Thursday, 26 March 2009
Thursday 26 March
Very unfriendly weather today, with winds gusting in excess of 60 mph at the moment. The ferry services up and down the west coast are severely disrupted. Calmac, the ferry company, tell us that on 26/03/09 Ullapool/Stornoway route is liable to disruption and is sailing on a sailing by sailing basis. Sun has just come out, but that doesn't negate the heavy showers. South of here, I can just make out the outline of a cable-laying ship, the Leonid Thevenin. It has been joined by another cable-layer, the Silure. I do not know whether they are laying cables, or just sheltering from the weather. I get the information from this website. If you live near a port, either in the UK or elsewhere, there may be an AIS site for your location.
Wednesday, 25 March 2009
Sat nav is naff
There continues to be a steady stream of stories of people who are led astray by their satellite navigation system. The latest involved a man who was going to drive his car over the edge of a 100 feet precipice because his sat-nav insisted his narrow track was a road. His vehicle was left dangling over the edge of the cliff, and the emergency services took 9 hours to get it out again. The man is now facing a court appearance for driving without due care and attention.
When you're using a satellite navigation system, don't close your eyes to the world around you. If it leads you onto a cliff, into water or onto undrivable terrain, just don't follow it. Satnav systems are known to be out of date or just plain wrong.
When you're using a satellite navigation system, don't close your eyes to the world around you. If it leads you onto a cliff, into water or onto undrivable terrain, just don't follow it. Satnav systems are known to be out of date or just plain wrong.
Wednesday 25 March
Bit of a non-descript day, weatherwise. We get the odd shower, it's neither really cold or really mild. Tomorrow should see the start of a decidedly windy spell. The weatherchart shows a deep depression moving in over Scotland, and hanging around for a day or so. Result: galeforce northwesterly winds in the Hebrides.
Those familiar with affairs in the West Highlands and Islands of recent years will have heard of community buy-outs. That means that local residents can buy the land they sit on from the landowner, who more often than not is not himself living in the area. The most high-profile ones were in Assynt and the Isle of Eigg in 1992 and 1997 respectively. They were not the first community-owned tracts of land in the West. Back in 1923, Lord Leverhulme was going to sell the islands of Lewis and Harris (one landmass), but offered the residents of Lewis the right of first refusal. The parishes of Lochs, Uig and Barvas declined, not trusting anything a landlord offered. The parish of Stornoway accepted, and the Stornoway Trust was set up to administer the area. Elections for trustees were held yesterday. The focus was on Sunday ferry sailings and renewable energy. I disagree with the Trust's stance on both issues. I am in favour of a ferry on Sunday, and I don't want huge big turbines spoiling the natural beauty of this island.
Those familiar with affairs in the West Highlands and Islands of recent years will have heard of community buy-outs. That means that local residents can buy the land they sit on from the landowner, who more often than not is not himself living in the area. The most high-profile ones were in Assynt and the Isle of Eigg in 1992 and 1997 respectively. They were not the first community-owned tracts of land in the West. Back in 1923, Lord Leverhulme was going to sell the islands of Lewis and Harris (one landmass), but offered the residents of Lewis the right of first refusal. The parishes of Lochs, Uig and Barvas declined, not trusting anything a landlord offered. The parish of Stornoway accepted, and the Stornoway Trust was set up to administer the area. Elections for trustees were held yesterday. The focus was on Sunday ferry sailings and renewable energy. I disagree with the Trust's stance on both issues. I am in favour of a ferry on Sunday, and I don't want huge big turbines spoiling the natural beauty of this island.
Tuesday, 24 March 2009
Closing notes
Not that much more to comment on really. Although the sun did come out later in the afternoon, the weather remained unpleasant and cold. The lorries rumbled past on their way to the freight ferry half an hour ago, and by 11.30pm, we'll see MV Muirneag sailing by on its way to Ullapool.
Today, elections were held for the Stornoway Trust. Since 1923, all the land between Stornoway and Tolsta is managed for the community by the Trust. Trustees are elected by secret ballot, and in recent times candidates have been issuing their policy statements. That sounds grand, but is not. It mainly focuses on land usage (crofting) and the vexed issue of Sunday sailing and trading. The Sabbatarians have a strong foothold in Lewis, and are opposed to the breaking of the Sabbath, the Day of Rest. Without being disrespectful, I just don't see how that reconciles with the opening on Sundays of pubs, restaurants, airport and the petrol station cum shop. This link, 13 days old, explains further.
Off to bed shortly, and hoping for more springlike weather tomorrow. Fat chance.
Today, elections were held for the Stornoway Trust. Since 1923, all the land between Stornoway and Tolsta is managed for the community by the Trust. Trustees are elected by secret ballot, and in recent times candidates have been issuing their policy statements. That sounds grand, but is not. It mainly focuses on land usage (crofting) and the vexed issue of Sunday sailing and trading. The Sabbatarians have a strong foothold in Lewis, and are opposed to the breaking of the Sabbath, the Day of Rest. Without being disrespectful, I just don't see how that reconciles with the opening on Sundays of pubs, restaurants, airport and the petrol station cum shop. This link, 13 days old, explains further.
Off to bed shortly, and hoping for more springlike weather tomorrow. Fat chance.
Tuesday 24 March
The day started wet and windy, but the rain stopped a little while ago. Whether we had a frost last night I do not know; the reports say we went down to -3C, but I find that very hard to believe. Looking at the Met Office reports, we had +1.1C. That's more like it. We certainly had high winds yesterday, going up to 54 mph at one stage.
So we now have zero inflation, and going down further. That means we're having deflation in the UK for the first time since 1960. Not as good as it appears on the surface, according to the economists who say it will slow the economy down even further. When you expect prices to fall in the future, you'll put off your purchases, won't you.
More later.
So we now have zero inflation, and going down further. That means we're having deflation in the UK for the first time since 1960. Not as good as it appears on the surface, according to the economists who say it will slow the economy down even further. When you expect prices to fall in the future, you'll put off your purchases, won't you.
More later.
Monday, 23 March 2009
Sold out
This is the look of one of our local supermarkets on Monday. It will also look like this if supplies have been disrupted due to poor weather. Although it is currently blowing a near-gale (see report in previous entry), the ferry is sailing. However, we had Mothering Sunday yesterday, which explains the bare shelves. I hope everybody who was celebrating yesterday had a great time.
Otherwise, the current weather does provide for some great cloudscapes, so here goes.
And I'm going to close with this greenfinch
Monday 23 March 2009
We've lost spring and are back to soft hail and rain showers. Oh, isn't that normal in March? Yes, actually it is. I've just been to the shop, a five-minute walk up the road, but it was singularly empty of stock. Had to have an in-depth search for bread and other stuff. Ferry was late getting in this afternoon, and consequently equally late going out again.
I couldn't help noticing when checking the weather reports on the NOAA site that the quality control had missed that dip to -25C in the middle of the night out here. This is the listing for the last 24 hours:
Think it just went down to about 4C in the night, actually. Don't see how you could possibly get light rain at -25C.
I couldn't help noticing when checking the weather reports on the NOAA site that the quality control had missed that dip to -25C in the middle of the night out here. This is the listing for the last 24 hours:
Think it just went down to about 4C in the night, actually. Don't see how you could possibly get light rain at -25C.
Sunday, 22 March 2009
Sundown notes
Ten to seven and it's not even dark. The equinox is behind us, and from now on the nights will become shorter - and a lot shorter than points south. As I say every year, Stornoway lies on the 58th parallel north, and that leads to short nights in summer and short days in winter. Come June, the sun will rise at 4.20 am and set at 10.35 pm.
Not springlike at all today, intermittent rain at the moment. The navigation lights around Glumag Harbour (which lies across my field of vision) are on, with the buoy next to the lighthouse and two smaller lights by the Fabrication Yard, more than a mile away to the south. A small sailing craft came in earlier this afternoon.
There is not much going on regards hurricanes (Ilsa keeps trundling west across the Indian Ocean, more than 600 miles from any land), the email inboxes are checked, I have been round those of you who posted in journals, Facebook and Twitter. Have downloaded Tweetdeck, but will probably throw it off - don't need it that much, really. Dinner will be served shortly, and I am going to close my Internet and computer activities for the day.
Not springlike at all today, intermittent rain at the moment. The navigation lights around Glumag Harbour (which lies across my field of vision) are on, with the buoy next to the lighthouse and two smaller lights by the Fabrication Yard, more than a mile away to the south. A small sailing craft came in earlier this afternoon.
There is not much going on regards hurricanes (Ilsa keeps trundling west across the Indian Ocean, more than 600 miles from any land), the email inboxes are checked, I have been round those of you who posted in journals, Facebook and Twitter. Have downloaded Tweetdeck, but will probably throw it off - don't need it that much, really. Dinner will be served shortly, and I am going to close my Internet and computer activities for the day.
Sunday 22 March 2009
Sunny intervals and showers on a cooler day than of late, with the mercury back at 9C / 48F. The end of the past week saw us at 13C, but that quickly went.
Jade Goody has died in the night. RIP.
She has made good use of her celebrity status by raising awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of cervical smear tests and following up any adverse results. There is ample coverage in the media about her, so will simply refer to that, and my previous postings.
The search for two men, missing (now presumed dead) on Loch Awe in Argyll, has resumed this morning. They disappeared after setting forth in a boat at 11pm on Friday night. Two others were found dead on Saturday morning.
Jade Goody has died in the night. RIP.
She has made good use of her celebrity status by raising awareness of cervical cancer and the importance of cervical smear tests and following up any adverse results. There is ample coverage in the media about her, so will simply refer to that, and my previous postings.
The search for two men, missing (now presumed dead) on Loch Awe in Argyll, has resumed this morning. They disappeared after setting forth in a boat at 11pm on Friday night. Two others were found dead on Saturday morning.
Saturday, 21 March 2009
Exhibition
Well, made the bold move and entered a framed photograph of mine in local exhibition Grinneas nan Eilean. This runs in Stornoway's art centre An Lanntair from next Saturday until mid-May. There is the odd chance someone may buy it, but it's more for the sake of making a contribution of sorts. Like the book I plugged last night. That was not the first book I produced on lulu.com, but the first one (a printed copy of Faces from the War Memorial) is not publicly available.
Saturday 21 March
First day of spring by the astronomical calendar. Quite a springlike day, with blue skies, scattered clouds and a mild breeze. I am watching the afternoon ferry coming in, which will depart back to Ullapool at 2.30pm, in 90 minutes from now. It will return here at 9 o'clock this evening. The crossing takes just under 3 hours, and can be a bumpy affair.
Police are searching Loch Awe, east of Oban, for two men who went missing on the loch overnight. They were in a party of four, two of whom were found dead in the water. Searching was severely hampered by dense fog (visibility 5 yards) overnight. Loch Awe stretches for 24 miles and is up to 300 feet deep. It is not as deep as Loch Morar, further northwest near the port town of Mallaig, which goes down more than 1,000 feet.
All Coastguard helicopters in the north of Scotland are grounded, pending the fitting of essential parts. Last week, a fatal crash off Newfoundland claimed 17 lives, and a faulty part was found to have played a role in that incident. Replacement parts are being transported to Lewis and Shetland, but the 4 helicopters will remain out of action until they are fitted. RAF helicopters out of Prestwick and Lossiemouth will provide cover in the meantime.
Police are searching Loch Awe, east of Oban, for two men who went missing on the loch overnight. They were in a party of four, two of whom were found dead in the water. Searching was severely hampered by dense fog (visibility 5 yards) overnight. Loch Awe stretches for 24 miles and is up to 300 feet deep. It is not as deep as Loch Morar, further northwest near the port town of Mallaig, which goes down more than 1,000 feet.
All Coastguard helicopters in the north of Scotland are grounded, pending the fitting of essential parts. Last week, a fatal crash off Newfoundland claimed 17 lives, and a faulty part was found to have played a role in that incident. Replacement parts are being transported to Lewis and Shetland, but the 4 helicopters will remain out of action until they are fitted. RAF helicopters out of Prestwick and Lossiemouth will provide cover in the meantime.
Friday, 20 March 2009
Picture book
I have now compiled a book with about 260 of my pictures, which is available for anyone to purchase on-line. It's a wee bit on the dear side (£20.75 baseline price, excluding P&P), but if you're feeling like it, why not get yourself a copy of Lewis Light from lulu.com.
End of commercial.
End of commercial.
Friday 20 March
Last day of winter, and I'm glad to leave it behind. Another sunny day, but quite blustery in contrast to yesterday's mild breeze. Temperatures at 12C at the moment, and may rise higher.
It seems to be relatively common for women to give birth on planes, but one lady from Samoa left her newborn baby in the garbage bin in the toilet. Charges are now likely to be brought against the woman involved; she was spotted by airport staff at Auckland as her clothes were bloodstained.
I am pleased to note that a debate has commenced in the UK on the difficult subject of assisted suicide, mercy killing, euthanasia. All descriptions of the same. Helping someone end their life when there is great suffering with no hope of alleviation or improvement. The BBC has a forum thread into the subject which shows the spectrum of opinion.
Personally, I advocate the Dutch model, in force in the 1980s. In such a situation, the patient discusses the subject with their doctor, who then seeks a second opinion. It is ensured that the decision is made by the patient of their own free will, being of sound mind at the time. After the patient is deceased, the death is reported to the procurator as an unnatural death. He will review the evidence and decide not to prosecute if all prerequisites are met.
It seems to be relatively common for women to give birth on planes, but one lady from Samoa left her newborn baby in the garbage bin in the toilet. Charges are now likely to be brought against the woman involved; she was spotted by airport staff at Auckland as her clothes were bloodstained.
I am pleased to note that a debate has commenced in the UK on the difficult subject of assisted suicide, mercy killing, euthanasia. All descriptions of the same. Helping someone end their life when there is great suffering with no hope of alleviation or improvement. The BBC has a forum thread into the subject which shows the spectrum of opinion.
Personally, I advocate the Dutch model, in force in the 1980s. In such a situation, the patient discusses the subject with their doctor, who then seeks a second opinion. It is ensured that the decision is made by the patient of their own free will, being of sound mind at the time. After the patient is deceased, the death is reported to the procurator as an unnatural death. He will review the evidence and decide not to prosecute if all prerequisites are met.
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Blogger Community Photo Challenge
Mailboxes is the subject of this challenge. Well, this picture dates from 6 August 2006 and shows a house in the village of Laxay, some 12 miles south of Stornoway in the Isle of Lewis (Scotland). The microwave oven on the post is actually the mailbox for 38 Laxay.
