And Mugabe awoke with a hoof on his throat and he
struggled and howled to be free,
And tripped on the racks of his English shoes and clawed
at his English suits,
And crashed down the unlit corridors where his wife has
collected her loot,
Screaming “You may not condemn me - there are by-laws
and statutes and fines”
But the Devil replied “God’s law trumps that, and by his
law you’re mine.”
Come, see what you’ve done to your people, see what
you’ve done to your land,
And then I’ll haul you back into the light, and see if
you understand;
Then the Devil seized him by his neck and dragged him up
into the night
And Bob hung limp, for one against one was not his idea
of a fight
They spiralled down to a wasteland, and Mugabe sprawled
on his face,
“Spare me, spare me” he whimpered, “spare me this
terrible place”,
For he saw charred beams and scattered bricks, filth and
ruin and weeds,
And through the dawn came children, sifting the dust for
seeds.
“Eight years ago” said the Devil, “this place was heavy
with maize,
There was fruit on the trees and crops in the earth and
grass for the cows to graze,
It was farmed by those who loved the soil, who knew it
and tended it well,
And now it’s farmed by cellphone, from the Monomotapa
hotel.”
“Racist” screamed Mugabe, “Imperialist, Colonist,
Queer!
These people are free, that’s down to me and that’s why
I rule here!”
“Free to do what?” asked the Devil, “to cower and cringe
to survive?
The farms are going, the work is gone, now only your
thugs can thrive,
Preying on women and children, feeding on horror and
fear,
Flying flags of hate and despair that had no business
here;
Look at your mindless militias, look in each alien face,
Condemned by their own insanity, exiled for life from
the race,
Watch them go into action, cheer as they take up the
fight,
Beating up Zimbabweans for the crime of being white,
Red-eyed from drink, thick-tongued from drugs, watch
them go off on a spree
Burning the homes of Africans who dared to be honestly
free.”
Mugabe licked his lips and whispered, “All freedom comes
at a price,”
“Indeed?” said the Devil “And for the record - what was
your sacrifice?
Did you give blood to the struggle? How manytimes were
you mortared?
Or did you play politics in a hotel, and wait till your
rivals were slaughtered?
If ever you tasted honour or pain those tastes were long
since forgotten,
Eclipsed by the flavours of power and greed, the aromas
of all that is rotten.
Come, Mugabe” and up they flew and soared over country
and town
And each time they swooped, hunger and horror reached up
to pull them down,
And the souls of children streamed past them, and on and
up into the light
And Mugabe whimpered and twisted, to shield his eyes
from the sight
“Sons of despair,” said the Devil “and daughters of
desolate selves,
It’s the West that gives food to your people, while your
cronies are stuffing themselves,
The West you despise and prosecute is the innocent’s
sponsor and friend,
But when your young ‘veterans’ seize the supplies, these
fragile lives have to end;”
“I did not know,” croaked Mugabe and the Devil applauded
with glee:
“Save your lies for Mbeki, they make no impression on
me.
Now, look at the shuttered factories, look at the
overnight queues.”
“Blame the British,” Bob stammered, “the whites, the
Norwegians, the Jews.”
But the streets sent up a whisper, a whisper as loud as
a roar:
“The old man who stole three elections - it’s time that
we showed him the door!”
A scream rose up from the city, a scream rose up from a
cell,
And the Devil plunged them into the earth and a cameo
from hell
Of shadowed figures with smiling lips that shone with
delight and disdain,
Of a body convulsing and wrenching, shaking apart from
the pain;
“Applaud your police,” said the Devil, “corrupted beyond
repair,
And caress the electrodes, the batons and guns, and the
innocent tied to the chair.”
But as Mugabe stretched out his hand the scene was gone
in a flash,
And he stared instead at a drive full of Mercs and a
house full of money and trash,
And then at the gloom of an upstairs room, heavy with
malice and lies,
Where fat men sat and talked poison, avoiding each
others’ eyes:
“Here are your generals,” the Devil hissed, “your
ministers, judges and hacks,
They have fortunes and forex and farms they can’t farm,
it’s only a future they lack,
Do they flee for Malaysia , Libya , France with their women and all they
can pack?
Or do they just turn and remove you, and claim
dispensation for that?
Look at the wealth that seeps from them, and then hold
your nose at the stench
Of the paltry crew that cleave to you, the cowards, the
fools and the French;
See them plotting and scheming; hear your folly
despised,
Even your reptiles want you gone - you made them, are
you surprised?
Now do you know what you are Mugabe, now do you
understand?
You’re the Lord of the bloated thousand, and King of an
empty land.
What gave you most pleasure Mugabe? Which wickedness
tasted most sweet?
The mass murder of Ndebele? The children with nothing
to eat?
The whites you had casually butchered? The election
results that you changed?
Or the war that you fought in the Congo , for
diamond commissions arranged?
The perversion of half of the system? The enrichment of
those you despise?
The limos and money and power? The lies and the lies and
the lies?
I ought to admire you Mugabe; you’ve certainly earned
your hellfire,
And all for small motives, self interest and fear, that
aspect I have to admire;
Better by far that you never had lived, Robert Gabriel,
The world will heal the wounds you’ve left, but I cannot
heal you in hell!”
Then the Devil’s right hand grabbed Mugabe, and Mugabe
he screamed in his fright,
And scrabbled and pleaded and whimpered and begged…
And awoke to an African night,
And sweated and panted and shuddered, calling his aides
to his side,
Reconstituting his ego, his vanity, evil and pride,
But then screamed again, recoiling, from that he could
not bear to see:
The slogans burning his eyes from the walls and
the words… we want to be free!
Enough is enough! Zvakwana!!
Sokwanele!!
The Devil meandered down Second, and strolled up Samora
Machel,
“The brave will inherit,” he murmured, “when I have
Mugabe in hell:
And the dawn will return to Zimbabwe , and
children will learn how to smile,
Zimbabwe
is one of God’s countries… but at least it was mine for a while
Monday, 21 April 2008
First cruiseliner
At 7.45 am this morning, the first cruiseliner of the 2008 season entered port. MV Quest, shown above about to pass the Arnish Fabrication Yard, called in for a day visit. It departed after 4pm, headed for Staffa. This small island, west of Mull, is famous for its basalt columns, and sprang to fame when Felix Mendelsohn-Bartholdy was inspired through it to write his Hebrides Ouverture. I don't know how you can be inspired by chucking up your breakfast over the side, but there you go.
MV Quest, shown alongside the ferrypier, is a small vessel, only 50 metres long, capable of carrying 150 passengers. A Swedish website gave more information. I can just about make out a few Swedish words, so will translate my findings below:
The MV Quest started life as the MV Saqqit Ittuk. It was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, for cruises around Greenland. The ship was based at Nuuk, Greenland. In 2004, it was sold to an Estonian company, but continued its work as a cruiseship around Greenland under the name Disko II. The ship was again rechristened Quest in June 2007, to work for a Bahama-based shipping line, still in the Arctic.
Monday 21 April
Another brilliantly sunny day, with a light easterly breeze and temperatures of 11C / 52F. Quite nice. The moon made a fantastic display, setting like an orange globe just before sunrise. Yesterday morning, it looked like this.
At 7.30 am, the first cruiseliner of the season, MV Quest, pulled into Stornoway. The ship had arrived off the east coast of the island just after midnight, but the pilot was not available at that hour. This marks the start of the real summer tourism season. Cruiseliners will keep coming until September.
Some very good news reached me in the last half-an-hour: the planning application for the North Lewis Windfarm, which comprised 181 turbines, each standing 450 feet tall, stretching from Port of Ness in the north to Bragar in the west and Stornoway in the south has been turned down by Scottish minsiters. The reason is that it is in violaiton of European directives on wildlife habitats. The developers are deeply disappointed, as is the local council, because this means an opportunity for 680 jobs across Lewis and mainland Scotland has been lost.
At 7.30 am, the first cruiseliner of the season, MV Quest, pulled into Stornoway. The ship had arrived off the east coast of the island just after midnight, but the pilot was not available at that hour. This marks the start of the real summer tourism season. Cruiseliners will keep coming until September.
Some very good news reached me in the last half-an-hour: the planning application for the North Lewis Windfarm, which comprised 181 turbines, each standing 450 feet tall, stretching from Port of Ness in the north to Bragar in the west and Stornoway in the south has been turned down by Scottish minsiters. The reason is that it is in violaiton of European directives on wildlife habitats. The developers are deeply disappointed, as is the local council, because this means an opportunity for 680 jobs across Lewis and mainland Scotland has been lost.
Sunday, 20 April 2008
Busy chopper
Our search and rescue helicopter has had a busy time around Ben Nevis this weekend. Three people required airlifting off the mountain after being either cragfast or unwell. It also had to airlift a diver suspected to be suffering from the "bends" (decompression sickness) from the island of Canna to the decompression chamber at Dunstaffnage, Oban.
Aerosol can
Someone had the wrong idea on Saturday evening, and decided to toss an aerosol can into an open fire grate at a pub in Derbyshire, England. A 2 metre (7 ft) fireball erupted from the fireplace, passed through the public bar and onto the ceiling, before going back into the grate. Several people suffered burns to their backs and limbs, and were treated in a dental surgery across the road.
NEVER put aerosol cans into a fire. As if you didn't already know.
NEVER put aerosol cans into a fire. As if you didn't already know.
Eurostop
A Eurostar train journey from London to Paris took 10 hours on Friday night, as opposed to the customary two. When the London-bound service approached the Channel Tunnel, a red light came on in the driver's cab, which indicated a technical fault. This forebade it from entering the Tunnel. So, it was stopped, as was a train travelling in the opposite direction. Passengers were swapped between the two trains, and the London-bound passengers arrived at their destination without much delay.
Not so the Paris-bound passengers. Their train broke down 75 miles north of Paris, and a replacement train had to be called up to tow the break-down to Paris. At a snail's pace. It finally arrived in Paris Gare du Nord at 9 in the morning, some 10 hours late. The passengers are fuming - partially because all power was lost, leading to a loss of air-conditioning. Other passengers could no longer hold on to their enforced nicotine break, so it all got rather hot and bothered on there.
The SNCF has been ordered to report on Monday on lessons learned from the incident. Methinks it's easy. A train with a fault should not proceed at all. Period.
