This blog is intended to create an opportunity for rethinking what might be the more popular or assumed view held of a broad range of topics ranging across society, politics, government and economics.  No particular issue is off-limits, however comments should be both courteous (albeit vigorous) and relevant.  At times the subject matter will be serious, at other times it will be more relaxed and deal with aspects of life that are less than life and death.  A major aim is to be eclectic in coverage.

For the blog title I am indebted to the website –  http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/91100.html   This provides the following explanation of the phrase “chew the cud” –

Meaning

To chat, in an aimless manner.

Origin

Alternative versions of this are ‘chew the fat’, ‘chew the rag’ etc. Cud is the part digested food that ruminant animals, notably cows, bring back into their mouths from their first stomach, to chew at leisure. The image is of slow and aimless mastication and the allusive use of the phrase refers to that.

To a certain extent its primary purpose is to allow me to get things off my chest, however I hope that some of these jottings prompt others to rethink, respond and possible reevaluate their own positions.  This may have the not inconsiderable benefit of also causing me to review that which I may previously have seen as inviolate, thereby continuing to learn at even a rather advanced age.