Saturday, 13 December 2008
Wood sculptures
Author Elizabeth M Parsons (one of my internet contacts) is writing about wood sculptures on her blog. In reply, I'm posting pictures of wood sculptures in the Castle Grounds, the local country park around Lews Castle on the outskirts of Stornoway.
Saturday 13 December
A better day, even if it's overcast and grey. No wind to speak of, which makes a difference to yesterday's force 8 gale. It kept the ferry in Ullapool through the day, and many other ferry services along the west and north of Scotland were disrupted or cancelled.
I just nearly fell off my chair at the latest verbal diarrhoea from Robert Mugabe. He referred to the current cholera outbreak in his country as "a calculated, racist, terrorist attack on Zimbabwe", using biological weapons. The perceived reason was the overthrow of aforementioned Mugabe. It just gets worse and worse by the day. If ever there was a case for forcible regime-change, it's that country.
A regime that was overthrown 63 years ago, that of Adolf Hitler, still leaves it legacy in Germany. Not in the way I usually speak about these matters. The town of Rügen, on the Baltic coast, sports a holiday resort 1930s/1940s style, constructed for the Nazi elite of the day. Since 1990, it has lain empty as a concrete shell near the sandy beaches. Now the German authorities are contemplating turning the buildings into a holiday resort noughties style. Don't see it taking off somehow.
I just nearly fell off my chair at the latest verbal diarrhoea from Robert Mugabe. He referred to the current cholera outbreak in his country as "a calculated, racist, terrorist attack on Zimbabwe", using biological weapons. The perceived reason was the overthrow of aforementioned Mugabe. It just gets worse and worse by the day. If ever there was a case for forcible regime-change, it's that country.
A regime that was overthrown 63 years ago, that of Adolf Hitler, still leaves it legacy in Germany. Not in the way I usually speak about these matters. The town of Rügen, on the Baltic coast, sports a holiday resort 1930s/1940s style, constructed for the Nazi elite of the day. Since 1990, it has lain empty as a concrete shell near the sandy beaches. Now the German authorities are contemplating turning the buildings into a holiday resort noughties style. Don't see it taking off somehow.
Friday, 12 December 2008
Diets, vitamins and homeopathy
I have a thing against dieting. Look, I could do with losing a few pounds myself. But there are ways of doing that without resorting to all sorts of unhealthy alterations to your diet. I also appreciate that there are people who genuinely do have a problem getting rid of excess weight. Some people suffer severe psychological distress because of their obesity. Or their perceived obesity. I remember meeting a woman who was in floods of tears as she mentioned her excess weight (for which she had been prescribed medication by a doctor). I would not have described her as fat. Young girls, in a quest for identity, sometimes think that less is best, and anorexia nervosa is a recognised eating disorder.
Nonetheless, I was horrified to read this morning that a woman had died after drinking a gallon of water in 2 hours. It is called water poisoning (anything taken in excess is bad and can kill you), and it had brought on swelling of the brain. This lady, from West Yorkshire, had been on a diet regimen that spans 12 weeks, and involves an intake of 500 kilocalories per day (normal for a woman is 2,000), backed up by regular fluid intake, soups and bars. The company that supplies the regimen states that it gives clear guidance on the amount of water to consume.
Whilst I'm on my high horse, I'll also take a swipe against multi-vitamin preparations. They're a rip-off, let me tell you. If you keep a normal, balanced diet, you don't need vitamin supplements. Should you run short, you can buy, or ask for a prescription for, the requisite single vitamin. Some years ago I had a look at the contents of multivits, and the amount of some vitamins can only be called homeopathic. Oh, that's another high horse.
I don't believe in homeopathy. Mind you, if you find it benefits you, don't stop just because I don't believe in it. The reason I don't believe in it is plain and simple laws of nature. Take kitchen salt. Good ole sodium chloride (NaCl). 48 grams of the stuff, that's an ounce and a half, contains 6 * 1023 molecules of NaCl. Now go to homeopathy. They say that if you dilute something by 1 part of substance into 10 parts of 70% alcohol, and continue to do that, it will increase in potency. By the time you have diluted 23 times, you are left with 6 molecules of NaCl in your little bottle of alcohol. By the time you've done it 100 times, you'll be lucky to find 6 molecules in any of 1077 bottles. Bearing in mind the pharmacological rule that a substance has more effect if there is more of it there, I think we're basically looking at a load of balderdash.
Nonetheless, I was horrified to read this morning that a woman had died after drinking a gallon of water in 2 hours. It is called water poisoning (anything taken in excess is bad and can kill you), and it had brought on swelling of the brain. This lady, from West Yorkshire, had been on a diet regimen that spans 12 weeks, and involves an intake of 500 kilocalories per day (normal for a woman is 2,000), backed up by regular fluid intake, soups and bars. The company that supplies the regimen states that it gives clear guidance on the amount of water to consume.
Whilst I'm on my high horse, I'll also take a swipe against multi-vitamin preparations. They're a rip-off, let me tell you. If you keep a normal, balanced diet, you don't need vitamin supplements. Should you run short, you can buy, or ask for a prescription for, the requisite single vitamin. Some years ago I had a look at the contents of multivits, and the amount of some vitamins can only be called homeopathic. Oh, that's another high horse.
I don't believe in homeopathy. Mind you, if you find it benefits you, don't stop just because I don't believe in it. The reason I don't believe in it is plain and simple laws of nature. Take kitchen salt. Good ole sodium chloride (NaCl). 48 grams of the stuff, that's an ounce and a half, contains 6 * 1023 molecules of NaCl. Now go to homeopathy. They say that if you dilute something by 1 part of substance into 10 parts of 70% alcohol, and continue to do that, it will increase in potency. By the time you have diluted 23 times, you are left with 6 molecules of NaCl in your little bottle of alcohol. By the time you've done it 100 times, you'll be lucky to find 6 molecules in any of 1077 bottles. Bearing in mind the pharmacological rule that a substance has more effect if there is more of it there, I think we're basically looking at a load of balderdash.
Friday 12 December
Horrible day, lashing rain, strong winds, mediocre temperatures. December at its worst. I'm not an early riser by habit, but today is one day that's best spent tucked away under the duvet.
Those that have followed me from AOL days may be familiar with my Australian buddy Petar Vodogaz, who sends his regards - if he didn't do so directly to you himself. We share an interest in tropical cyclones (hurricanes), and in the coming months, we'll be keeping an eye on developments south of the equator.
Will post more later today, if the muse finds me.
Those that have followed me from AOL days may be familiar with my Australian buddy Petar Vodogaz, who sends his regards - if he didn't do so directly to you himself. We share an interest in tropical cyclones (hurricanes), and in the coming months, we'll be keeping an eye on developments south of the equator.
Will post more later today, if the muse finds me.
Thursday, 11 December 2008
Thursday 11 December
Gradually increasing cloud cover, which leads to some phenomenal cloudscapes. It's been a good week in that respect. Today, a nationwide sale starts in Woolworths, a British department store. The sale is the pre-amble to a shutdown of the chain, which is currently in administration. Buyers are being sought, but things are looking bleaker by the day. In most British towns and cities, Woolies would not really be missed. It will be badly missed in Stornoway. We don't have that many shops selling a variety of household and other items, and what else we do have is mostly (a lot) dearer. No I'm not plugging Woolies. I'm just bemoaning the imminent loss of a useful shop.
Robert Mugabe, 9-digit inflation man, may well become an ostrich in his next life. He is already going round with his head firmly stuck in the sand over the cholera outbreak in his country. Mugabe has declared that there is no cholera in Zimbabwe, which is in stark contrast to the fact that 800 people have already died of the disease and it is spreading across his country's borders. Naturally, everybody else gets the blame. Read and weep.
Robert Mugabe, 9-digit inflation man, may well become an ostrich in his next life. He is already going round with his head firmly stuck in the sand over the cholera outbreak in his country. Mugabe has declared that there is no cholera in Zimbabwe, which is in stark contrast to the fact that 800 people have already died of the disease and it is spreading across his country's borders. Naturally, everybody else gets the blame. Read and weep.
Wednesday, 10 December 2008
Euthanasia
A widely publicised programme is currently being aired on a satellite TV channel, showing a man as he is assisted to die. Leaving to one side the question whether it is in good taste or decency to show someone's death on television, it does highlight the problems surrounding euthanasia in the UK.
In Holland, euthanasia has been regulated since the late 1970s, following a test-case. When someone expresses the desire to have their life terminated, a second medical opinion is sought. All options are discussed with the patient, and when both doctors are satisfied that there is no prospect of improvement of the condition, and that quality of life will only deteriorate, euthanasia can be arranged. Following the death of the patient, the doctor will fill out a death certificate and notify the judicial authorities of an unnatural death. If the public prosecutor is satisfied that the euthanasia has met all the required critera, no prosecutions will follow.
Euthanasia is naturally a subject of high emotion and potential for pitfalls and abuse. Whether the Dutch model would work in the UK is open for debate. There are those in favour and opposed to the practice. At present, anyone in Great Britain wishing to end their life will have to attend a clinic in Switzerland. Should euthanasia be carried out in the UK, prosecution will follow for those assisting the patient in ending their life.
In Holland, euthanasia has been regulated since the late 1970s, following a test-case. When someone expresses the desire to have their life terminated, a second medical opinion is sought. All options are discussed with the patient, and when both doctors are satisfied that there is no prospect of improvement of the condition, and that quality of life will only deteriorate, euthanasia can be arranged. Following the death of the patient, the doctor will fill out a death certificate and notify the judicial authorities of an unnatural death. If the public prosecutor is satisfied that the euthanasia has met all the required critera, no prosecutions will follow.
