Attended the exhibition at Barvas this afternoon, which was interesting. Afterwards, we took unexpected delivery of two loaves and rather more than five fishes. In fact, it was several dozen mackerel, one of them in the process of being eaten by another fish - a posture continued in death for both of them.
No comments alerts or private journal entry alerts all day. Great.
I make overseas phonecalls, and I did a little market research on mobile phone charges for those calls: varying from 5 to 90p a minute.
Saturday, 2 August 2008
Community Photo Challenge
This month's subject is Summer Fun. Well, here is Eoropie beach in northern Lewis on July 25th. A rare beach scene in the Hebrides.
Saturday 2 August
Bright and sunny morning, with cruiseliner Mona Lisa anchored off the Arnish Lighthouse. A great improvement on yesterday's rainy day.
Are you a UK citizen or resident, and do you feel that hospital care for military service personnel, wounded in the line of duty, leaves room for improvement? Have a look at this on-line petition to the Prime Minister - needs signing before August 19th. Sorry, UK only.
I'm off to an exhibition later this afternoon, will post photographs either tonight or tomorrow.
Are you a UK citizen or resident, and do you feel that hospital care for military service personnel, wounded in the line of duty, leaves room for improvement? Have a look at this on-line petition to the Prime Minister - needs signing before August 19th. Sorry, UK only.
I'm off to an exhibition later this afternoon, will post photographs either tonight or tomorrow.
Friday, 1 August 2008
Close of day
Darkness is falling now, and the evenings are noticeably drawing in. We had a glimpse of sun earlier this evening, and some strange colours on the clouds towards sunset time.
Have been keeping myself busy with an Internet proof-reading site Distributed Proofreaders. This site, pointed out to me by Lori, is run by volunteers, and intends to turn scanned books into e-books. Anyone can participate - have a look.
So Radovan Karadzic didn't like the witchhunt? Well, he should reckon himself lucky not to have suffered the fate that would befall many a witch in the Middle Ages - being burned at the stake.
Have been keeping myself busy with an Internet proof-reading site Distributed Proofreaders. This site, pointed out to me by Lori, is run by volunteers, and intends to turn scanned books into e-books. Anyone can participate - have a look.
So Radovan Karadzic didn't like the witchhunt? Well, he should reckon himself lucky not to have suffered the fate that would befall many a witch in the Middle Ages - being burned at the stake.
Friday 1 August
Rain all morning today, so not a sight of the solar eclipse at 10.15 a.m.. Would have been nice, 40% of the sun's disk obscured, but it was not to be.
MV Muirneag returned to Stornoway, after being away for 5 days for repairs following her grounding last Friday. Thursday was an overcast day, and occasional drops of rain fell. It felt quite warm (for our parts) with the mercury at 21C / 70F.
A horror story in the news this morning from Canada, where a passenger on a long-distance coach was murdered, then decapitated in an apparently unprovoked attack. The other passengers fled the coach, and kept the culprit inside by barring the door. Police have taken a suspect into custody.
MV Muirneag returned to Stornoway, after being away for 5 days for repairs following her grounding last Friday. Thursday was an overcast day, and occasional drops of rain fell. It felt quite warm (for our parts) with the mercury at 21C / 70F.
A horror story in the news this morning from Canada, where a passenger on a long-distance coach was murdered, then decapitated in an apparently unprovoked attack. The other passengers fled the coach, and kept the culprit inside by barring the door. Police have taken a suspect into custody.
Thursday, 31 July 2008
Jersey
The remains of 5 children have been recovered from the former children's home Haute de la Garenne on the Channel Island of Jersey. These include 65 milk teeth and over 100 bone fragments. The milk teeth were determined to have come out after death.
It is suggested that there is sufficient evidence to mount a case for prosecution, except that apparently steps have been taken to ensure that such a prosecution would fail - apparently to preserve reputations. An investigation will be mounted into the separation of powers (legislative, executive and legal) in Jersey, which are allegedly too intimately intertwined. The abuse could easily be proved. More on this here.
It should be borne in mind that Jersey, although part of Great Britain, has a large degree of autonomy from mainland Britain. London takes care of matters like foreign affairs and defense, but Jersey has its own laws.
It is suggested that there is sufficient evidence to mount a case for prosecution, except that apparently steps have been taken to ensure that such a prosecution would fail - apparently to preserve reputations. An investigation will be mounted into the separation of powers (legislative, executive and legal) in Jersey, which are allegedly too intimately intertwined. The abuse could easily be proved. More on this here.
It should be borne in mind that Jersey, although part of Great Britain, has a large degree of autonomy from mainland Britain. London takes care of matters like foreign affairs and defense, but Jersey has its own laws.
Wednesday, 30 July 2008
Rainy evening
It's been raining all evening and it's cooled down a bit. Have posted some pictures of Monday's cruiseliners on a forum related to AIS (the ship tracking system), which elicited some positive responses. Will see if I get round to do alerts this evening, am not sure.
Wednesday 30 July
Quite a nice day, but with a steady deterioration in the weather. Mind you, it is still quite bright, but you'd have a job to find the sun. No complaints about the temperature, which is a pleasant 21C / 70F. Went to town this morning to get the newspapers. There was a European street market in Point Street and the lower part of Francis Street, selling a lot of continental-type food as well as a variety of teas (leaves), crockery and other little things. Very nice - will be here until the weekend. It is carnival weekend, so the funfair was already in place.
MV Muirneag is on its way home. The ship ran aground on Friday morning, nearly knocking over a jogger who was out for an early-morning run on the shoreline path between Cuddy Point and the Creed. Fancy having to dodge a 5,800 tonne ship coming straight at you!
MV Muirneag is on its way home. The ship ran aground on Friday morning, nearly knocking over a jogger who was out for an early-morning run on the shoreline path between Cuddy Point and the Creed. Fancy having to dodge a 5,800 tonne ship coming straight at you!
Tuesday, 29 July 2008
Tuesday 29 July
First week back is over and done with, and the weather remains anything but Hebridean. Although we got a downpour at 11 am, the sun got back out and it became quite acceptable. Not been doing much today, apart from sorting out my pictures of gravestones (have more than 150). It is turning grey and overcast again as I type.
Soufrière Hills
This volcano on the Caribbean island of Montserrat erupted without warning during the night. Large plumes of ash and smoke are emitted by the volcano, rising to 40,000 feet in the atmosphere. Ashfalls are occurring over surrounding areas of the Caribbean. Apparently, the lava dome that had built up in the volcano collapsed, sending a so-called pyro-clastic flow out towards Plymouth, the island's capital.
Monday, 28 July 2008
Monday 28 July
The fog took until 5pm to clear, after which we had a brilliant evening. Sunset at 9.45pm, meaning we've already lost 50 minutes since the summer solstice. The normal ferry is covering for the freight ferry, which is in dry-dock in Aberdeen for repairs.
Both cruiseliners left at or before lunchtime. I only got very foggy images of both of them, a pity, as I had not previously seen them here in Stornoway before. The fog also put paid to the delivery of newspapers, which failed to appear in the shops today (as far as I know).
Both cruiseliners left at or before lunchtime. I only got very foggy images of both of them, a pity, as I had not previously seen them here in Stornoway before. The fog also put paid to the delivery of newspapers, which failed to appear in the shops today (as far as I know).
Foggy morning
It's foggy this morning, with a visibility of about 400 yards. The fog came drifting in at sunset time last night. Awoke earlier on to the dulcet tones of two ship's horns, blasting nearby. A glance at the ShipAIS site showed two cruiseliners, the Christopher Columbus and the Maasdam. The Maasdam is more than 3 times the size of the C.C.; neither of them are currently visible from my position.
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Radovan Karadzic
A reminder, if one were necessary, why the former leader of the Bosnian Serbs is sought for alleged genocide. This indictment does not make for cheerful reading. Karadzic's lawyer has lodged an appeal against his extradiction to the International War Crimes Tribunal in The Hague, an appeal that is expected to fail.
The Rook's Hawk
Your result for Which Chess Piece are You Test?...
The Rook's HawkCongrats! Only 12-16% of the population score this!
The Rook’s Hawk is like a judge. They have a great sense of right and wrong especially in their area of interest or responsibility. They are devoted to duty. They are punctual. People who set their clocks on others are typically measuring their time with the Hawk. It is common to perceive that the Hawk is cold or aloof. They frequently protect their emotions via practicality.
They work systematically to get the job done. When a new procedure is proven, they can be depended upon to carry it out. The Rook’s Hawk is deeply frustrated by the inconsistencies of others, especially when it comes to commitments. They will keep their feelings to themselves – but when asked expect truth over tact. They are quite able to make the tough call and carry it out. You will find the Rook’s Hawk at home in government, schools, military or any other organization which maintains strict hierarchy. They are the traditionalist and are perfect for balancing out the idealists of other types.
The Rook’s Hawk thrives on organization. They keep their lives and environments well-regulated. They bring painstaking attention to detail in their work and will not rest until satisfied with a job well done. They are obviously hard workers. They will sort through ideas and find the most practical ones, again revealing how common sense prevails in this type. This ‘Pawn’ is the cornerstone of an ethical working society. They are centered on dealing with the present and most practical affair. They observe life and promote consistency in society. They value loyalty and others are best to acquaint themselves with this type if they wish to gain a fruitful insight to what makes the world tick.Summer continues
It looks as if the summery conditions will continue for a few days yet, until a breakdown moves up from the south on Tuesday or Wednesday. Temperatures here in Stornoway have been pegged back a little, to 19C as opposed to the 23C seen yesterday, by a moderate northeasterly breeze. Elsewhere in the country, the mercury has sped past the 80F mark without any impediment.
Sat outside for a while around the midday mark, but just managed to add more sunburn to what I had already acquired in Holland over the past few months. The sea haar that plagued us through the night and into the early hours of the morning was quickly dispersed by that northeasterly.
