The eclipse of the Sun

Yesterday was a very hot one following temperatures of 33 degrees C on Wednesday so apart from literally feeling under the weather despite drinking plenty of liquids but really there was only one thing we were talking about was a once in a lifetime experience when the Moon obscured the Sun which was visible from most of Europe.

People sat outside, sometimes in groups armed with special highly protective glasses, a hand made pinhole camera or improvising with a colander and a piece of card although that would give you multiple images.

It was a great opportunity to learn about how the sun works, practise some basic skills we use in science and engineering and perhaps help reignite the interest in Astronomy and Space.

It also was a great spectacular event.

Rested

 

Well okay peoples, how's it going?

Last week was a blast although it could of started with a hoot as there I was fully dressed waiting for the traffic to clear to enter a car as one another enters our road and just stayed still for over a minute.

Talking about "stopping the traffic" I had no idea where to put myself and as next door has issues with a cross dressing assigned as male at birth family member the last thing you want is them staring at the window at you.

Anyway with all that over with I got along just fine ordering a slice of cake and pot of tea as we'd pass the time for meals to be served and then walked around the grounds of Whalley Abbey with no negative reactions even though I was make up free.

I also answered the door to the Amazon Courier as he had stuff for another resident here who didn't tell me when their order was due fully femme fine.

Crazy thing while away with friends was one said something to the effect "It's a delicate matter but do you have any trousers or jeans with you?" in connexion with going out to a meal.

This establishment isn't one with dress codes, no wellington boots, muddy hiking boots or anything like that bans and at least two in the party attending had deep male voices, one wore a school skirt, other had male type body hair which doesn't bother me and yet even though I was able to use a cafe "en femme" with no incident this individual was suggesting in a round about way I didn't "pass" and wasn't going to be allowed to join them unless I changed.

Given how Trans Passing Rules work, I have know cis females say they'd never pass the tests even they they WERE assigned at birth as female!

The good news was despite that Grring thing, I did feel more relaxed for just switching off from things at home and within the family.

The World Cup Boycott

First off, I detest this paper usually with a fashion - sensationalist with a loose connection to truth and it's part in demonizing the Hillsborough dead and families, for that it's "The Scum" for me but this headline regarding the proposed part sell off of the World Cup in soccer (or Association Football to some) gets it spot on.

The game is about world teams playing together, supporters mixing learning about each other other from richer nations in much of Europe and the Americas to the least well off in parts of Africa and plans that impinge upon regular club and regional competitions such as the Uefa Championship in Europe, extending the frequency of the World Cup and essentially converting it into a sponsored elite event  is just wrong.

So to see Uefa, the English FA and the associations that cover the Caribbean, South and Central America and Asia reject it is so right especially as it was conducted very much in secret is heartening.

The games don't belong to FIFA and it's controversial leader to sell.
 

All change at No.10

Will be short and sweet post today as I'm away.

Well it finally happened.

The man who wanted to be party leader eventually having cleared the opposition became Labour Party leader Friday and by Monday following Sir Keir Starmer's resignation and seeing King Charles III, was duly appointed Prime Minister.

It is early days so we won't know if he can actually deliver on the main things of Labour's 2024 Election Manifesto which his predecessor just struggled with but he's scrapping the Digital ID project and has pledged to cut VAT on Electricity although you might wonder "What about my gas bill?" which is fair  comment.

We should get a comprehensive statement about his policies for the economy by around October/November time which will be challenge given the shortage of wriggle room but I do sincerely hope he makes someway to improving peoples personal lives and the economy.

A Smart Girl?

Another hot week, not quite as hot as last never mind the fortnight before and we turn or perhaps return to the topic of when a Girl legally or ceases socially to be that and becomes a Woman which is something that has varied over the decades.

Back in 1964, you became in Law an adult at 21 which around about the age you'd complete a undergraduate degree at University getting your certificate and then would be able to vote, stand for parliament and operate a full bank account.

Thus at the age of 18 you were still very much a boy or a girl, albeit with more responsibilities and privileges than your ten or twelve your old siblings and cousins as you moved more towards adulthood and most studies show the human brain doesn't stop growing until after 21.

There just was in the late 1960's a growth in the view 18 years ought to be adults that Parliament legislated for.

What this meant was the girl of 16 or 18 was that outside from being able to leave school to work which girls and boys back then did at 15, they were in many respects the "junior" and they still had children's annuals and publications but with the sophistication of the the older girl(or boy) in mind

Smart Girl was fashion publication for girls and young adults (by the definition then)  that decided to make a Annual that went beyond just fashion for those girls.

