Wasted Wednesday

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Up at twenty to six this morning to get the best of the day and enjoy the sunshine.  Out on the bike within minutes and forced to remember that bright sun does not mean warmth! My knees ached and I had no energy so quickly made it home again.  Around seven I saw the boys in the park sipping cans of cheap beer.  Quite why they gather there to drink amazes me. They harm no-one but it appears to me to be a downward slope when you start that. We also have one man in the town centre who stands shouting at nobody most of the day. I don't think he actually sees anyone outside of his head. Nothing to be done for such folks I reckon. Those living in big towns and cities would be happy to have only one such man around.

My neighbour appeared at around ten last night as I went to my kip. I saw him coming in and no police around today so they must have contacted him.  As the landlord has also been enquiring I wonder if my friend (and he is a good man) may end up with the park drinkers early in the morning?
No appearance today however.

Someone, and it was one ticket only, won £161, 650,000 on the lottery last night and it wasn't me.
Now I am not one to complain, but if the winner is not a very poor person with a huge number of unpaid bills, a landlord threatening them with eviction and a family suffering malnutrition, at the very least, then I am going to be annoyed! Why did they win MY money? I wish I hadn't started spending it now.....

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Tuesday Disturbed

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Yesterday I had planned a day of action. The 'to-do' list was sitting on the desk ready to go, so I went.  Naturally my fat, weary body failed me and the day was ruined.

 Today I rose early, avoided the bike and started on the 'To-do' list.

Soon the police were knocking on my door. They wished to meet my neighbour, not me and I let them in and I left them to it, although I thought he was out.

He was.

As he has been declared a 'Missing Person' the police must find and identify him before they drop the enquiry, so they smashed down the door, just in case he was dead. Have you tried to concentrate while two hulking big coppers shake the house with a battering ram? It is very difficult I can tell you.

Later, having bribed them 'News International' style with tea and half price chocolate biscuits I learned something of the tale.  He isn't missing, they just cannot find him.  He has been spotted in a public house this morning, for breakfast, but had roved on his way.

He did look scruffy when I saw him last right enough, but I thought he was off to work, it was around seven in the morning, and it appears he has no work.

He has still not returned home tonight and while the police (who keep knocking on my door) may have found and identified him in one of his watering holes, I fear he may be lying in a ditch somewhere! Surely not?  Mind you when he gets back and sees the state his door is in he may go off and find a river then!

But more, as the door was open two Jehovah's Witnesses walked in as the security conscious police had left the door open. I normally say 'Push of heretic' in a friendly sort of fashion but had began to read about them the other day (was I led into this). The was the usual twosome from the JW's, who are very active around here, one who was well trained in their 'theology' and a quiet newcomer. So I 'debated' against my better judgement in the hope of getting the quiet one to hear something different from their thoughts. This was not a good argument (and it bored the polis next door) as I failed to read all the info all the way through and relied on my memory of reading it years ago. This is not a good idea! I suspect however they will not knock on this door again. There are lots of them around here, and two Mormons walking around. These guys always cry "Hello!" being American and I always cry "Goodbye!" being me. Such chaps are forced to go 'on a mission' as if they don't there are fallouts back home. All very sad really. Mormons stand out as they insist on dressing the same as each other, very Mid West American and stand out in their blue suits, shirt and tie, among the scruffy English like a poppy in a wheat field.    

This unsettled my day, nothing has been done, or at least very little, and most of it has to be done tomorrow, police willing!

Good job I am not one to complain.....

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Knackered

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I have done little cycling for a while and went hurtling up the old railway early this morning.  That was fine, although the bridge crossing the dual carriageway has grown considerably since the other week! Foolishly I decided to go looking for interesting pictures. This however meant heading up a new road for me, and UP is the operative word. This is supposed to be a flat county so how come everytime I find a new road it goes upwards? Not just upwards but upwards right to the top!  It was better coming down I must say.  How do the boys in the 'Tour de France' go up hills at thirty miles an hour? Who said "Drugs?"  Paracetamol doesn't help I can tell you! And the only thing worth photographing was this rickety old house. I say rickety but it probably costs around £700,000!  

 

This keffuffle deepens. Nick Clegg (He is actually the 'Deputy Prime Minister!) has said Murdoch should think again about buying into BSKYB.  This is like asking a drunk not to drink!  Murdoch must by this company as the paper media is losing cash hand over fist.  TV advertising is the way ahead and everyone knows it.  The fact that his people have been buying Gordon Brown's children's health information, buying info from the Queens protection officers, indeed buying the top men at the Metropolitan Police, and thousands of as yet undiscovered dirty deeds will not stop Dave Cameron giving in to Murdoch. It may be delayed, it may go undercover, but folk like Rupert tend to get what they want, and I wonder if 'Dave' is big enough to stop him?

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NOTW

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The 'News of the World' died today.

How long before the 'Sunday Sun' hits the streets?

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Phone Spam

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One of the most useful things in my miserable existence is my ansafone! This stopped people in the past claiming "I called you" when they were clearly lying, and enables me to avoid answering the phone when one you wish to avoid is calling.  At the present time there are a few of those going around. The beauty of the ansafone is the ability to ignore the call and just dial 1471 here in the UK and often, but not always, obtain the callers number. Some withhold this of course.  