Euthanasia is naturally a subject of high emotion and potential for pitfalls and abuse. Whether the Dutch model would work in the UK is open for debate. There are those in favour and opposed to the practice. At present, anyone in Great Britain wishing to end their life will have to attend a clinic in Switzerland. Should euthanasia be carried out in the UK, prosecution will follow for those assisting the patient in ending their life.
Wednesday 10 December
Another great day for cloudscapes, even if the temperatures are not all that great: 5C / 41F. No prospects of that getting any higher soon, if anything, there is an advance warning of heavy snow fall in the north and east of the UK on Saturday.
Cathy (Dare to Think) had an interesting entry yesterday on the issue of the space-time continuum. Some 15,000,000,000 years ago, the Big Bang occurred, creating space and time. Echoes of that event still reverberate around the universe, which led Cathy to believe that you could get flashbacks from times past. She imagined that in December 2088, her home would be a park, and anyone passing through the park could come across a ghostly lady sipping cappucino tapping away at a computer keyboard, the way it was in December 2008.
I do not agree with that notion. In my opinion, there is only one constant in the Universe, and that is time. It marches forward at a set pace, which cannot be altered, stopped or reversed. It is the 4th dimension. Anything that has happened in the past cannot be changed, because it would have repercussions on the here and now. I'll give an example from my perspective here in Lewis.
In 1919, a troopship (HMY Iolaire) sank outside the harbour at Stornoway, drowning more than 200. As a result, a young man in one of the villages was forbidden from ever going to sea. He eventually emigrated to Canada, married and had children and grandchildren. Reading about the tragedy, one of the grandchildren contacted me, saying that without the tragedy she would never have been born. Point I'm making is that should someone (be able to) return to 1919 and alter the course of the Iolaire, this would have profound and immediate implications here and now. The lady I'm speaking about would cease to exist, e.g..
As for events leaving an imprint for posterity, well, I'm afraid I do not buy that either. Noise leaves an echo, correct. Events have consequences, and we see those consequences on a daily basis. But, in contradiction to Cathy's theory, atoms and molecules behave in a random fashion (called entropy), and only congregate as a result of random interactions, which, as a result of the laws of physics, lead to events. What went before is lost. A water molecule does not remember that it has fallen out of a cloud of other H2O molecules, into a huge basin of more H2O, imbibed by a bag of bones and flesh called a human being, and passed out again by said human being.
An attempt at philosophy. Feel free to take pot shots.
Cathy (Dare to Think) had an interesting entry yesterday on the issue of the space-time continuum. Some 15,000,000,000 years ago, the Big Bang occurred, creating space and time. Echoes of that event still reverberate around the universe, which led Cathy to believe that you could get flashbacks from times past. She imagined that in December 2088, her home would be a park, and anyone passing through the park could come across a ghostly lady sipping cappucino tapping away at a computer keyboard, the way it was in December 2008.
I do not agree with that notion. In my opinion, there is only one constant in the Universe, and that is time. It marches forward at a set pace, which cannot be altered, stopped or reversed. It is the 4th dimension. Anything that has happened in the past cannot be changed, because it would have repercussions on the here and now. I'll give an example from my perspective here in Lewis.
In 1919, a troopship (HMY Iolaire) sank outside the harbour at Stornoway, drowning more than 200. As a result, a young man in one of the villages was forbidden from ever going to sea. He eventually emigrated to Canada, married and had children and grandchildren. Reading about the tragedy, one of the grandchildren contacted me, saying that without the tragedy she would never have been born. Point I'm making is that should someone (be able to) return to 1919 and alter the course of the Iolaire, this would have profound and immediate implications here and now. The lady I'm speaking about would cease to exist, e.g..
As for events leaving an imprint for posterity, well, I'm afraid I do not buy that either. Noise leaves an echo, correct. Events have consequences, and we see those consequences on a daily basis. But, in contradiction to Cathy's theory, atoms and molecules behave in a random fashion (called entropy), and only congregate as a result of random interactions, which, as a result of the laws of physics, lead to events. What went before is lost. A water molecule does not remember that it has fallen out of a cloud of other H2O molecules, into a huge basin of more H2O, imbibed by a bag of bones and flesh called a human being, and passed out again by said human being.
An attempt at philosophy. Feel free to take pot shots.
Tuesday, 9 December 2008
Facebook warning
A so-called internet worm, Koobface, is on the loose on Facebook. It has only affected a small percentage of users. More info on this page on the BBC News website.
Tuesday 9 December
The sun set two hours ago, but I'm only just getting round to doing an entry. Was fairly bright through the day, but I did catch a shower on the way into town. Going into town means a walk of less than 10 minutes, but don't underrate the Stornoway pavements. I didn't realise how bad they were until I tried pushing a shopping trolley along my street. It was brand new, but was forever trying to argue with parked cars. The roads themselves are OK, just the pavements (sidewalks for folks across the pond) are atrocious.
What did I go into town for? Christmas cards and stamps. They have all been written, addressed, adorned with postage and stuffed into the letterbox. Folks in the UK should have it tomorrow, folks in Europe by the end of the week and those in the US between 1 and 2 weeks from today. Total of cards sent: 19. Anyone else that would like a card can just email me with details, and I'll endeavour to oblige.
Morton (Caring n sharing), I am pleased to announce, left hospital this afternoon to tell those of us on Facebook that he had returned home. It was too close for comfort, he said.
What did I go into town for? Christmas cards and stamps. They have all been written, addressed, adorned with postage and stuffed into the letterbox. Folks in the UK should have it tomorrow, folks in Europe by the end of the week and those in the US between 1 and 2 weeks from today. Total of cards sent: 19. Anyone else that would like a card can just email me with details, and I'll endeavour to oblige.
Morton (Caring n sharing), I am pleased to announce, left hospital this afternoon to tell those of us on Facebook that he had returned home. It was too close for comfort, he said.
Monday, 8 December 2008
Pentalina
A new ferry ship, the Pentalina, is currently heading north up the Minch, as shown in this AIS [Automatic Ship Identification] screenshot from 5.38pm this evening.
The catamaran is capable of carrying 350 passengers and 32 to 58 cars as well as 9 lorries. She is yet to be fitted out completely. The ship was built in the Philippines and has safely negotiated the pirate-infested waters of the Gulf of Aden on Friday. She is expected to arrive in Orkney waters tomorrow.
Pentalina will take up the run between Gills Bay on the northern coast of mainland Scotland and St Margaret's Hope in Orkney, a crossing that will take her 45 minutes.
Monday 8 December
Quite a bright morning, with the odd shower. Sun is low in the southern sky, only 8 degrees (a hand's width) above the horizon. This evening, after sunset, have a look to the southwest. You'll see two bright stars fairly close together. The brightest is the planet Venus, the other is Jupiter. They are nearly 1 billion miles apart, and were in conjunction (in apparent closest proximity in the sky) last week. I missed that event due to cloudy skies. Later in the evening, look south for the constellation of Orion. The Dog Star (Sirius) is located to the left of Orion, lower in the sky. Readers in the southern hemisphere will see Sirius higher than Orion.
Discard any pork from (Northern) Ireland purchased after last September. Dioxins (extremely poisonous compounds) have been found in pig feed, used in at least 9 Ulster farms, leading to levels of dioxin 200 times above the limit of acceptability. There is low risk to health if you have eaten Irish pork in recent weeks.
Discard any pork from (Northern) Ireland purchased after last September. Dioxins (extremely poisonous compounds) have been found in pig feed, used in at least 9 Ulster farms, leading to levels of dioxin 200 times above the limit of acceptability. There is low risk to health if you have eaten Irish pork in recent weeks.
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Christmas Tags
I'm displaying each Xmas tag in an individual entry, as well as in a block at the top of my sidebar. Many thanks, so far, to Connie and Sugar. I've got more archived tags from the last couple of years, mainly courtesy Donna, which I'll put up in the next few days and two and a bit weeks.
7 December 1941
Today is the 67th anniversary of the attack by Imperial Japanese forces on the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The surprise attack propelled the USA into the Second World War, eventually helping to vanquish Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.
Lest we forget.
Image courtesy University of Maine, showing USS Arizona on fire and sinking after the attacks.
Lest we forget.
Image courtesy University of Maine, showing USS Arizona on fire and sinking after the attacks.
Sunday 7 December
Overcast day with some rain and strong winds. As I write this, the sun will be setting in the next quarter of an hour. Unseen by me at groundlevel. All points south and east beware: this is coming your way.
I am having to move a blog I keep on the BBC Scotland website. The BBC will no longer allow updates as of next month or so, but they will NOT delete the old blog. I have set up a new blog on a separate site. I operate that blog, which casts a critical if slightly off-the-ball eye on events in the Isle of Lewis, where I reside. As I do so under a pseudonym, I cannot link to it direct. Check out my page.
Oh apologies for the two entries that should have gone to my Tropical Cyclones blog. Nothing to report at any rate.
I am having to move a blog I keep on the BBC Scotland website. The BBC will no longer allow updates as of next month or so, but they will NOT delete the old blog. I have set up a new blog on a separate site. I operate that blog, which casts a critical if slightly off-the-ball eye on events in the Isle of Lewis, where I reside. As I do so under a pseudonym, I cannot link to it direct. Check out my page.
Oh apologies for the two entries that should have gone to my Tropical Cyclones blog. Nothing to report at any rate.
Christmas Cards
If anyone would like a Christmas card from me, please email me direct with address details. I shall reply with my own. All personal details will be held in confidence, and will only be used for sending a Christmas card this year. I assume the same will apply your end regarding my details.
