Today 4 years ago, suicide bombers struck the London Underground system and a London Transport bus. They took 52 innocent people with them to their deaths, and left 700 injured. Today in 2009, a memorial for those lost will be unveiled in Hyde Park, London.
7/7 ranks alongside 9/11 in the list of dates of infamy that will not be forgotten. Neither will those that were lost in either atrocity.
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Monday, 6 July 2009
The Jolly Crossing
Just want to share this hilarious video - the imagery isn't that funny (crossing the Firth of Forth by train on a very dreich day), but the soundtrack is. Imagine half a dozen ladies heading for a hen-night in Edinburgh, it's 4pm and they're already hitting the Magners. Which they're sharing with half the train. A recipe for fun.
Sunday, 5 July 2009
Returned
I have returned from being away, but am currently posting on the Shell Gallery until next Saturday.
Friday, 26 June 2009
Friday 26 June
Another bright and sunny day, but with a coolish northeasterly breeze. Nonetheless, the mercury is sitting happily at 18C and there may be a few degrees on top of that before the afternoon is out.
The news is heavily dominated by the death of Michael Jackson at the age of 50. Brings back memories of the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, which sparked a similar media hype. Both had a great impact on the pop music scene in their own right. I am not a popmusic afficionado, so cannot comment further. RIP.
Unless I find something else to write about, this will be my last entry on this site until the week starting July 12th. Tomorrow, I am travelling to Yorkshire where I will join my father for a week's hols in the Dales. I have no Internet access there. I will post on Facebook as coverage allows. As of Sunday 5 July, I should be back on-line from Holland, and will resume posting on the Shell Gallery. It is also there that I shall relay my exploits and pictures from the stint in the Dales. My return to the Western Isles will be on July 11th, but I'm taking the long road back to Stornoway. I'm travelling through Oban on the west coast to the Uists, south of here, to photograph wargraves in the dozen cemeteries in those islands. I'll be back in Stornoway on July 15th, although if I get Internet access, I may resume posting on Atlantic Lines from the Uists before then.
The news is heavily dominated by the death of Michael Jackson at the age of 50. Brings back memories of the death of Elvis Presley in 1977, which sparked a similar media hype. Both had a great impact on the pop music scene in their own right. I am not a popmusic afficionado, so cannot comment further. RIP.
Unless I find something else to write about, this will be my last entry on this site until the week starting July 12th. Tomorrow, I am travelling to Yorkshire where I will join my father for a week's hols in the Dales. I have no Internet access there. I will post on Facebook as coverage allows. As of Sunday 5 July, I should be back on-line from Holland, and will resume posting on the Shell Gallery. It is also there that I shall relay my exploits and pictures from the stint in the Dales. My return to the Western Isles will be on July 11th, but I'm taking the long road back to Stornoway. I'm travelling through Oban on the west coast to the Uists, south of here, to photograph wargraves in the dozen cemeteries in those islands. I'll be back in Stornoway on July 15th, although if I get Internet access, I may resume posting on Atlantic Lines from the Uists before then.
Thursday, 25 June 2009
I have turned into a steady Twitter user, and find it a nice way to communicate with people on the Internet. But whatever you do, do NOT ask for help from Twitter Support. On 23 April this year, their database cracked up, meaning that a new contact got supplanted by scammers. I reported the matter as it deteriorated further and further. Fortunately, Twitter.com sorted the problem the next day. Twitter Support did get back to me. Tonight. 25 June. 63 days later. It is so poor it is just laughable.
Evening notes
The sun set 10 minutes ago, and the sky is colouring purple, pink and red. We reached 21C / 70F today and it felt quite warm. It certainly did in town, and away from the sea it will have been higher. As you may be aware, I sit here on the seafront, and the cool waters of the Atlantic certainly have a moderating influence on the weather.
I'm not a celebrity follower, but it is reported that Michael Jackson was taken to hospital by ambulance today, apparently not breathing when paramedics attended. Although I'm not a fan of him, I do hope MJ makes a good recovery.
Locally, the debate on Sunday ferries will take to the airwaves tomorrow afternoon at 5pm on local radiostation Isles FM.
I'm not a celebrity follower, but it is reported that Michael Jackson was taken to hospital by ambulance today, apparently not breathing when paramedics attended. Although I'm not a fan of him, I do hope MJ makes a good recovery.
Locally, the debate on Sunday ferries will take to the airwaves tomorrow afternoon at 5pm on local radiostation Isles FM.
Thursday 25 June
Bright, although the sun is slowly disappearing behind a thickening veil of high-level cloud. The temperature is kept back as a result, although 18C is still very creditable for this part of the world. Yesterday, the highest temperature in the Scotland was 26.2C, 80F, at Kinlochewe, in the northwest. Stornoway was the sunniest with 16.2 hours of sunshine. The theoretical maximum number of hours of sunshine is just over 18.
