David Freedman
@freedmanhp4.bsky.social
The world’s softest grandpa and worst jazz trumpeter. Cricket, rugby, music, books, theatre, politics and - above all - family. You’d probably describe me as woke. And if you did, that’d be OK. I was (still am, for now) @freedmanhp4 in another place.
Yes. Sadly though (good cause though it is) the prevalence of volunteer-run Oxfam second hand bookshops in every town and city has led to the demise of many established and professionally-run shops which sold similar stock.
November 28, 2025 at 12:02 AM
Yes. Sadly though (good cause though it is) the prevalence of volunteer-run Oxfam second hand bookshops in every town and city has led to the demise of many established and professionally-run shops which sold similar stock.
Rather frighteningly, I remember this.
November 24, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Rather frighteningly, I remember this.
That’s very much a peeve of mine and for years I tried to stop colleagues from doing it. But I notice that it was commonplace in a great deal of 19th and earlier 20th century published writing (especially ephemera).
November 23, 2025 at 10:46 AM
That’s very much a peeve of mine and for years I tried to stop colleagues from doing it. But I notice that it was commonplace in a great deal of 19th and earlier 20th century published writing (especially ephemera).
That was the series, Ray Illingworth’s team, that first brought cricket into my consciousness; where it has lodged immovably ever since.
November 19, 2025 at 10:37 PM
That was the series, Ray Illingworth’s team, that first brought cricket into my consciousness; where it has lodged immovably ever since.
And See You Later Alligator is just a generic mid-tempo blues with added blandness ingredients for 1950s white kids.
November 19, 2025 at 10:08 AM
And See You Later Alligator is just a generic mid-tempo blues with added blandness ingredients for 1950s white kids.
I have been hit by a car doing that (on the M1) and then the driver proceeded on his merry way onto the exit slip road while I was left with damage and a degree of shock. Imprisonable in my view.
November 16, 2025 at 7:58 PM
I have been hit by a car doing that (on the M1) and then the driver proceeded on his merry way onto the exit slip road while I was left with damage and a degree of shock. Imprisonable in my view.
These are still “the days of brewing in teapots” unless you’re a complete barbarian.
November 13, 2025 at 11:55 PM
These are still “the days of brewing in teapots” unless you’re a complete barbarian.
Well, there is that.
November 11, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Well, there is that.
I think the only logical conclusions to draw from this conversation are that:
a) it depends on where you live;
b) it depends on who your friends and neighbours are;
c) it depends on your attitude towards serendipity and the occasional bit of amiable time wasting.
a) it depends on where you live;
b) it depends on who your friends and neighbours are;
c) it depends on your attitude towards serendipity and the occasional bit of amiable time wasting.
November 11, 2025 at 9:08 AM
I think the only logical conclusions to draw from this conversation are that:
a) it depends on where you live;
b) it depends on who your friends and neighbours are;
c) it depends on your attitude towards serendipity and the occasional bit of amiable time wasting.
a) it depends on where you live;
b) it depends on who your friends and neighbours are;
c) it depends on your attitude towards serendipity and the occasional bit of amiable time wasting.
1. Not drinking tea: fair enough, I suppose if that’s (or isn’t) your thing.
2. Even when I lived in a city a random friend dropping-in was welcome (but less common). Now, in a small village, it would be odd for someone to call or message rather than just turn up if they’re passing our door.
2. Even when I lived in a city a random friend dropping-in was welcome (but less common). Now, in a small village, it would be odd for someone to call or message rather than just turn up if they’re passing our door.
November 11, 2025 at 12:42 AM
1. Not drinking tea: fair enough, I suppose if that’s (or isn’t) your thing.
2. Even when I lived in a city a random friend dropping-in was welcome (but less common). Now, in a small village, it would be odd for someone to call or message rather than just turn up if they’re passing our door.
2. Even when I lived in a city a random friend dropping-in was welcome (but less common). Now, in a small village, it would be odd for someone to call or message rather than just turn up if they’re passing our door.
Apart from the obvious fact that one needs these items oneself anyway, our lives would be much the poorer if neighbours and friends didn’t come round unannounced from time to time, and one didn’t offer them this basic hospitality when time allowed.
November 11, 2025 at 12:30 AM
Apart from the obvious fact that one needs these items oneself anyway, our lives would be much the poorer if neighbours and friends didn’t come round unannounced from time to time, and one didn’t offer them this basic hospitality when time allowed.
I’ve never seen Gilmore Girls, nor am I likely too. But I endorse the Mrs Maisel recommendation. It is, in places, touched by genius; particularly the first series.
November 9, 2025 at 8:14 PM
I’ve never seen Gilmore Girls, nor am I likely too. But I endorse the Mrs Maisel recommendation. It is, in places, touched by genius; particularly the first series.
Literally or metaphorically?
November 8, 2025 at 9:35 AM
Literally or metaphorically?
Surely there’s no metal detector to get aboard Air Force One, sir.
November 8, 2025 at 12:01 AM
Surely there’s no metal detector to get aboard Air Force One, sir.
But I delight in all manifestations of the terpsichorean muse.
November 7, 2025 at 11:50 PM
But I delight in all manifestations of the terpsichorean muse.
If it’s your health you’re worried about, McDonald’s might not be the best option however you order it.
November 7, 2025 at 11:28 PM
If it’s your health you’re worried about, McDonald’s might not be the best option however you order it.
Not sure who would want to do this, but anyway…
Get two champagne cooling collars (larger than the standard wine bottle collars), put them in the freezer for a few hours, and - if you must - put your feet in them.
Get two champagne cooling collars (larger than the standard wine bottle collars), put them in the freezer for a few hours, and - if you must - put your feet in them.
November 6, 2025 at 8:42 AM
Not sure who would want to do this, but anyway…
Get two champagne cooling collars (larger than the standard wine bottle collars), put them in the freezer for a few hours, and - if you must - put your feet in them.
Get two champagne cooling collars (larger than the standard wine bottle collars), put them in the freezer for a few hours, and - if you must - put your feet in them.
I’ve yet to experience a canine calcium concoction (though there’s no logical reason why not) but I have certainly bought and enjoyed donkey milk and milk products from a sanctuary in Normandy.
November 5, 2025 at 9:24 AM
I’ve yet to experience a canine calcium concoction (though there’s no logical reason why not) but I have certainly bought and enjoyed donkey milk and milk products from a sanctuary in Normandy.
I travel to Lincolnshire.
November 4, 2025 at 7:18 PM
I travel to Lincolnshire.
I’ve still got a couple, and many of the cables, leads and connectors mentioned in these posts. They’ll have to prise them from my cold, dead hand.
November 2, 2025 at 11:52 PM
I’ve still got a couple, and many of the cables, leads and connectors mentioned in these posts. They’ll have to prise them from my cold, dead hand.
Still is. Test Match Special opens with it as do the TMS podcasts. And if the BBC have Ashes tv highlights this winter (will they?) it will be used then.
October 31, 2025 at 2:43 PM
Still is. Test Match Special opens with it as do the TMS podcasts. And if the BBC have Ashes tv highlights this winter (will they?) it will be used then.