Not so the Paris-bound passengers. Their train broke down 75 miles north of Paris, and a replacement train had to be called up to tow the break-down to Paris. At a snail's pace. It finally arrived in Paris Gare du Nord at 9 in the morning, some 10 hours late. The passengers are fuming - partially because all power was lost, leading to a loss of air-conditioning. Other passengers could no longer hold on to their enforced nicotine break, so it all got rather hot and bothered on there.
The SNCF has been ordered to report on Monday on lessons learned from the incident. Methinks it's easy. A train with a fault should not proceed at all. Period.
Sunday 20 April
Brilliantly sunny day, like much of last week, but again not too warm. The easterly wind persists, although it does give us clear skies. West is best these days.
Pope Benedict XVI is wrapping up his visit to the United States in New York. He will go to the site of Ground Zero and offer prayers for those lost in the atrocities of 9/11, and for those consumed with hatred. He will then celebrate mass in a 55,000-seater stadium, for which demand of tickets has far outstripped supply. The Pope, who was a member of the Hitler Youth in the 1930s as well as the Wehrmacht (the Nazi army), has spoken openly about this episode in his life.
Christmas Island, an Australian outpost south of the Indonesian island of Java, is on tropical cyclone watch. System 95S is approaching from the northwest, and appears to be a fairly large storm in the making. It is not yet a tropical cyclone, but is expected to become one in the next 24 hours.
Pope Benedict XVI is wrapping up his visit to the United States in New York. He will go to the site of Ground Zero and offer prayers for those lost in the atrocities of 9/11, and for those consumed with hatred. He will then celebrate mass in a 55,000-seater stadium, for which demand of tickets has far outstripped supply. The Pope, who was a member of the Hitler Youth in the 1930s as well as the Wehrmacht (the Nazi army), has spoken openly about this episode in his life.
Christmas Island, an Australian outpost south of the Indonesian island of Java, is on tropical cyclone watch. System 95S is approaching from the northwest, and appears to be a fairly large storm in the making. It is not yet a tropical cyclone, but is expected to become one in the next 24 hours.
Saturday, 19 April 2008
Follow-up
If you want to see the pictures in a picture gallery, press F11 to go to full-screen mode. You're still lumbered with the ads (a curse on them), but at least you can see them a bit larger.
The Callanish Stones are one of the oldest monuments in Scotland, some 5,500 years old. They are a burial site, but the graves were plundered thousands of years already. The Stones were noticed in the 19th century, covered in a 5 ft layer of peat. The peat was removed. It is thought that the Stones are a lunar monument (as opposed to a solar one, such as Stonehenge). Apart from the main circle, situated just to the south of Callanish Village, there are 20 other circles within a 3 mile radius.
The Callanish Stones are one of the oldest monuments in Scotland, some 5,500 years old. They are a burial site, but the graves were plundered thousands of years already. The Stones were noticed in the 19th century, covered in a 5 ft layer of peat. The peat was removed. It is thought that the Stones are a lunar monument (as opposed to a solar one, such as Stonehenge). Apart from the main circle, situated just to the south of Callanish Village, there are 20 other circles within a 3 mile radius.
Fuel shortages
Those are likely across Scotland and northern England from next week. A strike is planned at the refinery at Grangemouth, between Edinburgh and Glasgow, and as a precaution, the plant is being shut down. You can't shut down an oil refinery like an electric switch, apparently - it takes many days. The result will be severe fuel shortages across the whole of Scotland from April 25th, next Friday. Not only that, the majority of output from North Sea gas and oil platforms passes through Grangemouth, which means that those will be shut off as well.
The strike is a dispute over pensions, and will be held on April 27th and 28th.
Visit to Arnish - pictures
As promised, the 127 pictures of my walk to Arnish yesterday.
The map below shows the area in some detail.
Saturday 19 April
Bright morning, with some cloud around. About the best weather in the country. The forecasters were bemoaning the presence of low cloud, rain and wind in southern England.
Situation in Zimbabwe is getting murkier with the day. A partial recount is underway, with allegations that the ballot boxes "have become pregnant and reproduced", in other words, the ruling party has stuffed the boxes with false ballots for Mr Mugabe. Meanwhile, a Chinese ship with armaments on board, the An Yue Jiang, has left the South African port of Durban, after dockers refused to unload its cargo, which was destined for Zimbabwe. This was backed by a court ruling. The vessel is now thought to be heading for Mozambique.
China's southern province of Hainan has been struck by typhoon Neoguri - one of the earliest typhoons on record (since 1949 at any rate). Normally, the typhoon season commences in May. 100,000 people have been evacuated and 76 flights were cancelled from local airports. The typhoon has been downgraded to a tropical storm and is making landfall 120 miles west of Hong Kong. That city is under strong wind warning, as winds of 30 mph, gusting to 60 mph, lash the territory.
Situation in Zimbabwe is getting murkier with the day. A partial recount is underway, with allegations that the ballot boxes "have become pregnant and reproduced", in other words, the ruling party has stuffed the boxes with false ballots for Mr Mugabe. Meanwhile, a Chinese ship with armaments on board, the An Yue Jiang, has left the South African port of Durban, after dockers refused to unload its cargo, which was destined for Zimbabwe. This was backed by a court ruling. The vessel is now thought to be heading for Mozambique.
China's southern province of Hainan has been struck by typhoon Neoguri - one of the earliest typhoons on record (since 1949 at any rate). Normally, the typhoon season commences in May. 100,000 people have been evacuated and 76 flights were cancelled from local airports. The typhoon has been downgraded to a tropical storm and is making landfall 120 miles west of Hong Kong. That city is under strong wind warning, as winds of 30 mph, gusting to 60 mph, lash the territory.
Friday, 18 April 2008
Cat
This morning, a young black cat ambled into the back garden. I went out, and it was more than pleased to be fussed over for a couple of minutes.
Afternoon at Arnish
Arnish is the area directly across the water from me. The lighthouse is 1 mile from my window, but if I want to walk there, it's 5 miles or more. Nonetheless, I got myself a lift this afternoon and proceeded to plot a few walks round there. You can go to the lighthouse, which is 20 minutes' walk from the end of the road, and to a small inlet, called Tob Leireabhat [Tob Leryavat], just over half an hour.
As I was near the lighthouse, I noticed a sheep rolling over and over in a field. That is a bad sign, particularly at this time of the year when they are lambing. I went over to the ewe, which was heavily pregnant. I found that one of her legs was entangled in fencing wire, which was supposed to be electrified. Fortunately, it was not hooked up to the electric, it would have killed the animal. I tried to disentangle the ewe's leg, but found that the wire was wrapped tightly round her neck as well. The poor sheep was snorting and grinding her teeth, a very bad sign. As I did not have my mobile phone with me, I was unable to call for help, and the resident at the lighthouse's keeper's cottage was out. Don't even know if they have a phone there. The Fabrication Yard was deserted, and the reception was closed. So, I had to wait for close on 3 hours before I had an opportunity - I nipped into the police station on Church Street and left a message. They promised to contact the grazings clark, who would go and sort it out. I can see the area concerned from the window where I am typing, but don't know if anyone has gone there.
Anyway, I came away with 130+ photos as well as feeling knackered. It was a walk of 6 miles in total, a distance I have not recently covered on foot. I will put up pictures later or tomorrow.
As I was near the lighthouse, I noticed a sheep rolling over and over in a field. That is a bad sign, particularly at this time of the year when they are lambing. I went over to the ewe, which was heavily pregnant. I found that one of her legs was entangled in fencing wire, which was supposed to be electrified. Fortunately, it was not hooked up to the electric, it would have killed the animal. I tried to disentangle the ewe's leg, but found that the wire was wrapped tightly round her neck as well. The poor sheep was snorting and grinding her teeth, a very bad sign. As I did not have my mobile phone with me, I was unable to call for help, and the resident at the lighthouse's keeper's cottage was out. Don't even know if they have a phone there. The Fabrication Yard was deserted, and the reception was closed. So, I had to wait for close on 3 hours before I had an opportunity - I nipped into the police station on Church Street and left a message. They promised to contact the grazings clark, who would go and sort it out. I can see the area concerned from the window where I am typing, but don't know if anyone has gone there.
Anyway, I came away with 130+ photos as well as feeling knackered. It was a walk of 6 miles in total, a distance I have not recently covered on foot. I will put up pictures later or tomorrow.
Friday 18 April
Bit more cloud around today, and it's still breezy - a cold easterly.
Robert Mugabe, the much maligned leader of Zimbabwe, is preparing to mark independence day for his country - the 28th anniversary of liberation from oppressive white rule by Ian Smith. The outcome of elections for president, held 3 weeks ago, is still unclear. Pressure from the outside world is having no effect. Strange? Well, have a read of this assessment on the BBC News website, which offers an insight into why that is. Interesting. Meanwhile, credible reports keep emerging of beatings and torture in the country.
Typhoon Neoguri is passing just east of Hainan Island in China, and will strike the mainland tomorrow. Its power will be diminished, as atmospheric conditions will begin to tear the system apart.
Robert Mugabe, the much maligned leader of Zimbabwe, is preparing to mark independence day for his country - the 28th anniversary of liberation from oppressive white rule by Ian Smith. The outcome of elections for president, held 3 weeks ago, is still unclear. Pressure from the outside world is having no effect. Strange? Well, have a read of this assessment on the BBC News website, which offers an insight into why that is. Interesting. Meanwhile, credible reports keep emerging of beatings and torture in the country.
Typhoon Neoguri is passing just east of Hainan Island in China, and will strike the mainland tomorrow. Its power will be diminished, as atmospheric conditions will begin to tear the system apart.
Thursday, 17 April 2008
Hurricane update - 17 April
Typhoon Neoguri is currently heading north towards mainland China, between Hainan Island and Hong Kong. The storm will make landfall 130 miles west of Hong Kong, with winds of up to 70 mph. HK itself is not likely to be directly affected, but typhoons (hurricanes) are notoriously unpredictable.
This certainly applies to a tropical disturbance in the South Pacific, which looked suspicious to my untrained eye this afternoon. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu marked it up as 94P, located between the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, east of Australia, north of New Zealand. I was surprised when they did not think it could develop much. They changed their mind at 7 o'clock this evening, when they pushed out an alert that there is a likelihood of more than 50% that a cyclone could develop. Atmospheric conditions could give rise to a very nasty piece of work overnight, in the shape of a rapidly mushrooming tropical cyclone. Météo France at New Caledonia is still blissfully talking about a few showers with southeasterly trade winds - I think they could wake up to rather more than that by this time on Saturday.