Mostly these are marketing call centres offering a variety 'home improvements' of one sort or another. One such is 0845 1113111. This I know is a call centre as I checked on 'Phone Spam Filter' and 'Who Calls Me?'   Both give similar results from unhappy recipients of these unwanted calls.  'Who Calls Me? also identifies 01235884270 as being a scammer claiming to represent Microsoft. The story is they have identified a fault on your PC and can help fix this. Lies, all lies!  Both these callers attempt to calls several times a day, and as these calls are usually computer generated shouting as the plumb on the other end does little to stop it. Mind you that can please some folk. 
'Pipex' my ISP was recently taken over by 'Talk Talk.'  This did not please me as the latter company has already sent a 'questionaire' indicating they will change the price range. Then I will be off as I pay enough and this service was good enough until they took over. The recent change has seen the connection cut several times and slowed to a halt almost yesterday. Top this I ask, well they did. Three time in 15 minutes I received a call via a Text message. BT pass these on adding lots of useful info, and after the message add the same again, and again! All in all far too long for me. The message said "Call this number urgently." That will be right! You call me you speak or buzz off I say. Again 'Who Calls Me' identifies the caller number  08712226608 as being from Pipex. What a way to treat your customers I ask!


01614 777778 is an Asian attempting to scam insurance of one sort or another. Would anyone be daft enough to believe them? But I think the last number is the best one. They called and rang off as the ansafone message began, and I dialed 1471 and traced the number, which I think may be false! The number was :- 02538020308441235884270!




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Cynic? Me?

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Daily Telegraph

Now call me cynical if you must but I find the 'outrage' filling the media and spouted by politicians somewhat spurious.  Feigned shock and outrage fill the air as all sides of the House and even Rupert Murdock's 'News International' staff condemn the action of the man who 'hacked' into the phone of a young murdered girl.

What rubbish!

We all know that such 'hacking' has gone on for years, indeed must be standard practice in many news rooms.  The recent hacking of celebrities phones made that clear, so ought we to be surprised that a murdered girl or relatives of those killed in 7/7 are listened in to in this manner? Of course not. The press, and the Tabloid press in particular, have no scruples when dealing with their 'journalism.'  Intrusion is part of the deal, consideration for others doesn't happen. Just ask why there as so many close up pictures of weeping women on TV or in the papers? Because they consider this a 'good shot!'  Her pain is irrelevant and if they do not like the misuse of their tears who cares, not the media. The story is all, no matter what.

I do laugh at David Cameron. This man jumps from one bandwagon to another, each time showing less integrity than before, and he had too little to begin with. Today the intrusion into the girls phone is called 'Disgusting' yet his first meeting as Premier was to listen to Rupert Murdoch owner of the 'News of the World,' the paper at the centre of the intrusion. The influence Rupert has over all politicians means that his organisation, and any individual he wishes to protect, will escape censure here. 

Worldwide Rupert Murdoch had produced papers that aim for the lowest common denominator, or 'trash' if you prefer. Anything that sells is what matters, no matter who is attacked, no matter whether the story is true or not, any half truth will do if it sells! Even those papers considered to be among the 'quality' press have gone downhill.  'The Times' journalists for instance will not put fact before Rupert's bidding. Robert Fisk left that paper when he discovered that decent men would not print his Middle East story as it went against Rupert's wishes.  Quality journalism is hard to find these days, and if this man is involved it will never be seen in his press. 

The PM may well order an 'inquiry,' however I wonder who will lead it, what will be the limits and who can be called to account?  The word 'whitewash' comes to mind.

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Carole King

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Ronnie

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Daily Mail

Now I am not one to complain but why should people dump their unwanted bronze in our parks? This heap of metal now adorns a park in central London and is remarkably more lifelike than the original was. Mind you this statue is more awake after all. Quite why anyone would dump this here after what this man did to the world is difficult to fathom. This 'B' actor cheerfully delayed the release of the US hostages from Iran so he could get the glory rather than Jimmy Carter who had won their release, he used the mentally subnormal Col. Oliver North to buy weapons from Iran to support a murderous far right regime attacking the democratically elected government in Nicaragua, (Democracy you will recall is one of the things the US wishes to thrust on the world, unless Hamas win of course). Reagan also claimed credit for ending the Cold War while we all know that Gorbachev ended this by renewing the Communist Party in the USSR, and while claiming credit where not due he allowed the IRA to collect money freely in the US and turn this into guns bought from Libya to kill British troops and police. A true friend to the UK indeed! He stands alongside FDR and Eisenhower. One man who knew he must support Britain while the Reagan's of this world traded with Hitler's nasty party, and the other who as a 'political general'  led the allies to victory in Europe (as long as he did what AlanBrook said).  There are hundreds of good Americans around today, dozens of famous and useful leaders in their fields both past and present, and we erect Thatcher's boyfriend ( though he often forgot her name).  I suspect this will no doubt be defaced before long.


Talking of political numpties I came across this cartoon in the Edinburgh Evening News today. Brian Adcock sums up Dave Cameron's approach to the governing of this country very well indeed! Cameron would have attended the ceremony today himself  but probably did not know who 'Ronnie' was I suspect.

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1st July 1916

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On the first day of July in the year 1916, after several days of heavy bombardment British troops advanced over open ground to attack the German defences on the Somme. A million and a half shells had fallen, their intention to break the wire and damage the defences clearing the way for the men following. The wire was rarely broken, the shells badly made and difficult to set were also of the wrong type for the job. Howitzers were insufficient in numbers but effective in damaging dugouts but as most of these were 40 or so feet underground this was to prove an impossible job with so few.


