Christmas Card Shopping

I was hobbling away from the card shops when I saw the sun was going down.  Normally this is hidden from my sight by trees and unless I venture outdoors I miss it.  Quite nice tonight, the storms tomorrow may offer something different.

I had been in three card shops today for Christmas cards.  Now, I have dozens of cards, I bought them online from an Etsy shop, WordPlay Design.   I like these cards but naturally none of them fit the family!  

I got the Christmas list out, ensured it was correct, then looked through all the cards, including last years leftovers and rejects, and attempted to fit them to people.  This was OK concerning non family folks, and they can be sorted tomorrow - or later, but not one fitted the family and their twisted sense off humour.  Thus I trekked out unwillingly this afternoon to visit the cheap but good card shop.  

Here luck was in for some, I obtained a few cards but nowhere near enough.  Also I needed three kids cards for one lot and another for the boy.  The problem is, one mum has two wee girls, so cards etc are required for both.  Then, on Boxing Day, one of them becomes a 2 year old, thus requiring another card and gift.  The mum of the boy will soon tell me what I am buying him, thus making life easier, until I see the cost.  Naturally, I forgot to buy a card suitable for him and will have to go out again in the next few days.  The latest storm is apparently falling on us tomorrow so it may be Monday before I get out.

Anyway, I tried three different shops and failed to find what I wish for.  Thus I may have to go back to Etsy for a rummage through their cards again.  The problem here is finding cards that are funny yet not filthy as too many are at the moment.  Wit has been replaced by four letter words in what are often funny cards, but not suitable for my audience.  Typical!

So I end the day with one card complete, a long list to go!

Men!

Did you notice the fuss about this yesterday?  No?  Neither did I.  The reason for that is  because nobody bothered about it.  International Women's Day gets massive coverage on all social media, the press, TV and Radio, and yet where men are concerned only one post on 'Twitter' was found.  Men in today's world do not count.  

Of course the media, newspapers, TV and Radio do not care about women, they care about sales.  Anything regarding women is 'clickbait,' and many will fall for it.  Men talking about being men goes nowhere, because they don't.  The 'Loose Women' TV programme features women talking about men, women and mostly themselves.  A similar programme called 'Loose Men,' will talk about football, cars, beer and possibly remarks about the kids, but little else though the news of the day will bring pungent opinions.  I say Channel 4 ought to run such a programme, it would be a winner.   

Men are only there to be ridiculed by women, very often women who have failed to catch a man, and the immense work a husband does for his wife and family are downplayed by a society determined to make women play second fiddle.  Clearly they have never worked amongst the women in Leith!

We have lost any comprehension of what a man or a woman is and can be, instead the confused offerings are based on the opinions of writers with little experience outside of their own circle.  This as we know, is not good for any of us. 

Men are downplayed too often, except when they dress up as women and enter women's sports, there they can be regarded as more important than women.  How ridiculous can this world be?  I can tell you it will only get worse, not better.

A sign from the confused world in which we live today...

And another...

Happy Tuesday

An excellent result once again for the Scotland side last night.  Written off before the tournament as having failed to deliver on their potential at the last tournament they have dealt that criticism a blow now.  Clarke was finished, the team too old, the tactics woeful, all true as it happens, but things have changed well this time round.

Having to deal with Portugal and Croatia, both containing one of the football greats of the day, and a strong Poland side with another Scotland were given no hope of success.  However, they have managed.  Wins against Croatia, we ought to have beaten Portugal, and last nights late, late show against Poland has seen us in a decent position after all.  OK, third is not great, but another goal in the right place and it would be even better.  But that's football!  As it is Poland are put down to the 'B' division, and Scotland now have a play-off against someone as yet unknown to find out if we follow them or remain where we are.  Soon we will know.  On the whole, things are looking up for Scotland whatever happens.

Allison Pearson's troubles with the police have filled many column inches in the 'Daily Telegraph' and other right-wing papers.  'Freedom of speech' is at stake, 'Stasi Police,' and other comments designed to indicate her innocence.  However, nothing is being said now when a racist crime may have occurred.  This means we cannot mention the situation as it may go to court but she is not being treated harshly by the Fuzz.  

In my humble view the lassie is indeed racist in many of her tweets and comments in the paper, she shares the outlook of the far right, defended the 'Farage rioters,' and may end up in court if the CPS agree.  

