29th June 2004

1. I agree with Francis Fukuyama. History is dead and never more so. If nothing what it seems at the time, how can it be remembered? If politicians will not concede current truths or realities, how can our children learn about past mistakes? That said. My old history teacher Mr Dunstan once asked the perenial question "What has anyone ever learnt from history?" I racked my brain as did everyone and after a short pause he softly said "Nothing" as if to underline the pointlessness of the class on both sides. History is a measure. A measure of kills, treaties, alliances and Bills. History is a measure of science, marriages, births and deaths. History was never a lesson and today, history was five minutes ago.

2. I said I was missing the sea so I went to West Wales. We surfed all day and our muscles are now too heavy for our own bones and our skin too tight to smile. Happiness abounds alongside exhaustion. The sea was very warm btw, I recommend a splash about in the surf. Clears the head and is far cheaper than a salt scrub at a health farm. I feel like a red raw rabbit.

3. It looks like I've pulled it off again and found another job that allows me to get paid for writing. B.O.N.U.S.

4. Sadly my Grandad, Ralph's marbles appear to be spilling uncontrollably out of their small bag and towards the gutter as we look on in desperation. He is 90 something as his my grandmother Nellie (they've been married since pre-history). Who would have thought it would have ended so shabbily?

5. When did watching Englishmen playing sport on television become so tiresome and unenjoyable? We expect so much when frankly the truth is that the British are the worst kind of sportsmen, part timers. It's certainly possible that the public expects so much simply because their own lifestyles are filled with inactivity and a lack of ambition. I expect nothing and am mildly pleased when we do well.

6. The mother of my Godson has a heart murmur. Is that serious? I don't know...

7. Lies can be so much fun but it mystifies me why true liars don't get tired of them sooner?

8. Have been reading the collected works of R.L.Thomas. Going back to a previous thread, I certainly understand a good deal more poetry now that I'm older. Perhaps it's because I want to.

9. Is this a traditionally quiet time on UKA? I guess it is. This is really my first fully online summer. OMG that's the saddest thing I've ever written.

10. mmm...Glastonbury looked very poor indeed, glad I went surfing. It took Jeff 8.5 hours to get back!! He was only coming back to South Wales.