Wednesday, 24 June 2009
Wednesday 24 June
Summer is here! The mercury peaked at a magnificent 25C / 77F, which is quite rare in this neck of the woods. There is a weather warning out for torrential rainfall, but the rainfall radar shows no showers at all across northern Scotland. Sat outside for quite a while this morning and afternoon; at the moment, the sun is still out (and will remain out for another hour and a half), but so are the midges.
On Saturday, I shall depart these shores for a few weeks. For the first week, I am joining my dad for a stint in Yorkshire - without internet access. The second week will see me in Holland to see family; and the final week heralds my return to the Outer Hebrides with a visit to the southern isles. I'll be back in Stornoway in the evening of 15 July.
At the moment, I'm transcribing the local Roll of Honour. This involves manually copying scans of about 180 pages containing approximately 6,000 names. Needless to say it is a slow process which will take me several weeks.
On Saturday, I shall depart these shores for a few weeks. For the first week, I am joining my dad for a stint in Yorkshire - without internet access. The second week will see me in Holland to see family; and the final week heralds my return to the Outer Hebrides with a visit to the southern isles. I'll be back in Stornoway in the evening of 15 July.
At the moment, I'm transcribing the local Roll of Honour. This involves manually copying scans of about 180 pages containing approximately 6,000 names. Needless to say it is a slow process which will take me several weeks.
Tuesday, 23 June 2009
Tuesday 23 June
It's nearly 11.30pm, and the day is practically done. It was a bright and sunny day, but the first occurrence of our summer pests, the midges, has left me scratching all day. The mercury nudged up to 19C in the afternoon, although cloud and wind made it feel rather cool at times.
There is no indication as to the fate of the two crew missing from the yacht Actuel, found adrift some 700 miles southeast of its last reported position. Apparently, its sail was torn and partly furled as well as reefed, indicating that the weather may have been stormy. Loose items were lying to one side of the vessel. She did not carry the legally required emergency position beacon, which activates when immersed in water or rolled over, which might have happened. Thoughts go out to the relatives of the missing; experienced yachtsmen Gaétan de la Goublaye, 62 and his friend Denis Guilmin, 47.
Locally, there will be a radio debate on Friday about the Sunday sailings. Judging by the furious exchange of views in the local news website, this could be interesting. If you can be bothered, the debate is carried live on Isles FM (http://isles.fm) from 1700 BST, that's 1200 EDT in the US.
There is no indication as to the fate of the two crew missing from the yacht Actuel, found adrift some 700 miles southeast of its last reported position. Apparently, its sail was torn and partly furled as well as reefed, indicating that the weather may have been stormy. Loose items were lying to one side of the vessel. She did not carry the legally required emergency position beacon, which activates when immersed in water or rolled over, which might have happened. Thoughts go out to the relatives of the missing; experienced yachtsmen Gaétan de la Goublaye, 62 and his friend Denis Guilmin, 47.
Locally, there will be a radio debate on Friday about the Sunday sailings. Judging by the furious exchange of views in the local news website, this could be interesting. If you can be bothered, the debate is carried live on Isles FM (http://isles.fm) from 1700 BST, that's 1200 EDT in the US.
Missing yacht found - but empty
The yacht "Actuel", which was reported missing last week has been spotted empty, some 400 miles west of the Azores in mid Atlantic. The craft set forth from St-Pierre-Miquelon (Canada) and had not been heard of for several weeks. The fate of its crew is unknown, but they are missing, presumed dead.
With thanks to DearMissMermaid over in Tortola for supplying this sad update.
With thanks to DearMissMermaid over in Tortola for supplying this sad update.
Monday, 22 June 2009
Monday 22 June
Overcast but only with low cloud. Brightness looms over the Minch, to the southeast of my position. Locally, the row over Sunday sailings continues in the Letters page of the local news website. Yawn.
Slightly more interesting, if you're into politics, is the assertion that our parliamentary representatives for London and Edinburgh were briefed about the proposed scaling back and associated joblosses in Uist. Yet they did nothing, apart from bluster in their respective parliaments. Allegedly. I'm waiting for the conflagration.
For reference: we have an MP, who sits in the UK parliament in Westminster, London. We also have an MSP (Member of Scottish Parliament) who sits in the Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh. Their political affiliation is Scottish National Party, which advocates complete independence for Scotland; the SNP is the current party of government in Edinburgh. It should be noted that the Scottish government does not have jurisdiction over issues of Defense, which is what the job losses in Uist are about. The isle of South Uist (where the rocket range is located) lies about 80 miles south of Stornoway, and the range is the largest employer in the island.