The question is, 'Are we heading for a police state?'  Well yes we are.  The law that allows police to stop people praying outside abortion clinics which kill healthy babies, encourage them to (often quite embarrassed by this) come to your door regarding a possible non criminal hate crime, one in which you don't know who complained or why, or even what the problem is, is indeed the beginning of the 'Stasi State.'  

When you lose the sense of right and wrong, when men dressed as women can be called women, when politicians can party while pandemics kill the populace, and when no discipline is found among our leaders you can expect the world to fall apart somewhat.

The thing is we are only at the beginning of this!

Sunday Watching

Daniel 12;1-3

‘At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people – everyone whose name is found written in the book – will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt. Those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.'

Daniel, living and working for the regime in Babylon at the time, continued to stand for his God Yahweh.  He had faced opposition yet continued in faith in the living God.  At time the Lord himself gave him messages, prophecies, for the people around him and for the world in general, that is you and I.  This is one such.

One day the life around us will end, Jesus will appear, and our world will be seen to belong to the creator Yahweh after all.  Our conception of life will end and he will be seen to be Lord of all.

Mark 13:1-8

'As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, ‘Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!’ ‘Do you see all these great buildings?’ replied Jesus. ‘Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.’ 

As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, ‘Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?’ Jesus said to them: ‘Watch out that no-one deceives you. Many will come in my name, claiming, “I am he,” and will deceive many. When you hear of wars and rumours of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth-pains.'

Jesus himself made clear the biblical story.  God created the earth and the heavens, through him, and one day will reclaim ownership.  Not only has he used a nation, the Hebrews, to teach the word about himself, though they failed, the Son of God, fully God and fully man, arrived on earth to take the wrath for our sinful natures on the cross, so opening a way to reconcile us to him who has no sin.  

We tend to see Jesus as weak and 'nice,' while he is in fact none of that.  Much of what he said was in anger against wrongdoing because he is Holy.  His Love shows in that he is patient and forgiving, but still will judge us one day for all our actions.  

The only way to safety is via the Cross of Christ, yet we look elsewhere.  Those who's names are found in the 'Book of Life' will be those who turn to Jesus now.  The end will come so we may as well be ready.  Life is for living and Jesus came to bring abundant life.  Let's take it now.

 

 

I made use of the day by watching as many football matches as possible.  All were dreich!  None worth the money I did not pay for them.  However, by using Viaplay International all watched so far had no commentator to babble nonsense all the way through.  This is good!  It is time all games had a switch to prevent us hearing these talkatike indivisuals and allow us to see the game properly I say.

Saturday night, on Shed.

 

Trying BlueSky

I've decided to try 'BlueSky' as an alternative to Twitter.  So many have been indicating that is where they are moving, so I joined them!  As expected the US election has driven many yanks from the Fascist Musk's 'X,' and droves have joined BlueSky.  The UK is no different, many have tried 'Threads,' the 'Instagram' version of Twitter however, BlueSky has been created by the owners of the original Twitter, has a similar layout to the original, and appears at first to be a more enlightened place to post.  Not that I have much to say of course.

Many of Twitter's followers have moved over, many more like me remaining on both for now.  There are advantages to this, those I wish to read but not follow I can see on the 'X' files.  Few I follow there have followed me here.  Typical innit?

Anything that offers an alternative to Trump, his right wing monopoly, his deranged policies, his clear danger to society now he has an unofficial position in the US cabinet.  Only 'Official' positions can be fired it appears.  The increasing blatant porn, some quite notable, the removal of followers from those who post things Musk disagrees with, and the idea that a Putin inspired Musk has only joined so as to kill Twitters influence in the world.  

For now BlueSky is a decent alternative.

At the Station

As I have nothing to say, and some people like old foto's of railway stations, here is one from the past of Tunbridge Wells station.  Stupidly I have not noted the photographers name, which is not unusual for me, but it is a simple yet powerful photograph.  It certainly looks very Bert Hardy.

There is something about railway stations and railways in general that entice photography.  Possibly it is the light and shade as seen here, especially when done in Black & White images, and there is just so much to take pictures off.  

