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California Legislature: Green tech gets green light
Despite a testy and drawn-out political battle, the new green mandates just approved by state lawmakers — higher efficiency standards for buildings, more reliance on renewable energy — signal good news for the state’s clean-energy industry.
The guidelines are expected to draw new investment and jump-start wind and solar projects, benefiting many Bay Area companies. But industry insiders also say the burgeoning market still faces regulatory challenges ahead.
“The most important thing the businesses need is a market signal,” said Steve Chadima, director of California initiatives for the industry group Advanced Energy Economy. The new standards send a clear message to the sector, he said: “Continue hiring. Continue growing.”
Lawmakers last week fought over the measure, SB 350, and stripped out controversial requirements for higher efficiency standards for gas vehicles. Still, clean energy advocates say the altered proposal provides a boost for long-term projects, research and development and jobs. The bill passed the state Assembly and Senate late Friday night and is expected to be signed by Gov. Jerry Brown.
The mandate requires the share of electricity drawn from renewable sources by the state’s utilities to increase from 33 to 50 percent by 2030. It also calls for doubling the efficiency of existing buildings. It’s designed to dramatically decrease the state’s reliance on fossil fuels and combat climate change.
While the new standards are expected to primarily benefit large projects — electricity generated from residential rooftop solar is not included — the bill is expected to drive future demand for green products and technologies.
Randy Zechman started Clean Solar, a commercial and residential solar installation company, in San Jose around 2005. He has grown his business from two employees to 45, serving the Bay Area. Even though the state mandate does not directly benefit installers, Zechman said, it creates a good business environment for solar energy. Increased standards, he believes, have “been very good for our industry as a whole.”
Cisco DeVries left government to start his company, Renew Financial. Based in Oakland, the company offers financing to lower upfront costs for energy efficiency renovations and solar installations. DeVries, a former chief of staff to Berkeley’s mayor, said the state is an important market for his business.
“California has been an incredible leader in solar and renewables,” said DeVries. He sees the new standards as part of a system that supports the clean tech industry. “It’s really critical that the traffic signals all stay green.”
Nancy Rader, executive director of California Wind Energy Association, said the requirements will encourage companies investing in expensive, long-term developments such as wind farms and transmission infrastructure. A typical lead time for major projects is seven to 10 years, she said.
California solar advocates also see more stability and lower risks for long-term investments. Bernadette Del Chiaro, executive director of the California Solar Energy Industries Association, said the market for large-scale solar projects has slowed as utilities approach meeting the state’s earlier standard of getting one-third of their electricity from renewable sources. “The wheels start turning again” for developing big projects, she said. The last 21/2 years have seen explosive growth in the state’s solar industry, she said.
“We want it to be as commonplace as a cellphone,” she said.
The clean-energy sector employs about 431,800 in California, with about one-quarter of those jobs related to energy generation, fuels and grid technologies, according to a 2014 survey by the Advanced Energy Economy Institute. The Bay Area has about 104,000 clean tech workers, second only to Southern California in the state. The advanced energy sector, which includes energy efficiency and wind and solar power, was projected to grow by more than 70,000 jobs in 2015.
But even as state lawmakers offer another endorsement of the industry, other regulations may curb potential growth. Del Chiaro cautioned that other state and federal policies could create “a tremendous amount of uncertainty.”
Solar advocates are concerned about state energy rate proposals that could dramatically change the cost and payback time for installing rooftop panels. A potential loss of federal tax credits for solar installation next year would also be a blow to the industry. The solar industry added 7,500 jobs statewide in 2013-14, according to the industry survey. The bulk of clean energy jobs, about 300,000, come from energy efficiency contracting.
Rader said federal rulings on public land could limit turbines from vast stretches of the California desert, some of the best remaining land for wind farms in the state. Elected officials in Los Angeles and San Diego have also fought to keep turbines from being erected in their counties.
Still, clean energy industry officials see the latest round as a victory. The mandate section of the bill was largely uncontroversial. Rader said it’s a marked difference from a decade ago, when the phrase “climate change” was too radical to mention. Del Chiaro called the legislative journey a unique, bipartisan success story for the state.
“Government intervention,” she said, “has actually worked.”
Originally published on San Jose Mercury News.
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Your turn: What do our kids need?From hardship to high school graduate
Services in short supply on Navajo Nation
BY Amy Linn /Raising New Mexico — Breaking the cycle /No Comments
A few years ago, something rare showed up at the Teec Nos Pos Trading Post on the Navajo Nation: a big assortment of fresh fruits and vegetables.
Eighty miles south, spinach smoothies muscled their way into the Totsoh Trading Post, formerly ruled by foods like Cheetos and Twinkies.
The changeover was thanks to teamwork between store owners, Navajo health providers and the Gallup-based Community Outreach and Patient Empowerment (COPE), a nonprofit that supports health and wellness efforts across the Navajo Nation. The ongoing COPE “fruit and vegetable Rx” program helps remote stores bring in fresh produce, provides vouchers so families can afford it, and helps kids learn what nutritious food tastes like.
“There’s so much inter-generational strength here,” says Sonya Shin, a medical doctor and COPE’s executive director. The needs are urgent: one in four adults has diabetes, she says. “But the solutions already lie within the community.”
Just six months of healthy eating can establish a health habit in young children.
“Kids are drivers of change,” she says.
One of the few well-paved roads on the Navajo Nation. Don Usner / Searchlight New Mexico.
But kids can’t drive change if their parents can’t drive the local roads to make it to the doctor or a food store — or if homes don’t have electricity. The Navajo Nation lacks more basic needs than almost any region in the country.
Among the problems:
There are only about 10 full-service grocery stores on the entire reservation, according to the Diné Policy Institute.
For roughly 70 percent of communities — scattered across a region the size of West Virginia – there’s nothing nearby except a convenience store or trading post. Very few have affordable fresh produce.
Owing to severe poverty, the reservation has some of the country’s highest rates of food insecurity, the Urban Institute reports. Children go hungry and don’t know where the next meal is coming from.
More than a third of households across Indian Country are severely overcrowded or lack safe drinking water, an indoor toilet, electricity, heat, refrigerator, or other necessities for sanitation and health, according to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Housing conditions on the Navajo Nation are nearly the worst, outranked only by Alaska tribal housing, HUD concludes.
Rates of homelessness would be devastating if it weren’t for families opening up their homes to people with nowhere else to go, a generosity seen across Indian Country, HUD says. Nearly 100 percent of respondents in one HUD survey said a friend or extended family member lived in their household.
People who don’t double up sometimes end up sleeping in fields and ditches.
“That’s where I slept last night,” said a Navajo woman named Marilyn one February morning, pointing to a culvert near a Marriott hotel in Gallup. “I’m like a stray dog. I hope sometimes I won’t wake up.”
Each winter in Gallup, more than a dozen homeless people freeze to death in open fields. In 2014, three men were found dead of hypothermia in a single day.
The Navajo Nation is home to 521 abandoned uranium mines, four abandoned mills and more than 1,100 uranium waste sites, the Environmental Protection Agency says.
The contamination is the legacy of corporations that from 1944 to 1986 mined nearly 30 million tons of uranium ore for the U.S. nuclear weapons program. The cleanup is decades and billions of dollars away from completion.
Uranium exposure is linked to high rates of cancer, kidney damage and diabetes. Uranium-contaminated water in unregulated wells is blamed for increased rates of birth defects, miscarriages and developmental delays.
In 2000, about 37 percent of households had landlines. The rest of the country had that level of phone service in 1920 — 80 years earlier, Federal Communications Commission legal filings show.
Today, about 75 percent of people have phone service, according to U.S. Census data; other estimates put the percentage lower. But there is no debate about the major problems with cellphone reception.
The Navajo Times reported that one Navajo term for cellphone is “hooghan bik bil dahjilwo” — or “a thing you use while running uphill,” describing someone in desperate search of a signal.
Top photo: A dirt road in Church Rock on the Navajo Nation. Amy Linn / Searchlight New Mexico.
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New Mexico’s future
Your turn: What do our kids need?
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Rock Music News
Metal Music News
Breaking Music News
BLACK CROWN INITIATE ANNOUNCE NEW TOUR DATES
04 Jun, 2016 by Christian Hamilton
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After completing a successful run on the 2016 Metal Alliance tour, BLACK CROWN INITIATE have announced new plans to hit the road this summer supporting Australian import Ne Obliviscaris. Dates will kick off on July 12th in San Diego with a full coast to coast run before finishing up back out west in Phoenix one month later on August 12th.
We are incredibly excited!,” says guitarist Andy Thomas. “We are long-time fans and even opened for them on their first ever U.S. show. We spoke about this possibility then, and the fact that it is happening makes us all very happy. We are sure that fans of progressive metal will get their fill! See you all there!”
BLACK CROWN INITIATE will release Selves We Cannot Forgive on July 22, 2016 via Entertainment One Music (eOne). The tracklist and visually mindbending cover art created by Travis Smith (Opeth, Devin Townsend, Avenged Sevenfold) can be seen below. “We’ve been through a great deal as a band since our last release,” says Thomas. “We’ve grown a great deal as writers, players, and people and put everything we had into this one.”
Recorded and mixed by Carson Slovak & Grant McFarland (August Burns Red, Texas In July, From Ashes To New) at Atrium Audio Recording Studio’s in Lancaster PA, Selves We Cannot Forgive will be the follow up to the buzzworthy debut LP The Wreckage of Stars released at the end of 2014. The Wreckage of Stars also propelled the band into the international touring act it is today. BCI quickly found themselves on the road with the likes of Behemoth, Deicide, Napalm Death and Voivod.
Selves We Can Not Forgive, the band’s sophomore album with Entertainment One, is a lean and focused collection that jettisons the extraneous fat found too often within ambitious metal bands, striking a balance between fearless adventurousness and methodical might. It follows The Wreckage of Stars, which together with their self-financed Song of the Crippled Bull EP introduced Black Crown Initiate’s unapologetic exploration of everything from Friedrich Nietzsche and Greek Sophist Gorgias to Hinduism, Buddhism, and indigenous mysticism, with a pragmatic skepticism.
Thomas continues on their new release, “we feel it is a more than fitting next chapter for the band; one that we are truly proud and excited to enter. We hope you all enjoy it too. See you on the road!”
BLACK CROWN INITIATE TOUR DATES:
7/12 – San Diego, CA – Brick By Brick
7/13 – Los Angeles, CA – Whisky A Go Go
7/14 – San Francisco, CA – DNA Lounge
7/16 – Portland,. OR – Hawthorne Theater
7/17 – Bellingham, WA – The Shakedown
7/18 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
7/19 – Vancouver, BC – Rickshaw Theater
7/21 – Edmonton, AB – Starlight Room
7/22 – Calgary, AB – Dickens
7/24 – Minneapolis, MN – Cabooze
7/25 – Chicago, IL – Reggie’s
7/26 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom
7/27 – Toronto, ON – Mod Club
7/28 – Montreal, QC – Petit Campus
7/29 – New York, NY – Gramercy Theater
7/31 – Boston, MA – ONCE Ballroom
8/1 – Philadelphia, PA – Voltage Lounge
8/2 – Baltimore, MD – Soundstage
8/3 – Atlanta, GA – Masquerade
8/5 – Austin, TX – Dirty Dog Bar
8/6 – San Antonio. TX – The Rock Box
8/7 – Ft. Worth, TX – Rail Club
8/8 – Kansas City, MO – Riot Room
8/10 – Denver, CO – Bluebird
8/11 – Albuquerque, NM – Launchpad
8/12 – Phoenix, AZ – Joe’s Grotto
SPREAD THE NEWS!
Christian Hamilton
Christian is the founder and Editor of Rock Paper Rock as well as a freelance concert and event photographer serving the Pacific Northwest and Beyond. He is a certified member of the PPA and Gold Level member of the CPS. He has recently began working with Mental Itch Records and has launched his own Photography website.
More articles by Christian Hamilton
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Science Needs Story
A Blog for the ABT Framework and Story Circles Narrative Training
The Narrative Index
Story Circles
#62) NY Times: Hacked Emails Reveal Hillary’s Narratively-Challenged Campaign Staff
Posted on October 11, 2016 by Randy Olson
It’s called “the singular narrative.” It’s what the masses demand. It’s a narrative principle that goes back at least 4,000 years — to the story of Gilgamesh — as Hollywood screenwriters know. This morning we finally see behind the scenes of an epic tragedy. Just as I began saying in January on this blog, Hillary Clinton has lacked a clear singular narrative/theme/slogan/message from the start. This spring I communicated all this for three months with a Hillary campaign staffer who tried to pitch my thoughts to the campaign but hit a brick wall. The tragedy is that from the start Hillary had a clear singular narrative and one word theme of EQUALITY. It was there in the opening 250 words of her candidacy announcement on June 13, 2015 as she talked about “No ceilings” and said it VERBATIM with “what it takes to build a strong and prosperous America: “Equality of opportunity…” But she eventually stumbled upon the shallow slogan of “Stronger Together” which says nothing about equality. She could have used this singular equality narrative in the spring to join forces with Bernie Sanders who had the same theme at the core of his campaign. They could have united under a single historically powerful word. But the hacked emails now show the truth of what happened — utter narrative chaos. She ended up with only one direction to go — attack Trump’s stronger singular narrative.
THE ONE THING (THAT THE CAMPAIGN HAS LACKED): These days I open my talks with a 30 second clip from the 1990’s movie, “City Slickers” that has come to be called “The Curly Moment.” Jack Palance as the cowboy-wise Curly tells Billy Crystal he needs only one thing in life. Billy Crystal asks what that one thing is. Curly replies “You gotta figure that out for yourself.” As the hacked emails of Hillary’s Campaign Director John Podesta now show, her campaign never did figure that out.
DIRECTIONLESS: HILLARY
In August of last year I heard NY Times columnist and three times Pulitzer Prize winner Thomas Friedman talk on “Meet the Press” about how Hillary Clinton’s campaign lacks a message. I sent him an email agreeing with everything he said, he wrote back a nice, albeit sad, reply of basically “yep.” By the fall, as my book, “Houston, We Have A Narrative,” was coming out from University of Chicago Press and I was living and breathing narrative principles as I became inescapably aware that her campaign was suffering from complete narrative chaos.
Last month The Guardian ran an editorial with the title of, “Hillary Needs A Slogan.” I forwarded it to Friedman, he wrote back, “Yep, thanks for reminding me.” It’s been a very sad thing to watch.
DIRECTIONAL: TRUMP
At the same time, Donald Trump showed deep narrative intuition from the very start by launching his campaign with a single, narratively powerful slogan, “Make America Great Again,” from which he has not veered one inch since that day. Less than a quarter of the way into his announcement speech he first mentioned it in reference to the existing system “… they will never make America great again.” Since then he has repeatedly circled back to that singular, narratively structured message endlessly, including two nights ago in the latest debate.
In my book I present the ABT Narrative Template, which I have termed “the DNA of story.” It is the template of “and, but, therefore.” Trump knows this template at a deeply intuitive level. His slogan has been, “America is a great AND mighty nation, BUT we’ve slipped in the world, THEREFORE we need to make American great again.” This has been the DNA of his campaign from which, despite all his incompetence and ineptitude with gaffes and anger, he has not veered at all. It is probably the central element that keeps his disastrous campaign still alive and enabled him to score respectable marks in this last debate.
“A STRUGGLE TO DEFINE WHAT SHE STOOD FOR” (NY TIMES)
That was how two NY Times writers put it this morning in their article about the hacked emails of Hillary’s campaign director John Podesta. These words are no surprise to me. In March I managed to contact James Carville with my thoughts about the absence of a clear narrative to her campaign. In an effort to be of assistance, I pointed to the narrative tools I present in my recent book. I do this stuff for a living these days. I’m not a crackpot — I currently work with five government agencies including NASA, National Park Service and USDA, and a variety of other science and environmental organizations as I have for over a decade.
He very kindly referred me to Hillary’s campaign, a staffer contacted me in April, we spent three months with me offering up my specific analytical suggestions, and he valiantly trying to generate some interest. Ultimately, as the hacked emails reflect, the cacophony of voices in her campaign made it hopeless for any outside voice — even if the person has authored three books on narrative.
“VEEP” WARS (HBO)
The hopelessness of my plight was spotted early on by one of my Hollywood buddies who pointed me to the episode of HBO’s “Veep” where the campaign speech writers have a big cork board covered with different Post-it notes representing the contributions of each of the competing speech writers. He warned that in a situation like that the chances of an outside voice being heard were zero. The hacked emails now confirm those comic scenes are a direct representation of what really has gone on.
The NY Times writers were alluding to exactly this when they said, “the exchanges among her aides are sometimes less “House of Cards” than “Veep,” HBO’s scabrous comedy dissecting the vanity and phoniness of Washington.”
THE MISSED “NO CEILINGS” THEME (HER STAFF)
The text of what the NY Times has written is painful to read for any Hillary supporter such as myself. They talk about how the hacked emails show, “ …the campaign’s extreme caution and difficulty in identifying a core rationale for her candidacy, and the noisy world of advisers, friends and family members trying to exert influence.”
If not EQUALITY, she at least had the potential theme of “NO CEILINGS!” She mentioned this at the start of her announcement speech, then a year later gave her primaries victory speech in a building in Brooklyn for which in her second sentence she noted, “we are all standing under a glass ceiling right now. But don’t worry, we’re not smashing this one. ”
She could have had the crowd shouting “NO CEILINGS! NO CEILINGS! NO CEILINGS!” all night long. And as one political veteran friend of mine has noted, that would at least be “aspirational” in the same way as “… GREAT AGAIN!” is. But instead they ended up with the narratively empty “Stronger Together.”
