Quite a boisterous day, in that there were beafy downpours and twisters reportedly trying to come down from shower clouds over the centre of the island. There was not much wind at groundlevel, which brought out the midges (scratch, scratch).
Next week, the Lewis Chessmen [Facebook link] will be back near the location where they were found back in 1831. It is their first revisit in 11 years, and there will only be a small selection of the figurines that will make it to Timsgarry, across the bay from Ardroil. The debate as to the provenance of their makers continues to rage.
Monday, 5 September 2011
Community Photo Challenge - Reflections
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Sunday 4 September
Quite a nice, sunny day, ended by a spectacular sunset just after 8pm. Sigh, we've lost 2½ hours of daylight (on the sunset side), and the equinox is only just over a fortnight away. Had an easy Sunday, reading more of the Count of Monte Cristo, a book you really need to focus on in order to keep track of all the intrigue and machinations. Quote of the day: "Disgust is even more repugnant than hatred", and that coming from a man that is all about revenge.
A campaign is underway to map the blackspots in mobile phone coverage in the islands. Said he, barely suppressing a snort of derision. When I came to Lewis, I devised this rhyme No Eitsal no signal, as the mobile phone transmitters stand on the top of Eitsal, a hill backing onto the village of Achmore.
When I was in Switzerland, I always had mobile phone coverage. Whether on top of mountains, in valleys or even in the middle of a 22 mile tunnel. The cell information even changed as the train passed underneath different villages in the mountains above. Switzerland thrives on tourism. The Western Isles are heavily dependent on tourism, yet mobile phone coverage is poor. Yes, you can get a signal in town - don't try it at the junction of Kenneth Street and Bayhead. I realise that the number of residents and tourists in the islands are nowhere near the numbers that the Swiss Alps see. But there is no excuse for this appalling state of affairs.
A campaign is underway to map the blackspots in mobile phone coverage in the islands. Said he, barely suppressing a snort of derision. When I came to Lewis, I devised this rhyme No Eitsal no signal, as the mobile phone transmitters stand on the top of Eitsal, a hill backing onto the village of Achmore.
When I was in Switzerland, I always had mobile phone coverage. Whether on top of mountains, in valleys or even in the middle of a 22 mile tunnel. The cell information even changed as the train passed underneath different villages in the mountains above. Switzerland thrives on tourism. The Western Isles are heavily dependent on tourism, yet mobile phone coverage is poor. Yes, you can get a signal in town - don't try it at the junction of Kenneth Street and Bayhead. I realise that the number of residents and tourists in the islands are nowhere near the numbers that the Swiss Alps see. But there is no excuse for this appalling state of affairs.
Saturday, 3 September 2011
Saturday 3 September
Three systems keeping me busy with the tropical cyclones blog: hurricane Katia is in the Atlantic, not strengthening much because the atmosphere is not cooperating; tropical storm Lee is soaking Louisiana; and tropical storm Talas is crossing mainland Japan. Strange as though it may seem, Talas is likely to impact the future course of Katia, although the two systems are 150 degrees in longitude apart.
Here in Stornoway, it is a typical Hebridean day, with periods of rain interspersed with periods of sunshine. This morning, I met with fellow researcher Direcleit, and we spent a pleasant half hour or so comparing notes over a coffee in the An Lanntair cafe. Later on, I completed the links in my Napier Witnesses blog. I only have to look at the witnesses for North Uist and Benbecula.
I am closing this post with some pictures I took in recent days.
Sunshine and showers, 3 September
Cruiseliners Vistamar (L) and Marco Polo (R)
Cruiseliner Vistamar in Glumag Harbour
Here in Stornoway, it is a typical Hebridean day, with periods of rain interspersed with periods of sunshine. This morning, I met with fellow researcher Direcleit, and we spent a pleasant half hour or so comparing notes over a coffee in the An Lanntair cafe. Later on, I completed the links in my Napier Witnesses blog. I only have to look at the witnesses for North Uist and Benbecula.
I am closing this post with some pictures I took in recent days.