At 7:28 several mines were blown along the line, however Jerry knew this would happen as foolishly one was blown at 7:20 at Hawthorn Ridge and gave warning the attack was about to commence. At 7:30 officers whistles blew along mile after mile of trench and the British attacking force climbed out of their trenches into a hail of machine gun, rifle and artillery fire. Within minutes thousands lay dead, dying or wounded, many having failed to clear their own parapet or make it through their own defensive wire. Only in the southern section of the line was a clear advance made, elsewhere determined attackers continued, heads bowed as though facing heavy rain and not bullets, and a few gains were made in the enemy line. 


McCrae's Battalion, the 16th Royal Scots, along with their sister battalion the 15th, plus the Cambridge and the Grimsby Chums, remnants though they were, fought on in an attempt to keep hold of their part of the line. Defying flame throwers and repeated heavy counter attacks they succeeded, a few continuing and even making it to their final destination at Contalmaison, where they found themselves outnumbered and soon were made prisoner.   


Around 60,000 British men became casualties, approximately 20,000 were dead. 


General Haig had strongly opposed the idea of fighting in such an impossible theatre as the Somme region but had been overruled by London. "Do as the French say," was the command, in spite of the military opposition. The same had occurred a year earlier at Loos when Sir John French had been forced to fight there against his wishes. That too was needlessly costly. Blame is easy to offer, especially from this distance and the book 'First Day on the Somme' by Martin Middlebrook is the place to begin when researching what actually happened that day. This book is regarded as a 'classic' of its type and comes well recommended. 
        


                     


An official cameraman was on hand to record the 'Big Push' and the Imperial War Museum has made this film available, excerpts of which are online. I have this video and while it is of course a silent movie it nevertheless conveys something of the attitudes of the day. When shown in cinemas later in the year women would faint, men weep, and occasionally one would cry out in recognition of an individual. Unlike today that generation had no idea of front line reporting and many refused to believe the tales told by returning soldiers. It is not difficult to understand why the United Kingdom became a very different place after 1918, society changed in a way unimaginable in 1914, and we do well to ponder how this war, and this battle in particular, has an effect on us even today. 


Some soldiers asked whether the losses were worth it, and it is difficult not to sympathise with them.  However had we not fought the French would have been defeated and we would have a Germany dominating Europe, and this would have caused a war between Britain and Germany sooner or later in any case.  That would have been a more difficult fight for us had that been the case. In that way it was worth it, however with 750,000 dead British troops, plus the 'Empire forces of India, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the rest losing another 250,000, plus about three times as many wounded it is hard to comprehend today whether this really was a war worth fighting. 


The last fighting men have gone now, only a few relatives and their memories remain. As I research the names on the local war memorial I am surprised by how difficult it is to find a record of many of them online. Not being a native of this town  doesn't help, as does not having the money to pay for research, yet I am still surprised how quickly these men have been forgotten.  Their houses have often been swept away, their relatives move on, and later generations are too involved in life today to remember them. Village memorials do not gather large crowds on Armistice Day each November as the village has been taken over by incomers and the families of the day have often gone into towns and cities for a better life. Few now remember those named on the memorial, even those from a later war. That all seems rather sad to me. 

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Summer

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As a male voice forced its way through 'Summertime' with all the grace of a cannonball through a shop window the thunder died away and the rain came straight down. The thermometer may read 78 degrees in here but outside the rain in overflowing the gutters and making me very glad I am inside. This may please the farmers but does nothing for me. This sort of weather may be well enough in Malaysia or Aberdeen but it does not fit in well in the wilderness of Essex. Bring back the sun I say!

Maggie Thatchers handbag was sold at auction today and raised £25,000 from a Cypriot who studied in London during her reign of terror. She, like all good politicians and actors, used this bag as a prop enabling cartoonists to also use it , showing her wielding it like a club over all that stood in her way. Now it has gone, and soon so shall she.  I suppose none of the three million she put out of work, many of whom never worked again, would have gone to the auction and made a bid?  Probably couldn't afford the bus fare.....  

The 'Scottish Sun,' that bastion of morality and honest journalism, has yet more on Mr Thomson. Another girl talks of him pestering her (how much was she paid) and claims 'dozens,' or should that be 'DOZENS,' of others (unnamed) were also 'sickened' by his actions. These have not yet come forward nor informed the police it appears. He is called a 'SEX PERVERT' yet once again I ask how many homosexuals or lesbians work for the 'Sun?'  What defines a 'pervert' anyway? Who decides? Not the 'Sun' that's for sure. Just because the girls were young does not equal perverse, perversion occurs in adults also. This paper will lose interest in the sensational story the minute Rangers announce the signing of another European nonentity and will return to pandering to the sectarian duo. The lynch mob howling at his door however, gays included, will be happy the club have bowed to pressure and suspended the man. This was the very least action the club could take, and should have taken earlier. However I wonder how many of the screaming banshees have looked at porn recently? That at least is normal for some men, even if unwise, but what exactly do they look at, and is it all really either 'helpful or 'decent?'  Talk about 'throwing the first stone....'