Saturday, 6 December 2008
Reading journals
I've decided that I'll try to keep up to date with journals through Google Reader once a day. It is also a good way of distracting myself from my current pre-occupations.
I hope everybody is getting themselves ready for Christmas with the usual mixture of joy and trepidation.
I was sorry to note that Donna (of Dsdesigns) is having one health problem on top of another, as if a heart attack isn't already enough to cope with.
Another blogger with heart problems, Morton (Caring n sharing) is due to have further tests next week, to determine which procedures he requires in the wake of his heart attack. According to a relayed message from Jeannette, he is in great spirits although p'd off at the fact that his mobile phone battery has now gone flat.
Finally, I have put the entries that I managed to salvage from Sylvia's blog in a separate journal.
Hypochondriac
Man sits in pub and talks to his mates.
I'm a hypochondriac.
Don't believe me?
Talk to my gynaecologist!
I'm a hypochondriac.
Don't believe me?
Talk to my gynaecologist!
Not at the helm
6 November 2008
A fishing boat went down off Bayble, some 5 miles east of Stornoway. Fortunately, all crew were saved uninjured. An inquiry has revealed that the skipper had left the wheelhouse of the Faithful Friend II a few minutes beforehand to make a cup of coffee, leaving the boat to proceed on auto-pilot. She struck a rock, which was well charted, and sank fairly quickly. A quick Mayday call, nearby vessels and a rapid response from the Coastguard prevented loss of life. The owner of the Faithful Friend II has been forcefully reminded of the necessity of watch-keeping on his boats at all times.
1 June 2006
Fishing boat Brothers leaves the harbour of Gairloch in Wester Ross (southeast of Stornoway) and proceeds to head west across the Minch. It never returned to port, and sound nor sight was seen of it again. A massive search was launched in the Minch, but the wreck of the Brothers was finally located beneath 40 feet / 12 metres of water off an island just north of Skye. The bodies of the two men on board were not in the wreck. One of them turned up in Gruinard Bay, 35 miles to the northeast 3 weeks later. The other was never found. It is thought they left port after a few drinks the evening before and dropped off to sleep. When the boat ran aground, it must have sunk quickly, leaving them no chance to save themselves.
19 December 2004
Fishing boat Audacious leaves Stornoway harbour in the early hours of the morning. The crew leave the boat on auto-pilot, which appears to malfunction. The boat runs aground just south of the lighthouse at Arnish. The skipper drowned, but two other crew were rescued.
A memorial to the skipper was later erected near the lighthouse.
A fishing boat went down off Bayble, some 5 miles east of Stornoway. Fortunately, all crew were saved uninjured. An inquiry has revealed that the skipper had left the wheelhouse of the Faithful Friend II a few minutes beforehand to make a cup of coffee, leaving the boat to proceed on auto-pilot. She struck a rock, which was well charted, and sank fairly quickly. A quick Mayday call, nearby vessels and a rapid response from the Coastguard prevented loss of life. The owner of the Faithful Friend II has been forcefully reminded of the necessity of watch-keeping on his boats at all times.
1 June 2006
Fishing boat Brothers leaves the harbour of Gairloch in Wester Ross (southeast of Stornoway) and proceeds to head west across the Minch. It never returned to port, and sound nor sight was seen of it again. A massive search was launched in the Minch, but the wreck of the Brothers was finally located beneath 40 feet / 12 metres of water off an island just north of Skye. The bodies of the two men on board were not in the wreck. One of them turned up in Gruinard Bay, 35 miles to the northeast 3 weeks later. The other was never found. It is thought they left port after a few drinks the evening before and dropped off to sleep. When the boat ran aground, it must have sunk quickly, leaving them no chance to save themselves.
19 December 2004
Fishing boat Audacious leaves Stornoway harbour in the early hours of the morning. The crew leave the boat on auto-pilot, which appears to malfunction. The boat runs aground just south of the lighthouse at Arnish. The skipper drowned, but two other crew were rescued.
A memorial to the skipper was later erected near the lighthouse.
Saturday 6 December
Bright day, but with a steady procession of showers. We had a mild overnight frost, -1C. Mercury currently at 6C, which sparks off the showers. Tomorrow should be a little milder still.
Yesterday saw the 50th anniversary of the introduction of motorways in England, with the opening of the Preston by-pass in what is currently the M6 motorway. That road is now part of an all-motorway link between London and Glasgow, using the M1, M6 and M74. Don't have fond memories of the northern section, after travelling down it in 1981 in atrocious weather conditions and encountering smash after smash between Lockerbie and Carlisle. The trans-Pennine A66 (Penrith to Scotch Corner) is also blackmarked in my book, when (on the same journey) that road was littered with accidents as well. I never seen so many smashed caravans as on that 500 mile journey from Glasgow to London, 27 years ago.
In 1958, there were no speedlimits. Nowadays, there are (70 mph), but in my experience, the unwritten speedlimit seems to be 80 mph. If you do do 70, you're holding up the traffic!
Yesterday saw the 50th anniversary of the introduction of motorways in England, with the opening of the Preston by-pass in what is currently the M6 motorway. That road is now part of an all-motorway link between London and Glasgow, using the M1, M6 and M74. Don't have fond memories of the northern section, after travelling down it in 1981 in atrocious weather conditions and encountering smash after smash between Lockerbie and Carlisle. The trans-Pennine A66 (Penrith to Scotch Corner) is also blackmarked in my book, when (on the same journey) that road was littered with accidents as well. I never seen so many smashed caravans as on that 500 mile journey from Glasgow to London, 27 years ago.
In 1958, there were no speedlimits. Nowadays, there are (70 mph), but in my experience, the unwritten speedlimit seems to be 80 mph. If you do do 70, you're holding up the traffic!
Friday, 5 December 2008
Sunset images
As I said in previous post, we had a beautiful sunset this afternoon. Just sharing a few images here.
A few cloudscape pictures from yesterday
And some more from Wednesday
A few cloudscape pictures from yesterday
And some more from Wednesday
Friday 5 December
Beautiful winter's day, with broad sunshine and reasonable temperatures. We reached a maximum of 8C / 46F. The sunset, just after 3.30pm, was colourful and stunning.
I'd like to restate my thanks to all who are supporting me at this not so easy time. I'll get over it and sort it out in due course. As they say in this part of the world, moran taing - many thanks.
Today is the festival of Saint Nicholas, referred to as Sinterklaas in the Dutch speaking parts of the world. Several people have referred to it over the last few days, and I'll add my few pennies' worth.
Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra, present-day Smyrna in Turkey. After his death, his remains were spirited across the Mediterranean to Spain. He is the patron-saint of children and travellers. Today, Sinterklaas arrives in a port in Holland aboard a steamship, surrounded by an entourage of Black Peters (Zwarte Pieten). They are black-skinned (long life shoe polish), a reference to the fact that Spain was occupied by Moors from North Africa, who were of a swarthy disposition.
Sinterklaas comes bearing gifts for all children in Holland, provided they have been good. Bad children will be picked up by Zwarte Piet and taken back to Spain in the big sack, which held the presents. On the evening of 5 December, Sinterklaas will take to his white charger to ride across the rooftops of Holland. He will drop presents down the chimneys, and collect a carrot for the horse, left by the children in their shoes by the fireplace. Bad children will get a faggot instead of a present, provided they're not taken away. In order to actually get a present, children will have to sing a Sinterklaas song into the fireplace.
I'd like to restate my thanks to all who are supporting me at this not so easy time. I'll get over it and sort it out in due course. As they say in this part of the world, moran taing - many thanks.
Today is the festival of Saint Nicholas, referred to as Sinterklaas in the Dutch speaking parts of the world. Several people have referred to it over the last few days, and I'll add my few pennies' worth.Saint Nicholas was bishop of Myra, present-day Smyrna in Turkey. After his death, his remains were spirited across the Mediterranean to Spain. He is the patron-saint of children and travellers. Today, Sinterklaas arrives in a port in Holland aboard a steamship, surrounded by an entourage of Black Peters (Zwarte Pieten). They are black-skinned (long life shoe polish), a reference to the fact that Spain was occupied by Moors from North Africa, who were of a swarthy disposition.
Sinterklaas comes bearing gifts for all children in Holland, provided they have been good. Bad children will be picked up by Zwarte Piet and taken back to Spain in the big sack, which held the presents. On the evening of 5 December, Sinterklaas will take to his white charger to ride across the rooftops of Holland. He will drop presents down the chimneys, and collect a carrot for the horse, left by the children in their shoes by the fireplace. Bad children will get a faggot instead of a present, provided they're not taken away. In order to actually get a present, children will have to sing a Sinterklaas song into the fireplace.
Thursday, 4 December 2008
Wednesday trip
Yesterday, I went out by car with two friends. It was bitterly cold, and many of the lochs had a sheen of ice on them. On passing through Achmore, which lies 350 feet above sealevel, there was a fair bit of snow on the ground. The Harris hills, visible in the distance, were all white. They rise up to nearly 2,700 feet.
Our destination was two-fold: first the Doune Braes Hotel, a watering-hole cum restaurant and hotel a few miles outside Carloway, where we had lunch. The hotel cat, Tinkerbell, fussed around us, meowing everytime someone spoke to her. As we drove north, a line of rain moved in off the Atlantic. Our second destination was the tiny hamlet of Dalmore, more specifically the cemetery there. It is located directly above the beach, and as I was looking for wargraves, the rain started. Strangely enough the cold relented when it got wet. After a brief visit to local beauty spot Dalbeg, we returned to Stornoway about an hour before darkness fell.
