My attention is focused on an Atlantic low-pressure system that is currently heading our way. Its central pressure will deepen from 980 mbar at midnight last night to 945 mbar tonight. That's a very fast rate of development, and the weather charts tell me to expect very high winds. Gusts to 90 mph are forecast for the night. We're battening down the hatches up here. At the moment, it is bright and sunny, with a stiff breeze from the south. It is cold, only +4C. I know, over in the States there are places down to -35C at the moment (that's -30F).
The search for the 21-year old Merchant Navy cadet, missing since Boxing Day, continues in South Uist. The official search has been called off, but individual islanders are still going round.
The credit crunch is a prominent piece of news at the moment, and it is already having quite a serious effect on the economy. Chains of highstreet stores are closing down every day, car producers are feeling the pinch. And in the last four months ago, the oil producing nations around the Arabian peninsula have lost 2.5 trillion dollars in revenue. I am desperately searching for my ounce of compassion.
Saturday, 17 January 2009
Friday, 16 January 2009
Strange alert
I was checking the National Weather Service website when amongst all the possible alerts related to extreme weather featured a Child Abduction Alert. Curiosity drew me there - you can find it here. It is an effective way of drawing the public's attention to such an emergency. But a bit strange on a weather site nonetheless.
Extreme weather: high winds
We have a severe weather warning out for our area. Comhairle nan Eilean Siar = Western Isles Council.
- Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and Northern Constabulary are monitoring weather conditions in the Outer Hebrides as high winds are expected tomorrow night through to Sunday morning. Drivers are urged to exercise caution.
- Mainly Southerly winds of up to 80-
90mph are predicted during the overnight period and particularly around midnight. High tide will also occur around midnight.
- If the weather becomes severe, people are advised to stay indoors and not travel. Loose objects lying around in gardens etc. should be put away or secured.
- Neighbours and friends may wish to check that elderly people are okay.
- Bus services could be subject to alterations on Saturday night.
- The Comhairle and the Police will continue to monitor the situation and further information will be issued as appropriate through the media.
realdanger.co.uk | The real danger of counterfeit medicines
realdanger.co.uk | The real danger of counterfeit medicines
Posted using ShareThis
Beware when buying medicines off the Net. They may be counterfeit.
Posted using ShareThis
Beware when buying medicines off the Net. They may be counterfeit.
Friday 16 January
Good morning from a bright but windy Stornoway. Windy? Wait until midnight tomorrow night and you'll see us with winds of 50 mph and more. At the moment, it's doing 30 mph, so Aeolus is nicely sticking to the speedlimit.
Zimbabwe continues to be the number 1 disaster country in the world. The central bank has issued a banknote for 100,000,000,000,000 Z$, worth about 30 US$ at this moment. Inflation is running at 231,000,000%. Apart from the economy, health care is also in a state of collapse. Robert Mugabe was once a hero for his country. He has managed to wreck it.
Zimbabwe continues to be the number 1 disaster country in the world. The central bank has issued a banknote for 100,000,000,000,000 Z$, worth about 30 US$ at this moment. Inflation is running at 231,000,000%. Apart from the economy, health care is also in a state of collapse. Robert Mugabe was once a hero for his country. He has managed to wreck it.
Thursday, 15 January 2009
Evening notes
I am very relieved that the aircrash in New York City, where an airbus came down in the Hudson River, claimed no lives. The A320 struck a flock of birds, disabling its engines, and forcing the pilot to bring the plane to an emergency landing in the Hudson River. Passengers then evacuated the aircraft and stood on its wings and fuselage awaiting rescue. Ferry boats quickly came to their aid, and all 148 passengers and crew are safe.
The British government announced today that Heathrow Airport, west of London, will have a third runway. This means that hundreds of houses nearby will have to be demolished. It is claimed that tens of thousands of jobs will be created, and the congestion in the air alleviated. More details here.
John McDonnell, who is the MP for Hayes and Harlington, the constituency in which Heathrow lies, walked onto the floor of the House and seized the ceremonial Commons Mace in protest. He was named by the Deputy Speaker, which means the Honourable Member is censured - in the case of Mr McDonnell, he is banned from the House for a week.
