Where I am from, April showers are referred to as March showers. So, that's what we're having today. Sunshine and beefy showers, blown on a strong wind. No complaints about temperatures: 10C is very acceptable for mid March. Tide is going out from a high of 5.1 metres (17 feet) at 7.25 am to an ebbtide of 0.2 metres (8 inches) at 2pm. I may go out and look for scallops, although there were not many last time we had a springtide that low. Only one baby scallop, that needed to grow a lot bigger before I'd have it on my dinner plate.
I have recently commented on the actions of the Vatican in relation to bishop Williamson, who is on record as denying the Holocaust. I can only say that I wish the Holy See would stop digging, as they are only making the hole they are in deeper with every statement they issue on the subject. I applaud their statement of contrition, admitting that mistakes have been made. The Vatican now says that they should do more research on the Internet before making decisions of this nature. Excuse me? They don't know what problems are caused by their own senior clergy? Oh please.
I am very upset this morning: those who read Linda's World (from Washington State) and / or Call for Support know that she's had to take her cat Gabi to the Rainbow Bridge. The poor creature was very seriously ill, without any prospect of getting better. As all pet owners know, you do carry an ultimate responsibility to end suffering in those circumstances, however upsetting that is.
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Wednesday 11 March
Unpleasantly wet and windy today, although the temperature has shot up from -2C at 11pm last night to +10C right now. The tropical cyclone that has grumbled along the Queensland coast for a few days has been torn apart by conflicting winds at various levels in the atmosphere. Hamish is now little more than a spell of bad weather, bringing gales to the coast north of Brisbane. Another cyclone is bringing gale-force winds to the islands around Rarotonga, 50 degrees in longitude to the east in the Pacific. Joni won't get much above force 9 on the Beaufort scale.
Had a laugh when watching Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon. The MP for Chesterfield in Derbyshire had a go at the neighbouring constituency for Bolsover - and the MP for that town is veteran Dennis Skinner who promptly had a go back at Chesterfield. Skinner, a left-wing Labour MP for a former mining constituency, is one of the characters in the House of Commons, and everybody had a good laugh out of the encounter.
Absolutely not amusing was an incident in southern Germany, when a 17-year old gunman entered his former school at Winnenden near Stuttgart and opened fire. After killing 9 pupils and 3 teachers, he fled to the town of Wendlingen, 25 miles away, and was killed in a shoot-out in the supermarket. This also left 2 bystanders dead.
Had a laugh when watching Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon. The MP for Chesterfield in Derbyshire had a go at the neighbouring constituency for Bolsover - and the MP for that town is veteran Dennis Skinner who promptly had a go back at Chesterfield. Skinner, a left-wing Labour MP for a former mining constituency, is one of the characters in the House of Commons, and everybody had a good laugh out of the encounter.
Absolutely not amusing was an incident in southern Germany, when a 17-year old gunman entered his former school at Winnenden near Stuttgart and opened fire. After killing 9 pupils and 3 teachers, he fled to the town of Wendlingen, 25 miles away, and was killed in a shoot-out in the supermarket. This also left 2 bystanders dead.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Tuesday 10 March
Clear end to the day, as the sun is just about setting now. Sun was out for most of the afternoon, after one or two showers in the morning.
I am pleased to note that two arrests have been made in connection with the murder of a policeman in Northern Ireland last night. This follows hard on the heels of the killing of two soldiers in a barracks elsewhere in the province. The two factions alleged to be involved in the incidents have been roundly condemned.
Gerry McCann, father of the disappeared girl Madeleine McCann, has spoken out critically about sections of the media in connection with her disappearance in 2007. Speculation was branded as less than helpful. Mr McCann has every right to be critical of the press, but he should remember that he courted publicity quite deliberately with the aim of tracing his daughter. Madeleine remains missing, nearly 2 years after she disappeared from her parents' holiday apartment in Portugal.
I am pleased to note that two arrests have been made in connection with the murder of a policeman in Northern Ireland last night. This follows hard on the heels of the killing of two soldiers in a barracks elsewhere in the province. The two factions alleged to be involved in the incidents have been roundly condemned.