Slightly more interesting, if you're into politics, is the assertion that our parliamentary representatives for London and Edinburgh were briefed about the proposed scaling back and associated joblosses in Uist. Yet they did nothing, apart from bluster in their respective parliaments. Allegedly. I'm waiting for the conflagration.
For reference: we have an MP, who sits in the UK parliament in Westminster, London. We also have an MSP (Member of Scottish Parliament) who sits in the Parliament at Holyrood, Edinburgh. Their political affiliation is Scottish National Party, which advocates complete independence for Scotland; the SNP is the current party of government in Edinburgh. It should be noted that the Scottish government does not have jurisdiction over issues of Defense, which is what the job losses in Uist are about. The isle of South Uist (where the rocket range is located) lies about 80 miles south of Stornoway, and the range is the largest employer in the island.
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Google Street View
This phenomenon has been maligned in recent months for its invasion of privacy. Two benign applications have come to light: a building that collapsed in New York City today was shown with a huge crack in its side by GSV; and a man who was robbed in the street, was pictured by GSV a few moments before hand, with two characters trailing him - who proceeded to rob him. When he saw the imagery, he also recognised his robbers. The police recognised them too, and the two twins from Groningen, Holland, are now awaiting trial.
Sunday 21 June
Solstice Day, with the usual merry gathering at Stonehenge at the crack of dawn; without so much as a glimpse of the sun itself. I suspect a similar gathering will have been held at Callanish, although that monument has more of a lunar connotation than a solar one. Any excuse for a party for some.
Went out late last night, between 11.10 and 11.55 pm to take pictures of the amount of light still about; in spite of the thin cloud cover, it was still remarkable. Here are a few images.
Newton Basin reflecting the light from the north
Sunset colours over the town
Town Hall clock at 11.44pm
Went out late last night, between 11.10 and 11.55 pm to take pictures of the amount of light still about; in spite of the thin cloud cover, it was still remarkable. Here are a few images.
Newton Basin reflecting the light from the north
Sunset colours over the town
Town Hall clock at 11.44pm
Saturday, 20 June 2009
Saturday 20 June
After that light-hearted intro from Tortola, we whisk back northeast across the Atlantic to the Hebrides. Quite a nice day with a little breeze, the sun winking in a thousand mirrors in the sea and the ferry just docking on its customary lunchtime call here. It will depart in 75 minutes' time at 2.30pm for the second crossing of the day to Ullapool. Although these islands have a reputation for poor weather, we usually belie that in spring. It makes me smile when speaking to cyclists who ride from Barra to Lewis, assuming that the wind will come from its prevailing direction (southwest), only to run into our springtime northeasterlies. Apart from the latter part of the week just ending, we've had some very nice spring weather. I'll conveniently forget the winter extremes, like 113 mph winds in the middle of January.
Life in the ilons
Life in deh ilons... (with thanks for DearMissMermaid in Tortola, British Virgin Islands)
For all you geeks who speak techno language, I've rewritten the glossary for when you be in da ilons, so you aren't clueless about how we speak.
Hard Drive The road to Smugglers Cove Beach is a long hard drive.
Floppy Drive When your tire mash up, it sound like floppy-floppy-floppy until you fix it.
Jump Drive When da jeep don't start up, you roll down the hill, pop the clutch and it jump drive.
CD Drive When you go to the strip club at night, that's a seedy drive.
Removable Drive That's when you moved to a new place but your jeep takes you home to the wrong place, then you do a removable drive
Keyboard I can play Caribbean Soul on the keyboard.
USB I asked the tourist; "You is be from the USA?
Backups That's when you put the jeep in reverse.
BETA Software I took the under-wires out of my bikini bra, now I got better soft wear.
Database Put the lime in the rum and coconut, dhat a base for a good drink.
Debugger I divorced de bugger years ago.
E-commerce At da funeral, he come in hearse with flowers.
GIF At Christmas I buy you gift.
ICON I can write definitions all day for ya.
Leaderboard When she surf, she lead her board out to the waves.
Netiquette When the bugs bite you at night, you need a mosquito net-a-kit over your bed.
Network Making dem fish nets is net work.
Newsgroup The coconut telegraph is the best newsgroup.
OCR Oh! Sea are ruff today!
QWERTY After a few rums, you sound qwerty.
RAM Da he-sheep.
Screenshot Dat rat rip my window screen now da screen shot.
Safe Mode When ya make love with protection, that is safe mode.
DVD When ya make love without protection, you get de VD.
Telecommunications. Now that's a fancy word for dat ilon gossip.
URL I tell me ex "you are hell to get along with".
Web Ring You're pregnant girlfriend's father wants to see dat wed-ring.
Web Site That's the place where you gonna tie da knot.