If you are in the eastern or central USA, please take care in the current extreme conditions. I have access to a website showing weather conditions across the States, and I don't envy anyone who has to put up with daytime temperatures of -30C. Strange to see temperatures in California up to +25C at the same time.
The British government announced today that Heathrow Airport, west of London, will have a third runway. This means that hundreds of houses nearby will have to be demolished. It is claimed that tens of thousands of jobs will be created, and the congestion in the air alleviated. More details here.
John McDonnell, who is the MP for Hayes and Harlington, the constituency in which Heathrow lies, walked onto the floor of the House and seized the ceremonial Commons Mace in protest. He was named by the Deputy Speaker, which means the Honourable Member is censured - in the case of Mr McDonnell, he is banned from the House for a week.
If you are in the eastern or central USA, please take care in the current extreme conditions. I have access to a website showing weather conditions across the States, and I don't envy anyone who has to put up with daytime temperatures of -30C. Strange to see temperatures in California up to +25C at the same time.
Remembering Today - 15 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Able Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lower Garrabost,
Son of Donald and Christina Macleod, of 23, Garrabost, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Attentive II
Service number: Mersey Z/769
Date of death: 15 January 1917 at the age of 22
Died of wounds, in hospital
Interred: Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
Memorial reference: IV. D. 4.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Able Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 23 Lower Garrabost,
Son of Donald and Christina Macleod, of 23, Garrabost, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve, HMS Attentive II
Service number: Mersey Z/769
Date of death: 15 January 1917 at the age of 22
Died of wounds, in hospital
Interred: Ramscappelle Road Military Cemetery, Belgium
Memorial reference: IV. D. 4.
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Windy nook
We're in for a couple of rough days out here. The lampposts swing in the wind, you can barely walk up or down the street and bits and pieces go thump in the night. The Calmac disruptions table (that's the ferries, shown above) has more red/orange than green, meaning that nothing moves. And it's only a force 7 (gusting to 45 mph). On Saturday, we can look forward to our third storm of the winter. One positive note: after my iced-up feet of yesterday (outside temps of 4C), it is now a lot milder at 10C, as I indicated in previous posting.
15 January
Breezy day, with the wind up to force 7 at the moment. Temperature has risen through the night, from 4C at sunset to 10C at the moment. Saturday looks like a very stormy day, possibly the third force 11 storm this winter.
The islanders of Rum voted 15 to 2 in favour of taking control of their own island. No indigenous islanders are left, they are all employees of SNH. However, they are determined to make it a place for themselves, and I wish them every success. Kinloch Castle is not included in the buy-out; that remains in the stewardship of SNH.
The islanders of Rum voted 15 to 2 in favour of taking control of their own island. No indigenous islanders are left, they are all employees of SNH. However, they are determined to make it a place for themselves, and I wish them every success. Kinloch Castle is not included in the buy-out; that remains in the stewardship of SNH.
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
The Internet
Do you remember sitting in a chatroom, watching people chat, or even chatting yourself? Do you remember receiving so many forwards that your mailbox was ready to explode? How about receiving an email from someone just searching for a friend. Did you wonder who these people might be that are behind the keyboard?
Online we meet new people from all around the world. Some we chat with just once and then we go on. Others we chat with time and time again, and a friendship is made. Others become our email buddies, and we look forward to their emails each day, but have you ever really wondered who was really behind the keyboard?
So often we meet a friend in chat we stay up all night chatting, sometimes we laugh so hard we cannot type, other times we cry and our keyboards are stained from tears. We chat about our lives and help solve each others' problems, we lend a shoulder if we can. Did you ever think to yourself,
who is really behind that keyboard?
Did you ever chat with someone that promised you the world and that your friendship will be forever, and then they are gone? Do you forget about them and move on, or do you wonder "who was that person really, that was behind the keyboard?
Have you ever hid behind your keyboard, pretending to be something you are not, just to boost your ego? As you sat there and typed have you ever lied, thinking "who cares, the person behind the keyboard, it is only a fake person?" Did you ever hurt someone thinking "it's only a game"?
Well, behind each and every keyboard are very real people, some might be heartless cold people, not caring who they hurt, but then there are people that are caring, loyal, honest and all kinds of people hoping for some companionship online.