DEAFNESS OF TONE (HER STAFF)
How could her campaign committee have been so totally tone deaf to the need for the singular narrative? “No Ceilings” could have been the war cry for millions of people across the land.
Here’s a final sad quote from the NY Times writers that sums it all up, “ The private discussions among her advisers about policy — on trade, on the Black Lives Matter movement, on Wall Street regulation — often revolved around the political advantages and pitfalls of different positions, while there was little or no discussion about what Mrs. Clinton actually believed.”
ONE LAST THING: IT’S NOT TOO LATE
There’s a month left. She’s gaining momentum. Just start shouting it out — EQUALITY! NO CEILINGS! Something, anything that has clear, singular narrative dynamics (Stronger Together doesn’t).
It’s there in the Declaration of Independence — “all men are created equal” — that’s the slogan, with of course the one minor gender updating needed now. Shout it out and bring this train into the station.
This entry was posted in NEWS by Randy Olson. Bookmark the permalink.
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Codex Alexandrinus is another one of these manuscripts that was originally a whole bible.
We have four manuscripts—and only four manuscripts—from the first millennium that were originally whole Bibles: Codex Sinaiticus, Codex Vaticanus, Codex Alexandrinus, and Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus.
Codex Alexandrinus was originally from the city of Alexandria in modern-day Egypt before it was brought to Constantinople. From there, Alexandrinus was given to the King of England in 1627 by Cyril Lucaris, the patriarch of Constantinople. Cyril gave it to the king because he was Reformed, and he sympathized with the Calvinist movement in England. In fact, this happened 16 years after the King James Bible had been published.
Codex Alexandrinus is a very interesting manuscript in that in the Gospels, it's a Byzantine text largely, which means it agrees with the majority of manuscripts most of the time, while as in the rest of the New Testament it is largely Alexandrian.
Codex Alexandrinus is important for a number of reasons. In the Gospels, it’s a largely Byzantine text, which means it agrees with the majority of manuscripts most of the time. But outside of the Gospels, Alexandrinus diverges and becomes very important. And when you get to the book of Revelation, it is probably our most important manuscript for reconstructing the text of the original.
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Greek Grammar Beyond the Basics Daniel B. Wallace
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Who wrote the book of Romans?
Who wrote the book of Romans? The book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul. There's been almost no debate about this in the scholarly world over...
The Story of Codex Sinaiticus Codex Sinaiticus is a manuscript from St. Catherine's Monastery at the base of Mount Sinai in Egypt. This was a manuscript produced in the 4th century, about AD 350. It's a manuscript that o...
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Earthquakes-Rapids Preview
MLS Headlines
Crew signs son of US coach Berhalter
LAFC signs Dutch goalkeeper Vermeer
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The Colorado Rapids ended their winless stretch last weekend amid the threat of a potential plague in the Denver area. Now, they look to survive an Earthquake.
Hoping to build on a needed victory, the host Rapids aim to avoid losing to San Jose for the second time in two weeks Saturday night.
Colorado (6-12-5) did not let any potential concerns from the partial closure of a nearby wildlife refuge containing some plague-infested prairie dogs keep it from ending an 0-3-1 rut with a 6-3 home win over Montreal last Saturday.
After Kei Kamara was on the wrong end of an own goal in the 18th minute, he netted a hat trick and Jack Price recorded three assists to generate something positive for the last-place Rapids.
"It was exciting," Price told the Rapids' official website. "To create some chances and score six goals, it was nice. We kick on from here. And (hopefully) go on a little run."
Coming off his second career hat trick and now with 11 goals in 2019, Kamara is the first player in MLS history to post double-digit goals in a season with five different teams.
Kamara and Co. must shift their focus and try to win back-to-back games for the first time since June 1 and 8. That won't be an easy task against San Jose (11-7-5), which has just one loss over its last 12 league contests.
Vako and Shea Salinas each scored as San Jose beat Colorado 3-1 at home on July 27 to extend its season-high winning streak to four games. That run ended last Saturday versus Columbus, but the 'Quakes still earned a point through a 1-1 draw at home.
Magnus Eriksson converted a penalty attempt to put San Jose ahead 1-0 in the 41st minute, but the Crew equalized through Gyasi Zardes in the 65th. Eriksson has two goals with an assist over the last three games.
"We don't focus too much on the other team," midfielder Tommy Thompson told the Earthquakes' official website. "We have a style that's been working really well for us, so we have to focus on our game week-to-week, and put in the effort that we've been putting in. The results will come."
While San Jose's overall winning streak has ended, it still has the chance to win three straight road games for the first time since 2012.
"Playing on the road is never easy in Major League Soccer," Thompson said. "We've done a good job of playing the way we do at home on the road, as well. We have to focus on doing the little things right, and continuing to play the way we've been playing."
Updated August 8, 2019
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Thu 2 Sep 2010
Highwater
By Ian Forbes
Even with one arm, Bethany Hamilton can surf circles around you.
Director: Dana Brown
Are you a surfer? If not, you may just want to go ahead and move on to the next review because the surf documentary “Highwater” isn’t made with you in mind. The main focus of the film is the Triple Crown of Surfing which is held in the North Shore of Hawaii beginning in November and ending in December each year. And that would be fine, if a non-surfer like myself knew anything about surf contests past what T&C Surf Design taught me on the 8 bit Nintendo system over 20 years ago.
Director Dana Brown, who made the very accessible “Step Into Liquid”, has instead decided to spend most of the film blandly narrating different rounds of each contest (there are 3 events with men’s and women’s divisions in each). It actually has the feel of some junior high report about what some kid did last summer, as he non-descriptively recounts what he saw at the beach while in Hawaii.
First he’ll show a few surfers competing, making a move or two which may or may not score huge points with the judges – aside from wiping out, I couldn’t tell you if there are bonus points for style or whether surfing through a pipe earns more than a tail whip at the crest of a wave. Then he’ll make mention of the favorites in each specific event. Then there are a few more scenes of surfers wiping out or making the most of each wave (which I can only assume because they don’t wipe out). Then he rattles off the names of the top three or four competitors.
There’s no real drama here, we rarely get a sense that one surfer’s wave will make or break some deadlock in the judges’ scores (whatever they may be at the time) and even when we are told it’s a crucial wave, it’s hard to get that same tense feeling one might have when they understand what’s going on; like if a batter comes up in the bottom of the ninth inning with two outs and the bases loaded needing to get a hit or if there are only five seconds left on the clock and a football team is on the ten yard line, down five points in the fourth quarter.
Where “Highwater” works is in the spotlight on various surfers. We learn about Bethany Hamilton, a teenage girl back surfing after losing an arm in a shark attack. Then there’s rising young star Jon Jon Florence who’s not old enough to drive but still ripping it up with the big boys. An especially poignant segment covers the death of Malik Joyeux and how the surf community honors his memory. And other surfers with names even I recognize (Kelly Slater, Rochelle Ballard, Layne Beachley) are featured at one point or another.
It’s during these moments that the film becomes something for anyone interested in surf culture, not just for those already in the know. There are a few truly beautiful shots of Hawaiian scenery but for the most part, the action is squarely focused on surfers during their competitions, which is still fun to watch but without any real context about the event given begins to feel tedious as the film continues on.
Overall, I liked seeing “Highwater” but would definitely recommend that non-surfers check out Brown’s earlier work like “Step Into Liquid” or even other films like “Riding Giants” or “The Endless Summer” (made by Dana’s father, Bruce). Because it’s so narrow in its true demographic, I can only give this a 2.5 out of 5 but if you follow surf competitions or are a surfer yourself, I’d imagine this would be great fun to watch and highly recommend finding it wherever you can, as it’s only getting a very limited theatrical release.
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http://www.cinemaspartan.com Rob Patrick
Because this movie seems to neglect the general public’s basic – and i mean VERY basic – knowledge of surfing, it seems a little indulgent. I’ll pass.
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Salem College
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Brooks, Sampson Top Double Figures in Battle with Johnson & Wales
Johnson & Wales (NC)
Johnson & Wales (NC) (4-2) 15 20 15 19 69
Salem (0-3) 11 6 20 21 58
Pts: Ineesha Hankerson - 21
Reb: Ineesha Hankerson - 20
Ast: Ineesha Hankerson - 5
Pts: Alize Brooks - 18
Reb: Lauren Privette - 13
Ast: Sydney Bowen - 9
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Johnson & Wales capitalized on a 21-point, 20-rebound performance by Ineesha Hankerson on Wednesday, Nov. 20, to come away with a hard-fought 69-58 victory over Salem in basketball action at Varsity Gym. The Spirits offense was led by the backcourt duo of Alize Brooks and Dionne Sampson, who combined for 35 points and five steals.
Brooks led all Salem scorers with 18 points, hitting 7-of-24 from the floor and 2-of-6 from the free throw line. She knocked down a pair of long range 3-pointers, while grabbing five rebounds and handing out two assists. Sampson established her single-game season high for the Spirits, who slipped to 0-3 on the season, by hitting 7-of-13 from the floor along with a pair of 3-pointers.
Lauren Privette (13 rebounds) and Aubrey Slaughter (10) provided a presence in the post for Salem, which had 47 total rebounds, including 16 on the offensive glass. Privette pulled down six offensive rebounds, while Slaughter snagged eight defensive boards.
Sydney Bowen put together a solid all-around performance for the Spirits, finishing with nine assists, seven points, four rebounds and two steals. Salem finished 25-of-73 (34.2%) from the floor in the game, while the Wildcats were 29-of-76 (38.2%) from the field and 9-of-17 (52.9%) at the charity stripe.
Facing a 35-17 deficit at the half, Salem opened the third quarter by scoring eight unanswered points, taking advantage of four points from Privette, as the Spirits cut the lead to 10. Micah Thomas scored four of the next seven Wildcat points as they stretched the lead to 42-25. Caroline Deal answered with back-to-back layups and Brooks drove home a 3-pointer, following a pass from Bowen, as Salem made for a 46-32 contest. The Spirits capitalized on a Bowen trey, along with a layup by Sampson, slicing the lead to 50-37 at the close of the third.
Sampson drained a 3-pointer to open the fourth and Brooks knocked down her second from long distance just over a minute later as the Johnson & Wales margin was trimmed to 54-43. Trailing 60-50 at the 5:48 mark of the fourth, Salem amped up its defense and took advantage of buckets by Brown and Privette, slicing the margin to six in less than a minute. The Spirits managed just four points down the stretch, while Thomas led the way for Johnson & Wales with three points, as the Wildcats claimed the win.
Johnson & Wales jumped out to a 7-0 lead in the first 2:29 of the contest, following a layup by Justice Wallace, but the Spirits rallied behind four points from Brooks and two off the hand of Dionne Sampson to draw within with just over five minutes remaining. Sampson drove home a pair of free throws, giving Salem its first lead, but the Wildcats regained the advantage with a layup by Hankerson. Hankerson would score three of the final five points of the half for Johnson & Wales, who led 15-11 after one quarter.
Brooks continued to be the source of the Salem offense in the second, opening with a layup as the Spirits cut the lead to 15-13. After a 6-0 run by the Wildcats, which extended the lead to eight, Aubrey Slaughter netted her first two points of the contest. Johnson & Wales, sparked by four points from Hankerson and three points from teammate Shannon Martin, closed out the frame on a 14-2 run, taking a 35-17 lead into the intermission.
The Spirits now head to Clinton College in Rock Hill, S.C., for a game on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 2 p.m. For more information on Salem basketball check out www.salemspirits.com.
Salem College Athletics 601 S. Church Street Winston-Salem, NC 27101
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KUSHINARA NIBBANA BHUMI PAGODA -PATH TO ATTAIN ETERNAL BLISS AS FINAL GOAL
From Analytic Insight Net - FREE Online Tipiṭaka Law Research & Practice University in
111 CLASSICAL LANGUAGES in BUDDHA'S own Words through http://sarvajan.ambedkar.orgat 668, 5A main Road, 8th Cross, HAL 3rd Stage, Bangalore- Karnataka State -India Do good. Purify mind -‘The gift of Dhamma excels all other gifts – sabba danam dhamma danam to attain NIBBANA as Final Goal
Tipiṭaka
Abhidhamma Pitaka
1024 LESSON 28-08-2013 WEDNESDAY FREE ONLINE eNālāndā Research and Practice UNIVERSITY 5) School of Buddhist Studies, Philosophy and Comparative Religion; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splitting_of_the_moon Splitting of the moon http://www.myislamicdream.com/earth_outer_space.html Earth Outer Space dream interpretations http://sarvajan.ambedkar.org for revival of Buddhism Reflections on Buddhism -Ven. Dr.Vinayarakkhita Thero Buddhism - A Holy Life to Be Lived
Posted by: site admin @ 8:35 pm
1024 LESSON 28-08-2013 WEDNESDAY
FREE ONLINE eNālāndā Research and Practice UNIVERSITY
5) School of Buddhist Studies,
Philosophy and Comparative Religion;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Splitting_of_the_moon
Splitting of the moon
http://www.myislamicdream.com/earth_outer_space.html
Earth Outer Space dream interpretations
http://sarvajan.ambedkar.org
for revival of Buddhism
Reflections on Buddhism -Ven. Dr.Vinayarakkhita Thero
Buddhism - A Holy Life to Be Lived
You will become Pure,
if you like Purity.
You will become Impure,
if you like Impurity.
You will become Holy,
if you like Holiness.
You will become Unholy,
if you like Unholiness.
It is clear from the above verse we become what we like and what we like we become. In the modern world with so many attractions and distractions people have become skeptical about leading a holy life and attaining Nibbana. Actually, the doubt about leading a holy life lies in the defilements inside and not in things outside. Nor it has anything to do with a particular time period of past, present and future. These defilements are ago (Lust and Greed), Dosa (Hatred and Aversion), Moha (Delusion and Ignorance). It is these very difilements inside us that have been the hurdle on the path of Holy life and not the external attractions or detractions. It has been in the past, it is so in the present, and it will be so in the future.
Adhigatam idam bahuhi amatam - Attained has been this deathlessness by many Ajjapi ca labhaniyam idam - And still today, this state can be obtained. Yo yoniso Payunjati - By him who strives in earnestness Na ca sakka aghatamanena - But none will reach it without effort. (Their Gatha).
Therefore the Buddha reminds us not to give up the struggle against the fetters of Raga, Dosa and Moha, in order to escape the misery of Samsara.
Masala Dosa Moha is the daily Raga of my Samsara (wife).
A great satisfaction and assurance is given by our Exalted Teacher the Buddha, when he said that we do possess the power to overcome all evil things in us and can develop all good things. He taught us to abandon evil and unwholesome things and arouse in us good and wholesome things. If this would not have been possible through human effortsin the past, present and future, then the Buddha would never have advised us to put forth all our energy and effort in the Noble Eight Fold Path which is timeless (Akaliko), ever -effective and everlasting, Nibbana.
Proper training is needed for this and the will must be exercised, exertion must be made. One should not turn bad, there must be ardor, there must be perseverance and one should develop mindfulness, there must be right understanding, above all there must be sincerity and earnestness.
One should believe that when many Monks and laymen have attained it why cannot I ? I am healthy, full of faith, I am not hypocrite, not a pretender or boaster, and I have the will power and understanding that everything is transient, subject to pain and suffering an ulcer, a cancer, a thorn, a misery, a burden, an enemy, a disturbance, it is empty, and void of ego. Why should I not hope for deliverance through Nibbana, when the path is still available ?
In this present world, the Awakened One with Awareness has stimulating and encouraging effect on the youth with scientific education. In this age of spaceships and Aeroplanes, the present generation with their best intentions can find time and leisure to cultivate higher mental facilities through meditation and morality.
Dukkha existed, exists and will continue to exist. At the same time Dukkha Nirodha (End of suffering) also existed , exists and will continue to exist.
Destruction existed, exists and will continue to exist. At the same time Construction through meditation and morality existed, exists and will continue to exist.
If destruction could be triggered, it could also be un-triggered.
http://www.buddha-brothers.com/chapters/chapter-1501.html
The dispute over water
Kapilavatthu, the town of the Sakyans, and Koliya, the town of the Koliyans were situated on either side of the Rohini River.The farmers of both towns irrigated their fields from this river. One year, due to severe drought their paddy and other crops were threatened, and the farmers on both sides wanted to divert the water from the Rohini River to their own fields. Those living in Koliya wanted to divert and channel the water to irrigate their field. However, the farmers from Kapilavatthu protested that they would be denied the use of the water and their crops would be destroyed.
Both sides wanted the water for their own use only and as a result, there was much ill-will and hatred on both sides. The quarrel that started between the farmers soon spread like fire and the matter was reported to their respective rulers. Failing to find a compromise, both sides prepared to go to war.
The Buddha came to know that his relatives on both sides of the river were preparing for battle. For their wellbeing and happiness and to avoid unnecessary suffering, he decided to stop them. All alone, he went and appeared in the middle of the river. His relatives on seeing him, laid aside all their weapons and paid homage to him. Then, the Buddha admonished them, ‘For the sake of some water, which is of little value, you should not destroy your lives which are of so much value. Why have you taken this unwholesome course of action? If I had not been here today, your blood would have been flowing like this river by now. You are living with hatred, but I live free from hatred. You are ailing with moral defilements, but I am free from moral defilements. You are striving to develop selfishness and enmity, but I don’t strive for the development of selfishness.’ Both sides then became ashamed of their foolishness and thus bloodshed was averted.
http://www.sundaytimes.lk/090510/News/sundaytimesnews_29.html
“Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed”
According to Awakened One with Awareness Dhamma conflicts arise, within a person and amongst persons; at all levels; within a family, in society, in a country and internationally; due to two underlying common causes. The first is the failure to develop the cognitive faculties to the fullest and to see as it is the factors that cause the conflictual situation to arise. The second is the failure to comprehend its true nature.