This certainly applies to a tropical disturbance in the South Pacific, which looked suspicious to my untrained eye this afternoon. The Joint Typhoon Warning Center in Honolulu marked it up as 94P, located between the Solomon Islands and New Caledonia, east of Australia, north of New Zealand. I was surprised when they did not think it could develop much. They changed their mind at 7 o'clock this evening, when they pushed out an alert that there is a likelihood of more than 50% that a cyclone could develop. Atmospheric conditions could give rise to a very nasty piece of work overnight, in the shape of a rapidly mushrooming tropical cyclone. Météo France at New Caledonia is still blissfully talking about a few showers with southeasterly trade winds - I think they could wake up to rather more than that by this time on Saturday.
Virginia Tech - 1 year on
It is a year ago yesterday that a mentally disturbed man went on a shooting rampage at Virginia Tech university. Thirty-two people lost their lives.
Guns are still too readily available to those in whose hands they should not belong. People with problems in mental health still fall under the radar, and do not reappear until it is too late.
Guns are still too readily available to those in whose hands they should not belong. People with problems in mental health still fall under the radar, and do not reappear until it is too late.
Artsy Essay
Judith Heartsong's April Artsy Essay is out - so engage your artistic talents on the theme of
Happiness is...
I am not entering this competition myself, but would like to highlight it.
Happiness is...
I am not entering this competition myself, but would like to highlight it.
Pictures from yesterday
The pictures above show the Callanish Stones, the area around it and the road that leads north from the Stones through the village. At the end of the road lies a graveyard, containing one grave from World War I, the object of my visit. The views across the water are quite magnificent, as it was a dry, bright afternoon. The red building is a factory, which turns fish into fishoil (or used to). You can see the villages of Breasclete (nearby), Tolstachaolais (4 miles to the north) and Kirkibost on Great Bernera to the west.
Thursday 17 April
Good morning from a brilliantly sunny Stornoway - but with a keen easterly wind. Not feeling warm at all. I managed to sort the problems with Internet Explorer, after a search on the Microsoft website. For a change, they gave some useful advice. Had to deep delve into areas of my PC that I didn't know existed. Anyway, IE 7 is back on the PC and working fine.
Typhoon Neoguri is approaching Hainan Island in southern China, and they are going on a raised state of alert. Not much information to be gleaned from the Chinese weather website, but they are aware that a category 2 typhoon is headed their way.
The mother of Shannon Matthews, the 9-year old who disappeared for 24 days in February and March, is to stand trial in November. She will be in the dock alongside the man accused of Shannon's abduction. Karen Matthews is accused with child neglect and failing to inform police of Shannon's whereabouts.
Wednesday, 16 April 2008
Stumped
Well, I went back to IE 6, but I stll cannot log into AOL on IE. Must have done something wrong in recent days, because my iTunes application has also given up the ghost. Seems like I'll have to go back through a few system restore points. Meanwhile, I'll check the remainder of my (26) alerts tomorrow. And I also hope to put my pics up at that time.
Internet Explorer 7
Well, it didn't work after all. I am using Internet Explorer to upload pictures in bulk to AOL, as an uploader is only available for IE. So, here I am, trying to log on to AOL through IE 7, which I recently installed: and it can't do it. Page not found. Jiggled about with the settings on IE (don't know too much about that), but no joy.
Binned. Back to IE 6.
Binned. Back to IE 6.
Visit to Callanish
Went on the bus this afternoon to Callanish, which is about 18 miles from here. Half an hour and £3.30 (return) later, I found myself at the Stones. A few people at the Visitor Centre, three with pushbikes. After a cup of tea and a slice of chocolate cake, I headed to the site. It was a brilliantly sunny afternoon, but with a keen easterly wind. Visibility fantastic. A handful of lambs about, some very young. Lambing comes late to Lewis, but this year it is even later. I then proceeded to walk through the backroad of Callanish to the cemetery at the end of the road, where I found one wargrave from the First World War. The view from there is fantastic. They were doing a spot of muirburn on Great Bernera. I could see straight up to Tolsta Chaolais, four miles away, and the islands at the mouth of Loch Roag. Went down to the shoreline, before heading back to catch the 5.10pm bus. I will upload the pictures later - am heading for a plate of fish & chips.
Wednesday 16 April
Brilliantly sunny day, with a bit of a breeze going. Temperatures remain below par, at 9C. Better than in the South China Sea, where a typhoon has been gathering strength over the past day or so. Typhoon Neoguri will be heading for Hainan Island, west of Hong Kong, and will come ashore with winds of approximate 85 mph on Friday. The Chinese Meteorological Administration mentions winds of force 10 to 12.
Vitamins are not as good as some people make them out to be. They could even shorten your life. Vitamins A and D can cause actual harm if taken in doses greater than advised; in extreme instances death may ensue. A study has looked at the effects of anti-oxidants like vitamins C and E, and found that they did not extend life.
Vitamins are not as good as some people make them out to be. They could even shorten your life. Vitamins A and D can cause actual harm if taken in doses greater than advised; in extreme instances death may ensue. A study has looked at the effects of anti-oxidants like vitamins C and E, and found that they did not extend life.
Tuesday, 15 April 2008
Spring?
Well, it's April 15th, and although temperatures are lagging behind, it did feel like spring today. The dandelions are out, it was a bright sunny day. And at 9.50pm it was still a bit light. The bug in picture 8 found its way inside.
AOL Webmail
I've grown very dissatisfied with AOL webmail in recent times. I don't have a problem with the advertising (I just blank it out), but I do object to the fact that the advertising has to be loaded before the email message. So, here I am, waiting for "spe.atdmt.com" to load - to load - to load. Which it does, after I have changed to another tab in my Firefox browser. And it only loads when I make that change. It therefore takes ages to read my emails, to the extent that I have now pressed Microsoft Outlook into service, which has no such problems. I'm going to link this complaint to the webmail guys, because I'm well p'd off.
Tuesday 15 April
Bright and sunny today, with some clouds about. Not much wind and remaining cool.
The local council have reassured horrified islanders that the fee for using the public toilets in Perceval Square in Stornoway will not be bumped up to 35p. At present, spending a penny costs 20p, and a statutory notice had been put up outside the loos saying that it would cost 35p. The council now say the price of a pee will now be 25p. A storm in a toilet bowl.
On the subject of excessive prices, the price of a litre of diesel has gone up to £1.31 ($10 a US gallon). Funny thing is, that our fuels get delivered by a tankerboat which also supplies remote places like Thurso, on the north coast of Scotland. Where fuel costs 20p less.
Zimbabwe could see the election results announced by the weekend, when the results of a recount are known. If the opposition candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, does not poll more than 50%, he will not be running in a run-off with Robert Mugabe, fearing violence on the streets. I never got over the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, saying that there was no crisis in Zimbabwe this past weekend. He is the one who denied that AIDS was a problem in his own country.
The local council have reassured horrified islanders that the fee for using the public toilets in Perceval Square in Stornoway will not be bumped up to 35p. At present, spending a penny costs 20p, and a statutory notice had been put up outside the loos saying that it would cost 35p. The council now say the price of a pee will now be 25p. A storm in a toilet bowl.
On the subject of excessive prices, the price of a litre of diesel has gone up to £1.31 ($10 a US gallon). Funny thing is, that our fuels get delivered by a tankerboat which also supplies remote places like Thurso, on the north coast of Scotland. Where fuel costs 20p less.
Zimbabwe could see the election results announced by the weekend, when the results of a recount are known. If the opposition candidate, Morgan Tsvangirai, does not poll more than 50%, he will not be running in a run-off with Robert Mugabe, fearing violence on the streets. I never got over the South African president, Thabo Mbeki, saying that there was no crisis in Zimbabwe this past weekend. He is the one who denied that AIDS was a problem in his own country.
Monday, 14 April 2008
Toxic
I happened to link through to a blog (Happy Thoughts, hpycmpr155). The writer nearly lost her dog after applying an anti-flea preparation called ProMeris. After a visit to the emergency vet, the dog recovered quickly.
The manufacturer, Fort Dodge, an apparent subsidiary of German chemical giant BASF, states in its internet blurb that ProMeris is a safe product. An internet forums for dog owners states the opposite.
When you use an anti-flea preparation, you must always remember that the chemicals concerned are toxic at the best of times. I was once ill for a couple of days after being too liberal with a canister of flea-powder. Not only was I unwell, so was the poor cat I tried (in vain) to rid of fleas.
If your animal suffers an adverse reaction to a medicine or other preparation, always consult a vet, and insist he report the incident to the manufacturers and the broader scientific community.
The manufacturer, Fort Dodge, an apparent subsidiary of German chemical giant BASF, states in its internet blurb that ProMeris is a safe product. An internet forums for dog owners states the opposite.
When you use an anti-flea preparation, you must always remember that the chemicals concerned are toxic at the best of times. I was once ill for a couple of days after being too liberal with a canister of flea-powder. Not only was I unwell, so was the poor cat I tried (in vain) to rid of fleas.
If your animal suffers an adverse reaction to a medicine or other preparation, always consult a vet, and insist he report the incident to the manufacturers and the broader scientific community.
Wireless worries
Are you connecting to the web through your own wireless network at home? If you are not careful, your network connection could be used by anyone with a laptop with wireless capability. Do you want that? Don't think so. In actual fact, using someone else's wireless network without consent is illegal in the UK.
MSN have listed a series of measures you can take to keep your network to yourself and to keep your connection safe.
MSN have listed a series of measures you can take to keep your network to yourself and to keep your connection safe.
Monday 14 April
Overcast but bright morning, and quiet. Rain will come in later in the day. Not terribly warm.
The Japanese whaling fleet which has been out in the Antarctic has failed to meet its target of numbers of whales killed. Because of disruption by Greenpeace and other environmentalists, they 'only' managed to harpoon 550 out of a quota of 850. Japan claims this is needed for research purposes. Everyone else says killing whales for research is not necessary, and the creatures are killed for Japanese palates.