Sat outside for a while around the midday mark, but just managed to add more sunburn to what I had already acquired in Holland over the past few months. The sea haar that plagued us through the night and into the early hours of the morning was quickly dispersed by that northeasterly.
Four die on A9
The A9 has seen yet another fatal accident. Yesterday afternoon, a pick-up truck collided with a Dutch registered Volvo estate at the Slochd summit, half way between Aviemore and Inverness on the A9 Inverness to Perth road. The pick-up apparently swerved across the carriageway, barely missing one vehicle before colliding head-on with the Dutch car. This burst into flames, killing a man and a baby; a woman and a girl were injured and transferred to hospital in Inverness. A man and a woman in the pick-up also lost their lives in the smash, together with 3 of their 4 dogs. The road was closed for 7 hours; the cause of the crash is being investigated.
The A9 is a 110 mile accident blackspot, notorious for its intermittent single- and dual-carriageway stretches.
The A9 is a 110 mile accident blackspot, notorious for its intermittent single- and dual-carriageway stretches.
Saturday, 26 July 2008
MV Muirneag
Our freight ferry, MV Muirneag, met with a wee bit of an accident on docking at Stornoway yesterday morning. Muirneag takes cargo vehicles across the Minch in an overnight run between Stornoway and Ullapool. Yesterday, she was preparing to dock along no 1 pier here when an apparent technical fault caused her to run aground at Priest's Island [shown on the left of this picture], off the Castle Grounds. The ship refloated half an hour later on the rising tide and docked successfully shortly afterwards. Conditions were clear with light winds. The cause of the incident is being investigated. Earlier this evening, the ship was seen leaving Stornoway, and the AIS ship monitoring site showed her passing Cape Wrath at 8pm, bound for Aberdeen.
Blogger returns
Kate went private back in March, but has gone public again and would like to welcome back any previous readers!
Fox and chickens
Dirk touched on the fraught subject of the teaching of Spanish in American schools, resulting from the number of illegal Latino migrants in the States. I could not disagree more, so I'm going to engage in an exercise of putting the fox in amongst the chickens and wait to see the feathers fly.
As you know by now, I am Dutch, and was taught 4 languages at school - Dutch, English, German and French. Dutch being a minority language in greater Europe, this makes sense. I think that it is beneficial to anyone to speak more than one language, as it creates greater opportunity in the world at large. Spanish is spoken by many of the residents of the American continent (both South, Central and North), and represents a rich cultural heritage. Who has not heard of Cervantes' Don Quixote, or Picasso's Guernica?
I feel that English speakers should drop that arrogance that you only count if you can speak English, and the rest does not count. Don't forget that there are more Chinese speakers (1,200 million) for a start. If your children can speak Spanish, at least they are able to communicate with more people, who are there in the US whether you like it or not. Here in Europe, we also have problems with illegal immigration, but don't go all xenophobic over it.
Please don't forget that if you ostracise a sizeable section of your community, you start to tally up problems that will come back to haunt you in the future. It happened in Europe in the 1950s and 60s, when "temporary" migrant workers were attracted from the Mediterranean (Morocco and Turkey e.g.), who were not invited to integrate into society. The migrants are still there, 40 to 50 years later, not speaking the local languages, and a fertile breeding ground for religious extremism.
Mr Obama at least had the sense to realise that, and if the Hispanics cannot learn English (because they are ostracised from and by society), well, the English speakers will have to come the other way. As the Muslims say, if Mohammed cannot come to the mountain, the mountain will have to come to Mohammed.
As you know by now, I am Dutch, and was taught 4 languages at school - Dutch, English, German and French. Dutch being a minority language in greater Europe, this makes sense. I think that it is beneficial to anyone to speak more than one language, as it creates greater opportunity in the world at large. Spanish is spoken by many of the residents of the American continent (both South, Central and North), and represents a rich cultural heritage. Who has not heard of Cervantes' Don Quixote, or Picasso's Guernica?
I feel that English speakers should drop that arrogance that you only count if you can speak English, and the rest does not count. Don't forget that there are more Chinese speakers (1,200 million) for a start. If your children can speak Spanish, at least they are able to communicate with more people, who are there in the US whether you like it or not. Here in Europe, we also have problems with illegal immigration, but don't go all xenophobic over it.
Please don't forget that if you ostracise a sizeable section of your community, you start to tally up problems that will come back to haunt you in the future. It happened in Europe in the 1950s and 60s, when "temporary" migrant workers were attracted from the Mediterranean (Morocco and Turkey e.g.), who were not invited to integrate into society. The migrants are still there, 40 to 50 years later, not speaking the local languages, and a fertile breeding ground for religious extremism.
Mr Obama at least had the sense to realise that, and if the Hispanics cannot learn English (because they are ostracised from and by society), well, the English speakers will have to come the other way. As the Muslims say, if Mohammed cannot come to the mountain, the mountain will have to come to Mohammed.
Friday, 25 July 2008
Hurricane update - 25 July
Dolly has disappeared off the charts as a formal tropical cyclone, and its remnant is fizzling out over northern Mexico. Therefore, I swing my glance across the Pacific where tropical storm Fung Wong is winding up towards typhoon strength. Fung Wong will be making a beeline for the east coast of Taiwan, which it will strafe with winds of 85 knots, that's a mere 95 mph, on Monday.
24°C
Now that 75F may not seem much to some, but it was warm today in the Hebrides. The sun was out, and everybody mentioned how warm it was. I took myself off by bus to Ness, 25 miles north of Stornoway on an errand: to continue photographing wargraves. To this end, I went to the old and new cemeteries of Ness. The downside of the nice weather was the plague of flies which greeted me the moment I left the village of Swainbost, where I alighted from the bus. The fares had gone up, so I'm now paying £4.60 for a return (about $9) covering a 25 mile stretch.
The old cemetery is a wee bit messy, full of stones, flies and dead rabbits. I'm not blaming the bunnies for the flies (they were omnipresent), but it did not help. The gravestones in that churchyard are the hide-outs for snails, measuring almost an inch across. I found 8 gravestones in addition to the ones I had already located in April 2007 related to the Iolaire disaster. A short hike up the hill brought me to the new cemetery, where 8 military graves were found. At one point I feared I was photographing the flies rather than the stones. I beat a quick retreat and went to the beach, which lies half a mile away. Eoropie Beach is famous - see the pictures - and very busy this afternoon. Many young families taking advantage of the nice weather.
Beyond the beach I trudged round the headlands to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse and back to Eoropie village. The bus appeared at 6.20pm to take me back to Stornoway.
Another feature that struck me today was the wealth of wild flowers that turned the area above the shoreline into a sheen of yellow. The machair is a habitat, unique to the islands. It is created when sand is blown onto peat. Peat is acidic and not conducive towards growth of many plants. However, the finely ground shells in the sand neutralise the acidity, leading to a wide variety of multi-coloured flowers.
I have uploaded the pictures, but you'll have to call back for the annotations tomorrow.
The old cemetery is a wee bit messy, full of stones, flies and dead rabbits. I'm not blaming the bunnies for the flies (they were omnipresent), but it did not help. The gravestones in that churchyard are the hide-outs for snails, measuring almost an inch across. I found 8 gravestones in addition to the ones I had already located in April 2007 related to the Iolaire disaster. A short hike up the hill brought me to the new cemetery, where 8 military graves were found. At one point I feared I was photographing the flies rather than the stones. I beat a quick retreat and went to the beach, which lies half a mile away. Eoropie Beach is famous - see the pictures - and very busy this afternoon. Many young families taking advantage of the nice weather.
Beyond the beach I trudged round the headlands to the Butt of Lewis lighthouse and back to Eoropie village. The bus appeared at 6.20pm to take me back to Stornoway.
Another feature that struck me today was the wealth of wild flowers that turned the area above the shoreline into a sheen of yellow. The machair is a habitat, unique to the islands. It is created when sand is blown onto peat. Peat is acidic and not conducive towards growth of many plants. However, the finely ground shells in the sand neutralise the acidity, leading to a wide variety of multi-coloured flowers.
I have uploaded the pictures, but you'll have to call back for the annotations tomorrow.
Friday 25 July
Another bright and fairly sunny day, which is going to be pretty warm again as well. There is a lot of high cloud about, which heralds a change in the weather. Tomorrow will probably see more in the way of showers as an Atlantic front moves up from Ireland in the night.
Major news in the UK is related to a by-election (interim election) for the UK Parliament in a constituency in Glasgow. The seat was previously held by the Labour party, currently in government, but their 13,000+ majority was overturned by the Scottish National Party. It is the latest in a series of bad election results for Labour, which is currently in government. In Scotland, the SNP has been in office since elections to the devolved Scottish Parliament in May 2007.
A plane, en route from London to Melbourne, was diverted to Manila, Philippines, after an 8 by 10 ft hole appeared in its fuselage below the wing. This was also noticeable to the passengers, because pressure was lost in the passenger cabin, the floor and ceiling collapsed and winds began to blow inside. On landing at Manila, passengers saw the hole for themselves, making some of them physically sick.
Major news in the UK is related to a by-election (interim election) for the UK Parliament in a constituency in Glasgow. The seat was previously held by the Labour party, currently in government, but their 13,000+ majority was overturned by the Scottish National Party. It is the latest in a series of bad election results for Labour, which is currently in government. In Scotland, the SNP has been in office since elections to the devolved Scottish Parliament in May 2007.
A plane, en route from London to Melbourne, was diverted to Manila, Philippines, after an 8 by 10 ft hole appeared in its fuselage below the wing. This was also noticeable to the passengers, because pressure was lost in the passenger cabin, the floor and ceiling collapsed and winds began to blow inside. On landing at Manila, passengers saw the hole for themselves, making some of them physically sick.
Thursday, 24 July 2008
Soup-resistant laptop
The Onion has announced that a laptop is on stream which is resistant to soup, poured directly into the Ethernet port.
Warm day
By Hebridean standards, any temperature of 20C or more means the day was warm if not positively hot. It was 20C this afternoon. Today started cloudy, but the sun came out at lunchtime. Went into town at 2pm, but away from the seafront it really was quite warm. Following all the building and refurbishment work, carried out during my absence, a little clearing up was done. You've got to take advantage of the nice weather.
Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Commercial
This video is not in English, but it doesn't matter. As you start to watch, ask yourself the question: what is this all about.
J-land Angels 2 / Silent Keyboards
Jeannette [jeanno43] has started a new journal J-land Angels 2 / Silent Keyboards, due to problems with the original J-land Angels. It is a shared journal, to commemorate J-landers who have passed away. Please put this on alerts / feeds.
Wednesday 23 July
Day is gradually improving in terms of weather. It started off overcast, but the sun is out and there are broad swathes of blue sky. No complaints about 16C/ 60F on the thermometer.
Yesterday, the new Tesco supermarket opened up the road. Somerfields closed on May 3rd and it took all this time to revamp the premises ahead of the opening. Yesterday, all islanders crammed through their doors to have a look. When I went shopping, it took me half an hour to get round the store. Mayhem. Today was much better.
Had a brief amble round town just now, and not much has changed.
Yesterday, the new Tesco supermarket opened up the road. Somerfields closed on May 3rd and it took all this time to revamp the premises ahead of the opening. Yesterday, all islanders crammed through their doors to have a look. When I went shopping, it took me half an hour to get round the store. Mayhem. Today was much better.
Had a brief amble round town just now, and not much has changed.
Tuesday, 22 July 2008
Alive and wrestling
A man went canoeing on Loch Fyne in Argyll over the weekend, but was tipped out of his canoe. He left everything in the water and swam ashore, as he was due to take part in a wrestling match at a Highland Games at Inveraray. Meanwhile, his floating equipment was spotted by a member of the public, who rang 999 and the Coastguard came out to search. Ashore, police also made inquiries and located the man at the Highland Games. The Coastguard politely reunited him with his canoe and paddles.
Alerts
I have not done the rounds today, as I am rather busy settling back into the old SY routine. I shall endeavour to catch up tomorrow, but am not promising.
Anyone in the path of Dolly - landfall is expected within 24 hours; more details on the location from NHC. Updates from them every 6 hours.
Anyone in the path of Dolly - landfall is expected within 24 hours; more details on the location from NHC. Updates from them every 6 hours.
Hurricane update - 22 July
PLEASE RELAY
Tropical storm Dolly is in the Gulf of Mexico, some 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, TX. This system is moving slowly northwest and will intensify to a category 2 hurricane, with winds up to 80 knots (90 mph) by landfall. The exact location of landfall, expected sometime tomorrow, is not yet certain, but will be in the area of the US / Mexico border.
I copy the 1500 GMT / 1000 CDT warnings from the National Hurricane Center.
A HURRICANE WARNING is now in effect for the coast of Texas from Brownsville to Corpus Christi, and for the northeastern coast of Mexico from Rio San Fernando north to the border with the USA.
A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in this area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is now in effect from north of Corpus Christi to San Luis Pass.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING and a HURRICANE WATCH is in effect from La Pesca to south of Rio San Fernando.
A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.
Tropical storm Dolly is in the Gulf of Mexico, some 200 miles southeast of Brownsville, TX. This system is moving slowly northwest and will intensify to a category 2 hurricane, with winds up to 80 knots (90 mph) by landfall. The exact location of landfall, expected sometime tomorrow, is not yet certain, but will be in the area of the US / Mexico border.
I copy the 1500 GMT / 1000 CDT warnings from the National Hurricane Center.
A HURRICANE WARNING is now in effect for the coast of Texas from Brownsville to Corpus Christi, and for the northeastern coast of Mexico from Rio San Fernando north to the border with the USA.
A hurricane warning means that hurricane conditions are expected in this area within the next 24 hours. Preparations to protect life and property should be rushed to completion.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING is now in effect from north of Corpus Christi to San Luis Pass.
A tropical storm warning means that tropical storm conditions are expected within the warning area within the next 24 hours.
A TROPICAL STORM WARNING and a HURRICANE WATCH is in effect from La Pesca to south of Rio San Fernando.
A hurricane watch means that hurricane conditions are possible within the watch area, generally within 36 hours.
New community journal
Jeannette [jeanno43] has created a journal, These We Have Loved, remembering those that have passed on. It is a shared journal, so everybody can make an entry.
Tuesday 22 July
Today started bright and fairly sunny, but as I type there are spits and spots of rain on the brisk wind. We went to the newly opened Tesco supermarket, which has taken the place of Somerfields. The supermarket was heaving, in a word. Impression favourable, but I'd have to go back at a quieter time to really see what it is like. Tesco are employing a lot of folk that used to work at Somerfields.
Otherwise, I'm keeping a quiet day, as I'm still pretty knackered following my long journey yesterday.
Otherwise, I'm keeping a quiet day, as I'm still pretty knackered following my long journey yesterday.
Monday 21 July
Yesterday, I returned to Stornoway by plane at 5.50pm. I left my father's at 7.50 am (local time) to go on the train to Schiphol Airport. It was pouring with rain in Holland. Schiphol was heaving, and it took a while to go through check-in. The plane left a smidgen late at 12.30, and very quickly rose above the rainclouds. These extended halfway across the North Sea, but on reaching the North Kent coastline at Birchington the sun was out, and remained out all the way to Gatwick. It was a scenic end to the first leg of the journey.
At Gatwick, I had to transfer from the North to the South Terminal by rail shuttle. At the South Terminal, there was some time to spare before the 2.35 flight departed for Inverness. This proved to be a lesson in geography, as the aircraft flew the length of the country, with good views out over the western coastline. The northern coast of Wales was laid out beautifully, with Anglesey, Great Ormes Head and the Wirral. Further north, Blackpool, Lancaster and southern Cumbria moved into view, until high cloud obscured the outlook. On descending over the Highlands, the plane left the clouds over Loch Ericht and Dalwhinnie, following the line of the A9 north to Aviemore, thence over Culloden Moor to Nairn and Inverness airport.
It was sunny and mild at Inverness, with a pleasant smell of heather and wild flowers. The staff were most helpful, pleasant and polite, and made sure that my bag had followed me all the way from Amsterdam. The wee plane to Stornoway departed on time at 5.10. The pilot promised us a delight of views, but the only good view was had over the city of Inverness with Loch Ness and the Kessock Bridge. A little further west, we sat in clouds all the way to Stornoway.
It was cold and very windy in Lewis, and I was freezing by the time the wee service bus turned up to return me to Mrs B. in the town.
At Gatwick, I had to transfer from the North to the South Terminal by rail shuttle. At the South Terminal, there was some time to spare before the 2.35 flight departed for Inverness. This proved to be a lesson in geography, as the aircraft flew the length of the country, with good views out over the western coastline. The northern coast of Wales was laid out beautifully, with Anglesey, Great Ormes Head and the Wirral. Further north, Blackpool, Lancaster and southern Cumbria moved into view, until high cloud obscured the outlook. On descending over the Highlands, the plane left the clouds over Loch Ericht and Dalwhinnie, following the line of the A9 north to Aviemore, thence over Culloden Moor to Nairn and Inverness airport.
It was sunny and mild at Inverness, with a pleasant smell of heather and wild flowers. The staff were most helpful, pleasant and polite, and made sure that my bag had followed me all the way from Amsterdam. The wee plane to Stornoway departed on time at 5.10. The pilot promised us a delight of views, but the only good view was had over the city of Inverness with Loch Ness and the Kessock Bridge. A little further west, we sat in clouds all the way to Stornoway.
It was cold and very windy in Lewis, and I was freezing by the time the wee service bus turned up to return me to Mrs B. in the town.
Karadzic captured
The former leader of the Bosnian Serbs, Radovan Karadzic, has been captured in Serbia and is being processed for extradition to the Yugoslav War Crimes tribunal in The Hague. Karadzic has been on the run since the 1990s. Karadzic's worst crime is his alleged involvement in the massacre of 7,000 civilians in the enclave of Srebrenica in 1995. His henchman, Ratko Mladic, remains at large.
Sunday, 20 July 2008
Hurricane update - 20 July
At 15.45 GMT (11.45 EDT), the National Hurricane Center declared tropical storm Dolly, located east of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. The storm will traverse the peninsula and reemerge over the waters of the Gulf of Mexico. There is a good deal of disagreement over the path of this storm, but it seems likely that it may make landfall near the Texas / Mexico border as a strong tropical storm or a hurricane, early on Thursday.
PLEASE RELAY
PLEASE RELAY
20 July
I shall resume blogging on this journal as of next Tuesday, 22 July. Tomorrow I am travelling for nearly 12 hours, so I'll be pretty knackered at the end of it all. I have immensely enjoyed my visit to Holland, although the reason that sparked it off was very sad. Nonetheless, time has come to return northwest. I'll see y'all on Tuesday.
Saturday, 19 July 2008
Hurricane update - 19 July
Tropical depression 03 has formed off the coast of the Carolinas. Winds are increasing, but at the moment not exceeding 35 mph (force 7 on the Beaufort scale). This system will become a tropical storm later today, and will amble northeast, parallel to the coastline before being scooped up by a frontal system to the north.
Hurricane local statements are in force in SC, NC and VA, but I must stress that this is NOT a hurricane. The main problem with TD 03 is the amount of rainfall - 2 to 4 inches. Please check the NHC website for 6-hourly updates and further details.
Hurricane local statements are in force in SC, NC and VA, but I must stress that this is NOT a hurricane. The main problem with TD 03 is the amount of rainfall - 2 to 4 inches. Please check the NHC website for 6-hourly updates and further details.
Friday, 18 July 2008
Solar Eclipse
On 1 August, as Cathy reminds us, a solar eclipse will grace the skies of Europe and Asia. Starting at 08.04 GMT and lasting for 4½ hours until 12.36 GMT, the UK will see between 20% and 40% of the sun's surface obscured at around 10.15 am. More info on this official NASA site.