Volcano
I have always found volcanoes intriguing natural phenomena, and my interest was tweaked when an underwater volcano erupted near Tonga in the South Pacific. My attention was already focused there on account of tropical cyclone Ken (now a mid-latitude depression). The link shows an impressive display of ash and steam being ejected from the volcano.
Fritzl
Josef Fritzl, aged 73, was sentenced to life in prison today. He kept his own daughter imprisoned for 24 years, raping her and fathering 7 children by her - one of whom died because Fritzl denied medical help to the child. The man will be held at a secure psychiatric facility, and will be assessed whether he can be treated. If so, he will be transferred to a normal prison and could be eligible for parole in 15 years from now.
The twists and turns of this mind-boggling case have gained high prominence in the media in the past year or so, and the nation of Austria is still to come to terms with the horror of this scenario, enacted by one of its own citizens.
The twists and turns of this mind-boggling case have gained high prominence in the media in the past year or so, and the nation of Austria is still to come to terms with the horror of this scenario, enacted by one of its own citizens.
Thursday 19 March 2009
Bright and sunny with hardly a cloud in the sky. Feels like spring, and certainly the birds are behaving in that fashion. The mercury has crept up to 13C / 55F, a value not seen on a sunny day like this so far this year. So, long may it continue.
Hurricane season is drawing towards a close in the southern hemisphere. Tropical cyclone Ilsa is roaring away with winds in excess of 110 mph, about 600 miles from Australia. It is not going near any land as far as the forecasters can tell. Hurricanes are one of Mother Nature's safety valves, and serve to disperse heat from the tropics to higher latitudes through a venting mechanism in the upper atmosphere. The amount of energy involved in your average hurricane would be sufficient to power everyone on planet Earth for a year - 200 times over. Annually, there are about 100 tropical cyclones anywhere on the planet. They can only occur over warm water (80F / 26C or more) with a specific set-up in the atmosphere (winds all blowing at the same speed and in the same direction at all levels) and away from the equator. They only happen in summer - which is why the southern hemisphere is currently having cyclones (= hurricanes). The phenomena are poorly understood, and are highly unpredictable, both in terms of course and intensity.
Hurricane season in the northern hemisphere will resume in two months from now. If you are in an area likely to be affected by these storms, please review your preparations now and make sure everything is in readiness for hurricane season.
I have kept my Tropical Cyclones blog since July 2006, and update it daily - if there are any storms or tropical disturbances to be reported on.
Hurricane season is drawing towards a close in the southern hemisphere. Tropical cyclone Ilsa is roaring away with winds in excess of 110 mph, about 600 miles from Australia. It is not going near any land as far as the forecasters can tell. Hurricanes are one of Mother Nature's safety valves, and serve to disperse heat from the tropics to higher latitudes through a venting mechanism in the upper atmosphere. The amount of energy involved in your average hurricane would be sufficient to power everyone on planet Earth for a year - 200 times over. Annually, there are about 100 tropical cyclones anywhere on the planet. They can only occur over warm water (80F / 26C or more) with a specific set-up in the atmosphere (winds all blowing at the same speed and in the same direction at all levels) and away from the equator. They only happen in summer - which is why the southern hemisphere is currently having cyclones (= hurricanes). The phenomena are poorly understood, and are highly unpredictable, both in terms of course and intensity.
Hurricane season in the northern hemisphere will resume in two months from now. If you are in an area likely to be affected by these storms, please review your preparations now and make sure everything is in readiness for hurricane season.
I have kept my Tropical Cyclones blog since July 2006, and update it daily - if there are any storms or tropical disturbances to be reported on.
Wednesday, 18 March 2009
Wednesday 18 March
Late entry for today, after being sidetracked on various fronts. Had to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1, which took me several hours this afternoon. Downloading nearly half a gigabyte of file (took me about 45 minutes), then installing the update, which took me 3 hours in all. Let's hope it does make a difference - we shall see. So far so good, I can now try to update my firewall software which it would not do without SP1.
It has been a grey and overcast day, although dry. Not exactly warm either. Caught a glimpse of one of the press conferences linked to the trial of Austrian man Josef Fritzl, who held his own daughter captive for 24 years, fathered 7 children by her, allegedly killing one of them. I speak German, although the Austrian accents had me straining a bit. The trial is expected to be over by the end of the week.
It has been a grey and overcast day, although dry. Not exactly warm either. Caught a glimpse of one of the press conferences linked to the trial of Austrian man Josef Fritzl, who held his own daughter captive for 24 years, fathered 7 children by her, allegedly killing one of them. I speak German, although the Austrian accents had me straining a bit. The trial is expected to be over by the end of the week.
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
Tuesday 17 March
Another sunny day in Stornoway, although the actual temperature is still low, 7 degrees this afternoon. Behind glass, it feels a lot warmer. You feel the chill when you're outside in the wind. Visibility is very good, as I can clearly see the hills of Applecross Forest [no trees there by the way] some 60 miles to the southeast across the Minch.
I am currently trying to get Windows Vista Service Pack 1 installed on this computer. It doesn't show up on the Automatic Updates list, so I have asked Microsoft for help. Can't find anything useful on the web, apart from downloading the 434MB stand-alone version. The A.U. version is 45MB, so if I can get and spare my broadband traffic cap, that would be great.
I am currently trying to get Windows Vista Service Pack 1 installed on this computer. It doesn't show up on the Automatic Updates list, so I have asked Microsoft for help. Can't find anything useful on the web, apart from downloading the 434MB stand-alone version. The A.U. version is 45MB, so if I can get and spare my broadband traffic cap, that would be great.
Monday, 16 March 2009
Spring is here?
Sunny afternoon in the Outer Hebrides, even though it is not very warm. Mercury is firmly stuck on 9C / 48F once again, although the sun does help to take the edge off it. Took an amble earlier on to Sandwick Cemetery, a 20 minute walk from here, to take photographs of some World War II gravestones. A WWI stone that I had pictured before was now untraceable. Looked up and down both the Old and New cemeteries, without result. Anyway, as I said, it was a nice afternoon so I didn't really mind.
Sandwick Bay
Lower Sandwick
Sandwick Bay
Lower Sandwick
Monday 16 March 2009
Overcast today, but not much wind and mainly dry. The South Pacific is eyeballing a developing tropical cyclone, which the agency in Honolulu suspects will develop soon; their colleagues in Fiji say it won't have much chance. Just goes to show that forecasting for these phenomena is still fraught with much uncertainty.
Josef Fritzl, who incarcerated his own daughter for 24 years, raped her and fathered 7 children with her (one of whom was allegedly murdered by him) has pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. The judge presiding over the trial at St Pölten in Austria closed proceedings to the public due to the sensitivity of the evidence about to be submitted in court.
The family of Simon Macmillan, whose remains were recovered from Loch Bee in South Uist yesterday, is returning to the island. A post-mortem will be carried out in due course and, as per procedure in Scotland, a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal into the circumstances of the man's death.
Josef Fritzl, who incarcerated his own daughter for 24 years, raped her and fathered 7 children with her (one of whom was allegedly murdered by him) has pleaded guilty to the charges brought against him. The judge presiding over the trial at St Pölten in Austria closed proceedings to the public due to the sensitivity of the evidence about to be submitted in court.
The family of Simon Macmillan, whose remains were recovered from Loch Bee in South Uist yesterday, is returning to the island. A post-mortem will be carried out in due course and, as per procedure in Scotland, a report submitted to the Procurator Fiscal into the circumstances of the man's death.
Sunday, 15 March 2009
Map skills
Sunday 15 March
Windy day with occasional light rain. The ferry is docked for the Sunday, but big plumes of dirty smoke were coming from its funnels at a time this morning. Rumour has it that the new fuel is giving the engines a spot of bother; it is rather heavier than previously, and comes under the header of cheap and nasty.
The remains of a young man were recovered from a fresh-water loch in South Uist this morning. Police are conducting enquiries, but it is thought likely that the corpse is that of Simon Macmillan, who went missing over Christmas. He was last seen alighting from a minibus a few miles from his home village. Persistent searching by local residents has finally paid off, even though the police had given up the formal search. Simon was missing for 11 weeks. He was a merchant navy seaman, home for unexpected leave. He was returning home from a social event in Daliburgh, in the south of the island of South Uist when he disappeared.
RIP.
I am pleased to note that the English chief medical officer is proposing to introduce a minimum price for alcohol. The Scottish Government has already launched proposals, and not doing a similar thing in England is feared would lead to a huge blackmarket in drink. The minimum price for a can of beer in England would be £1, and for a bottle of wine about £4.
The remains of a young man were recovered from a fresh-water loch in South Uist this morning. Police are conducting enquiries, but it is thought likely that the corpse is that of Simon Macmillan, who went missing over Christmas. He was last seen alighting from a minibus a few miles from his home village. Persistent searching by local residents has finally paid off, even though the police had given up the formal search. Simon was missing for 11 weeks. He was a merchant navy seaman, home for unexpected leave. He was returning home from a social event in Daliburgh, in the south of the island of South Uist when he disappeared.
RIP.
I am pleased to note that the English chief medical officer is proposing to introduce a minimum price for alcohol. The Scottish Government has already launched proposals, and not doing a similar thing in England is feared would lead to a huge blackmarket in drink. The minimum price for a can of beer in England would be £1, and for a bottle of wine about £4.
Saturday, 14 March 2009
Saturday 14 March
Pretty dreadful weather today, with strong winds blowing in a lot of rain. Visibility barely 1 mile, although the sun is trying to put in an appearance. Mercury is at 9C / 48F, and the wind is blowing a near-gale (35 mph) with gusts of nearly 50 mph.
Hebridean blogger Donnie, who specialises in black and white images of the western islands of Scotland, posted a very evocative image. Boreraig is a derelict township in the south of the Isle of Skye (click on the Location link at the bottom of this post to view its position on a map), which was cleared in the middle of the 19th century. Historian David Craig did some great research on it, which he published in his book On the Crofter's Trail. The villagers of Boreraig, together with their neighbours from Suisnis, were thrown out of their houses and marched east along the coast towards Druimfearn on the Sleat peninsula (if you are familiar with Skye you'll know the area I'm talking about). The people were kicked out to make way for sheep.
Donnie's picture shows the ruins of a cottage, with the opening for a door and a lintel across it; the sun shines in. Makes you think of the people that will have seen that afternoon light coming into their house for many a year; and then never to see that, or the hills around them, or the view down Loch Eishort, never again.
Hebridean blogger Donnie, who specialises in black and white images of the western islands of Scotland, posted a very evocative image. Boreraig is a derelict township in the south of the Isle of Skye (click on the Location link at the bottom of this post to view its position on a map), which was cleared in the middle of the 19th century. Historian David Craig did some great research on it, which he published in his book On the Crofter's Trail. The villagers of Boreraig, together with their neighbours from Suisnis, were thrown out of their houses and marched east along the coast towards Druimfearn on the Sleat peninsula (if you are familiar with Skye you'll know the area I'm talking about). The people were kicked out to make way for sheep.
Donnie's picture shows the ruins of a cottage, with the opening for a door and a lintel across it; the sun shines in. Makes you think of the people that will have seen that afternoon light coming into their house for many a year; and then never to see that, or the hills around them, or the view down Loch Eishort, never again.
Friday, 13 March 2009
Mission Statement
Originally drafted: April 2005, revised March 2009
I was amazed at the colours at sunset these past days. And at sunrise as well. Normally, I expect light to start to fail 25 minutes after sunset, but at this latitude this is extended to 40 minutes. I am not a native of the islands, but one of the reasons I have come here is the natural beauty. Whether it is in the images shown on Flickr, at a time of good weather - or in bad.
Being caught up in a thunder, hail, snow, sleet (and kitchensink) shower back in January 2005, whilst going down the Lochs Road at Leurbost, with the bus driver being forced to reduce speed to a crawl. No snow or ice at the next village, Keose.
The many rainbows in the spring, going down the Lochs road.
The joy at seeing the first green shoots, in April, out at Keose.
Hearing the first bleating of lambs in a pasture at Breascleit late in March. Walking the island in the bitter winds of February, and seeing the sad remains of the sheep that did not make it through the winter. Or the sheep that was knocked down at the Marybank cattlegrid in April, and was slowly decomposing in peace in the ditch that it was dumped in over a period of 6 months.
Seeing the days lengthen to an incredible extent, sunset at 22.30, with the light lingering to the nadir of the night at 01.30, then returning fully at 03.30. But also shortening of the days, with the daylight hours of 09.15 to 15.35 at Christmas.
The howling of the gales. Clattering of hail and thumping of the wind against the window at night - waking up in the middle of the night because there is no noise.
Watching the breathtaking coastal scenery at Filiscleitir, or the stunning mountain scenery from Rapaire, Teileasbhal, Mullach an Langa. Or beautiful Glen Langadale, where I'm forever fording that river under the frown of Stulabhal. The little mouse on the slopes of that mountain, the one that allowed me to stroke it.
The yellow grasses on the moors of South Lochs, finding your way in amongst a myriad of lochs, streams and bogs. Loch nan Eilean, south of Garyvard.
Place seems to have gotten under my skin.
I was amazed at the colours at sunset these past days. And at sunrise as well. Normally, I expect light to start to fail 25 minutes after sunset, but at this latitude this is extended to 40 minutes. I am not a native of the islands, but one of the reasons I have come here is the natural beauty. Whether it is in the images shown on Flickr, at a time of good weather - or in bad.
Being caught up in a thunder, hail, snow, sleet (and kitchensink) shower back in January 2005, whilst going down the Lochs Road at Leurbost, with the bus driver being forced to reduce speed to a crawl. No snow or ice at the next village, Keose.
The many rainbows in the spring, going down the Lochs road.
The joy at seeing the first green shoots, in April, out at Keose.
Hearing the first bleating of lambs in a pasture at Breascleit late in March. Walking the island in the bitter winds of February, and seeing the sad remains of the sheep that did not make it through the winter. Or the sheep that was knocked down at the Marybank cattlegrid in April, and was slowly decomposing in peace in the ditch that it was dumped in over a period of 6 months.
Seeing the days lengthen to an incredible extent, sunset at 22.30, with the light lingering to the nadir of the night at 01.30, then returning fully at 03.30. But also shortening of the days, with the daylight hours of 09.15 to 15.35 at Christmas.
The howling of the gales. Clattering of hail and thumping of the wind against the window at night - waking up in the middle of the night because there is no noise.
Watching the breathtaking coastal scenery at Filiscleitir, or the stunning mountain scenery from Rapaire, Teileasbhal, Mullach an Langa. Or beautiful Glen Langadale, where I'm forever fording that river under the frown of Stulabhal. The little mouse on the slopes of that mountain, the one that allowed me to stroke it.