Last year, a statue was erected at Helmsdale, northeast Scotland, in commemoration of those who had been cleared from Sutherland to settle elsewhere. Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, hailed the artwork as a tribute to those Scots who had made their mark overseas. At the time, and to date, this remark sticks in my craw. If the people of Strath Kildonan made such a fantastic contribution overseas, why weren't they allowed to do that at home? Anyway, more such statues will be erected around the world, like in Winnipeg, Canada.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not seeking to demean the achievements of emigrants. It is just the way they were kicked off their land that gets me a wee bit hot under the collar.
The Japanese whaling fleet which has been out in the Antarctic has failed to meet its target of numbers of whales killed. Because of disruption by Greenpeace and other environmentalists, they 'only' managed to harpoon 550 out of a quota of 850. Japan claims this is needed for research purposes. Everyone else says killing whales for research is not necessary, and the creatures are killed for Japanese palates.
Last year, a statue was erected at Helmsdale, northeast Scotland, in commemoration of those who had been cleared from Sutherland to settle elsewhere. Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, hailed the artwork as a tribute to those Scots who had made their mark overseas. At the time, and to date, this remark sticks in my craw. If the people of Strath Kildonan made such a fantastic contribution overseas, why weren't they allowed to do that at home? Anyway, more such statues will be erected around the world, like in Winnipeg, Canada.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not seeking to demean the achievements of emigrants. It is just the way they were kicked off their land that gets me a wee bit hot under the collar.
Sunday, 13 April 2008
Stats
Some more useless information for you.
I have now reached page 2,000 in my hand-written diary.
My Northern Trip has been on-going for 1,343 days
I have taken some 13,800 pictures since April 2005
My on-line journal will reach 4,500 entries later this week
It has attracted just over 16,750 comments - thank you!
I have now reached page 2,000 in my hand-written diary.
My Northern Trip has been on-going for 1,343 days
I have taken some 13,800 pictures since April 2005
My on-line journal will reach 4,500 entries later this week
It has attracted just over 16,750 comments - thank you!
Evening notes
Was saddened to hear of the death of 5 young women in a road traffic accident in Ecuador. They were just starting a 4-month adventure in the Andes and Amazon regions of South America. The circumstances of the crash, in which 12 other Britons were injured, are being investigated. They were all passengers on a coach, travelling from Ecuador's capital, Quito, to Puerto Lopez on the Pacific coast.
The first hint of the North Atlantic hurricane season has appeared in the Eastern Pacific. A so-called African wave has been spotted west of the 90th degree longitude West. African waves are responsible for a large number of the tropical cyclones which form during the Atlantic hurricane season. They are meteorological phenomena, in which bulges of hot, humid air are released at 24 to 48 hour intervals from the African continent. These rise up to 3 miles into the atmosphere, and, given the right atmospheric conditions, can develop into a hurricane. The waves are carried west on the prevailing easterly airflow in the tropics, and can reach as far west as Hawaii.
This early on, atmospheric conditions are positively hostile, and no cyclones are expected to form for another 4 weeks. Last year, the first Atlantic cyclone formed on May 9th.
The first hint of the North Atlantic hurricane season has appeared in the Eastern Pacific. A so-called African wave has been spotted west of the 90th degree longitude West. African waves are responsible for a large number of the tropical cyclones which form during the Atlantic hurricane season. They are meteorological phenomena, in which bulges of hot, humid air are released at 24 to 48 hour intervals from the African continent. These rise up to 3 miles into the atmosphere, and, given the right atmospheric conditions, can develop into a hurricane. The waves are carried west on the prevailing easterly airflow in the tropics, and can reach as far west as Hawaii.
This early on, atmospheric conditions are positively hostile, and no cyclones are expected to form for another 4 weeks. Last year, the first Atlantic cyclone formed on May 9th.
Stornoway Sunday
No shops are open (apart from the filling station).
The ferry does not sail (except if it has been cancelled before the weekend).
There are no scheduled buses.
Only the pubs are open.
And a few of the restaurants.
The streets are mostly deserted.
Except at church time.
The ferry does not sail (except if it has been cancelled before the weekend).
There are no scheduled buses.
Only the pubs are open.
And a few of the restaurants.
The streets are mostly deserted.
Except at church time.
Sunday 13 April
The morning started clear and bright, but cloud bubbled up quite rapidly to give a small downpour at around 11 o'clock. At the same time that the runners in the London Marathon got a rather larger downpour. Enjoyed watching the race this morning, which saw the course record broken in the men's race, only 20 seconds shy of the world record. Conditions were much better than last year, when it was almost too warm for comfort (70F as opposed to 50F today).
The Chinese ambassador to London, Fu Ying, has complained that the Western press are 'against China', and that Chinese visitors to the British capital wanted to know where the 'gentlemenship' had gone to. Fu Ying stated that Tibet had complicated problems, where religion was intermingled with politics, but that it was loved by the Chinese. Was watching a program about Tibet pre-1950s last night, which undermined the latter statement.
The Chinese ambassador to London, Fu Ying, has complained that the Western press are 'against China', and that Chinese visitors to the British capital wanted to know where the 'gentlemenship' had gone to. Fu Ying stated that Tibet had complicated problems, where religion was intermingled with politics, but that it was loved by the Chinese. Was watching a program about Tibet pre-1950s last night, which undermined the latter statement.
Saturday, 12 April 2008
Riverdance
The freight ferry MV Riverdance ran aground at Cleveleys Beach, north of Blackpool, on the evening of January 31st. The ship had developed a list of 40 degrees on passage from Warrenpoint to Heysham and drifted ashore. Winterstorms prevented her salvage, and after a particularly severe one on March 12th, the vessel was further damaged. At the moment, the ship lies on the beach with a list of more than 100 degrees, with more than 4 metres (up to 15 feet) of its superstructure under the sand.
It has been decided to cut up the ship on site and recycle the resulting scrap. Further details on the Coastguard website.
Image below, dated 18 February, courtesy wainwrights-wandering.co.uk
It has been decided to cut up the ship on site and recycle the resulting scrap. Further details on the Coastguard website.
Image below, dated 18 February, courtesy wainwrights-wandering.co.uk
Saturday 12 April
Brilliantly sunny day, with only a few demure cumulus clouds about. Not warm at this stage, only 7C. Snow has wreaked havoc on higher level routes in central Scotland, it is reported this morning. The causative showers are presently moving southeast and diminishing.
It's now two weeks ago since Zimbabwe had presidential elections, but Mugabe continues to withhold the outcome. The international community is swinging into action to try to resolve the problem peaceably, but whether our war hero is amenable to that remains to be seen. If there were to be a run-off, it would be due next week. Bit difficult, now that political rallies have been banned.
A discussion has erupted about the use of larger measures for alcohol in pubs. One example is wine glasses, which have expanded from 125 to 175 or even 250 ml in size. Double measures for spirits are standard in some places - a visitor here mentioned the other day they were served triple measures in a pub in Stornoway. It's a recipe for disaster, and doctors have sounded the alarmbells.
It's now two weeks ago since Zimbabwe had presidential elections, but Mugabe continues to withhold the outcome. The international community is swinging into action to try to resolve the problem peaceably, but whether our war hero is amenable to that remains to be seen. If there were to be a run-off, it would be due next week. Bit difficult, now that political rallies have been banned.
A discussion has erupted about the use of larger measures for alcohol in pubs. One example is wine glasses, which have expanded from 125 to 175 or even 250 ml in size. Double measures for spirits are standard in some places - a visitor here mentioned the other day they were served triple measures in a pub in Stornoway. It's a recipe for disaster, and doctors have sounded the alarmbells.
Friday, 11 April 2008
When something looks too good to be true...
it usually is.
A man in the Borders area of Scotland is £500,000 ($1m) lighter after falling for a sophisticated scam, perporting to sell shares - in non-existing companies. Using high-pressure sales techniques (hence the by-name "boiler room scam") the man was pushed into buying the shares.
Beware of emails pretending to bring you lottery wins. First question to ask yourself: did I recently buy a lottery ticket, and if so, did you check whether you had won? Normally, you have to go back to the retailer that sold you the ticket to claim any winnings. In doing so, you don't put down your email address, do you?
Beware of the West African email scams. They say they have the fortunes of an unfortunate individual who perished (e.g.) in the Concorde crash outside Frankfurt Airport in 2000 - except, Concorde crashed outside Paris. In order to get your share of the millions, you only have to give all your personal and banking details, including PIN codes and what have you.
If you ever fall for that, you may lose more than just money.
A man in the Borders area of Scotland is £500,000 ($1m) lighter after falling for a sophisticated scam, perporting to sell shares - in non-existing companies. Using high-pressure sales techniques (hence the by-name "boiler room scam") the man was pushed into buying the shares.
Beware of emails pretending to bring you lottery wins. First question to ask yourself: did I recently buy a lottery ticket, and if so, did you check whether you had won? Normally, you have to go back to the retailer that sold you the ticket to claim any winnings. In doing so, you don't put down your email address, do you?
Beware of the West African email scams. They say they have the fortunes of an unfortunate individual who perished (e.g.) in the Concorde crash outside Frankfurt Airport in 2000 - except, Concorde crashed outside Paris. In order to get your share of the millions, you only have to give all your personal and banking details, including PIN codes and what have you.
If you ever fall for that, you may lose more than just money.
Sunburn
A boy of 13 [warning: graphic image on that page] has suffered bad skinburns, after spending 21 minutes in a tanning booth. His burns became infected, which meant he had to stay at home. The owner of the booth has said he will cooperate fully with any recommendations to prevent this happening again.
It is illegal for children under 16 to use a sunbed, and there was a notice on the premises concerned. You should also not use it for longer than 6 minutes at a time. However, the shop was not staffed.
Personally, I don't see the point of sunbeds, but then I'm not vain. If such a service is available in a shop, it should be staffed to prevent under 16s using it. It has been shown that extensive sunburns at a young age causes the skin to age prematurely. (Excessive) tanning also increases the risk of malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
It is illegal for children under 16 to use a sunbed, and there was a notice on the premises concerned. You should also not use it for longer than 6 minutes at a time. However, the shop was not staffed.
Personally, I don't see the point of sunbeds, but then I'm not vain. If such a service is available in a shop, it should be staffed to prevent under 16s using it. It has been shown that extensive sunburns at a young age causes the skin to age prematurely. (Excessive) tanning also increases the risk of malignant melanoma, a form of skin cancer.