Gerry McCann, father of the disappeared girl Madeleine McCann, has spoken out critically about sections of the media in connection with her disappearance in 2007. Speculation was branded as less than helpful. Mr McCann has every right to be critical of the press, but he should remember that he courted publicity quite deliberately with the aim of tracing his daughter. Madeleine remains missing, nearly 2 years after she disappeared from her parents' holiday apartment in Portugal.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Monday 9 March
A very late post for today, which has not found me very happy. My motto for the Internet is You don't know what goes on behind closed doors, and this is a door I have to keep closed. Suffice to say that we all have off-line lives as well as on-line, and in my case, the former has clashed with the latter. Full stop.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Abortion
What would you do, if your daughter aged 9 was raped by her stepfather, resulting in a double pregnancy? That awful decision was cast at the parents of a young girl in Brazil. The mother of the girl decided on an abortion, which was carried out last week.
The Roman Catholic Church in Brazil has excommunicated the girl, her mother and the doctors involved in the abortion, saying that the law of God stands above any law of man. The law of God is 'you will not kill'. The law of man was: Abortion only allowed if the pregnancy is a threat to the health of the woman involved.
I am absolutely appalled at this attitude, condoned by the Vatican incidentally, which is beyond description in my book. A girl of 9, having twins? After sexual abuse? Oh dear. What sort of a message does that send out. I'd better cut short my post, else I'd offend a fair few people.
The Roman Catholic Church in Brazil has excommunicated the girl, her mother and the doctors involved in the abortion, saying that the law of God stands above any law of man. The law of God is 'you will not kill'. The law of man was: Abortion only allowed if the pregnancy is a threat to the health of the woman involved.
I am absolutely appalled at this attitude, condoned by the Vatican incidentally, which is beyond description in my book. A girl of 9, having twins? After sexual abuse? Oh dear. What sort of a message does that send out. I'd better cut short my post, else I'd offend a fair few people.
Sunday 8 March
Cloudy day out here, with some heavy downpours. Earlier on, there was some wet snow in amongst it all. Spring is supposed to be on its way, but we usually don't see much of it before mid April, early May. My crop of beans is sprouting nicely in the windowsill, showing large green leaves and promise of much more. The birds outside are going through one birdfeeder's worth of seeds every other day, greedy things.
I read that the woman who threw green custard in the face of Business Secretary Lord Mandelson on Friday has (finally) been arrested. She should have been taken arrested on the scene. Mandelson, although not my favourite politician, is a former Northern Ireland Secretary, enjoying 24/7 police protection during his stint in that office.
Talking of Northern Ireland, I was sickened to hear of the murder of two soldiers at a barracks in County Antrim. The crime is thought to have been committed by a Republican splintergroup - may I suggest we just call them a criminal gang without granting them the dignity of political affiliation? That should take the wind out of their sails. They enjoy no public support, as everybody in Ulster was sick to death with all the mindless violence and thuggery of the Civil War, otherwise referred to as the Troubles.
I read that the woman who threw green custard in the face of Business Secretary Lord Mandelson on Friday has (finally) been arrested. She should have been taken arrested on the scene. Mandelson, although not my favourite politician, is a former Northern Ireland Secretary, enjoying 24/7 police protection during his stint in that office.
Talking of Northern Ireland, I was sickened to hear of the murder of two soldiers at a barracks in County Antrim. The crime is thought to have been committed by a Republican splintergroup - may I suggest we just call them a criminal gang without granting them the dignity of political affiliation? That should take the wind out of their sails. They enjoy no public support, as everybody in Ulster was sick to death with all the mindless violence and thuggery of the Civil War, otherwise referred to as the Troubles.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Jade Goody
So this poor woman has now been christened in the hospital, alongside her children. I don't want to appear crass or insensitive, but I don't wanna hear much more about her.
Who is Jade Goody? That is a question justifiably asked by many people outside the UK. Jade was a Z-rated celebrity, who shot to prominence in 2002 as not exactly the brightest spark in the universe on the equally Z-rated Big Brother show. A year or so ago, she reappeared in a celebrity version of BB, and she was quite rude and loud to a Bollywood actress. It almost led to an international incident. Fortunately not - both women have now kissed and made up.