On the left we have the index showing entries on beauty and grooming, sowing, cartoon strips, fashion and fiction while the right hand side has the introduction setting out what the annual is all about

Here we have a cartoon strip about girls of these ages going out socially, playing ten pin bowling, having a different kind of fun than their younger sisters.

Above is a feature around hair care and styling as you now not only bought your own products but often wanted to emulate looks you'd seen.

Fashion advice features not surprisingly given it was published by a fashion magazine looking at putting together looks and whole wardrobes now that you took over a  good chunk the responsibility for dressing yourself from your Mom, not that she was short of an opinion to share and you wanted to express yourself more socially even if at college or work there still were restrictions.

That took us on to what younger publications wouldn't talk too much about which is starting a career, the skills and any qualifications you need as you need to support yourself.

Given the issues I had getting any careers advice at that age actually something like that would of been jolly useful!

Looking at it, it seems a very well put together annual for that age group.

Personally I've always been a bit sceptical about the notion that as an 18 year old you were really that mature, not that some may well of felt it even amongst schoolfriends in the sixth form who in certain critical ways were more of their age than I was.

Adulthood can wait until you really have grown into it and even then not everything has to be purposeful or serious.

Hot thoughts

Well, it's been a warm one so I'm rather glad of having short skirts on this week as they really do help keep cool and avoid that sticky clammy feeling that's so so ikky.

We've not long before school breaks up which did help with Early Monday (UK Time) with England's World Cup match that put them through to the Quarter Finals facing Norway this weekend.

Some schools laid on either full or highlights coverage of the match and used it as a springboard for work in English and Art given much of the formal syllabus can't be touched with the imminent closure for Summer Hols. 

I did read some old comics while trying to stay cool and one cartoon strip I recall was Little Plum which was an attempt to make what today I'd call First Nations people specifically children look universal in a world where much we were fed, usually from American sources showed them as savages, justifying land confiscation and much ill treatment. 

It would be easy today to criticize the usage of language and the like and in more recent returns such things are put aright but at least you could feel more empathy with Little Plum and his chums than we had on Westerns.
 

Canada Day edition

 

Wednesday saw Canada Day but what is that?

Canada Day is a national holiday celebrating the country’s independence from Great Britain in 1867. The new nation, still loyal to Great Britain, was called the Dominion of Canada and consisted of only four provinces ((Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec).

Now, there are 10 provinces and 3 territories. At first, the holiday was called Dominion Day, but in 1982 Canada gained complete independence from Great Britain and it was renamed Canada Day. 

It is a day for Canadians everywhere to show pride in their country’s history and culture.

Memo for a well known American: It isn't for sale!

Past lives

This week has been trying on so many levels, physically with the heatwave that as someone that runs on the warm side has had me on the edge of a Heat Stroke, the loss of a person while loud and at times a little overbearing was nevertheless generous with their time in organizing get togethers and a influence for the good when it came keeping things in bounds.

In connexion with that some misunderstandings and actions by others that rather tainted affairs for days, leaving me well out of things that much of the political business from the Peace Deal with Iran that fell apart within hours to Keir Starmer's resignation announcement on Monday with the likely appointment in July of Andy Burnham as Labour Leader and appointment as Prime Minister in time for the September reopening of Parliament.

My thoughts have been more centred around past lives as we'd sooner of had them and the era immediately before my arrival on this planet.

Things back then for females were very different, few worked beyond the single woman with the notion of being married, having children and working being looked down upon, there were restrictions when it came to banking and getting loans being treated very much as a child requiring a man, even your father to underwrite it even if you were over 21 (the then age of becoming an Adult).

Annuals for older girls were different because you were a girl for long even if at the age of 15 you might of gone to work - you were a child labourer in effect - and so this one looked more at art, the interests of her and a good deal about fashion even if unlike in America wearing jeans wasn't a thing.

You aspired to look like a younger version of your mother and other adult females showing sophistication and traditional femininity.

This copy for 1960, so published in 1959 isn't in bad shape although the spine is a bit damaged superficially with the printed section torn.

I'll carefully restick it with Scotch "Magic" adhesive tape that holds things together without living permanent markings which restorers tend to use unless they were going to attempt to stick it to a paper based backing,

I find such topics and even some stories fascinating as much as during the 1970's many books like this was tossed out going for mere pence on jumble sales as utterly outmoded.

