28th January 2018

Vigicrues, the French flooding agency, has never seen anything like it. Already the waters of the Seine swirl around the waist of the famous river statue, once famously reaching its beard. In Israel archaeological experts have discovered the remains of a large army plus chariot pieces near the Red Sea. Evidence that the Israelite bible story, where rising waters consumed the Egyptian army, really happened. So, flooding was endemic centuries ago, long before so-called man-made causes. Globally, house builders on coastal sites and on large river plains should construct buildings on stilts. Wherever possible man should choose to live in the centre of a land mass, well away from tidal surges and river overflows. I believe there’ll come a time when in, say, the US most of Florida will someday be submerged and whole islands disappear. Time for global warming conferences to focus not on potential causes but on dealing with it!

21st January 2018

Why do we put so much emphasis on likeability in public life? In the beginning I had such hope in Obama. He looked good, was charming to all, a fantastic orator and as the first African-American President he would heal the world. But in the end he was disappointing, appeasing everyone but risking nothing. Result: nothing happened. Macron is similar: looks good, articulate, nice to all. Trump?  None of the above! Let’s look at examples of past genius stars, those who broke the mould and had original talent. Al Jolson, early 20C singer, instrumental in converting African jazz to Western tastes; Sinatra, master of musicality; McEnroe, precocious tennis talent. Common denominator? All had personality problems, the first two extending to dubious lifestyles offstage, the latter breeching common behaviour norms on court. Analysis? When voting, don’t choose a potential friend; choose someone who’ll get things done. In the arts/sport, just go with exceptional talent. Nothing else matters.

14th January 2018

In The Times yesterday: French Hospital Offers Help For Cancelled NHS Operations. That headline epitomises the differences. Both countries have a similar population, each has excellent health staff, yet the system in one works perfectly; in the other it doesn’t. Why? For we who have experienced both, the answer’s obvious. It’s human nature that if, for 70 years, something is offered free of charge to all, it will be abused. In a nutshell, every sore finger ends up in A & E. Ask any Frenchman and he’ll say he’s entirely satisfied and proud of health care there. The French government pays 70%, the citizen 30%, the latter free to the low-paid and longterm sick/disabled. The rest have access to subsidised top up insurance (not commercialised as in the US) to cover the 30%. Everyone legally entitled to live there has a coveted carte vitale. Every ambulance/medic/pharmacy etc thereby gets instant digital access to your medical history, essential in emergencies. Wake up Britain. Time to learn from Macron when he visits on Thursday.

7th January 2018

I’m looking down on the new year and speculating. What’s going to happen, both politically and personally?  With Trump there’s a conflict in my mind. On the one hand writers like Wolffe paint him as totally incompetent, whilst I believe the President has achieved something wonderful and historic in recognising the incontestable: Jerusalem is the capital of Israel. (Just check the bible if you don’t agree!) On the 18th the French President will visit London and preach what Britain is doing wrong, but I’ve got a longer memory than that. Listen M. Macron: we saved you in ‘45. Theresa May should present him with a copy of my book Vichyssoise if he doesn’t believe her!  On a personal note, I seem to be unique in writing in every genre possible. Experts tell me I should stick to just one. But when did I ever listen to them? I am human, therefore I must follow my own heart. So this year my sequel in the travel/comedy genre is out in June, and - are you listening M Macron? - my new project is book 3 in my wartime noir thriller series called Locomotive. Watch this space.

31st December 2017

What a year that was! A year of Trump, who withdrew from UNESCO, climate-change agreements and immigration laws. He understood that Israel was being treated unfairly by the UN via majority Muslim votes then formally recognised Jerusalem as the legitimate capital of Israel. In France pro-EU centrist Macron beat the far-right Le Pen. Saudi Arabia severed diplomatic ties with Qatar, accusing it of supporting terrorists and Iran. Zimbabwe's Mugabe resigned. The UK launched the process to quit the EU but the PM lost her parliamentary majority. Brussels and London agreed divorce terms. Humanitarian disaster in Yemen. Escalation of nuclear race in North Korea. Myanmar's Rohingyas' genocide. Catalonia's autonomy suspended. Weinstein scandal. Isis largely defeated.
....and I thought we'd had a difficult year! From my own experiences: don't be swayed by the material things in life but remain true to your own inner feelings. Don't choose where to live based on the weather but recognise where you feel most at home and not treated as a permanent 'foreigner'. A very happy and healthy New Year to you all.

Blog extra

Hurry. Grand Sale.
27 - 29 Dec only at this reduced price.
Just 99p/99c. (Paperbacks also available).
Which books do you like to read? Wartime noir thrillers/college murders/humorous adventures abroad - they’re all here. Now’s the time but you’ll have to hurry. One more day at the reduced price. Enjoy.

Lamplight. authl.it/4q0

Vichyssoise. authl.it/52l

3rd Degree Murder. authl.it/4ia

Pensioners in Paradis. authl.it/86j

23rd December 2017

It's that time of year to focus on family. My own history reveals the terrible family consequences of letting misunderstandings fester which could have been easily solved if someone had reached out in time.Yesterday in Birmingham Paul Williams, 38, died homeless outside the Bull Ring.  Although he'd been offered hostel accommodation he didn't want to lose the friendship from an old man sleeping rough beside him. In times of trouble, they stood beside each other and helped.  They chose a spot to sleep outside the Wagamama restaurant because there was a downward warm draught from an upper vent cooking outlet. It appears there was a long rift with his father over Paul's drinking. Coupled with this was Paul's epilepsy problems. The father had tried looking for his son as he feared he might have been sleeping rough but despite a search he'd been unable to find him. What a tragedy. Particularly at this time of year, whatever the cause of your family's problems, think of this vulnerable man's death and also of the poor father who will never get his son back.  Take it from me: don't let family problems and feuds fester over long periods. Give everyone you love a hug whilst you still can.
Season's greetings from Olga to you all.