Charity, Sweet Charity.

Tony Bliar asked: "Uncle Mort. I own a boat I have been approached to give a charitable donation to the Canal and Rivers Trust. In view of the fact that boat ownership costs me a lot of money in licence fees and moorings fees. I am having second thoughts about giving a charitable donation. I welcome your advice."

There is an old saying that charity begins at home. If only charity giving was all done at home. However, charity is now a very big business. Much of the charitable donations that people give, are spent trying to get even more money out of your pocket. There are an ever increasing number of UK charities. Some charities have been around for a long time and many of them are household names. However, because of the down turn, all the charities new or old are jostling with each other to get the money from wherever its available.

The Lighter Side of Death!

Gordon Brown asked:  "Dear Uncle Mort. I am afraid of death and politicians. I am not sure if there is a name for my fears. What if anything can I do about it."

There are as many stories in the world as there are people. Some people are quite insignificant, everyday, normal and will never ever come to any prominence. While there are other people who will have a significant effect upon the world. But no matter who you are, we all have one common denominator and that is death.

UMBWA (1)

There are many awards available to authors. However, authors of all genre, covert the real accolade of being included in the "Uncle Mort Book of the Week Award." Talent knows no limit and never more so than in literature. There are recognised genius and giants, like Arthur Conan Doyle and Rudyard Kipling. But The UMBWA recognises the efforts of the literature dwarves.

Uncle Mort brings a new Wednesday book of the week, each week. This week for your edification its, "How to shit in the woods: An environmentally sound approach to a lost art." by Kathleen Meyer. The latest offering from our collection of entertaining book titles which combines a catchy heading with an outlandish subject matter.

The third edition of How to Shit in the Woods, is fudge packed full of new information. Hailed as “the most important environmental book of the decade” Examining the latest techniques for graceful elimination, when answering a desperate cry from nature.  For the purist swearing off toilet tissue and offers a wealth of alternatives from the foliage and flora. Essential reading for anyone who’s ever paused at the edge of the forest and pondered: “Where do I go to go?”

Uncle Mort.

UMBAD (1)

There are countless bloggers on the Internet, who write each day solely for pleasure of others. There are also a myriad of subjects and topics that get discussed each day. Some bloggers have hundreds of followers who are almost "blog groupies." Then there are the bloggers who are specialist in their area of interest and command a dedicated if small band of followers.

The Uncle Mort Blogger Award for Dedication (UMBAD) is awarded to those bloggers who in the face of adversity, keep stoically soldiering on. Sharing their interest and knowledge with unremitting dedication.

Uncle Mort brings a new Friday Blog of the week, each week on a Friday. The latest offerings often come from our personal collection of entertaining blog sites. Blogs which combine a catchy heading with an outlandish or intriguing subject matter.

This Fridays UMBAD award goes to Rose of Arden which is a three year old specialist blog on the subject of the Inland Waterways and Narrowboats.  However the blog frequently drifts off topic before returning back on course once more. Written very tongue in cheek and in a very entertaining style.

Typical postings include Boating Types you will find on various forums. My personal favourite is Swan Story you will never forget.

Quote "Some people might have something they feel is worthwhile to write about and in that case it would be something good for others to read. Some people have a diary that they like to keep - I look upon blogging as a form of diary keeping for all the voyeurs looking over your shoulder to read. The reasons for having a blog are as varied as the people who feel the need to write them. But, if it gives you an interest and some pleasure is gained, why not blog!"

You can submit any website for consideration for the UMBWA award. You do not have to be the author. Write a couple of paragraphs on why you think the website should be considered for this prestigious award. Titles must be catchy, content must be outlandish or intriguing. My indecision in awarding the award is final.

Regards.

Uncle Mort.