WARNING
NEVER look DIRECTLY at the sun, with the naked eye, binoculars or darkened glass. Your sight may be irreversibly damaged or lost.
WARNING
NEVER look DIRECTLY at the sun, with the naked eye, binoculars or darkened glass. Your sight may be irreversibly damaged or lost.
Hurricane update - 18 July
Everyone in the states of Florida, Georgia, North and South Carolina should be aware that a low pressure system off southern Georgia could be turning into a tropical depression later today or tomorrow. The system is moving north northeast, parallel to the coast. Heavy rain is possible in these areas; please monitor bulletins from your local National Weather Service buro, as well as the NHC into the evening and night.
PLEASE RELAY
PLEASE RELAY
Thursday, 17 July 2008
Hurricane update - 17 July
The NHC are watching a low pressure system 75 miles east of Jacksonville, FL, which shows some potential to develop into a possible tropical system. It is not directly affecting weather in FL or GA, although a line of showers is draped along the eastern seaboard of both states.
The Netherlands Antilles are affected by a tropical wave, which will bring heavy showers and strong winds. A tropical wave is a seasonal weather phenomenon in the Atlantic, where bulges of moist air are released from the African continent. These waves tend to be the sparking points for hurricanes to form.
At this point in time, I'm monitoring 4 tropical cyclones around the world, as well as three pieces of weather that could become that. A typhoon has just passed near Taipei, the Taiwanese capital. Two systems in the Eastern Pacific, and tropical storm Bertha, which has been around for more than 2 weeks; NHC are currently on their 59th advisory. It could become one of the longest living storms in the Atlantic.
The Netherlands Antilles are affected by a tropical wave, which will bring heavy showers and strong winds. A tropical wave is a seasonal weather phenomenon in the Atlantic, where bulges of moist air are released from the African continent. These waves tend to be the sparking points for hurricanes to form.
At this point in time, I'm monitoring 4 tropical cyclones around the world, as well as three pieces of weather that could become that. A typhoon has just passed near Taipei, the Taiwanese capital. Two systems in the Eastern Pacific, and tropical storm Bertha, which has been around for more than 2 weeks; NHC are currently on their 59th advisory. It could become one of the longest living storms in the Atlantic.
Wednesday, 16 July 2008
2,200,000%
The inflation percentage in Zimbabwe at the moment. Mugabe still in power, and likely to remain there until he goes to meet his Maker. Country in economic melt-down, but as long as RM is in power, all is well in his world. Everybody else can go hang - he used that quote in relation to the United Kingdom, but you can safely add another 6 billion or so people to that. I despair.
Monday, 14 July 2008
Monday 14 July
Olive Riley, the world's oldest blogger aged 108, sadly passed away at a nursing home in Australia last Saturday. With the help of a friend, she posted reminiscences on her life on the web. Her blog is currently inaccessible due to too high and interest; a satellite blog is available.
The president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, has been indicted by the War Crimes Tribunal of The Hague, for alleged crimes against his own population in Darfur. However, Sudan does not recognise the jurisdiction of the tribunal, so he won't be seen around The Hague just yet. He should be though, with the way things have gone in Darfur recently.
The president of Sudan, Omar al-Bashir, has been indicted by the War Crimes Tribunal of The Hague, for alleged crimes against his own population in Darfur. However, Sudan does not recognise the jurisdiction of the tribunal, so he won't be seen around The Hague just yet. He should be though, with the way things have gone in Darfur recently.
Alerts sorted
I seemed to remember that AOL Alerts cannot cope if you have more than 200 alerts outstanding. I had 217. So, I deleted all the alerts I am currently following through Google Reader, reducing them to a manageable 23, including the private journals. I hope these now work.
Sunday, 13 July 2008
Alerts & AOHell
Those of you who have given me access to your private journals please bear with me. AOL is no longer permitting me to add new alerts to the list, and private journals cannot be read with a feed-reader. I'll just have to make a list in Firefox with the URL's. Sorry.
Saturday, 12 July 2008
J-land
As several of you will have found out by now, I've decided to resume reading everybody's journals. I think I have all stations covered, except the private journals. Can all whose private journals I read please email me direct. I have visited a couple tonight, but there are quite a few more. I made a list, which I unfortunately left in Scotland. I will not be posting much just yet, more likely on the Shell Gallery journal. See you around!
Friday, 11 July 2008
Technical advice
If you hear of any people suddenly losing Internet access after July 8th who are using a ZoneAlarm firewall, please tell them to access the Net from a different PC (one that does NOT use ZA) to view this advice.
Apparently, a Windows update clashes with ZoneAlarm, causing it to deny all Internet access. Basically, the best thing to do is to un-install the update (through Add Programs on your Control Panel). It does NOT apply to Windows Vista.
Apparently, a Windows update clashes with ZoneAlarm, causing it to deny all Internet access. Basically, the best thing to do is to un-install the update (through Add Programs on your Control Panel). It does NOT apply to Windows Vista.
Thursday, 10 July 2008
Five Years of J-land
Donna very kindly made a tag for our 5th anniversary. Please note it's an animation, so you CANNOT store it on AOL, 'cause it will not work. Feel free to snag, if you haven't already got it.
Wednesday, 9 July 2008
Alerts and all that
Officially, you should receive alerts as pop-ups and/or emails. When you go to http://alerts.aol.com, and click on My Alerts, you'll see the names of the journals you've subscribed to. Personally, I find this list less than helpful. If they but put the blogs on as URLs, I'd be a lot happier. Anyway, an icon like the AIM logo should show in bright red, and a little envelope should appear in blue, indicating that these are the methods by which your alerts are delivered. You can switch an alert on or off that way.
Google Reader is what is known as a feed-reader. Every time a site (such as a blog) is updated, a signal is released from part of the code that this has happened - a feed. Feed readers can receive this signal and flag up the new entry on a blog on a site like Google Reader. There are plenty of other websites that can do the same.
For Reader to work, you need the URL of a journal. When you view a blog, the address bar should show that (the bit starting with http://journals.aol.com or co.uk). Highlight the URL and copy it (press Ctrl-C), then go to the feed reader and add the URL (by pressing Ctrl-V) in the bit where you can add a subscription.
Google Reader is what is known as a feed-reader. Every time a site (such as a blog) is updated, a signal is released from part of the code that this has happened - a feed. Feed readers can receive this signal and flag up the new entry on a blog on a site like Google Reader. There are plenty of other websites that can do the same.
For Reader to work, you need the URL of a journal. When you view a blog, the address bar should show that (the bit starting with http://journals.aol.com or co.uk). Highlight the URL and copy it (press Ctrl-C), then go to the feed reader and add the URL (by pressing Ctrl-V) in the bit where you can add a subscription.
Tuesday, 8 July 2008
Alerts
I've decided to ditch AOL's New Entry alerts. When I come back, I shall be monitoring new entries through Google Reader, which appears to be slightly more reliable. Comment alerts I shall continue to receive, although I have to go to a non-AOL email to collect those. Don't even think of asking.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Resumption
I am slowly resuming topical entries on Northern Trip to get back into the swing of things. I am not yet resuming my J-land activities, as I am not ready for that at this point. Thanks to all for welcoming my return here.
Don't forget I'm currently running the Shell Gallery blog as a personal journal.
Don't forget I'm currently running the Shell Gallery blog as a personal journal.
Piper Alpha
6 July 1988
A black day in the history of North Sea oil exploration.
167 men die on board the Piper Alpha platform in the North Sea after a gaspipe ruptures, causing a huge fire. The horrifying images are etched on the minds of all who work in that industry, as well as of their relatives, friends, neighbours and communities. The BBC has published a good but chilling account on this page. Lessons have been learned, but those that died will not come back. Those with scarring, physical or emotional, will not be much helped by that.
I know one or two people who work in the oil industry, and their tale is one of money before men. On one rig, a man was killed instantly in an accident. His corpse was covered in a tarpaulin and his co-workers ordered to continue operations over the body. The production of oil may not be interrupted without serious cause, as national interests are at stake.
This entry is dedicated to the memory of those who died on Piper Alpha.
This entry is dedicated to those who suffered injury of whichever form there.
A black day in the history of North Sea oil exploration.
167 men die on board the Piper Alpha platform in the North Sea after a gaspipe ruptures, causing a huge fire. The horrifying images are etched on the minds of all who work in that industry, as well as of their relatives, friends, neighbours and communities. The BBC has published a good but chilling account on this page. Lessons have been learned, but those that died will not come back. Those with scarring, physical or emotional, will not be much helped by that.
I know one or two people who work in the oil industry, and their tale is one of money before men. On one rig, a man was killed instantly in an accident. His corpse was covered in a tarpaulin and his co-workers ordered to continue operations over the body. The production of oil may not be interrupted without serious cause, as national interests are at stake.
This entry is dedicated to the memory of those who died on Piper Alpha.
This entry is dedicated to those who suffered injury of whichever form there.
Saturday, 5 July 2008
Betancourt
Ingrid Betancourt, Colombian politician of French/Colombian extraction, was finally freed from captivity earlier this week. The subterfuge employed by the Colombian armed forces to do so without bloodshed deserves the credit it merits. The political pressure, brought about by Nicolas Sarkozy, the French head of state, appears to have attracted a lot of praise too. Whilst being happy for Mrs Betancourt that she is out of the hands of those who held her against her will, I don't see what all the fuss is about. The FARC movement are holding more than 700 hostages, most of them not as high profile as this lady, and several were previously freed or released.
Ingrid Betancourt was seized in 2002 when she was campaigning to become president of Colombia. As such, she tried to engage the FARC movement in an effort at national reconciliation - and FARC seized her, as it has taken hundreds hostage. It was almost to be expected. The Colombian rebels have been severely weakened in recent times, not least because several of their leaders have been killed or died naturally.
I just hope that this spectacular action will be the prelude to the release of all of FARC's hostages, and the dissolution of the rebel movement. Methinks Colombia should be united in its battle against the cocaine barons, not divided.