From the point of conflict management, our attention should be focused on three stages in the unfolding of a conflict. On a time sequence, the final stage is that of transgression. This connotes the stage at which the ordinary behavioural pattern is disturbed and becomes evident or visible through words or actions engendered by the conflict. The next is the preceding stage in which defiled thoughts, through the impact of conflictual stimuli surge up in the form of unwholesome emotions and volitions. And, the earliest stage when defiled thoughts lie dormant without displaying any activity. In Buddhism the three stages are identified in relation to the activity of the mind as “Vitikkama” (the stage of transgression)’ “Pariyutthama” (the stage of manifestation) and “Anusaya” the stage of latent latency.
Conflict Management is essentially a practical exercise and the purpose of this article would not be achieved by a mere analysis of the Dhamma. Hence, the relevant aspects of Dhamma would be presented in reference to a situation in which Lord Buddha personally intervened to resolve a conflict in a state of imminent war and, the ethnic conflict in our country which has had a wide impact on the people and has caused loss of life and damage to property.
The Commentaries of the Anguttara Nikaya and the Samyutta Nikaya recount an instance in which Lord Buddha transcended to an imminent battle field to settle a bitter dispute between people of the Sakya clan, being his paternal relatives and of the Koliya clan, being his maternal relatives. As a result of the peace that the Buddha brought about through his intervention and the resolution of the dispute according to Dhamma, a large number of young persons of the Sakya clan entered the Bhikku sasana. This led to a request by the spouses of those persons that they be ordained as nuns. The demand was spearheaded by Buddha’s foster mother Maha Prajapathi Gothami who cared for him and brought him up after his mother’s demise. The Buddha refused the persistent pleadings to establish a bhikkuni sasana and left Kapilavasthu to arrive at the City of Vishala.
Maha Prajapathi Gothami undaunted by this refusal, lopped off her hair and clad in coarse saffron coloured garments followed the Buddha on foot accompanied by the other females, a distance of 150 miles to the City of Vishala. Thereafter, Venerable Ananda, being the Buddha’s attendant reiterated the request and finally the Buddha agreed to establish a Bhikkuni Sasana, subject to eight stringent conditions. This instance reveals that a situation of unrest could be adjusted by being flexible and devising a carefully structured solution. Although it marks an important event in the history of the Buddha Sasana, what is more important to the topic and the contemporary history of our country is the preceding incident of resolving a conflict at the stage of imminent war.
The territories of the Sakya and Koliya clans were defined by the river “Rohini”. The respective clans cultivated land on the two banks of the river using its water. There was a severe drought which reduced the flow of water and clansmen suspected that the other would take more of the available water and deny to one sufficient water for cultivation. This suspicion gradually festered and one clan prepared for war. On seeing this, the other clan too assembled on the bank of the river armed for war. The Buddha arrived at the site of imminent and battle as stated before and questioned the warring clansmen as to who took the decision to wage war. It was then revealed that the decision was not made by any one in the ruling segments of the clans but that suspicions in the minds of the people as to the denial of their share of river water resulted in the people arming themselves and assembling for war.
I would pause at this stage and advert to the genesis of the ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka with reference to specific instances drawn from recent history in which communal suspicions erupted in outbreaks of violence. These incidents which took place over a period of nearly 50 years can be briefly stated in a time sequence as follows:
In 1959 — with the enactment of the Official Languages Act and the action taken thereon such as the introduction of the Sinhala letter “shri” on the number plates of vehicles;
In 1977 - With the newly formed Tamil United Liberation Front (TULF) winning all the seats in the North, in the Parliamentary Election that was held and a false rumour that the Sinhala students of the Jaffna University had been killed and their bodies were being brought in the Northern train “Yal Devi”. The disturbances originated at different “Station Towns” along the rail track, commencing from Anuradhapura.
In 1983 - with the killing of 13 soldiers in Jaffna.; and
In 1987 - with the Indo-Lanka Accord which led to the 13th Amendment to the Constitution and the merger of the Northern and Eastern Provinces.
In all these instances and in certain minor instances of a similar nature, the disturbances arose at a lower level from small groups, escalating in spirals of violence which resulted in extensive loss of life and damage to property. In each of these situations those in control of Government like their counterparts of the Sakya and Koliya clans got engulfed in the ethnic waves that arose from the bottom and became inactive allowing each situation to aggravate. Be that as it may, one of the deep rooted causes of the ethnic dispute is the distribution of agricultural water and the establishment of Sinhala settlements, particularly in the Eastern Province. A decisive instance is the Weli Oya Project in the northern area of the Eastern Province and North Central Province beneath Mullaitivu being the final seat of battle. The river identified by the Sinhala people as “Weli Oya” is known as “Manal Aru” by the Tamil people. The meaning in both languages is the same.
The “Eelam IV War” commenced with a group of terrorists shutting down the Mavil Aru Anicut at Seruvila in the Trincomalee District and causing damage to the Verugal Aru Anicut and the 1000 meter spill. The anicut was shut down and other damage done, not by persons who had been in any way denied water resources or, by persons who had handled a mammoty or plough for cultivation. They were the acts of essentially young persons who had engaged in violent and armed activity, virtually throughout their lives. On the other hand , having inspected the area on several occasions, I am personally aware that the anicut, spill and the banks, were repaired and the supply of water was restored to thousands of Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim agricultural families due to the dedicated action of Tamil engineers serving in the area.
The language issue and the question of decentralization of power have been redressed adequately by amendments to the Constitution itself. These measures have not been fully implemented due to the continuance of war. The implementation of the Mahaweli “A” system and the improvement of the Yodha Wewa and Malwatu Oya irrigation systems will provide adequate agricultural water to the entire region. It is thus seen that the underlying causes which led to the dispute have receded to the background and the conflict erupted into senseless armed violence perpetrated by youth who have been misled and brainwashed with a ferocious ideology. They do not hesitate to commit suicide and in the process kill indiscriminately.
The method adopted by Lord Buddha on the banks of river Rohini to avert an imminent war and his teaching would be most appropriate in the management of the ethnic conflict in this country, which acquired immensely tragic dimensions.
The preceding account of the Rohini river dispute reveals that the decision to wage war did not emanate from the top but escalated from below due to suspicions of an unequal distribution of river water. Having ascertained this, the Buddha questioned both sides as to the consequences of war. In response they agreed with the Buddha that as a result of war there will be extensive loss of life on both sides. The Buddha then posed the question as to what was more valuable, the water they were fighting for or the blood that would be shed. When all agreed that blood that would be shed is more valuable, the Buddha eased the tension that had built up and brought about an amicable settlement. The important sermon the Buddha delivered at this stage was that, “since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defences of peace must be constructed”. The very words of this noble sermon have been now incorporated in the Preamble to the Constitution of the UNESCO, denoting its timeless truth.
Deep-seated suspicion
The two facts stated at the beginning, as paving the way to any conflict viz; the failure to see its causal arising, as it is and, the failure to comprehend its true nature, are both mind based. The practical dimension of this proposition can be examined in relation to the incidents cited above. The cause of the conflict between the Sakya and Koliya clans was a fear that there would be an inequality in the distribution of the reduced supply of water. This was further fuelled at the stage of latency “Anusaya,” by the deep seated suspicions between the two clans. At the stage of manifestation ‘Pariyuttana” it acquired a violent dimension. The stage of transgression “Vitikkama” was averted by the timely intervention of the Buddha.
The metomorphosis of our ethnic conflict reveals a like progression. The enactment of the Official Language Act of 1956 led to a fear from amongst the Tamil people that they would be denied employment in the State sector and be deprived of administrative benefits, as a result of Sinhala being the Official Language.
Similarly, the establishment of irrigation schemes and the colonization projects resulted in a fear amongst Tamil people that there would be insufficient space for expansion of the Tamil community in those areas. Furthermore, the continued establishment of strong Sinhala political parties in Government-led to a fear that Tamil people would be left out from the political process.
Both sides failed to rationally see the specific causes that gave rise to suspicion and fear which fuelled the conflict and to understand their true nature. Instead of addressing specific issues and requesting that safeguards be put in place to prevent discriminatory treatment, the Tamil political leaders made demands for a Federal Constitution and a separate State, that went far beyond the causes referred to above. This in turn resulted in a vehement opposition to the demands based on a fear that the territorial integrity of the country would be jeopardized. The neighbouring state of Tamilnadu in India aggravated these fears.
The use of force to negate the demands for a Federal and later separate State led to the emergence of the fearsome “Tiger Terrorists” who had no appreciation of the true nature of the causes of the conflict. Tamil political leaders who made unreasonable demands as a solution to the conflict themselves became victims of the fearsome “Tigers”. The use of military force to put down the violent activities of the terrorists do not form the part of the Buddhist perspectives of conflict management. If Lord Buddha took the view that the underlying dissatisfaction, suspicion and fear could be redressed entirely by war, he would not have brought about peace by visiting the battlefield and averting the imminent war.
Furthermore the fate of the Sakya clan which resulted from a later war also reveals that the Buddha took the view that war cannot be averted in every instance. On the contrary, he has intervened only upon a reasonable belief that such intervention would lead to a peaceful result. Thus a prerequisite of conflict management is that there should be proper understanding of the dispute and a practical flexibility in evolving a feasible solution.
Since, conflict begins in the mind, in management it is foremost that the particular state of mind which caused the conflict to arise be addressed adequately. Hence it is necessary to dwell on the working of the human mind as a prelude to conflict management. In this regard it can be stated without any fear of contradiction that Buddhism is the only religion, philosophy and science which addresses the working of the human mind. According to Buddha all living being, including humans are composed of five aggregates (”Panchaskanda”). One aggregate is the physical form “Rupa” which is visible. Although the physical form is different from one living being to another, whatever be the appearance, it is composed of four elements. They are (i) “Patavi” - the Element of hardness (ii) Apo” - the Element of cohesion (iii) “Thejo” - the Element of heat, (iv) “Vayo” - the Element of wind and pressure.
This painting at the Kelaniya temple depicts the scene where Lord Buddha intervened to bring peace between the two warring factions in Naagadeepa
These four Elements are also known as the “Mahabutha”. The elements in combination form what are known as “Rupa Kalapa” (in relation to the body they would be the “Cells”).
The Buddha Dhamma contains a detailed exposition of the manner in which these Elements and the “Rupa” of which it is composed, function, which would in turn explain the multiplicity of diseases that afflict the physical body, from a common cold to a cancer. Whatever be the extent to which medical science develops, it would to that extent confirm the Buddha Dhamma and not contradict it.
The other four Aggregates, Vedana (feeling), Sanna (Perception), Sankara (formations) and Vinnana (Consciousness) are not visible and constitute the working of the Mind. The function of each of these Aggregates is denoted by its name.
The mind-body (Nama Rupa), combine composed of these five Aggregates function through six organs. These organs are, (Eye - sight), Ear (hearing), Body (feeling), Nose (smell), Tongue (taste) and the Mind (consciousness).
Working of sense bases
Each organ is a distinct functional entity and is described as a “sense base”. According to “Madhupindika Sutta” each sense base functions upon contact (phassa). According to Buddha Dhamma, contact (phassa) is made only upon a meeting of three factors. They are, (1) an external form (to which attention is focussed - “Nimittha” (2) the particular sense base which makes contact with such external form and (3) Consciousness of the particular sense base. The distinct working of each of the sense bases can be understood through a simple personal experience. A fruit that is identified by the eye as being good, may turn out to have a bad odour when taken to the nose. The same fruit may turn out to be tasty when eaten and cause an irritation when it touches the body. On the other hand, the entire fruit may be just rejected out of hand by the working of the Mind itself.
On the basis of extensive research that was carried out, an American scientist has written a book titled “Molecules of Emotion” in which the scientist identified the working of the five organs through an electro chemical process known as Neuro Peptides. It was found that there is a large concentration of Neuro Peptides associated with each of the organs and when contact is made it is transmitted by means of the molecular activity.
When contact is made with an external object in the manner stated above there is “feeling” being the 2nd Aggregate. The “feeling” is identified as being good, bad or indifferent, which is the 3rd Aggregate. Upto this point of the working of the Aggregates of all living beings including four footed animals, creeping and crawling creatures, is the same. At this stage there is a function which is special to humans described as “Vithakka”, “Vichara”, and “Prapancha”. The function of “Vithakka” is to focus the mind on one aspect of the external object with which contact is made. The function of “Vichara” is to spread the mind’s activity only on the selected aspect and the function of “Prapancha” (Proliferation), is to ponder over the matter in relation to the past, present and future. This is the aspect of the working of the Mind which is relevant to our subject of conflict management.
The 4th and the 5th Aggregates being “Formations” and “Consciousness” result in “Kamma” and the continuance of “sansara”, from one existence to another. I would not advert to them since it is not referable directly to the subject of conflict management.
According to Buddha Dhamma, the reaction or response to contact with an external object (Nimiththa”) which may be a living being, thing or event, varies from person to person not because of the physical form (Rupa) of such person but because of the working of the mind, in particular the process of “Vittakka”. “Vichara” and “Prapancha” referred to above. This process is induced by a particular state of Mind described as the “Bhavanga Citta”, which may be translated as “sub consciousness”. It is to be noted that the function attributed in the Buddha Dhamma to this Mind state is different from that attributed to it in the western psychology. “Bhavanga” means the cause of the present existence.
The Buddha described this Mind state as being radiant which functions like a reflector that takes in an image transmitted to it. A contact made through a sense base is transmitted as an image to the Bhavanga Citta, where a process of identification is made which results in the formation of the particular consciousness upon such contact. This accounts for our varied responses to a single external object, as stated above. The “Bhavanga Citta” varies from person to person and from one living being to another and continues throughout one’s existence.
The mind of the terrorist
It is to be noted that “Bhavanga Citta” is the result of a person’s past “kamma”. If in past existence, there had been less greed (craving), less hatred, and less ignorance, the Bhavanga Citta of that person has a higher degree of radiance and the power of assimilation would be refined and of depth. But, where kamma of past existence has had more defilements of greed (craving), hatred, and ignorance the “Bhavanga Citta” is less radiant with a lower level of assimilation and depth and in some with a higher propensity to irrational violence.
We can thus comprehend the Mind state of the Leader of the terrorists who identifies himself with the sign of a fierce animal. His propensity to senseless violence stems from his “Bhavanga Citta” which would not change. Persons of similar “Bhavanga Citta” attract to each other and the behavioural pattern of such persons cannot be comprehended in the same way as of others who have more refined Bhavanga Chitta.
Those who did not understand such distinctions in the working of the Mind, associated with and even attempted to please the terrorists and fell prey to senseless violence, whilst others who trusted them entered into Accords that seriously jeopardized the security of the State and imperiled peaceful citizens. Thus a succession of Peace Conferences and Accords aborted as a result of failure to understand the working of the human mind from a Buddhist perspective.
The process of conflict management should be based on a firm distinction drawn between those with a propensity to senseless violence and the others who form the vast majority. According to the Anguttara Nikaya, the Buddha when describing the “Bhavanga Citta” as being radiant also stated that it is defiled by external factors which cloud its radiance. A variety of such defilements are noted in different aspects of the Buddha Dhamma but in reference to the ethnic conflict we can identify in particular, “Jathi Vitakka” (racial feelings), “Janapada Vitakka” (national feelings) and “Avannati” (egotism or personal and national pride). These are preoccupations with thoughts concerning “our race” or “our state” that are harmful to the concept of a common humanity.
As stated above it is at the stage of Vittaka, Vichara, Prapancha, that one selected aspect of what is perceived on contact by a sense base becomes the focus of mental activity to the exclusion of other material aspects.
In view of the propensities stated above, the incidents referred to, the Official Language Act, Irrigation and Colonization Schemes and the like, have acquired a racial twist leading to thoughts of discrimination and of unequal treatment.
In truth, the Official Language Act of 1956 was intended to redress the grievances of the Sinhala people who were denied participation in the administration of the country of which the language was English. Similarly, irrigation and colonization schemes were designed to accommodate the growing Sinhala population in the South and Central Province who were denied agricultural land due to the plantations and the unavailability of irrigation facilities in the South.
However, the wrong perception engendered by a communal perspective aggravated due to the failure to address the same issues in respect of Tamil people who were equally denied participation in the administration and opportunities of expanding agricultural pursuits. The failure to view these matters from the perspective of different communities led to a situation of one being ignored and left out feeling victimized.
Therefore, conflict management should primarily address on the causes that have been identified above and the resultant effects from the perspective of each community separately and redressed in a manner that there is equality in the extent to which relief is granted. There can never be one solution encompassed as a Federal State or any other form of Constitution. Such a measure would fail to identify in sufficient detail the manner in which the particular community feels victimized. These perceptions are deeply rooted in practical considerations which should be redressed from the base of its occurrence. No external intervention or mediation can succeed in the matter of management of the ethnic conflict, since such intervention would fail by focusing on a general solution to a matter which should be addressed in the minutest detail.
The peaceful resolution of conflict is firmly rooted in the Buddhist tradition and its evidence goes back to the beginning of our recorded history in the “Mahavamsa” which recounts two instances in which the Buddha visited Sri Lanka and resolved conflicts in Nagadhipa, an island proximate to the Jaffna peninsular and Kelaniya being the sacred site close to Colombo.
