To the woman on the mobile phone, junction of Lax Lane, High Street and Lower Park

To the woman driving up Lax Lane whilst using her mobile phone.
It is my custom to gesticulate to drivers who think it quite safe to negotiate tight bends, busy roads with narrow pavements, and other obstacles whilst holding a phone to their ear. I consider it to be a dangerous practice – driving one handed is daft, and talking to someone on the phone distracts one from paying full attention to the driving. To be frank, you are a bunch of idiotic fools who put your own convenience over and above the safety of others – you think you are safe, and from where I stand, on the pavement or a cycle, you are a bloody menace.

So when a woman got to the end of Lax Lane this morning, talking on her phone whilst approaching one of the most difficult bits of road in Bewdley, I was cross. It is a blind turning – one has to ‘peep and creep’ to emerge, and turn very hard to get out of the junction. Me and my little boy considered ourselves to be in danger from such an idiot, and I gesticulated. She seemed to think I was out of order, and wound down her window to speak to me – I think she was showing off that she could do this from her side, electric windows. She asked if I was a policeman, then repeated it whilst I stood somewhat bemused. She said if I wasn’t I should be minding my own business. We had a little altercation.

You silly bloody sod – it is my business. It is my street, and it is my arse in danger. Your appreciation of moral understanding is so low I can hardly reach down to you. I’m an anarchist – I give not much of a toss for a policeman; I am concerned about protecting myself and my environment, and my freedom to safely negotiate that environment. I don’t need your small minded attitude that considers only ‘crime’ and getting caught – I can make my own judgements, and tell other people when I think their behaviour is thoroughly lacking, if it impedes upon me. You, with your two child seats in the back of your motor, ought to develop some safe driving habits.

Actually, she said it was an emergency she was dealing with. I told her, if that was the case, to pull in and speak safely. She wasn’t impressed.

So next time anyone thinks of being a twat whilst driving – on the phone, drunk, speeding, dangerous motor – remember that many of us think you are twats, and would be quite happy if you kill yourself and all your loved ones. And if you feel like me about twats on the road, feel free to gesticulate and shout at the bastards – perhaps it is the only way to get through, and there are far more of us out there than the police, who can’t catch all the bad guys.

And a few words on death...

Our love of life is only an old connexion of which we do not know how to rid ourself. Its strength lies in its permanence. But death which severs it will cure us of the desire for immortality.

The Fugitive - Chapter 3 - Venice

A few words on love, from The Fugitive

Chapter three, 'Venice'

We think that we are in love with a girl, whereas we love in her, alas! only that dawn the glow of which is momentarily reflected on her face.

The morality of the working-class, or lack of it.

What later translators called working-class, C. K. Scott Moncrieff refered to as 'the proletariat'; the narrator is trying to find out more of Albertine's past life.

I asked myself whom I could best send down to make inquiries on the spot, at Balbec. Aimé seemed to me to be a suitable person. Apart from his thorough knowledge of the place, he belonged to that category of plebeian folk who have a keen eye to their own advantage, are loyal to those whom they serve, indifferent to any thought of morality, and of whom—because, if we pay them well, in their obedience to our will, they suppress everything that might in one way or another go against it, shewing themselves as incapable of indiscretion, weakness or dishonesty as they are devoid of scruples—we say: “They are good fellows.”

Not much point in that, then.

Friends Reunited. The company that brought that site was pouring money down a drain. I've just had an email from 'Sally', although I'm beginning to think she isn't real, or she doesn't read what she has written:

We've given the Friends Reunited site a good Spring clean for the new year, so why not do the same to your profile?

Your profile has been viewed 0 times already in 2010, so make sure it's up to date with all your latest news, photos and information for friends passing by!

Wow - zero views this year - better make sure the portrait pic is bang up to date!

You wouldn't believe what grown ups get up to.

I loved this so much I decided to share it. An 'all staff' email, when there is about six of us at work, the other 200 on half-term. I've changed the name, out of respect. I have to say it came from an adult.

I have lost a bright yellow fluffy pencil case, that contains my life collection of pencils, pens etc.... I had it in my possession towards the end of last week. Please if you find it can you let me know or pop it into room 026. Some of the pencils have my name "Jennifer Bull" on them..... I know very sad!!

Thanks

Jenny