‘And Another Thing...’ The Man Who Would Be King by Vince

I know this is not a political publication but I wanted to share this with you. I have been reading a fine piece of literature. I know that may surprise many of you, but I recognise talent when I read it. Allow me to paraphrase the frontispiece (I have been dying to say that for years): “It is a story of a couple obsessed with their status, financially exploiting their position and manipulating the media to portray themselves as victims. These Royals, the most glamourous exiles in the world, flitting from sumptuously appointed mansions to luxurious beach residences were spoilt selfish people, obsessed with their image. Their glittering world was riddled with treachery and betrayal.”

Sound familiar? Well you might be wrong. The book I refer to is The Traitor King written quite brilliantly by Andrew Lownie which charts the lives and loves of the Duke and Duchess of Windsor or Edward VIII and Wallis Simpson. History has a strange way of repeating itself does it not?

Staying with the Severn Crossing. Dragon Radio recently reported that the original Severn Bridge was closed in both directions because of high winds. It struck me as a strange thing to say because it would hardly have been closed in one direction would it, or is it me?

Meanwhile, back in the real world, I was in our local hostelry, The Spare Part, when I witnessed a contretemps (French for contretemps). A customer was unhappy about the meals he had been served and in a conversation reminiscent of a scene from Fawlty Towers it went thusly:

“I ordered a rare steak.” “Well Sir it looks rare to me.”

Nolan

“No this is medium rare, and it’s supposed to have come with a sauce.” “Sauce is on the way Sir.”

“But the steak is overcooked and cold.” “I am sure Chef knows best Sir.”

“My wife’s steak is ruined too.” “Well if you bring that back we can cook you two more.”

“And another thing, I ordered two sirloin steaks and these are rump steaks.” “I can assure you Sir, Chef knows his steaks.”

“Oh does he? Well, I am a butcher and I am telling you these are rump steaks.” “I will have a word with Chef Sir but in these big chains he will have just opened the packet and not paid too much attention to its contents.”

“I want my money back.” “No problem Sir. It should be in your account in the next 3-5 days.” “Hang on a minute, you have tried to miss-sell me two dinners which I did not order, which were not cooked to my liking and which were not complete having taken my money in advance which you now cannot refund for many days. At least Dick Turpin had the grace to wear a mask, we’re leaving.”