Sunshine and showers, 3 September
Cruiseliners Vistamar (L) and Marco Polo (R)
Cruiseliner Vistamar in Glumag Harbour
Friday, 2 September 2011
Scriptural interpretation
A minister in the Free Church of Scotland has written to his
Presbytery to resign as a minister and to be deleted from the register
of retired ministers. Why? Because the Free Church recently proposed to
introduce hymns into the service. Until recently, hymns and musical
instruments were not permitted. The Reverend Macdonald is seriously
upset that, after 47 years, he feels he is forced to this move.
Introducing hymns is, in his view, unscriptural and sinful. More on this link.
I respect everybody's religious convictions, and am also prepared to acknowledge that different people have different forms of worship, and that some forms may be repugnant to other people, for quite genuine reasons.
I resent, however, the fact that people are condemning each other because of differing interpretations of the Bible, which is what happens a lot. Don't forget that the Bible has been translated several times, has come down over literally thousands of years. More to the point, who on Earth does anyone think they are when they claim know exactly what was meant by our Deity when He commanded whoever to write down His Word? It is the job of a Minister of the Church to interpret the Scriptures to the best of his ability and conscience, in order that his congregation can best be helped in dealing with the major (and minor) issues of life. The form of worship, with all respect to the Reverend Macdonald, is a minor side issue to that.
The Protestant Church is infamous for its multitudes of splits and schisms, brought about by differing interpretations, and each faction defending to the hilt the notion that they have it right, and when someone doesn't agree, they are wrong. I am all for a healthy discussion. I am strongly opposed to rigidly imposed dogma - something that both Protestant and Catholic Churches are very good at.
Some 30 years ago, I was invited to a meeting, hosted by the Opus Dei organisation. They were trying to convert young students to the Roman Catholic faith, and possibly recruit them into their organisation. They did a good job at convincing me that I could not do so. I do not accept certain tenets of the RC faith (that's a personal opinion), but I have a great respect for that Church nonetheless. Some of my best friends over the years have been Orthodox Roman Catholics. But it would appear to me that the rigid dogma of the RC Church has been copied by certain sections of the Free Church of Scotland - a comparison that will not sit very well with certain members of that Church.
I respect everybody's religious convictions, and am also prepared to acknowledge that different people have different forms of worship, and that some forms may be repugnant to other people, for quite genuine reasons.
I resent, however, the fact that people are condemning each other because of differing interpretations of the Bible, which is what happens a lot. Don't forget that the Bible has been translated several times, has come down over literally thousands of years. More to the point, who on Earth does anyone think they are when they claim know exactly what was meant by our Deity when He commanded whoever to write down His Word? It is the job of a Minister of the Church to interpret the Scriptures to the best of his ability and conscience, in order that his congregation can best be helped in dealing with the major (and minor) issues of life. The form of worship, with all respect to the Reverend Macdonald, is a minor side issue to that.
The Protestant Church is infamous for its multitudes of splits and schisms, brought about by differing interpretations, and each faction defending to the hilt the notion that they have it right, and when someone doesn't agree, they are wrong. I am all for a healthy discussion. I am strongly opposed to rigidly imposed dogma - something that both Protestant and Catholic Churches are very good at.
Some 30 years ago, I was invited to a meeting, hosted by the Opus Dei organisation. They were trying to convert young students to the Roman Catholic faith, and possibly recruit them into their organisation. They did a good job at convincing me that I could not do so. I do not accept certain tenets of the RC faith (that's a personal opinion), but I have a great respect for that Church nonetheless. Some of my best friends over the years have been Orthodox Roman Catholics. But it would appear to me that the rigid dogma of the RC Church has been copied by certain sections of the Free Church of Scotland - a comparison that will not sit very well with certain members of that Church.
Friday 2 September
I just had a look at the sidebar for my blog, and everything points towards autumn. My blogoversary will be on October 8th, the Royal National Mod is on from October 15th and my "seasonal" image is from October 2007.