Ingrid Betancourt was seized in 2002 when she was campaigning to become president of Colombia. As such, she tried to engage the FARC movement in an effort at national reconciliation - and FARC seized her, as it has taken hundreds hostage. It was almost to be expected. The Colombian rebels have been severely weakened in recent times, not least because several of their leaders have been killed or died naturally.
I just hope that this spectacular action will be the prelude to the release of all of FARC's hostages, and the dissolution of the rebel movement. Methinks Colombia should be united in its battle against the cocaine barons, not divided.
Saturday, 28 June 2008
AOL Journals at 5
I know it's still 2 months away (August 21st or something), but AOL Journals are quietly approaching their first lustrum, i.e. their 5th anniversary. At present, I'm not actively involved in J-land, so I'm just putting the baton on the counter and hope someone picks it up.
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Stripped
of all credibility, decency and even his honorary knighthood. Cannot resist putting up this topical video of his rooms. Whose? Oh well, all shall be revealed. No, I haven't returned to blogging as before, but this story plumbs ever deeper depths of depravity. Code word: 1,000,000% inflation.
Friday, 13 June 2008
Acknowledgements
I have just pushed out over 100 emails to J-landers, and this entry is to reach those I missed by email. This message is to acknowledge the condolences, sympathy and support from J-landers following the sudden death of my mother 6 weeks ago, on May 1st. Everybody's contributions certainly helped to make a very difficult situation bearable in those early days. J-land has shown itself to be a caring community, which I have always believed to be its strong point.
I sincerely hope all are well, or as well as can be under the circumstances. I do intend to return to blogging, but you'll have to watch this journal for updates.
I am currently blogging on my journal from Holland called The Shell Gallery. However, I am not active in J-land (with a few exceptions), and do not respond to comments from that journal. Do feel free to call round though.
I sincerely hope all are well, or as well as can be under the circumstances. I do intend to return to blogging, but you'll have to watch this journal for updates.
I am currently blogging on my journal from Holland called The Shell Gallery. However, I am not active in J-land (with a few exceptions), and do not respond to comments from that journal. Do feel free to call round though.
Thursday, 29 May 2008
Exception
Well, I had to point to this story. It made me ill. In August 2006, a group of army cadets set out on Loch Carnan, South Uist, in winds of force 7. A boat overturned and all but one was saved. The 14th was not found until 45 minutes later, drowned under an upturned boat. The fatal accident inquiry is hearing harrowing and shocking evidence. Read more here, but heed my warning.
Monday, 26 May 2008
Header entry
I am posting this entry to reiterate that this journal remains suspended, as are my activities in J-land. Northern Trip will resume if and when I return to Lewis.
On May 1st, 2008, I lost my mother (as earlier entries indicate), and I am currently in Holland, coming to terms with my loss and supporting my family where possible. I am writing a diary-type journal called The Shell Gallery, using the screenname Veluweman. Feel free to come over and leave a comment.
On May 1st, 2008, I lost my mother (as earlier entries indicate), and I am currently in Holland, coming to terms with my loss and supporting my family where possible. I am writing a diary-type journal called The Shell Gallery, using the screenname Veluweman. Feel free to come over and leave a comment.
Sunday, 18 May 2008
Orkney & Shetland pictures
I have scanned in the last pictures of my 2004 journey through the Northern Isles of Scotland. I link to the relevant entries in Northern Trip - The Start, and thence on to Flickr.
Thursday, 15 May 2008
Pictures
Well, many thanks for the compliments on my photography. I guess it's a combination of being in a pretty environment and having an eye for the right scene. Mind you, there are plenty of horrible places in Holland as well as in Scotland, but then I'd never picture them.
Photo updates - Orkney
I spent 4 weeks in that archipelago, and have started to work my way through a fair collection of pictures, about 100. The first two days can be viewed through the usual process. Follow the link to the diary entry, thence another link to the pictures on Flickr.
Wednesday, 14 May 2008
Tuesday, 13 May 2008
Photo updates
I am currently catching up with pictures from 2004, when I started Northern Trip as a true journey through Northern Scotland. I have put photos on Flickr, from the following dates. Please note the link takes you to the diary entry of that day (on Northern Trip - The Start), where a separate link takes you to the pictures on Flickr. You may want to open the journal in 2 windows (just a tech hint), lest you keep jumping back and forth.
14 August
15 August
8 October
9 October
10 October
11 October
12 October
20 October
22 October
23 October
24 October
25 October
26 October
27 October
28 October
29 October
30 October
31 October
Friday, 9 May 2008
Thank you all
Just want to take the opportunity to once more thank all who went to the bother to comment in recent times, in excess of more than 100 all told. I am currently not blogging, and neither am I replying to emails. I do check emails, hence the post here.
I am currently in Holland. The funeral went as well as could be, but the emotion remains raw. Whether I shall remain here, or return to Lewis is totally undecided. If anything, it's too blinking hot here. Not used to 80F...
If anyone is interested in more Scottish pictures, please check out the pictures on my Flickr account. I am in the process of scanning 250 pictures from the start of Northern Trip, and the first 90 are there now. More to come, keep an eye on Flickr.
Monday, 5 May 2008
Monday
Very nice and warm here in Stornoway, everybody is outside (except for me at the moment). Will make final preparations for tomorrow's journey later this evening. Plane is at 8.30 am, so will have to be at airport even earlier. Hope that formalities are sorted quickly, after which I can organise onward transport.
I hope to return to Stornoway at some point in the future - whether that be soon or late I cannot tell at this point. Neither can I tell whether I'll resume blogging on here or on the alternate journal (The Shell Gallery).
I wish all well, and special thoughts to those coping with a bereavement of their own.
I hope that those of you who are coping with ill health yourselves or in the family will soon find an improvement.
Bye for now,
I hope to return to Stornoway at some point in the future - whether that be soon or late I cannot tell at this point. Neither can I tell whether I'll resume blogging on here or on the alternate journal (The Shell Gallery).
I wish all well, and special thoughts to those coping with a bereavement of their own.
I hope that those of you who are coping with ill health yourselves or in the family will soon find an improvement.
Bye for now,
Sunday, 4 May 2008
Sunday
I may make one or two posts before I head off early on Tuesday.
Although my alerts are off, I was checking a few journals on Technorati, and found that Kathy [onestrangecat] lost her mom yesterday, May 3rd. I know what she is going through, please call round. I'm very sad for her, and worried.
I am deeply moved by the tributes to myself on various journals, as well as the 100-odd comments on previous posts, as well as on Call for Support.
I shall be very sad to leave the Isle of Lewis which has been my home for the past 3½ years. You can access some of the work I've been doing from my website, www.adb422006.com.
Although my alerts are off, I was checking a few journals on Technorati, and found that Kathy [onestrangecat] lost her mom yesterday, May 3rd. I know what she is going through, please call round. I'm very sad for her, and worried.
I am deeply moved by the tributes to myself on various journals, as well as the 100-odd comments on previous posts, as well as on Call for Support.
I shall be very sad to leave the Isle of Lewis which has been my home for the past 3½ years. You can access some of the work I've been doing from my website, www.adb422006.com.
Saturday, 3 May 2008
No need to comment
Please place on alerts (if you want of course) my new journal The Shell Gallery. It'll be a while before I start making entries - if I decide I want to continue blogging.
Thursday, 1 May 2008
Thank you
Although I've turned off alerts (save comments alerts), I have read the many messages by email and comments, also on Call for Support, in sympathy and compliment.
Just want to let y'all know that I'm touched. I cannot look into the future, but if you want, you can keep my alert open.
I'll continue to monitor emails until (probably) Monday.
Just want to let y'all know that I'm touched. I cannot look into the future, but if you want, you can keep my alert open.
I'll continue to monitor emails until (probably) Monday.
Suspended
I know this will come as an unexpected announcement and a shock, but I am having to suspend this blog until further notice, due to a bereavement in close family. I'll email the group with further details. I do not know when or if I'll be resuming this journal.
I am also going to turn off alerts by the end of today, again with the same proviso - I do not know if I'll be able to return to J-land.
As the eventual answer could well be negative, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all for welcoming me into a wonderful community.
The Call for Support journal will remain available.
All the best,
Guido
I am also going to turn off alerts by the end of today, again with the same proviso - I do not know if I'll be able to return to J-land.
As the eventual answer could well be negative, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all for welcoming me into a wonderful community.
The Call for Support journal will remain available.
All the best,
Guido
Thursday 1 May
Labour Day today (please note the spelling), which used to be marked with marches with red flags, plenty of military ironware and patriotic or socialist sing-songs along tree-lined streets in Eastern Europe. That all fell silent 20 years ago. Only China still engages in that rigmarole.
May 1st is Beltane, the ancient start of summer, marked in Celtic Europe. Winter is over (is it?), the beasts can go to pasture and the evenings have already grown very long.
It's an overcast day today, and rain is possible.
May 1st is Beltane, the ancient start of summer, marked in Celtic Europe. Winter is over (is it?), the beasts can go to pasture and the evenings have already grown very long.
It's an overcast day today, and rain is possible.
Wednesday, 30 April 2008
Hurricane update - 30 April
Tropical cyclone Nargis is heading for Myanmar (Burma), and will reach that country's west coast on May 2nd, Friday, with winds at category 1 strength, that's up to 80 mph. Landfall is expected northwest of the capital, Yangon (Rangoon), probably near the resort of Sandoway.
Tomorrow is 1 May, and we're within weeks of the Atlantic hurricane season. In some years, the first tropical system can occur in the first weeks of May, so if you're in Hurricane Alley: BE PREPARED.
Tomorrow is 1 May, and we're within weeks of the Atlantic hurricane season. In some years, the first tropical system can occur in the first weeks of May, so if you're in Hurricane Alley: BE PREPARED.
Mr LSD is dead
Albert Hoffman has died in Basel, Switzerland, at the age of 102.
He discovered LSD (lysergic acid diethylamine) in 1938. He was experimenting with a crop-fungus, called Claviceps Purpurea. This forms so-called ergots on wheat and related plant species.
