All of 2.5 metres and made of granite.
http://uk.reuters.com/article/idUKTRE61R29O20100228
Sunday, 28 February 2010
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
New US Embassy for London
The Borg are here, we have been assimilated.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/23/us-embassy-cool-remote-not-subtle
http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2010/feb/23/us-embassy-cool-remote-not-subtle
MP3 Players & Flagellation
I had to replace my MP3 player. The Sony froze last week, locked itself. The new instrument came from ALDI, unfortunately I have mislaid the lead which enables me to download my podcast's. Square one.
Sex and religion. Ed Balls - yes Balls - was on the radio this morning. The Catholics have got to mention 'condoms' at least once during sex education. I can not for the life of me understand why this will be a problem, especially following revelations that Papa Wojtyla indulged in self flagellation [1][2], as part of a need to feel closer to God. The condom does not work, but hitting oneself with a belt or tree is okay it seems.
Went to Mothers, to be told they were going to the doctors for a 10 o'clock appointment. Considered it a possibility that mother and father would appear at my doorstep at some point later in the morning so filled kettle at home and prepare teapot. Mother duly arrives. I'd hate to be her Doctor.
Having subscribed to the International Herald Tribune (IHT), starting from the 22nd February, the first one arrives on 23rd February. Damp.
Sons Birthday today, fifteen.
[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/26/john-paul-ii-self-flagellation
[2] http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0128/1224263288641.html
Sex and religion. Ed Balls - yes Balls - was on the radio this morning. The Catholics have got to mention 'condoms' at least once during sex education. I can not for the life of me understand why this will be a problem, especially following revelations that Papa Wojtyla indulged in self flagellation [1][2], as part of a need to feel closer to God. The condom does not work, but hitting oneself with a belt or tree is okay it seems.
Went to Mothers, to be told they were going to the doctors for a 10 o'clock appointment. Considered it a possibility that mother and father would appear at my doorstep at some point later in the morning so filled kettle at home and prepare teapot. Mother duly arrives. I'd hate to be her Doctor.
Having subscribed to the International Herald Tribune (IHT), starting from the 22nd February, the first one arrives on 23rd February. Damp.
Sons Birthday today, fifteen.
[1] http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2010/jan/26/john-paul-ii-self-flagellation
[2] http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/world/2010/0128/1224263288641.html
Monday, 22 February 2010
Death and the lost Art of Education.
Our son's school is closed this coming Wednesday, apparently this is so that members of staff can attend the funeral of one of the staff members.
The decision to close the school exemplifies the school attitude to educating the pupils, in that the actual pursuit of 'education' is secondary to events, in this case the death of a colleague. Given that the deceased was the first to contact parents, usually in writing - never by phone at least by herself - when there was the slightest hint of a misdemeanor on behalf of the child, I find the whole reasoning behind the closure an excellent, if appalling, confirmation of how detached the management of the school is to why it exists and what they are employed to do. A letter to parents stated that there would be counselling available to those who required it. If the deceased was a great educationalist, enthusing pupils to think and...erm...learn, then they would have been appalled at this ludicrous decision.
The sudden and unexpected death of a colleague is a tragedy for all concerned. I am reminded of other human tragedies, such as the Burundi Genocide for example. Needless to say my cynicism surrounding this affair will not curry favour with those determined to baste the situation in faux shock and display the charade of grief, reminiscent of a hired Victorian mourner.
The decision to close the school exemplifies the school attitude to educating the pupils, in that the actual pursuit of 'education' is secondary to events, in this case the death of a colleague. Given that the deceased was the first to contact parents, usually in writing - never by phone at least by herself - when there was the slightest hint of a misdemeanor on behalf of the child, I find the whole reasoning behind the closure an excellent, if appalling, confirmation of how detached the management of the school is to why it exists and what they are employed to do. A letter to parents stated that there would be counselling available to those who required it. If the deceased was a great educationalist, enthusing pupils to think and...erm...learn, then they would have been appalled at this ludicrous decision.
The sudden and unexpected death of a colleague is a tragedy for all concerned. I am reminded of other human tragedies, such as the Burundi Genocide for example. Needless to say my cynicism surrounding this affair will not curry favour with those determined to baste the situation in faux shock and display the charade of grief, reminiscent of a hired Victorian mourner.
Sunday, 21 February 2010
SV Concordia
I read in the IHT that the SV Concordia has gone to Davey Jones locker off Brazil. Shame
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/19/world/AP-LT-Brazil-Ship-Capsizes.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=concordia&st=cse
Update...
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/20/world/AP-LT-Brazil-Ship-Capsizes.html?scp=1&sq=concordia&st=cse
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/rescued-canadians-dock-in-rio/article1475527/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concordia_(ship)
One wonders why she wasn't put into the wind. Certainly an uncomfortable option for those on board by any stretch of the imagination especially for a ship so small. But then this is the sea and she was a sailing vessel.