It was the sort of thing my mother had.

Engagement in the Democratic Process

Today we should know what's happening in the three bye-elections that took place yesterday one of which *may* trigger a leadership election for the Labour Party and given they are in power in the House of Commons by extension the Prime Minister.

Often people talk about and debate the widening of the Democratic Process, what's it really for and really what are peoples reasons for wishing to gain further engagement with it.

Do people really care about what's going on?

That's kind of relevant here in the UK with moves toward lowering age limits to vote to 16 although you'll note the difference between how adult they are to vote and smartphone content restrictions!

But is Calvin right? Are all some folk wishes to get more engagement just about getting more for them rather than what's just and fair apart from if the way the country is being run really is representative of the people?

Cut it out!

What a week as you sit, damp air around as it continues to rain and you feel you're reliving the dark days of the past and it all connects with what we referred to last week.

A Sudanese refugee undergoing a claim for asylum kneels around the neck of an individual and attempts to knife and behead  him.

Bravely individuals manage to get him off so that person, Steven,  severally injured is able to get to hospital and the attacker arrested.

That is as it should be and we all acknowledge concerns about migration, similar instances elsewhere in the UK of attacks by such persons and even the extent to which areas change culture, something as a West Midlander I, like most, are well aware off.

What happens is this incident is shared on Social Media and a mob comes, attempts to block roads before burning people out of their homes.

Below is day one - and I'm chosing the least distressing images - streets like those my family are from with burnt out property, cars set on fire, families some going back to twenty years losing their homes.

It is frankly not just disgusting but evil, corralling people and attempt to burn them out regardless of status or race.

This kind of action at the start of the troubles was why then Prime Minister Harold Wilson had to bring the army in cos back then the authorities did next to nothing and today the same attitude is on display by young men who weren't around over 50 years ago when that happened.

Yes concerns need to listened to, co-operation with Southern Ireland given there is a criss-crossing of the internal borders plays a part in the refugee issue which itself is facing similar protests but above all this evil must not prevail.

mm

The things that happen

 

There are big news stories about that concern me, the continuing damage in the War in Ukraine and the sickening story around Henry Nowak, a student accused of a racial attack died in handcuffs when in reality he was the victim of a stabbing thanks to actions of bumbling inhumane actions of Hampshire police.

I may write something about that when the situation is much clearer.

No, this week I'm reflecting a bit about those times when in a group you sit in a huddle when one person suggests a topic and you all chip in with an observation or a personal story.

The start is always a bit awkward but someone comes forward, filling that gap saying "I'll start this off" revealing something about them, an event that had happened few of you never knew and you'd ordinarily never talk about.

They're the more confident one in the group, often the one with the suggestion about a place to visit together and that leads to another doing so tossing in a story that nobody new and maybe that person was uncomfortable sharing but they know you're all behind her.

Then another adds a detail and so it goes on for a while as the coffee is drunk and everybody hugs before leaving.

You all feel you've been privileged to know more about each others pasts and feel freer for opening up on your interests and life events.

It wasn't just coffee you had. You took part in a confessional, learning from each other. 

Cancelling

It's been a hot hot week here with temperatures over 30 degrees so it's been a struggle to stay comfortable and well hydrated in that beyond difficulties with the legendary grump.

I was reading something at one site regarding how one person know to another well was trated but I didn't respond as that person had made it plain, which is their right, to discuss the overarching theme in their opinion wasn't helpful or needed.

Perhaps so, but it is in there.

What is called Cancel Culture really is that theme which isn't helped by binary differences over how it is seen but the essence of what happens is person X makes a remark, was noted to had done something now or in the past that falls foul of modern sensibilities and so a huge multimedia campaign is started to remove all references to that person or to refer to them as either sexist, racist, pedo, colonialist etc so they are dropped from anything, art is removed, books are pulped, records no longer played so the person is treated as if they didn't exist and aren't a part of society if they are alive.

Most of us accept the idea a persons actions can be at least shameful and may even argue shaming may have a place in society reinforcing those values it holds dear but unlike anything that has been through a process such as court trial or inquiry where facts are examined much tends to be driven by activists who just attempt to find the evidence to back the assertion, doesn't allow for proper evaluation of that as a modern day internet savvy mob push on with the cancellation.