Behind the keyboard can be someone who is seriously depressed and their only hope is to make a friend, maybe an aging person who once had a family, but now they live too far apart to see one another, perhaps there is someone that cannot walk anymore or a
person so ill they are in the house forever.
As we enter the world of the internet we should remember, it is a very real world and behind each and every keyboard is a person who has a heart. No one has a life that is pain free, so as we go online whether in chat or just emailing, we must remember to treat each person the way we want to be treated, to respect each others' feelings, and to offer friendship, because the truth is we really do not know who is behind the keyboard or what kind of hurt someone may be feeling. To be the best to others that you can be should be the "key" to a good, honest life.
Forwarded to me in 2005
Online we meet new people from all around the world. Some we chat with just once and then we go on. Others we chat with time and time again, and a friendship is made. Others become our email buddies, and we look forward to their emails each day, but have you ever really wondered who was really behind the keyboard?
So often we meet a friend in chat we stay up all night chatting, sometimes we laugh so hard we cannot type, other times we cry and our keyboards are stained from tears. We chat about our lives and help solve each others' problems, we lend a shoulder if we can. Did you ever think to yourself,
who is really behind that keyboard?
Did you ever chat with someone that promised you the world and that your friendship will be forever, and then they are gone? Do you forget about them and move on, or do you wonder "who was that person really, that was behind the keyboard?
Have you ever hid behind your keyboard, pretending to be something you are not, just to boost your ego? As you sat there and typed have you ever lied, thinking "who cares, the person behind the keyboard, it is only a fake person?" Did you ever hurt someone thinking "it's only a game"?
Well, behind each and every keyboard are very real people, some might be heartless cold people, not caring who they hurt, but then there are people that are caring, loyal, honest and all kinds of people hoping for some companionship online.
Behind the keyboard can be someone who is seriously depressed and their only hope is to make a friend, maybe an aging person who once had a family, but now they live too far apart to see one another, perhaps there is someone that cannot walk anymore or a
person so ill they are in the house forever.
As we enter the world of the internet we should remember, it is a very real world and behind each and every keyboard is a person who has a heart. No one has a life that is pain free, so as we go online whether in chat or just emailing, we must remember to treat each person the way we want to be treated, to respect each others' feelings, and to offer friendship, because the truth is we really do not know who is behind the keyboard or what kind of hurt someone may be feeling. To be the best to others that you can be should be the "key" to a good, honest life.
Forwarded to me in 2005
Remembering Today - 14 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman MURDO GUNN
Last address in Lewis: North Tolsta
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke I
Service number: 1565/C
Date of death: January, 14th, 1920 at the age of 44
Died of illness
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Seaman MURDO GUNN
Last address in Lewis: North Tolsta
Regiment or division: Royal Navy, HMS Pembroke I
Service number: 1565/C
Date of death: January, 14th, 1920 at the age of 44
Died of illness
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Isle of Rum
In my previous post, I mentioned the island of Rum. Just a few facts.
Rum was cleared of its indigenous population in the 1820s, who were packed off to Canada. None now remain. Private owners have kept the island as their playground, taking them shooting and fishing. At the end of the 19th century, the Bullough family, textile tycoons from Accrington in Lancashire (England) decided to build a castle there. Kinloch Castle remains as it was at the start of the 20th century, with mind-boggling opulence in an area of Scotland more noted for its grinding poverty at the time. A Steinway grand-piano (which I played twice), 8 ft high Japanese vases, a billiard room. At one time, conservatories lined the exterior of the castle, fully heated. Humming birds flitted around these, until the central heating broke. Their remains are now pinned up in a glass case. Kinloch Castle was occupied by its owner for 6 weeks out of every 52 in the year. Its demise began with the First World War, when the staff were called up. By 1957, the last owner, Lady Monica, had been taken across the island to be laid to rest in the family mausoleum at Harris (different from the Harris south of Lewis). The Nature Conservancy Council were gifted the island for a nominal amount, and they established a study area for red deer.
Rum is a stunning place, but also very sad. Author John Love wrote a book about its history, called A Landscape without Figures. Permanent population 0. Current population is all workers for SNH (successor to NCC).
This set on Flickr.com shows 128 images of the island, including many from within Kinloch Castle. I told its history in a post on Northern Trip from October 2007, when I last visited. A photo compilation can be viewed here. The orchestrion plays here.