In the Middle Ages, people would eat rye-bread, made from infected rye, and it would send them mad. It was referred to as St Anthony's Fire.
Hoffman discovered the hallucinogenic properties of LSD, when he accidentally ingested some his invention. He described the effect as: "Everything I saw was distorted as in a warped mirror". LSD causes hallucinations, which may recur even after ingesting only a single dose.
Derivatives of lysergic acid are used in medicines, such as older migraine preparations (ergotamine) and in obstetrics (ergometrine), to prevent bleeding.
He discovered LSD (lysergic acid diethylamine) in 1938. He was experimenting with a crop-fungus, called Claviceps Purpurea. This forms so-called ergots on wheat and related plant species.
In the Middle Ages, people would eat rye-bread, made from infected rye, and it would send them mad. It was referred to as St Anthony's Fire.
Hoffman discovered the hallucinogenic properties of LSD, when he accidentally ingested some his invention. He described the effect as: "Everything I saw was distorted as in a warped mirror". LSD causes hallucinations, which may recur even after ingesting only a single dose.
Derivatives of lysergic acid are used in medicines, such as older migraine preparations (ergotamine) and in obstetrics (ergometrine), to prevent bleeding.
Contrasting Queens
This is an adjusted repost from an entry I did on 30 April 2007.
This month, April, sees the official and biological birthdays of two of Europe's Queens, and I'd like to contrast them, as contrast they do.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [...], was born on 21 April 1926. She celebrates her birthday in private, with no public ceremony. On the second Saturday of June, the ceremony of Trooping the Colour is taken at Horseguard's Parade in central London. Until 1987, the Queen would take the parade on horseback, but her advanced age has excused her from that now: she takes it seated in a carriage. There is a whole website dedicated to the ceremony, which I would like to link to.
Queen Elizabeth II will be on the throne until her death. Prince Charles is next in line for the throne, but there are voices of doubt within the UK, whether he should give way to his eldest son, Prince William.
Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was on born on 31 January 1938. She too celebrates her birthday in private, but a public ceremony takes place on 30 April. Her mother, the late Princess Juliana (who was Queen between 1948 and 1980), had her birthday on that day. Juliana had the people come to her palace at the town of Soestdijk, east of Amsterdam, for a file-past. Beatrix decided to come to the people. Each year in her reign (she ascended the Orange throne 28 years ago) she visits two towns in one of the twelve provinces in the Netherlands, with a clutter of relatives in tow. Public festivities are laid on in all towns in the country. Read more here.
I foresee Queen Beatrix abdicating, like her mother did, to make way for her eldest son, Willem Alexander. He is 41 this year. Beatrix was 42 when she ascended the throne in 1980.
This month, April, sees the official and biological birthdays of two of Europe's Queens, and I'd like to contrast them, as contrast they do.
Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain and Northern Ireland [...], was born on 21 April 1926. She celebrates her birthday in private, with no public ceremony. On the second Saturday of June, the ceremony of Trooping the Colour is taken at Horseguard's Parade in central London. Until 1987, the Queen would take the parade on horseback, but her advanced age has excused her from that now: she takes it seated in a carriage. There is a whole website dedicated to the ceremony, which I would like to link to.
Queen Elizabeth II will be on the throne until her death. Prince Charles is next in line for the throne, but there are voices of doubt within the UK, whether he should give way to his eldest son, Prince William.
Her Majesty, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands was on born on 31 January 1938. She too celebrates her birthday in private, but a public ceremony takes place on 30 April. Her mother, the late Princess Juliana (who was Queen between 1948 and 1980), had her birthday on that day. Juliana had the people come to her palace at the town of Soestdijk, east of Amsterdam, for a file-past. Beatrix decided to come to the people. Each year in her reign (she ascended the Orange throne 28 years ago) she visits two towns in one of the twelve provinces in the Netherlands, with a clutter of relatives in tow. Public festivities are laid on in all towns in the country. Read more here.
I foresee Queen Beatrix abdicating, like her mother did, to make way for her eldest son, Willem Alexander. He is 41 this year. Beatrix was 42 when she ascended the throne in 1980.
WWW = 15
The World Wide Web as we know it celebrates its 15th birthday today. MSN has devoted an interesting webpage (sic) to this momentous occasion, which I'm more than happy to link to.
What changed when the Internet came into your life? I have posted the same question on Magic Smoke, so leave a link to your reply on a comment there. Here is my answer.
Before the WWW:
1. If I wanted to look something up, I would go to the library and read a book
2. I would make phonecalls and write letters
When the Internet came into my life:
3. I found I could gather information from across the globe at a click of a mouse
4. I could listen to radiostations from all over the world without fiddling with a shortwave radioset. That did spoil the thrill of listening to Radio Australia on SW.
5. It was possible to interact with people in real-time from all corners. It did spoil the thrill of receiving a letter, weeks later after writing your own, from a far-flung outpost.
6. It became possible to learn about any part of the world in an instant, without leaving your desk chair.
And I can go on for yonks.
What changed when the Internet came into your life? I have posted the same question on Magic Smoke, so leave a link to your reply on a comment there. Here is my answer.
Before the WWW:
1. If I wanted to look something up, I would go to the library and read a book
2. I would make phonecalls and write letters
When the Internet came into my life:
3. I found I could gather information from across the globe at a click of a mouse
4. I could listen to radiostations from all over the world without fiddling with a shortwave radioset. That did spoil the thrill of listening to Radio Australia on SW.
5. It was possible to interact with people in real-time from all corners. It did spoil the thrill of receiving a letter, weeks later after writing your own, from a far-flung outpost.
6. It became possible to learn about any part of the world in an instant, without leaving your desk chair.
And I can go on for yonks.
Wednesday 30 April
Nice sunny day, with a bank of cloud to the east. The wind is from the northeast, but the weather radar shows a bank of cloud draped northeast to southwest across the country, some 100 miles away. That isn't going anywhere in a hurry.
I have very little time for football players, who run about on a grassy pitch for 90 minutes per week, and earning ridiculous amounts of money for it. And building the most appalling mansions. And engaging in cross-dressing sessions.
Here in Stornoway, 36 jobs have been axed at the local Harris Tweed mill, which lies about half a mile away on the eastern side of town. The place was taken over by a new owner last year, and business has been shrunk rather badly.
I have very little time for football players, who run about on a grassy pitch for 90 minutes per week, and earning ridiculous amounts of money for it. And building the most appalling mansions. And engaging in cross-dressing sessions.
Here in Stornoway, 36 jobs have been axed at the local Harris Tweed mill, which lies about half a mile away on the eastern side of town. The place was taken over by a new owner last year, and business has been shrunk rather badly.
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Bright afternoon
which about sums things up this end. I'm feeling a bit better (thank you), although not all bugs have been knocked on the head yet. A few nasties remain, lurking in corners.
The oil prices have gone through the roof, everybody that drives a vehicle is squealing over the petrol prices. Sorry, I don't drive. The hauliers are complaining that they can't pass it on to their customers (like they don't, tsk). Yet, BP has announced a huge profit ($7.8 bn) in the first quarter of 2008. Someone is making a lot of bucks out of all this, and why? Here in the UK, we're paying in excess of $10 a (US) gallon - in my part of the country it is £6 a UK gallon. The US gallon is 3.78 litres, the UK gallon 4.54 litres. The taxman nets quite a bit of that apparently. So, I restate my question: why is the price of oil gone so mad?
The oil prices have gone through the roof, everybody that drives a vehicle is squealing over the petrol prices. Sorry, I don't drive. The hauliers are complaining that they can't pass it on to their customers (like they don't, tsk). Yet, BP has announced a huge profit ($7.8 bn) in the first quarter of 2008. Someone is making a lot of bucks out of all this, and why? Here in the UK, we're paying in excess of $10 a (US) gallon - in my part of the country it is £6 a UK gallon. The US gallon is 3.78 litres, the UK gallon 4.54 litres. The taxman nets quite a bit of that apparently. So, I restate my question: why is the price of oil gone so mad?
Tuesday 29 April
Overcast with occasional light rain, but not much wind. As yet feeling cool, with the mercury at 8C. It's early yet though.
Got a polite email back from the Burmese Met Department, saying they would consider putting warnings in English on their website. Meanwhile, they were a wee bit out in their forecast for tropical cyclone Nargis, which will make landfall in northern Myanmar on May 2nd, according to them. My information is that this will happen a day later, and my sources are pretty reliable.
In Jersey, a second man (aged 68) has been arrested in connection with alleged child abuse at the former children's home at Haut de la Garenne. More than 100 people allege to have suffered abuse at the home, where fragments of teeth, bone and a child's skull were unearthed during the investigation.
I was horrified to learn that the state of Virginia in the US was struck by 3 tornadoes yesterday afternoon. More than 200 people were injured, and a lot of damage done to the area around Suffolk, VA.
Got a polite email back from the Burmese Met Department, saying they would consider putting warnings in English on their website. Meanwhile, they were a wee bit out in their forecast for tropical cyclone Nargis, which will make landfall in northern Myanmar on May 2nd, according to them. My information is that this will happen a day later, and my sources are pretty reliable.
In Jersey, a second man (aged 68) has been arrested in connection with alleged child abuse at the former children's home at Haut de la Garenne. More than 100 people allege to have suffered abuse at the home, where fragments of teeth, bone and a child's skull were unearthed during the investigation.
I was horrified to learn that the state of Virginia in the US was struck by 3 tornadoes yesterday afternoon. More than 200 people were injured, and a lot of damage done to the area around Suffolk, VA.
Monday, 28 April 2008
Information - in Burmese
I just found the website for the Burmese Meteorological department, but - it was all in Burmese. Sorry, this is Myanmar I'm talking about.