Further pictures
Our destination was two-fold: first the Doune Braes Hotel, a watering-hole cum restaurant and hotel a few miles outside Carloway, where we had lunch. The hotel cat, Tinkerbell, fussed around us, meowing everytime someone spoke to her. As we drove north, a line of rain moved in off the Atlantic. Our second destination was the tiny hamlet of Dalmore, more specifically the cemetery there. It is located directly above the beach, and as I was looking for wargraves, the rain started. Strangely enough the cold relented when it got wet. After a brief visit to local beauty spot Dalbeg, we returned to Stornoway about an hour before darkness fell.
Further pictures
Acknowledgement
Another big thank you to all of you for your messages of support since yesterday. It just goes to show that you lot are the best on-line.
Tag thanks to Connie
Tag thanks to Connie
Thursday 4 December
Quite a bright day out here in the isles, following a night of rain and high winds. Snow has been falling heavily on the Highlands, causing problems on the roads, but otherwise not the mayhem predicted yesterday.
Although I'm not really a happy bunny today, I'll just soldier on. Many thanks for expressions of support, seem to be making a habit of them these days. It is never nice to lose a friend, or to have to break up a relationship. Have been getting ample advice regarding the old pitfall of "what you see may not be what you might get on the internet", but have every reason to know up to a point who I was dealing with.
Just wanted to also put a warning out for Sri Lanka, which may get a strong tropical storm on Sunday. Storm 07B (they'll stick a name on it later) is headed west along the 6th degree latitude north and could well be stronger than the currently predicted maximum of 60 knots by the time central Sri Lanka sees it.
Although I'm not really a happy bunny today, I'll just soldier on. Many thanks for expressions of support, seem to be making a habit of them these days. It is never nice to lose a friend, or to have to break up a relationship. Have been getting ample advice regarding the old pitfall of "what you see may not be what you might get on the internet", but have every reason to know up to a point who I was dealing with.
Just wanted to also put a warning out for Sri Lanka, which may get a strong tropical storm on Sunday. Storm 07B (they'll stick a name on it later) is headed west along the 6th degree latitude north and could well be stronger than the currently predicted maximum of 60 knots by the time central Sri Lanka sees it.
Wednesday, 3 December 2008
Wednesday 3 December
I have put a notice on Facebook that I'm no longer checking that site, after I concluded that a relationship, built through that site, was not viable. It probably goes without saying that I'm very upset indeed. It has also had repercussions in my private life, and I do not know if that damage can be mended easily, which has made matters even worse.
I won't make any announcement whether I'll be posting or not, I'll have to take that a day at a time. You will have noticed that my attendance at your blogs has fallen to near-zero, and that won't improve any time soon. I am pleased to note that Jeannette (Outside Looking In) is keeping Call for Support updated.
On that subject, I have been informed that Morton (Caring n Sharing) was admitted to hospital yesterday with a heart attack. My source was unfortunately the person with whom I have now cut off contact.
I won't make any announcement whether I'll be posting or not, I'll have to take that a day at a time. You will have noticed that my attendance at your blogs has fallen to near-zero, and that won't improve any time soon. I am pleased to note that Jeannette (Outside Looking In) is keeping Call for Support updated.
On that subject, I have been informed that Morton (Caring n Sharing) was admitted to hospital yesterday with a heart attack. My source was unfortunately the person with whom I have now cut off contact.
Tuesday, 2 December 2008
Tuesday 2 December
Another bright and sunny if rather cold day. The sun is low in the sky at this latitude (58 North), and by Christmas, it will not rise more than a hand's width above the southern horizon at midday. The winter weather is wreaking havoc across Scotland, although the Western Isles appear to be escaping most of it.
On Sunday afternoon, the body of a man (aged late 40s, early 50s) was discovered on the beach at Eoropie, north Lewis. He was dressed for walking, and had a large rucksack with him. Police were unable to identify him as of yesterday. The clifftops in this island are dangerous, and fatalities have occurred in the past as a result of people accidentally straying too close to the edge. The circumstances of this incident are not clear.
On Sunday afternoon, the body of a man (aged late 40s, early 50s) was discovered on the beach at Eoropie, north Lewis. He was dressed for walking, and had a large rucksack with him. Police were unable to identify him as of yesterday. The clifftops in this island are dangerous, and fatalities have occurred in the past as a result of people accidentally straying too close to the edge. The circumstances of this incident are not clear.
Monday, 1 December 2008
Monday 1 December
Fairly bright day, with some cloud about. Quite a cold start to the day, with temps of barely above freezing after sunrise. And it's still not much better.
Apart from a 9-figure inflation percentage, Zimbabwe is now also in the grip of cholera. Water supplies in the capital Harare have been cut, and the sovereign cure, suggested by government, is not to shake hands. Smacks of Tabu Mbeki's denial of a 30% infection rate with HIV in South Africa some years back.
Today is World AIDS Day, and we're nearing the 25th anniversary of the major outbreak of this disease in the mid 1980s. The rate of spread of the disease appears to be on the increase, which has led to a renewed call for people to engage in safe sex. Very appropriate, as sex is reported to be the most popular pastime amongst the people of Scotland. Fortunately, this is coupled (sic) to an increase in the sale of condoms.
Apart from a 9-figure inflation percentage, Zimbabwe is now also in the grip of cholera. Water supplies in the capital Harare have been cut, and the sovereign cure, suggested by government, is not to shake hands. Smacks of Tabu Mbeki's denial of a 30% infection rate with HIV in South Africa some years back.
Today is World AIDS Day, and we're nearing the 25th anniversary of the major outbreak of this disease in the mid 1980s. The rate of spread of the disease appears to be on the increase, which has led to a renewed call for people to engage in safe sex. Very appropriate, as sex is reported to be the most popular pastime amongst the people of Scotland. Fortunately, this is coupled (sic) to an increase in the sale of condoms.
Sunday, 30 November 2008
Sunday 30 November
Darkness has fallen on a grey and overcast day, pretty non-descript in actual fact. The Dutch fishing vessel departed late last night for the fishing grounds of the North Atlantic.
The post-mortem is in full progress on the attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, which has claimed nearly 200 lives, as well as more than 300 injured. Nine attackers were killed, one survived. He has admitted coming from Pakistan, but this does not imply that the attack was necessarily carried out or sanctioned by the government of that country. Western Pakistan is a pretty lawless place, outwith the control of Islamabad - Osama bin Laden is holed up there by all accounts. Although not bearing the specific wholemarks of Al Qa'eda, the attacks could well be attributable to that Medusa of the modern world. Security experts are still mulling that one over.
Today is the last day of the North Atlantic hurricane season.
I copy the review by the National Hurricane Center:
During this season, 16 named tropical cyclones occurred. Of these, 8 were hurricanes, and 5 were major hurricanes of Saffir-Simpson category III strength or stronger. This season was the first ever when 6 consecutive tropical cyclones made landfall on the US mainland. Overall, the 2008 hurricane season is tied as the 4th most active in terms of number of named storms and major hurricanes, and is also tied as the 5th most active in terms of number of hurricanes since 1944, when aerial reconnaissance was commenced. This is the 10th season to produce above-normal tropical cyclone activity since 1995, when the current active hurricane era began.
Finally, a total of 64 tropical waves moved off the coast of Africa this season, which is near the seasonal average.
The post-mortem is in full progress on the attacks on the Indian city of Mumbai, which has claimed nearly 200 lives, as well as more than 300 injured. Nine attackers were killed, one survived. He has admitted coming from Pakistan, but this does not imply that the attack was necessarily carried out or sanctioned by the government of that country. Western Pakistan is a pretty lawless place, outwith the control of Islamabad - Osama bin Laden is holed up there by all accounts. Although not bearing the specific wholemarks of Al Qa'eda, the attacks could well be attributable to that Medusa of the modern world. Security experts are still mulling that one over.
Today is the last day of the North Atlantic hurricane season.
I copy the review by the National Hurricane Center:
During this season, 16 named tropical cyclones occurred. Of these, 8 were hurricanes, and 5 were major hurricanes of Saffir-Simpson category III strength or stronger. This season was the first ever when 6 consecutive tropical cyclones made landfall on the US mainland. Overall, the 2008 hurricane season is tied as the 4th most active in terms of number of named storms and major hurricanes, and is also tied as the 5th most active in terms of number of hurricanes since 1944, when aerial reconnaissance was commenced. This is the 10th season to produce above-normal tropical cyclone activity since 1995, when the current active hurricane era began.
Finally, a total of 64 tropical waves moved off the coast of Africa this season, which is near the seasonal average.
Saturday, 29 November 2008
Tomato sativa
The village of Shieldaig in Wester Ross is a quiet backwater on the west coast of Scotland. It was also the scene of a drugs raid a week or so ago. Police officers entered the home of a 79-year old widow to search for cannabis plants which were allegedly growing in the window sill. They put her, together with her son aged 47, in a back bedroom whilst the search was carried out. The lady's grandson, who lives in a caravan at the property, was also subjected to a rigorous search.
Problem was that there were no cannabis plants about. The suspicious plants were visibly bearing fruit - nice, juicy tomatoes. Having torn the house apart, and not recovered anything, officers insisted on taking samples of the plants. Anyone who has ever grown tomatoes, or even bought tomatoes on the vine, knows that the tomato vine carries a very distinct smell. Distinct from the cannabis plant in fact.
Northern Constabulary would only confirm that an address in Shieldaig had been attended, and that no illegal drugs or plants were found.
Oh, the title of this post? Cannabis plants carry the Latin name of Cannabis Sativa.