The problem I have with that is a lack of real accountability for the consequences of the actions taken not that anything you found was handed over to an appropriate authority which makes sense,  so people can lose work, become debtors, lose homes with no comeback if there was any mistakes made just because all involved were convinced they'd done something wrong and without "due process" HAD to be punished.

It's not unknown for people involved not to check thoroughly what they are asserting, people and organizations become more concerned about being linked to someone criticized than if it is true or not so they "get tossed under a bus" anyway.

Some areas of life and beliefs are just where attitudes have changed over the years which may be a good thing but what that individual was not seen as wrong at the time so while an apology has a place today for what they did or supported, we are effectively trying people today but standards that might be centuries old.

And how would you feel if as a major figure in a hundred years time that would happen to you?

That's why I don't join 'pile ons' on social media.

It's not because I don't believe wrong doing should go unpunished, It's I believe matters should be properly dealt with and while the past may be be what we feel is right today having every right to say so, we need to understand the times to.
 

Xxxholic

This enjoyable anime series is by the four-woman collective Clamp.

Watanuki has been haunted by dark spirits his entire life, a curse flowing through his bloodline preventing peace. When his incessant demons drag him to the ornate door of the Dimensional Witch Yuko, he meets a mystical woman of insight and luxury, quick to help those in a bind… For a fee! One might very well end up paying with their soul! 

To be free of his visions, Watanuki will work in her shop of dreams and wishes. There is always a price to pay…

Watanuki spends his after school hours running errands, cooking, and fussing. Doumeki, the girl he adores, and Doumeki, the boy he loathes, join him to form a mismatched trio. 

The aura of sensual power that surrounds this version of Yukois broken by her outrageous demands for food and saké, and the squeaks of the obnoxiously cute mascot Mokona.

Although the animation is often very cartoony, XXXHolic has the vaguely decadent look of a Symbolist painting. Eerie and off-beat, the series will delight Clamp's many fans.

A few likes while we pause

The paws are off today I'm afraid so we'll look at a few likes from over the years

This is from the anime Cardcaptor Sakura a fantastic magical girl series from the early part of the this decade which recently I've been rewatching.

The Pink Panther was always a thing with me from my earliest days with this one where his Pinkness goes head to head with the hapless construction building over whose building this will be is a favourite.

I have a Viewmaster set of PP cartoons.

Fish Fingers were a childhood love but over the years they got thinner, the cod got changed so many today have Atlantic Pollock but these available from Iceland are not just bigger, the cod is as good as you'd expect from fish and  chip suppers!

Now That's What I Call 70's Soul

It's Friday, we don't tend to do that many music features on here but as the medium connects with what during this period was my main form of listening to it we'll look at the 3 LP version of a recent Now That's What I Call Music release.

Most of Now's releases are about periods of hits such as the iconic Now Numbered series from Now 1 in 1983 to 123 recently, the recent Now Yearbook series and it's sub series Vaults but they have done more genre focused compilations.

This looks to be a part of round up by decade of soul music they are attempting really aimed at those who have a general interest in Soul music but not having label or single artist compilations reminding me a bit of 90's bank holiday soul shows on BBC Radio that broadened your knowledge.

This is looking at 70's soul starting with Motown and Philly and going through to the like Earth Wind and Fire and the funk/soul of the Commodores.

The cd set uses four cds but by only using three lps the selection of necessity is tighter which makes it a most useful overview of this decade in soul.

Record One opens with one of the decade’s most recognisable love songs: Al Green’s ‘Let’s Stay Together’, a US #1 and UK Top 10 hit that became his signature recording. It’s followed by Marvin Gaye’s ‘What’s Going On’, the socially conscious masterpiece and title track from his landmark 1971 album, and Diana Ross’ Ain’t No Mountain High Enough’, which topped the US chart and became her first solo #1. Stevie Wonder’s ‘Signed, Sealed, Delivered (I’m Yours)’ remains one of Motown’s most joyful recordings and comes before Commodores’ ‘Easy’ introducing Lionel Richie’s smooth ballad vocals. 

The side also includes Bill Withers’ timeless ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, a Grammy-winning classic, and The Stylistics’ lush ballad ‘You Make Me Feel Brand New’, a UK Top 3 smash, before closing with Rose Royce’s beautiful ‘Wishing On A Star’, one of the most loved soul ballads of the era. 