I was looking for information on that hurricane which could be heading their way across the Bay of Bengal later this week, but I can't do much with stuff like:
I was looking for information on that hurricane which could be heading their way across the Bay of Bengal later this week, but I can't do much with stuff like:
Amstetten
This town in central Austria hosts the house of horrors, where Jozef Fritzl kept his daughter imprisoned for 24 years, sexually abusing and fathering 7 children by her. When one of those died, the corpse was incinerated - illegally. Fritzl has admitted to his heinous crimes.
Footage on TV this evening showed the subterranean passageways which were home to Elisabeth Fritzl for 24 years, never seeing daylight. Two of her offspring had never seen daylight in their lives (5 and 18 years). Mr Fritzl's wife did not have a clue what was going on beneath her feet. She believed that Elisabeth had gone missing in 1984. The cellars were hidden behind bookshelves, and were soundproofed. Read more here.
Footage on TV this evening showed the subterranean passageways which were home to Elisabeth Fritzl for 24 years, never seeing daylight. Two of her offspring had never seen daylight in their lives (5 and 18 years). Mr Fritzl's wife did not have a clue what was going on beneath her feet. She believed that Elisabeth had gone missing in 1984. The cellars were hidden behind bookshelves, and were soundproofed. Read more here.
Monday 28 April
Overcast this morning with a little wind. The rainfall radar shows rain not far away, although the bulk is falling over Highland Scotland. Not too cold, 12C / 54F.
My focus will be on the above tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, now named Nargis, which has blown up into a hurricane. The storm is expected to pack winds of 115 knots (that's 130 mph), gusting to 135 knots (155 mph) by the middle of the week, and will still not be anywhere near land. As I indicated last night, Myanmar and Bangladesh can expect to be hit hard by this system by the end of the week.
The strike at the Grangemouth oil refinery is in full swing, but tankers are delivering relief supplies of fuel. The refinery will be started up again by tomorrow morning, but it is not clear (to me) how long it will be before fuel supplies return to normal. Panic-buying is inevitably occurring, with some petrol stations running on empty already.
My focus will be on the above tropical cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, now named Nargis, which has blown up into a hurricane. The storm is expected to pack winds of 115 knots (that's 130 mph), gusting to 135 knots (155 mph) by the middle of the week, and will still not be anywhere near land. As I indicated last night, Myanmar and Bangladesh can expect to be hit hard by this system by the end of the week.
The strike at the Grangemouth oil refinery is in full swing, but tankers are delivering relief supplies of fuel. The refinery will be started up again by tomorrow morning, but it is not clear (to me) how long it will be before fuel supplies return to normal. Panic-buying is inevitably occurring, with some petrol stations running on empty already.
Sunday, 27 April 2008
Hurricane update - 27 April
Tropical cyclone 01B has formed in the southern Bay of Bengal, and promises to become a serious hurricane. Although the forecast does not range beyond 3 days, the storm will be packing winds of 85 knots by that time (that's 95 mph). Its point of landfall is not within the forecasting scope, but could be anywhere from Bangladesh south into Myanmar. If the rate of intensification, currently forecast, continues, then cyclone 01B could well be quite a devastating system.
Kidnapped for 24 years
A man of 73 has been arrested in the Austrian town of Amstetten, accused of kidnapping his daughter and fathering 7 children with her since 1984. The woman is now 42 years of age. One of her babies died shortly after birth. The youngest two only saw daylight for the first time in their lives as they were led out by police. More on this disturbing story from the BBC website.
Sunday 27 April
Fairly bright but blustery morning, with some showers later in the day. The wind is whipping the water in the basin up into white riders, not seen that for a while.
The Grangemouth refinery is now on strike, with only a skeleton staff on to keep the place on "hot stand-by" which should allow a quick resumption of production after Monday. Meanwhile, the megaphone diplomacy between management and workers continues - they are talking to everyone apart from each other. Extra fuel supplies are being shipped in by tanker from elsewhere in the UK and Europe.
Chechnya is one of those forgotten wars. It is a region in the south of Russia, which sought independence from Russia / Soviet Union in the 1990s. Boris Yeltsin, the then president, tried the iron fist approach. It failed, and cost thousands of lives. Relative peace is now reigning in the region's capital, Grozny, although the place crawls with armed men, and rubble is still very much in evidence. As is the threat of more violence. Read more here from this chilling report.
The Grangemouth refinery is now on strike, with only a skeleton staff on to keep the place on "hot stand-by" which should allow a quick resumption of production after Monday. Meanwhile, the megaphone diplomacy between management and workers continues - they are talking to everyone apart from each other. Extra fuel supplies are being shipped in by tanker from elsewhere in the UK and Europe.
Chechnya is one of those forgotten wars. It is a region in the south of Russia, which sought independence from Russia / Soviet Union in the 1990s. Boris Yeltsin, the then president, tried the iron fist approach. It failed, and cost thousands of lives. Relative peace is now reigning in the region's capital, Grozny, although the place crawls with armed men, and rubble is still very much in evidence. As is the threat of more violence. Read more here from this chilling report.
Saturday, 26 April 2008
Evening notes
A very blustery day here, but mostly dry. As I said a little while ago, fairly mild as well.
The Somali pirates continue to ply their trade. A Spanish fishing vessel and its 26 crew were released unharmed after a ransom of $1.2m was paid to the pirates. Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, is a country without government and ruled by various warlords. The US tried to intervene there in the 1990s, without success.
The recount in Zimbabwe has brought no reversal in favour of Mugabe, I'm relieved to learn. The outcome of the presidential elections will be known on Monday - to the candidates and their agents. When Johnny Public will know is anyone's guess.
A train was robbed near Marseille, France - for cushions bearing the Playboy logo. The train was brought to a halt by sleepers being placed across the tracks.
The Somali pirates continue to ply their trade. A Spanish fishing vessel and its 26 crew were released unharmed after a ransom of $1.2m was paid to the pirates. Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, is a country without government and ruled by various warlords. The US tried to intervene there in the 1990s, without success.
The recount in Zimbabwe has brought no reversal in favour of Mugabe, I'm relieved to learn. The outcome of the presidential elections will be known on Monday - to the candidates and their agents. When Johnny Public will know is anyone's guess.
A train was robbed near Marseille, France - for cushions bearing the Playboy logo. The train was brought to a halt by sleepers being placed across the tracks.
Saturday 26 April
After a night of rain and wind, the day has turned quite blustery with the odd shower. It is fairly mild, with temperatures of 13C / 57F at present. Down in southern England, it is rather warmer, with the mercury topping 21C in London. I'm not going out as I've not been feeling too good over the past few days.
I was very sad to learn that the jazz musician and BBC radio personality, Humphrey Littleton, has died at the age of 86. I knew Humph best as the host for the spoof radio game show "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue", which featured such famous items as "Morning Crescent" and "Swanny Kazoo", not to mention Samantha who had to go off to meet her gentleman friend, usually accompanied by a double-entendre.
The oil refinery at Grangemouth has now shut down complete ahead of tomorrow's industrial action. Fuel supplies should not be jeopardised, although the government is losing £50m a day once the pipeline from the North Sea oilfields shuts down at 6 am tomorrow morning. The strike is over pension rights.
I was very sad to learn that the jazz musician and BBC radio personality, Humphrey Littleton, has died at the age of 86. I knew Humph best as the host for the spoof radio game show "I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue", which featured such famous items as "Morning Crescent" and "Swanny Kazoo", not to mention Samantha who had to go off to meet her gentleman friend, usually accompanied by a double-entendre.
The oil refinery at Grangemouth has now shut down complete ahead of tomorrow's industrial action. Fuel supplies should not be jeopardised, although the government is losing £50m a day once the pipeline from the North Sea oilfields shuts down at 6 am tomorrow morning. The strike is over pension rights.
Friday, 25 April 2008
Close of day
Closing proceedings early this evening. It is raining heavily outside, and it won't be light for any extended period beyond 9pm.
Angola is allowing the Chinese freighter, reportedly carrying arms for Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe, to dock. Only goods destined for Angola will be permitted to be discharged. Luanda is an ally of Harare, but the ship with ammo is probably too hot a potato for them to get involved in. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean authorities claim the country is under attack from its coloniser (the UK) and its allies. Robert Mugabe is living in the past by the sound of things.
The hurricane season in the southern hemisphere is in its last week, and will come to a close on April 30th. Two weeks later, the Eastern Pacific and 4 weeks later the Atlantic season will kick off. The Northwestern Pacific spawned a typhoon last week, so the focus is definitely shifting north.
If you live in Hurricane Alley, please review your preparations and contingency plans.
Angola is allowing the Chinese freighter, reportedly carrying arms for Robert Mugabe's Zimbabwe, to dock. Only goods destined for Angola will be permitted to be discharged. Luanda is an ally of Harare, but the ship with ammo is probably too hot a potato for them to get involved in. Meanwhile, the Zimbabwean authorities claim the country is under attack from its coloniser (the UK) and its allies. Robert Mugabe is living in the past by the sound of things.
The hurricane season in the southern hemisphere is in its last week, and will come to a close on April 30th. Two weeks later, the Eastern Pacific and 4 weeks later the Atlantic season will kick off. The Northwestern Pacific spawned a typhoon last week, so the focus is definitely shifting north.
If you live in Hurricane Alley, please review your preparations and contingency plans.
ANZAC Day 2008
[image courtesy baggas.com]
Petar [pvodogaz], now blogging on LiveJournal, reminds us that today is ANZAC Day. The Australian and New Zealand boys were sent to Gallipoli, west of present-day Istanbul, to mount an attack on Turkish forces during World War I. Due to misfortune, poor navigation and various other causes, the soldiers ended up on the wrong beach, one that was fronted by a high cliff. The Turkish soldiers, who sided with Germany, could just mow them down with their machine guns as they crested the top. It was slaughter.
Friday 25 April
Pretty cloudy after overnight rain, but the sun does put in an appearance. In between a shower or two, which is just happening.
The fuel panic in Scotland is spreading UK wide. The refinery at Grangemouth is the landing point for oil from North Sea platforms, and the planned strike (next Sunday and Monday) could cut off one third of the UK's supplies. Here in the far north, our fuel is delivered by tanker boat, which is due to resume deliveries by Tuesday. The Border Heather left Stornoway at 8 this morning.