Finally, conflict resolution in relation to the ethnic and all other conflicts should be firmly based in the teaching of the Buddha stated as the “eternal law” -
“Nahi verena verani - sammanti’dha kudacancam
Averenacasammanti - esa dhammo sanantano” Hatred is never appeased by hatred in this world;
it is appeased only by non-hatred This is an eternal law.
This article was written to commemorate Vesak and was also published in our sister paper the Lankadeepa on Friday.
Chief Justice Sarath N. Silva
http://polatulet.narod.ru/dvc/tmet/the_ego_tunnel.html
THE EGO TUNNEL
THE SCIENCE OF THE MIND
AND THE MYTH OF THE SELF
http://www.lawoftime.org/noosphere/nooarticles/noosphere-two-prospectus.html
Galactic Research Institute, Foundation for the Law of Time Noosphere II – The Great Experiment of the Law of Time An Experiment in Time (2006-2012 – 21 December)
Theory of the Noosphere, History and Review of the Literature
http://altered-states.net/index2.php?/ionizers/ozonemyths.htm
Negative Ions and Ozone Myths and Facts
http://www.greatdreams.com/ufos/ufo-cults.htm
UFO CULTS
Now in this present world, the Buddha should have stimulating and encouraging effect on the people with scientific education. Many people are laboring under the delusion that in this age of spaceships and Aeroplanes, the present generation, despite their best intentions, cannot find time and leisure to cultivate higher mental facilities through meditation and morality. Thus it has been rightly said:
When you run fast
To get somewhere,
You miss half the fun
Of getting there.
When you worry and hurry
Throughout your day,
Life is not a race
Do make it slower,
Practice the Dhamma
Before health and life is over.
Over and over again the Buddha assures: You can arouse your will, you can act, and you can change your character by certain ways of effort, i.e., walking on the Noble Eight Fold Path and attain Nibbana. So without giving any lame excuses we should spend our time and energy in the direction of the Noble Eight Fold Path for our own good, for our own benefit, for our own happiness and for our own liberation.
There is a saying that he, who wills success is half way to it. And that where there is a will, there is a way. This is all I have to say. So always keep in mind that will is the root of all things, not only of Vice and Suffering but also of Virtue and happiness. Thus finally I would like to say that:
Fierce winds not a mountain Shake Nor they make firm firm earth to Quake Similarly he good kamma on Make No one can his fortune take. So following the Buddha, the fully awake; Lead a pure life like Lotus in he lake Practicing Precepts (Sila) without break.
May you all live a holy life life and attain Nibbana!
http://www.buddhastation.com/buddhism-articles/the-buddha-meditation-method/
The Buddha Meditation Method
A puzzled man asked the Buddha: I have heard that some monks meditate with expectations, others meditate with no expectations, and yet others are indifferent to the result. What is the best?
The Buddha answered: Whether they meditate with or without expectations, if they have the wrong ideas and the wrong methods, they will not get any fruit from their meditation. Think about it. Suppose a man wants to have some oil and he puts sand into a bowl and then sprinkles it with salt. However much he presses it, he will not get oil, for that is not the method. Another man is in need of milk. He starts pulling the horns of a young cow. Whether he has any expectations or not, he will not get any milk out of the horn, for that’s not the method. Or if a man fills a jar with water and churns it in order to get butter, he will be left only with water. It’s like filling a bowl with oil seeds and pressing them or milking a cow by pulling the udder or filling a jar with cream and churning it. It’s the right method. ~ Majjhima Nikaya
What kind of meditation did the Buddha teach?
Truthfully speaking, no one clearly knows; however, we have a few good hints about the nature of the practice he might have taught from some of the Buddhist scriptures. From the above scripture, it is clear Buddha felt that unless one was using a correct method, one could not expect to gain Nirvana—the fully awakened state of absolute freedom and enlightenment.
Buddha also spoke of two qualities that he thought were fundamental to the fully-awakened state: Tranquility and Insight. Two things will lead you to supreme understanding. What are those two? Tranquility and Insight.
If you develop tranquility, what benefit can you expect? Your mind will develop. The benefit of a developed mind is that you are no longer a slave to your impulses.
If you develop insight, what benefit will it bring? You will find wisdom. And the point of developing wisdom is that it brings you freedom from the blindness of ignorance.
A mind held bound by unconsidered impulse and ignorance can never develop true understanding. But by way of tranquility and insight the mind will find freedom.~ Anguttara Nikaya
It is interesting that the two most popular forms of Buddhist meditation that are taught today are called Samatha and Vipassana.Samatha meditation is based on the intention and persistent effort on the part of the meditator to concentrate the mind on some specific object of meditation: the goal being to develop the ability of the mind to concentrate because when the mind is in a highly concentrated state, it is known to be tranquil and such a mind, it is thought, would make deep insight possible.
Since Buddha explained that only the right method would bring the fruit, it would be valuable to explore whether Samatha meditation, as it’s understood and practiced today, is the right method to bring tranquility to the mind. The term Samatha actually means calmness or tranquility: an integrated state where the mind is not in any way excited or active. It is directly related to the term Samadhi, the state in which the mind is completely settled and unwavering and is effortlessly held in a fully concentrated state.What creates this tranquil state of mind? In its fully developed state, tranquility is produced by the unbounded peace, freedom and wakefulness that are experienced in the unconditioned, infinite state of Nirvana. It is the total freedom and absolute happiness of Nirvana that automatically and spontaneously absorbs and concentrates the mind.
Meditate, and in your wisdom realize Nirvana, the highest happiness. ~ Dhammapada
The misunderstanding regarding Samatha meditation, as it is understood and practiced today, is the idea that the mind needs to be trained to gain the ability to concentrate through the application of strenuous concentration practices.
The mind will automatically and spontaneously achieve this highly tranquil and concentrated state simply by the meditator knowing the technique of how to allow the mind to be effortlessly drawn in to the Bliss of Nirvana.
It is a common experience that the mind will naturally stay concentrated on anything that provides it with peace and contentment; this is an inherent capacity of the mind, so no training or practices of concentration are required.
It is the fulfillment naturally produced by of the state of Nirvana that concentrates the mind and this happens without any effort on the part of the meditator if he or she is using a right method of meditation.
Through the regular and effortless practice of a right method, the vital quality of tranquility will become stabilized in the life of the meditator and, as Buddha said, one will then no longer be a slave to one’s impulses.
In addition, because it is the natural tendency of the mind to move on to a field of stable peace and contentment in a spontaneous manner, the individual’s effort to try to control the mind to remain only on one limited object of attention, as is done with Samatha meditation today, actually obstructs the mind from rushing on to the ever-constant infinity and happiness it so much needs and desires.
However, it is not Samatha meditation that is the most popular type of Buddhist meditation; the most widely used form today is Vipassana or Mindfulness meditation. Vipassana is also referred to as Insight meditation, because through its practice one is supposed to develop penetrating insight into the true nature of reality. Buddha explained that through Vipassana, which literally means through insight, one should gain the wisdom that brings you freedom from the blindness of ignorance.
These days, Vipassana/Mindfulness meditation is practiced by the practitioner having the intention to be an impartial observer of some natural process occurring within his or her body, mind or emotions. For example, one is asked to just observe or be mindful of the rising and falling of the abdomen during the process of breathing, or to just impartially observe the incoming and outgoing of the breath itself.
Another popular form of this meditation is to mindfully observe the body in the natural act of walking or during the process of standing up or sitting down. The key element is to try to be continuously aware of whatever process is taking place without in any way interfering with or reacting to, either positively or negatively, the process that is occurring in the moment.
The idea is to try to be fully aware of the raw experience that is always happening and transforming by noting and letting go of each arising and subsiding sensation. This practice is supposed to bring one deep insight, perfect wisdom, into the ultimate reality of the true nature of existence in both its conditioned and unconditioned states.
Unfortunately, this attempt to develop and obtain Insight through the practice of trying to be an impartial observer is not a right method. The reason for this is that the impartial observer, which alone is capable of right mindfulness and genuine Insight, is the fully-awakened state of Nirvana Itself.
The true impartial observer is never the attention or mind that is attempting to watch a process. The reason for this is that this very attempt is a part of the process itself; it is not outside the process.
In stark contrast to this, the genuine impartial observer is completely outside any and every process of the rising and falling of any conditioned state of existence; it is completely beyond the mind and any human intention or effort to observe anything. Buddha asked the question: ‘What is right mindfulness?’
He answered in the following way:
When going, the monk knows ‘I am going’, or, when standing, he knows ‘I am standing’, or, when lying down, he knows ‘I am lying down’. Or in whatever position his body is placed, he is aware of it….Whether he goes, stands or sits, sleeps or is awake, speaks or is silent, he is acting with full attention. ~ Digha Nikaya
In this above quote, it is vital to note that Mindfulness should be present even when one is sleeping. In other words, the process of sleep should be able to be witnessed or observed as it is naturally occurring.
At first glance, the impartial observation of sleep would seem to be impossible because if one is asleep how could one observe anything? The key to understanding this is that it is not the mind that is observing; in the state of sleep, the mind is sleeping and is not aware of the sleeping process or anything else.
However, it is possible for the Absolute state of consciousness, the state of Nirvana, to impartially witness the sleeping process. It is the unconditioned, transcendental, Absolute state of consciousness that is the true impartial observer of all the ever-changing values of the conditioned aspects of life, including the mind and its intentions.
It is this supreme value of life alone that is capable of being impartial because only It is without any lack and nothing can be subtracted or added to Its eternal status. Consequently, it is only the Absolute existence of the fully-awakened state that is capable of totally penetrating into the true nature of life and gaining the supreme Insight lived, embodied and expressed by a Buddha.
How then can one develop true Insight, Perfect Wisdom, into the ultimate reality of life? If the human attempt to be an impartial observer of natural processes is not the appropriate method, what would be the right method? It is clear that the right method would need to result in the cultivation and integration of the transcendental state of Absolute Wakefulness, the state of Nirvana. The Buddhist Shurangama Sutra offers the following deep insight:
Through which sense organ should I cultivate? You ask. Don’t be nervous. It is the very organ of the ear which Gwan Yin Bodhisattva used that is best for you.
Gwan Yin Bodhisattva perfected his cultivation through the organ of the ear, and Ananda will follow him in cultivating the same method. The Buddhas and Bodhisattvas of former times have left us such a wonderful Dharma-door that we should also follow the method of cultivating the organ of the ear to perfect penetration. This is the easiest method.
The method suggested in the Shurangama Sutra is referred to as the easiest method because it involves the simple and effortless act of allowing one’s attention to be with a sound in order to achieve perfect penetration. Perfect penetration means that one has been able to penetrate beyond all the temporal, ever-changing values of all the conditioned states of existence and become at one with the Absolute, unconditioned, eternal, never born and never dying peace and fulfillment, which is the infinite all-knowing state of Nirvana, the end of all suffering.
But, how should one be with a sound? What is the right method? The Shurangama Sutra offers further explanation in the following verses:
Ananda, and everyone in the great assembly, Turn around your mechanism for hearing. Return the hearing to hear your own nature The nature will become the supreme Way. That is what perfect penetration really means. That is the gateway entered by Buddhas as many as dust motes. That is the one path leading to Nirvana. Tathagatas of the past perfected this method. Bodhisattvas now merge with this total brightness. People of the future who study and practice Will also rely on this Dharma. ~ Shurangama Sutra
One is instructed to turn around your mechanism for hearing. What does this mean? Usually, one hears a sound when one is speaking or hearing someone else speak, or hears a sound produced by something in the environment—a bird, thunder, the rushing of a river, anything.
Our mind is usually outwardly directed into the environment. However, with a right method of meditation, one can learn how to effortlessly use a sound to follow it in the inward direction to its ultimate source. The right method here is in knowing how to spontaneously appreciate a sound in the inward direction within the mind.
It seems that this was a technique of meditation taught by the Buddha when he would give specific mantras or sounds (a mantra is a specific sound used during meditation) to his disciples.
The following sutra illustrates this point:
‘There’s no need for you to give up’, said the Buddha. ‘You should not abandon your search for liberation just because you seem to yourself to be thick witted. You can drop all philosophy you’ve been given and repeat a mantra instead—one that I will now give you’. ~ Majjhima Nikaya
The sound of the mantra is innocently and effortlessly experienced in its increasingly subtle values until the sound fades away completely and the meditator is left in the completely calm yet full awakened state of Samadhi. This natural process is what is referred to in the above verses quoted from the Shurangama Sutra: Return the hearing to hear your own nature; the nature will become the supreme Way. That is what perfect penetration really means.
It is clear from these verses that the process that resulted in supreme insight or perfect penetration was a process that was conducted by nature itself: nature will become the supreme Way. It was not a process conducted by individual control or efforts to concentrate, or to try to be an impartial observer.
In our time, one natural process of turning around the “mechanism for hearing” is known as the technique of Transcendental Meditation ™. It is an effortless practice that does not require belief in any doctrine or the following of any particular way of life. People of all religions practice it, as do people of no religion. Its practical benefits have been scientifically researched and documented for 40 years and it has been taught world—wide to over 6 million people of every race and culture.
In addition, this technique does not involve any form of concentration, contemplation, or any controlled effort on the part of the mind, intellect or emotions to distance oneself from one’s experiences by trying to remain unmoved, detached and impartial. This is a vital point because the Tranquility and Insight that Buddha spoke of were never meant to be practices. One cannot practice Tranquility or Insight, but one can easily gain and develop them by regularly transcending to the state of Nirvana and becoming at one with It. It is the state of Nirvana that is perfectly tranquil and the state of perfect Insight, Perfect Wisdom.
The right method of meditation would be one that is capable of bringing us beyond all the impermanent, ever-changing, conditioned states of existence to the state of Nirvana. It would be a method that is capable of completely transcending its own process and leaving us at one with the Absolute, freed from the illusion of a limited and separate self-existence.
Then, through its regular effortless practice, this method would allow us to fully integrate and stabilize this unwavering, Absolute state of Nirvana into all activities and experiences of daily life allowing us to achieve the goal of all Buddhas and Bodhisattvas—a world without suffering.
To conclude, the main point of this essay on Buddha and Meditation is that to gain the Tranquility and Insight that are the qualities of full enlightenment, to realize the Perfect Wisdom that blossoms into infinite compassion, one has to learn and use the right method of turning within.
It’s like filling a bowl with oil seeds and pressing them or milking a cow by pulling the udder or filling a jar with cream and churning it. It’s the right method. ~ Majjhima Nikaya
By Dr. Evan Finkelstein on http://www.elephantjournal.com/
Dr. Evan Finkelstein is professor
of Comparative Religion and Maharishi Vedic Science at Maharishi University of
Management. He has written many papers that identify the common ground inherent
in many of the ancient wisdom traditions, and teaches courses on the universal
principles inherent in Hinduism, Taoism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Judaism,
Christianity, and Islam.
VOICE OF SARVA SAMAJ SADBHAVAN
next will be iring and imangalasutra for women.
Poison ring unearthed: Archaeologists have found a
bronze ring with an inconspicuous cavity that was probably used to hide
poison for political murders in medieval Bulgaria during excavations at
Cape Kailakra. pti
New maths model:
A new mathematical model which can
accurately predict films that become blockbusters or flops at the box
office ~ up to a month before the movie is released ~ has been devised.
Pageant ban:
An Islamic group in Indonesia is urging
the government to cancel the Miss World pageant scheduled for next
month, saying the exposure of skin by women in a competition violates
Muslim teachings. ap
Driverless taxis: Technology giant Google is planning
to create a fleet of driverless ‘robo-taxis’. Google’s goal of the
self-driving car project is to create a ‘robo-taxi’ that picks up
commuters on demand. pti
Cell phone detector: A US-based company has developed a
portable cellphone detector that vibrates and lights up each time there
is a nearby transmission from a mobile phone, making it possible for
teachers to catch a cheating student. pti
ancient legal books report that Sudras caught listening to Vedic
recitations had molten lead poured into their ears. A Sudra could also
have been forced to drink boiling oil if he or she claimed to have
taught someone something learned from the Vedas.
[Source: <http://what-when-how.com/social-sciences/sudras-social-science/>.]
Sudras (also Sudhra or Shudra) are people occupying a
position next to the bottom of the Hindu caste system in India. Most
Sudras are menial workers. At times it is difficult to distinguish
Sudras from untouchables (Dalits), who stand below them and are
considered to be so polluted that they are regarded as outside the caste
system entirely. The Vaisya (Vaishya) or merchant caste stands directly
above the Sudras in India’s cast hierarchy.
Identifying a member of the Sudra class is a matter
of recognizing subtle distinctions with which one becomes familiar after
living around Sudras. They are usually identified by their vocabulary,
which may include vulgarities; by the towns where they live or were
born; by their occupations or by their personal names, which may include
a reference to their occupations; and by other subtle characteristics.
By tradition when a Sudra dies, the body is taken to the burial place
through a south gate because all other gates are reserved for the upper
castes. There have been times when the jobs performed by Sudras were
considered to be so polluting that Sudras were considered equivalent to
untouchables. Strictly speaking, this would not be their status by birth
but by economic actions. In addition Sudras could be exiled or slain at
will.
Caste, or varna (literally, “color”), is affirmed by
the Vedas as an expression of cosmic law (rita). Sudras are associated
with the color black, which may have originated in the colors assigned
to the various varna. One Hindu justification for the caste system rests
in the belief that people were created from parts of the body of the
god Purusha. Social standing is defined by the part of Purusha from
which a person and his or her line is descended. Sudras are said to come
from the feet.
