The purpose of morality is to teach you,
not to suffer and die, but
to enjoy yourself and live.

From the Conservative Poster Archive, poster 1929-31, “Socialism would mean inspectors all round”.

Conservative Poster 1929-31

Too true, unfortunately: see Harry Snook’s Crossing the Threshold - 266 ways the State can enter your home from the Centre for Policy Studies (PDF) and my related question in debate.

Via TED talks (“Ideas worth spreading”), Yves Rossy talks about flying as only he can:

TED is well-worth keeping an eye on for “Riveting talks by remarkable people, free to the world”. TED began as a conference bringing together people from Technology, Entertainment and Design. Occasionally, a politician speaks at their events: here’s Rory Stewart calling for an end to the war in Afghanistan.

Via Action Now! EU Hands Off Biking:

There’s a raft of issues emanating from Europe that will have a profound effect on riders and the motorcycle industry generally and we must stand up. Some of them are driven by the EU Commission, like the new Type Approval and Market Surveillance Regulation that will see the introduction of compulsory ABS, the sealing of powertrains from airbox to the diameter and aspect ratio of the rear tyre, restrictions on the aftermarket industry, possible roadside checks by police or other Gov agencies to inspect emissions or for owner ‘tuning’ and more.

Reminds me of C S Lewis:

Of all tyrannies, a tyranny exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron’s cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end, for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

It’s time for a short ride.

Via bucksfamilyinfo.org:

Are you looking for things to do with the kids or your friends over the Summer holidays?  Maybe you need holiday childcare so you can carry on working?  Our information sheets list holiday activities and holiday schemes across Buckinghamshire, with full contact details.  With activities ranging from cooking workshops to sports and swimming courses and activities, you are sure to find something to do near you.  Just click on one of the links below to download our information sheets which are divided into District Council areas.

Learn more about what’s on offer in Wycombe here: holiday activities and holiday clubs.

Glorious weather failed to bless our Patrons’ party on Friday evening: the rain of the past few weeks fell hard.  Thank goodness we are British, shivering only slightly under cover outdoors for a successful event.

On Saturday, I was delighted to open Marlow Bottom’s 40th Rose Carnival, which was a roaring success. I discovered Park Lodge Judo Jujitsu Kai which offers the “Mother Art” of martial sports. Practical self-defence is one skill on offer but the heavy staffs pictured are for a more active purpose:

Either way, I’m minded that Jujitsu could come in handy if politics gets much rougher…

Finally, Beth and I much enjoyed a visit to Buckinghamshire Armed Forces Day, arriving in time for a Spitfire display and an exquisitely slow performance by Tiger Moths, pictured:

Today was sweltering as summer returned and it’s looking like a beautiful week ahead…