Zip I don't know zip about geeky computer terms.
For all you geeks who speak techno language, I've rewritten the glossary for when you be in da ilons, so you aren't clueless about how we speak.
Hard Drive The road to Smugglers Cove Beach is a long hard drive.
Floppy Drive When your tire mash up, it sound like floppy-floppy-floppy until you fix it.
Jump Drive When da jeep don't start up, you roll down the hill, pop the clutch and it jump drive.
CD Drive When you go to the strip club at night, that's a seedy drive.
Removable Drive That's when you moved to a new place but your jeep takes you home to the wrong place, then you do a removable drive
Keyboard I can play Caribbean Soul on the keyboard.
USB I asked the tourist; "You is be from the USA?
Backups That's when you put the jeep in reverse.
BETA Software I took the under-wires out of my bikini bra, now I got better soft wear.
Database Put the lime in the rum and coconut, dhat a base for a good drink.
Debugger I divorced de bugger years ago.
E-commerce At da funeral, he come in hearse with flowers.
GIF At Christmas I buy you gift.
ICON I can write definitions all day for ya.
Leaderboard When she surf, she lead her board out to the waves.
Netiquette When the bugs bite you at night, you need a mosquito net-a-kit over your bed.
Network Making dem fish nets is net work.
Newsgroup The coconut telegraph is the best newsgroup.
OCR Oh! Sea are ruff today!
QWERTY After a few rums, you sound qwerty.
RAM Da he-sheep.
Screenshot Dat rat rip my window screen now da screen shot.
Safe Mode When ya make love with protection, that is safe mode.
DVD When ya make love without protection, you get de VD.
Telecommunications. Now that's a fancy word for dat ilon gossip.
URL I tell me ex "you are hell to get along with".
Web Ring You're pregnant girlfriend's father wants to see dat wed-ring.
Web Site That's the place where you gonna tie da knot.
Zip I don't know zip about geeky computer terms.
Friday, 19 June 2009
Friday 19 June
Overcast and showery today, although not really cold.
Situation in Iran is getting more complicated, now that the country's supreme leader has said the presidential election was conducted fairly, all protests should stop (or else) and the evil west should butt out. Judging by the continuing flood of tweets from Iran, the protests will continue but people are getting nervous.
All MP's allowed expenses were put on display on the Parliament's website, which revealed such jawdroppers as toiletrolls and jars of coffee. And £400 per month for food when parliament was not in session. The black squares were put across the pages by the parliament's fees office (which deals with expenses).
Situation in Iran is getting more complicated, now that the country's supreme leader has said the presidential election was conducted fairly, all protests should stop (or else) and the evil west should butt out. Judging by the continuing flood of tweets from Iran, the protests will continue but people are getting nervous.
All MP's allowed expenses were put on display on the Parliament's website, which revealed such jawdroppers as toiletrolls and jars of coffee. And £400 per month for food when parliament was not in session. The black squares were put across the pages by the parliament's fees office (which deals with expenses).
Thursday, 18 June 2009
Missing yacht
The French yacht "Actuel", en route from St Pierre & Miquelon (Canada) to Le Havre (France) is overdue. The yacht left Canada on May 21st, and has not been heard of since May 24th. Its crew was contemplating a stop over in Scotland or Ireland along the way. An international search effort is underway in the middle of the Atlantic, where the yacht was last known to be.
If you have any information on or communication with this vessel, please advise the Coastguard as soon as possible.
Please relay
If you have any information on or communication with this vessel, please advise the Coastguard as soon as possible.
Please relay
Thursday 18 June
Breezy day today, with plenty of beefy showers about. The ferry just came in, pretty much on time, but with a bit of a green haze about it. Can't be a pleasant crossing.
Here in Stornoway, Woolworths are making a come-back with a store named Wee W [Wee = Scots for small, little]. I have to stop myself calling them Wee Wees, because Woolies is actually sorely missed by shoppers and shopkeepers alike. Although we have a backstreet shop called Alladin's Cave, which stocks all sorts of knick-knacks that Woolies used to keep, it has nowhere near the capacity of the larger store. Woolworths went bankrupt in December, and it left a large void in Stornoway's Cromwell Street, the main shopping area in town. The below picture was taken in April 2005.
Here in Stornoway, Woolworths are making a come-back with a store named Wee W [Wee = Scots for small, little]. I have to stop myself calling them Wee Wees, because Woolies is actually sorely missed by shoppers and shopkeepers alike. Although we have a backstreet shop called Alladin's Cave, which stocks all sorts of knick-knacks that Woolies used to keep, it has nowhere near the capacity of the larger store. Woolworths went bankrupt in December, and it left a large void in Stornoway's Cromwell Street, the main shopping area in town. The below picture was taken in April 2005.
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