Problem was that there were no cannabis plants about. The suspicious plants were visibly bearing fruit - nice, juicy tomatoes. Having torn the house apart, and not recovered anything, officers insisted on taking samples of the plants. Anyone who has ever grown tomatoes, or even bought tomatoes on the vine, knows that the tomato vine carries a very distinct smell. Distinct from the cannabis plant in fact.
Northern Constabulary would only confirm that an address in Shieldaig had been attended, and that no illegal drugs or plants were found.
Oh, the title of this post? Cannabis plants carry the Latin name of Cannabis Sativa.
Saturday 29 November
Quite a bright morning with good sunny spells, although the good ole cumulonimbus (showerclouds) abound as well. The Barvas Hills wear white today. Oh, these hills is a range of 4, each rising up to 1,000 feet above sealevel. They are singularly inaccessible, surrounded as they are by miles of bog. I climbed them after a dry spell in August 2005. In the next few days, I'll put the pictures on Atlantic Light.
Also of note this morning is a large Dutch fishing trawler, at anchor in the Glumag, south of here. Glumag Harbour is a deep bay in Stornoway Harbour. The trawler is the Ariadne out of Scheveningen in Holland (get your tongue round that name). Scheveningen is a resort and fishing port situated between the city of The Hague and the North Sea. The Hague is the seat of government in Holland (which therefore does not reside in the capital Amsterdam).
Went out earlier on to take pics of said trawler and the cloudscapes this morning, which are much more rewarding than earlier in the week. Temperatures are mediocre, at only 4C, but better than yesterday's -1C at this hour. Will post pictures later today.
Also of note this morning is a large Dutch fishing trawler, at anchor in the Glumag, south of here. Glumag Harbour is a deep bay in Stornoway Harbour. The trawler is the Ariadne out of Scheveningen in Holland (get your tongue round that name). Scheveningen is a resort and fishing port situated between the city of The Hague and the North Sea. The Hague is the seat of government in Holland (which therefore does not reside in the capital Amsterdam).
Went out earlier on to take pics of said trawler and the cloudscapes this morning, which are much more rewarding than earlier in the week. Temperatures are mediocre, at only 4C, but better than yesterday's -1C at this hour. Will post pictures later today.
Friday, 28 November 2008
Friday 28 November
Many thanks for your expressions of support in response to my previous post. There are things afoot both on-line and off, which I cannot discuss on an open blog. It requires sorting out, which I find singularly hard. I am calling round the odd blog or two as I find time or inclination.
Out here in the Hebrides, it went dark after half past two this afternoon, with rain, sleet and snow falling on the town of Stornoway. It is also very cold, with the mercury barely above freezing. Officially, by the way, the sun sets at 3.45pm. With the clouds overhead, it just doesn't get light through the day.
Out here in the Hebrides, it went dark after half past two this afternoon, with rain, sleet and snow falling on the town of Stornoway. It is also very cold, with the mercury barely above freezing. Officially, by the way, the sun sets at 3.45pm. With the clouds overhead, it just doesn't get light through the day.
Notice
With the apparent breakdown of yet another on-line friendship looming, I think it's time I took myself out of blogging for a considerable if not permanent period of time. I think I'm just plain wasting my time. I don't believe a word of it any more.
Thursday, 27 November 2008
Thursday 27 November
Just had a snower of snow out here - big flakes, which did not settle. Does show how cold it is outside, only a degree or two above freezing. Today is Thanksgiving, and not just in the USA. It is also a public holiday here in Lewis, with church services, schools and some shops closed. I am not aware of a turkey tradition, like in America, that is more commonly served at Christmas.
I was horrified to hear of a concerted series of attacks in Bombay (now Mumbai) in India, which have claimed more than 100 lives. Situation is still fluid and by no means under control.
Remember that infamous date on our calendar? 31 October 2008? The day AOL Journals was closed down. Well, I've got another date like that on my own calendar. BBC Island Blogging is closing down next January. For the past 3 years, I have been writing on there about life on Lewis, but I've just read that this will now cease. Unlike AOL, the BBC offers plenty cooperation and actually asks the community what it wants. Also, the blogs won't be deleted, again unlike AOL. I'm a very sad bunny at the moment, and it's been a crapola year altogether.
I was horrified to hear of a concerted series of attacks in Bombay (now Mumbai) in India, which have claimed more than 100 lives. Situation is still fluid and by no means under control.
Remember that infamous date on our calendar? 31 October 2008? The day AOL Journals was closed down. Well, I've got another date like that on my own calendar. BBC Island Blogging is closing down next January. For the past 3 years, I have been writing on there about life on Lewis, but I've just read that this will now cease. Unlike AOL, the BBC offers plenty cooperation and actually asks the community what it wants. Also, the blogs won't be deleted, again unlike AOL. I'm a very sad bunny at the moment, and it's been a crapola year altogether.
Wednesday, 26 November 2008
Wednesday 26 November
Blustery day with the odd drop of drizzle and the odd chink of blue sky or even ray of sunshine today. Gales anticipated for tonight.
The North Atlantic hurricane season is coming to a quiet conclusion, but it has been far from quiet this year. Jeff Masters, who runs a very useful blog on Weather Underground, has written a summary. Cuba had 3 major hurricanes, and there will be a few names withdrawn from the rotating list on account of damage or loss of life. Ike will probably be one of them, but we need to await a decision by the World Meteorological Organisation on that.
At the moment, a cyclonic storm is battering northern Sri Lanka and the far south of India with winds of up to force 10 on the Beaufort scale. It will move ashore later today, to reemerge in the Arabian Sea in a few days' time.
The North Atlantic hurricane season is coming to a quiet conclusion, but it has been far from quiet this year. Jeff Masters, who runs a very useful blog on Weather Underground, has written a summary. Cuba had 3 major hurricanes, and there will be a few names withdrawn from the rotating list on account of damage or loss of life. Ike will probably be one of them, but we need to await a decision by the World Meteorological Organisation on that.
At the moment, a cyclonic storm is battering northern Sri Lanka and the far south of India with winds of up to force 10 on the Beaufort scale. It will move ashore later today, to reemerge in the Arabian Sea in a few days' time.
Tuesday, 25 November 2008
Evening notes
I am not very conscientious about keeping up to date with everybody's journals, but am a wee bit distracted at the moment. For the moment, I would like to wish our American friends much fun in the run-up to Thanksgiving this weekend, a festival (as I explained earlier) also celebrated here in Lewis. On Thursday to be precise. No turkeys here, just a visit to church for the faithful.
Was watching a film about the Callanish Stones, which stand 18 miles away on the west coast of Lewis. They are 5,000 years old, and not a lot is known about them. It was funny when a local man said that at one point he had told visitors they were lucky to find the Stones up. In October, they take them down for the winter, to put them back up again in Easter. Ostensibly. I'll close this post with some pics I took at Callanish at the end of June last year. All pictures were taken close to midnight. For reference, we're at latitude 58 North here.
Was watching a film about the Callanish Stones, which stand 18 miles away on the west coast of Lewis. They are 5,000 years old, and not a lot is known about them. It was funny when a local man said that at one point he had told visitors they were lucky to find the Stones up. In October, they take them down for the winter, to put them back up again in Easter. Ostensibly. I'll close this post with some pics I took at Callanish at the end of June last year. All pictures were taken close to midnight. For reference, we're at latitude 58 North here.
Tuesday 25 November
One month to go until Christmas. It is a cool but dry day in the islands, although a fine drizzle has just started.
Today is the 33rd anniversary of the independence of former Dutch colony Suriname. This small country sits on the north coast of South America, between British and French Guyana. Its primary means of subsistence is the export of bauxite, the ore from which aluminium is extracted.
Following independence, a large number of Surinamers (as they call themselves) flocked to the mother country, Netherlands. In 1980, a military coup toppled the government and army leader Desi Bouterse took over the reigns of power. The most infamous episode is the so-called December Murders, in which 15 leading opponents of Mr Bouterse were killed, allegedly by his supporters but at his direction. A civilian government has since returned to the country.
Today is the 33rd anniversary of the independence of former Dutch colony Suriname. This small country sits on the north coast of South America, between British and French Guyana. Its primary means of subsistence is the export of bauxite, the ore from which aluminium is extracted.
Following independence, a large number of Surinamers (as they call themselves) flocked to the mother country, Netherlands. In 1980, a military coup toppled the government and army leader Desi Bouterse took over the reigns of power. The most infamous episode is the so-called December Murders, in which 15 leading opponents of Mr Bouterse were killed, allegedly by his supporters but at his direction. A civilian government has since returned to the country.
Monday, 24 November 2008
Monday 24 November
Bright and sunny day, if still cold, with the odd shower about. Went into town just before midday to have an amble round the harbour. Ended up in the library caff for a bowl of soup. It made quite a difference to have the sun out, rather than the continuous wind and rain of the weekend. Temperatures are still mediocre, at barely 5C. MV Pentalina B continues to be our freight ferry, while the normal boat, MV Muirneag, remains in dry-dock for its annual refit.
Sunday, 23 November 2008
Customer service
I had to bite back a sardonic cackle this evening when I logged into my blog, to be greeted by an advert from AOL Broadband UK. The greatest customer service, was the subtitle. Good grief, how dare they.
Six minutes five seconds
Dmitri Shostakovich wrote this second movement to his 2nd Pianoconcierto in A-minor. Don't say you aren't reaching for the tissues by the end of it.
Sunday 23 November
It is pitch dark as I type this at 5.40pm, the sun having long since set. The weather today was wet, windy and cold, a maximum of 7C / 45F just being achieved. Nothing to write home about. Having a quiet day, with a bit of reading and catching up. I am currently going through "A Shilling for your Scowl", about abuse of power by one man - who was allowed to do so by the establishment in the mid-19th century in the Isle of Lewis. He held 32 public offices at the same time, some patently incompatible with being held by one man.