The problem is, as will any enquiry find, there is little by way of day-to-day experience in the sailing of this type of vessel, utilising C18 and C19 technology, and just as important, an C18 and C19 mind set. Fifty years ago, there were still a sizable number of individuals who actually worked these vessels, as in making a living from it. They would have been the last of those who plied the trade routes and could tap into the seam of experience of generations of 'manual' sailors. As it is, all we now have is written accounts and an awful lot of 'experts' and theorists.
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/19/world/AP-LT-Brazil-Ship-Capsizes.html?_r=1&scp=4&sq=concordia&st=cse
Update...
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2010/02/20/world/AP-LT-Brazil-Ship-Capsizes.html?scp=1&sq=concordia&st=cse
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/world/rescued-canadians-dock-in-rio/article1475527/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Concordia_(ship)
One wonders why she wasn't put into the wind. Certainly an uncomfortable option for those on board by any stretch of the imagination especially for a ship so small. But then this is the sea and she was a sailing vessel.
The problem is, as will any enquiry find, there is little by way of day-to-day experience in the sailing of this type of vessel, utilising C18 and C19 technology, and just as important, an C18 and C19 mind set. Fifty years ago, there were still a sizable number of individuals who actually worked these vessels, as in making a living from it. They would have been the last of those who plied the trade routes and could tap into the seam of experience of generations of 'manual' sailors. As it is, all we now have is written accounts and an awful lot of 'experts' and theorists.
Saturday, 20 February 2010
The frozen north
Back today from Co Durham. A week of driving and cold weather (including sleet, hail and snow and all stops in between). Took the Laptop with me but did not log on, just too knackered. When we left there was snow on the ground, not a lot but enough to crunch under foot.
Thinking back, we didn't 'do' a lot really. Visited father-in-law a number of times he is now in a private home, being cared for to a level required by his situation, which is pretty much everything. The home is a temporary holding station whilst work is carried out to the in-laws home, in order that equipment can be accommodated.
The boss is watching Causality.
One highlight, in fact one of a number of highlights (in my book) was the visit by my son and I to the University of Northumberland Art Gallery in Newcastle. The Guardian/Observer Jane Bown Photography exhibition was on. Quite good. I was struck by how few of the subjects were still alive. There was a photo of Thatcher at the beginning of the exhibition. When questioned about the prominence, the person at the desk said as Thatcher was an important figure, it was "considered appropriate" to give the portrait the position. All this was delivered without a hint of irony or even interest. Tell that to the Durham Miners, I thought.
The Laing proffered up the usual fayre from the collection, plus I noticed through a closed door the hanging of the next exhibition featuring works from the Gallery's '1970s Collection' Hmmmm.
Found a useful Chippy in Belmont.
The rejuvenated Model Railway shop in Darlington appears to have succumbed to the lack of cash around. Must be Labour's fault. Yeah - if you ignore the the global aspect of the recession, Mr Cameron, and the fact that the Tories ensured that we have Little (other than finance) to employ people. Now tell, that to Mrs Rimmington. Which brings me back to that portrait.
Thinking back, we didn't 'do' a lot really. Visited father-in-law a number of times he is now in a private home, being cared for to a level required by his situation, which is pretty much everything. The home is a temporary holding station whilst work is carried out to the in-laws home, in order that equipment can be accommodated.
The boss is watching Causality.
One highlight, in fact one of a number of highlights (in my book) was the visit by my son and I to the University of Northumberland Art Gallery in Newcastle. The Guardian/Observer Jane Bown Photography exhibition was on. Quite good. I was struck by how few of the subjects were still alive. There was a photo of Thatcher at the beginning of the exhibition. When questioned about the prominence, the person at the desk said as Thatcher was an important figure, it was "considered appropriate" to give the portrait the position. All this was delivered without a hint of irony or even interest. Tell that to the Durham Miners, I thought.
The Laing proffered up the usual fayre from the collection, plus I noticed through a closed door the hanging of the next exhibition featuring works from the Gallery's '1970s Collection' Hmmmm.
Found a useful Chippy in Belmont.
The rejuvenated Model Railway shop in Darlington appears to have succumbed to the lack of cash around. Must be Labour's fault. Yeah - if you ignore the the global aspect of the recession, Mr Cameron, and the fact that the Tories ensured that we have Little (other than finance) to employ people. Now tell, that to Mrs Rimmington. Which brings me back to that portrait.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
Butt of necessity
My arse. My arse was inspected today by a member of the medical profession. Female, Irish and now disturbed. I seem to present my Doctor with various parts of my anatomy for inspection on a increasingly frequent basis. What a way to start the day, for both of us.
Cholesterol level is 5.4.