It shows a derelict cottage along the shores of Loch Seaforth at Airidh a'Bhruaich. The russet browns of the dying bracken are much in evidence. The weather is quite autumnal as well, with dark clouds, a little sunshine and showers. The mercury now only just manages 60F, and that will very soon be a thing of the past for this part of the world. There were two cruiseliners in, the Marco Polo (a regular visitor here, on its 3rd call this season) and the Vistamar, which felt its way into Glumag Harbour this morning. The ferry had to squeeze past both vessels at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Earlier this year, a lady driving a car just north of Tarbert was signalled by police officers to stop. Local rumour has it that she allegedly gave them "the finger". She did not stop. The driver continued over the Clisham, into Lewis, through Balallan, Laxay, Leurbost into Stornoway, where she turned left. Traversing the Barvas Moor, then turning right at Barvas, finally pulling up at Dell. For 60 (yes, sixty) miles, she had been ignoring blue flashing lights in her rear-view mirror. The woman is due in court next month on charges of failing to stop for police, and she has pled not guilty.
It shows a derelict cottage along the shores of Loch Seaforth at Airidh a'Bhruaich. The russet browns of the dying bracken are much in evidence. The weather is quite autumnal as well, with dark clouds, a little sunshine and showers. The mercury now only just manages 60F, and that will very soon be a thing of the past for this part of the world. There were two cruiseliners in, the Marco Polo (a regular visitor here, on its 3rd call this season) and the Vistamar, which felt its way into Glumag Harbour this morning. The ferry had to squeeze past both vessels at 2 o'clock this afternoon.
Earlier this year, a lady driving a car just north of Tarbert was signalled by police officers to stop. Local rumour has it that she allegedly gave them "the finger". She did not stop. The driver continued over the Clisham, into Lewis, through Balallan, Laxay, Leurbost into Stornoway, where she turned left. Traversing the Barvas Moor, then turning right at Barvas, finally pulling up at Dell. For 60 (yes, sixty) miles, she had been ignoring blue flashing lights in her rear-view mirror. The woman is due in court next month on charges of failing to stop for police, and she has pled not guilty.
Thursday, 1 September 2011
Thursday 1 September
The weather today changed from bright and sunny in the morning to wet and windy just now, just after 6pm. Autumn has definitely arrived. I spent the afternoon salvaging a blog that was hosted on the website of a Dutch national newspaper. They axed their blogging service last week, and promised that a transfer to another service would be provided as of August 23rd. We are now 9 days down the line and nothing has happened. I was supposed to open a new account with the other providers - but the transfer has run into difficulties. So I've taken matters into my own hand and reconstructed the blog from Google's cache. I managed to retrieve virtually all the posts (yay!), but did get a deja-vu sensation - remember AOHell, 3 years ago?
In a few days' time, I shall meet fellow researcher Direcleit in person, after his move to Berneray this summer. He has secured a position as researcher for that island's historical society, with an extended remit to the Sound and Island of Harris. I am quite happy to continue my activities free-lance and on a voluntary basis, and am looking forward to comparing notes over a cuppa.
In a few days' time, I shall meet fellow researcher Direcleit in person, after his move to Berneray this summer. He has secured a position as researcher for that island's historical society, with an extended remit to the Sound and Island of Harris. I am quite happy to continue my activities free-lance and on a voluntary basis, and am looking forward to comparing notes over a cuppa.
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Wednesday 31 August
The last day of the meteorological summer, and apart from the odd afternoon shower, it wasn't a bad day. Neither was it a particularly brilliant day, as we had to do without the sun.
We have a large gas storage tank which would flatten large areas of the town if it decided to explode. So, if there is ever any real trouble, they set off an alarm. Yesterday, they tried it out. We knew it would be trialled between 10 and 11 in the morning. Did I hear it? Nope. Had to open the window to make sure I could hear it. Oh well, if ever I suddenly have a clear view of the ruins of Stornoway, I know what has happened.
I spent the afternoon completing the transcriptions of WW2 tributes from 1941, sticking them on the Tribute blog and linking everything together. Next stop: 1942.
We have a large gas storage tank which would flatten large areas of the town if it decided to explode. So, if there is ever any real trouble, they set off an alarm. Yesterday, they tried it out. We knew it would be trialled between 10 and 11 in the morning. Did I hear it? Nope. Had to open the window to make sure I could hear it. Oh well, if ever I suddenly have a clear view of the ruins of Stornoway, I know what has happened.
I spent the afternoon completing the transcriptions of WW2 tributes from 1941, sticking them on the Tribute blog and linking everything together. Next stop: 1942.