The yellow grasses on the moors of South Lochs, finding your way in amongst a myriad of lochs, streams and bogs. Loch nan Eilean, south of Garyvard.
Place seems to have gotten under my skin.
Gobbledegook
Apologies for the entry (now deleted, but probably showing on your Google Reader), saying it was a message from a mobile phone. Please ignore.
Easter sidebar
I have changed my sidebar to reflect the advent of Easter (sic) in just over 4 weeks from now. Lent came upon us some 2 weeks ago or so, and I hope everybody manages to stay off whatever they resolved to stay off for 6 weeks. The above-left graphic is one of Donna's creations, and I am sure all readers will wish her a speedy recovery in her current ill health.
Adsense
I've removed the advertising block from the top of this blog. Google have recently started to introduce picture ads, and I found the busty babe that has been adorning my journal of late not entirely in keeping with my writing. Don't get me wrong, I do appreciate natural beauty, but not to the point of distraction. Adsense hasn't made me packets of money; I used to get a lot of revenue (few dollars) out of my webcam site, which was discontinued last May. There now is a steady trickle. My first cheque will probably come some time in 2011 or so.
Was out for a wee walk round the basin across the street; it is a tidal affair, and as the tide was out, I was able to walk round the bottom of it. I even found a healthily sized scallop. However, one scallop does not fill a stomach, so I'll probably put it back later today.
Was out for a wee walk round the basin across the street; it is a tidal affair, and as the tide was out, I was able to walk round the bottom of it. I even found a healthily sized scallop. However, one scallop does not fill a stomach, so I'll probably put it back later today.
Friday 13 March
Once more Friday the 13th. I used to have a black cat, and it was a very sweet, half-human cat that ate what we ate, would tap me on the shoulder to ask for a bit out of my plate. Outside our house, it would chase mice, birds and rabbits, bring latter in for live consumption under bed at 3 in the morning with attending screeching by rabbit followed by crunching of its bones. Leaving only its tail. Same cat also went out on the pull at this time of the year, resulting in black kittens all over the place.
The teenager who shot 15 people in Germany last Wednesday was being treated for depression last year. He did not continue treatment after it was relocated from one town to another. More on this story on the BBC News website.
A vast amount of information on casualties from the First World War has been uncovered in Geneva, and is currently being collated. It is hoped to have it on-line in five years' time. British man Peter Barton has been given access to the vaults of the Red Cross headquarters, and details on 20 million casualties were found on index cards and ledgers. Read more here.
The teenager who shot 15 people in Germany last Wednesday was being treated for depression last year. He did not continue treatment after it was relocated from one town to another. More on this story on the BBC News website.
A vast amount of information on casualties from the First World War has been uncovered in Geneva, and is currently being collated. It is hoped to have it on-line in five years' time. British man Peter Barton has been given access to the vaults of the Red Cross headquarters, and details on 20 million casualties were found on index cards and ledgers. Read more here.
Midnight post
I have drastically cut the number of applications on Facebook from about 300 to 50. The number of requests was getting silly, and if you don't get a reply from me on a certain app, it just means one of two things: either I have not added the app, or I have just clicked through.
As far as journals are concerned, I am monitoring Call for Support daily, and will try to reestablish my reading routine. This has been disrupted by Facebook, and some attendant difficulties off-line, as I reported at the start of this week. Twitter I do not find much use for if truth be known; you'd have to monitor it continually, which I can't do. However, if you look up adb44, you'll get my postings, if and when. Many of them are directed at tweeters in the Isle of Lewis.
I have decided to ditch Open Office.org. I was processing a document that originated from Word, and it was turned into a mess that needed clearing up in Word. I've purchased a license, and now have the program in its full glory (Word, Excel and Powerpoint).
As far as journals are concerned, I am monitoring Call for Support daily, and will try to reestablish my reading routine. This has been disrupted by Facebook, and some attendant difficulties off-line, as I reported at the start of this week. Twitter I do not find much use for if truth be known; you'd have to monitor it continually, which I can't do. However, if you look up adb44, you'll get my postings, if and when. Many of them are directed at tweeters in the Isle of Lewis.
I have decided to ditch Open Office.org. I was processing a document that originated from Word, and it was turned into a mess that needed clearing up in Word. I've purchased a license, and now have the program in its full glory (Word, Excel and Powerpoint).
Thursday, 12 March 2009
Thursday 12 March
Where I am from, April showers are referred to as March showers. So, that's what we're having today. Sunshine and beefy showers, blown on a strong wind. No complaints about temperatures: 10C is very acceptable for mid March. Tide is going out from a high of 5.1 metres (17 feet) at 7.25 am to an ebbtide of 0.2 metres (8 inches) at 2pm. I may go out and look for scallops, although there were not many last time we had a springtide that low. Only one baby scallop, that needed to grow a lot bigger before I'd have it on my dinner plate.
I have recently commented on the actions of the Vatican in relation to bishop Williamson, who is on record as denying the Holocaust. I can only say that I wish the Holy See would stop digging, as they are only making the hole they are in deeper with every statement they issue on the subject. I applaud their statement of contrition, admitting that mistakes have been made. The Vatican now says that they should do more research on the Internet before making decisions of this nature. Excuse me? They don't know what problems are caused by their own senior clergy? Oh please.
I am very upset this morning: those who read Linda's World (from Washington State) and / or Call for Support know that she's had to take her cat Gabi to the Rainbow Bridge. The poor creature was very seriously ill, without any prospect of getting better. As all pet owners know, you do carry an ultimate responsibility to end suffering in those circumstances, however upsetting that is.
I have recently commented on the actions of the Vatican in relation to bishop Williamson, who is on record as denying the Holocaust. I can only say that I wish the Holy See would stop digging, as they are only making the hole they are in deeper with every statement they issue on the subject. I applaud their statement of contrition, admitting that mistakes have been made. The Vatican now says that they should do more research on the Internet before making decisions of this nature. Excuse me? They don't know what problems are caused by their own senior clergy? Oh please.
I am very upset this morning: those who read Linda's World (from Washington State) and / or Call for Support know that she's had to take her cat Gabi to the Rainbow Bridge. The poor creature was very seriously ill, without any prospect of getting better. As all pet owners know, you do carry an ultimate responsibility to end suffering in those circumstances, however upsetting that is.
Wednesday, 11 March 2009
Wednesday 11 March
Unpleasantly wet and windy today, although the temperature has shot up from -2C at 11pm last night to +10C right now. The tropical cyclone that has grumbled along the Queensland coast for a few days has been torn apart by conflicting winds at various levels in the atmosphere. Hamish is now little more than a spell of bad weather, bringing gales to the coast north of Brisbane. Another cyclone is bringing gale-force winds to the islands around Rarotonga, 50 degrees in longitude to the east in the Pacific. Joni won't get much above force 9 on the Beaufort scale.
Had a laugh when watching Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon. The MP for Chesterfield in Derbyshire had a go at the neighbouring constituency for Bolsover - and the MP for that town is veteran Dennis Skinner who promptly had a go back at Chesterfield. Skinner, a left-wing Labour MP for a former mining constituency, is one of the characters in the House of Commons, and everybody had a good laugh out of the encounter.
Absolutely not amusing was an incident in southern Germany, when a 17-year old gunman entered his former school at Winnenden near Stuttgart and opened fire. After killing 9 pupils and 3 teachers, he fled to the town of Wendlingen, 25 miles away, and was killed in a shoot-out in the supermarket. This also left 2 bystanders dead.
Had a laugh when watching Prime Minister's Questions this afternoon. The MP for Chesterfield in Derbyshire had a go at the neighbouring constituency for Bolsover - and the MP for that town is veteran Dennis Skinner who promptly had a go back at Chesterfield. Skinner, a left-wing Labour MP for a former mining constituency, is one of the characters in the House of Commons, and everybody had a good laugh out of the encounter.
Absolutely not amusing was an incident in southern Germany, when a 17-year old gunman entered his former school at Winnenden near Stuttgart and opened fire. After killing 9 pupils and 3 teachers, he fled to the town of Wendlingen, 25 miles away, and was killed in a shoot-out in the supermarket. This also left 2 bystanders dead.
Tuesday, 10 March 2009
Tuesday 10 March
Clear end to the day, as the sun is just about setting now. Sun was out for most of the afternoon, after one or two showers in the morning.
I am pleased to note that two arrests have been made in connection with the murder of a policeman in Northern Ireland last night. This follows hard on the heels of the killing of two soldiers in a barracks elsewhere in the province. The two factions alleged to be involved in the incidents have been roundly condemned.
Gerry McCann, father of the disappeared girl Madeleine McCann, has spoken out critically about sections of the media in connection with her disappearance in 2007. Speculation was branded as less than helpful. Mr McCann has every right to be critical of the press, but he should remember that he courted publicity quite deliberately with the aim of tracing his daughter. Madeleine remains missing, nearly 2 years after she disappeared from her parents' holiday apartment in Portugal.
I am pleased to note that two arrests have been made in connection with the murder of a policeman in Northern Ireland last night. This follows hard on the heels of the killing of two soldiers in a barracks elsewhere in the province. The two factions alleged to be involved in the incidents have been roundly condemned.
Gerry McCann, father of the disappeared girl Madeleine McCann, has spoken out critically about sections of the media in connection with her disappearance in 2007. Speculation was branded as less than helpful. Mr McCann has every right to be critical of the press, but he should remember that he courted publicity quite deliberately with the aim of tracing his daughter. Madeleine remains missing, nearly 2 years after she disappeared from her parents' holiday apartment in Portugal.
Monday, 9 March 2009
Monday 9 March
A very late post for today, which has not found me very happy. My motto for the Internet is You don't know what goes on behind closed doors, and this is a door I have to keep closed. Suffice to say that we all have off-line lives as well as on-line, and in my case, the former has clashed with the latter. Full stop.
Sunday, 8 March 2009
Abortion
What would you do, if your daughter aged 9 was raped by her stepfather, resulting in a double pregnancy? That awful decision was cast at the parents of a young girl in Brazil. The mother of the girl decided on an abortion, which was carried out last week.
The Roman Catholic Church in Brazil has excommunicated the girl, her mother and the doctors involved in the abortion, saying that the law of God stands above any law of man. The law of God is 'you will not kill'. The law of man was: Abortion only allowed if the pregnancy is a threat to the health of the woman involved.
I am absolutely appalled at this attitude, condoned by the Vatican incidentally, which is beyond description in my book. A girl of 9, having twins? After sexual abuse? Oh dear. What sort of a message does that send out. I'd better cut short my post, else I'd offend a fair few people.
The Roman Catholic Church in Brazil has excommunicated the girl, her mother and the doctors involved in the abortion, saying that the law of God stands above any law of man. The law of God is 'you will not kill'. The law of man was: Abortion only allowed if the pregnancy is a threat to the health of the woman involved.
I am absolutely appalled at this attitude, condoned by the Vatican incidentally, which is beyond description in my book. A girl of 9, having twins? After sexual abuse? Oh dear. What sort of a message does that send out. I'd better cut short my post, else I'd offend a fair few people.
Sunday 8 March
Cloudy day out here, with some heavy downpours. Earlier on, there was some wet snow in amongst it all. Spring is supposed to be on its way, but we usually don't see much of it before mid April, early May. My crop of beans is sprouting nicely in the windowsill, showing large green leaves and promise of much more. The birds outside are going through one birdfeeder's worth of seeds every other day, greedy things.
I read that the woman who threw green custard in the face of Business Secretary Lord Mandelson on Friday has (finally) been arrested. She should have been taken arrested on the scene. Mandelson, although not my favourite politician, is a former Northern Ireland Secretary, enjoying 24/7 police protection during his stint in that office.
Talking of Northern Ireland, I was sickened to hear of the murder of two soldiers at a barracks in County Antrim. The crime is thought to have been committed by a Republican splintergroup - may I suggest we just call them a criminal gang without granting them the dignity of political affiliation? That should take the wind out of their sails. They enjoy no public support, as everybody in Ulster was sick to death with all the mindless violence and thuggery of the Civil War, otherwise referred to as the Troubles.
I read that the woman who threw green custard in the face of Business Secretary Lord Mandelson on Friday has (finally) been arrested. She should have been taken arrested on the scene. Mandelson, although not my favourite politician, is a former Northern Ireland Secretary, enjoying 24/7 police protection during his stint in that office.
Talking of Northern Ireland, I was sickened to hear of the murder of two soldiers at a barracks in County Antrim. The crime is thought to have been committed by a Republican splintergroup - may I suggest we just call them a criminal gang without granting them the dignity of political affiliation? That should take the wind out of their sails. They enjoy no public support, as everybody in Ulster was sick to death with all the mindless violence and thuggery of the Civil War, otherwise referred to as the Troubles.
Saturday, 7 March 2009
Jade Goody
So this poor woman has now been christened in the hospital, alongside her children. I don't want to appear crass or insensitive, but I don't wanna hear much more about her.
Who is Jade Goody? That is a question justifiably asked by many people outside the UK. Jade was a Z-rated celebrity, who shot to prominence in 2002 as not exactly the brightest spark in the universe on the equally Z-rated Big Brother show. A year or so ago, she reappeared in a celebrity version of BB, and she was quite rude and loud to a Bollywood actress. It almost led to an international incident. Fortunately not - both women have now kissed and made up.
Her current spell in the limelight stems from a diagnosis of metastatic cervical cancer. She was given an abnormal papsmear result earlier in 2008, but did not act on it. Jade's prominence has led to an increased uptake in cervical smear tests among younger women, which is the way celebrity status should work. Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, and she was quite open about disease and treatment. Jade got married in hospital recently, and it is recommended to her that now that the publicity has generated the funds needed to safeguard the future of her two children, she should withdraw from the public eye. Jade only has weeks to live, and is in much pain and discomfort.
Who is Jade Goody? That is a question justifiably asked by many people outside the UK. Jade was a Z-rated celebrity, who shot to prominence in 2002 as not exactly the brightest spark in the universe on the equally Z-rated Big Brother show. A year or so ago, she reappeared in a celebrity version of BB, and she was quite rude and loud to a Bollywood actress. It almost led to an international incident. Fortunately not - both women have now kissed and made up.
Her current spell in the limelight stems from a diagnosis of metastatic cervical cancer. She was given an abnormal papsmear result earlier in 2008, but did not act on it. Jade's prominence has led to an increased uptake in cervical smear tests among younger women, which is the way celebrity status should work. Kylie Minogue was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years ago, and she was quite open about disease and treatment. Jade got married in hospital recently, and it is recommended to her that now that the publicity has generated the funds needed to safeguard the future of her two children, she should withdraw from the public eye. Jade only has weeks to live, and is in much pain and discomfort.