Women's Hour Dramatisation distinctly non-fluffy this morning; Writing the Century 12: 1966-1969 - Pleidiol Wyf I'm Gwlad/True To My Land not bad and available on iPlayer...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qjvq9
Cholesterol level is 5.4.
Women's Hour Dramatisation distinctly non-fluffy this morning; Writing the Century 12: 1966-1969 - Pleidiol Wyf I'm Gwlad/True To My Land not bad and available on iPlayer...
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00qjvq9
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
Sunday, 7 February 2010
Notes from the Viewing Platform
"The proposals to ban the burqa in France and minarets in
Switzerland, wrong in and of themselves, are not the answer to what is merely a
knee-jerk reaction to the influx of immigrants from the Middle East to Europe
and their increased religiosity when they get here, often as a reaction to an
enforced permissiveness and radical secularism to which they were never granted
the societal tools to deal with." (Editorial: NYT & IHT 5th
& 6th Feb 2010 respectively)
The quote above, written by Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt, intrigues. I am tempted to view the rebellion against the French establishments burqa campaign has largely been driven, from behind the scenes and thus from the anonymous rear (is it ever thus?), by educated (middle class) Muslim women keen, as with the middle classes everywhere, to ensure that it is their version, their wisdom and their ideals are imposed on the (sic) less educated, in this case raw immigrant. There is a game at hand being played out not so much between the infidel and the devoted Muslim, than within the Muslim community itself.
Lace said "NO!" to Miss Dolleery on Friday. The Tectonic plates are foment indeed! The thumb remains, for the time being at least, stubbornly horizontal.
Cleaned up light shades and tried out 180ml or there abouts of Lidl Porridge gulp.
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Corporeal Hoi polloi
In the fictional world of Star Trek, Commander Benjamin Sisko makes contact with the Bajoran, a non-corporeal race who do not understand the human concept of time or linear existence.
The Friday evening club gatherings can take on a non-linear existence.
The LA Times reports that one of Hollywood's 'blacklisted' Screenwriters, Anne Froelick Taylor, passed away on the 26th January in Los Angeles. Taylor's career was relatively short. She was 'denounced' by colleagues on the last day of the McCarthy House Un-American Activities Committee hearings. Taylor worked for Orson Wells amongst others, then post Blacklisting, she scratched a covert living editing soap opera material for friends.
Mother pushed an Asda shopping coupon through the door, she had mentioned it to Andrew the previous evening on the telephone. The coupon, £10 off the weekly shop, ran out on the 31st January. She is aware of this, but has to give it us anyway. "It's your mother son" said Father "She organised it". Always aim for the course of least resistance Pater.
The Friday evening club gatherings can take on a non-linear existence.
The LA Times reports that one of Hollywood's 'blacklisted' Screenwriters, Anne Froelick Taylor, passed away on the 26th January in Los Angeles. Taylor's career was relatively short. She was 'denounced' by colleagues on the last day of the McCarthy House Un-American Activities Committee hearings. Taylor worked for Orson Wells amongst others, then post Blacklisting, she scratched a covert living editing soap opera material for friends.
Mother pushed an Asda shopping coupon through the door, she had mentioned it to Andrew the previous evening on the telephone. The coupon, £10 off the weekly shop, ran out on the 31st January. She is aware of this, but has to give it us anyway. "It's your mother son" said Father "She organised it". Always aim for the course of least resistance Pater.
Tuesday, 2 February 2010
February - Anarchist
Found a reference to Emma Goldman in a book review in the NY Times...
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/books/review/Mihm-t.html?scp=1&sq=joyce%20appleby&st=cse
The book, by Joyce Appleby, called 'The Relentless Revolution: A History of Capitalism' (ISBN 978 0 393 31286 7, Pub: 2010, John Wiley & Sons., New York) and is due out this month. I hope to get a copy, although the limp bound version may be worth waiting for if only to keep costs down.
Emma Goldman, anarchist, managed to upset virtually everyone especially the Soviet loving British Communist's. Goldman is tainted if only because she fell in behind Margret Sanger who, like our very own Marie Stopes, was not only an advocate of Birth Control (as a means of combating poverty amongst the lower orders) but of eugenics.
http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/24/books/review/Mihm-t.html?scp=1&sq=joyce%20appleby&st=cse
The book, by Joyce Appleby, called 'The Relentless Revolution: A History of Capitalism' (ISBN 978 0 393 31286 7, Pub: 2010, John Wiley & Sons., New York) and is due out this month. I hope to get a copy, although the limp bound version may be worth waiting for if only to keep costs down.
Emma Goldman, anarchist, managed to upset virtually everyone especially the Soviet loving British Communist's. Goldman is tainted if only because she fell in behind Margret Sanger who, like our very own Marie Stopes, was not only an advocate of Birth Control (as a means of combating poverty amongst the lower orders) but of eugenics.
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