The stations and their environs, the buildings, some almost 200 years old, give opportunity for the camera.  The Sheds round the back full of items of which few understand their uses.  The wagons, the engines themselves, and those in Heritage railways give special pleasure when noted, make for super photography.  Add in the weather, whether bright sunshine or dark overhead clouds, a bot of steam or colour and a picture appears.  

The people also, if they do not notice you and belt you one, can give great pictures.  Excited kids or dogs, less excited mothers fussing around, bored passengers awaiting, the items carried and these days the dress sense, or lack of it, make pictures.  With Heritage railways it is mostly 'look a like' men, stomachs reaching out further than the camera lens they carry.  'People watchers' can enjoy large stations for hours.  

I must get on a train soon...

11th Nov 2024

November 11th falling on a Monday meant a quick walk round to the town centre for the two minutes silence led by the British Legion.  A short, sharp service, a command or two, a bugler, silence, bar the people still wandering around looking either guilty or questioning what was going on.  Most however, stood their ground.  

For the British Legion this is their moment.  The more you see them you realise that this means a great deal to them, not just remembering individuals, but this is their occasion.  When I tried to contact them for the 2014 exhibition I received no reply.  On preparing the museums WW2 exhibition the curator tried again, no response.  They wish to keep things under their control, hence the occasional glare towards me and limited answers to my questions when I speak to them.  I am an outsider, however, it could just be me.  

There is no doubt pride in their continuing these services, though they did omit one for D-Day after all.  Clearly no member participated in WW2 though one man did serve in the Korean War.  Possibly he goes back further than the rest, and he was still there yesterday while age is catching up on him.  Like all soldiers he is not one to talk, there is an attitude of bloody-mindedness about soldiers which has less to do with fighting spirt and more to do with mental attitude.  It was often noted in many occupations since the war, an attitude that was not responsible, not his business, and try over there type of thing.  Just like answering an officer.  I've often come across their bad attitudes in time past and it does not breed good working relationships.  RAF men were often better to deal with as they had a more open attitude, however, as the middle class dominated the RAF during the war snobbishness did occur.  Douglas Bader, a 'war hero' and knew it, treated his batman appallingly, especially when in Colditz.  That attitude was seen again after the war.  

Today brings an end to Remembrance for the year.  Thankfully many more have taken to grumbling re the 'event' attitude that has sprung up since BREXIT came on the scene.  Remembrance of the war dead was replaced by many as 'English Nationalism.'  Remembrance became a time to look back on 'England's Glorious Past,' that is 'England's, not 'Britain's,' you will note.  Instead of a poppy and a silence we had exhibitions everywhere.  Now some were very good and carefully done, many were to say the least 'tacky.'  A great outburst of national emotion in 2014 for the commemoration of the beginning of the Great War led to a huge number of exhibitions all over the place.  Though this has calmed down a certain element appear keen to turn Remembrance into another Halloween.  This must not be allowed to happen.  

Braintree & Bocking Remembrance 2024

 

Cenotaph Night

 

Spitfire

With Remembrance to the fore the British Legion usually do something in the town centre at this time.  Late on this afternoon I discovered they had a Spitfire on show!  This is unusual as the normal items are merely small arms and the like.  So I rushed off just in case it was moved.  Indeed it will be moved as it is only here for the day, tomorrow it will be on show elsewhere, and no doubt just as popular.  

When standing next to a plane you get a better idea of size, it appears so small in the air.  The cockpit appears to be quite tight for an individual, though the German fighter the Me 109 was not quite so good, and the heavier cockpit canopy opened to the side, rather than slide back making escape difficult.  

The Legion was as always there to talk and take contributions.  Personally I never find them that communicative though occasionally one of them will talk well.  They had no interest in the aircraft, only their own world was important.  This one has many medals from his time in the French Foreign Legion.  

Some kids were seen standing close by, an occasional male would be telling them how it was, though they themselves appeared to have been born long after the war.  Many I met who were children during the war told off how the sky could be black with aircraft of all types.  The local bomber bases nearby constantly flew overhead.  The men themselves making use of the pubs and clubs of the town.  The US airmen were popular with the townsfolk until they finally departed in 1992. 

Dank Thursday

I popped out today to post a couple of pre Christmas cards.  I discovered the streets are littered with somewhat dank leaves, the sky above having been under damp light cloud cover since Sunday.  There was however, no indication of people frantically digging deep underground shelters for the coming Trump apocalypse, that of course, may be happening in their back gardens.  Quite a few gardens around here have a variety of shelters left over from the last war, just a 6 foot deep hole in many cases, sometimes altered for later purposes.  They could stack their long life supplies in these I guess.

