugby, sport

Standing room only

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March 8, 2025

I am sitting in a bar that is rapidly filling to capacity to watch the Ireland vs France rugby match. I got here early to bag a seat.. The crowd here has high hopes of Ireland’s third Six Nations championship on the trot. I have got a comfort bet on…
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humour

Love triangle

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March 7, 2025

Don is a seventy something entrepreneur looking for love. Vlad is a 72 year old fitness fanatic who likes to be in control. Vlod is a 47 year old former stand up comedian who has sent Don some rather racy text messages. Don seems unresponsive to Vlod’s advances, but is…
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Clothing

Suited and booted

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March 6, 2025

As a corpulent man of average stature it is not easy picking a suit to flatter my figure. My niece is getting married to a lovely man next Saturday and our family will be there. We just have to find our oldest son’s suit, and we’re all set.
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value of life

Procreative asymmetry

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March 5, 2025

The 4th book in my distance learning course is called The Value of Life. Our assignment asks us to critically assess “We are forbidden to start bad lives, and are required to start good lives.” The description ‘bad lives’ implies that life would be full of woe and that it…
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cooking, food

Pancake flops

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March 5, 2025

We are still finding stuff we boxed up for the temporary move to the house around the corner. What I did not find was the measuring jug, so the batter mix wasn’t right. My family ate the far too crispy pancakes but the leftovers were a dead giveaway.
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