Her current spell in the limelight stems from a diagnosis of metastatic cervical cancer. She was given an abnormal papsmear result earlier in 2008, but did not act on it. Jade's prominence has led to an increased uptake in cervical smear tests among younger women, which is the way celebrity status should work. Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, and she was quite open about disease and treatment. Jade got married in hospital recently, and it is recommended to her that now that the publicity has generated the funds needed to safeguard the future of her two children, she should withdraw from the public eye. Jade only has weeks to live, and is in much pain and discomfort.
Who is Jade Goody? That is a question justifiably asked by many people outside the UK. Jade was a Z-rated celebrity, who shot to prominence in 2002 as not exactly the brightest spark in the universe on the equally Z-rated Big Brother show. A year or so ago, she reappeared in a celebrity version of BB, and she was quite rude and loud to a Bollywood actress. It almost led to an international incident. Fortunately not - both women have now kissed and made up.
Her current spell in the limelight stems from a diagnosis of metastatic cervical cancer. She was given an abnormal papsmear result earlier in 2008, but did not act on it. Jade's prominence has led to an increased uptake in cervical smear tests among younger women, which is the way celebrity status should work. Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, and she was quite open about disease and treatment. Jade got married in hospital recently, and it is recommended to her that now that the publicity has generated the funds needed to safeguard the future of her two children, she should withdraw from the public eye. Jade only has weeks to live, and is in much pain and discomfort.
The Dark Ship
I'm currently making my way through this Anne Macleod novel, set (mainly) in the years of the First World War. As you all know, one of my current interests is this episode from the 20th century, and the book puts a human face on those affected by it. Dark Ship is set in Stornoway, just before a bunch of young men are going off to the war in France. Occasionally, there is a Fast Forward movement to the mid 1990s or the late 1930s. It's a reasonable read, but a tad long-winded for my liking. However, the fact that I have made it to the half-way stage does mean it is quite acceptable.
More info here.
More info here.
Afternoon notes
Brilliantly sunny afternoon, with a bank of distant high cloud to the southeast. We are threatened with severe gales, and there is this ominous lump of cloud out in the Atlantic. We shall see.Just found a solution, of sorts, for my problem with Flickr.com. Whenever I add a set, the site would freeze when using Firefox. So, I removed Firefox from the PC and reinstalled it. Seems to have worked, I now get warnings that a Javascript is not responding. Bearing in mind that I have in excess of 300 sets on Flickr, that is no surprise. Just a flipping nuisance.
The picture beside this post shows the interior of Lewis, along the Grimersta River. Not been there for about 4 years or so. The spot shown is reached relatively easily, using one's own legs after leaving the B8011 road just past the Great Bernera turn-off. The only fly in the ointment comes a few miles further south, when you have to cross two rivers. And there ain't no bridges. Click on the location link to find out exactly where this pic was taken.
Remembering Today - 7 March
On this day in the First World War, this man laid down his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Quarter-master Serjeant ANGUS MACKAY
Aonghas Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay, married to Christina
Regiment or division: 1039th MT Coy Royal Army Service Corps
Service number: DM2/097042
Date of death: 7 March 1918 at the age of 49
Died in an accident in Egypt
Interred: Gaza War Cemetery
Memorial reference: XXXII. B. 3
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Quarter-master Serjeant ANGUS MACKAY
Aonghas Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay, married to Christina
Regiment or division: 1039th MT Coy Royal Army Service Corps
Service number: DM2/097042
Date of death: 7 March 1918 at the age of 49
Died in an accident in Egypt
Interred: Gaza War Cemetery
Memorial reference: XXXII. B. 3
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Saturday 7 March
Today started with pouring rain, but the sun has come out since about 1pm. Ferry just came in, trailing plumes of smoke. The engines were refurbished in its recent overhaul, making them fit for burning cheap and nasty fuel. Well, that's patently obvious. It is supposed to be better for the environment - I don't know what's worse, a large carbon footprint or a large sulphur footprint.