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Decisions

In recent days the Heart of Midlothian have endured a rough time. The SFA has decided to invoke a fine for players bad behaviour, ignoring the clear improvement shown in the last twelve months. This of course is to be expected form the Glasgow based old firm leaning organisation.  Several players have however brought problems on to the club by their offield activities. Not that long ago Lee Wallace, an international class left back, was fined for waving an air gun about in public. A 'minor' crime but one which brings much heart searching in the media these days. Two players were discovered in a public house in possession of Class 'A' drugs, and recently Craig Thomson has been fined and put on the sex offenders list for grooming a 12 year old on the internet 


The Wallace affair was a minor one in that it appears unlikely anyone was either threatened or likely to be hurt. This was the actions of a daft young man not a serious crime. Would anyone notice if another young man was involved. He was it must be said brought up as a supporter of Hibernian football club, so blame that. The two in the pub may well have mitigating circumstances, however as the court case has been delayed for a few weeks nothing more can be said at this time. Any professional footballer taking a controlled substance ought to be fired!  Not only is drug taking killing and destroying many, just like alcohol abuse does, it he could affect his career badly this way. Certainly the press would never let him forget this. While I always wish to give a second chance it must be made clear that this action would be unacceptable and wrong and I would sack them.  It is as I say unclear what these two players were up to and the circumstances have as yet to be revealed.  They both would be a great loss to this club but would have to go if guilty!


Craig Thomson is a very different case.  The facts appear somewhat muddled as publication in the tabloids emphasises the worst and never gives a balanced view. Shock and scandal sells while mature judgement does not.  The Glasgow media like to display the Heart of Midlothian in a bad light of course. 20 year old Thomson has been found guilty of 'grooming' a 12 year old of his acquaintance for almost a year.  He is now on the sex offenders registrar, for five years, and has been fined £4000. The Heart of Midlothian have not sacked him and the chairman, Vladimir Romanov, issued a statement in his own inimitable style, claiming, more or less, that some are out to injure the club and this is somehow part of that. They also talk of 'mitigating circumstances,' which lead them to keep the player on the books, these of course are not stated. Many fans are not happy that the player has not been sacked and naturally the Glasgow press has a story from the girls mother, a story that does not make he player look good at all.  Allowing for tabloid exaggeration and a Mum paid cash for her story, it does put this lad in a very bad light.     


So the Wallace situation may be placed into the past, the two awaiting a full trial may well have understandable 'mitigating circumstance' which will appear later. However if they indulge in white powder they must leave, no matter how important they are to the club! The Thomson situation leaves me pondering however. Clearly this is a boy with a problem. When I was 19 or 20 I was chasing girls of my age, they did move fast however, and for a lad in his late teens to be involved with young teens does reveal a problem. Now There is the inevitable witch hunt of course, fans baying for blood, media scramble, and 'leading people' asked to comment. Most should be rightly ignored but the opinion of the fans has to be heeded here. Craig is a boy with a problem and the club ought to offer him help but in the wider world there is no doubt he must at least be removed from the playing squad. There is no choice here, his playing days are over. 


However it does appear that there is an eagerness to 'hate' this man.  Society today has been influenced by political correctness to such an effect that when a paedophile is found a 'lynch mob mentality' arises, just because this is possibly the only type of human we are 'allowed' to hate! PC fashion goes further. I was struck by one comment from a fan, he complained he would not take his son to the football in case he sat near this 'pervert.'  However it struck me hat his son probably gets his education from at least one lesbian and possibly a homosexual also, is this acceptable but Thomson is not? Which sexual deviation is to be hated and which accepted? Who decides?  'Hating either is wrong but honesty is required, even if 'society' has decided otherwise. How easily influenced we are!  Only thirty years ago homosexuals would not have been encouraged teaching,  now it is a 'hate crime' to be unhappy with this!  The fashion in morals has changed almost overnight and the only people that the nation is free to hate are 'paedophiles.'  I wonder if in thirty years even this will become acceptable?  Hopefully, as most still care for their children, it will not!


Sadly there is a possibility that three good quality players will have to leave the club. For one it may be the end of his career, the others will be picked up elsewhere. Many fans will defend drug abuse, as they happily kill themselves slowly this way, but attack Thomson. It's a funny old world, and made worse when the directors of the Heart of Midlothian have taken the wrong approach in the situation.  You cannot blame either the SFA, the old firm or the players agent for these situations. Personal responsibility is involved, and the clubs responsibility has been lacking here.


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Grimshaw: Nightfall Thames

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Night falls

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Sadly I cannot remember where this picture originated, but I suspect I found it on the NASA site, but I post it as I like it a lot. A few days ago we enjoyed the longest day of the year, although much of it was hidden behind cloud, and this picture sums that up, the good times are over, the nights are drawing in!  A most disagreeable situation in my mind but one we must endure with our usual cheerfulness. Do at least try to be cheerful about this, I always do. Of course had the shuttle taken that picture a hundred years ago it would have been very different indeed. Gas would have supplied most of the town lighting in big towns and cities, and many would still use oil lamps in more rural area. The cities lighting would not have been as efficient as the masses of amber lights that line our roads, nor would shop fronts, well lit though they were, be as efficient as the neon tubes that scream out at passers-by. Africa may well have been almost unlit, although bush fires can be seen from space they say and the Europeans who dominated in that 'humble' manner would have found some way of lightening their path in the evening, at least in the main centres. Much of the world would have been a black ball with occasional small outbreaks of light, while today that black reveals huge areas of brightly lit life and only much of Africa and the furthest reaches of Russia, and I suspect, Motherwell, miss out. The big ball may well turn black again soon as the energy runs out, it certainly will be dimmer soon when the hiked up prices start falling through our doors in the Autumn. As from tomorrow I switch everything off unless needed, except this PC of course.  