The Dark Ship
I'm currently making my way through this Anne Macleod novel, set (mainly) in the years of the First World War. As you all know, one of my current interests is this episode from the 20th century, and the book puts a human face on those affected by it. Dark Ship is set in Stornoway, just before a bunch of young men are going off to the war in France. Occasionally, there is a Fast Forward movement to the mid 1990s or the late 1930s. It's a reasonable read, but a tad long-winded for my liking. However, the fact that I have made it to the half-way stage does mean it is quite acceptable.
More info here.
More info here.
Afternoon notes
Brilliantly sunny afternoon, with a bank of distant high cloud to the southeast. We are threatened with severe gales, and there is this ominous lump of cloud out in the Atlantic. We shall see.Just found a solution, of sorts, for my problem with Flickr.com. Whenever I add a set, the site would freeze when using Firefox. So, I removed Firefox from the PC and reinstalled it. Seems to have worked, I now get warnings that a Javascript is not responding. Bearing in mind that I have in excess of 300 sets on Flickr, that is no surprise. Just a flipping nuisance.
The picture beside this post shows the interior of Lewis, along the Grimersta River. Not been there for about 4 years or so. The spot shown is reached relatively easily, using one's own legs after leaving the B8011 road just past the Great Bernera turn-off. The only fly in the ointment comes a few miles further south, when you have to cross two rivers. And there ain't no bridges. Click on the location link to find out exactly where this pic was taken.
Remembering Today - 7 March
On this day in the First World War, this man laid down his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Quarter-master Serjeant ANGUS MACKAY
Aonghas Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay, married to Christina
Regiment or division: 1039th MT Coy Royal Army Service Corps
Service number: DM2/097042
Date of death: 7 March 1918 at the age of 49
Died in an accident in Egypt
Interred: Gaza War Cemetery
Memorial reference: XXXII. B. 3
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Quarter-master Serjeant ANGUS MACKAY
Aonghas Uisdean
Last address in Lewis: 31 Valtos,
Son of Hugh and Ann Mackay, married to Christina
Regiment or division: 1039th MT Coy Royal Army Service Corps
Service number: DM2/097042
Date of death: 7 March 1918 at the age of 49
Died in an accident in Egypt
Interred: Gaza War Cemetery
Memorial reference: XXXII. B. 3
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Saturday 7 March
Today started with pouring rain, but the sun has come out since about 1pm. Ferry just came in, trailing plumes of smoke. The engines were refurbished in its recent overhaul, making them fit for burning cheap and nasty fuel. Well, that's patently obvious. It is supposed to be better for the environment - I don't know what's worse, a large carbon footprint or a large sulphur footprint.
For those that joined Atlantic Lines recently: I sometimes make note of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) that occur around the world. These happen year round, and at the moment one is grazing the Australian east coast. Summer is coming to a close down there, hence the presence of Hamish. The Atlantic and Eastern Pacific season will start in the middle of May, another two months away.
For those that joined Atlantic Lines recently: I sometimes make note of tropical cyclones (hurricanes) that occur around the world. These happen year round, and at the moment one is grazing the Australian east coast. Summer is coming to a close down there, hence the presence of Hamish. The Atlantic and Eastern Pacific season will start in the middle of May, another two months away.
Friday, 6 March 2009
Remembering Today - 6 March
Today on this day in the First World War, these two men from the Isle of Lewis laid down their lives for King and Country. RIP
Corporal COLIN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 62 North Tolsta,
Son of John and Margaret MacIver, of 62, North Tolsta, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Gordon Highlanders, Depot
Service number: 3/5668
Date of death: 6 March 1916 at the age of 26
Died of wounds in Brighton Military Hospital
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Private JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 27 South Dell,
Son of the late Angus and Catherine Murray, of 27, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7233
Date of death: 6 March 1915 at the age of 21
Died of wounds sustained 2 days before. Died in hospital
Interred: Merville Communal Cemetery
Memorial reference: I. D. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Corporal COLIN MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 62 North Tolsta,
Son of John and Margaret MacIver, of 62, North Tolsta, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Gordon Highlanders, Depot
Service number: 3/5668
Date of death: 6 March 1916 at the age of 26
Died of wounds in Brighton Military Hospital
Interred: North Tolsta Cemetery, Lewis
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Private JOHN MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 27 South Dell,
Son of the late Angus and Catherine Murray, of 27, South Dell, Ness, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/7233
Date of death: 6 March 1915 at the age of 21
Died of wounds sustained 2 days before. Died in hospital
Interred: Merville Communal Cemetery
Memorial reference: I. D. 9
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
The Onion
Before you play the below video clip, be warned it is full of foul language. Extremely funny though. Warning over, here goes.
Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn't Fucking Work
Sony Releases New Stupid Piece Of Shit That Doesn't Fucking Work
Hurricane update - 6 March
Tropical cyclone Hamish is currently located 120 miles / 200 km northeast of Cairns, Queensland, Australia. The storm is a category 2 system on the Saffir-System scale (Australia uses a slightly different scale, making it a category 3 storm). Hamish is expected to move parallel to the coast, approaching it gradually. Tomorrow, winds near the storm's centre are anticipated to exceed 115 mph. As it approaches the coast, the influence of land will cause some weakening.
Winds of 65 knots (75 mph) and more extend for 20 miles from the centre of the cyclone
Winds of 34 knots (40 mph) and more extend for 60 to 70 miles from the centre
A tropical cyclone WARNING is in force between Cooktown and Bowen in Queensland.
A tropical cyclone WATCH is in force between Bowen and Yeppoon.
More details and 3-hourly updates on the BOM Australia website.
Winds of 65 knots (75 mph) and more extend for 20 miles from the centre of the cyclone
Winds of 34 knots (40 mph) and more extend for 60 to 70 miles from the centre
A tropical cyclone WARNING is in force between Cooktown and Bowen in Queensland.
A tropical cyclone WATCH is in force between Bowen and Yeppoon.
More details and 3-hourly updates on the BOM Australia website.
Friday 6 March
Overcast and some light rain from time to time. Will be paying another visit to the library this afternoon to continue my collation of data for Faces from the War Memorial. The small print of the book that is my source strains the eyes - maybe the lighting has something to do with that? Oh, glasses. Yes, I wear glasses.
Years ago, I lived a few miles from a restaurant called the Mucky Duck. Since demolished for the construction of a high-speed raillink. I was reminded of it when I read that a Berkshire restaurant called the Fat Duck had left up to 400 of its patrons with sickness and diarrhoea. It is a Michelin-star rated place, where you have to shell out well in excess of £130 for a cover. The cause for the D&V is unknown; food poisoning has been ruled out.
Tropical cyclone Hamish continues to bear down on the Queensland coast, and looks set to peak at 90 knots, that is 105 mph, winds. By the time the storm reaches the coast, it will have lost some of its puff. Queensland can anticipate even more rain, following in the wake of two previous cyclones and the monsoon which left the state drenched.
Years ago, I lived a few miles from a restaurant called the Mucky Duck. Since demolished for the construction of a high-speed raillink. I was reminded of it when I read that a Berkshire restaurant called the Fat Duck had left up to 400 of its patrons with sickness and diarrhoea. It is a Michelin-star rated place, where you have to shell out well in excess of £130 for a cover. The cause for the D&V is unknown; food poisoning has been ruled out.
Tropical cyclone Hamish continues to bear down on the Queensland coast, and looks set to peak at 90 knots, that is 105 mph, winds. By the time the storm reaches the coast, it will have lost some of its puff. Queensland can anticipate even more rain, following in the wake of two previous cyclones and the monsoon which left the state drenched.
Thursday, 5 March 2009
Remembering Today - 5 March
Today on this day in the First World War, these men from the Isle of Lewis laid down their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Seaman DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 41 South Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Christy Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway; husband of Catherine Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway, Lewis. Served in the South African War with the 3rd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Flicker
Service number: 3541/C
Date of death: 5 March 1916 at the age of 42
Ship sunk by mine
Interred: Dover (St James) Cemetery, grave N. H. 9.
Seaman NORMAN MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 19 North Bragar,
Son of John and Maggie MacLean, of 19, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 3109A
Date of death: 5 March 1917 at the age of 28
Died at home whilst on leave
Interred at Bragar Old Churchyard
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Seaman DONALD MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 41 South Shawbost,
Son of Murdo and Christy Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway; husband of Catherine Morrison, of 41, South Shawbost, Stornoway, Lewis. Served in the South African War with the 3rd Bn. Seaforth Highlanders.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Flicker
Service number: 3541/C
Date of death: 5 March 1916 at the age of 42
Ship sunk by mine
Interred: Dover (St James) Cemetery, grave N. H. 9.
Seaman NORMAN MACLEAN
Last address in Lewis: 19 North Bragar,
Son of John and Maggie MacLean, of 19, North Bragar, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS President III
Service number: 3109A
Date of death: 5 March 1917 at the age of 28
Died at home whilst on leave
Interred at Bragar Old Churchyard
Local memorial: West Side, Bragar
Late night notes
Is anyone else experiencing a long wait before blogs load? You'll have to bear with me regarding the reading of journals and updates on Facebook.
And is there anyone out there that cares a pin that Michael Jackson will finally leave the music scene this year? I'm not among them.
Was watching a very nice program tonight about a tour around the Arctic with Glasgow comedian Billy Connolly. Stunning landscapes in Alaska, wow.
And a trip down memory lane earlier in the evening with Ballykissangel, which was first transmitted by the BBC in 1996.
The Australian state of Queensland is eyeballing tropical cyclone Hamish, which is winding up some 200 miles north of Cairns. This storm will skirt the east coast of the state, and I have this hunch that it could get quite nasty.
And is there anyone out there that cares a pin that Michael Jackson will finally leave the music scene this year? I'm not among them.
Was watching a very nice program tonight about a tour around the Arctic with Glasgow comedian Billy Connolly. Stunning landscapes in Alaska, wow.
And a trip down memory lane earlier in the evening with Ballykissangel, which was first transmitted by the BBC in 1996.
The Australian state of Queensland is eyeballing tropical cyclone Hamish, which is winding up some 200 miles north of Cairns. This storm will skirt the east coast of the state, and I have this hunch that it could get quite nasty.
Thursday 5 March
Quite a nice afternoon, with some bright and (behind glass) warm sunshine. Weather conditions in southern England are described as atrocious, with lorries being abandoned in snow on the A37 road between Dorchester and Yeovil. Last night, we had a heavy fall of wet snow which melted within minutes of falling. It was carried along on a strong breeze, which made it stick to the windows for a little while. The strange thing is though, that the narcissi, crocuses and snowdrops are all out, and the wild roses up the road are sprouting leaves. Yep, it is March and spring isn't far off.
Wednesday, 4 March 2009
Remembering Today - 3 March
Today on this day during the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Seaman ALEX MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 10 Aignish
Son of Evander and Christina MacRae, of 10, Aignish, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMT Calliope II, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 7255DA
Date of death: 3 March 1916 at the age of 25
Drowned at sea in collision with SS Dane off Butt of Lewis
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 19
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Seaman ALEX MACRAE
Last address in Lewis: 10 Aignish
Son of Evander and Christina MacRae, of 10, Aignish, Stornoway, Ross-shire.
Regiment / service: HMT Calliope II, Royal Naval Reserve
Service number: 7255DA
Date of death: 3 March 1916 at the age of 25
Drowned at sea in collision with SS Dane off Butt of Lewis
Memorial / cemetery: Chatham Naval Memorial, panel 19
Local memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Remembering Today - 2 March
On this day during the First World War, these men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Leading Deckhand JOHN MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 7 Islivig,
Regiment or division: Merchant Marine, SS Kenmore
Date of death: 2 March 1918 at the age of 37
Ship sunk by U-boat
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 39B Ranish,
Son of Catherine MacLeod, of 39, Ranish, Lochs, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/6210
Date of death: 2 March 1916 at the age of 18
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres, Menin Gate
Memorial reference: Panel 38
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Private NORMAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 1 Upper Bayble,
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5614
Date of death: 2 March 1916 at the age of 25
Killed in action
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate), panel 38
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Leading Deckhand JOHN MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 7 Islivig,
Regiment or division: Merchant Marine, SS Kenmore
Date of death: 2 March 1918 at the age of 37
Ship sunk by U-boat
Lewis Memorial: Uig, Timsgarry
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 39B Ranish,
Son of Catherine MacLeod, of 39, Ranish, Lochs, Stornoway, Lewis.
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/6210
Date of death: 2 March 1916 at the age of 18
Killed in action in France
Memorial: Ypres, Menin Gate
Memorial reference: Panel 38
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Private NORMAN MACKAY
Last address in Lewis: 1 Upper Bayble,
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: 3/5614
Date of death: 2 March 1916 at the age of 25
Killed in action
Memorial: Ypres (Menin Gate), panel 38
Lewis Memorial: Point (Garrabost)
Wednesday 4 March
Overcast today, but with glimpses of a glorious, bright red sunset at around 6pm. Feeling cold, with occasional showers. Only 5C today.
Last week's crash at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport appears to be attributable to a faulty altimeter. This misled the crew to believe they were about to touch down, whereas in fact they were still several hundred feet up in the air. When they realised their mistake, it was too late for the plane to be able to regain height. Nine people died in the crash.
The Italian bishop for Modena has asked people to give up texting, social networking and computer games for Lent. Don't think that's gonna happen in a hurry. The Italians are the second-most prolific texters behind the British.
Last week's crash at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport appears to be attributable to a faulty altimeter. This misled the crew to believe they were about to touch down, whereas in fact they were still several hundred feet up in the air. When they realised their mistake, it was too late for the plane to be able to regain height. Nine people died in the crash.
The Italian bishop for Modena has asked people to give up texting, social networking and computer games for Lent. Don't think that's gonna happen in a hurry. The Italians are the second-most prolific texters behind the British.
Tuesday, 3 March 2009
Tuesday 3 March
Overcast and bitterly cold, with a stiff breeze and temperatures below 5C. An overnight fall of snow, leaving only a light dusting on the hills, had melted by midday.
The world of cricket had a rude awakening when a coach carrying Sri Lankan players was attacked by a dozen gunmen in Lahore, Pakistan, this morning. They thought they were immune from the harsh reality of the world today: unfortunately, not. Fortunately, none of the players were seriously injured, although half a dozen policemen were killed in the line of fire. The Sri Lankan players are on their way home. An extensive security review is in progress, whilst the hunt for the gunmen goes on. It's just not cricket. Sorry for the sarcasm.