For those that joined Atlantic Lines recently: I sometimes make note of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) that occur around the world. These happen year round, and at the moment one is grazing the Australian east coast. Summer is coming to a close down there, hence the presence of Hamish. The Atlantic and Eastern Pacific season will start in the middle of May, another two months away.
For those that joined Atlantic Lines recently: I sometimes make note of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) that occur around the world. These happen year round, and at the moment one is grazing the Australian east coast. Summer is coming to a close down there, hence the presence of Hamish. The Atlantic and Eastern Pacific season will start in the middle of May, another two months away.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Remembering Today - 6 March
Today on this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis laid down their lives for King and Country. RIP
Corporal COLIN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 62 North Tolsta,
Son of John and Margaret MacIver, of 62, North Tolsta, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Gordon Highlanders, Depot
Service number: 3/5668
Date of death: 6 March 1916 at the age of 26
Died of wounds in Brighton Military Hospital
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Private JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 27 South Dell,
Son of the late Angus and Catherine Murray, of 27, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7233
Date of death: 6 March 1915 at the age of 21
Died of wounds sustained 2 days before. Died in hospital
Interred: Merville Communal Cemetery
Memorial reference: I. D. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Corporal COLIN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 62 North Tolsta,
Son of John and Margaret MacIver, of 62, North Tolsta, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Gordon Highlanders, Depot
Service number: 3/5668
Date of death: 6 March 1916 at the age of 26
Died of wounds in Brighton Military Hospital
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Private JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 27 South Dell,
Son of the late Angus and Catherine Murray, of 27, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7233
Date of death: 6 March 1915 at the age of 21
Died of wounds sustained 2 days before. Died in hospital
Interred: Merville Communal Cemetery
Memorial reference: I. D. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
The Onion
Before you play the below video clip, be warned it is full of foul language. Extremely funny though. Warning over, here goes.
Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn't Fucking Work
Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn't Fucking Work
Hurricane update - 6 March
Tropical cyclone Hamish is currently located 120 miles / 200 km northeast of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The storm is a category 2 system on the Saffir-System scale (Australia uses a slightly different scale, making it a category 3 storm). Hamish is expected to move parallel to the coast, approaching it gradually. Tomorrow, winds near the storm's centre are anticipated to exceed 115 mph. As it approaches the coast, the influence of land will cause some weakening.
Winds of 65 knots (75 mph) and more extend for 20 miles from the centre of the cyclone
Winds of 34 knots (40 mph) and more extend for 60 to 70 miles from the centre
A tropical cyclone WARNING is in force between Cooktown and Bowen in Queensland.
A tropical cyclone WATCH is in force between Bowen and Yeppoon.
More details and 3-hourly updates on the BOM Australia website.
Winds of 65 knots (75 mph) and more extend for 20 miles from the centre of the cyclone
Winds of 34 knots (40 mph) and more extend for 60 to 70 miles from the centre
A tropical cyclone WARNING is in force between Cooktown and Bowen in Queensland.
A tropical cyclone WATCH is in force between Bowen and Yeppoon.
More details and 3-hourly updates on the BOM Australia website.
Friday 6 March
Overcast and some light rain from time to time. Will be paying another visit to the library this afternoon to continue my collation of data for Faces from the War Memorial. The small print of the book that is my source strains the eyes - maybe the lighting has something to do with that? Oh, glasses. Yes, I wear glasses.
Years ago, I lived a few miles from a restaurant called the Mucky Duck. Since demolished for the construction of a high-speed raillink. I was reminded of it when I read that a Berkshire restaurant called the Fat Duck had left up to 400 of its patrons with sickness and diarrhoea. It is a Michelin-star rated place, where you have to shell out well in excess of £130 for a cover. The cause for the D&V is unknown; food poisoning has been ruled out.
Tropical cyclone Hamish continues to bear down on the Queensland coast, and looks set to peak at 90 knots, that is 105 mph, winds. By the time the storm reaches the coast, it will have lost some of its puff. Queensland can anticipate even more rain, following in the wake of two previous cyclones and the monsoon which left the state drenched.