hodgepodgeryripple

I am annoyed that this Blogger system uses such a bad spellchecker.  This brute uses American English, and the world and his Grannie knows that Americans canny spell!  Several times I have been stopped because this dictionary does not know the correct spelling for everyday words, like 'Motherwell,' or ' realise.'  It appears to think that a 'z' is required, and who in their right minds would think that?  Worse still is the imperialist manner in which the spellchecker operates.  Those of us who believe that the world needs to hear our ignorant rantings on newspaper comment columns have found that all are using American spellcheckers!  Surely this is a disgrace and the imperialist English press ought to stand up to this rather than submit meekly.  I suspect however most of the dozy trainees who appear to be running the media today have yet to realise that their spelling is incorrect.  Facts and getting things right is a lost art in the press today.  (I can talk!!!)   I also note that on 'Word' even if you change the font default to 'UK English' it still wishes to return to the 'American Way.'  Bah! Imperialists!  Good job I am not one to complain that's all I can say!


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Lord Snooty

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Beano Artists

How long before Cameron falls apart? Once again he is offering a 'U' Turn on shorter sentences, forcing his struggling 'Justice Minister' to sack other lower orders to save a few million pounds, this after the dotty bald guy at the DWP forced to do a 'U' Turn on pensions because this upset a few ageing women!  The fact that men suffer sexism regarding pensions makes no odds here, women work for less time (and do less at work) get all the benefits in law, and now whine because a few might lose a little while most men lose much! This PC PM spends to much time on PR instead of leading the country. Is this the fiftieth 'U' Turn of his year or have we long past that mark?  


Our friend BIG RAB has a wonderful post regarding Cameron's abuse of the RAF and his costly needless war for Libya's oil.. His abuse of the RAF follows on from his abuse of the Navy only the other day. Having sold all the ships and their aircraft he wants the Navy to work beyond their capabilities and shut up about it. He even brought the First Lord in to shout him down, probably with a 'Fag' to stand nearby in case the Admiral got rough. Clegg needs to show his support somehow. Sir Simon Bryant, Air Chief Marshall of the RAF, is now informing the poor rich boy that they don't have the pilots to cover two wars! Not enough pilots, not enough planes, not enough spare parts or mechanics and 5000 to lose their jobs!  "We are all in this together says the man in a thousand pound suit!"  He needs to change that to "You are all in a dole queue, but I'm all right Jack!"  The RAF are claiming we cannot go on much longer. Gaddafi must be removed in three months as we fall apart then.  I await this brave man's redundancy notice coming through the post.  


How much longer will we have to put up with this boy in charge?  He has so many failings and there is no opposition to him anywhere. What an Attlee or indeed any other Labour leader could do to him! Instead sitting opposite is ....whatsisname?  Both front benches are full of middle class liberals who have never worked in their lives. The 'Punk' generation have arrived and that generation had nothing to say at the time and shows it today. 'Me first,' 'my needs are what counts,'  is the attitude.  We had leaders who had fought through war, Callaghan and Heath, this was followed by 'Baby Boomers' few of whom reached power in the UK it must be said. "Make love not war," was the chant as that generation attempted a better society, much of which was lost to VD and drug addiction. Clinton in the US got to the top and tried to be another JFK but this time the media would not keep quiet. Now we have those brought up with a 'silver spoon' in their gobs with no concern for anyone but their advancement telling real people how to live. At least the mad baroness had run a shop at one time, overcharging her customers and blaming everyone but herself for the faults I suspect, and those were attitudes the bitch never lost. 


A shocking mob we have of public school louts looking down at us these days. Bring back Attlee I say! Public school educated maybe but non pretentious, considerate for others, with a 'can do' attitude, and don't let the powerful run over the rest, that's what we need today. Although someone running a government Jag, or perhaps a Centurion Tank over 'Dave' would be of benefit to us all.

Daily Record

It started yesterday, Wimbledon I mean. "Will Andy win?" "Will it rain?" "Do I care?" Well NO! is the answer to that!  Wimbledon means two weeks of total coverage of this middle class game, fawning over Andy until he gets knocked out, then girning about the 'miserable Scot.' He will be 'British' until he loses when, as you will understand, he becomes a 'Scot' once again. English racism, ingrained in the media, knows no end. Can he actually win Wimbledon? I suspect this is the one major he does have a chance of winning,but with Nadal and Ferarer or whatever his name is I doubt he will. These two, and the unpronounceable other fellow are a step higher than 'Our Andy.'  He may get to a semi final, possibly the final, but I cannot see him win. 

It might make better television if this slab of grass down Church Road was to be sold off and turned into 'social housing.' 'Social Housing' in Wimbledon? More chance of Maggie Thatcher having pictures of Che Guevara on the wall!  For two weeks every year we are subject to this monotony. Incessant babble, rain covered tennis courts, replays of past tennis, banal talk from ex players, and Sue Barker who at least we can look at.  Tennis is dominated by women of course, they tend top prefer games which are one v one rather than team games and turn out in their thousands for this. In the early eighties we delivered around Wimbledon, as early as possible due to the crowds and the alteration to the roads, and up Church Road were several thousand fans, mostly young females, who had been there all night awaiting the doors opening. We had one question, what did they do for the loo?  There was no obvious answer to that!  There was a suggestion that to save money the Formula 1 and Wimbledon may be dumped! Wooppeee! I say. Now if we can just get the BBC to spend the cash on football and take it from ITV we are on a winner!  

