Author: wilks

I called myself wilks when I first started blogging. The idea was that it would afford a measure of anonymity. For much the same reason, there was no photo. Times change, hence the photo, but I decided that even when I changed the blog’s title at the start of 2009, I should remain wilks.

Becoming modesty

The eldest is now back in the UK, after Berlin and Milan, and living in Hackney. Just around the corner, it seems, from one of the mad mullahs, so lots of police activity. The day before yesterday she managed to lock herself in the bathroom. It took 20 minutes and the Fire Brigade to release her: they were as surprised as we were to learn that the bathroom door had a deadlock. It makes you wonder about the previous tenants. Anyway, no harm done and at least she had her dressing gown with her (her mother’s first thought).

Yesterday evening her front door bell rang. There was one of the boys in blue. They were making house to house enquiries about three “parked” cars. Not, as the eldest immediately thought, to caution her for wasting the Fire Brigade’s time! I doubt that Red Watch complained.

Fannie and Freddie

Reading the coverage about Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, a recent comment by a senior HSBC economist, reviewing the attitudes and approach of central bankers, came to mind: “U.S. central bankers are like the U.S. military ~ rush in, all guns blazing and never mind the collateral damage”.

Plus ça change, plus ça le même chose

An interesting meeting this morning with Bill Wells of 2.0 Ltd. An opportunity for gossip and information. And a lovely idea, that the Digital company is the woollen mill of the 21st century: a few very clever (and rich) people running it; and a vast number of people simply working for them. Mrs Gaskell, you should be living at this hour.