Tuesday, 30 August 2011
Tuesday 30 August
An overcast day, but no rain or high winds. Summer is slowly drawing to a close here. I got myself more stamps for the Postcrossing project today, and 6 cards are winging their way to various parts of the globe.
I also visited the library to revisit the Stornoway Gazette of 1941. I take pictures of articles that I then transcribe; but the resulting pics are not always in focus. Some of the articles are quite interesting, although always very sad - bearing in mind it is tributes to the dead of the Second World War that I am interested in. One man died when his tugboat was blown up by a bomb. That happened a lot, but this occurred in a dock in Glasgow. During the Clydeside blitz of 1941, a bomb had plunged into a dock, but not exploded. It decided to detonate just when a tugboat was over it. This was literally blown out of the water. One man saved himself by shinning up the mast as quickly as the boat went down, and he was saved the moment he reached the top of the mast. Instrumental in the rescue of many crewmen were "coloured seamen" from a nearby merchant ship.
I think that the name Irene will be withdrawn by the WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) from the lists of Atlantic tropical cyclones. Although Irene did not carry extreme winds, she did carry extreme amounts of rain. After being downgraded from hurricane to tropical storm, the water that had powered the cyclone came down to earth with a vengeance. The imagery from New England is breathtaking - in the negative sense of the word.
I also visited the library to revisit the Stornoway Gazette of 1941. I take pictures of articles that I then transcribe; but the resulting pics are not always in focus. Some of the articles are quite interesting, although always very sad - bearing in mind it is tributes to the dead of the Second World War that I am interested in. One man died when his tugboat was blown up by a bomb. That happened a lot, but this occurred in a dock in Glasgow. During the Clydeside blitz of 1941, a bomb had plunged into a dock, but not exploded. It decided to detonate just when a tugboat was over it. This was literally blown out of the water. One man saved himself by shinning up the mast as quickly as the boat went down, and he was saved the moment he reached the top of the mast. Instrumental in the rescue of many crewmen were "coloured seamen" from a nearby merchant ship.
I think that the name Irene will be withdrawn by the WMO (World Meteorological Organisation) from the lists of Atlantic tropical cyclones. Although Irene did not carry extreme winds, she did carry extreme amounts of rain. After being downgraded from hurricane to tropical storm, the water that had powered the cyclone came down to earth with a vengeance. The imagery from New England is breathtaking - in the negative sense of the word.
Monday, 29 August 2011
Monday 29 August
Although the day started fairly bright, we were plagued by showers through the afternoon. And we have lost our "summer warmth": only 13C today. The ferry had to cancel its return crossing from Ullapool yesterday, and did not return until lunchtime today. There was a large amount of traffic to catch up on, and this evening it was an hour late coming back to Stornoway.
I have recorded all 26 episodes of The World at War, but I can only watch one episode at a time - too depressing. However, it is the best documentary on the Second World War, a topic I take an active interest in. Today, I transcribed more of the tributes from the Stornoway Gazette from 1941 to islanders who fell in that conflict.
I have recorded all 26 episodes of The World at War, but I can only watch one episode at a time - too depressing. However, it is the best documentary on the Second World War, a topic I take an active interest in. Today, I transcribed more of the tributes from the Stornoway Gazette from 1941 to islanders who fell in that conflict.
St Kilda
It is 81 years ago today that the last inhabitants of St Kilda were evacuated from their isle, situated 40 miles west of North Uist in the Outer Hebrides. Life had become untenable, when supplies could only be landed during the summer months. The islanders were also susceptible to illnesses, brought ashore by visitors. Until the late 19th century, there was a very high infant mortality rate, attributed to poor hygiene practices around newborns.
On 29 August 1930, the islanders of Hiort were taken to Lochaline, in the Morvern peninsula, and then on to Glasgow. Some stayed on at Lochaline, to work in forestry - an irony, coming as they did from a treeless island. The island has remained without permanent habitation. Some of the houses were left with a pile of grain on the table and the family Bible open at the book of Exodus.