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Barley

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I walked out to the edge of town this morning and wandered slowly (I don't do fast) along gazing at the fields of Barley growing far too slowly for the farmers liking, and watched the Swifts cavort over my head. What a lovely way to spend the early morn. I suppose the Barley is headed for beer or whisky use although some goes into foodstuffs and other uses. Rabbie Burns often called whisky 'John Barleycorn,' as I am sure the literary amongst you would realise.  Barley was the first grain to be domesticated and was known around ten thousand years ago. When Jesus taught his men to pray, "Give us our daily bread," most would have considered he meant Barley Bread as this was the cheap staple of most people. Wheat Bread cost around three times as much! It is fair to say that as a staple it was worth much more than the bread so many of us eat today. Most white bread and a great deal of brown stuff bought from supermarkets is so bad for us. The requirement for shelf life has led to a manipulation of bread to make it dangerous for us to keep eating. Some doctors are beginning to believe that this is a major cause of much illness!  The bread of Jesus day would not have anything taken out, and better still nothing put in!  There are many additives in bread that the producers do not have to identify on the label. Can this be good for us?  It is time to review what we are stuffing into ourselves, and I know for a fact that this government will do nothing to hinder big business, will they?

As I walked, still chewing the breakfast toast that lingered, I looked skywards and attempted to count the host of fast moving Swifts that gamboled in the sky. At first there was twelve, or was it twenty, the brutes kept moving, left and right, up and down, swooping at high speed past my ear and racing to the far reaches of the field and returning high above. It was like untangling a ball of string, it just cannot be done!  I decided there was forty or more birds, then looked higher and found a cloud of them over the By-Pass. Maybe fifty, let's say.....no, let's move on as watching the birds I have just walked into a youthful oak tree and knocked my cap off. Who put that there at the side off the pathway? Returning the branches to where they belonged I moved on, always looking for a better picture than the one shown, amazed that these birds kept going without any break. They appeared not to contact one another, no two chased one another, they were all happily running about madly in the sky, I think just having fun! Imagine coming all the way from Central Africa to cavort in southern England? Would you?

 
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The UK Summer

Here we are in the middle of 'Flaming June' when the temperature reaches for the skies!  Unfortunately the Americans send us their old hurricanes and left over rain clouds and this spoils the season somewhat. This picture is typical British summertime!  The sun shines brightly on the trees and thunderclouds line up behind ready to wash the land below. This one burst about an hour ago and it is still raining now, although not with the venom thrown at the beginning.

I cleaned out a couple of cupboards the other day and as you do made some great finds!  For one I found a Black ink cartridge for the printer, and this after I had struggled around trying to find a cheap one the other week when one ran out. Isn't it the way? Among the dust, clearly someone had died in that drawer, there was a mass of photographs long forgotten.  I scanned some of the more acceptable ones in and among them was a picture I took of typical Edinburgh New Town railings. Many of these must have been nicked during the war when a all railings were used for the war effort, even though most were of little use, and I suppose being part of gardens owned by the 'important people' these were allowed to remain!  Some things never change. This is the sort of thing Edinburgh folk pass every day and take for granted, it is only by living so far away that I notice such things when I return. It is always the way that good pictures are all around but because it is a daily occurrence we cannot see them!  Another picture is found on my Photo page. 

As you come down the steps from Calton Hill onto Waterloo place, not advised after visiting the local hostelries, you will note the rail that divides the stairs. At the bottom of each is this skillful representation of a lion, often found wandering around Edinburgh, making a nice end to the rail. It doesn't say much, it just sticks the tongue out as you pass.  

   

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Blue Tits

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This somewhat faded shot was taken a few years ago when the Blue Tits and Green-finches would spend the day fighting over the peanuts freely on offer. Today I checked the feeders and found almost none had been attacked. I realised that when I stopped throwing bread out the window to attract the birds (I stopped this because neighbours were finding rats appearing) birds may not be so easy to attract. Hard winters have killed of those that had found this feeding station and new ones are not being attracted. However while one or two Tits have shown themselves there has been no sign of the Green-finches. There appear to be fewer in the area round about and this is a pity. It means I spent all that cash on Nuts and may have to eat them all myself!

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Nothing to Say

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And that is after scraping the bottom of the barrel!

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Monday

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So the other day they announce that an official 'drought' has begun in much of Eastern England. (Droughts are unknown in Scotland you can rest assured!)  The day this was made public it began to rain and has not ceased since. If it is not full time rain it is what they weather girls like to call 'showers.'  I remember one such shower when I was a postman, it began at six in the morning and finished just after I got back to the sorting office - at half past twelve!  Apart from the farmers beginning to count the cash that will soon drop into their wide laps the rest of us just carry on as normal, why? because this is normal for a British summer innit?  One question arises, if there is a 'drought,' why do the council allow this fountain to operate? Is this one where the water is recycled? Possibly, although it is certainly clean water, especially after some wag put a lot of washing up liquid in the thing. The soap suds were there for days and the council had to clean the whole lot out! I bet he doesn't do the dishes at home.