Radovan Karadzic, former leader of the Bosnian Serbs, has refused to enter a plea at his trial on indictment of war crimes in the Bosnian war in the early 1990s. He says the International Court in The Hague does not have the authority to try him, and that the former envoy Richard Holbrooke had promised him immunity from prosecution, something denied by Mr Holbrooke.
Would you go into hospital to visit a friend or relative, and drink the handgel officially there to disinfect your hands? Granted, it contains 70% alcohol, but it also contains toxic chemicals. People have died doing this.
The world of cricket had a rude awakening when a coach carrying Sri Lankan players was attacked by a dozen gunmen in Lahore, Pakistan, this morning. They thought they were immune from the harsh reality of the world today: unfortunately, not. Fortunately, none of the players were seriously injured, although half a dozen policemen were killed in the line of fire. The Sri Lankan players are on their way home. An extensive security review is in progress, whilst the hunt for the gunmen goes on. It's just not cricket. Sorry for the sarcasm.
Radovan Karadzic, former leader of the Bosnian Serbs, has refused to enter a plea at his trial on indictment of war crimes in the Bosnian war in the early 1990s. He says the International Court in The Hague does not have the authority to try him, and that the former envoy Richard Holbrooke had promised him immunity from prosecution, something denied by Mr Holbrooke.
Would you go into hospital to visit a friend or relative, and drink the handgel officially there to disinfect your hands? Granted, it contains 70% alcohol, but it also contains toxic chemicals. People have died doing this.
Midnight notes
Bit late for me to still be on here, but there you go. It has turned very cold here tonight, with the mercury at freezing point and hail, sleet and snow showers coming down. The windchill is at -5C, so not very pleasant. Warning for all points south: this has your name on it.
Quite a few of you are on Facebook (as am I myself). A warning has gone out that there are rogue apps about which carry viruses, malware, you name it. Be watchful - have posted this on Facebook as well.
Off to bed with a cup of tea. More tomorrow.
Quite a few of you are on Facebook (as am I myself). A warning has gone out that there are rogue apps about which carry viruses, malware, you name it. Be watchful - have posted this on Facebook as well.
Off to bed with a cup of tea. More tomorrow.
Monday, 2 March 2009
Monday 2 March
Pretty dismal day, with frequent showers, a stiff breeze and lowering temperatures. The sun tries to put in an appearance, but that doesn't really help.
Some good news this morning, in that the Scottish Government has announced it will act against the availability of cut-price alcohol. Alcohol mis-use is a major problem in Scotland, causing costs at least £4oo million a year for the NHS alone, not to mention the misery and death associated with it. In some shops, alcohol costs less than mineral water. The Scottish Government now seeks to introduce a minimum unit price and encourages a minimum age for purchasing alcohol of 21 - for local authorities to decide. A social responsibility fee will be levied on supermarkets. Of course, not everybody is happy about that. In certain quarters, getting drunk out of your mind is a rite of passage, and having that postponed to 21, tut.
Some good news this morning, in that the Scottish Government has announced it will act against the availability of cut-price alcohol. Alcohol mis-use is a major problem in Scotland, causing costs at least £4oo million a year for the NHS alone, not to mention the misery and death associated with it. In some shops, alcohol costs less than mineral water. The Scottish Government now seeks to introduce a minimum unit price and encourages a minimum age for purchasing alcohol of 21 - for local authorities to decide. A social responsibility fee will be levied on supermarkets. Of course, not everybody is happy about that. In certain quarters, getting drunk out of your mind is a rite of passage, and having that postponed to 21, tut.
Sunday, 1 March 2009
Remembering Today - 1 March
On this day in the First World War, these men from the Isle of Lewis laid down their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 4 Garenin,
Son of Donald and Mary Macleod, of 4A, Garenin, Carloway, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Division, Benbow Bttn.
Service number: PO/3409/A
Date of death: 1 March 1916 at the age of 24
Died in internment camp at Groningen, Holland
Interred: Groningen Southern Cemetery
Memorial reference: Northwest part, Class 4, Row 37
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
Private MALCOLM MACDONALD
"Callum Dhol"
Last address in Lewis: 11 Kirkibost, Great Bernera
Son of Donald and Mary Ann Macdonald, of 11, Kirkibert, Bernera, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6993
Date of death: 1 March 1915 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Had been employed in tramway department of Glasgow Corporation before the outbreak of war
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery (Nord)
Memorial reference: J. 14
Lewis Memorial: Great Bernera
Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 4 Garenin,
Son of Donald and Mary Macleod, of 4A, Garenin, Carloway, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Division, Benbow Bttn.
Service number: PO/3409/A
Date of death: 1 March 1916 at the age of 24
Died in internment camp at Groningen, Holland
Interred: Groningen Southern Cemetery
Memorial reference: Northwest part, Class 4, Row 37
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
Private MALCOLM MACDONALD
"Callum Dhol"
Last address in Lewis: 11 Kirkibost, Great Bernera
Son of Donald and Mary Ann Macdonald, of 11, Kirkibert, Bernera, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 2nd Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6993
Date of death: 1 March 1915 at the age of 23
Killed in action in France
Had been employed in tramway department of Glasgow Corporation before the outbreak of war
Interred: Bailleul Communal Cemetery (Nord)
Memorial reference: J. 14
Lewis Memorial: Great Bernera
Remembering Today - 28 February
On this day during the First World War, these men from the Isle of Lewis lost their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 14 Borrowston,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Piscatorial
Date of death: 28 February 1917 at the age of 18
Ship sunk by mine
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
Private JOHN NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 9 North Tolsta,
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: S/5957
Date of death: 28 February 1915 at the age of 19
Died of wounds
Interred: Wytschaete Military Cemetery
Memorial reference: III. B. 10
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Private JOSEPH JAMES MAIR
Last address in Lewis: 2 Shell Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: Australians
Date of death: 28 February 1919 at the age of 32
Died in Melbourne
View War Record
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman R MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: unknown
Service, unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Excellent
Service number: 4160/B
Date of death: 28 February 1919 at the age of 33
Interred: Crossbost Cemetery
Seaman DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 14 Borrowston,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Piscatorial
Date of death: 28 February 1917 at the age of 18
Ship sunk by mine
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
Private JOHN NICOLSON
Last address in Lewis: 9 North Tolsta,
Regiment or division: 1st Gordon Highlanders
Service number: S/5957
Date of death: 28 February 1915 at the age of 19
Died of wounds
Interred: Wytschaete Military Cemetery
Memorial reference: III. B. 10
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Private JOSEPH JAMES MAIR
Last address in Lewis: 2 Shell Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: Australians
Date of death: 28 February 1919 at the age of 32
Died in Melbourne
View War Record
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman R MACKENZIE
Last address in Lewis: unknown
Service, unit: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Excellent
Service number: 4160/B
Date of death: 28 February 1919 at the age of 33
Interred: Crossbost Cemetery
Sunday 1 March
Good afternoon from a bright Stornoway, which is plagued by beefy downpours. Today is St David's Day, so leeks and daffs galore west of Offa's Dyke. For those who wonder what on earth I'm talking about: it's the national day for Wales today.
Found an interesting article on the phenomenon of the trillion, which has hit the headlines in the wake of the advent of that economic crisis. Being of continental provenance, I am more confussed than ever. You see, where I'm from, the term 'billion' is used for the number 1012 , or 1,000,000,000,000 - or 1,000 times what is termed a billion in Anglo-Saxon / American terms. What comes beyond that is a totally different ballgame: a 'billiard' - yep, that's a game with two white and one red ball, a cue-stick and green baize tables - is 1015 , or 1,000,000,000,000,000. You are lost? So am I. Wish they'd all stick to the same blinking terms. And did I say I'm fed up to the back teeth with all this talk of money, the greedy bankers, still wishing to pocket nearly three-quarters of a million pounds a year for a pension at the age of 50 for achieving an absolute and abject failure of their business.
Found an interesting article on the phenomenon of the trillion, which has hit the headlines in the wake of the advent of that economic crisis. Being of continental provenance, I am more confussed than ever. You see, where I'm from, the term 'billion' is used for the number 10
Saturday, 28 February 2009
Evening notes
Pouring with rain this evening. Tomorrow should be bright but showery and blustery, typical March weather. Do you feed your small children cold remedies? Well, don't bother. Their efficacy is rather doubtful; don't worry though, neither are they harmful.
I've continued putting my Flickr pictures into sets, and that is now finished. So, on to the next bit: placing them on a map. Number of pictures not on map: 6,300. Right. I am also making a note if a picture was taken in any of the 100 villages in Lewis, perhaps with a view of making a book? I don't know yet.
Mugabe. Where is my anti-emetic. Now the man has ordered the seizure of more white-owned farms, not realising that they are the only ones still supplying the country with food. The ones he seized before are producing nowt. Oh dear, when is this lunacy going to end. I'm relieved to hear that Morgan Tsvangirai excused himself from Comrade Mugabe's birthday bash.
I've continued putting my Flickr pictures into sets, and that is now finished. So, on to the next bit: placing them on a map. Number of pictures not on map: 6,300. Right. I am also making a note if a picture was taken in any of the 100 villages in Lewis, perhaps with a view of making a book? I don't know yet.
Mugabe. Where is my anti-emetic. Now the man has ordered the seizure of more white-owned farms, not realising that they are the only ones still supplying the country with food. The ones he seized before are producing nowt. Oh dear, when is this lunacy going to end. I'm relieved to hear that Morgan Tsvangirai excused himself from Comrade Mugabe's birthday bash.
Saturday 28 February
The last day of the month is wet, grey and dreich. Temperature 8C, so nothing remarkable.
Five tons of cocaine were impounded on a Venezuelan vessel off the coast of Spain. Good news, but probably just the tip of the iceberg. Over the past five years, the amount of cocaine smuggled out of Venezuela has increased fivefold between 2002 and 2007. Sends you wondering what the wonderful policies of President Chavez have anything to do with that.
President Robert Mugabe is celebrating his 85th birthday today, a week after the actual date. He is throwing a little party, a low-key affair only costing $250,000. < / sarcasm >. It is obscene and at best insensitive that he is allowing himself this do. It is even more incomprehensible bearing in mind the state of total collapse that Zimbabwe's economy and state is finding itself in, requiring between 2 and 5 billion dollars to get back on its feet. I hope the leader of the MDC isn't going to turn up, otherwise I'll be really sick.
Five tons of cocaine were impounded on a Venezuelan vessel off the coast of Spain. Good news, but probably just the tip of the iceberg. Over the past five years, the amount of cocaine smuggled out of Venezuela has increased fivefold between 2002 and 2007. Sends you wondering what the wonderful policies of President Chavez have anything to do with that.
President Robert Mugabe is celebrating his 85th birthday today, a week after the actual date. He is throwing a little party, a low-key affair only costing $250,000. < / sarcasm >. It is obscene and at best insensitive that he is allowing himself this do. It is even more incomprehensible bearing in mind the state of total collapse that Zimbabwe's economy and state is finding itself in, requiring between 2 and 5 billion dollars to get back on its feet. I hope the leader of the MDC isn't going to turn up, otherwise I'll be really sick.
Friday, 27 February 2009
Sunset notes
The sun is going down on a day that finishes a lot brighter than it started. About an hour or so ago, the sun finally came out, brightening up a day that was dismally wet and grey.
I am very pleased that the Vatican is taking a dim view of the ambiguous apology, issued by Bishop Williamson over the matter of denying the Holocaust. Apparently, the bishop has not retracted his views that there were no gas chambers used to kill millions of Jews, and that there were "only" 200-300 thousand Jews killed at the hands of the Nazis. At the moment, the declaration features on the front page of the Society St Pius X. Read for yourself.
Ryanair is considering charging for the usage of toilets on their planes. I've never liked Ryanair, and that little snippet of news sent them down the pan for me. Yep, awful pun, but totally intentional.
I am very pleased that the Vatican is taking a dim view of the ambiguous apology, issued by Bishop Williamson over the matter of denying the Holocaust. Apparently, the bishop has not retracted his views that there were no gas chambers used to kill millions of Jews, and that there were "only" 200-300 thousand Jews killed at the hands of the Nazis. At the moment, the declaration features on the front page of the Society St Pius X. Read for yourself.
Ryanair is considering charging for the usage of toilets on their planes. I've never liked Ryanair, and that little snippet of news sent them down the pan for me. Yep, awful pun, but totally intentional.
Remembering Today - 27 February
Today on this day in the First World War, this man lost his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Gunner JOHN A MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 12 North Beach Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 2nd/1st (Ross) Mountain Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery
Service number: 301378
Date of death: 27 February 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery
Memorial reference: 841
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Gunner JOHN A MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 12 North Beach Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 2nd/1st (Ross) Mountain Bty., Royal Garrison Artillery
Service number: 301378
Date of death: 27 February 1917 at the age of 23
Killed in action
Interred: Salonika (Lembet Road) Military Cemetery
Memorial reference: 841
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Remembering Today - 26 February
Today on this day during the First World War, these men lost their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Sergeant GEORGE MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 52 Bayhead Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 1st Royal Fusiliers
Date of death: 26 February 1915 at the age of 20
Killed in action in La Bassee
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman GEORGE MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Keith Street, Stornoway
Son of Murdo and Annie Macaulay, of 3, Keith St., Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Merchant Marine, HMHS Glenart Castle
Date of death: 26 February 1918 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by U-boat in Bristol Channel
Memorial: Tower Hill
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Sergeant GEORGE MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 52 Bayhead Street, Stornoway
Regiment or division: 1st Royal Fusiliers
Date of death: 26 February 1915 at the age of 20
Killed in action in La Bassee
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Seaman GEORGE MACAULAY
Last address in Lewis: 3 Keith Street, Stornoway
Son of Murdo and Annie Macaulay, of 3, Keith St., Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Merchant Marine, HMHS Glenart Castle
Date of death: 26 February 1918 at the age of 24
Ship sunk by U-boat in Bristol Channel
Memorial: Tower Hill
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
WARNING - Bank charge phonescam (UK only)
Yesterday, a judge ruled that it was lawful for people to recoup their excessive bankcharges. Only the Office of Fair Trading has to make a final decision before the process can start for ordinary people.
Scammers targeting the Highlands and Islands have been cold-calling people on the phone, saying they will recoup those charges (which may amount to thousands of pounds in some cases). They ask for your personal and bank details - and you may find your bank account plundered as a result.