The shock of Trump's success appears to have shocked parliament, they have left early and will not return until Monday.  Some of them have even gone back to their constituencies to meet their constituents, not Farage of course, he is still drinking with Donald.  

It appears that once you become an MP nobody demands that you do your job, bar the party leader.  When the party leader does not do his job, no surgery, no contact phone or email number, no office, no staff, it appears there is nothing that constituents can do.  A recall maybe, but would they?  Do enough people in Clacton care?

Our MP, now that he has failed by incompetence in his leadership bid, has gone to ground until today.  Once more he is using 'TikTok' to inform the world of his opinions, once more the replies inform him of the worlds opinions in return.

Trump

Economist

 

In spite of humanities best efforts Donald Trump has once again won the vote to be President of the United States of America.  The world stares at this with disbelief!  How could anyone vote for s demagogue, a liar, a cheat, an abuser of woman, and a man who is mentally ill?  Though when you consider some of the presidents from past times he fits in well there.  

So, how are we to react when he takes office?  The absurd political system takes until January before he becomes President, do you think Biden will lead a revolt, just for spite perhaps?  No doubt he will be seeking to put many of his plans into action, especially the ones Putin pays for, and many daft ideas he broadcast will in fact be seen to be his wishes in real life.  God bless America, even though they have left him behind.

There is a rise in inept right-wing governments, democracy as we have known it has been thrust aside, the world we grew up in is no more.  

Yet:

The LORD reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

Remembrance: Aged Statues

When I was a lad I occasionally walked across Edinburgh's North Bridge, a major thoroughfare that continues to bear thousands of passersby daily.  On occasion I woud note the statues placed upon the high walls on either side.  The walls were high to discourage desperate individuals from climbing over them and jumping into the Waverly Station below.  I noticed the individuals on this statue had what we call 'Pith helmets' on their heads, indicating service in hot countries.  It was some time before I realised this concerned th 'Boer War,' a war that occurred to much jingoist outburst during the years 1888-1902.  This means the war ended 49 years before I was born and yet I knew almost nothing about it when young.  In fact an occasional mention might have been made in the comics we read or some history book we came across, but no real information was found to my notice.  Our minds were full of the much more recent Second World War in which almost every person over 25 had served.  

Ask young folks today about the Boer War and some will have been educated concerning this during history lessons, ask them about the Great War and they may be more aquainted with that.  Ask the 'man in the street,' and I expect few would know much about the Boer War, indeed many may not even have heard of it.  

I mention this as I read that young people today, and most are young to me, are not wearing the 'Poppy' that remembers those who fell in two wars and the little wars since.   This is interesting yet not surprising.   Youth is looking for fun and joy, excitement and adventure, wars and killing are not seen as this these days.  There are of course major wars not far away and this may be a turn off for many.  On top of this we remember those who died in two wars, the last being 80 years ago, when I was young a far off war about which I knew nothing was only 50 or so years in the past, why should today's youth think differently?  

A great many adults no longer seek to wear a poppy,what their reasons are can only be guessed.  Possibly the war to them is far away now, and they have no connection to it which they wish to keep.  Those however, who were born just before, during or not long after the war still have a connection to the experience.  Many had a father who served, or even died, a great many had mothers who worked 12 hour shifts for the war effort, some remember the fighting men based near them, the aircraft above and the bombs crashing down on their homes.  

Such as these do remember well.

However, time is passing, soon these two massive conflicts whose effects are still with us will be forgotten like the Boer War.  The 'Boomers' are dying off, the memories are being crowded out with later wars, and society as a whole appears to have little interest in caring for servicemen who are disabled while serving their country.  Much of this is understandable, the third and fourth generation are far from the wars now, and it was ever thus.  

Those of us who can remember those who served, in our family or around us, will remember.  Many will join with those who now make displays for remembrance, though in fact this is all too often just another version of 'English Nationalism,' pandering to a desperate attempt at using ththese past wars to engender a patriotism for today, it is not remembrance of the dead from the past.  Since the first 11th November the date has been used and abused by many, let us remember it correctly.