Doing the dishes reminds me of an Alan Wicker story. he was doing one of his series from the USA and he came across a big house, a 'Dallas' style house, occupied by a married couple and the 'nanny.' They were not young, nor were they old, but they had got money! There arose a dispute, concerning dishes. The three of them argued about who's job it was to put the dishes into the dishwasher (they never thought about just washing up like normal folks) and the dispute grew some. In the end they visited a psychiatrist to find a solution for their problem. Why?  Because they were American and at that date that is what the chattering classes were doing. The result of the visits, they used paper plates! Doesn't it make you weep?

We do not undergo such problems as we know that women have smaller feet than men, this allows them to stand closer to the kitchen sink.

 

"Come to the edge," I said.

"No, we're afraid."

"Come to the edge."

"No... We're afraid. We'll fall."

"Come to the edge," I said again.

And they came.

And I pushed them.

And they flew.

— Christopher Logue

                                                           'Acquired' from the excellent Max

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Telly Savalas visits Aberdeen

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                                     http://www.youtube.com/user/AberdeenTelly

                                           Do you think he actually went there.....?

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Crossing the Forth Bridge

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Tomatoes

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Good job I'm not one to complain. Sitting here as I do, with a pile of shredded Lottery tickets at my side, now reaching up to the top of the waste bin, and having so little excitement yesterday that just buying a large bag of tomatoes for a pound became a moment to cheer. Nothing else had happened, and it failed to happen all day. The cheering was not repeated today when I entered the dole office to sign on (yet) again and scrawl 'Scrounger' on the piece of paper thrust towards me. The discovery that a new lass was learning the job, a Pole, somewhat irked my constantly good natured  persona.  Now, thought I blearily, how come I am one struggling to find work, and failed to acquire a job in the dole office a while back through an administrative error, yet new people are appearing here on a regular basis and no jobs have been advertised? How come I am not doing that job? It was as I slunk out I began to rouse my rage and once again feel the world is against me. Did I not pass that test? Did I not succeed during the interview? Did I not get the letter informing me that I was 'On the waiting list?' Yet it collapsed because that form was missing through a blunder.  Did I not try a second time when the interviews once more arose? Did I not make plans to attend the meeting in that absurd out of the way spot? Was it my fault that this was the day slimy Joe nicked all the copper wire from the signals and left me high and dry? There is no doubt that this is a Conservative/Lib-Dem plot to drive me barmy! It cannot be anything else! 


Peeved I was when I returned to my slum (which was quite nice when I moved in, I wonder what happened?).  I responded to this situation in a suitable manner I felt. I came home and fell asleep. I did however eat some tomatoes later in the day.


(Tomatoes, I will have you know, are pronounced 'Tomato' by the way, and not 'Tomato,' I don't want any needless arguments on that one!


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Garage Doors

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The other morning I cycled, uphill all to often, down to the far off village. Among the interesting old buildings, now modernised and overpriced, I came across an old weatherboard barn like structure, now somewhat in need of renovation, and to the side of this now deserted structure I found a garage! Doors failing to fit properly, if indeed they ever did, windows slightly cleaner than mine I must admit, and paint still revealing an attraction greater than any soap opera to my mind. However if you look closer you will find one of the phenomena of our times. Yes indeed, in spite of the bedraggled appearance, the 'For Sale' sign, and a door not used since 1989 someone has inserted a free newspaper into the letterbox!
What is it about 'free papers?' You may well recall the episode of 'One Foot in the Grave' where the happy couple return from holiday in Spain to find their house had burnt down. All that remained was the front door and a little bit of wall on either side. It is night, glumly he pushes open the door to stare at the charred mess that lies before him. Stiffening up he turns and yells, "Would you believe it? They have put the free paper through the door, and it's todays! They have pushed this through the letterbox although there is no house standing!" It is funny because it is so true! Now I must say that postmen usually do the same thing. If a house has been burnt it does not stop the mail going into it. This however is done for a reason. Usually the house has been secured by the authorities, the mail belongs to the recipient who could be anywhere, or even dead, and the law states such mail must be delivered until the recipient informs the sorting office of th new address. (And today will probably be charged a fortune for this!) 

This is yours for a mere £145,000. All you have to do is renovate it, permission already granted, and turn the 'Old Forge,' one of the oldest of the towns businesses, into a modern dwelling that you can sell for four times what you pay for it. I like it as it is, but I suspect fussy people would want a proper roof put on it before moving in.


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Wet Monday!

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The day started by appreciating the rain teeming down outside. "That will please the farmers," said I. There was no point in being upset myself, so I just got on with life, in my usual 'happy go lucky manner.' Tsk! A bit of rain and people grumble so. I am not one to complain myself as I see no point in this as it gets us nowhere, so I just got on with my day, smiling cheerfully at those passing by outside. Few returned my smiles however, but I suppose at six thirty in the morning some folks find happiness difficult? Anyway as I browsed the papers I noticed that a camera similar to this one, which I believe to be a replica rather than an original  :-

Leica 0                         

a 'Leica 0.'  An original one of these was sold at auction for one million pounds! One million just for a camera made in 1923? I had a Leica from the 1930's and found it difficult to get the best out of the thing, mostly because I am an idiot, partly because it takes some getting used to. These are the 'Rolls Royce' of cameras however and most owners have their cameras serviced regularly, and at a price most of us would not pay for a camera in the first place!. However most owners are professional or serious amateurs and use them constantly, so the cost is worth it. I would be happy to own one of their latest digital efforts mind you, if I could afford the three thousand pounds.....

