Coming Up Next

My fans are in despair. No blog entries since 5 April. It must be something to do with the end of the U.K. tax year, or as has been suggested, a lack of pep pills or the smoking of illegal substances (In the interests of political correctness, I formally and officially deny the smoking or imbibing of, or the involvement with Blog-writing enhancement substances). The creative juices have been challenged and the outpourings and ramblings of Grumpy, your friendly and absurd blog writer have been curtailed. But only temporarily. Attempts to revive the parts that other blog revivers cannot reach are on their way.

Encouraged by friends(see photo)and family, the notes and observations of Grumpy have been dusted down. Indignation has been sharpened. Observation has been put on red alert. With pencil and notebook poised, I am ready to note down the idiosyncrasies and absurdity of daily life, together with a random walk of the events of the Swiss Family Hawker.



So Coming Up Next………….

Have you noticed that whenever anyone says “Coming Up Next, ….”, the subject matter is "After something else". Television is the main user of this expression. “Coming up next, the goals from yesterday’s game”, signals an opportunity to pay a visit to the toilet, make a cup of tea, check the post, check your emails or make a short phone call. It is not a signal to sit tight and see the goals from yesterday’s game. It is an opportuntiy to watch a series of adverts that you have already seen, although at its best, it can provide harmless amusement, as the viewers try to guess what product is being advertised.

Yes – the expression “Coming Up Next” has moved its meaning to “Coming Up After Something Else”. What an interesting concept. “Your first in line for this job”, means that “You are second in line for the job”, which is the world of corporate lies has probably become the case. “Your complaint is Coming Up Next, to be answered”. “Your train is Coming Up Next”, means that we do not know what has happened to your train.

So, on my Blog, Coming Up Next is ………………………….