Side Two opens with The Jackson 5’s ‘I Want You Back’ – the group’s explosive debut single opens the side. Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ ‘The Tears Of A Clown’ became a UK #1 and is followed by The Supremes’ Nathan Jones’ showcasing the group’s evolving psychedelic-soul sound. Northern Soul classics from Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons with ‘The Night’, Chairmen Of The Board’s Top 3 smash ‘Give Me Just A Little More Time’ and The Trammps’ ‘Hold Back The Night’. The O’Jays’ joyous ‘Love Train’ leads to The Blackbyrds’ Walking In Rhythm’, before the side closes with the romantic classic ‘Always And Forever’ from Heatwave.

Record Two opens with The Temptations’ epic ‘Papa Was A Rollin’ Stone’, a Grammy-winning US #1 remains one of the most stunning recordings from the Motown catalogue, is followed by Isaac Hayes’ ‘Theme From “Shaft”’, an Academy Award-winner and a US #1 smash. More funk follows from Ike & Tina Turner, James Brown with one of his key tracks ‘Get Up (I Feel Like Being A) Sex Machine’, Edwin Starr’s powerful anti-Vietnam protest song ‘War’, and Sly & The Family Stone’s hugely influential ‘Family Affair’. The Delfonics’ sublime ‘Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time)’ comes ahead of Billy Paul’s timeless ‘Me And Mrs. Jones’ which closes the side.

Side Two begins with the 1977 #1 from The Floaters with ‘Float On’, before the breathtaking vocals of Minnie Riperton on ‘Lovin’ You’. The Isley Brothers’ Summer Breeze’ and William DeVaughn’s ‘Be Thankful For What You Got’ have become enduring classics and are followed by a run of ‘80s pop-chart crossover hits completing this disc from Detroit Emeralds, The Moments Raydio and The Tymes’ #1 ‘Ms. Grace’.

Record Three opens with the unmistakable voice of Barry White and his US #1 hit ‘Can’t Get Enough Of Your Love, Babe’, before Aretha Franklin’s ‘Until You Come Back To Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do)’, delivers one of her smoothest performances. Al Green’s ‘Tired Of Being Alone’ and Gladys Knight & The Pips’ ‘Midnight Train To Georgia’ are followed by minimalist soul classic ‘Why Can’t We Live Together’ from Timmy Thomas, and the side closes with a trio of defining ballads:- George Benson’s ‘The Greatest Love Of All’ Diana Ross’ ‘Theme From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To)’ and The Jackson 5’s ‘I’ll Be There’, their biggest hit…while over the last side Freda Payne’s #1 ‘Band Of Gold’, opens alongside Ann Peebles’ influential and much covered ‘I Can’t Stand The Rain’.Marvin Gaye’s sensual ‘Let’s Get It On’ became another US #1, while Harold Melvin & The Blue Notes featuring Teddy Pendergrass deliver the contemporary standard ‘If You Don’t Know Me By Now’. 

Three massive UK #1s are next…The Stylistics with ‘Can’t Give You Anything (But My Love)’, The Three Degrees’ peerless ‘When Will I See You Again’ and Deniece Williams’ ‘Free’. This amazing collection closes with two timeless ballads: Earth, Wind & Fire’s ‘After The Love Has Gone’, a Grammy-winning classic, along with ‘Three Times A Lady’in its singles edit , a huge worldwide #1 for the Commodores.

This set is well worth it's modest price.

Mayday moves

Bit of a warm one in the Dorm, windows open, as old as the building gas fire turned off and much lighter girlie clothes on as I'm cleaning the odd record a few decades old with a new brush.

No, not a clothes brush but a soft fairly deep brush with velvet guards to take up the dust and debris it digs out of the groove as having got it out you don't want it staying on the record potentially being plowed back into it!

Some exciting news is we have a summer camp this year despite much weirdo politicking over the use of legal and fully authorized rooms that saw last years cancelled for some of us to the consternation of others who could see beyond the obvious that more more in means lower fees across the board.

Obviously  numbers and finding accommodation to fit all those interested is a challenge given there is a big jump in terms of prices once you're over eleven or so rooms so apart from  being sure you can fill them, for a few affordability may be an issue but sometimes you have to bite the bullet.

Post Covid, with international tensions "staycations" that's to say people taking vacations in the UK has risen so while it was the case places were cutting back on renewing facilities leading to tired rooms but they have spent more on this so that apart from demand has fed into this accommodation cost increase.

Millie Tant gets herself in a knot

 Wednesday had started fine although the legendary Grump had managed to confuse his going out that day with going out yesterday although the main thing he wanted for Wednesday tea wasn't in and I'd have to get it.

