Over years of inflation and deflation, would I have been better off hoarding gold - or hoarding cash?

For example, over the last 40 years? Or say since 1945? How about since even earlier?

Which would I have been 'better off' saving - Gold or cash?

I suppose some people would say it depends on whether the colours match your curtains or not.  And others would say it depends on whether this piece of art reaches out to you and moves you in some way.

That 'reaching out to the viewer' and impacting on them is (to me) the minimum requirement for any work of art (be it music, poem, prose or painting). It must first and foremost move me in some way before it can be said to be a piece of art.

For my money, as far this piece goes, I can only say it only has a minimal impact on my reactions, thoughts and emotions. It is therefore (to me) decorative rather than a powerful evocative image.

This painting, for me, isn't bad, it is just a near miss. I personally do not like the clash between the pale blue and the harsh yellow shapes. I presume (seeing as the artist deliberately chose these colours) that they are meant to symbolise something. But to me the clash is ugly and evocative of nothing worthwhile I can get my soul round.

Then there are the various shapes in the picture. To me (and I am only speaking of me when appraising this picture) the shapes are simply geometric and everyday and therefore do not evoke much response from me.

That only leaves the brushwork - and, from what little I can see, the brushwork has been applied with very little sensitivity or expressiveness.

I do not think this is a great creative work of art - but it is not a failure either.

Unlike a piece of truly great art, this painting only holds my attention very briefly. I could not stand for hours in front of this painting letting its message wash over me, changing my thoughts and emotions. I am simply not affected by the painting.

5 out of 10 I'd give it - but then the person right next to me could love it to bits and have a totally different view. This is the great advantage (or con) about abstract art...the message isn't narrative, it is within you. And if a work of art fails to create a narrative within you or me then that is possibly our fault rather than the artist's.

I just think it is a pretty lame, derivative piece of work that does nothing for me whatsoever whereas similar abstract works by say Paul Klee or Mark Rothko do hold my attention and evoke a response from me...that is the difference between great art and this mere wall hanging.

You do not have to take my word for it though.

According to my highly mysterious sources at 'Astronomy Now' you will have to wait a good 73 years to cop a look at a total eclipse of the Sun over Britain...set your alarm clock for half past 5 on September the 23rd 2090 in fact. (That's a Saturday Siasl, so no probs about getting time off work.)

For more info on the next total eclipse over the UK, and plenty of stuff on upcoming partial eclipses over the UK, check out my eminent and mystical source at 'Astronomy Now' for yourself...

https://astronomynow.com/2015/03/21/when-can-i-next-see-a-solar-eclipse-from-the-british-isles/

PS If you really can't wait until 2090 you could pop on a plane and catch an eyeful of the next total eclipse on 3rd September 2081 - it is visible from the Channel Islands. (Info from the above weblink.)

That would make Wiki right and me wrong. I am quite OK with that and will stop banging on about it now. Thanks Siasl for the eureka moment and the video.

Well, no matter how many were killed (or even just accused), it was pretty crappy to be on the receiving end.

Here's QI's take on the matter