In the Hindu Rig-Veda, the dvijas (twice-born) are
identified as members of the Brahman, Kshatriya, and Vaisya castes. At
about twelve years of age, members of these castes underwent a ceremony
that made them “twice-born,” and they were thereafter permitted to study
the Vedic scriptures. The Sudras were not dvijas and therefore were not
allowed to study the Vedas. Such study usually consisted of listening
to recitations or readings of the Vedas because the very sounds were
believed to have religious power. Some ancient legal books report that
Sudras caught listening to Vedic recitations had molten lead poured into
their ears. A Sudra could also have been forced to drink boiling oil if
he or she claimed to have taught someone something learned from the
Vedas.
The ancient Hindu Laws of Manu discusses castes in great detail. This
text gives names to the offspring of unions of men with wives of the
different castes and to those born to unmarried parents. The Chandalas
were produced by the union of a Sudra father and a Brahman mother. A
Nishada (or Parasava) was produced by a Brahman father and a Sudra
mother. A Sudra father and a Vaisya mother produced an Ayogava. A Sudra
father and a Kshatriya mother produced a Kshattri. In addition the son
of a Sudra man by a Nishada woman was identified as a Kukkutaka, among
the many such designations outlined by the Laws of Manu.
The powerless Sudras were assigned to the rank of servants in India,
and most service and menial jobs became their duties. According to the
Laws of Manu, a Sudra faced with starvation could engage in handicrafts.
However, the best way of life for a Sudra was to serve a Brahman,
because this was the best occupation and prepared one for the next life.
A Sudra is unable to lose caste, being already at the bottom; however,
Sudras can prepare for the next world by imitating the virtuous.
Although Indians traditionally organized people into
four major, rigidly defined social classes or castes, contemporary
Indian society includes several thousand subcastes called jati, meaning
“birth,” “lineage,” or “race.” Most jati probably developed from
hereditary occupational practices. Many jati are regionally based. Some
jati groups comprise only a few hundred families, while others may
include thousands of families. Usually these are endoga-mous status
Another function of varna is that it creates a complex system of
purity and impurity. The ritual purity one acquires at birth may be
enhanced by the practice of rituals during life. The higher the caste,
the purer are its members. However, the higher castes are also
considered to face the grave danger of ritual contamination from members
of the lower castes. Purity regulations codify many areas of Indian
life, especially those involving intimacy, such as drinking, eating,
touching, and marriage. According to the Laws of Manu, drinking from a
vessel after a Sudra used it would cause spiritual pollution of members
of the higher castes. Purification requires a three-day regimen of
drinking water in which kusa grass has been boiled. In addition
twice-born Indians are forbidden to eat food prepared by a Sudra because
it is considered to be impure. If a Brahman died with Sudra food
undigested in his or her stomach, that person would be reborn as a
Sudra. Sudras were urged to fast and eat only the leftovers of the
dvijas. To become Vaisyas in the next life, Sudras had to abstain from
meat.
Practices regarding touch have remained a sensitive area.
If a Sudra should accidentally touch someone of a higher caste, such as
a Brahman, then the Brahman would consider himself or herself
contaminated, and extensive rites of purification would be necessary to
remove the stain. Marriage is permitted only between members of the jati
of a particular varna. According to the Laws ofManu, mixed-caste
marriages violate the cosmic law of dharma that orders the world. Such
marriages would therefore cause chaos.
In Tamil-speaking areas of South India, the population is made up
mostly of Sudras, with only a few Brahmans and almost no Kshatriyas or
Vaisyas living in many areas. Tamil-speaking Sudras have developed
practices unknown to the original caste system of northern India. Among
the numerous rankings of agricultural Tamil, the success of many Sudras
has in practice put them above other castes in wealth and power.
Discrimination on the basis of caste has been against the law in
India since the country achieved independence from Britain in 1947.
However, the Hindu system requires castes, so the lives of many Sudras
in tradition-bound rural India have barely changed. Many still belong to
agricultural jati in which they are landlords or members of particular
skill groups, giving them an incentive to maintain the caste system.
In urban areas the pace of life makes it more difficult to practice
caste discrimination. While discrimination still exists in many rural
areas, it is breaking down in India’s cities. Urban Sudras have been
able to organize and use political power to advance the status of their
caste. Their success has been limited, however, by their numerous jati
and the continuance in many areas of Hinduism’s varna belief. Long
practice enforces personal and informal discrimination despite the laws,
but in many areas prosperous Sudras are marrying into higher castes.
When this occurs, Sudras often change their names to disguise their
Sudra origin.
“If the Sudra intentionally listens for committing to memory the Veda, then his ears
should be filled with (molten) lead; if he utters the Veda, then his tongue should be cut
off.” – Manusmriti
[Source: <http://www.ambedkar.org/News/IISc_Suicide.pdf>.]
Premier Institute or The hub of Caste Discrimination
Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Banglore
“If the Sudra intentionally listens for committing to memory the Veda, then his ears should be filled with (molten) lead; if he utters the Veda, then his tongue should be cut off.” – Manusmriti
Above versa is from the Manusmriti, the law book of Hindu religion. It undoubtedly states how lower caste should be treated if they try to learn from the texts. In the modern India the religious scriptures are no-more the source of knowledge. But the modern education is used as the mean to break the caste barriers and attain development by the Dalits in India. The reservation of the seats for Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes in educational institutions including technical, engineering and medical colleges played crucial role in bringing the Dalits in modern occupations.
The traditional Bramhinical knowledge system has become increasingly irrelevant and useless but traditional laws even though become un-constitutional but it seems they have been internalized by society.
On 26th August 2007 V.Ajay Sree Chandra PhD scholar from Indian Institute Of Sciences forced to commit suicide by the two of his faculties.
Late. V. Ajay Sree Chandra: A Promising Dalit Scientist Silenced by Dominated Brahminic Society
He hanged himself in his hostel room. He belongs to scheduled caste and comes from the Andhra Pradesh. He had been repeatedly abused, humiliated, insulted being a Dalit by two of his
faculty, one is Dr. Ajit Kumar who was supervisor to him and another is Prof.Raghavendra Gadkar who is co-supervisor to him. Ajay left seven page suicide notes, as confirmed by one of his friend, which has been surprisingly missing and deliberately suppressed by the police during investigation. Institute authorities also destroyed some pages from the personal diary of the Ajay which might have used as the evidence to expose the inhuman treatment Ajay was subjected to by the faculties.
Picture of Late Ajay Sree Chandra’s sealed room, where he Committed Suicide
On the Sunday night Ajay was watching TV with his hostel-mates Diptaroop Nandi and Sumantra Roy among others. According to Deeptaroop Nandi, Ajay looked depressed on the Sunday. Nandi got phone call from Prof. Raghvendra Gadkar to enquiring the whereabouts of Ajay On Monday morning (26 Th August 2007). When Ajay didn’t arrive for break fast in the mess-hall, Nandi called up on Ajay’s mobile, but when there was no response from him, he went to Ajay’s room. As room was closed from inside they knocked door and shouted many times, but when there was no response from inside, they peeped through the window. He saw Ajay’s body hanging to the ceiling. With the help of security guards, they broke the lock and opened the room. Nandhi saw seven page suicide-note in the room. He has informed that to Prof. Gadkar. But surprisingly suicide note was not produced for police report. All the batch mates of Ajay were forced by Institute authority to go home after this incidence happened.
Ajay’s father V.Ravindra Kumar was informed by the Institute on the same day by 10:30 AM. He rushed to Banglore and reached to M.S. Ramaiah Hospital by 6:45 PM where post mortem was done. Death body handed over to V.Ravindra Kumar on next day. After that he reached to Institute campus. One police sub-inspector along with Institute official asked him to sign some papers, as those papers were written in Kannada, he couldn’t read it. He was so sad and - 2 -
had to take son’s body to native place, he signed on those papers. Later he came to know that police stated the reasons of suicide are personal and family problems.
Ajay was eldest among the three siblings of the V. Ravindra Kumar. His academic credentials were proven. In S.S.C. he got 81%, in H.S.C. he got 94% and in B.Sc. he got 80%. He was one among the top twelve in India who got into the Ph.D. course in Biological sciences at Indian Institute of Sciences, Bangalore. The above record speaks volumes about his capability and potential that is enough to cope with the academic requirements to manage and deal his Ph.D. course. He was in first year of his Ph.D programme. He shared his problems with many of his friends that how Prof. Raghvendra Gadkar and Prof. Ajit Kumar used to humiliate him on the basis of caste.
Many of the Dalit students told reporter that they also had been abused and humiliated by the Dr. Gadkar and Dr. Ajit Kumar on the basis of caste. The fear of being harassed by faculties is so immense that these students asked the author of this report not to mention their names in the report.
Harassment in the laboratory:
Ajay must have mentioned harassment from his faculties in that missing suicide note. Ajay used to write diary. When Police along with the institute authority came to Ajay’s room, they took away his diary also. The diary was with institute security and after three days it was handed over to local police station. Many pages from the diary were torn. Presently the diary is with police but they gave photocopies of the few pages to Ajay’s father. One page of it clearly mentions that Ajay was scared with some one in the laboratory. He mentions it six times in eight line paragraph.
Original text extract from Ajay’s Personal Diary
Diary reads “those eyes, they scare me, they look with such inferiority - 3 -
/superiority complex @ you. They tell everything (most of the time). Those eyes scare me……those eyes scares me a lot. My legs are paining…”
It clearly proves that he was terrorized by some one in the laboratory. The persons who used to terrorize can not be any student or non-teaching staff, if it was so he would have complained or shared it with his research supervisor or someone else. But he shared with his friends that Prof. Gadkar and Prof. Ajit Kumar used humiliated him, so it is clear that the person mentions in the diary were Prof. Gadkar and Prof. Ajit Kumar.
Indian institute of Sciences, Bangalore, deemed university and premier institute in the research of science and technology. Each year around 350 research candidates enroll in the institute and around 300 Ph. D. and M.Sc. (Engg) students passed out each year. Institute claims they have largest library in the field of science and technology in the country.
This maximum of the teaching and non-teaching staffs comes from the caste- Hindu. Dalit research students are being discriminated by them on the basis of caste. Many Dalit students spoke with the reporter that their guides used harsh and derogatory language. Dalit Research scholars are always discouraged by their guides. Research students who are working on the research projects are not evaluated properly. The non-contributor upper caste students are always appreciated by the upper caste supervisors and the hard working Dalit students are commented as incompetent in the group.
Dalit employees also being discriminated, they are not given promotion. There are very few Dalit faculties in the institute. Their research projects are many times not given permission by the concern authorities.
Atrocities on Dalits is no more the rural phenomenon but is now perpetuated in the modern and secular places like educational institutions, governmental and non-governmental establishments etc. The difference between the two is former is more visible like physical attacks, destroying private properties, social boycott and in the modern institutions it is more subtle, discrimination is practiced in the institutions through decision making processes. Another form of atrocity is verbal attack, using derogatory words
and making comments. This has been observed and experienced by many Dalit students on the campuses. They are being commented by the non-dalit counterparts as well their teachers.
It is clear that Ajay was subjected to a brutal form of harassment by his two upper caste faculties, one is Dr. Ajit Kumar who was supervisor to him and another is Prof.Raghavendra Gadkar that forced him to commit suicide. This is only a pick of iceberg that has come out to our notice. There were many volumes of unwritten and unspoken harassment stories in the institute that are being submerged in the institute history.
This report is prepared by Bahujan Students Network (BSN) with the help of students of IISc Banglore
Sep, 2007 - 5 -
to day there are believers in Hinduism that the bramhins are 1st rate
atmaas, kshtriyas 2nd rate, vaishyas 3rd rate, shudras 4th rate and the
untouchables (SC/ST) without any soul, so that they could do any harm to
them as wished by these athmaas including believing that the SC/STs
have got no merit, efficiency etc. But the Buddha never believed in any
soul. He said all are equal. Therefor Dr. Ambedkar with lakhs of people
returned back to the original religion of PRABUDDHA BHARATH, Buddhism.
The process has begun and continues. After some times Buddhism will be
the major system in this country with the MASTER KEY acquired by BSP.
Ayodhya yatra: SP trying to divide UP on religious lines, says BSP
New Delhi/ Lucknow: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) on Sunday criticized
the Akhilesh Yadav-led Uttar Pradesh Government’s decision to oppose the
Vishwa Hindu Parishad’s ‘Chaurasi Kosi Parikrama Yatra’ around Ayodhya,
and said that the ruling Samajwadi Party (SP) is trying to create an
atmosphere to divide the society on religious lines.
BSP leader Sudhindra Bhadoria said that the proposed yatra was a
strategy of the ruling Uttar Pradesh Government to disrupt peace in the
“An atmosphere to divide the society on religious lines is being
created in Uttar Pradesh. But the people of Uttar Pradesh and the rest
of the country are alert and they know all about the drama,” Bhadoria
told media in New Delhi.
“The government is trying to fool the people, as one party is adamant on
taking out the rally while the other is bent on thwarting it. It seems a
joint conspiracy of the two,” Bhandoria added.
Row over VHP yatra: Won’t let Uttar Pradesh become Gujarat
Jagatheesan Chandrasekharan
Sonia defends Food Security Bill; BJP calls it ‘vote security bill’
With the existing Electronic Voting Machine that is not tamper proof as
observed by Supreme Court which had asked the Election Commission to
replace all the EVMs it is vote and note security for both Congress and
BJP with the support of the media.
VHP yatra: Ayodhya turns into fortress; Togadia, Singhal among hundreds held
VHP pulls up SP, says ban on yatra will have negative impact
VHP yatra: Ayodhya turns into fortress, 350 arrested across Uttar Pradesh
A religion by Birth or by Practice
It is very common to hear people saying that they are birth Hindu, Muslim,
Christian, Buddhist etc. But most fundamental question is what does it
mean when someone says so. Is it that one is born with the label of a
particular religion ?
The fact is that no one by birth belong to a particular religion just because is
parents follow that particular religion. It is like Engineer or Doctor
parents labelling their child as an Engineer or Doctor just because they
themselves parctice that particular profession. Even to have the right
to vote one has to be major, i.e., over 18 yrs. Wken such is the case,
how is it some one is born into a particular religion which is to be
practiced day to day with one’s own proper understanding.
It will be right in the interest of healthy society that every child is
informed and exposed to all religions till the age of 21 and then he or
she is given the right to take up the religion of his choice.
This is because, one belongs to a particular religion only when he or she
personally accepts, commits and practices according to the ideals put
forth by that particular religious Teacher or so called god. In Vasala
Sutta - the discourse on who is outcaste Budddha says:
Na jaccha vasalo hoti
Na jaccha hoti bramano
Kammana vasalo hoti
Kammana hoti bramano.
It means that no one is by birth low or high, but it is by action that one
is low or high. Similarly no one by birth belongs to a particular
religion by it is by self understanding and self accepted practice that
one belongs to a particular religion. Therefore about Buddhism it is
said that:
In one sense Buddhism is not a religion
In another sense Buddhism is a religion of religions.
In another sense it is not a philosophy
In another sense it philosophy of philoshphies.
Thus Buddhism in neither a metaphysical path nor a ritualistic path.
It si neityher sceptical nor dogmatic.
It is neither eternalism nor nihilism.
It is neither self-mortification nor self-indulgence.
It is neither absolutely this-worldly nor other-worldly.
It is not extrovert but introvert.
It is not theo-centric but homo-centric.
It is a unique pqth of Awakenment to end the Universal malady called Dukkha (Suffering). - (Ve. Narada)
Therefore whatever may be ones religion it is the practice that amkes the person
perfect. In the case of Buddhism this can be best understood from the
simile of the doctor’s prescription. A man becomes sick and goes to the
doctor for help. The doctor examines him and writes out a prescription
for medicine. The man having great faith in his doctor returns home and
in his prayer room he puts a beautiful picture of the doctor. Then he
sits down and pays respect to the picture or atatue; he bows down and
offers flowers and incfense. And then he takes out the prescription that
the doctor wrote for him, and solemnly he recites it: “Three pills in
the morning! Three pills in the afternoon! Three pills in the evening!
All day, all week he keeps reciting the prescription because he has
great faith in the doctor. Still the prescription does not help him.
So the man decides that he would like to more about the prescription, and
therefore goes to the doctor. He asks him, “why did you prescribe this
medicine ? How will it help me ? ” Then the doctor explains, “Well look,
this is your disease, and this is the root cause of your disease. Ifd
you take the medicine I have prescribed, it will eradicate the cause of
your disease. When the cause is eradficated, the disease will
automatically disppear.” The man thinks, “Ah wonderful! My doctor is so
intellegent! His priscription is so helpful!” And he goes home and
starts fighting with his neighbours and acquaintances, insisting, “My
soctor is the best doctor! All other doctore are useless!” But what does
he gain by such arguments ? All his life he may continue fighting,
still this does not help him at all. If he takes the medicine, only then
will the man be relieved of his misery, his disease. Only then will the
medicine help him.
Every liberated person is like a physician. Out of compassion, he gives a
prescription advising people how oto free themselvesof suffering. If
people develop blind faith in that person, they turn the prescription
into a scripture and start fighting with other sects, claiming that the
teaching of the founder of their religion is superior. But they do not
care to practice the teaching, to take the medicine prescribesin order
to eliminate the malady.
Having faith in the doctor is useful if it encourages the patient to follow
his advice. Understanding how the medicine works is beneficial if it
encourages one to take the medicine. But without actually taking the
medicine, one cannot be cured of the disease. You have to take the
medicine yourself.
Religion is not to be followed because of birth,
Religion is to be followed for its worth.
Religion is not to be followed for tacvtics;
Religion is to be followed for practice.