Friday 11 April
Once again, an overcast start to the day, with a little rain here and there. Not very cold, although I'm not impressed by 6C in mid April. Should get better weather tomorrow.
The three-masted sailing yacht The Ponant was seized by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, off Yemen, a week ago. An operation by the French military has freed the crew, although the BBC report says nothing about the fate of the boat. Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991, and is plagued by lawlessness. The US tried to intervene in 1993, but had to pull out sharply after suffering high casualty rates. Ethiopia fought a war with Somalia over the Ogaden Desert in the 1970s, which makes the expected rate of success of its own intervention asymptotically close to zero.
This will continue to fester, endangering shipping (a year ago, a cruiseliner was under attack by said pirates) and regional stability. I wonder what will happen to sort out that mess. Like in Zimbabwe, the stakes are low (there's no oil there).
The three-masted sailing yacht The Ponant was seized by Somali pirates in the Gulf of Aden, off Yemen, a week ago. An operation by the French military has freed the crew, although the BBC report says nothing about the fate of the boat. Somalia has not had an effective central government since 1991, and is plagued by lawlessness. The US tried to intervene in 1993, but had to pull out sharply after suffering high casualty rates. Ethiopia fought a war with Somalia over the Ogaden Desert in the 1970s, which makes the expected rate of success of its own intervention asymptotically close to zero.
This will continue to fester, endangering shipping (a year ago, a cruiseliner was under attack by said pirates) and regional stability. I wonder what will happen to sort out that mess. Like in Zimbabwe, the stakes are low (there's no oil there).
Thursday, 10 April 2008
Hurricane season
Another prediction for the forthcoming North Atlantic hurricane season, which will kick off on June 1st. "It will be well above average". Heard that before. A sprinkling of Saharan dust made a similar prediction bite the dust in 2007.
Hurricanes are incredibly difficult to predict or forecast upon. Bearing in mind the super panic that sets in the moment one is born probably makes those in the know err on the side of caution.
If you're in hurricane alley, please start your preparations now.
Hurricanes are incredibly difficult to predict or forecast upon. Bearing in mind the super panic that sets in the moment one is born probably makes those in the know err on the side of caution.
If you're in hurricane alley, please start your preparations now.
Politics in the Olympics
The year is 1936. Adolf Hitler's Germany is hosting the Olympic Games, the 8th edition of modern times. Nazi Germany wanted to make the Olympics a showcase for the superiority of the Aryan race, one of his horrible misconceptions. History gave him a foretaste of his eventual defeat through the victory of Jesse Owens in four events. Owens was a black man, the grandson of a slave.
The Olympic Games have been abused for political ends ever since. 2008 is no different.
I have to sound one note of caution. Ostracising China at this point in history is like cutting off a limb. Do not forget that a large proportion of goods in our shops are manufactured in China. Particularly the UK has lost a large chunk of its manufacturing base to low-wage countries like China and India. A piece of fair competition without a doubt. I am not saying we should pass over the human rights abuses that occur in China, or Tibet - or any of its provinces or annexed territories. Whether the Olympics are the right forum, I very much doubt. It is one thing that protests occur in London, Paris or San Francisco. Any dissent on Chinese soil will be brutally and ruthlessly suppressed. I dread the passage of the Olympic Torch through Tibet.
Tagged
I was tagged by Connie, so I'll do as well as I can
1. WHAT WHERE YOU DOING TEN YEARS AGO:
Ten years ago I was having a 9 to 5 job in a hospital
2.Five Things On My To-Do List Today:
* get the regional papers in (it's Thursday)
* go to the museum to see new exhibition
* go to shop to buy stationery items
* do all the things I do on-line every day
* enjoy whatever the weather throws at me
3. SNACKS I ENJOY:
* my favourite eat is sweet & sour, never mind that it's not strictly speaking a snack
4. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE A BILLIONAIRE?
* never thought about it
5. BAD HABITS:
* you don't want to know LMAO
6. 5 PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
* various locations within about 600 miles of my present place
7. 5 JOBS I'VE HAD:
* I've had the grand total of three jobs - all related to what my screenie implies. I've worked in the army - again as same.
8 Five other people I want to tag
* well, this has been doing the rounds, but if anyone has not been tagged and feels like picking it up, please do.
1. WHAT WHERE YOU DOING TEN YEARS AGO:
Ten years ago I was having a 9 to 5 job in a hospital
2.Five Things On My To-Do List Today:
* get the regional papers in (it's Thursday)
* go to the museum to see new exhibition
* go to shop to buy stationery items
* do all the things I do on-line every day
* enjoy whatever the weather throws at me
3. SNACKS I ENJOY:
* my favourite eat is sweet & sour, never mind that it's not strictly speaking a snack
4. WHAT WOULD YOU DO IF YOU WERE A BILLIONAIRE?
* never thought about it
5. BAD HABITS:
* you don't want to know LMAO
6. 5 PLACES I HAVE LIVED:
* various locations within about 600 miles of my present place
7. 5 JOBS I'VE HAD:
* I've had the grand total of three jobs - all related to what my screenie implies. I've worked in the army - again as same.
8 Five other people I want to tag
* well, this has been doing the rounds, but if anyone has not been tagged and feels like picking it up, please do.
J-land Mood
I can't help noticing the continuing low mood in the community - does it become more noticeable because of Call for Support, or have things really gone onto a downer since last autumn?
Apart from real life issues like illness, death and relationship problems, there is also the phenomenon of trolls and overhyped expectation. I don't see the point of getting upset, angry and vicious, just because someone or everyone has stopped commenting in my journal. I don't see why several journalers find it necessary to apologise for not calling round. It is part and parcel of the community, I agree. However, circumstances can arise in real life, which may limit our time on-line, and we may be reluctant to disclose what those circumstances are.
As far as trolls go, I also don't see the point of harassing people. Haven't they got something more constructive to do? If you do suffer from a troll, flatly ignore. Push an email to the journalseditor for further advice.
Thursday 10 April
It's raining steadily, but the sun seems determined to make an appearance. The latest radar image shows the back-end of the front just west of Stornoway, so it should get dry pretty soon. Another line of showers is over the Southern Isles just now, heading our way.
A text-message was all it took to get the emergency services to a pair of walkers in northern Skye last night. At 11pm, a woman texted her mother in Birmingham, saying they were in dire straits above some cliffs, and the mobile signal was poor. The mother rang 999 and as a result, the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter and local rescuers went out to look for them. Their vehicle was located near an empty cottage, bringing the rescuers to the two ladies. They were cold and wet, but otherwise unharmed. As I said last night, it gets dark here after 9pm - what were they doing out near cliffs at that hour?
A text-message was all it took to get the emergency services to a pair of walkers in northern Skye last night. At 11pm, a woman texted her mother in Birmingham, saying they were in dire straits above some cliffs, and the mobile signal was poor. The mother rang 999 and as a result, the Stornoway Coastguard helicopter and local rescuers went out to look for them. Their vehicle was located near an empty cottage, bringing the rescuers to the two ladies. They were cold and wet, but otherwise unharmed. As I said last night, it gets dark here after 9pm - what were they doing out near cliffs at that hour?
Wednesday, 9 April 2008
A selection of boats
In the first days of April, a handful of boats caught my eye, and they are displayed in above gallery. The slipway, across the bay from me, offers a great selection of vessels of all sizes and description. It is used for repair and maintenance, and can accommodate boats up to 850 tons.
Sunset
Those who have been with me for some time are aware of my summer forays after sunsets. This evening, it was still early, at around 8.25pm. Nonetheless, as I type this (9.30pm), it's still not fully dark. In two months' time, sunset will be at 10.35pm, and it will not get fully dark all night. This is what it's like on June 19th:
Electric Eigg
The documentary about the Isle of Eigg on The One Show this evening can be viewed from this page. Have to say that there was little in it that wasn't already known, or aired at the time that the electricity grid went live. Nonetheless, a nice plug for one of Scotland's stunning isles.
Wednesday 9 April
Quite a nice morning, gentle breezes and not feeling cold. The port is relatively full this morning, with freigh ferry Muirneag, Coastguard tug Anglian Prince, fuel tanker Border Heather and small freighter Grip Superior all jostling for space. The tanker left half an hour ago, just as I came back from town for a few errands.
Anyone in the UK should mark The One Show on BBC1 at 7pm this evening. The islanders of Eigg, south of Skye, will feature in it. They will demonstrate how life has changed since they got 24/7 power. Until February this year, they relied on diesel generators for their electricity, leading to constraints. Ever since they won control of their island in 1997, the Eiggach have not looked back.
Anyone in the UK should mark The One Show on BBC1 at 7pm this evening. The islanders of Eigg, south of Skye, will feature in it. They will demonstrate how life has changed since they got 24/7 power. Until February this year, they relied on diesel generators for their electricity, leading to constraints. Ever since they won control of their island in 1997, the Eiggach have not looked back.
Tuesday, 8 April 2008
Close of day
Two developments caught my eye this evening. The first concerns the abduction of Shannon Matthews, the 9-year old girl. She went missing Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, but was found at her stepfather's uncle's house 24 days later. Her mother has now been formally charged with perverting the course of justice and child neglect.
I am very relieved that Mohammed Al-Fayed has done the honourable thing and discontinued his pursuance of the alleged murderplot against Princess Diana. The inquest into her death found that a murderplot was not the likely cause of her death. Mr Al-Fayed has expressed his misgivings over the inquest, but, for the sake of Princes William and Harry (Diana's sons), he has decided to abandon his quest. I am profoundly grateful for that - Diana and Dodi can now finally rest in peace, and we're also spared further degrading tirades from Mr Al-Fayed.
Stornoway, April 4th
I am very relieved that Mohammed Al-Fayed has done the honourable thing and discontinued his pursuance of the alleged murderplot against Princess Diana. The inquest into her death found that a murderplot was not the likely cause of her death. Mr Al-Fayed has expressed his misgivings over the inquest, but, for the sake of Princes William and Harry (Diana's sons), he has decided to abandon his quest. I am profoundly grateful for that - Diana and Dodi can now finally rest in peace, and we're also spared further degrading tirades from Mr Al-Fayed.