If you want to recoup your charges, you have to write to your bank - it applies to charges from 2001 to today.
Scammers targeting the Highlands and Islands have been cold-calling people on the phone, saying they will recoup those charges (which may amount to thousands of pounds in some cases). They ask for your personal and bank details - and you may find your bank account plundered as a result.
If you want to recoup your charges, you have to write to your bank - it applies to charges from 2001 to today.
Friday 27 February
You may remember my epic journey from Holland back to Stornoway, which took 55 hours rather than 12 on February 2nd (3rd and 4th as it turned out). Well, I am being reimbursed by the airline for part of my expenses - the ones I incurred because of the booking error.
Meanwhile, I'm looking out at a very wet day here in the islands, not much wind, but it is raining steadily.
If you don't like your job, don't mention it on Facebook, or anywhere else on the open Internet. It can get you fired.
Meanwhile, I'm looking out at a very wet day here in the islands, not much wind, but it is raining steadily.
If you don't like your job, don't mention it on Facebook, or anywhere else on the open Internet. It can get you fired.
Thursday, 26 February 2009
Wanted: readers
The BBC say the average adult has only read 6 of the top 100 books on their list. How many have you read?
Instructions:
1) Look at the list and put an ‘x’ before those you have read.
2) Tally your total at the bottom.
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
x The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
x Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
x Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
x To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
x The Bible - some of it. Had no choice :-/
x Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
x Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
x Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
x Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
Complete Works of Shakespeare
Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
x The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
Middlemarch - George Eliot
x Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
Bleak House - Charles Dickens
War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
x David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
Emma - Jane Austen
Persuasion - Jane Austen
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
x Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
x Animal Farm - George Orwell
The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
Atonement - Ian McEwan
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
Dune - Frank Herbert
Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
x A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
On The Road - Jack Kerouac
x Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
x Moby Dick - Herman Melville
x Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
Dracula - Bram Stoker
The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
x Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
x Ulysses - James Joyce
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
Germinal - Emile Zola
x Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
Possession - AS Byatt
x A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
The Color Purple - Alice Walker
The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
Charlotte’s Web - EB White
The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
x Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
x The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
x Watership Down - Richard Adams
A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
Hamlet - William Shakespeare
x Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
26 out of a hundred.
I wonder what other books should be added to this “top books” list though?
Instructions:
1) Look at the list and put an ‘x’ before those you have read.
2) Tally your total at the bottom.
Pride and Prejudice - Jane Austen
x The Lord of the Rings - JRR Tolkien
x Jane Eyre - Charlotte Bronte
x Harry Potter series - JK Rowling
x To Kill a Mockingbird - Harper Lee
x The Bible - some of it. Had no choice :-/
x Wuthering Heights - Emily Bronte
x Nineteen Eighty Four - George Orwell
His Dark Materials - Philip Pullman
x Great Expectations - Charles Dickens
Little Women - Louisa M Alcott
x Tess of the D’Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy
Catch 22 - Joseph Heller
Complete Works of Shakespeare
Rebecca - Daphne Du Maurier
x The Hobbit - JRR Tolkien
Birdsong - Sebastian Faulk
Catcher in the Rye - JD Salinger
The Time Traveller’s Wife - Audrey Niffenegger
Middlemarch - George Eliot
x Gone With The Wind - Margaret Mitchell
The Great Gatsby - F Scott Fitzgerald
Bleak House - Charles Dickens
War and Peace - Leo Tolstoy
The Hitch Hiker’s Guide to the Galaxy - Douglas Adams
Brideshead Revisited - Evelyn Waugh
Crime and Punishment - Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck
Alice in Wonderland - Lewis Carroll
The Wind in the Willows - Kenneth Grahame
Anna Karenina - Leo Tolstoy
x David Copperfield - Charles Dickens
Chronicles of Narnia - CS Lewis
Emma - Jane Austen
Persuasion - Jane Austen
The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe
The Kite Runner - Khaled Hosseini
x Captain Corelli’s Mandolin - Louis De Bernieres
Memoirs of a Geisha - Arthur Golden
Winnie the Pooh - AA Milne
x Animal Farm - George Orwell
The Da Vinci Code - Dan Brown
One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
A Prayer for Owen Meaney - John Irving
The Woman in White - Wilkie Collins
Anne of Green Gables - LM Montgomery
Far From The Madding Crowd - Thomas Hardy
The Handmaid’s Tale - Margaret Atwood
Lord of the Flies - William Golding
Atonement - Ian McEwan
Life of Pi - Yann Martel
Dune - Frank Herbert
Cold Comfort Farm - Stella Gibbons
Sense and Sensibility - Jane Austen
A Suitable Boy - Vikram Seth
The Shadow of the Wind - Carlos Ruiz Zafon
x A Tale Of Two Cities - Charles Dickens
Brave New World - Aldous Huxley
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time - Mark Haddon
Love In The Time Of Cholera - Gabriel Garcia Marquez
Of Mice and Men - John Steinbeck
Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov
The Secret History - Donna Tartt
The Lovely Bones - Alice Sebold
Count of Monte Cristo - Alexandre Dumas
On The Road - Jack Kerouac
x Jude the Obscure - Thomas Hardy
Bridget Jones’s Diary - Helen Fielding
Midnight’s Children - Salman Rushdie
x Moby Dick - Herman Melville
x Oliver Twist - Charles Dickens
Dracula - Bram Stoker
The Secret Garden - Frances Hodgson Burnett
x Notes From A Small Island - Bill Bryson
x Ulysses - James Joyce
The Bell Jar - Sylvia Plath
Swallows and Amazons - Arthur Ransome
Germinal - Emile Zola
x Vanity Fair - William Makepeace Thackeray
Possession - AS Byatt
x A Christmas Carol - Charles Dickens
Cloud Atlas - David Mitchell
The Color Purple - Alice Walker
The Remains of the Day - Kazuo Ishiguro
Madame Bovary - Gustave Flaubert
A Fine Balance - Rohinton Mistry
Charlotte’s Web - EB White
The Five People You Meet In Heaven - Mitch Albom
x Adventures of Sherlock Holmes - Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
The Faraway Tree Collection - Enid Blyton
Heart of Darkness - Joseph Conrad
x The Little Prince - Antoine De Saint-Exupery
The Wasp Factory - Iain Banks
x Watership Down - Richard Adams
A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole
A Town Like Alice - Nevil Shute
The Three Musketeers - Alexandre Dumas
Hamlet - William Shakespeare
x Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Roald Dahl
Les Miserables - Victor Hugo
26 out of a hundred.
I wonder what other books should be added to this “top books” list though?
Visit to Ness
Went to Ness (North Lewis) this afternoon, and took the opportunity to engage in more snapping. It was a grey and very chilly afternoon, although the temperature was not that low (8C). The moorlands look very brown/yellow, and the houses appeared to meld in with their surroundings. Nothing much moved, it was very quiet in the area. Ness consists of more than a dozen hamlets, which are contiguous with each other. Total population is about 2,000.
Port of Ness
Port and beach at Port of Ness
Herding sheep by car
Port of Ness
Port and beach at Port of Ness
Herding sheep by car
Thursday 26 February
Overcast, grey and drizzly, with visibility barely at 1 mile. Not much wind. The overnight gales never materialised; the strongest winds occurred late yesterday afternoon.
Investigators have started their work in piecing together the cause for yesterday's aircrash at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in which 9 people died. Three of the dead were crewmembers. The wreckage will be removed once the on-site work is complete; a specialist lab in Paris is analysing the cockpit-voice and flight-data recorders.
Locally, the revolving door scenario at the Arnish Fabrication Yard continues. Later this year, the industrial site will reopen to manufacture windturbines for the better part of 2009. The machines are destined for a marine windpark off the coast of Cumbria, northwest England. The Arnish Fabrication Yard has had a number of operators in the past few years, none lasting much longer than a year at a time. At one point, the site was closed down whilst turbine towers were still being made. As a result, the intermediate product was shipped to Denmark for completion - and one of the towers was lost overboard in a force 9 gale on return. It presently provides a habitat for marine life at the bottom of the North Sea somewhere between Denmark and Orkney.
Investigators have started their work in piecing together the cause for yesterday's aircrash at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport in which 9 people died. Three of the dead were crewmembers. The wreckage will be removed once the on-site work is complete; a specialist lab in Paris is analysing the cockpit-voice and flight-data recorders.
Locally, the revolving door scenario at the Arnish Fabrication Yard continues. Later this year, the industrial site will reopen to manufacture windturbines for the better part of 2009. The machines are destined for a marine windpark off the coast of Cumbria, northwest England. The Arnish Fabrication Yard has had a number of operators in the past few years, none lasting much longer than a year at a time. At one point, the site was closed down whilst turbine towers were still being made. As a result, the intermediate product was shipped to Denmark for completion - and one of the towers was lost overboard in a force 9 gale on return. It presently provides a habitat for marine life at the bottom of the North Sea somewhere between Denmark and Orkney.
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Amsterdam crash
Nine people are known to have died when Turkish Airways flight 1951 came down near Schiphol Airport, Amsterdam, at 0931 GMT this morning. The Boeing 737-800 broke up into three pieces. Eye witnesses state that survivors started to emerge immediately after the plane came to a halt. It was seen to stall, then crash to the ground. The crash site is close to the A9 motorway, which was closed whilst motorists stopped to look.
Schiphol Airport has since reopened, allowing a plane to land which is carrying friends and family of those on board. The cause of the crash is not yet known, but a loss of power appears likely.
Schiphol Airport has since reopened, allowing a plane to land which is carrying friends and family of those on board. The cause of the crash is not yet known, but a loss of power appears likely.
Wednesday 25 February
Although the day started very wet, the sun is out and it's all blue skies. The forecast mentions gales, which are due later today. For the moment, we have a westerly wind force 5.
An airliner has crashed just short of the runway at Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam, Netherlands. There are reported to be about 20 injuries, and the aircraft broke in three pieces on coming down in a recently ploughed field. This is also hampering rescue efforts. Whether there are fatalities is as yet unclear - latest report quote 5 deaths. Am following a live TV-feed from NOS.nl (in Dutch) via the Internet.
Prime Minister's Questions here in the UK has been cancelled followed the death of the young son of the Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron. Ivan Cameron, aged 6, had been suffering from cerebral palsy, and was born severely disabled.
An airliner has crashed just short of the runway at Schiphol Airport near Amsterdam, Netherlands. There are reported to be about 20 injuries, and the aircraft broke in three pieces on coming down in a recently ploughed field. This is also hampering rescue efforts. Whether there are fatalities is as yet unclear - latest report quote 5 deaths. Am following a live TV-feed from NOS.nl (in Dutch) via the Internet.
Prime Minister's Questions here in the UK has been cancelled followed the death of the young son of the Leader of the Opposition, David Cameron. Ivan Cameron, aged 6, had been suffering from cerebral palsy, and was born severely disabled.
Tuesday, 24 February 2009
Remembering Today - 24 February
Today on this day during the First World War, these two men lost their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Leading Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 34 Lower Shader,
Son of Donald and Peggy Macdonald, of Shader, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Mars
Service number: 3947/A
Date of death: 24 February 1919 at the age of 29
Influenza at home
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Had been demobilised a few days before his death
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Seaman DONALD MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 26C Leurbost,
Son of Murdo and Mary Maciver, of 26, Lurebost, Lochs, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Recepto
Service number: 3242/B
Date of death: 24 February 1917 at the age of 38
Died of pneumonia after being rescued from mined ship
Interred: Crossbost Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Leading Seaman DONALD MACDONALD
Last address in Lewis: 34 Lower Shader,
Son of Donald and Peggy Macdonald, of Shader, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMS Mars
Service number: 3947/A
Date of death: 24 February 1919 at the age of 29
Influenza at home
Interred: Barvas Cemetery
Had been demobilised a few days before his death
Local memorial: North Lewis, Borve
Seaman DONALD MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 26C Leurbost,
Son of Murdo and Mary Maciver, of 26, Lurebost, Lochs, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Recepto
Service number: 3242/B
Date of death: 24 February 1917 at the age of 38
Died of pneumonia after being rescued from mined ship
Interred: Crossbost Cemetery
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Remembering Today - 23 February
On this day during the First World War, these two men lost their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Private GEORGE MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 24 Vatisker,
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 23 February 1917
Killed in action
Lewis Memorial: Back
Seaman DONALD MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 21 North Tolsta,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 23 February 1919 at the age of 21
Invalided home, died of illness after joining Fife Constabulary
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Private GEORGE MACIVER
Last address in Lewis: 24 Vatisker,
Regiment or division: Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 23 February 1917
Killed in action
Lewis Memorial: Back
Seaman DONALD MURRAY
Last address in Lewis: 21 North Tolsta,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve
Date of death: 23 February 1919 at the age of 21
Invalided home, died of illness after joining Fife Constabulary
Local memorial: North Tolsta
Tuesday 24 February
Pretty non-descript day in terms of weather; some brightness in amongst the clouds, and the mercury anchored firmly just below the 50F mark.
Bad news from the Cairngorm Mountains, 30 miles south of Inverness, this afternoon. The body of a man, thought to be that of a 48-year old hillwalker, missing since Sunday, has been found. A search, involving up to 90 people, had been on-going since Sunday for the Inverness banker, who had gone to the area to walk with his dog. The animal has not been found.
Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, has gone to the United States for a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He thereby beats Gordon Brown, the UK Prime Minister, in visiting the new administration. Mr Salmond, the leader of the Scottish National Party, has told Ms Clinton that Scotland is "yearning for freedom". The SNP came to power after a narrow victory in elections to the Scottish Parliament in May 2007. They advocate full independence for Scotland. Mr Salmond is a member of the Privy Council, which directly advises Queen Elizabeth - and Her Majesty is known to be rather disinclined towards having her United Kingdom split up.
In the nearly two years that Mr Salmond has been in power at Holyrood (the Scottish equivalent of Westminster for the UK), I have come to know him as a shrewd politician who thrives on conflict. Rather than talking to the UK Prime Minister, which is a most rare occurrence, Mr Salmond is content to snipe at Westminster and blaming them for all the woes of Scotland. The First Minister, from my perspective, can safely be described as blinkered, in that he jumps at anything containing the word Scotland.
The worst example goes back to August 2007, when he attended the unveiling of a statue in Helmsdale, Sutherland, which celebrates the departure of several hundred people for a new life across the sea, and the contribution the Scottish diaspora has made in places like Canada and Australia. Whilst wholeheartedly applauding and commending that undeniable contribution, I feel that Mr Salmond should also have condemned in the strongest possible terms the inhumane way in which people were kicked out of their homes in Strath Kildonan (near Helmsdale), Strathnaver, Skye and many other areas of the Western and Northern Highlands - to commence a new life elsewhere. No, we should not live in the past, absolutely true. But neither should we fail to learn from it, something that I do detect in the current climate at Holyrood. This is 2009. Not 1746.