May All Practice Religion For Its Worth And Not Just Because Of Birth.
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In downtown Tokyo, there is a statue of a Gundam. Specifically, it’s the RX-0 Unicorn Gundam: the titular mecha of Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn. It is not the first Gundam statue to grace Tokyo, but it is the first of this unit. Past statues have been of the RX-78-2, the original Gundam. The classic Gundam wears heroic colors of white, blue, red, and gold: a war machine decorated in the scheme of a comic book hero. The Unicorn, on the other hand, is stark white. It still conveys a sort of heroism, but the single-horned machine’s alabaster armor conveys a distance. The Unicorn is not a machine of the people. It is above you, its presence more like an avenging angel than a charismatic savior.
And then, every two hours, that white armor cracks apart, revealing a layer underneath of glowing red malevolence.
It’s called “Destroy Mode,” in case you have any misgivings about the takeaway you’re intended to have. In the tradition of so many series, it’s not so much that the themes of Gundam have changed over time as much as they’ve become more overt. Even the colorfully heroic RX-78-2 was about this dark side: above the blue and gold lay an unmoving, impassive face, and behind that lay the ruthless battle computer that earned the machine the name “white devil.” The Gundam is not your friend; it never was. It is a monster that turns innocent children into war criminals, and warps the minds of those who surround it to paranoia and hate.
For a portion of you, this episode of Gundam Themes 101 was unnecessary. Sadly, it isn’t anywhere near a majority of Gundam fans, who largely misunderstand the series they love. I wish they understood the themes better, but I am not immune to the lure of its stylish war machines myself. However, the fact that there are multiple layers is what makes mecha stories to me. In one moment, mecha perform monstrous feats of strength. The next, they stumble, they flinch, they act all too human. They fight with swords, but also drones. They walk the line between human and machine like no other, and this is what makes them so fascinating.
My affection for mecha made BattleTech more tempting than catnip: an expertly made mecha tactics game developed by Harebrained Schemes with the opportunity to run my own lance of mechanized warriors. (MechWarriors, if you will.) However, despite my initial enthusiasm, BattleTech has proven far from what I wanted.
When you look at a BattleMech, the mecha that star in Harebrained’s Tech, “humanoid” isn’t a particularly fitting word for them. They have legs, and arms of a sort, but nothing else would deceive you into thinking they were giant men. They lumber slowly and heavily around the battlefield, feet slamming into concrete like battering rams. Their weapons are more like artillery than rifles. And there’s no such thing as a battlemech “duel”: there’s no grace, human or inhuman, to these machines. They’re piles of metal slamming missiles into each other until one of them explodes.
BattleMechs are mecha the way hot dogs are sandwiches: they obviously fit the literal definition, but at the same time they clearly don’t fit the cultural understanding of the term. There’s no commentary to be had here about the relationship between humans and machines. We could have made them look like anything, but we made them look like tanks.
This isn’t merely a thematic objection, it extends to mechanics as well. The thing that defines humanity is adaptability: we shape the world around us, and we shift our strategy with the situation. The best mecha fights reflect this versatility. Evangelion Unit 01 of Neon Genesis fame borrowing the electricity of all Japan for one fight-ending shot. Char Aznable weaving his Z’Gok between cave formations to close on and impale terrified enemy pilots. The troublingly named Gipsy Danger from Pacific Rim wielding a battleship as an improvised sword.
It’s difficult to reflect this sort of reactivity in a video game, but it’s not like it hasn’t been done. Zone of Enders allows you to grab weaker enemies and use them as weapons, and Titanfall allows players to send their mecha on autopilot as they capitalize on it as a distraction by proceeding on foot (reminiscent of the original Gundam’s classic Last Shooting). Mecha fight smarter, and more flexibly: they don’t just stand stock still and fire cannons at each other.
That the machines of BattleTech are so immobile and inflexible is true to the tabletop game they’re based on, but this loyalty doesn’t benefit the game. Skirmishes become a test of armor and positioning, as ‘Mechs have limited ability to reposition during an engagement, and no ability to improvise. It certainly takes skill to play the game well, but it is the skill of a tank battalion, not of a mecha squadron. A good mecha pilot is adaptable, the movements of their machine growing more and more human as their skill increases. A good BattleMech pilot has a higher hit percentage with their lasers.
I don’t think BattleTech is a bad game. I am not finding it particularly rewarding, because the battles feel more like slugfests than tests of tactical genius, but games of military strategy aren’t my forte anyway. The thing that lured me in was the promise of mecha tactics, because I love mecha so much. That desire has gone unfilled. And despite the craftsmanship on display, I find myself wondering… what do people see in BattleTech as a franchise?
Would a city ever erect a statue of an Atlas, or a Timber Wolf? I won’t call it impossible, but it’s hard to imagine it happening. What charm or humanity do these machines have? They don’t look or act like people. They don’t represent the capacity for machines to draw evil out of men the way a Gundam does. They’re just… big guns, that point and shoot. And as much as we all say “wow cool robot” to mecha design, the messages are what anchor them to our hearts. Even when misunderstood, the Zaku says more about the human experience than a BattleMech. I would say a hot dog is more of a sandwich than a BattleMech is a mecha: at least hot dogs understand the point of sandwiches.
← The Johto Quorum – 650-663
Romance of the Two Networks – Chapters 46-48 →
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Címke: Dortmund
Brandt’s quick-fire double gives Dortmund German Cup win over Moenchengladbach
RB Leipzig are looking to return to the German Cup final after finishing as runners-up to Bayern Munich last season
Julian Brandt scored two goals in three minutes to propel Borussia Dortmund into the German Cup last 16 with a 2-1 comeback victory over Borussia Moenchengladbach on Wednesday.
After a dour opening, the game came to life in the 71st minute when Gladbach’s Marcus Thuram headed home from close range to put the visitors 1-0 up.
Discovering a sudden urgency, Dortmund went on the attack, equalising in the 77th minute after a shot from Brandt was deflected past Gladbach keeper Yann Sommer.
The home side scored the winner just three minutes later, with Brandt heading a cross from Thorgan Hazard into the bottom left of the net.
RB Leipzig demolished Wolfsburg 6-1 after a second-half exhibition featuring four goals in 13 minutes from the visiting side.
Leipzig trail Wolfsburg by two points in the Bundesliga but grabbed the lead on 13 minutes in their last-32 tie courtesy of an own goal by Dutch defender Jeffrey Bruma.
Marcel Sabitzer scored Leipzig’s second in the 55th minute and opened the floodgates, with goals from Emil Forsberg, Konrad Laimer and Timo Werner padding the score out to 5-0.
Germany forward Werner struck again in the 88th minute before Wolfsburg got a consolation goal from Wout Weghorst.
Elsewhere, Werder Bremen dominated second division side Heidenheim, winning 4-1.
Milot Rashica scored after just six minutes, with Leonardo Bittencourt and Davy Klaassen adding two more before the game had reached 20 minutes.
Austrian defender Marco Friedl added a fourth in the 41st minute, before Heidenheim’s Marc Schnatterer converted a penalty in first-half injury time.
Amateur side SC Verl continued their miraculous German Cup run, advancing to the last 16 after defeating second-division Holsten Kiel 8-7 in a penalty shootout.
Home side Verl, who play in the fourth division of German football, equalised in the 45th minute through Nico Hecker after Kiel opened the scoring in the 13th minute through Janni Luca Serra.
Both sides converted each of their five penalties, with the shootout eventually going to its ninth round. Verl’s Zlatko Janjic scored from the spot, before Kiel’s Phil Neumann failed to convert to send the minnows through.
Verl had defeated Bundesliga side Augsburg in their first-round fixture.
In another match decided by a penalty shootout, two-time German Cup winners Kaiserslauten won 6-5 over Nuremberg, after the score finished 2-2 following extra time.
In the final match of the day, Hertha Berlin defeated Dynamo Dresden 5-4 on penalties after the two sides had been locked at 3-3 at the end of extra-time.
AFP / Tobias SCHWARZ
ALL SPORTS Breaking News Slider Top news
Sancho stars as Dortmund down toothless Bayern to win German Super Cup
English winger Jadon Sancho starred for Borussia Dortmund on Saturday to help his side beat rivals Bayern Munich 2-0 to win their sixth DFL Super Cup and claim early bragging rights in the curtain raiser for the German Bundesliga.
The teenager was the key man, assisting one goal and scoring the other in front of the Dortmund faithful against a Bayern side looking a little lost without departed greats Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.
Lucien Favre’s side tailed off in last season’s title challenge, finishing runners-up to Bayern who clinched a record 29th league trophy and the DFB Pokal. However, they showed their determination to put that right, captain Marco Reus forcing a diving save from Manuel Neuer in the very first minute.
Neuer was then lucky to not be beaten or force the referee to show him a red card when he ran out halfway into his own half after 15 minutes to dive at Paco Alcacer who knocked the ball past the goalkeeper, but it trickled past the open goal.
Alcacer made amends for his miss shortly after halftime. Sancho dazzled the opposition with his footwork on the right before teeing up the Spanish striker on the edge of the box who found the bottom right corner.
Some last ditch defending stopped Bayern from equalising 10 minutes later, with Kingsley Coman, Thomas Muller and Robert Lewandowski all denied from close range in a matter of seconds.
But it was Sancho who stole the show, doubling Dortmund’s lead after collecting the ball and sprinting from almost the halfway line to slot it expertly past Neuer.
Bayern tried to find openings but were unable to find a way past a stubborn yellow wall, which will this season feature Mats Hummels after his return from Munich. The veteran defender was not able to face his former side due to a knock in training.
For Niko Kovac’s men, the result was a reminder that they have areas in their squad to improve and they will no doubt increase their efforts to land young winger and long term target Leroy Sane from Manchester City.
Dortmund, meanwhile, go some way to make up for their 5-0 capitulation to Bayern in April and go into the new Bundesliga season buoyed by winning the first silverware of the campaign.
(Reporting by Christian Radnedge; )
Dortmund set to return to winning ways at Wolfsburg
On Saturday afternoon, Dortmund look to maintain top spot in the Bundesliga when they travel to face Wolfsburg at the Volkswagen Arena.
Wolfsburg have picked up 12 points from their opening nine Bundesliga games and sit tenth place in the league table. The Wolves ended a six-game run without a win in the German top-flight last time out by recording a 3-0 win at Fortuna Dusseldorf.
The home side’s recent league games have been relatively high scoring, with 11 of their last 13 games in the Bundesliga producing over 2.5 goals, including their last two outings.
The Wolves have failed to win in their last four home games in the Bundesliga, picking up two draws and suffering two defeats. Their recent home games in the league have been high scoring with over 2.5 goals scored in their last seven matches, while both teams have also scored in the same run of games.
Dortmund have made a strong start to their Bundesliga campaign and currently sit top of the table, leading champions Bayern Munich by two points. A 2-2 draw at Hertha Berlin last time out in the league ended a four-game winning run. The game was BVB’s fifth straight match in the German top-flight that has produced over 2.5 goals.
The visitors are now four games unbeaten on their travels in the Bundesliga, having recorded two wins and two draws. Dortmund have only failed to score in one of their last five league games on their travels.
A big positive for the visitors heading into this game is that they have won five of their last six meetings with the Wolves in all competitions while scoring at least two goals in the process.
Sportseconds predicts that Dortmund will return to winning ways in the Bundesliga by recording a victory in a high scoring clash.
Dortmund to continue steady campaign at Leverkusen
On Saturday evening, Bayer Leverkusen host Dortmund at the BayArena in the Bundesliga, as the visitors look to continue a decent recent run in the German top-flight this season.
Bayer Leverkusen started their top-flight campaign with three straight league defeats. However, the home side has now recorded wins in their last two games in the Bundesliga. Last time out Bayer recorded a 2-1 win at Fortuna Dusseldorf.
Leverkusen’s recent games have been relatively high scoring in the German top-flight, with over 2.5 goals scored in three of their last four outings.
Bayer’s recent record in the Bundesliga has been patchy. However, a record of just three wins from their last nine home league outings is not the best.
The home side’s games on home soil in the Bundesliga have been relatively low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in seven of their last ten outings.
Dortmund are unbeaten in their first five games of the German top-flight campaign, after winning three and drawing two of their outings so far this season. Last time out BVB hammered Nurnberg 7-0 at the Signal Iduna Park.
The visitor’s recent league outings have been high scoring, as there have been over 2.5 goals scored in five of their last seven games in the German-flight.
Despite their steady start to the league campaign, Dortmund have failed to win in seven away games in the German top-flight. BVB’s recent away games in the Bundesliga have been low scoring, with under 2.5 goals scored in four of their last five games on their travels.
A big factor in those recent low scoring away games for the visitors is the fact that BVB have scored just four goals in their last six away games.
Sportseconds predicts that Dortmund will end that winless run on their travels in the Bundesliga by recording a victory in a low scoring encounter.
Stoger sets out rules for Aubameyang reintegration at Dortmund
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang must show he is committed to Borussia Dortmund if he wants to force his way back into the first team, says head coach Peter Stoger.
Aubameyang was left out of Dortmund’s squad for Sunday’s home clash with Wolfsburg in the Bundesliga, and his presence was missed as the game finished goalless.
The Gabon international was dropped by Stoger after missing a pre-match meeting on Saturday, a decision backed by goalkeeper Roman Burki.
Discussions between Dortmund and Aubameyang failed to clear prior to kick-off so the striker was forced to sit out their return to league action.
And Stoger has warned the 28-year-old he needs to improve his behaviour if he wants to be part of his squad going forward.
“We talked with Aubameyang today,” Stoger told a post-match media conference.
“We explained to him what was going on and why we did [suspend him]. After his actions I felt that his focus wasn’t completely on the match, which was extremely important for us.
“And for all the other players it is important too, to act carefully in this group. I told [Aubameyang] what he should have done and what was important for us to know about. But I also told him that he has the chance to show us that he is ready every single week.”
And Aubameyang – who has been linked with a move to China and Arsenal during the transfer window – has been given a set of guidelines to follow to rebuild the trust at Signal Iduna Park.
Stoger added: “We told him that he has to follow certain rules.
“This time it wasn’t just a little thing. It was an important talk for us. His actions were an important factor for the whole group.
“That’s why we didn’t put him in the squad for this match.
“We expect him to be at training tomorrow [Monday]. Aubameyang is doing well in training, he has fun and has the motivation and we hope that the problems will be fixed.”
Hamburg 0 Borussia Dortmund 3: Bosz´s men cruise back to Bundesliga summit
Shinji Kagawa, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Christian Pulisic grabbed the goals as Borussia Dortmund crushed Hamburg 3-0 to move back to the top of the Bundesliga.
Peter Bosz’s men have started the season impressively and continued their fine form on Wednesday, as they kept a fifth successive clean sheet, a feat they have never managed at the beginning of a Bundesliga campaign before.
Dortmund were particularly good in the first half and, after wasting a couple of fine chances, deservedly took the lead through Kagawa – the Japan international making the most of his first Bundesliga start of the season.
Dortmund sat back after the break, inviting pressure, and that tactic worked like a charm, as Aubameyang finished off a swift break just after the hour to continue his tormenting of Hamburg with what was his ninth goal in as many games against them.
The lively Pulisic then wrapped things up with 10 minutes to go, rounding off a well-worked move as Hamburg were left on the end of a comprehensive defeat in their own stadium.
It took Dortmund’s attack seven minutes to create the first opening, Aubameyang and Pulisic dazzling the Hamburg defence, before the American sent a controlled effort just wide of the bottom-left corner.
Andriy Yarmolenko then got involved, cutting inside and crossing for Aubameyang to send a glancing header on to the right-hand post.
Dortmund’s dominant start eventually bore fruit in the 24th minute.
Yarmolenko’s free-kick found Omer Toprak, who nodded it down for Kagawa and he kept his cool before smashing past Christian Mathenia.
That goal seemed to spark Hamburg into life and they almost equalised just after the half-hour mark – Andre Hahn forcing Roman Burki into a smart save after good work from Lewis Holtby.
But they rode their luck again twice in quick succession shortly after, as Pulisic tested Mathenia inside the area, before the goalkeeper saved Mergim Mavraj from an embarrassing own-goal by tipping his header over following another wicked Yarmolenko delivery.
Hamburg looked a little more positive early in the second half and they almost levelled in the 54th minute, but Mavraj blasted his effort into the side-netting from eight yards after Dortmund failed to clear a corner.
The home side’s switch to a more attack-minded approach ultimately proved their undoing in the 63rd minute, however.
Dortmund caught Hamburg on the counter and Yarmolenko’s eventual shot was scuffed into the path of Aubameyang, who tapped it in from close range.
The match was put completely beyond Hamburg in the 79th minute, as Pulisic collected Mahmoud Dahoud’s cut-back, strode past a challenge and confidently swept home to round off an impressive Dortmund performance.
Bosz hopes to reap benefits of big Dortmund squad
Peter Bosz is looking forward to using the full depth of his Borussia Dortmund squad, even if he may be left waiting on some of his new signings.
Dortmund sold Ousmane Dembele to Barcelona for €105million but the club were then able to bring in Andriy Yarmolenko, Jeremy Toljan and Jadon Sancho late in the transfer window.
While Bosz acknowledges this gives him a selection headache, the Dortmund coach believes he will need to use all of the players at his disposal over the course of the season.
“We will need more than just 11 players in the coming weeks,” Bosz told a pre-match news conference ahead of facing Freiburg.
“We will need everyone. We have a large squad, so we should use it.”
He added: “It will not be easy for some players, but there have been no issues yet.”