I have only seen St Kilda from North Uist, on a clear day in summer. It is supposed to be visible from Mangersta, but the distance is 60 miles. The culture of the island was taken away by its people in 1930, and has been recorded assiduously. This may now be congregated at the St Kilda Centre, pencilled for a location between Mangersta and Islivig. It has been argued that a more sympathetic approach from central government in the early 20th century could have saved St Kilda for habitation. Maybe so. But it would have destroyed the unique culture, which came about through its sheer isolation.
Today, my thoughts lie 90 miles to the westsouthwest of Stornoway. The Hiorteachs have gone - their island remains.
Image courtesy Flickr-user iancowe
On 29 August 1930, the islanders of Hiort were taken to Lochaline, in the Morvern peninsula, and then on to Glasgow. Some stayed on at Lochaline, to work in forestry - an irony, coming as they did from a treeless island. The island has remained without permanent habitation. Some of the houses were left with a pile of grain on the table and the family Bible open at the book of Exodus.
I have only seen St Kilda from North Uist, on a clear day in summer. It is supposed to be visible from Mangersta, but the distance is 60 miles. The culture of the island was taken away by its people in 1930, and has been recorded assiduously. This may now be congregated at the St Kilda Centre, pencilled for a location between Mangersta and Islivig. It has been argued that a more sympathetic approach from central government in the early 20th century could have saved St Kilda for habitation. Maybe so. But it would have destroyed the unique culture, which came about through its sheer isolation.
Today, my thoughts lie 90 miles to the westsouthwest of Stornoway. The Hiorteachs have gone - their island remains.
Image courtesy Flickr-user iancowe
Sunday, 28 August 2011
Libya and Lockerbie
Libya's ousted dictator, Muammar Gaddafi, has indicated to the rebels that he wants to talk about forming a new government. I don't think he's quite grasping the state of affairs in his country. He is out, and will never be able to come back in any capacity. This evening's film footage of charred corpses at various locations across Tripoli would be enough reason in itself. Not to mention the 50,000 prisoners that are unaccounted for. These were people that were arrested following the start of the uprising on 17 February this year.
The transitional government of Libya (TNC), which has now taken over from Gaddafi, has refused point-blank to even consider extraditing Abdelbaset al-Megrahi. He is the sole man ever convicted over the bombing of PanAm flight 103 over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988. Al-Megrahi was jailed in Scotland, but released on compassionate grounds two years ago. He was suffering from terminal cancer, and given only three months to live. To the embarrassment of the Scottish Government, Al-Megrahi is still alive - although looking very gaunt. This weekend, the TNC announced that it would never extradite the Lockerbie bomber to either the UK or USA. And why should they? Al-Megrahi has been tried, found guilty and sentenced. He has been released on license, sent home to die. By law, you cannot be tried twice for the same offence, unless new evidence comes to light. The Americans agreed to have Al-Megrahi put to trial the way he was, a decade ago. So I agree with the TNC that Al-Megrahi can stay in Libya. To die.
The transitional government of Libya (TNC), which has now taken over from Gaddafi, has refused point-blank to even consider extraditing Abdelbaset al-Megrahi. He is the sole man ever convicted over the bombing of PanAm flight 103 over Lockerbie on 21 December 1988. Al-Megrahi was jailed in Scotland, but released on compassionate grounds two years ago. He was suffering from terminal cancer, and given only three months to live. To the embarrassment of the Scottish Government, Al-Megrahi is still alive - although looking very gaunt. This weekend, the TNC announced that it would never extradite the Lockerbie bomber to either the UK or USA. And why should they? Al-Megrahi has been tried, found guilty and sentenced. He has been released on license, sent home to die. By law, you cannot be tried twice for the same offence, unless new evidence comes to light. The Americans agreed to have Al-Megrahi put to trial the way he was, a decade ago. So I agree with the TNC that Al-Megrahi can stay in Libya. To die.
Sunday 28 August
A cold, grey and initially wet day. We did not get above 11C / 52F all day, with a cold and strong northwesterly wind blowing. The ferry sailed to Ullapool this afternoon, but is not coming back tonight, meaning that the 7 am sailing from Stornoway is off as well.
