Today is one of my least favourite days of the year. The last Friday in August. When I was a kid, this meant that next Friday, I'd have a whole school year of misery in front of me. We normally have a Friday joke. The biggest joke of all to me is I'm 63 and everyone my age and younger had a minimum of 12 years compulsory education. Now one may think that having to sit in a classroom and learn subjects, a few basics would have sunk into 99% of the population. Things like
History - Read a book on 20th Century history and see how things work out when fascists got elected.
Geography - Have a look at a map. See who are nearest neighbours are.They are the nations that it makes most sense to have easy trade and travel with if you want an economy that works.
Maths - The UK voted for Brexit which has meant the UK's GDP is 4% smaller than it was. This means for every £100 in every British persons pocket, £4 has simply disappeared. This has happened because we have made it harder and more expensive to do business with our closest neighbours.
Religion - The ethos of Christianity is summed up by the Beatitudes. If you don't sign up to these principles, then you are not a Christian. There is nothing in here about deporting refugees, starting wars, killing people etc. You can believe what you like for all I care. But at least learn what your religion stands for.
"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven": This refers to those who recognize their spiritual need for God and are humble.
"Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted": This blesses those who lament sin, suffering, and loss, promising comfort.
"Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth": The meek are those who are gentle, humble, and patient, not given to aggression.
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be satisfied": This describes people who deeply desire to do what is right and just.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy": Those who show compassion and forgiveness to others will receive it in turn.
"Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God": This refers to those with sincere, undivided hearts.
"Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God": These are individuals who work to bring reconciliation and peace.
"Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven": This blesses those who suffer for their faith and commitment to God's will.
English Language - I'm dyslexic so I can't lecture anyone on this, but it does irritate me when people who rant on Facebook about being English clearly do not know how to use English properly. I am equally crap but I don't lecture people about being English.
English Literature - The UK has been responsible for some of the worlds greatest authors. Sadly it seems that half the people in the UK think George Orwell was the bloke who invented the Big Brother TV series, not the author of the best take down of fascism and authoritarian regimes.
Science - The basic principles of science is that you observe the results of actions and if these actions consistently produce the same result, then it means that there is a rule or law which means that is how things work. A good example is gravity. Other good examples are vaccines, that did such things as eradicate Smallpox. People who say vaccines don't work, need to have proper evidence. Rants on youtube and saying Auntie Nellie had a covid vaccine and still died, although very sad is not science.
Art - Isn't it sad that despite us all learning art at school, it seems most people who want to, are incapable of painting a red cross with straight red lines on roundabouts. Just out of interest, in America, you'd get nicked for flag abuse. These are the USA rules about displaying flags.
If it wasn't so feckin sad, it would be hilarious.
And here is the music round up
The Builders Arms 8-11pm Redriffe (Classic Rock)
Butchers 9.30 – 11.30pm Tracer (Indie Rock / Alt / Dance) cancelled
Lord Kitchener 8.30pm – late Aimi P (Covers - various, Solo Artist)
Barrington 8.30pm – midnight Karaoke with Johno
The Arkley Club 8.30pm – 11.30pm £5 cash on door) Back To The Legends Night (DJ)
Kings Head 8pm – late Karaoke
Saturday 30th
Butchers Arms 9.30pm – midnight The Looters (60s, 70s cover band)
Ye Olde Monken Holt 9.30 – 11.30pm Mike Gill (Acoustic)
Builders Arms 8.30pm – 11.30pm Horizon (Rock covers and original)
East Barnet RB Legion 8.30 – 11.30 Megan
Barnet South Club Bells Hill 8.30 Peace and Love UK
Toolans 9pm – 11.30pm Gaz Martin
The Arkley Club 8.30pm – 11.30pm £5 cash on door) Back To The Legends Night (DJ)
Kings Head 9pm- DJ Disco
Sunday 31st
Lord Kitchener 1pm – 4pm The Vinyls (Duo)
East Barnet RB Legion 2pm – 5pm Ela
Ye Olde Monken Holt, 7-9pm (TBC)
Butchers 8.30 – 11.30pm Butchers Arms Jam Electric/Blues/Rock (Full backline available)
Toolans 8.30pm – late Finbarr Black
B3 Lounge @ The Bohemia Bobby Quigley Organ Trio £10
Monday 1st
Ye Olde Mitre Inn, High Street 8pm – 11pm (stables room) Barnet Acoustics Session
Black Horse 7.30pm – 11pm Open Mic Night (1st Tuesday of month)
Wednesday 3rd
Ye Olde Monken Holt 8.30 – 11pm Open Mic Night