Stornoway, April 4th
Credit problems
Plugging one hole with another is never a good idea, and the current credit crunch is going to cost the world economy the tidy sum of at least 1 trillion (that's 1 million million) dollars. I am not an economist, and do not fully understand everything that lies behind it all. But the effects are already becoming clear, with a reported reduction in house prices in parts of England of up to 2.5%. Here in Scotland, and certainly in remote areas such as the Western Isles, prices are still going up. But for how long. Back in the 1980s, we had a spectre roaming the country that answered to the name "negative equity". Having a mortgage for more than your house will eventually yield upon sale.
Zimbabwe
More than a week after the elections in that country, its citizens still don't know who their next president will be. The current one, Robert Mugabe, is unleashing violence upon his people, and it is suggested that up to 60 white farmers have been forced to abandon their property by gangs of 'war veterans'. A challenge in court, to force the electoral authorities to release the result of the election, is proceeding.
I don't think anyone is going to win, whichever way things go. Robert Mugabe as victor will slump Zimbabwe into further misery, and I have not got this distinct impression that he will take a defeat lying down. Although Mugabe did a good thing in removing the racist regime of Ian Smith from power in 1980, his rule has degenerated to the same level.
I don't think anyone is going to win, whichever way things go. Robert Mugabe as victor will slump Zimbabwe into further misery, and I have not got this distinct impression that he will take a defeat lying down. Although Mugabe did a good thing in removing the racist regime of Ian Smith from power in 1980, his rule has degenerated to the same level.
Tuesday 8 April
Day is turning decidedly dreich, and you can check the webcam if you want to know what that means. Overcast, grey and wet. Tomorrow should be brighter.
I was pleased to hear the verdict in the inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi al-Fayed - unlawful killing, brought about by gross negligence on the parts of driver Henri Paul and the pursuing paparazzi. Mohammed al-Fayed has declared his disappointment, but has also hinted that he might consider the matter closed. It is a pity that none of the French paparazzi were attending the inquest to give evidence, but they could not be compelled to attend. I really hope this WILL bring matters to a close, and let Diana and Dodi rest in peace.
I was pleased to hear the verdict in the inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and Dodi al-Fayed - unlawful killing, brought about by gross negligence on the parts of driver Henri Paul and the pursuing paparazzi. Mohammed al-Fayed has declared his disappointment, but has also hinted that he might consider the matter closed. It is a pity that none of the French paparazzi were attending the inquest to give evidence, but they could not be compelled to attend. I really hope this WILL bring matters to a close, and let Diana and Dodi rest in peace.
Monday, 7 April 2008
Last thing
Worked my way through today's alerts just now. I'm feeling fairly satisfied with myself, having uninstalled some programs that were being obstinate. Netscape had its support terminated in March, but had to download it again to be able to delete it. One file was missing from the original installation. Netscape has been merged into Firefox, which I already use. Secondly, some program for the "ripping" of CD's, which I don't need. Had to edit the PC's registry to do that, which I am always reluctant to do. Fortunately, I had full instructions, so it is gone for good.
On the subject of cleaning up the PC, there is a program, designed by people who combat malware, which will clean out temporary files, caches and what have you. It is called ATF Cleaner, and when I last used it, it freed up half a gigabyte. Lessens another security risk. When you go to the page I linked to above, you need to scroll down a little.
On the subject of cleaning up the PC, there is a program, designed by people who combat malware, which will clean out temporary files, caches and what have you. It is called ATF Cleaner, and when I last used it, it freed up half a gigabyte. Lessens another security risk. When you go to the page I linked to above, you need to scroll down a little.
Evening notes
After a poor start, the weather has cleared up to some extent. It's breezy and cold outside, but at least the sun is shining.
Managed to make my way through about four dozen alerts, little thanks to AOL Webmail which is now at the tantrum stage. It will only show you the next mail IF you jump through some hoop or another. No thanks. Have complained before the weekend.
This afternoon, we had a very low tide, which enabled me to go scallop hunting at the bottom of the basin across the road. Found one large scallop, which (as I type) is being turned into an aperitif for dinner. Last year, I found eight clams, which sat clattering away on a tray for a few hours. These creatures can actually move along the seabed by squirting a jet of water. Here is a video I took of the clams last year.
Managed to make my way through about four dozen alerts, little thanks to AOL Webmail which is now at the tantrum stage. It will only show you the next mail IF you jump through some hoop or another. No thanks. Have complained before the weekend.
This afternoon, we had a very low tide, which enabled me to go scallop hunting at the bottom of the basin across the road. Found one large scallop, which (as I type) is being turned into an aperitif for dinner. Last year, I found eight clams, which sat clattering away on a tray for a few hours. These creatures can actually move along the seabed by squirting a jet of water. Here is a video I took of the clams last year.
Food for thought
Found a disconcerting report on BBC News about the situation in the Somali capital Mogadishu, which is to a large extent destroyed and deserted. The message at the end is stark. If the world continues to turn its back on trouble spots, they usually come round and hit it squarely in the face. Whether it be Somalia, Zimbabwe or the Middle East.
Eerie silence in empty Mogadishu.
Eerie silence in empty Mogadishu.
Monday 7 April
Good morning from northern Scotland, where the fun has just resumed after a nice start. A heavy snow and rain shower is clattering down. The severe weather conditions are playing havoc with our ferry service. I am just reading that the afternoon sailings have been cancelled; the MV Isle of Lewis is in Ullapool, and won't come across until 4pm. Conditions will improve slightly through the afternoon.
The case of Shannon Matthews, 9, from Dewsbury, who was abducted a number of weeks ago, is turning into ever murkier waters. Her mother has now been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The man accused of her abduction was taken to hospital in Leeds after he harmed himself. I don't think I'll make any further attempt to understand this situation until the trial commences on November 11th.
Down in Wales, a horse has been injured in an alleged anti-English attack on a stables, run by a woman of English origin. An anti-English slogan was daubed on the walls of the stables. Some years ago, a militant group went round Wales setting fire to second homes, owned by people living in England. I vividly remember staying in self-catering accommodation just east of Aberdyfi on the west coast in 1984. The cottages were on the top of a hill, and the access road started by the fire-gutted ruin of a house.
The case of Shannon Matthews, 9, from Dewsbury, who was abducted a number of weeks ago, is turning into ever murkier waters. Her mother has now been arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. The man accused of her abduction was taken to hospital in Leeds after he harmed himself. I don't think I'll make any further attempt to understand this situation until the trial commences on November 11th.
Down in Wales, a horse has been injured in an alleged anti-English attack on a stables, run by a woman of English origin. An anti-English slogan was daubed on the walls of the stables. Some years ago, a militant group went round Wales setting fire to second homes, owned by people living in England. I vividly remember staying in self-catering accommodation just east of Aberdyfi on the west coast in 1984. The cottages were on the top of a hill, and the access road started by the fire-gutted ruin of a house.
J-land Angels
I said I was going to bed, but my eye was caught by the calendar, which told me it is now April 7th. Two years ago, Pam [his1desire] made her last entry in her journal. She passed away 9 days later, on Easter Sunday. That was the event which drew me into J-land proper.
I also called round Kim's journal, where I found that her last entry now has 409 comments; Lahoma and Irene were also on my list tonight. Please visit Sunny's excellent journal J-land Angels for updates on others who have gone before.
I also called round Kim's journal, where I found that her last entry now has 409 comments; Lahoma and Irene were also on my list tonight. Please visit Sunny's excellent journal J-land Angels for updates on others who have gone before.
Sunday, 6 April 2008
Midnight hour
And I still have 30-odd alerts to go through. No fear - I'll do those in the morning. We should see more wintry showers on Monday, although probably fewer and lighter than today. It should also be milder - today's max was 4C / 39F.
Night night all.
Night night all.
Scottish notes
I mentioned that one person was missing following a house fire in Foyers, south of Inverness a few days ago. The body of a man has now been found in the wreckage.
Meanwhile, the Coastguard has its hands full this weekend with the poor weather conditions. Snow showers cause severe deterioration of visibility, leaving several pleasure craft disorientated. Sends me wondering who on earth would venture out to sea with the forecast we've been having. Did they check the forecast?
Up in Orkney, a search was launched yesterday for a diver, who had not resurfaced from a dive to the wreck of the Markgraf in Scapa Flow at a depth of 40 metres. The worst is feared.
Scapa Flow is an area of sea, almost surrounded by the southern isles of Orkney, and was in use as a naval base until 1945. After World War I, the German Hochseeflotte was interned there - until a day in June 1919, when the commander gave the secret signal to scuttle all the ships. The islanders of Orkney watched in disbelief as one ship after another turned turtle and disappeared below the waves.
The Royal Navy was out in the North Sea, conducting exercises. By the time they hared back, nothing much could be done. Several German sailors drowned; only the highest ranking officers on board ships were aware of the scuttling plans, so the foundering of the ships even came as a surprise to the ratings.
The majority of wrecks were refloated between 1919 and 1939, but several remain at the bottom of Scapa Flow. They are an attraction to divers. They are also a source of radio-activity free metals, which certain sensitive instruments require. All iron and steel produced since Hiroshima is contaminated with radio-active isotopes as a result of nuclear explosions in the atmosphere.
Meanwhile, the Coastguard has its hands full this weekend with the poor weather conditions. Snow showers cause severe deterioration of visibility, leaving several pleasure craft disorientated. Sends me wondering who on earth would venture out to sea with the forecast we've been having. Did they check the forecast?
Up in Orkney, a search was launched yesterday for a diver, who had not resurfaced from a dive to the wreck of the Markgraf in Scapa Flow at a depth of 40 metres. The worst is feared.
Scapa Flow is an area of sea, almost surrounded by the southern isles of Orkney, and was in use as a naval base until 1945. After World War I, the German Hochseeflotte was interned there - until a day in June 1919, when the commander gave the secret signal to scuttle all the ships. The islanders of Orkney watched in disbelief as one ship after another turned turtle and disappeared below the waves.
The Royal Navy was out in the North Sea, conducting exercises. By the time they hared back, nothing much could be done. Several German sailors drowned; only the highest ranking officers on board ships were aware of the scuttling plans, so the foundering of the ships even came as a surprise to the ratings.