Years ago, I lived a few miles from a restaurant called the Mucky Duck. Since demolished for the construction of a high-speed raillink. I was reminded of it when I read that a Berkshire restaurant called the Fat Duck had left up to 400 of its patrons with sickness and diarrhoea. It is a Michelin-star rated place, where you have to shell out well in excess of £130 for a cover. The cause for the D&V is unknown; food poisoning has been ruled out.
Tropical cyclone Hamish continues to bear down on the Queensland coast, and looks set to peak at 90 knots, that is 105 mph, winds. By the time the storm reaches the coast, it will have lost some of its puff. Queensland can anticipate even more rain, following in the wake of two previous cyclones and the monsoon which left the state drenched.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Remembering Today - 5 March
Today on this day in the First World War, these men from the Isle of Lewis laid down their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Seaman DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 41 South Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Christy Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway; husband of Catherine Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway, Lewis. Served in the South African War with the 3rd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Flicker
Service number: 3541/C
Date of death: 5 March 1916 at the age of 42
Ship sunk by mine
Interred: Dover (St James) Cemetery, grave N. H. 9.
Seaman NORMAN MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 19 North Bragar,
Son of John and Maggie MacLean, of 19, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 3109A
Date of death: 5 March 1917 at the age of 28
Died at home whilst on leave
Interred at Bragar Old Churchyard
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Seaman DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 41 South Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Christy Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway; husband of Catherine Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway, Lewis. Served in the South African War with the 3rd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Flicker
Service number: 3541/C
Date of death: 5 March 1916 at the age of 42
Ship sunk by mine
Interred: Dover (St James) Cemetery, grave N. H. 9.
Seaman NORMAN MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 19 North Bragar,
Son of John and Maggie MacLean, of 19, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 3109A
Date of death: 5 March 1917 at the age of 28
Died at home whilst on leave
Interred at Bragar Old Churchyard
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Late night notes
Is anyone else experiencing a long wait before blogs load? You'll have to bear with me regarding the reading of journals and updates on Facebook.
And is there anyone out there that cares a pin that Michael Jackson will finally leave the music scene this year? I'm not among them.
Was watching a very nice program tonight about a tour around the Arctic with Glasgow comedian Billy Connolly. Stunning landscapes in Alaska, wow.
And a trip down memory lane earlier in the evening with Ballykissangel, which was first transmitted by the BBC in 1996.
The Australian state of Queensland is eyeballing tropical cyclone Hamish, which is winding up some 200 miles north of Cairns. This storm will skirt the east coast of the state, and I have this hunch that it could get quite nasty.
And is there anyone out there that cares a pin that Michael Jackson will finally leave the music scene this year? I'm not among them.
Was watching a very nice program tonight about a tour around the Arctic with Glasgow comedian Billy Connolly. Stunning landscapes in Alaska, wow.
And a trip down memory lane earlier in the evening with Ballykissangel, which was first transmitted by the BBC in 1996.
The Australian state of Queensland is eyeballing tropical cyclone Hamish, which is winding up some 200 miles north of Cairns. This storm will skirt the east coast of the state, and I have this hunch that it could get quite nasty.
Thursday 5 March
Quite a nice afternoon, with some bright and (behind glass) warm sunshine. Weather conditions in southern England are described as atrocious, with lorries being abandoned in snow on the A37 road between Dorchester and Yeovil. Last night, we had a heavy fall of wet snow which melted within minutes of falling. It was carried along on a strong breeze, which made it stick to the windows for a little while. The strange thing is though, that the narcissi, crocuses and snowdrops are all out, and the wild roses up the road are sprouting leaves. Yep, it is March and spring isn't far off.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Remembering Today - 3 March
Today on this day during the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Seaman ALEX MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 10 Aignish
Son of Evander and Christina MacRae, of 10, Aignish, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMT Calliope II, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 7255DA
Date of death: 3 March 1916 at the age of 25
Drowned at sea in collision with SS Dane off Butt of Lewis
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 19
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Seaman ALEX MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 10 Aignish
Son of Evander and Christina MacRae, of 10, Aignish, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMT Calliope II, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 7255DA
Date of death: 3 March 1916 at the age of 25
Drowned at sea in collision with SS Dane off Butt of Lewis
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 19
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
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