Mugabe's police have stormed the head-quarters of the opposition MDC under the pretext of looking for criminals. However, they have also taken away computers and dozens of activists. This is not going well at all.
The fuel panic in Scotland is spreading UK wide. The refinery at Grangemouth is the landing point for oil from North Sea platforms, and the planned strike (next Sunday and Monday) could cut off one third of the UK's supplies. Here in the far north, our fuel is delivered by tanker boat, which is due to resume deliveries by Tuesday. The Border Heather left Stornoway at 8 this morning.
Mugabe's police have stormed the head-quarters of the opposition MDC under the pretext of looking for criminals. However, they have also taken away computers and dozens of activists. This is not going well at all.
Thursday, 24 April 2008
Late light
Over the next few weeks, I am going to once again display my usual pictures of "how light it still is at such a late hour". The sun set at 9 pm tonight. By late June, this time will be 10.35pm. Here are a few pics.
8.55pm
9.37pm
10.14pm (extended exposure)
8.55pm
9.37pm
10.14pm (extended exposure)
7/7
ITV showed parts of a so-called "suicide" video, recorded by one of the suicide-bombers who attacked the London transport system on July 7, 2005. In it, the bomber explains to his infant daughter why he is going to kill himself and tells her that she and her mother should also fight. The man says the baby is the light of his life, and says he will miss her terribly. So why did he throw that all away? Can't understand that sort of people.
Thursday 24 April
Rather later than usual for my first post of the day - it's nearly 5 o'clock - but there were a handful of things I had to attend to quite urgently, and that took nearly the whole day. Nothing serious, I'll hasten to add.
Weather has been very changeable. After a bright start, rain commenced just after 11, and did not stop until about 4pm. The sun came out again at 4.15. It's still quite cool. It is generally agreed that we've had a bad winter, with lots of gales and snow.
Over in Zimbabwe, claims and counter-claims about the outcome of the presidential elections continue to fly around. Meanwhile, the Chinese are considering recalling the ship that is carrying arms for Zimbabwe. Dockworkers in Durban, South Africa, refused to unload it over the weekend.
Weather has been very changeable. After a bright start, rain commenced just after 11, and did not stop until about 4pm. The sun came out again at 4.15. It's still quite cool. It is generally agreed that we've had a bad winter, with lots of gales and snow.
Over in Zimbabwe, claims and counter-claims about the outcome of the presidential elections continue to fly around. Meanwhile, the Chinese are considering recalling the ship that is carrying arms for Zimbabwe. Dockworkers in Durban, South Africa, refused to unload it over the weekend.
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
Evening notes
Close on 10pm, and it's just getting dark. The evenings are lengthening appreciably, and fast. Couple of things catching my eye at the moment.
The strike at the Grangemouth refinery will go ahead this weekend, after talks between trades unions and management broke down. An agreement was reached to maintain safety at the plant during the strike - the refinery is currently in the process of being shut-down. Panic-buying of fuel has been reported across Scotland, with some pumps running dry. Officially, there should be no dearth of fuel, as there is 70 days' supply available across the UK.
For a change some hopeful news from the Middle East. Israel has signalled to its northeastern neighbour Syria that it is prepared to return the occupied Golan Heights in return for peace. The area was occupied in 1967, and has seen several settlements being established there. The two countries are technically still at war. Turkey appears to be a peace broker. It would be quite an achievement to have at least one fuse removed from the powderkeg that is the Mid East.
The strike at the Grangemouth refinery will go ahead this weekend, after talks between trades unions and management broke down. An agreement was reached to maintain safety at the plant during the strike - the refinery is currently in the process of being shut-down. Panic-buying of fuel has been reported across Scotland, with some pumps running dry. Officially, there should be no dearth of fuel, as there is 70 days' supply available across the UK.
For a change some hopeful news from the Middle East. Israel has signalled to its northeastern neighbour Syria that it is prepared to return the occupied Golan Heights in return for peace. The area was occupied in 1967, and has seen several settlements being established there. The two countries are technically still at war. Turkey appears to be a peace broker. It would be quite an achievement to have at least one fuse removed from the powderkeg that is the Mid East.
Gremlin
I have sorted the problems with AOL webmail, by virtue of some measures on my own PC. As I said before, loading email messages stalled because AOL webmail found it necessary to give precedence to advertising. One of the ad-servers was on a go-slow, so I barred it. No problems going through emails this morning!
Wednesday 23 April
The weather has changed, and it will be a lot less settled than it has been of late. Awoke this morning to light rain, although things have brightened up right now. There will be showers and rain on and off over the next few days.
So the recount in Zimbabwe has produced a win for Mugabe's Zanu-PF. Now, that is an absolute surprise for me, isn't it for you? Who would have thought that. Dear me.
Hilary Clinton has won the PA primary, which puts her back on track to win the Democratic nomination for the presidential poll in November. I have to agree with the majority of commenters on here that the current pool of choice for the White House augurs poorly for the US.
Naturalists along the west coast of Scotland are concerned about the high number of stranded sea mammals this winter and spring. The strandings are blamed on the use of sonar by naval vessels, something denied by the Ministry of Defence. The latest casualty is a minkie whale, which was beached near the outflow of a loch between Barvas and Brue on the west side of Lewis. Looks like a place to avoid in the next few weeks - I have personal experience of the whiff given off by a decomposing whale, and it's not pleasant. Found one near South Dell in 2005, and it stank to high heaven. Even more so when I came across the same carcass again 3 months later.
So the recount in Zimbabwe has produced a win for Mugabe's Zanu-PF. Now, that is an absolute surprise for me, isn't it for you? Who would have thought that. Dear me.
Hilary Clinton has won the PA primary, which puts her back on track to win the Democratic nomination for the presidential poll in November. I have to agree with the majority of commenters on here that the current pool of choice for the White House augurs poorly for the US.
Naturalists along the west coast of Scotland are concerned about the high number of stranded sea mammals this winter and spring. The strandings are blamed on the use of sonar by naval vessels, something denied by the Ministry of Defence. The latest casualty is a minkie whale, which was beached near the outflow of a loch between Barvas and Brue on the west side of Lewis. Looks like a place to avoid in the next few weeks - I have personal experience of the whiff given off by a decomposing whale, and it's not pleasant. Found one near South Dell in 2005, and it stank to high heaven. Even more so when I came across the same carcass again 3 months later.
Tuesday, 22 April 2008
Hole in the head
I should not really say that much about the US presidential race, what with the Pennsylvania primary running as I type. However, I was frankly appalled by the statement by Senator Hillary Clinton. She said that if Iran launched a nuclear attack on Israel with her in the White House, the state of Iran would be obliterated. I have yet to read a more stupid utterance this year.
Iran is on record as vowing to obliterate Israel, an illegal statement under international law. Its president is a firebrand, even recognised as such by his own cabinet and hierarchy. His opinions should be treated with caution, and echoing an illegal statement from an avowed opponent of the US is just plain pandering to the hawks in Tehran, and to Islamic-based terrorists of Al-Qa'eda variety.
If that's Mrs Clinton's opinion on foreign affairs, than I will say that the international community needs her like a hole in the head.
Iran is on record as vowing to obliterate Israel, an illegal statement under international law. Its president is a firebrand, even recognised as such by his own cabinet and hierarchy. His opinions should be treated with caution, and echoing an illegal statement from an avowed opponent of the US is just plain pandering to the hawks in Tehran, and to Islamic-based terrorists of Al-Qa'eda variety.
If that's Mrs Clinton's opinion on foreign affairs, than I will say that the international community needs her like a hole in the head.
No trains? No go
Over the weekend, Scottish Youth Hostels were in the news, as there is a change afoot in the Youth Hostelling movement. I was a regular user of youth hostels between 1987 and 2004, but am saddened to hear that there is an increasing preference for single and double rooms, rather than the cosy multi-bed snoreholes known as dormitories.
A notice on the SYHA website caught my eye. The youth hostel at Loch Ossian is not served by trains on April 25 and 26, due to engineering works. It can only be reached by train, unless you want to walk for 11 miles from Rannoch Station or 15 miles from Tulloch. I've done the latter in 2001, a nice trek. There is no road to the hostel. I have made a few entries on this unique location.
A notice on the SYHA website caught my eye. The youth hostel at Loch Ossian is not served by trains on April 25 and 26, due to engineering works. It can only be reached by train, unless you want to walk for 11 miles from Rannoch Station or 15 miles from Tulloch. I've done the latter in 2001, a nice trek. There is no road to the hostel. I have made a few entries on this unique location.
Tuesday 22 April
An overcast morning with some brightness, after a very clear night. The moon took centre stage, and although I'm not normally up and about at 5 am, I happened to capture it this morning.
No, I did not write the piece about Zimbabwe. It was forwarded to me by Sybil and she is trying to ascertain the author.
The people on Christmas Island, northwest of Australia, have just weathered tropical cyclone Rosie, which was a tropical storm with winds of force 9 to 10. The only thing they have to contend with this night (it is 9 hours later there than here in the UK) is high tides.
The majority of people who express an opinion on the rejected Lewis Windfarm are happy it will never happen. The reason for its rejection was apparent 4 years ago, when the planning application was launched. The Special Protected Areas were in place in the 90s, and I don't understand that nobody bothered to check up on that.
No, I did not write the piece about Zimbabwe. It was forwarded to me by Sybil and she is trying to ascertain the author.
The people on Christmas Island, northwest of Australia, have just weathered tropical cyclone Rosie, which was a tropical storm with winds of force 9 to 10. The only thing they have to contend with this night (it is 9 hours later there than here in the UK) is high tides.
The majority of people who express an opinion on the rejected Lewis Windfarm are happy it will never happen. The reason for its rejection was apparent 4 years ago, when the planning application was launched. The Special Protected Areas were in place in the 90s, and I don't understand that nobody bothered to check up on that.
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