The majority of wrecks were refloated between 1919 and 1939, but several remain at the bottom of Scapa Flow. They are an attraction to divers. They are also a source of radio-activity free metals, which certain sensitive instruments require. All iron and steel produced since Hiroshima is contaminated with radio-active isotopes as a result of nuclear explosions in the atmosphere.
Snow shower
Just a few moments of one of this morning's snow showers. And some static images of its aftermath.
Video no longer available
Video no longer available
Sunday 6 April
It is winter all over again. A heavy snow shower just left us with 2 inches of snow on the ground. A northerly gale is lashing the coasts of the island, although the wind is less here in Stornoway, which is sheltered.
The relay of the Olympic torch through London has been marred by incidents, such as the man who nearly seized the torch. The protests are related to China's very poor human rights record - China hosts the Olympics later this year. I am increasingly going off the Olympics, as they are continually hijacked for political ends.
The relay of the Olympic torch through London has been marred by incidents, such as the man who nearly seized the torch. The protests are related to China's very poor human rights record - China hosts the Olympics later this year. I am increasingly going off the Olympics, as they are continually hijacked for political ends.
Scottish notes
A suitcase full of bodyparts has been recovered from the harbour at Arbroath. Case and contents are now subject of forensic examination, as they could belong to Jolanta Bledaite, whose head and hands were found on the beach there earlier this week. The Lithuanian had come to the UK to save money for cancer treatment for her father, according to some reports.
A light aircraft is missing in the Cairngorm mountains, 40 miles south of Inverness, amidst severe weather, in the shape of blizzards. The plane, which was flying from Carlisle to Wick, disappeared from the radar screens at 11 this morning. People on the nearby funicular railway reported hearing the plane, followed by a loud bang.
The Apprentice Boys of Derry have marched through the streets of Inverness today, without incident. Local councillors do not approve of this vestige of Northern Ireland passing through the streets of the Highland capital, and I don't understand it. The Apprentice Boys are an organisation linked to historical events in 1688, when 13 of them closed the gates of the city of Londonderry against advancing Catholic forces.
I am wary of any of the factions in Northern Ireland, so close to the cessation of the internecine troubles there, and do not see any connection with Highland Scotland at all. However, there is a freedom of speech and of demonstration in this country, and as such I cannot fault this march.
A light aircraft is missing in the Cairngorm mountains, 40 miles south of Inverness, amidst severe weather, in the shape of blizzards. The plane, which was flying from Carlisle to Wick, disappeared from the radar screens at 11 this morning. People on the nearby funicular railway reported hearing the plane, followed by a loud bang.
The Apprentice Boys of Derry have marched through the streets of Inverness today, without incident. Local councillors do not approve of this vestige of Northern Ireland passing through the streets of the Highland capital, and I don't understand it. The Apprentice Boys are an organisation linked to historical events in 1688, when 13 of them closed the gates of the city of Londonderry against advancing Catholic forces.
I am wary of any of the factions in Northern Ireland, so close to the cessation of the internecine troubles there, and do not see any connection with Highland Scotland at all. However, there is a freedom of speech and of demonstration in this country, and as such I cannot fault this march.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
Close of day
Twenty minutes to midnight, and it's white outside following an evening of hail and snow showers. Yep, it's April 5th, and it's winter.
Nonetheless, it is spring, as shown by these pretty colours outside Stornoway Town Hall this afternoon.
Some of you may have noticed me in the buddylist over the past hour or so, as I went through my alerts on the AOL client software. AOL webmail is one huge frustration at the moment, seizing up after showing me 3 emails, and taking ages to show me any emails at all. There has been an upgrade - huh! - to version Goa. Anyway, went through 60 alerts, some dating back to yesterday, which was an enjoyable read.
Nonetheless, it is spring, as shown by these pretty colours outside Stornoway Town Hall this afternoon.
Some of you may have noticed me in the buddylist over the past hour or so, as I went through my alerts on the AOL client software. AOL webmail is one huge frustration at the moment, seizing up after showing me 3 emails, and taking ages to show me any emails at all. There has been an upgrade - huh! - to version Goa. Anyway, went through 60 alerts, some dating back to yesterday, which was an enjoyable read.
What animal am I?
| Which Animal Are You?
Your Result: Cat
Cats are curious and agile, as well as highly independent. They also have a distinct mischievous side and can get themselves into trouble. You embody these characteristics. | |
| Mouse |
|
| Horse |
|
| Duck |
|
| Bear |
|
| Hawk |
|
| Dog |
|
| Snake |
|
| Which Animal Are You? | |
Classical corner
The Warsaw Concerto by Richard Addinsell, background to Dangerous Moonlight, a 1941 movie set in the Poland of 1939, as Nazi forces bomb Warsaw.
Saturday 5 April
Very unpleasant weather at the moment, with a hail & snow shower passing over. Temperature at 11 o'clock was reported at 4C / 39F. The weather radar shows the north of Scotland (north from a line between Mull and Dundee) under a rash of showers. More snow forecast for tonight, with a low of -2C / 28F. Temperature remaining the same tomorrow. We are under an advisory for heavy snow, with accumulations of 2 to 5 cm (1 to 2 inches) possible on low ground, and more higher up.
April is a bit of a Janus month, both winter and summer. Janus? He was the Roman god of beginnings and doors, and had a head with two faces on it. Either face looked in the opposite direction.
The mess that is Zimbabwe's election results remains unresolved. Armed police prevented lawyers from the opposition party MDC from entering a court building. They had intended to use legal powers to force the release of election results. A recount of 16 results is being ordered. It is possible that this would swing the result against MDC - and the consequences could be civil unrest. Don't have a good feeling about this one. Mugabe is going to fight for his life - and not just the political one.
April is a bit of a Janus month, both winter and summer. Janus? He was the Roman god of beginnings and doors, and had a head with two faces on it. Either face looked in the opposite direction.
The mess that is Zimbabwe's election results remains unresolved. Armed police prevented lawyers from the opposition party MDC from entering a court building. They had intended to use legal powers to force the release of election results. A recount of 16 results is being ordered. It is possible that this would swing the result against MDC - and the consequences could be civil unrest. Don't have a good feeling about this one. Mugabe is going to fight for his life - and not just the political one.
Friday, 4 April 2008
Close of day
Right, it's 11.30pm, and although I still have about 30 alerts outstanding, I'll be calling it a day very shortly.
The woman whose head and hands were found on a beach in Arbroath, has been identified as a Lithuanian national, Jolanta Bledaite. Two people were arrested in connection with her murder, but no charges have been brought yet. Her next-of-kin have been informed.
A blaze in a house at Foyers, on the eastern shore of Loch Ness, early this morning has claimed the life of a child. His father remains unaccounted for, and his mother and a sibling are in hospital. The village is in shock.
The woman whose head and hands were found on a beach in Arbroath, has been identified as a Lithuanian national, Jolanta Bledaite. Two people were arrested in connection with her murder, but no charges have been brought yet. Her next-of-kin have been informed.
A blaze in a house at Foyers, on the eastern shore of Loch Ness, early this morning has claimed the life of a child. His father remains unaccounted for, and his mother and a sibling are in hospital. The village is in shock.
More AOHell
If you ever use AOL webmail (from an external browser), you may want to know that you can no longer check your message status nor unsend your message. Great, isn't it?
AOHell
Things were on a go-slow this evening with AOL Webmail, to the extent that I had a look at the Task Manager on my PC (Ctrl-Alt-Del). A glance at the Network Status showed something unusual. Two Local Area Network connections, one of which was Operational at 30Mbps. That is abnormal, because I normally only have one LAN connection, and it is not operational as the relevant cable just isn't there. A further system check reveal I had a Microsoft TV/Video connection going. Not one I had installed by the way.
Looking at the timing of the connection, it had been going since about 7pm on Tuesday, which was exactly the time my ADSL provider decided to have some downtime. So, what had happened? Well, I had used my AOL Dial-up to get on-line to check the service status of my ISP. When I was logging off, I was asked to stay on for a minute to download something from AOL: a new connection set-up. Had been warned about that, fine.
Little did I realise that AOL had been up to one of its little tricks again. Installing software without advising the PC user - i.e. me. I don't want another connection, and certainly not one over which I have no control. In the past, I have spent hours kicking off some squiffy media player called Viewpoint. The moment you remove it - it reinstalls itself.
AOL, I don't think you're that bad, but in this era of PC security you do NOT install stuff on users' PCs without warning them. This stinks.
Confused
I had to read that article a couple of times. It is one thing that there are people who feel they need to change their gender. I cannot imagine what that is like, but OK, I'm not narrow-minded, and if that what it takes to make someone happy, then that's what it takes.
However, a man of 34, who was a woman until 10 years ago, is now pregnant. He did not have anything done to his reproductive organs at the time of his gender change. Using artificial insemination, there is now a pregnant man somewhere in the US. He is married to a woman, who fully supports him through the pregnancy.
I am totally confused and don't even want to start thinking this through. I just about understand the facts of this case.
However, a man of 34, who was a woman until 10 years ago, is now pregnant. He did not have anything done to his reproductive organs at the time of his gender change. Using artificial insemination, there is now a pregnant man somewhere in the US. He is married to a woman, who fully supports him through the pregnancy.
I am totally confused and don't even want to start thinking this through. I just about understand the facts of this case.
Royal chest infection
Prince Philip, the Queen's husband, went to hospital earlier today, suffering from a chest infection. His engagements for the weekend have been cancelled. It is unusual for the 86-year old to succumb to illness, but it is thought he may have been persuaded to attend hospital.
Good will messages
To all
our friends who in 2007 sent me best 'wishes', chain letters, 'angel'
letters or other promises of good luck if I forwarded something to 10 of
my friends:
NONE OF THAT SHIT WORKED!!
For 2008, could you please just send money, beer, chocolate, movie tickets, gasoline vouchers, or airline tickets instead? Thank you!
NONE OF THAT SHIT WORKED!!
For 2008, could you please just send money, beer, chocolate, movie tickets, gasoline vouchers, or airline tickets instead? Thank you!
Friday 4 April
Nice and bright morning in the islands, after a wet and breezy night. Yesterday saw the warmest day of the year so far, with the mercury reaching 15C / 59F. We stand to lose 10 degrees from that by tomorrow, with a max of 5C for Saturday, and snow showers throughout the weekend.