Bosz confirmed that all of his international players had returned unscathed, before offering updates on his new men.
“Yarmolenko has not trained with the team yet,” he said. “But we know him well. He was the best option for Dortmund.
“I don’t know yet if he will be ready for the match. I’ll talk to him [on Friday], but he’s definitely fit.
“Toljan just needs to adapt to our style of play. He was in full training with Hoffenheim, so he is match fit.
“But Sancho hasn’t trained for quite some time – he needs to build up stamina. He’s still got a long way to go.”
Ruthless Dortmund maul Wolves in Bundesliga start
BERLIN-Borussia Dortmund overcame hosts VfL Wolfsburg 3-0 on Saturday to make a flawless start to their Bundesliga season.
New Dortmund coach Peter Bosz had promised attractive, attacking football and his team, who finished third last season, delivered on his Bundesliga debut.
There was more good news for Dortmund with Mario Goetze making his comeback after half a year out following a metabolic disorder and the Germany international set up Christian Pulisic after 22 minutes for the first goal at the Volkswagen Arena.
The absence of suspended Ousmane Dembele, who missed training last week amid speculation about a possible move to Barcelona, was quickly forgotten as Marc Bartra doubled the lead five minutes later against a dazed Wolfsburg defence.
With the Wolves cornered, Dortmund kept up the pressure and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, last season’s Bundesliga top scorer, added a third on the hour.
Champions Bayern Munich are also on three points after Friday’s 3-1 victory over Bayer Leverkusen.
An 84th-minute deflected effort from Andrej Kramaric gave Hoffenheim, who face Liverpool next week for a spot in the Champions League group stage, a 1-0 win over Werder Bremen.
Australian Mathew Leckie struck twice for new club Hertha Berlin as they beat promoted VfB Stuttgart, back after a season in the second division, 2-0.
Nicolai Mueller’s goal gave Hamburg, who narrowly avoided a relegation playoff last season and suffered a shock German Cup first-round exit last week, a 1-0 win over Augsburg for their first victory at the start of the season in seven years.
Promoted Hanover 96 won by the same score with Austrian Martin Harnik on target against Mainz 05.
Last season’s runners-up RB Leipzig travel to Schalke 04 later on Saturday.
(Reporting by Karolos Grohmann,; Editing by Christian Radnedge and Ed Osmond)
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Enterprises warned against first true Google phone, Moto X - CSO Online - Security and Risk
The security nightmare corporations face with the bring-your-own-device (BYOD) trend just got worse with the release of Google's new Moto X. With the Android smartphone unveiled Thursday, Google is hoping to lure customers with a personal digital assistant that's easy to use and can guess what information or services people want by reading emails and schedules and tracking search queries. While all this data collection may make the device invaluable, it also should make corporations very nervous. "It's engineers gone wild," said Roger Entner, principal analyst for Recon Analytics. "The engineers are [saying], 'Oh, wouldn't this be a really cool idea,' but don't think through the repercussions." The ease-of-use features in the Moto X, designed and built by Google-owned Motorola, are likely to tickle consumers while haunting IT security pros. First is the always-on microphone, which a person can use to activate the device using trigger words, such as "OK Google Now," to make phone calls or access services and features. The feature is possible through a special, low-power chip developed by Motorola that keeps the microphone on without draining the battery. The always-ready microphone, coupled with the massive amount of data collection, makes the Moto X a valuable target for cybercriminals and cyberspies, who are already heavily focused on developing malware to take control of Android devices. Security researchers say tools for building and distributing Android malware are getting progressively better in the criminal underground. In 2012, the number of Android malware rose more than 2,500% and accounted for 95% of mobile threats on the Internet, according to Cisco's 2013 Annual Security Report. Malware exists today that can take control of an Android device, if a user can be tricked into installing in infected app from an online store or clicking a malicious link on a text message. "Once that happens, all bets are off, and all these lovely sensors become a continuous sound and video information-gathering tool on your designated target," said Kurt Stammberger, vice president of market development for mobile security vendor Mocana. [Also see: Next iPhone's possible fingerprint reader unlikely to excite buyers | Pentagon nod shows Android can be as secure as Blackberry] Motorola will also provide hands-free authentication with the Moto X, through a plastic token that can be clipped onto clothing that will communicate via near-field communication (NFC). As long as the token is a few feet away, a password won't be necessary to unlock the device. The token will be sold separately, reports said. "I'm sure someone at Black Hat or Defcon will figure out a workaround," William Stofega, analyst for IDC, said, referrring to the two security conferences now under way in Las Vegas. The Moto X is not the first Android phone to have these security-troubling features. The Motorola Droid that debuted last week also has them, industry observers say. However, Google has already proclaimed the Moto X its flagship smartphone and Motorola Mobility is reported to be set to spend as much as $500 million in marketing. Such a push gives the phone a better chance of becoming a success. Google's strategy of making its smartphones as useful as possible is what's needed to drive sales in the consumer market. A phone that can automatically notify the user about traffic conditions before heading to a meeting is certain to please many people. But the data collection necessary to provide such services, as well as the microphone, camera and NFC needed for ease of use, are making it increasingly difficult for companies to have a liberal BYOD policy. "Bring-your-own-device is a security nightmare in general," Entner said. Whether an employee can use their own device to access the corporate network should depend on their job, Stofega said. A chief research officer may not want his location known or to communicate with staff and bosses without strict security controls. "At some point [companies] have to have control at some level of the person and also the intellectual capital that's invested in that person," Stofega said. In the meantime, companies are better offer steering away from the Moto X for now, experts say. "I would not recommend the Moto X to corporate clients until we have a really good understanding and assurances from Google and Motorola on how to combat potential mischief being done with these capabilities," Entner said.
Posted by Kiran Vangaveti at 7:59 AM
OSPF LSA table vulnerability...most cisco routers vulnerable
Alert Details - Security Center - Cisco Systems
Multiple Cisco products are affected by a vulnerability involving the Open Shortest Path First (OSPF) Routing Protocol Link State Advertisement (LSA) database. This vulnerability could allow an unauthenticated attacker to take full control of the OSPF Autonomous System (AS) domain routing table, blackhole traffic, and intercept traffic. The attacker could trigger this vulnerability by injecting crafted OSPF packets. Successful exploitation could cause flushing of the routing table on a targeted router, as well as propagation of the crafted OSPF LSA type 1 update throughout the OSPF AS domain. To exploit this vulnerability, an attacker must accurately determine certain parameters within the LSA database on the target router. This vulnerability can only be triggered by sending crafted unicast or multicast LSA type 1 packets. No other LSA type packets can trigger this vulnerability. OSPFv3 is not affected by this vulnerability. Fabric Shortest Path First (FSPF) protocol is not affected by this vulnerability. Cisco has confirmed the vulnerability in a security advisory and has released software updates.
Investigating iOS Phone Images, File Dumps & Backups | Magnet Forensics
As of January 2013, Apple announced it had sold over 500 million iOS devices. While iOS seems to be the leading operating system for tablets worldwide, Android continues to be the leading operating system for mobile phones worldwide. Regardless of the statistics, if you are an active forensic examiner, chances are very high you will need to conduct an examination of an iOS mobile device (if you haven’t several times already). This article will discuss some of the steps involved and areas of interest when conducting an analysis of an iOS device for Internet related activity. Handset Passcodes Depending on the version of iOS, different passcode lengths and complexities are supported. A simple four digit passcode A complex numeric passcode A complex alphanumeric passcode or passphrase In many cases, you will need the passcode in order to obtain a physical image or a file system dump. Depending on the iOS version, device hardware version and passcode complexity, the passcode can sometimes be obtained by the forensic tool (such as Cellebrite) using a bruteforce attack. Physical memory dump vs. file dump vs AFC file backup Depending on the type of investigation, the tools you have available and the version of the iOS phone you need to examine, you may have a choice whether to conduct a physical memory extraction, a file system dump or an Apple File Connection (AFC) backup. When possible, it would be recommended to obtain a full physical memory extraction since that will likely contain data that the file system dump & AFC backup does not (deleted file system data, etc.). Physical memory image This would typically be accomplished using a tool such as Cellebrite, XRY, Lantern, Elcomsoft, MPE or the Zdziarski method1. The result of using one of these tools would either be a bit stream (dd) or a DMG image file that could then be analyzed manually or using a forensic analysis tool. File system dump A file system dump, which is a subset of a physical image, could be performed by several well-known tools such as Cellebrite, Blacklight, Oxygen or XRY. AFC backup Apple file connection (AFC) is used with iTunes to conduct a device backup and can be used to perform a backup of data from the device. For example, EnCase v7 can acquire an iOS device using this technology (requires iTunes to be installed, but not running). An examiner can also look for backups on a computer the device has previously been connected to as another step to analyze data from the device without having access to the device itself. Windows XP: c:\Documents and Settings\\Application Data\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup Windows Vista/7/8: c:\users\\AppData\Roaming\Apple Computer\MobileSync\Backup OSX: ~/Library/Application Support/MobilSync/Backup Depending on the version of iOS & iTunes, the backup can be protected with a password, which is used to encrypt the backed up data. This password is independent from the device passcode. File System Encryption Figure 1: http://images.apple.com/iphone/business/docs/iOS_Security_Oct12.pdf Starting with iOS 4 Apple began providing data protection for user data by encrypting the user partition. With the introduction of the iPhone 3GS (and continuing to the current iPhone 5 hardware device), Apple began including a hardware key that is used as part of the encryption process. This means that the physical device is needed in order to get all the components (keys) to successfully decrypt files that are protected with this level of encryption. iOS 5 introduced an additional layer of protection by encrypting files with individual keys. Apple has defined four levels (classes) of protection for user data: NSFileProtectionNone The file has no special protections associated with it. It can be read from or written to at any time. Available in iOS 4.0 and later. Declared in NSFileManager.h. NSFileProtectionComplete The file is stored in an encrypted format on disk and cannot be read from or written to while the device is locked or booting. Available in iOS 4.0 and later. Declared in NSFileManager.h. NSFileProtectionCompleteUnlessOpen The file is stored in an encrypted format on disk and must be opened while the device is unlocked. Once open, your file may continue to access the file normally, even if the user locks the device. Available in iOS 5.0 and later. Declared in NSFileManager.h. NSFileProtectionCompleteUntilFirstUserAuthentication The file is stored in an encrypted format on disk and cannot be accessed until after the device has booted. After the user unlocks the device for the first time, your app can access the file and continue to access it even if the user subsequently locks the device. Available in iOS 5.0 and later. Declared in NSFileManager.h. The default class for all files that are not otherwise assigned to a different data protection class is NSFileProtectionNone. This level uses individual keys for each file, but the keys are protected with a single system key so all the user data can be easily ‘erased’ during a reset (not really erased, it just deletes the system key and therefore the individual keys and data can never be recovered), but the key is easily viewed forensically since the system key can easily be obtained, without the need of the hardware key on the device itself. This level is not really meant to protect data, but rather provide a quick way to render data unreadable/unrecoverable. Each installed user application can dictate what class level to store the data generated by that application, but many use the default. The other levels of data protection incorporate the use of the hardware key that is unique for each particular device. This means that while you may be able to collect a physical image of an iPhone 4 or 5 and read the image file system, you cannot view unencrypted versions of the files themselves. If you have the device passcode and can obtain a file dump, you can however analyze the logical files, but will not be able to search unallocated. iOS Decryption with IEF 6.1.1 Internet Evidence Finder 6.1.1 introduced the ability to search an iOS image and files that may be protected with data encryption by providing the keys that are obtained by Cellebrite during the physical extraction process. IEF now looks for the associated .UFD file that the UFED creates during a physical extraction. The necessary keys are recorded in the .UFD file and IEF can now use those keys to decrypt data that is protected by only the system key. Loading an iOS image into Internet Evidence Finder Mobile phone support was added in IEF v6.1 and loading an image of an iOS device is very similar to loading an image of a hard drive. From the main splash screen, simple choose the “Mobile” option, iOS, then “Images”. You can point IEF directly to a bin, dmg or dd file. Loading a file dump into Internet Evidence Finder If you have obtained a logical file dump, you can follow the same steps as above, but instead choose the “File Dump” option and select the root folder that contains all the files you want to analyze. From this point you can continue to add more smartphone images, hard drive images or files you want to search before proceeding to the artifact selection page. Once completed, IEF will display all the found artifacts placed in their respective categories: Loading iOS backup files into Internet Evidence Finder iOS backup files are normally found on a computer hard drive. Therefore, to include iOS backup files in the artifact search, select the computer hard drive from the main “Images” option, then be sure and select the “iOS backups” option from the artifact selection screen: Summary Depending on how you have acquired data from the iOS device, you have three distinct options to analyze it with IEF. Physical Image (bin file from Cellebrite, DMG from Lantern or other ‘dd’ type image) Use IEF Advanced and choose the ‘iOS’->’Images’ option. If you used a Cellebrite UFED to extract the physical image and have the associated .UFD file, make sure it is in the same directory as the cellebrite physical image file (.bin) and IEF will automatically look for the .UFD file and use any keys that are present to decrypt user data. File Dump Use IEF Advanced and choose the ‘iOS’->’File Dump’ option, point IEF to the root of the file dump folder. iOS Backup Files Use IEF Standard or IEF Advanced and choose the ‘iOS Backup’ from the Mobile Backups artifact category. As always, I appreciate the feedback, comments or questions. You can reach me anytime at lance(at) magnetforensics(dot)com. Special thanks to Ryan Kubasiak from Blackbag Technologies for some of the detailed iOS encryption information and document references.
SANS NewsBites
Enterprises warned against first true Google phone...
OSPF LSA table vulnerability...most cisco routers ...
Investigating iOS Phone Images, File Dumps & Backu...
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Shabby treatment FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 06/25/2010
Shabby treatment
Evident in the offers of three government positions offered by Noynoy Aquino to Jojo Binay is that these were offers that Noynoy knew, even before he made them to Jojo, that the Vice President-elect would reject.
Put another way, Noynoy doesn’t want Jojo in his Cabinet, despite the fact that Jojo was legitimately elected by close to 15 million Filipinos, which is no different from about the same number of voters who cast their vote for Noynoy, according to the official count.
This means that while Noynoy and his disparate team want to crow about his 15 million votes, and for the Filipino people to respect and accept his mandate, he does not want the same respect and acceptance of the mandate given by the electorate to Binay, who represents the masses’ vote.
That was quite insulting of Noynoy to offer the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairmanship to a vice president-elect, considering the fact that this MMDA position is certainly the beneath the station of an elected vice president with a solid mandate.
Sure, Noynoy may be the President of the Republic, but he allows himself to be advised, guided and influenced in his decisions by the unelected within his circle, and even worse, Noynoy does not appear to give any weight to, and respect for, the solid mandate given by the sovereign Filipino people to Binay.
But that being the case, why should the Filipino people be expected by him and his yellow elite groups to respect his mandate, when he himself does not acknowledge and respect the mandate given to the Vice President?
The truth is, Noynoy’s stand toward Binay makes him the lesser man, and even going down in pubic esteem.
From the start, he kept his distance from Binay, and even as Binay, when asked by the media, what Cabinet position he would like to have in an Aquino ll administration, when he said his preference was the DILG, Noynoy quickly slammed this, saying that he has someone else in mind, and in an insulting tone, even said that he and Jojo do not share the same vision.... MORE
Sorry, all seats taken
Vietnam legislature evolving, but still communist
Jojo says nay to Noy
Losing much too early
DIE HARD III
Keeping the revolution alive
McChrystal’s radical war plan losing early luster
Vietnam legislature evolving, but still communist ANALYSIS 06/25/2010
HANOI — When Vietnam’s communist legislators rejected the government’s controversial $56-billion proposal for a bullet train last weekend, many Vietnamese hailed them as brave representatives of the people.
Other observers, while seeing the vote as significant, were less quick to view it as a democratic breakthrough.
In its rare decision last Saturday, the National Assembly failed to approve the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City link and asked the government to further study the country’s transport options.
“As far as I know, the National Assembly’s vote against the proposed bullet train is the first time that body has knocked back a high-profile proposed project from the government,” said Ben Kerkvliet, emeritus professor and Vietnam specialist from The Australian National University.
“A significant threshold in national political institutional development has been crossed.”
Some Vietnamese said the elected deputies — more than 90 percent of whom are Communist Party members — had shown they were truly acting in the people’s interests.
Readers who posted their views on the VietnamNet online news site praised the legislators as “brave” and “good representatives.”
“Many Vietnamese are overly enthusiastic” about the vote, said Le Dang Doanh, a former economic adviser to the government.... MORE
Jojo says nay to Noy MR. EXPOSE Amb. Ernesto Maceda 06/25/2010
Two weeks after his proclamation as President-elect, Noynoy Aquino finally found time to talk to Vice President-elect Jejomar “Jojo” Binay.
The much delayed meeting is the first indication that P-Noy did not consider the Vice President-elect that important. No less than former Secretary of Finance Jose “Titoy” Pardo and long time Aquino family friend had tried to arrange a meeting 10 days ago. In their two-hour meeting Wednesday afternoon at the Times Street, QC residence of P-Noy, he offered him the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority chairmanship, then the Department of Agrarian Reform, a program that is being phased out and finally a still to be created commission to probe the corruption of GMA and other officials, positions demeaning to the high position of Vice President and all of which Vice President-elect Jojo Binay politely declined.