A couple is suing McDonalds after images on a phone they accidentally left behind in one of their stores appeared on the internet. Nude ones. McDonalds had promised to secure the phone, but something leaked. Cautionary tale: if you put compromising material on your phone, either lock it or take it off as soon as possible.
A couple is suing McDonalds after images on a phone they accidentally left behind in one of their stores appeared on the internet. Nude ones. McDonalds had promised to secure the phone, but something leaked. Cautionary tale: if you put compromising material on your phone, either lock it or take it off as soon as possible.
Saturday, 22 November 2008
AOL dial-up
If there is anyone in the UK still accessing AOL by dial-up, I would like to know how they do it. Last week, my broadband connection (not by AOL) failed and I wanted to go on line to find out on the ISP's website. I had previously removed the AOL 9.0 software, but reinstalled it for this purpose. When it came to the bit where the program dials a number to find out the access numbers for the dial-up service, the modem could be heard receiving the "number not known" signal, but not acting on it. So, is there still a dial-up service on AOL UK, and there is, what is its access number?
Saturday 22 November
Quiet if rather cold day out here, the weatherstation at the airport (3 miles away) reports 3C / 37F. My father, over in Holland, sent me pictures this morning showing a blanket of snow. Much like we had in Stornoway 4 weeks ago. Not today - it is just overcast with little wind.
Mainland Scotland is affected by heavy snow, which makes driving very difficult. Further south, a warm front which will come in off the Atlantic is expected to bring black-ice and freezing rain on Sunday. This will herald a change to milder weather. It's late November, so what do you expect.
Once more, suicide by chatroom has reared its ugly head. A young man, aged 19, had announced he was going to take his life, which he proceeded to do live on webcam. For hours, he lay motionless in front of his camera, before the moderator of the chatroom was notified and police were called. Although some chatters had tried to dissuade the victim, others had egged him on to go for it. Just goes to show what some people are like. It also goes to show how a chatroom serves to de-personify people, by making them less like real people.
Mainland Scotland is affected by heavy snow, which makes driving very difficult. Further south, a warm front which will come in off the Atlantic is expected to bring black-ice and freezing rain on Sunday. This will herald a change to milder weather. It's late November, so what do you expect.
Once more, suicide by chatroom has reared its ugly head. A young man, aged 19, had announced he was going to take his life, which he proceeded to do live on webcam. For hours, he lay motionless in front of his camera, before the moderator of the chatroom was notified and police were called. Although some chatters had tried to dissuade the victim, others had egged him on to go for it. Just goes to show what some people are like. It also goes to show how a chatroom serves to de-personify people, by making them less like real people.
Friday, 21 November 2008
Friday 21 November
Very cold today, with the mercury not even touching 40F / 4C at the moment. It is snowing as I type, or is it sleet. Over on the mainland, the A9 trunkroad linking Inverness with the Lowlands is blocked at the Slochd summit north of Aviemore. Ferry sailings from the far northeast (Caithness) to Orkney are disrupted due to bad weather, and our freight service is not operating today.
BBC presenters Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross were suspended for 3 months in October, following a grossly offensive broadcast, in which they left crude messages on the answerphone of a well-known actor. Apparently, Mr Ross can be expected to defile our airwaves again in January, and Mr Brand could well be back as well. I never liked Jonathan Ross, and hope he stays off the BBC.
Generally speaking, I find very little worth watching on TV these days. I have access to satellite TV, which pumps 500 channels into the set. Only the BBC channels are really worth watching, particularly the Gaelic channel BBC Alba. And, to my disgrace, Tom & Jerry lol (video courtesy CartoonyA on YouTube)
BBC presenters Russell Brand and Jonathan Ross were suspended for 3 months in October, following a grossly offensive broadcast, in which they left crude messages on the answerphone of a well-known actor. Apparently, Mr Ross can be expected to defile our airwaves again in January, and Mr Brand could well be back as well. I never liked Jonathan Ross, and hope he stays off the BBC.
Generally speaking, I find very little worth watching on TV these days. I have access to satellite TV, which pumps 500 channels into the set. Only the BBC channels are really worth watching, particularly the Gaelic channel BBC Alba. And, to my disgrace, Tom & Jerry lol (video courtesy CartoonyA on YouTube)
Thursday, 20 November 2008
AOL & Washington Post
On Sunday, I sent off a Letter to the Editor of the Washington Post. It is now Thursday, and it has (to my knowledge) not been published, and therefore not likely to. On average, only about 6 or 7 letters are published in the Post on-line, so I only had a small chance. I'll copy its content here for reference.
Dear Sirs,
Dear Sirs,
On October 31st, AOL Journals, an on-line blogging service, was closed down. The way this was carried out has not shown AOL in a favourable light in terms of customer service.
Although AOL Journals were earmarked for closure on July 25th, 2008, its users were not informed until September 30th. An option was offered to users for them to transfer any on-line journals to another service provider, but the company went out of its way to stifle further cooperation with users, threatening employees with dismissal if any help was discovered being made.
The point with Journals was that although they were a declining service, they meant more to their users than could be expressed in dollars and cents. For many, their journal kept them going through illness and other challenging times in life. Others passed away, leaving behind their journal as a posthumous tribute and legacy. The community of users helped each other. It was quite unique, but is left torn apart.
All enterprises want to make money, but when doing so goes to the detriment of its users, the company's ethical standards can be called into question. Not just AOL – any company.
Yours sincerely,
[signed with name, address and phonenumber]
Thursday 20 November
A brighter day than of late, with a few clearances in the clouds. Bit breezy, with a force 5 wind going from the west to northwest. Temperatures nothing out of the ordinary for the final part of November, at 8C. Tomorrow, the north of mainland Scotland and Orkney & Shetland are under warning for snow and gales. It would appear that the Western Isles will escape the worst of it.
The southern hemisphere hurricane season has kicked off with two tropical storms, one of which looks set to reach Western Australia over the weekend. It won't bring more than galeforce winds to an area between Port Hedland and Exmouth - but I'm jumping the gun a bit with this forecast.
The southern hemisphere hurricane season has kicked off with two tropical storms, one of which looks set to reach Western Australia over the weekend. It won't bring more than galeforce winds to an area between Port Hedland and Exmouth - but I'm jumping the gun a bit with this forecast.
Wednesday, 19 November 2008
Missing in transfer
I have noticed that automatic line breaks, inserted in AOL Journals, have not been carried through in the transferred Blogger journals. As a result, you'll find wordsmerged [sic] together. See if it also happened to any of your transferred blogs.
Plugging one of my blogs
Unashamedly plugging my photoblog Atlantic Light, which I am filling with all the pictures I have taken since August 2004. Each entry, related to each day I took pictures, shows up to 3 or 4 photos, with links to more pics (if available) as well as to a diary entry.
Wednesday 19 November
Chucking it down this morning with a strong westerly wind. The temperature, 11C / 52F, is academical in conditions like that. We're supposed to get a dip in temps by Friday, introducing a few flurries of snow here in Lewis. Mainland Scotland and the Northern Isles (Orkney and Shetland) will get rather more of the white stuff.
If you're in the UK, you may have had an email from HM Customs & Revenue that several hundred pounds are waiting for you. You guessed it, it's a scam. Looks convincing, except for the usual pointers like spelling mistakes etc. I copy an article from a local news website:
If you're in the UK, you may have had an email from HM Customs & Revenue that several hundred pounds are waiting for you. You guessed it, it's a scam. Looks convincing, except for the usual pointers like spelling mistakes etc. I copy an article from a local news website:
Trading Standards Officers are warning the public to beware of an email claiming to offer a tax refund.The email is supposedly from HM Customs and Revenue but is actually an attempt to gain personal information.
A spokesperson said: “This email looks genuine and offers a refund of hundreds of pounds in return for sending personal information. It is a scam designed to get people to send their personal information and should be deleted. Banks, Customs and Revenue etc would never ask for such information by email and similar scams should be similarly deleted.”
Tuesday, 18 November 2008
Remembering
In June of last year, a man of 60 went out canoeing with his youngest son. He was a father of 11, living in the village of Arnol, 15 miles north of Stornoway. That afternoon, the two were seen by a chance walker off the coast by the next village, Bragar. Thinking nothing of it, the walker went on her way, and after a little while came to the beach by the cemetery at Bragar.
Where one of the canoes was found washed up. She immediately raised the alarm, and the Coastguard found the man in the water. He was quickly transferred to hospital, but did not survive. His son was not found for another 3 weeks, in spite of intense search efforts which were carried on quite late in the evening, on account of the long evenings in June.
Whenever I pass through Arnol, I pass the house where the family used to live - I seem to remember they moved away - and feel the sadness. As in all communities by the sea, this is only too common an occurrence. Even in the few years I've been here, several tragedies like this have occurred. Those left behind remain in my thoughts.
View across the walls of Arnol to the next village, Bragar.
Where one of the canoes was found washed up. She immediately raised the alarm, and the Coastguard found the man in the water. He was quickly transferred to hospital, but did not survive. His son was not found for another 3 weeks, in spite of intense search efforts which were carried on quite late in the evening, on account of the long evenings in June.
Whenever I pass through Arnol, I pass the house where the family used to live - I seem to remember they moved away - and feel the sadness. As in all communities by the sea, this is only too common an occurrence. Even in the few years I've been here, several tragedies like this have occurred. Those left behind remain in my thoughts.
View across the walls of Arnol to the next village, Bragar.
Award
I am very pleased to see the resurgence of awards, memes and what have you in J-land. Jeannette (Outside Looking In) passed the Let them Eat Cake award to me.