An appalling report this morning from a farm in Northern Ireland, where dozens of dead or dying animals were found. When USPCA (Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) inspectors came to the premises, they lost little time in putting some of the livestock out of its misery. A mass grave with 40 carcasses was also discovered. The owners of the premises have allegedly got convictions for animal cruelty and some are banned from keeping livestock.
An appalling report this morning from a farm in Northern Ireland, where dozens of dead or dying animals were found. When USPCA (Ulster Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) inspectors came to the premises, they lost little time in putting some of the livestock out of its misery. A mass grave with 40 carcasses was also discovered. The owners of the premises have allegedly got convictions for animal cruelty and some are banned from keeping livestock.
Thursday, 3 April 2008
Tagged - warning
This evening, I was sent a couple of invites from Tagged.com by people on AOL. It seems that it wasn't them doing it directly, but the site. They are one of the breed that abuses your email addressbook for sending out invites. Scam at best, phishing at worst, apparently. Read this review - wait for a few seconds for the banner ad to clear as you enter the page.
Arbroath
The riddle of the human head on the beach at Arbroath, eastern Scotland, is coming closer to resolution. It would appear that the female was a migrant worker from eastern Europe who lived at Brechin, a dozen miles inland from Arbroath. Hundreds of people have rung in with information, and police are seeking to confirm her identity in order to inform next-of-kin. Apart from the head, the woman's hands were also found on the same beach.
Human remains on a beach at Carnoustie, just down the coast, are subject of a separate police investigation.
Human remains on a beach at Carnoustie, just down the coast, are subject of a separate police investigation.
Cruise woes
460 passengers on board the MV Van Gogh, a luxury cruiseliner, are being put up in Funchal, Madeira, after their ship was impounded in a legal dispute. The liner was owned by tour operator Travelscope, which went bust at the end of 2007. People who had booked on a 3 month round-the-world cruise through Travelscope were transferred to the Van Gogh, but are now stranded in Madeira. More here.
Thursday 3 April
Overcast morning with a bit of a breeze going, but not cold - we're above 10C at the moment. Rain will come in later tonight, introducing a spell of wintry weather for the weekend. On the subject of weather, there are no hurricanes to report on, and neither is one likely to form over the next few days.
In Zimbabwe, it appears that the opposition has won a majority in parliament. The outcome of the presidential poll is yet to be announced. Hope they get their skates on with that.
In the Highlands of Scotland, three climbers have spent the night on Ben Nevis after poor weather prevented their descent off the mountain. They were properly equipped for the conditions, and although rescue services were on stand-by, there was no immediate concern for their safety. Am awaiting an update.
In Zimbabwe, it appears that the opposition has won a majority in parliament. The outcome of the presidential poll is yet to be announced. Hope they get their skates on with that.
In the Highlands of Scotland, three climbers have spent the night on Ben Nevis after poor weather prevented their descent off the mountain. They were properly equipped for the conditions, and although rescue services were on stand-by, there was no immediate concern for their safety. Am awaiting an update.
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
Open Day
The Northern Lighthouse Board (NLB) uses a dedicated vessel to service navigational aids, such as lighthouses, buoys and radio beacons. The MV Pharos is a familiar sight at Stornoway, although it covers the entire coast of Scotland and the Isle of Man. Today, she was berthed here and the public were invited to have a look round. The current Pharos came into service a year ago.
Wednesday 2 April
Fairly bright today, with some hazy sunshine. A thin band of rain is moving up from the southwest, so that can be anticipated. More rain for tomorrow, as the temperature moves up towards 12C / 54F.
Zimbabwe is on tenterhooks, awaiting the final results of the presidential poll. A defeat looks on the cards for Robert Mugabe. If it comes to a run-off, which appears likely, the third candidate would drop out, but his votes would certainly go towards Morgan Tsvangirai. The parliamentary elections are tied, with Mugabe's party on 92 seats and the MDC on 91, plus 5 for a breakaway fraction.
Found it worrying to learn that a quarter of children aged between 8 and 11 have a profile with an on-line social networking site (e.g. Bebo). Officially, the age limit is 13, but this is never enforced. Young children are at risk of predators, and the websites concerned have received recommendations to improve security for their youngest users. Read more here.
Zimbabwe is on tenterhooks, awaiting the final results of the presidential poll. A defeat looks on the cards for Robert Mugabe. If it comes to a run-off, which appears likely, the third candidate would drop out, but his votes would certainly go towards Morgan Tsvangirai. The parliamentary elections are tied, with Mugabe's party on 92 seats and the MDC on 91, plus 5 for a breakaway fraction.
Found it worrying to learn that a quarter of children aged between 8 and 11 have a profile with an on-line social networking site (e.g. Bebo). Officially, the age limit is 13, but this is never enforced. Young children are at risk of predators, and the websites concerned have received recommendations to improve security for their youngest users. Read more here.
Tuesday, 1 April 2008
AOL Community Photo Challenge - Aged
As Martha suggested this evening, I am submitting the same photo to this challenge as to the J-land photoshoot the week before. By the way, I am going to put it into the Judged category, gulp. Here goes, copied from that entry:
One very old chapel in the Ness area of Lewis, dedicated to St Moluag, an acolyte of St Columba. This firebrand priest is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland. A very readable account is given by Nigel Tranter, who takes a little bit of poetic license. Anyway, here is the pic of the chapel, which I took on 27 April 2007.
One very old chapel in the Ness area of Lewis, dedicated to St Moluag, an acolyte of St Columba. This firebrand priest is credited with bringing Christianity to Scotland. A very readable account is given by Nigel Tranter, who takes a little bit of poetic license. Anyway, here is the pic of the chapel, which I took on 27 April 2007.
Memorial
The Isle of Lewis has more than its fair share of poignant memorials, and this is one of them. Taken in September 2006, this picture shows a personal memorial to a young fisherman, Craig Duffy, who drowned on 19 December 2004, when his fishing boat Audacious foundered on rocks nearby. His three crew were rescued. The memorial stands about a hundred yards from the Arnish Lighthouse, and with the lighthouse I see the memorial every day from my location. A fancy-dress party was held in Stornoway a week or so ago in his memory.
It is noteworthy that this memorial stands within sight of the Iolaire Memorial, on the other side of Stornoway Harbour. As I have often mentioned on here, the Iolaire was a troopship which foundered on New Year's Day 1919, with the loss of 205 seamen who were returning home from World War I.
In the next few days, I'll show a few more memorials from across the island, none as sad as the two highlighted in this post.
Scottish notes
Couple of stories caught my eye this evening, some not very nice ones. Children, playing on a beach in Arbroath, between Aberdeen and Dundee on the Scottish east coast, have found a human head wrapped in a plastic bag. Investigations into the identity of the female are on-going.
Cattle are roaming the M73 motorway east of Glasgow this evening after a cattle-truck crashed. Six of them wondered up to 2 miles from the crash site. Police are attempting to round them up and take them away.
A ship was spotted in difficulty, 6 miles northeast of Cape Wrath last night. Stornoway Coastguard found that the Sava Ocean was not moving. Upon contacting the vessel, the coastguard learned that she had broken down. Local tug Anglian Prince went to the scene and towed the vessel to Ullapool.
Cattle are roaming the M73 motorway east of Glasgow this evening after a cattle-truck crashed. Six of them wondered up to 2 miles from the crash site. Police are attempting to round them up and take them away.
A ship was spotted in difficulty, 6 miles northeast of Cape Wrath last night. Stornoway Coastguard found that the Sava Ocean was not moving. Upon contacting the vessel, the coastguard learned that she had broken down. Local tug Anglian Prince went to the scene and towed the vessel to Ullapool.
Minus one
ABOVE AND BELOW PICTURES, TOGETHER WITH TYPEFACE AND FONT COLOUR REPRESENT HOW I FEEL ABOUT "A CERTAIN SITUATION" IN J-LAND, WHICH HAS LEFT OUR COMMUNITY MINUS ONE BLOGGER. PERSON CONCERNED LEFT AFTER FOUR YEARS' WRITING, ON ACCOUNT OF TROLLS. WRITER WAS PRIVATE - READERS ARE AWARE.
GENERALLY, WHEN ARE PEOPLE GOING TO GET IT INTO THEIR CRAMPED CRANIUM THAT
- YOU LIVE AND LET LIVE
- DO NOT DO UNTO OTHERS WHAT YOU DON'T WANT DONE TO YOURSELF
- JUDGE NOT LEST YE YOURSELF BE JUDGED
Tuesday 1 April
April Fools Day - your shoelaces are undone.
Bright day, fairly calm but with the odd short downpour. Not too cold, 10C today.
Zimbabwe is still awaiting the final results of last Saturday's elections, which raises anxiety over the possibility of the outcome being rigged. Initial results indicate that the opposition may have gained a larger number of seats in parliament, and that its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has obtained the largest number of votes. At current standing, he is at 49%, just short of the 50% needed to avoid a run-off later this month.
The inquest into the death of Diana Princess of Wales in 1997 is now at the stage of summing up. The coroner has advised the jury that the evidence given by Diana's butler was short of the truth, but could not be wholly discounted. Mr Burrell later admitted that he had not told the whole truth, but would not return to the UK to explain discrepancies.
I have to say that I am sick to the backteeth of this barrelload of garbage, with the slimy goo from Paul Burrell and the psychotic rants from Mohammed Al-Fayed. For God's sake, let's leave this poor woman to rest in peace.
Bright day, fairly calm but with the odd short downpour. Not too cold, 10C today.
Zimbabwe is still awaiting the final results of last Saturday's elections, which raises anxiety over the possibility of the outcome being rigged. Initial results indicate that the opposition may have gained a larger number of seats in parliament, and that its leader, Morgan Tsvangirai, has obtained the largest number of votes. At current standing, he is at 49%, just short of the 50% needed to avoid a run-off later this month.
The inquest into the death of Diana Princess of Wales in 1997 is now at the stage of summing up. The coroner has advised the jury that the evidence given by Diana's butler was short of the truth, but could not be wholly discounted. Mr Burrell later admitted that he had not told the whole truth, but would not return to the UK to explain discrepancies.
I have to say that I am sick to the backteeth of this barrelload of garbage, with the slimy goo from Paul Burrell and the psychotic rants from Mohammed Al-Fayed. For God's sake, let's leave this poor woman to rest in peace.
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