Rum was cleared of its indigenous population in the 1820s, who were packed off to Canada. None now remain. Private owners have kept the island as their playground, taking them shooting and fishing. At the end of the 19th century, the Bullough family, textile tycoons from Accrington in Lancashire (England) decided to build a castle there. Kinloch Castle remains as it was at the start of the 20th century, with mind-boggling opulence in an area of Scotland more noted for its grinding poverty at the time. A Steinway grand-piano (which I played twice), 8 ft high Japanese vases, a billiard room. At one time, conservatories lined the exterior of the castle, fully heated. Humming birds flitted around these, until the central heating broke. Their remains are now pinned up in a glass case. Kinloch Castle was occupied by its owner for 6 weeks out of every 52 in the year. Its demise began with the First World War, when the staff were called up. By 1957, the last owner, Lady Monica, had been taken across the island to be laid to rest in the family mausoleum at Harris (different from the Harris south of Lewis). The Nature Conservancy Council were gifted the island for a nominal amount, and they established a study area for red deer.
Rum is a stunning place, but also very sad. Author John Love wrote a book about its history, called A Landscape without Figures. Permanent population 0. Current population is all workers for SNH (successor to NCC).
This set on Flickr.com shows 128 images of the island, including many from within Kinloch Castle. I told its history in a post on Northern Trip from October 2007, when I last visited. A photo compilation can be viewed here. The orchestrion plays here.
14 January 2009
Bright and sunny day out here, with no wind. Temperatures not very high, 4C / 39F, and high-level cloud is moving in from the south.
In the Isle of Rum, 100 miles south of here, residents are voting to take over management of certain amenities. Rum is an island, measuring 8 by 8 miles, showing a diamond shape on the map. It has some stunning scenery, with mountains rearing up to 2,800 feet about sealevel. It has been owned by government agency Scottish Natural Heritage (and its predecessors) since 1957, and was a study area for red deer for many years. The 17 adults who are eligible to vote are expected to agree to the takeover. Their plans include the establishment of 5 new crofts and the building of new housing, which would take the number of residents from 30 to 80. I'll devote a separate post to the island. Knowing one of the prime movers behind this buy-out move personally, I have no doubt that this will be a success.
In the Isle of Rum, 100 miles south of here, residents are voting to take over management of certain amenities. Rum is an island, measuring 8 by 8 miles, showing a diamond shape on the map. It has some stunning scenery, with mountains rearing up to 2,800 feet about sealevel. It has been owned by government agency Scottish Natural Heritage (and its predecessors) since 1957, and was a study area for red deer for many years. The 17 adults who are eligible to vote are expected to agree to the takeover. Their plans include the establishment of 5 new crofts and the building of new housing, which would take the number of residents from 30 to 80. I'll devote a separate post to the island. Knowing one of the prime movers behind this buy-out move personally, I have no doubt that this will be a success.
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Remembering Today - 13 January
On this day in the First World War, these four men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman JOHN STEWART
Last address in Lewis: 50 Vatisker
Son of Kenneth Stewart, of 50, Vatisker, Back, Stornoway.
Regiment / service: HMS Pembroke, Royal Navy
Service number: 3131/A
Date of death: 13 January 1917 at the age of 27
Died of illness
Memorial / cemetery: Gress Cemetery
Local memorial: Back
Seaman DUNCAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue
Son of Malcolm and Kirsty McKinnon, of Brue Barvas; husband of Annie McKinnon, of 18, Brue Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 3053/B
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 40
Drowned in mining of HMS Viknor
Memorial: Chatham Naval, panel 14
Seaman ALEX MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 26 Leurbost
Son of Donald and Margaret Maciver, of 26, Luerbost, Locks, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 2523A
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Private KENNETH MACINNES
Last address in Lewis: 3 Coulregrein
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 10637
Date of death: 13 January 1916
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial / cemetery: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman JOHN STEWART
Last address in Lewis: 50 Vatisker
Son of Kenneth Stewart, of 50, Vatisker, Back, Stornoway.