Bad news from the Cairngorm Mountains, 30 miles south of Inverness, this afternoon. The body of a man, thought to be that of a 48-year old hillwalker, missing since Sunday, has been found. A search, involving up to 90 people, had been on-going since Sunday for the Inverness banker, who had gone to the area to walk with his dog. The animal has not been found.
Scotland's First Minister, Alex Salmond, has gone to the United States for a meeting with US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. He thereby beats Gordon Brown, the UK Prime Minister, in visiting the new administration. Mr Salmond, the leader of the Scottish National Party, has told Ms Clinton that Scotland is "yearning for freedom". The SNP came to power after a narrow victory in elections to the Scottish Parliament in May 2007. They advocate full independence for Scotland. Mr Salmond is a member of the Privy Council, which directly advises Queen Elizabeth - and Her Majesty is known to be rather disinclined towards having her United Kingdom split up.
In the nearly two years that Mr Salmond has been in power at Holyrood (the Scottish equivalent of Westminster for the UK), I have come to know him as a shrewd politician who thrives on conflict. Rather than talking to the UK Prime Minister, which is a most rare occurrence, Mr Salmond is content to snipe at Westminster and blaming them for all the woes of Scotland. The First Minister, from my perspective, can safely be described as blinkered, in that he jumps at anything containing the word Scotland.
The worst example goes back to August 2007, when he attended the unveiling of a statue in Helmsdale, Sutherland, which celebrates the departure of several hundred people for a new life across the sea, and the contribution the Scottish diaspora has made in places like Canada and Australia. Whilst wholeheartedly applauding and commending that undeniable contribution, I feel that Mr Salmond should also have condemned in the strongest possible terms the inhumane way in which people were kicked out of their homes in Strath Kildonan (near Helmsdale), Strathnaver, Skye and many other areas of the Western and Northern Highlands - to commence a new life elsewhere. No, we should not live in the past, absolutely true. But neither should we fail to learn from it, something that I do detect in the current climate at Holyrood. This is 2009. Not 1746.
Monday, 23 February 2009
Zimbabwe
I just did not believe my eyes today, when the BBC reported that more white-owned farms in Zimbabwe had been seized by supporters of president Robert Mugabe. It is precisely the seizure of those white-owned farms that has led to the current food crisis. I can only describe as an act of breathtaking lunacy, to continue a policy which has been proven to be catastrophic in its consequences. Even though Mr Mugabe came to power by ousting a white racist regime, that of Ian Smith, those whites who elected to stay behind were prepared to work for the people of their country. There was a time that Zimbabwe could sustain itself in terms of food. Taking over those farms has destroyed that capability. I despair.
Politics
Reading journals written by American bloggers has raised my awareness of politics in the USA. One of the events that drew my attention was Hurricane Katrina and the delayed response and inadequate preparations to that natural disaster. Other pointers were problems acquiring health care as experienced by some of you.
I enjoy reading some of the entries, made by our own Dirk, who professes to be politically incorrect and questions aspects of government politics, irrespective of the colour of the government of the day. All governments are accountable to their electorate, and it is that very electorate that holds the power to remove them. Which has happened to the administration of President Bush in the last few months.
No administration holds the support of 100% of its population, and it is to be expected that supporters of President Bush do not like the policies being implemented by President Obama. As an observer from outside, I'll be careful in professing my preference; but in the past, I have been severely critical of Mr Bush on various aspects of his foreign and domestic politics. Mr Obama promises much, but we'll have to wait on delivery.
A video came my way today, which described President Obama as a dangerous communist, who will cause the destruction of America. Yep, and I've just had kittens. It reminded me of the McCarthy years, in the 1940s and 1950s, during which Senator McCarthy conducted a witch hunt of all who might have had alleged communist leanings. British readers may have watched an episode of the series "Who do you think you are", which researches the ancestry of well-known personalities - tonight's was Zoe Wannamaker. Her father moved to the UK in 1951, after it became clear that his past membership of the communist party made it likely that he be called in front of McCarthy - and put to jail for perhaps not answering. Nearly 60 years have passed, and the world has changed. But communism, however demonstrably discredited, is still a dirty word in certain quarters.
I enjoy reading some of the entries, made by our own Dirk, who professes to be politically incorrect and questions aspects of government politics, irrespective of the colour of the government of the day. All governments are accountable to their electorate, and it is that very electorate that holds the power to remove them. Which has happened to the administration of President Bush in the last few months.
No administration holds the support of 100% of its population, and it is to be expected that supporters of President Bush do not like the policies being implemented by President Obama. As an observer from outside, I'll be careful in professing my preference; but in the past, I have been severely critical of Mr Bush on various aspects of his foreign and domestic politics. Mr Obama promises much, but we'll have to wait on delivery.
A video came my way today, which described President Obama as a dangerous communist, who will cause the destruction of America. Yep, and I've just had kittens. It reminded me of the McCarthy years, in the 1940s and 1950s, during which Senator McCarthy conducted a witch hunt of all who might have had alleged communist leanings. British readers may have watched an episode of the series "Who do you think you are", which researches the ancestry of well-known personalities - tonight's was Zoe Wannamaker. Her father moved to the UK in 1951, after it became clear that his past membership of the communist party made it likely that he be called in front of McCarthy - and put to jail for perhaps not answering. Nearly 60 years have passed, and the world has changed. But communism, however demonstrably discredited, is still a dirty word in certain quarters.
Monday 23 February
Overcast, grey and drizzly. It's quite mild outside, about 11C, which I also found out when I went to the Post Office and other shops earlier this morning. It was actually pretty busy in the town, by Stornoway standards.
Do I care about the Oscars? No. A film is never as good as the book it is based upon.
An animal disease, bluetongue, is slowly marching north through the United Kingdom. The disease is carried by mosquitoes, and has become prevalent in continental Europe. Discussions are going on whether vaccinations should be carried out in the Western Isles, which are 20 to 60 miles from the Scottish mainland. In the last week of March, the Chief Vet for Scotland will attend meetings in Stornoway and Benbecula to hear the views of crofters, who do not feel that it is necessary to have these vaccinations. This link carries the official policy from the UK Department for Food and Rural Affairs.
Edit: The link mentions midges, rather than mosquitoes. They are different species of insect, and I'll try to find out which is actually the carrier
Do I care about the Oscars? No. A film is never as good as the book it is based upon.
An animal disease, bluetongue, is slowly marching north through the United Kingdom. The disease is carried by mosquitoes, and has become prevalent in continental Europe. Discussions are going on whether vaccinations should be carried out in the Western Isles, which are 20 to 60 miles from the Scottish mainland. In the last week of March, the Chief Vet for Scotland will attend meetings in Stornoway and Benbecula to hear the views of crofters, who do not feel that it is necessary to have these vaccinations. This link carries the official policy from the UK Department for Food and Rural Affairs.
Edit: The link mentions midges, rather than mosquitoes. They are different species of insect, and I'll try to find out which is actually the carrier
Sunday, 22 February 2009
Organising
Been organising a few things today, the weather being grey and boring.
Regular readers may be familiar with my rather large collection of digital pictures, now numbering in excess of 18,000. Of which 1,000 are scanned images of prints, taken from film. Flickr offers the facility to put them all in so-called sets and collections. However, I have several hundred sets and the site tends to freeze when I have the temerity to create yet another one. A large number of sets is named after one of the villages in the island of Lewis. My latest foray to Callanish added to that particular set. I have this idea to put the pictures for each village in some sort of publication, either on-line (and) or in paper.
The (almost) daily Remembering Today entries on this blog are an offshoot of my local history project Faces from the War Memorial. When I compiled the information for the 1,300-odd names on the roll, I forgot that the many Mac's also have their surname spelled Mc - something which I now have to chase up. Bearing in mind that I have also printed the list (through Lulu.com), I not only have to update the on-line version, but also the wordprocessing file. My screen is a wee bit crammed when I do this. At the moment I'm about one-third of the way through this task. In other words, I'll be at this for some time to come.
Regular readers may be familiar with my rather large collection of digital pictures, now numbering in excess of 18,000. Of which 1,000 are scanned images of prints, taken from film. Flickr offers the facility to put them all in so-called sets and collections. However, I have several hundred sets and the site tends to freeze when I have the temerity to create yet another one. A large number of sets is named after one of the villages in the island of Lewis. My latest foray to Callanish added to that particular set. I have this idea to put the pictures for each village in some sort of publication, either on-line (and) or in paper.
The (almost) daily Remembering Today entries on this blog are an offshoot of my local history project Faces from the War Memorial. When I compiled the information for the 1,300-odd names on the roll, I forgot that the many Mac's also have their surname spelled Mc - something which I now have to chase up. Bearing in mind that I have also printed the list (through Lulu.com), I not only have to update the on-line version, but also the wordprocessing file. My screen is a wee bit crammed when I do this. At the moment I'm about one-third of the way through this task. In other words, I'll be at this for some time to come.
Remembering Today - 22 February
On this day in 1917, these four men from the Isle of Lewis fell in action in the Second Battle at Kut-al-Amara in Mesopotamia, present-day Iraq. RIP.
Sergeant NEIL MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 4 Dun Carloway,
Son of Angus and Annie Morrison, of 4, Doune Carloway, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 130
Date of death: 22 February 1917 at the age of 36
Killed in action in Kut
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
Lance Corporal DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 12 Garenin,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6965
Date of death: 22 February 1917
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Private DONALD GUNN
Last address in Lewis: 5 Knockaird,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/7070
Date of death: 22 February 1917 at the age of 23
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN M MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 8B Ranish,
Son of Mrs. Christy MacKinnon, of 8, Ranish Lochs, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 317256
Date of death: 22 February 1917 at the age of 21
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Sergeant NEIL MORRISON
Last address in Lewis: 4 Dun Carloway,
Son of Angus and Annie Morrison, of 4, Doune Carloway, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 130
Date of death: 22 February 1917 at the age of 36
Killed in action in Kut
Memorial: Basra Memorial, Iraq
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Lewis Memorial: Carloway
Lance Corporal DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 12 Garenin,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 3/6965
Date of death: 22 February 1917
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Private DONALD GUNN
Last address in Lewis: 5 Knockaird,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: S/7070
Date of death: 22 February 1917 at the age of 23
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: Panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Private JOHN M MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 8B Ranish,
Son of Mrs. Christy MacKinnon, of 8, Ranish Lochs, Stornoway.
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Service number: 317256
Date of death: 22 February 1917 at the age of 21
Killed in action in Mesopotamia
Memorial: Basra
Memorial reference: panel 37 and 64
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Remembering Today - 21 February
On this date in the First World War, these two men lost their lives in the service of King and Country. RIP
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Fivepenny,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 21 February 1915 at the age of 34
Killed in action in Givenchy, France
Had previously served in Egypt
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Seaman COLIN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 15 Ranish,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Carlton
Date of death: 21 February 1916 at the age of 23
Ship sunk by mine
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Private DONALD MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 20 Fivepenny,
Regiment or division: 1st Seaforth Highlanders
Date of death: 21 February 1915 at the age of 34
Killed in action in Givenchy, France
Had previously served in Egypt
Local memorial: North Lewis, Cross
Seaman COLIN MACKINNON
Last address in Lewis: 15 Ranish,
Regiment or division: Royal Naval Reserve, HMT Carlton
Date of death: 21 February 1916 at the age of 23
Ship sunk by mine
Local memorial: North Lochs, Crossbost
Sunday 22 February
Overcast, grey but reasonably mild. Temperature of 9C this afternoon, not too bad for late February. Looking at the longer range forecast, it appears that the worst of the winter is over.
Over in Australia, a day of mourning has been held for the 209 known (and more unknown) victims of the deadly bushfires that raged in the south of the country two weeks ago. The risk of more bushfires is increasing as conducive weatherconditions look set to move in.
Over in Australia, a day of mourning has been held for the 209 known (and more unknown) victims of the deadly bushfires that raged in the south of the country two weeks ago. The risk of more bushfires is increasing as conducive weatherconditions look set to move in.
Saturday, 21 February 2009
Saturday 21 February
Pleasantly surprised to find my camera returned by mail today - only took 2 days from Holland. So, on we go. It is a cold, windy and at times drizzly day in Stornoway, best spent inside. Went to the bus station and the shop at midday, but that was enough for me.
Last night, I discovered that bus services here in Lewis are going to deteriorate as of March 27th. Several of them will be joined together, as the town bus service will be abolished. Buses to the airport will be hitched on to the Point service. For the latter, no operator has been found, as the tendering exercise went wrong, in addition to a few oversights. This was all organised by our local council, who overlooked a few minor details. Sigh.
Last night, I discovered that bus services here in Lewis are going to deteriorate as of March 27th. Several of them will be joined together, as the town bus service will be abolished. Buses to the airport will be hitched on to the Point service. For the latter, no operator has been found, as the tendering exercise went wrong, in addition to a few oversights. This was all organised by our local council, who overlooked a few minor details. Sigh.
Friday, 20 February 2009
Distance
Isn't it easy to sit at your computer, and read a blog. Or two. Or perhaps one hundred. Maybe even several hundred. That's how many are on my Google Reader. Many of us write down their lives on their blogs. Whether publicly or to a select few, we impart those bits of our lives to the world that we choose to disclose. Many a time, it is particularly at the darker moments of life that we write. And blogging being what it is, we appreciate comments left by friends, acquaintances or distant readers.
However.
How can you place yourself in the shoes of the writer. What makes you think you are selecting the right words and turn of phrase to suit the occasion. Well, it is fairly straightforward when you talk about a death in someone's circle. It is also fairly clear when a blogger says they have had a diagnosis of serious illness - or someone very near and dear has. You can't go far wrong there, can you? No, not really.
Where it can go very badly wrong is in situations where someone is discussing the challenges they face in life. Money may be tight. Relationships that are strained. Past events that are haunting them. Guilt, remorse.
Call me naive, but I'd think that in our blogging community, we are there to support each other. Seems there are exceptions to that rule. I can't believe that there are actually people who see fit to criticise the way someone has dealt with a situation in their life - to come to the point of this post (once more) - which they have described in a blog. How can you, exclusively through this medium, gauge what was right and wrong? I mean, how can you if you weren't there. And even if it was patently incorrect, what right does anyone have to criticise? Nobody.