A sad situation nearby today. One of the streets in which I used to deliver mail saw the murder of the woman and her child, a toddler under three. A man shot himself, apparently, when surrounded by police. A cheery lass from what I remember, although it is some time since I was there, and very sad that a child died because a  man is not allowed to see her, if that indeed was the cause. How emotion, selfishness, and anger get the better of us!  So many people appear able to find guns these days, I suppose that tells you something about those who carry them!

How I laughed this afternoon. I noticed the rain had ceased teeming down and the sun was attempting to break through the, now white, clouds. I decided it was time to move! I gathered the bag of old clothes and detritus other goodies and took it down to the charity shop for mental folk. (In Edinburgh these are called 'Hibernian Supporters') and deposited it there. Walking out of the shop I noted the sun on my face and happily strolled down the hill to the cemetery where I continued my search for dead Great War soldiers. As the four I wished to find did not have the regulation 'War Graves' headstones I knew it would be a bit of a slog. I found one, eventually, and one or two other interesting finds when there including a soldier not mentioned on the website. The rain returned and encouraged me to make my way home, up the hill, and so I came back, happy, slightly damp, and wondering how long my cheery life will continue like this? Or words to that effect...

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To What Purpose?

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                                                                               Sky News

Last night two Apache Helicopters flew from one of the few remaining Royal Navy ships and attacked targets in Libya. To what purpose I ask? I still find it difficult to comprehend the reasons for being in this conflict in the first place!

Alongside our French comrades (they also sent helicopters after targets last night but our media tends to play that down) we have been bombing and strafing Libya for how long now? This was, we were told, a short intervention to support the peoples demand for a removal of Gaddafi, but he still remains and we are still unsure as to who exactly these 'people' who rebel actually are!

Where is this leading? Nobody knows. Removing Gaddafi may well be a good idea, but is that not the Libyans problem, not ours?  We really want him out, and his oil under our control, yet we are caught in this stand-off about which we can do little.  A short intervention we were told, costs covered by reserve cash, yet already a billion, possibly three, have been wasted on 'Dave's' adventure in 'macho' politics. Like most of 'Dave's' PR stunts this one is not working and looks like it will soon be costing us more servicemen for no good reason! Have we not wasted enough of our men in a needless intervention in Iraq 'Dave?' Another died in a failed operation in Afghanistan last night, just how many more 'Dave?' And for what?

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Excercise and Cycling Early in the Morning.

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Start the day the proper way I say. Stretch both arms high. Ooooooh, not that far.
Stretch again, left arm,
right arm,
left arm,
right arm, ooo let's stop that there.
Touch toes, oooh slowly.  And again, and again, and again.
Grab ankle and pull left leg up behind and streeeeeetcch. 
Now the right one, streeeeetttccchhh.
No more off that!
Swivel head to the left,
the right,
the left,
the right,
the lef...no hold that, I'm getting dizzy now.
Chest expanders now.
Puuuuuullllll oooooh, tsk. I think that can wait.
Stretch arms again,
and again,
and again,
Deep breaths,
In. Out.
In. Out.
In. Out.
In. Out.Right, time to get out of bed.

What a morning! Bright sunshine, clear blue sky, slight breeze. I must get on the bike!
Twenty to six and I am off up the road.
Should I go to the left and up the old railway, or carry on and go down the cutting to the...oh never mind I am not awake and have gone straight on anyway. Early it may be but white van man is about. I know this as he has just attempted to reveal how many coats of paint covers his van. I wish he had found some way other than using my handlebars to do this!  Builders pass by in painted vans, rushing to overcharge their customers and find excuses not to complete the work while the sun shines. Folk head for work, probably these are the ones with keys to open up for the rest, and factory or shop will soon ring to the happy sound of human voices wishing it was time to go home. A cleaner or two passes eager (?) to dust, polish and hoover for £5.96 an hour. I note them all as they head for their destination, although I would have been better noting the traffic lights there as that would have saved that man in the Skoda using language that does not suit this time of day.

I aim to turn off for the railway but fail to negotiate the bend (maybe this is too early?) and am heading down the steep hill at breakneck speed holding the handlebars with two hands and my cap with another. I can foresee trouble ahead!  At the bottom of the hill I pass an adolescent lassie delivering the morning papers, or at least judging by the speed she is progressing possibly it is the weekly free paper she began delivering yesterday?

I grunt and puff as I struggle up the other side of the hill and looking to my right, and avoiding 'P. Grant. Builder and Handyman,' as he zooms along, and watch the sun rising over the fields. Visibility is at least ten miles although the dew is causing a very light haze that makes me eager to stop and take pictures. Summer mornings have a joy all of their own! However if I stop on this slope I may not start again so I continue. I pass through the village full of aged buildings which are very much at variance with the nature of the road that lies in front of them, and turn off into the station (2 miles and 17 chains distance from home) and begin the run home down the slope. Today I am so glad of this slope! Five miles seems like fifty these days, why do teens have all the energy?

Home before six thirty in the morning. Breakfast, read the papers, blogs, e-mails, and it is almost time to do those things that have waited since yesterday.

I er, maybe I will do them later...... 


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