Diary 2008
Bad behaviour
I see that Tony Blair has been given a job by JP Morgan. Now, why does that surprise me? On the rare occasion when a parent at our school behaves disreputably (or worse), the @jpmorgan.com is often part of their record
10th January 2008
No reply received
Letter to the Kenya High Commissioner:
H.E. Mr Joseph Muchemi
The Kenya High Commission
45 Portland Place
London W1B 1AS
Dear Sir
Killings and displacement in Kenya
How has it come to this? Does President Kibaki have no dignity, no statesmanship?
My father would be turning in his grave if he knew – except that he doesn’t have a grave. His ashes are scattered on the beautiful red earth of Mweiga, from where he worked so hard and so bravely for the freedom and well-being of all Kenyans
Was it worth the sacrifices that he made; the disdain he endured from so many of his own race because of his belief that Kenya should be for Kenyans? Who is Kenya for now?
I pay school fees for a boy whose mother is called Muchemi. What impression is that young boy, your namesake, receiving from his elders about the democratic process in Kenya?
Yours faithfully
22nd January 2008
Finger spanners
Letter to my renal consultant
"I was thinking about you and your bike before Christmas and, somewhat on impulse, bought these finger spanners for you. My step-brother says they are a “brilliant, but probably useless” present. What you need to know about my step-brother is that he owns lots of bikes (good) but spends his time, as he mows the lawn, wishing the mower would break so he could use what’s left of the afternoon mending it (weird). In other words, he’s a frustrated mechanic and a finger spanner is going to be a comfort blanket for him – a base he’s covered that no sane person would feel the need to cover
As I have been staring at these for several weeks now, I feel it’s only fair that you should do your bit so here they are! I am sure you are far too busy actually to fix your own bike but perhaps there are several little Levys around, one of whom will appreciate the sheer optimism of an inventor who can not only conceive such an idea but even apply for a patent on it
Keep well"
28th January 2008
and his reply
"Thanks vey much indeed for the finger hexes - delightful ! I couldn't initially decide if it was a bomb or a sadomasochistic device...
I will use them!"
That cheered me up no end!
31st January 2008