Nobody whose blog I read fits the above bill. It applies to nobody that comments in this blog either. I am merely highlighting the shadowside of blogging, which sometimes peeps above the horizon of one or two blogs I come across.
However.
How can you place yourself in the shoes of the writer. What makes you think you are selecting the right words and turn of phrase to suit the occasion. Well, it is fairly straightforward when you talk about a death in someone's circle. It is also fairly clear when a blogger says they have had a diagnosis of serious illness - or someone very near and dear has. You can't go far wrong there, can you? No, not really.
Where it can go very badly wrong is in situations where someone is discussing the challenges they face in life. Money may be tight. Relationships that are strained. Past events that are haunting them. Guilt, remorse.
Call me naive, but I'd think that in our blogging community, we are there to support each other. Seems there are exceptions to that rule. I can't believe that there are actually people who see fit to criticise the way someone has dealt with a situation in their life - to come to the point of this post (once more) - which they have described in a blog. How can you, exclusively through this medium, gauge what was right and wrong? I mean, how can you if you weren't there. And even if it was patently incorrect, what right does anyone have to criticise? Nobody.
Nobody whose blog I read fits the above bill. It applies to nobody that comments in this blog either. I am merely highlighting the shadowside of blogging, which sometimes peeps above the horizon of one or two blogs I come across.
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe is trying to think of recovery. May require $5bn. Not a huge sum, if you consider that the US government recently put aside 300 times that amount for its recovery from the economic downturn. The new Prime Minister of Zimbabwe, Morgan Tsvangirai, has said that for the moment several foreign currencies may be adopted. I wonder what he is going to do about inflation, which is running at 10,000,000,000,000,000,000,000%. That's 10 sextillion percent. Anyway, I'm pleased that at least they appear to recognise that there is a problem that they should solve, rather than blaming everybody else for it.
Friday 20 February
Pouring with rain, bit of a breeze going - wet day in Stornoway, what more do you want for an excuse to stay in all day. There is a stack of good books to be read, I may do a bit of work on my collection of pictures on Flickr. On the other hand, someone is going out to Ness later on, and I might just join them for the ride. No chance of taking much in the way of pictures in weather like this. We shall see what transpires.
47 people on board a Boeing 747-400 were hurt when their plane hit severe turbulence east of Tokyo. The flight from Manila to Los Angeles via Tokyo was coming into land at the Japanese capital when turbulence struck. Six people flew up and hit the ceiling of the cabin hard, leaving several holes. They are seriously ill in hospital in Tokyo.
I have less than pleasant memories of a flight from Rome to London in 2001, when the plane hit turbulence over Southwest London. The flight had flown straight into a rainstorm with very strong up- and downdrafts. One person suffered a panic attack, another had an epileptic fit. The exclamation of the person next to me, as we touched down, was "Terra!" - Earth. Otherwise, it was eerily quiet as we bumped up and down.
47 people on board a Boeing 747-400 were hurt when their plane hit severe turbulence east of Tokyo. The flight from Manila to Los Angeles via Tokyo was coming into land at the Japanese capital when turbulence struck. Six people flew up and hit the ceiling of the cabin hard, leaving several holes. They are seriously ill in hospital in Tokyo.
I have less than pleasant memories of a flight from Rome to London in 2001, when the plane hit turbulence over Southwest London. The flight had flown straight into a rainstorm with very strong up- and downdrafts. One person suffered a panic attack, another had an epileptic fit. The exclamation of the person next to me, as we touched down, was "Terra!" - Earth. Otherwise, it was eerily quiet as we bumped up and down.
Thursday, 19 February 2009
Lost in translation
Irish police were left red-faced in the wake of the hunt for the country's worst driver. He managed to rack up dozens of traffic violations and fines, and forces up and down the Republic were on the hunt for Polish man Prawo Jazdy. Except... Prawo Jazdy is Polish for driver's licence.
Which reminds me of foreign tourists in the Netherlands who are driving for miles, looking for the town of Doorgaand Verkeer. This features on hundreds of signs, particularly in larger towns and cities. Never with a distance indication, something that is quite common in Holland. Doorgaand Verkeer is a Dutch fata morgana, as it stands for Through Traffic.
Which reminds me of foreign tourists in the Netherlands who are driving for miles, looking for the town of Doorgaand Verkeer. This features on hundreds of signs, particularly in larger towns and cities. Never with a distance indication, something that is quite common in Holland. Doorgaand Verkeer is a Dutch fata morgana, as it stands for Through Traffic.
Closing notes
Went out on the bus at 2.30pm for a wee trip to the Callanish Stones, 18 miles west of here. It was freezing cold, although the mercury was at 7C. The Stones sit on the top of a broad hill, and are very exposed to any amount of wind. Whether the flattened grass and broken shrubs had anything to do with the January 17th hurricane is not entirely clear. Also went for a walk to the nearby quayside, where that little blue and white boat is slowly sinking into the mud. At 4.30pm, the bus turned up to take us back to Stornoway the long road - 27 miles through Carloway and Barvas. It was a quiet afternoon, with hardly a sound, apart from the wind. Pictures are uploading as I type.
I also had the good news that my camera will be returning to me early in the new week. It had to go in for repairs just after New Year, when it gave up the ghost. My father very kindly gave me his camera to use in the meantime, and I have taken just over 100 pictures with it since I took it into fulltime use on February 3rd.
I watched some good television tonight; Sky 534 had the closing episode of Andrew Marr's programme on Britain from the air, and Billy Connolly is touring Canada. I did not watch Jade Goody's programme - I saw some recent pics of her, and the poor woman looks ghastly. Neither did I finish watching that absolute cr*p about St Kilda, hosted by Kate Humble. I can't stand Springwatch / Autumnwatch on account of the chemistry between her and Bill Oddy, but the absolute garbage she and co-presenters came out with about St Kilda put the shutters on for me.
A few pictures from this afternoon:
Houses at Callanish
Callanish Stones and Loch Roag
Boat at Callanish Pier
Carloway
I also had the good news that my camera will be returning to me early in the new week. It had to go in for repairs just after New Year, when it gave up the ghost. My father very kindly gave me his camera to use in the meantime, and I have taken just over 100 pictures with it since I took it into fulltime use on February 3rd.
I watched some good television tonight; Sky 534 had the closing episode of Andrew Marr's programme on Britain from the air, and Billy Connolly is touring Canada. I did not watch Jade Goody's programme - I saw some recent pics of her, and the poor woman looks ghastly. Neither did I finish watching that absolute cr*p about St Kilda, hosted by Kate Humble. I can't stand Springwatch / Autumnwatch on account of the chemistry between her and Bill Oddy, but the absolute garbage she and co-presenters came out with about St Kilda put the shutters on for me.
A few pictures from this afternoon:
Houses at Callanish
Callanish Stones and Loch Roag
Boat at Callanish Pier
Carloway
Thursday 19 February
Fairly bright day, but a shower just moved by to the south. Nonetheless, will be popping out on the bus later for a visit to the Callanish Stones and a run round the West Side.
A helicopter has crashed into the North Sea, but all 18 on board are safe and sound. The chopper remained afloat, conditions were favourable and rescue services were on the scene immediately. The aircraft came down near the ETAP oilfield, 125 miles east of Aberdeen. An investigation has been launched.
It is reported that social networking on-line is actually bad for your health. Because it replaces social networking face-to-face, the way we perform as persons is altered and not for the better. Gulp.
A helicopter has crashed into the North Sea, but all 18 on board are safe and sound. The chopper remained afloat, conditions were favourable and rescue services were on the scene immediately. The aircraft came down near the ETAP oilfield, 125 miles east of Aberdeen. An investigation has been launched.
It is reported that social networking on-line is actually bad for your health. Because it replaces social networking face-to-face, the way we perform as persons is altered and not for the better. Gulp.
Wednesday, 18 February 2009
Remembering Today - 18 February
Today on this day during the First World War, this man from the Isle of Lewis lost his life in the service of King and Country. RIP.
Private RODERICK MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 4 Battery Park, Stornoway
Son of Alexander McLeod, of 4, Battery Park, Stornoway, and the late Mrs. McLeod.
Regiment or division: 7th Seaforth Highlanders, Labour Corps
Service number: S/16375, transf. to (588562)
Date of death: 18 February 1919 at the age of 34
Died of wounds
Interred: Sandwick Cemetery
Memorial reference: L. R.1910. 683.
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Private RODERICK MACLEOD
Last address in Lewis: 4 Battery Park, Stornoway
Son of Alexander McLeod, of 4, Battery Park, Stornoway, and the late Mrs. McLeod.
Regiment or division: 7th Seaforth Highlanders, Labour Corps
Service number: S/16375, transf. to (588562)
Date of death: 18 February 1919 at the age of 34
Died of wounds
Interred: Sandwick Cemetery
Memorial reference: L. R.1910. 683.
Local memorial: Lewis War Memorial
Fight Pink
This website, aimed at those fighting breastcancer, or having survived it (or are related to or friends of) features our own Kelly, sister of Kim [demandnlilchit], who passed on in December 2007. Call round and admire.
Sheep notes
Three years ago, someone reported a lamb head-butting a golden eagle near Balallan in Lewis. On another occasion, a golden eagle was seen running on the ground after rabbits. Personally, I once was in a car which was forced to stop on the B8011 road in Lewis because two (female) sheep decided to have it out there and then in the middle of the bridge across the Grimersta River, 3 miles west of Garynahine. Only after they had stopped head-butting each other was the vehicle able to proceed.
Grimersta River at the bridge
Sheep, unfortunately, are frequent victims of road traffic. It is up to the owner to remove the remains from the roadside. Whether it is such a good idea to dump the carcass in the ditch is questionable; I once had the doubtful pleasure of watching a sheep's remains slowly disintegrating in the ditch beside the cattlegrid at Marybank. You can't help but notice it when you walk past. If only on account of the smell.
Carcass at the Marybank cattlegrid, July 2005
Sheep are held to be stupid animals, but that is not really fair. If possible, a ewe will go back to the spot where it was born itself to give birth. At this time of year, when lambing time is nearly here, any sheep that ends up on its back may not be able to regain its feet - and could die. I have righted several sheep in remote parts of Lewis which I found on their backs. They were happy to run off at once. Others that I found in distress were beyond help - their eyes had been pecked out. The one I pulled out of a bog near Loch Eastaper, north of Laxay, was very grateful - and immediately started tearing at the grass.
Sheep and lamb at Bragar, May 2005
Grimersta River at the bridge
Sheep, unfortunately, are frequent victims of road traffic. It is up to the owner to remove the remains from the roadside. Whether it is such a good idea to dump the carcass in the ditch is questionable; I once had the doubtful pleasure of watching a sheep's remains slowly disintegrating in the ditch beside the cattlegrid at Marybank. You can't help but notice it when you walk past. If only on account of the smell.
Carcass at the Marybank cattlegrid, July 2005
Sheep are held to be stupid animals, but that is not really fair. If possible, a ewe will go back to the spot where it was born itself to give birth. At this time of year, when lambing time is nearly here, any sheep that ends up on its back may not be able to regain its feet - and could die. I have righted several sheep in remote parts of Lewis which I found on their backs. They were happy to run off at once. Others that I found in distress were beyond help - their eyes had been pecked out. The one I pulled out of a bog near Loch Eastaper, north of Laxay, was very grateful - and immediately started tearing at the grass.
Sheep and lamb at Bragar, May 2005
Tuesday, 17 February 2009
Social networking revisited
Putting into practice what I commenced on Sunday, and boy, did it work out the way I feared. Twittering along, Facebooking to my heart's content, reading journals and writing on all said sites, the day flew by. Oh, mind you, I did find time to go into town to seek out that mysterious boat that came in at 11 am; only to find it had sneaked out whilst I was having lunch. Only got a picture of Cuddy Point plus wreck-buoys and of Lews Castle from King Edward Quay.
I think I'll leave Twitter for what it is, keeping an eye on it on a once-a-day basis (like this time of the night). Facebook will carry on as it has since we were kicked off AOL, as will the journals. Deb has alerted us to a change in the Terms of Service of Facebook; if you are on there, check it out. I'm not too fussy, but if you have very unique content, links etc, beware.
It is close on 10.30pm, the lorries are rumbling past my window on their way to be shipped to the mainland on board MV Muirneag in an hour's time.
Closing schools is an emotive issue in these islands, and the local council have their ties in a twist over it. After voting for, against, for [that was the voting record of one council session last August] closure of the secondary extension of the primary schools (two years of secondary education in the local primary) in 4 locations, the Education Secretary to the Scottish Government threw the whole plan out. Yet, the council have now said they will continue with the closure plans never mind what, as not doing so would blow an £12m hole in their finances. No, I don't understand it either.
I think I'll leave Twitter for what it is, keeping an eye on it on a once-a-day basis (like this time of the night). Facebook will carry on as it has since we were kicked off AOL, as will the journals. Deb has alerted us to a change in the Terms of Service of Facebook; if you are on there, check it out. I'm not too fussy, but if you have very unique content, links etc, beware.
It is close on 10.30pm, the lorries are rumbling past my window on their way to be shipped to the mainland on board MV Muirneag in an hour's time.
Closing schools is an emotive issue in these islands, and the local council have their ties in a twist over it. After voting for, against, for [that was the voting record of one council session last August] closure of the secondary extension of the primary schools (two years of secondary education in the local primary) in 4 locations, the Education Secretary to the Scottish Government threw the whole plan out. Yet, the council have now said they will continue with the closure plans never mind what, as not doing so would blow an £12m hole in their finances. No, I don't understand it either.
Tuesday 17 February
Bright morning, after the mist and drizzle of the early hours cleared. Temperature has inched up to 11C, so we're having a pretty mild day.
Couple of items in the news today, which caught my eye. A haemophiliac patient has died suffering from variant-Creutzfeldt-Jacobs Disease (the human version of mad-cow disease), although he did not have any symptoms. He was the first case to emerge as a result of being given contaminated blood products.
There is a continuing row in the Western Isles about the closure of schools and the role of councillors. A local website carries calls for resignations of some of them - the closure plans were torpedoed by the Scottish Government as being incompetent.
Just as I close this post, the sun has come out.
Couple of items in the news today, which caught my eye. A haemophiliac patient has died suffering from variant-Creutzfeldt-Jacobs Disease (the human version of mad-cow disease), although he did not have any symptoms. He was the first case to emerge as a result of being given contaminated blood products.
There is a continuing row in the Western Isles about the closure of schools and the role of councillors. A local website carries calls for resignations of some of them - the closure plans were torpedoed by the Scottish Government as being incompetent.
Just as I close this post, the sun has come out.
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