.
I'll think about who to pass it on to, but it's pretty much done the round - also, I'm not fully back into the swing of things yet, so please don't be offended if I pass on this one.
.I'll think about who to pass it on to, but it's pretty much done the round - also, I'm not fully back into the swing of things yet, so please don't be offended if I pass on this one.
Reminder
Can I ask everyone who needs / wants to email me, please do so on adb422006@gmail.com, and no longer on pharmolo@aol.com? I'm minimising my exposure to AOL.
Conversely, can I also ask everyone who wants a reply from me (some do) to allow mail from above email to reach their email Inbox. Natalie!!!
Conversely, can I also ask everyone who wants a reply from me (some do) to allow mail from above email to reach their email Inbox. Natalie!!!
Front picture
The pic at the head of my blog shows the beach at Dalbeg [Dail Beag] on the west coast of Lewis, some 20 miles west of Stornoway. This is a short video of waves crashing into the shore at Dalbeg.
Dalbeg itself is a one horse town, consisting of about half a dozen houses, a lily pond loch in summer and plenty sheep. This set on Flickr shows more than 150 pictures of the place.
Dalbeg itself is a one horse town, consisting of about half a dozen houses, a lily pond loch in summer and plenty sheep. This set on Flickr shows more than 150 pictures of the place.
Have a look
Regina (known as wumzels2 on AOL) has started a poetry journal (Somewhere in Time), and I think it is very good. Can't say I'm much of a poetry buff, but would like to recommend this for reading.
Tuesday 18 November
Overcast day with a few chinks in the clouds. Very quiet weather today, but winds will pick up tomorrow to galeforce.
Last night, I lost Internet service after 8pm, but things are back up now. The ISP advises that it is affecting a large geographical area. I hope it stays on up here, suppose I suffer from internet addiction (winks).
I went to the supermarket last night, and saw a bevvy of flashing blue lights near the town centre, just down the road. It turns out two youngsters crashed their car into the busstation. They were slightly hurt and taken to hospital. Their car was damaged in the incident.
Last night, I lost Internet service after 8pm, but things are back up now. The ISP advises that it is affecting a large geographical area. I hope it stays on up here, suppose I suffer from internet addiction (winks).
I went to the supermarket last night, and saw a bevvy of flashing blue lights near the town centre, just down the road. It turns out two youngsters crashed their car into the busstation. They were slightly hurt and taken to hospital. Their car was damaged in the incident.
Monday, 17 November 2008
A Question of Perspective
A man was attacked in Germany in 1996 by neo-nazis, which left him paralysed from the neck down. His wife died of cancer in 2000, and he is now contemplating assisted suicide at a clinic in Switzerland. That is all I will say about this story, which continues on this BBC webpage. Read it, and come back here to leave a comment.
Fat cats
With all this talk of fat cats and the credit crunch, I just wanted to feature this well-fed moggie that I found in Hoy last month.
Monday 17 November
Horrible day, strong winds, heavy rain, low temperatures. November at its worst.
I have resized the front picture, in order that it fully fits the screen when the blog loads. It has also been decreased in actual load size (by about 1/3), to suit those of you with slow connections.
Baby P, the 17-month old that was allegedly killed by his parents, continues to make headlines 15 months after his died. The focus remains on the social workers involved. Without making excuses for any mistakes made in this sad case, I have to say that when it comes to deciding whether a child can stay at home or not is an extremely hard call to make. I used to know someone who would take children away from their parents, under court order, and that would always happen in the presence of police. The most extreme case was a baby, taken from its mother the moment it was born. I need not remind you of the emotional repercussions of taking a child away from parents. However, if the health and safety of a child is at serious danger, then a decision will have to be made. Finally, I was not amused or impressed by the sight of two leading politicians shouting across the floor of the House of Commons last week over this, and they were rightly rebuked by Mr Speaker.
I have resized the front picture, in order that it fully fits the screen when the blog loads. It has also been decreased in actual load size (by about 1/3), to suit those of you with slow connections.
Baby P, the 17-month old that was allegedly killed by his parents, continues to make headlines 15 months after his died. The focus remains on the social workers involved. Without making excuses for any mistakes made in this sad case, I have to say that when it comes to deciding whether a child can stay at home or not is an extremely hard call to make. I used to know someone who would take children away from their parents, under court order, and that would always happen in the presence of police. The most extreme case was a baby, taken from its mother the moment it was born. I need not remind you of the emotional repercussions of taking a child away from parents. However, if the health and safety of a child is at serious danger, then a decision will have to be made. Finally, I was not amused or impressed by the sight of two leading politicians shouting across the floor of the House of Commons last week over this, and they were rightly rebuked by Mr Speaker.
Sunday, 16 November 2008
Front page
Yes, I have gone bananas with a picture of Dalbeg Beach to suit the title of my blog - Atlantic Lines. I realise it's a bit huge, so I'll be tweaking it over the next few days.
Looking back
Just copying a few entries from 16 November of previous years in Lewis.
In 2004, I had just arrived in the island, and had proceeded to the village of Kershader, some 22 miles south of Stornoway. I was to stay there for nearly 3 months, through winter in this building, the Ravenspoint Centre.
Here is the diary entry for the day
Tuesday 16 November 2004
In 2004, I had just arrived in the island, and had proceeded to the village of Kershader, some 22 miles south of Stornoway. I was to stay there for nearly 3 months, through winter in this building, the Ravenspoint Centre.
Here is the diary entry for the day
Tuesday 16 November 2004
Woke up to a guy shouting abuse in his sleep, and someone else shooshing him. The two American ladies collected their car at 8.30, declining my offer of being their guide. I set off downtown sunny Stornoway / Steornabhagh. First to the library for a full hour's worth of Internet use. Had about 40 emails waiting. Then to various bookshops, one of which stocked Soil and Soul, a landmark work by Alistair McIntosh. He is not well known outside this region, but is a staunch campaigner for community ownership. He supported the community buy-out of the Isle of Eigg in 1996/7, and managed to stop the development of the Lingerabay superquarry. This would have seen the demolition of an entire mountain for the sake of acquiring aggregates for the building of houses and roads in the UK and beyond. I also unearthed a compilation CD by Capercaillie, my favourite folk / fusion group from these parts. Went to a gig by them, as some know, back in January. Didn't walk back to my digs, no danced home. Just as well it was 11.30pm. It's no use having a CD without the means of listening to it, so I also acquired a portable CD-player. Then there was the matter of my 3 disposable cameras, all used up, which needed to be developed and printed. I would have preferred the images to be on CD-ROM, but that means you have to wait for 3-4 days, and I don't work that far in advance with regards to planning. One shop could develop & print in 2 hours, but not the CD-ROM. Sod it, I went for the prints. The most important one is attached to this journal entry [amendment 16/11/08: this was not the case]. Then I went on a walk down the harbourfront as far as the old powerstation. Sat down on the seawall and was duly joined by a nice tortoiseshell cat, a neutered tom. He rubbed against me as I sat nibbling my sandwiches, wanted to be scratched on the head and a general fuss. After that, he went down the steps to the shore, only to bolt back up them a minute later and disappear into the estate behind me. Strange animal. My bus left town at 2.20pm, heading down the road towards Tarbert. I got off at Balallan (Baile Ailean), to join the little bus into South Lochs. Recognized the driver from years ago. A ten minute journey brought me to Cearsiadar - just say KerSHAder. The hostel is part of a community building also encompassing a shop and a cafe. The volunteers in the shop also run the hostel, which is simple but comfortable. Oh, the only uncomfortable thing about the hostel is the chairs. Eugh. After a longish chat, I went inside. A run-down of things not to do:
- don't close the kitchendoor, the handle is broken
- don't switch off the light in the stairwell
- don't use the shower upstairs
- don't use the third bedroom
- don't leave the central heating on if you don't need it
Ah, it's all a laugh, really. There are only two people in the hostel now, a guy called Joe and myself. He is going round the island looking for a job and a place to live. Exchanged some stories over dinner. Joe cooked onions and potatoes with mince and shandy to drink. The television provided some entertainment, but that was about it for the night.
November evening
Whilst our American friends are beginning to eye up Thanksgiving, here in the UK, it is still more than a month to Christmas. Yes, I've mentioned the C-word. Personally, I do not contemplate Christmas until December 6th.
Here in Lewis, Thanksgiving is also observed on the last Thursday in November. It usually means a day off school for the children, as some may be required to attend communions in church. Shops tend to close after lunch (except for supermarkets and the like). Communions are held every three months.
In Holland, where I am from, Thanksgiving is not a commonly observed religious festival. It is mentioned on the church calendar in September (much like the Harvest Festival in the Church of England, but without the display of harvested goodies). In the Roman Catholic parts of the country, south of the Great Rivers (Rhine, Waal and Maas), the festival of St Maarten / St Martin was held on November 11th.
.
The above image shows St Maarten giving his cloak to a man without one.
The next festival on the Dutch calendar is Sinterklaas / St Nicholas, the eve of whose nameday is celebrated on December 5th. Yesterday, Sinterklaas arrived in Holland on a steamship, surrounded by a posse of helpers known as Black Peters. St Nicholas ostensibly arrives from Spain, and in the 8th century the Iberian peninsula was ruled by dark-skinned men from North Africa called the Moors. Officially, St Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra (modern-day Smyrna in Turkey) but his bones were spirited out of Turkey to Spain after his death.