Get back in and have dinner to look at one site and the post of the mornung

Person A initial post:  Ed Miliband has vowed to 'double down' on his green energy drive despite fears it could push up prices.

I really loathe that man

My reply: Wherever we may be at personally when it comes to politics there's an general acceptance that the bigger issues at the moment is affordability (to domestic and business customers) and security of supply are more important as much as we'd all like to see better energy efficiency leading to lower usage and lower pollution. There are better alternatives than Mr Milliband has been touting.

Person B adds several hours later straight after my post:  "What if instead of energy it was trans issues? Violence against women and girls is more important than men masquerading as women.

We can take away trans rights now and give them back next year... maybe 2030... maybe 2050... oh fuck it, why bother?

Don't mind me."

This site has a high proportion of trans activists and this person is no exception.

You'll note the conversation had NOTHING to do with trans issues and as we're all aware policy priorities do change over time - politics is often described as the "language of priorities" often in response to world events.

If you wanted an example of the way some peoples actions give rise to the notion that Trans Activism can be toxic there you go.

Rewind...

We're back although I haven't got around to posting the first entry of the week elsewhere simply because my fingers and wrists were off for a couple of days and I needed to rest them.

While resting them thoughts went back to past years and the messy year that was 1984 that including great things such as the Los Angeles Olympics, the '84 Superbowl but a while set of issues with poor communications with people I needed to help me not talking to each other.

It was very much the year of the Walkman as it lived in my coatpockets with stash of tapes and my Pioneer Radio cassette recorder that I listened to radio to on and made recordings as I tended only to play records as special events so hardly surprising many of my lps and singles from them are in great shape.

Billy Idols Rebel Yell and the Footloose soundtrack were played a lot but one favourite was the cassette version of Rewind, a compilation tracks from the 1970's and early 80's by the Rolling Stones taking in many but all their UK singles in a generous 50 odd minute form split over two sides.

For good measure it was a XDR tm issue which meant better tape duplication, higher quality tape used to make it and dolby hx pro for better high notes.

Come the compact disc, that album was not issued until 1987 and then in a different form in the UK and Europe but actually in February 1985 it was issued in Japan briefly and recently a copy arrived here in mint condition.

Most Emi-Toshibi cds in Japan had this right pointing Black Triangle label design.

The rear had titles and track number in Japanese but the folded up booklet has the detail in Japanese and English which does help and some black and white pictures.

The album was related to a video - the first - commercially to show the promotional videos made for the singles you could buy and play on your Betamax or VHS recorder.

Playing this "vintage" cd with the running order of the tape I had certainly brought back a lot of memories.

Thoughts before off

 

We're off tomorrow for a little fun, which after the great gale force winds removing the facial boards and a tv that stopped working necessitating order a replacement to be fitted when I'm back  I'm really rather glad to be off.

It's a more "girlie" affair being Easter themed with games and that which is great while other bits of a musical project put off for a period due to issues with collector mentality affecting pricing although the items in question were very common place during the period of manufacturing were completed.

Recently demand seems to have dipped, perhaps those more into physically owing have dropped in number so they are offered at more reasonable prices unlike some they don't live in vaults with me but are used with care.

I just don't understand the whole notion of not using things for their intended purpose.

Summer looks

We're in April and while much is ailing in the World, Iran, the bullying insulting ways of Donald J Trump and friends and oil shortages coming into our front rooms on our tv's and internet devices it is time to talk a bit about summer attire.

In the somewhat convoluted history of this blog at one time we did talk a bit around fashion, looks and the like between the travel, music and current affairs as we started to establish the more little world blog.

As time went on that side was more dominant when it came to looks so most posts around the topic ended up on there and we became more the what didn't fit into that world space.

Summer brings challenges such as staying cool but not risking showing what the world doesn't need be it windy or just park benches with wide wooden slats. 

This really for me works based a bit more on more girl fashion without being too girlie and fairly practical starting with a baby blue polo shirt that breathes, is stylish  and easy to wash.

Shorts tend to be better for things like walking around lanes, spending time in the parks and gardens and these Puma PUMA Unisex Gestrickte Shorts Teamgoal Shorts WMNS, aimed mainly at girls and women who play soccer just do the job.

Classics and short, they do have material designed to wick away moisture which does help.

You do need something between your feet and footwear in the summer as much we use cooling gels and sprays to keep our feet dry and not smelling and these cute ankle socks are very much a girls thing but not excessively so.

Add sandals or trainers and it just works.