Regiment / service: HMS Pembroke, Royal Navy
Service number: 3131/A
Date of death: 13 January 1917 at the age of 27
Died of illness
Memorial / cemetery: Gress Cemetery
Local memorial: Back
Seaman DUNCAN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 18 Brue
Son of Malcolm and Kirsty McKinnon, of Brue Barvas; husband of Annie McKinnon, of 18, Brue Barvas, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 3053/B
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 40
Drowned in mining of HMS Viknor
Memorial: Chatham Naval, panel 14
Seaman ALEX MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 26 Leurbost
Son of Donald and Margaret Maciver, of 26, Luerbost, Locks, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMS Viknor, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 2523A
Date of death: 13 January 1915 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by mine
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 14
Private KENNETH MACINNES
Last address in Lewis: 3 Coulregrein
Regiment / service: 1st, Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 10637
Date of death: 13 January 1916
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial / cemetery: Basra Memorial, Iraq, Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Close of era
Ken points out that when the Bush family leave the White House in a week from now, they will do so minus one family member: their cat. The 18-year old feline died on Sunday.
I never had a lot of time for George W.'s politics (Iraq, Katrina, US healthcare to name but a few disasters), but as a cat-lover myself feel very sad that he and his family lost Sierra. Her death will certainly mark the end of an era, in more ways than one.
From a personal point of view, I wish them well.
I never had a lot of time for George W.'s politics (Iraq, Katrina, US healthcare to name but a few disasters), but as a cat-lover myself feel very sad that he and his family lost Sierra. Her death will certainly mark the end of an era, in more ways than one.
From a personal point of view, I wish them well.
13 January
Bright and sunny this afternoon, not cloudless though. Am watching the lunchtime ferry coming into port, a wee bit on the late side. Further south, the search is continuing for the seaman, who went missing in the early hours of Boxing Day. A helicopter undertook several sweeps of the area in the north of the island of South Uist, some 75 miles south of Stornoway. No trace was found, in spite of hopes that gales over the weekend would have uncovered something.
An on-line petition has been set up to be handed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown by April 20th, for him to investigate the excessive delivery charges for people in remote areas of Scotland, such as the Western Isles and Highlands. Anything delivered by Royal Mail, provided it weighs less than 25 kg, will be subject to one rate irrespective of destination. The same should apply to private delivery companies. Please note: only UK residents can sign the petition.
An on-line petition has been set up to be handed to Prime Minister Gordon Brown by April 20th, for him to investigate the excessive delivery charges for people in remote areas of Scotland, such as the Western Isles and Highlands. Anything delivered by Royal Mail, provided it weighs less than 25 kg, will be subject to one rate irrespective of destination. The same should apply to private delivery companies. Please note: only UK residents can sign the petition.
Monday, 12 January 2009
Remembering Today - 12 January
On this day in the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King & Country. RIP.
Seaman KENNETH JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 27 Upper Bayble
Regiment / service: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 12 January 1918 at the age of 24
Drowned off Italian coast
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Served with Gordons, discharged with strained heart, resulting from lifting heavy sandbags in trenches. Joined Navy.
Seaman KENNETH JOHN MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 27 Upper Bayble
Regiment / service: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 12 January 1918 at the age of 24
Drowned off Italian coast
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Served with Gordons, discharged with strained heart, resulting from lifting heavy sandbags in trenches. Joined Navy.
Kidney cancer support network
Jane, who suffers from kidney cancer, has written about an internet-based support network for sufferers, carers and others interested in that form of cancer. I would like to take this opportunity to relay the link - also check out Jane's post.
12 January
Good morning from the Western Isles, where the weather has finally come out of its weekend funk. The sun is out (through some grey clouds) and the rain has stopped - just. The gales that have buffeted us for two days have ceased.
Today 4 years ago, the islanders of South Uist were faced with the fact that five of their number had perished in the hurricane of the preceding night. Two children, their parents and a grandfather drowned when the cars they were travelling in were swamped and carried away by waves on the South Ford causeway, linking South Uist to Benbecula to the north. Their death is remembered today. The abiding image of that tragedy is reproduced below, courtesy BBC News.
Today 4 years ago, the islanders of South Uist were faced with the fact that five of their number had perished in the hurricane of the preceding night. Two children, their parents and a grandfather drowned when the cars they were travelling in were swamped and carried away by waves on the South Ford causeway, linking South Uist to Benbecula to the north. Their death is remembered today. The abiding image of that tragedy is reproduced below, courtesy BBC News.
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