Tropical cyclone Irene passed over Times Square in New York at 9 am (local time) this morning, turning the barometer down to 966 mbar. It was below hurricane strength, although it was still packing some nasty winds on its eastern flank. Storm surge flooding did occur in the centre of the city, but all in all, Irene's impact appears to have been not as severe as initially feared. As I type (just after midday EDT), the circulation around the cyclone shows up quite nicely on the windmapper site. The highest winds, on Mount Washington, are "only" 53 mph - that's still a force 10 in my book. Elsewhere, the storm appears to be spinning down at severe gale force. Irene will be turning into an extra-tropical depression as it scoots away northeast over Labrador and out towards Greenland and Iceland.
Tropical cyclone Irene passed over Times Square in New York at 9 am (local time) this morning, turning the barometer down to 966 mbar. It was below hurricane strength, although it was still packing some nasty winds on its eastern flank. Storm surge flooding did occur in the centre of the city, but all in all, Irene's impact appears to have been not as severe as initially feared. As I type (just after midday EDT), the circulation around the cyclone shows up quite nicely on the windmapper site. The highest winds, on Mount Washington, are "only" 53 mph - that's still a force 10 in my book. Elsewhere, the storm appears to be spinning down at severe gale force. Irene will be turning into an extra-tropical depression as it scoots away northeast over Labrador and out towards Greenland and Iceland.
Saturday 27 August
A fairly bright day, but the wind rose steadily through the day. Sitting outside was therefore no longer an option. We are on warning for high winds tomorrow, but the worst of it appears to be making for the mainland and the Northern Isles.
We once more have a cruiseliner in port, the Ocean Countess. Her passengers flock ashore, but wise to the extortionate coachtours they head for the service bus. However, local people and other tourists also want to go to Callanish, so it's handbags at lunchtime for a place on W2.
I'm monitoring the progression of Hurricane Irene up the East Coast of the US, and the main problem appears to be rain. The NHC is forecasting up to 20 inches, which is not an amount anyone wants to have within 24 hours. Another two tropical systems: typhoon Nanmadol is battering the north of the Philippines, and tropical storm Talas is creeping north - with Japan in its crosshairs.
We once more have a cruiseliner in port, the Ocean Countess. Her passengers flock ashore, but wise to the extortionate coachtours they head for the service bus. However, local people and other tourists also want to go to Callanish, so it's handbags at lunchtime for a place on W2.
I'm monitoring the progression of Hurricane Irene up the East Coast of the US, and the main problem appears to be rain. The NHC is forecasting up to 20 inches, which is not an amount anyone wants to have within 24 hours. Another two tropical systems: typhoon Nanmadol is battering the north of the Philippines, and tropical storm Talas is creeping north - with Japan in its crosshairs.
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Friday 26 August
A very nice day, with plenty of sunshine in the afternoon. It was quite warm in the sun, and lunch was had outside. The birds too took full advantage of the sunny weather, for you never know how long it is going to last round here. Fortunately, we have had quite a reasonable spell of weather here this month, and I'm not one to complain about temperatures in the upper teens (celsius) in the islands.
This week, we shall see three different cruiseliners in port. The Saga Ruby was in yesterday, today it is the Athena. Tomorrow, we'll have the Ocean Countess. It's all good business, and I hope the Visitor Centre at Callanish will have its water supply on - in recent times, they have had frequent outages on their water supply, and as the manager said on local news: "It's impossible to serve coffee and tea without water". Yep, I'd second that.
Athena
This week, we shall see three different cruiseliners in port. The Saga Ruby was in yesterday, today it is the Athena. Tomorrow, we'll have the Ocean Countess. It's all good business, and I hope the Visitor Centre at Callanish will have its water supply on - in recent times, they have had frequent outages on their water supply, and as the manager said on local news: "It's impossible to serve coffee and tea without water". Yep, I'd second that.
Athena
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Thursday 25 August
Libya: when will people stop selling the hide before the bear has been shot? Gaddafi is still at large, and until he is apprehended or killed, this mayhem will continue.
It's been a nice sunny day here in Stornoway, but it started rather cold: 6C at sunrise. We quickly made it up to 17C by lunchtime, which has been the norm this week. Over the weekend, we are on warning for a four-letter word. You know: a gale. Autumn is only just around the corner.