Sinterklaas will bring a sack full of presents for all children in Holland (Belgium and Germany) on the steamboat, but will fill his sack with children who have been bad in the past year, to take back to Spain. Black Peter, a sort of bogeyman, will make sure it will be filled up to the brim. He will also assist Sinterklaas as he rides his white charger along the rooftops, to drop presents down the chimneys. Only children who leave a carrot for the horse in their shoe will wake up to find a present the next morning.
Sinterklaas, St Nicholas and Santa Claus are in fact one and the same. Sinterklaas will have disappeared on the morning of December 6th.
Here in Lewis, Thanksgiving is also observed on the last Thursday in November. It usually means a day off school for the children, as some may be required to attend communions in church. Shops tend to close after lunch (except for supermarkets and the like). Communions are held every three months.
In Holland, where I am from, Thanksgiving is not a commonly observed religious festival. It is mentioned on the church calendar in September (much like the Harvest Festival in the Church of England, but without the display of harvested goodies). In the Roman Catholic parts of the country, south of the Great Rivers (Rhine, Waal and Maas), the festival of St Maarten / St Martin was held on November 11th.
.The above image shows St Maarten giving his cloak to a man without one.
The next festival on the Dutch calendar is Sinterklaas / St Nicholas, the eve of whose nameday is celebrated on December 5th. Yesterday, Sinterklaas arrived in Holland on a steamship, surrounded by a posse of helpers known as Black Peters. St Nicholas ostensibly arrives from Spain, and in the 8th century the Iberian peninsula was ruled by dark-skinned men from North Africa called the Moors. Officially, St Nicholas was the Bishop of Myra (modern-day Smyrna in Turkey) but his bones were spirited out of Turkey to Spain after his death.
Sinterklaas will bring a sack full of presents for all children in Holland (Belgium and Germany) on the steamboat, but will fill his sack with children who have been bad in the past year, to take back to Spain. Black Peter, a sort of bogeyman, will make sure it will be filled up to the brim. He will also assist Sinterklaas as he rides his white charger along the rooftops, to drop presents down the chimneys. Only children who leave a carrot for the horse in their shoe will wake up to find a present the next morning.Sinterklaas, St Nicholas and Santa Claus are in fact one and the same. Sinterklaas will have disappeared on the morning of December 6th.
AOL journals
I have written a Letter to the Editor of the Washington Post regarding the recent demise of AOL Journals. I cannot publish its contents under the terms of service of the Post, but rest assured I have been politely scathing. If anyone else wants to summarise their feelings in 200 words (yep, that's the limit of a submission to the Post), feel free to contact letters@washpost.com.
Sunday 16 November
Quiet day with a bit of brightness about. The weather is set to take a turn for the worse, with a lot of rain and wind about as the new week commences, and a cold snap by the next weekend. I gather that the east of the USA has also had its first taste of winter, judging by the huge low pressure area headed east out of Labrador this afternoon. It will head north into Greenland, where it will be split in two; the eastern segment will bring us winter by the weekend.
Still on the subject of weather, I am watching a tropical cyclone (not more than a tropical storm at present) which has been drenching the Philippines over the past few days. It has turned into tropical storm 26W (meaning there have been 26 cyclones in the Western Pacific this year), and will cross the Mekong Delta, then the Malay Peninsula and could end up in the Bay of Bengal.
Still on the subject of weather, I am watching a tropical cyclone (not more than a tropical storm at present) which has been drenching the Philippines over the past few days. It has turned into tropical storm 26W (meaning there have been 26 cyclones in the Western Pacific this year), and will cross the Mekong Delta, then the Malay Peninsula and could end up in the Bay of Bengal.
Saturday, 15 November 2008
Pentalina B
This ship, which I stubbornly continue to call by its original name Iona, is currently covering the freight run between the Isle of Lewis and the Scottish mainland. Normally, MV Muirneag is doing this, but this ship is in dry-dock on the Tyne at present. My picture of the Iona (puh) on Flickr is attracting an unusual amount of attention. 91 views since last Sunday.
I know, it's a nice picture ;-)
I know, it's a nice picture ;-)
Saturday 15 November
Today is the 4th anniversary of my arrival in Lewis. Back in 2004, I had arrived in Harris (which is on the same landmass as Lewis) from North Uist, and took the bus north to Stornoway. The next time I would leave Lewis would be in May 2007.
Today is a better day in terms of weather, with a fair amount of brightness. Rain appears to be threatening, and it is also a lot colder. Yesterday saw the mercury at 13C, this afternoon has it down to 7C, quite a jump by local standards. Colder weather in the winter period usually also brings brighter weather.
Still quiet on the tropical cyclones front, except for one minor tropical storm crossing into the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The worst people there can expect is 10 inches of rain; winds will not exceed force 9 on the Beaufort scale. Fishermen have been warned to stay on shore.
Today is a better day in terms of weather, with a fair amount of brightness. Rain appears to be threatening, and it is also a lot colder. Yesterday saw the mercury at 13C, this afternoon has it down to 7C, quite a jump by local standards. Colder weather in the winter period usually also brings brighter weather.
Still quiet on the tropical cyclones front, except for one minor tropical storm crossing into the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh. The worst people there can expect is 10 inches of rain; winds will not exceed force 9 on the Beaufort scale. Fishermen have been warned to stay on shore.
Friday, 14 November 2008
Request
If anyone reads a private blog on here called My Wee Bit of Life, can they pass on a message to thank them for linking to my Tropical Cyclones blog. I am not a reader, and cannot reach them.
Friday 14 November
Once more pouring with rain and breezy today. The best way to summarise is to call it dreich.
I have pulled my videos off AOL Video Uncut, as the UK version has now become defunct. I'll be uploading them onto YouTube in the next few days. You can watch all my (50 at present) videos on this channel.
It is reckoned that the hurricane season in the Atlantic is over for the year, as atmospheric conditions are no longer conducive to formation of tropical cyclones. The tropical waves, off which many hurricanes are born, have ceased running off the African continent. The southern hemisphere season commenced 2 weeks ago, but is yet to get into swing.
I have pulled my videos off AOL Video Uncut, as the UK version has now become defunct. I'll be uploading them onto YouTube in the next few days. You can watch all my (50 at present) videos on this channel.
It is reckoned that the hurricane season in the Atlantic is over for the year, as atmospheric conditions are no longer conducive to formation of tropical cyclones. The tropical waves, off which many hurricanes are born, have ceased running off the African continent. The southern hemisphere season commenced 2 weeks ago, but is yet to get into swing.
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Evening notes
My remarks regarding Facebook relate to the consequences on my private life of being on there, rather than the experience itself. That was not unique to Facebook, it is something that has plagued me throughout my stint on AOL (since April 2004).
On the subject of child abuse, the Austrian man (Josef Pritzl) who made his own daughter pregnant 7 times over will stand trial. Part of the indictment is the allegation that he killed one of the babies fathered by him. Pritzl kept his daughter incarcerated in a cellar at home for 24 years.
Yesterday, news emerged that the Jersey prosecuting authorities have decided that there is no case to answer regarding the children's home Haute de la Garenne. Earlier this year, this former home made world headlines after bones were found in sealed off sections of its cellars. It has been decided that those finds do not constitute murder. Investigations into alleged abuse are on-going.
On the subject of child abuse, the Austrian man (Josef Pritzl) who made his own daughter pregnant 7 times over will stand trial. Part of the indictment is the allegation that he killed one of the babies fathered by him. Pritzl kept his daughter incarcerated in a cellar at home for 24 years.
Yesterday, news emerged that the Jersey prosecuting authorities have decided that there is no case to answer regarding the children's home Haute de la Garenne. Earlier this year, this former home made world headlines after bones were found in sealed off sections of its cellars. It has been decided that those finds do not constitute murder. Investigations into alleged abuse are on-going.
Thursday 13 November
Pouring with rain out here, not very nice at all.
I was horrified to hear of the death of a baby of 17 months in north London. Once again, social services appear to have failed dismally in their duty of care, not picking up on danger signs. Whether it is a system failure of social services generally, or the fact that the odd failure is of such a horrific nature is not a conclusion for me to draw. Over the past few years, I have encountered several people who were reluctant to tell me that their job was with social services.
I am contemplating my continued membership of Facebook. Although I joined in December 2007, I only became more active on it following the demise of AOL Journals. I cannot say it was a wholly positive experience, so do not be surprised if any of you who are on my friends list on there are notified of my departure.
I was horrified to hear of the death of a baby of 17 months in north London. Once again, social services appear to have failed dismally in their duty of care, not picking up on danger signs. Whether it is a system failure of social services generally, or the fact that the odd failure is of such a horrific nature is not a conclusion for me to draw. Over the past few years, I have encountered several people who were reluctant to tell me that their job was with social services.
I am contemplating my continued membership of Facebook. Although I joined in December 2007, I only became more active on it following the demise of AOL Journals. I cannot say it was a wholly positive experience, so do not be surprised if any of you who are on my friends list on there are notified of my departure.
Wednesday, 12 November 2008
Kristallnacht
I make a point of observing the anniversary of the Night of Broken Glass, or Kristallnacht in German. During the night of November 9th/10th in 1938, groups of Nazi thugs went on the rampage in German towns and cities, smashing Jewish-owned businesses and shops, looting and setting fire to them. Only because they were owned by people who had marked their religion down as Jewish. In the aftermath, many streets were littered with broken glass, which led to the German euphemism of Kristallnacht (Crystal Night).With the anniversary of the 1914/1919 Armistice just a day ago, it is good to also remember the atrocities of the Second World War. Lest we forget.
Postscript: I specifically refer to the First World War as running until 1919, as the Peace was not declared until that year. Here in Lewis in particular, with the Iolaire Disaster of 1 January 1919, the Great War certainly didn't end until 1919.
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