Pytheas of Massalia (350-285 BCE)

UK: How Celtic Languages Spread Across Britain & Ireland! (2.1.2026)

I hesitate to “agree” regarding the Ogham script and would like to see the evidence (that it evolves from the Roman alphabet). I have seen Ogham etched along the side of clay tablets (which were then “dried” for preservation) and engraved along the edge of stone tablets (a much more difficult task). As in China, early reading and writing evolved around the ruling families – the kings – and their specially trained advisors. Why write along the edge of things? Romans did not do this. I suppose a case can be made that Ogham might be a development of Roman numerals – but I would like to see the evidence. My parents live in South Devon, and although born in Oxford, I was brought-up in Devon and Cornwall – two of the UK’s Celtic heartlands. I learned Country Dancing at school, and visited museums that contained the Celtic Coracle (round fishing boat). We also learned about the magic of Druidism and how the mighty Boudicca united the Celtic tribes and inflicted terrible defeats on the Roman invaders. I also drink cyder and eat clotted cream. All of this I have imparted to the Chinese members of my family (we take our children all over the Celtic South-West) – just as they have imparted Hakka culture to me. Of course, also possessing Irish ancestry (my father’s mother was from Mullingar) – this confirms the Celtic identity.

Trainer Joe Ticle - "Depressed Horse No Laughing Matter!"

Newton Abbot: Joe Tickle Confirms “Name is Real” in Alleged Horse Doping Scandel! (25.11.2025)

“Limiting cross-contamination of medication people can take is a slightly grey area because it’s regarding antidepressants and mental health,” the trainer said. “You can’t stop people taking medication and also people don’t have to declare to you that they are taking medication. You can ask, which we now do, but they don’t have to explain that if they don’t want to, which I fully appreciate.”  

Playing Cricket in the Back Yards of UK Cities!

UK: British Council Film Archive ([1950] – Cricket Documentary! (25.9.2025)

At his peak, however, he was a very good all-rounder wielding the bat and ball. When a child, my father taught me all the rules of cricket and this is why I know a) how to play the game, and b) what is going on when watching it (we support Leicestershire County Cricket Club – and we watched them play once). I have tried to teach my partner and children – but the modern youth now have the internet to take their attention! I have played “in-door” cricket – as well as cricket on a proper pitch – and I never wore a helmet (I couldn’t afford one). When standing at the crease – the mind must be calm and expansive – clear and reflective. Peace and self-control must permeate reality – whilst the bat and ball must be properly utilised in a technically perfect manner. There is no hatred for the opposition – or unnecessary attachment to one’s team-mates – all are equal to the true gentleman. This is why I refer to cricket as a form of English Confucianism!

Paignton: The Gurkha Curry! (27.8.2025)

This is a very sought after place with tables having to be booked weeks in advance. The cuisine is Nepalese (Gurkha) and is exceptionally good. The children enjoyed the rice and poppadoms – and it was a good experience for them. I was shocked to learn that the average price of a burger nowadays is around £8! Can you believe that! Even curries are not that cheap nowadays and so I am grateful we were guests and not hosts. As my mother is bed-bound abs could not attend in person – we ordered a curry to take home for her! We had a wonderful time surrounded by our family.

Zen of Galmpton! (24.8.2035)

Here we are. Zen is Ch’an in reverse – which is good as perception is the wrong way around. Turn it the right way around – and Zen becomes Ch’an the right way around. Not always an easy task – like catching a steam train whilst it is obscured by it’s own smoke. What a joy such contradictions are. They exist to test our perception and determination. As such, nothing else matters. We all look up – and we all look down – just like every koan (gong-an) you may have viewed. Still, none of it matters if you cannot lay it all down. None of it matters at all.

Duddington Postcard to Diane Wyles!

Duddington: A Special Postcard to Diane Wyles! (31.7.2025)

We visited (the 16th century) Kirby Hall today situated in the Northants countryside. On the way back – a solitary road-sign directed us to a “Historical Church”. This turned-out to be the 11th century “St Peter’s Church” (of Deene) – founded in 1060 – just six-years prior to the Norman Conquest of 1066. Well, this Church was unlocked and in it we found a selection of free postcards. On the way back to the place we are staying at in Easton-on-the-Hill – we stopped at the Highfield area of Duddington so that Kai-Lin could play in the adventure playground situated there. We wrote out the postcard, affixed a stamp (we only had 2nd Class) and popped it in the Duddington Post-Box – filming and photographing the entire process. The post will be collected tomorrow – at 9 am. The card will then meander its way to Paignton in Devon!

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