Got two more postcards from Postcrossing users, this time from Germany and Holland. Can thoroughly recommend it, doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg.
It's been a nice sunny day here in Stornoway, but it started rather cold: 6C at sunrise. We quickly made it up to 17C by lunchtime, which has been the norm this week. Over the weekend, we are on warning for a four-letter word. You know: a gale. Autumn is only just around the corner.
Got two more postcards from Postcrossing users, this time from Germany and Holland. Can thoroughly recommend it, doesn't need to cost you an arm and a leg.
Hurricane update - 25 August
Hurricane Irene is presently moving through the northwestern Bahamas, en route for the Carolinas. Beyond that, the storm will parallel the east coast of the USA towards New York and New England. Although it is expected to be weakening at that point, Irene's impacts will be felt over a wide area. At the moment, winds of 40 mph or higher occur within 290 miles of the centre of the hurricane.
Wednesday 24 August
Spent today monitoring hurricane Irene, which is passing through the Bahamas with winds of 110 mph, and the situation in Libya. Gadaffi has been kicked out of his compound, but fighting continues in Tripoli and elsewhere. Next Thursday, 1 September, would have been the 42nd anniversary of his coup, back in 1969. Let's hope he takes it as a cue to formally relinquish power. Sigh, was that me dodging a flying pig?
I have also added more information on a tribute blog that I have set up for one casualty of the First World War, who perished in the sinking of the SS Kenmare off Holyhead in March 1918. His body was washed up north of Dublin, Ireland, a few days later. I am working with a man from the area to find out as much as possible about this incident, and the results will go on this blog. John Macaulay hailed from the village of Islivig, 40 miles west of Stornoway. This image, taken two years ago, shows the village road.
I have also added more information on a tribute blog that I have set up for one casualty of the First World War, who perished in the sinking of the SS Kenmare off Holyhead in March 1918. His body was washed up north of Dublin, Ireland, a few days later. I am working with a man from the area to find out as much as possible about this incident, and the results will go on this blog. John Macaulay hailed from the village of Islivig, 40 miles west of Stornoway. This image, taken two years ago, shows the village road.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Tuesday 23 August
An unremarkable day weatherwise, with some sunshine and no rain, temperatures reasonable (18C). Sat outside for half an hour to read more of the Count of Monte Christo. A delicious tale of revenge best served cold.
Events in Libya are moving fast, with the news this evening that Gadaffi's compound in the centre of Tripoli has been overrun, with the great Brother himself now in a spot of bother. He is thought to have bolted down a tunnel and possibly spirited away to his hometown of Sirte, east of his capital. His son made an appearance overnight, in spite of claims from the rebels that he had been captured. War is all about mis-information, don't forget.
The US East Coast was rattled by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake, which caused some alarm and damaged the Ecuadorean embassy in Washington DC. The jokes are already bouncing round the internet: "5.9? That's what the Californians stir their coffee with".
Hurricane Irene is moving away from Hispaniola as I type this, and will ratchet up to major hurricane strength overnight, with winds (well) in excess of 110 mph. Its further trajectory points at the US East Coast, which will get a comprehensive side-swipe from the storm over the weekend. This means heavy rain and high winds at the very least. Concerned? Monitor the National Hurricane Center.
Events in Libya are moving fast, with the news this evening that Gadaffi's compound in the centre of Tripoli has been overrun, with the great Brother himself now in a spot of bother. He is thought to have bolted down a tunnel and possibly spirited away to his hometown of Sirte, east of his capital. His son made an appearance overnight, in spite of claims from the rebels that he had been captured. War is all about mis-information, don't forget.
The US East Coast was rattled by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake, which caused some alarm and damaged the Ecuadorean embassy in Washington DC. The jokes are already bouncing round the internet: "5.9? That's what the Californians stir their coffee with".
Hurricane Irene is moving away from Hispaniola as I type this, and will ratchet up to major hurricane strength overnight, with winds (well) in excess of 110 mph. Its further trajectory points at the US East Coast, which will get a comprehensive side-swipe from the storm over the weekend. This means heavy rain and high winds at the very least. Concerned? Monitor the National Hurricane Center.
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