At the time of the meeting, the post of Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary which was given to then Vice Presidents Emmanuel Pelaez and Cory’s teammate Salvador Laurel was still uncommitted. And so were the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Public Works and Highways, Labor and Employment and Department of Environment and Natural Resources. DA was held twice by Vice President Fernando Lopez. Any of these five regular Cabinet positions, also called with portfolio, could have been appropriately offered to VP Binay but P-Noy in effect insulted VP Binay and his almost 15 million supporters when the positions offered were minor posts of “Cabinet rank.” Getting VP Binay to his Cabinet would have started the reconciliation process with the Estrada-Binay camp, a move President FVR advised P-Noy to make.
P-Noy rabid booster Conrad de Quiros of the Philippine Daily Inquirer reminded P-Noy of the VP Binay’s long time support for the opposition cause against GMA. He said: “During the pit of GMA’s rule, when the various Metro Manila Mayors were either scared s-tless or trying to ingratiate themselves with GMA, where did all the marchers who marched to protest GMA’s tyranny march to? Where did all the protesters who were unwilling to risk life and limb to defy the ban to mount anti-GMA rallies in Lito Atienza’s Manila and elsewhere seek refuge in? Where did all the actions by the nuns, the priests, the businessmen, the workers, the NGOs, the activists, the housewives and househusbands take place in?
“Makati. Specifically, Binay’s Makati.... MORE
Losing much too early NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Siguion-Reyna 06/25/2010
Armida Siguion-Reyna
I had promised to follow tradition and not comment on anything the President-elect would say or do for at least a 100 days after his oathtaking, a honeymoon of sorts. Some of my breakfast barkada spew venom and I just laugh over what this paper has tagged as the power clusters of the incoming administration, namely: “Sisters Inc.,” “Liberal Party officers and members,” “Kaklase Inc.,” “the Cory Veterans Group,” and the good ol’ “Kamag-anak Inc.”
Mind you, there’s also still the “Hyatt 10,” and several grouplets comprising the pro and anti-Mar Roxas groups and the pro and anti-Jojo Binay blocs, the NGOS, the activists pseudo and real, and the whatever else there is. Mind you more, the list doesn’t yet include the opposition, all these are within the winner’s camp, squaring for their share of the newly-won pie of the last elections.
The slew of organizations claiming to be malakas don’t bother me. I’m not after any position; at my age I’m much too old to beg for an appointment. There’s nothing left for me to prove, so there. I had really nothing urgent to talk about.
Until I read about the meeting between the President-elect and the Vice President-elect that took place a couple of days ago. Jojo Binay said that he had refused to accept “any Cabinet position so as not to burden the President and allow him to focus on the many challenges facing the nation,” and that was fine with me. Humanga pa ako sa kanya.
It was a re-write of what the President-elect had previously said that bothered me. I found it disturbing when I first heard it, but I pushed it away with dedma. It’s been reprinted and reprinted and now it haunts me, our new President’s declaration that notwithstanding his respect for Binay’s personal inclination towards the DILG portfolio, “I should be accorded the right to choose who I want to serve as my alter ego.”... MORE
Keeping the revolution alive DIE HARD III Herman Tiu Laurel 06/25/2010
Herman Tiu Laurel
The transition from Gloria Arroyo to the new “Hocus-PCOSed” regime is variously described as suffused with euphoria, hope and optimism. This was what I was afraid of during the last campaign period. Elections are one of the most ingenious tools of the oligarchy to distract exploited and suffering peoples from taking the necessary steps toward achieving real control of their destinies.
The most telling victims of this ruse, for instance, who have been drawn into false hopes by mainstream media’s massive propaganda, have been the middle class and the youth. Deceptively hitched onto the Yellow bandwagon, they have actually become the poster children of oligarchic exploitation. The latest National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) survey on “rich” Filipino families (those earning P220,000 a month or P3 million a year) shows their ranks falling from 0.3 percent (51,160 of 17 million families) in 2003 to 0.1 percent (19,738 of 17.14 million families) in 2006.
This three-year decline by a whopping 65 percent happened amid a growing population and a supposedly strengthening economy (by Gloria’s “enchanted” standards). What this means is that one out of every three rich families got bumped off and downgraded to the middle class. While some may argue that this could mean a growing egalitarianism, that again is a delusion.
An earlier Family Income and Expenditure Survey (FIES) already showed the middle class (earning P250,000 to P2 million per annum) contracting from 23 percent in 1997 to 22.7 percent in 2000, down to 19.1 percent in 2003. And yet, I don’t know how earning roughly P20,000 a month can qualify a family as middle class when that amount won’t even get a kid through a decent school.
The poor in Philippine society, as many know, have been growing in leaps and bounds throughout the past decade, reaching an abysmal self-rated poverty rate of 53 percent in November 2009. Some government surveys issued since have even eliminated the use of “lower class,” which got broken down into “low class (not poor)” and “low class (poor)” to minimize the socio-economic collapse.
I find it very sad that the numerous statistics indicating such dire state of affairs still fail to evoke in others a horror as deep as they should feel. It seems the middle class is more worked up over NBA championships and whatnot or petty political turf wars; while the masa get all mushy over a presidential sister’s marital turmoil. Here, the mainstream media are largely to blame, especially when they highlight such inanities as front page news instead of the vital socio-economic issues.
During the nine-and-a-half years of Gloria when conflicts and issues verged on total polarization and crystallization, and when the social revolution was building up to critical mass, there came three major military protest actions that had clearly-stated democratic and nation-building goals: The Bagong Katipuneros of Sen. Antonio Trillanes IV, Para sa Bayan of Gen. Danilo Lim, and a coalition of civilian-military forces led by the two at the Manila Peninsula in Nov. 29, 2007. But the air of revolutionary fervor soon became absorbed by election fever, resulting in another setback.
Although frustration has overtaken the nationalist forces for now, there should be no dismay as the illusions will soon fade. When people — particularly the remaining middle class — face their dire realities, the impulse to revolution will be stirred anew. Even as we write, I can already feel the rumblings within the ranks of the Yellows who see the hopelessness of the system. The thing is, they should now know that their penchant for going it alone without the nation’s mass base won’t do as all of their earnest efforts will simply be taken over by elements controlled by the foreign and local oligarchy.
That being the case, the present hiatus of the revolutionary spirit becomes more of a blessing. With the latest “Yellow hope” revealing irreconcilable turf wars between competing factions; betraying marked incompetence in the Cabinet selection process, along with the interference of unelected sisters and brothers-in-law; plus the spectacle of certain Yellow writers rebelling against key personalities; notwithstanding the Hocus-PCOS and the pressure to raise taxes and utility rates, all indications show BSA III is off to an early failure. It is thus a perfect moment for “conscientizing” and crystallizing the nation’s understanding of the oppressive plutocratic-corporatist character of the present system and the restructuring of society along social-market lines similar to our progressive neighbors Singapore, Malaysia and Vietnam.
(Tune in to 1098AM, Sulo ng Pilipino, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.; Destiny Cable Channel 21, Talk News TV — Infowars Edition on “The Imperative Philippine Political-Economic Revolution,” Tuesday, 8 p.m. to 9 p.m.; also visit http://hermantiulaurel.blogspot.com)
(Reprinted with permission from Mr. Herman Tiu-Laurel)
Clarification LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 06/25/2010 Dear Editor:
We champion the media’s vigilance against the transactional politics that typified the Arroyo administration through hard-hitting news, which was attempted in the report, “Kris A peddles choice Senate posts for LP bet” by Ms. Angie Rosales, published on The Daily Tribune last June 22, 2010.
However, in equal reverence for the journalistic norms of truth and balance, the erroneous reference to Sen. Antonio “Sonny” Trilllanes as having been promised by Kris Aquino “freedom to attend the Senate hearings in exchange for his vote” for Sen. Francis Pangilinan as Senate President, warrants clarification.
Despite the inclusion of information acknowledged as “not confirmed by the Senate source,” it was still falsely inferred that through Ms. Aquino’s efforts “a Senate resolution is being prepared to allow Trillanes to attend the opening session and formally cast his vote for Pangilinan.”
Had there been requisite verification of these “talks” according to unnamed sources, it would be correctly reported that Senator Trillanes has never met or spoken with Ms. Aquino.... MORE
McChrystal’s radical war plan losing early luster focus 06/25/2010
KABUL — US Gen. Stanley McChrystal radically altered the rules of war in Afghanistan but, sacked after a year, the success or failure of his counter-insurgency masterplan will fall to David Petraeus.
The brilliant former special operations chief was appointed commander last June of what has become America’s longest war when his predecessor was pushed out for being unable to stem an unravelling war in the “graveyard of empires.”
Hand picked for his ability to develop counter-insurgency warfare to the battlefield, McChrystal devised a strategy to pour tens of thousands of extra troops into Afghanistan, win over civilians and train local forces.... MORE
Key witness in massacre trial murdered By Michaela P. del Callar 06/25/2010
Key witness in massacre trial murdered
By Michaela P. del Callar
First came the recantations of witnesses to the Maguindanao massacre. Now a key witness has been killed.
The witness, Suwaib Upham, known as “Jesse” regarded by the private prosecutor as a key witness in the trial of a powerful Muslim clan accused of orchestrating the worst political massacre in the country, was shot dead, a private prosecutor said yesterday.
Upham claimed to have taken part in the November killings of 57 persons in a crime allegedly planned by his former employers, the Ampatuan clan.
“He was supposed to be one of our strongest witnesses,” Harry Roque, a lawyer representing the families of 14 media victims, told Agence France Presse. “He saw, and participated in, the killings and could have directly named in court those involved.”
Roque warned that Upham’s killing, which he was told occurred last week in the southern province of Maguindanao, could potentially weaken the case against the Ampatuan family.
US-based Human Rights Watch also said the killing raised doubts about the government’s resolve in seeing justice done in the case.
“Massacre witnesses are dying while the government sits on its hands,” the group’s Asia director Elaine Pearson said in a statement. “This sends the worst possible message to other witnesses thinking of coming forward.”
The New York-based human rights watchdog yesterday challenged President-elect Benigno Aquino III, who takes office next week, to live up to his promise of justice for the massacre victims by taking urgent measures to protect witnesses.
Human Rights Watch said the Aquino administration should provide sufficient funding to ensure adequate protection for witnesses and their families, and urged the government to promptly investigate acts of witness intimidation and killing and to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.
”We don’t want to hear the government say a few months down the road that it is dropping charges because there is no eyewitness testimony,” Pearson said. “Aquino should make witness protection a priority to fulfill his promise of justice for the massacre victims.”
Security forces and the Justice Department should also take the measures needed to protect witnesses’ physical safety, including relocation where necessary, and to ensure that witnesses and their families are afforded appropriate housing, Pearson said.
HRW also called on the National Bureau of Investigation to conduct prompt investigation on the latest killing of Upham, stressing that the Philippine government must act swiftly to protect witnesses and their families.
But DoJ Secretary Alberto Agra laid the blame on Roque , saying that Roque “never respected the authority of the public prosecutors...who have control over private prosecutors and not the other way around,” Agra said.
“He (Roque) never brought ‘Jesse’ for interview and evaluation before the prosecutors,” Agra said.
“How can that person (Uphami) be placed under the witness protection program? Roque even represents the victims and one of the killers,” Agra said.... MORE
Plunder raps to greet GMA once she loses immunity, says solon
Pimentel reminds Noy he’s a minority president
‘Graduating’ Pimentel may join Noynoy gov’t
Solon to CJ Corona: Beware of Cojuangco hacienda’s maneuvers
La Salle president gets DepEd post
Plunder raps to greet GMA once she loses immunity, says solon By Gerry Baldo 06/25/2010
By Gerry Baldo
President Arroyo is going to face multiple criminal and administrative cases, including plunder, graft and violations of the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Govern-ment Officials and Em-ployees, once she loses her immunity on June 30.
According to Rep. Teodoro Casiño of party-list Bayan Muna, one of the strong cases that would be revived against Arroyo would be in connection with the government’s botched ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
“The NBN-ZTE deal is a strong case against her,” he told reporters in an interview.
Casiño, referring to a Malacañang statement that Arroyo is leaving the Palace quietly, said the outgoing
President is going to lose her immunity from suit on June 30 and that it is now time to file the cases against her.
“There’s no going quietly for GMA (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo),” he stressed. “She has to account for the nine years that she was President,” he said. “Arroyo is going to lose her immunity from suit the minute she steps down from Malacañang,” he said, adding that the target date for the filing of the plunder case would be on July 1 as June 30 is a holiday.
Casiño, however, noted that a big stumbling block to the move would be Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez, an Arroyo appointee and classmate of First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo.... MORE
Pimentel reminds Noy he’s a minority president By Angie Rosales 06/25/2010
By Angie Rosales
A staunch ally reminded President-elect Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino that he will assume the top post in the nation as a minority president and he should strive to get all the support he can get from his closest allies, friends and even perceived rivals.
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. said Noynoy is a minority president since he did not get 50 percent plus one or majority of the voters despite his huge 5-million lead over his next rival.
“And, therefore, that being the case, as a minority president, he needs the support of all his friends and his allies. The more friends supporting him visibly, the better for him,” Pimentel said during a news forum at the Senate.
The senator’s statements were in relation to the issue involving incoming Vice President Jejomar Binay, who had rejected accepting any concurrent position in the incoming administration after apparently being crowded out of a
Cabinet position due to the several recomendees from groups who supported Aquino and are now all lobbying to get prime government posts.
Binay and Aquino met at the latter’s residence in Times St., Quezon City where the incoming vice president was reportedly offered the positions of heading the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and on a temporary capacity and as head of the commission that will investigate President Arroyo on her alleged anomalous acts which many see as palliatives since Binay was denied of a Cabinet post.
Appearing in the weekly Kapihan sa Senado, Pimentel lauded the decision made by Binay saying that it “speaks of statesmanship in him.”
“Jojo (Binay) told me, that was about three days ago, he had given a letter to Noynoy (Aquino), that was before their first meeting yesterday, to tell him that in order to lessen his headaches, he would not you know expect any appointment from him to the Cabinet which I think is a good thing because No. 1, the President-elect should have full leeway to choose whoever he wants to put in positions, power in the Cabinet,” he said.... MORE
‘Graduating’ Pimentel may join Noynoy gov’t 06/25/2010
Vice President-elect Jejomar Binay may not have any active role in the Aquino adminis-tration but one of his partymates in the Partido Demokratikong Pilipino-Laban ng Bayan (PDP-Laban) appeared to be “in.”
Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. is seen to join the incoming administration.
The “graduating” senior legislator gave broad hints regarding this matter but refused to reveal details as there is yet to be any concrete plans disclosed to him by incoming President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino.
Pimentel was conspicuously cautious in discussing the matter when reporters asked him of his plans now that he’s bowing out of the upper chamber after serving 17 years during the last 23 years.
Initially, Pimentel indicated that he would not be making any comeback in 2013, saying he would rather let “younger people take over.”
When asked if he has received any offer of government post, being highly identified to be close to the Aquino family, Pimentel answered in the negative.
“None so far. I am not free to talk about anything because he (Aquino) might deny it. In other words, there’s no formal offer.
Pimentel served as minister of Local Government under former President Corazon Aquino, mother of President-elect Noynoy.
“The only time that Noynoy and I talked was when I was done with my speech at the canvass board, remember?” he said, referring to the June 10 Congress’ joint session proceedings at the Batasang Pambansa building.... MORE
Solon to CJ Corona: Beware of Cojuangco hacienda’s maneuvers 06/25/2010
Now that the Hacienda Luisita land dispute is in the hands of Supreme Court (SC) Chief Justice Renato Corona’s First Division, a militant lawmaker called for an immediate resolution in favor of the farm workers as he called the attention of the Chief Justice to the Cojuangco-Aquino clan’s alleged maneuvers to maintain its stronghold on the controversial sugar estate.
“The Hacienda Luisita agrarian dispute remains an acid test for Chief Justice Corona,” said Anakpawis party-list Rep. Rafael Mariano “(And) in the face of President-elect Noynoy Aquino’s refusal to recognize Corona, a favorable decision for the farm workers will also test Aquino’s adherence to the rule of law.”
Mariano added that an immediate resolution of the case favorable to the farm workers will prevent the Cojuangco-Aquinos to reclassify and convert a large portion of the lands, and transfer ownership to other Cojuangco corporations.
Mariano was referring to the establishment of the Luisita Estate Management, and the intervention by the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) in the SC case regarding the Hacienda.
According to the RCBC Web site, “in November 1996, RCBC joined Agila Holdings, Itochu and Hacienda Luisita in putting up the Luisita Industrial Park Corp., a 300-hectare industrial park for Japanese investors.”
At the same time, reports said that Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) chair Jose “Peping” Cojuangco is planning to set up a 50-hectare National Training Center inside Luisita for the country’s bid to host the 2014 Asian Games.
“We won’t be surprised if the Jose Cojuangco and Sons, Inc. will eventually have a claim over Luisita. All these maneuvers by the Cojuangcos are designed to evade the Hacienda’s distribution,” Mariano said.... MORE
La Salle president gets DepEd post 06/25/2010
De La Salle University (DLSU) president Brother Armin Luistro, who is identified with the Black and White Movement and a known supporter of President-elect Benigno Aquino lll, has accepted his offer to head the Department of Education (DepEd) under his government.
This is the second time a president of La Salle University has been tapped as chief of the Education department, after La Salle Brother Andrew Gonzales was tapped by then President Joseph Estrada as Education Secretary.
“After due consultation with various stakeholders in the Lasallian community, Bro. Armin Luistro has accepted the invitation of President-elect Aquino to be the Department of Education secretary,” a DLSU statement released on Wednesday night said.
Bro. Luistro is the sixth member of the official family of incoming President Aquino.
Other confirmed members of the Aquino Cabinet are lawyer Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa as executive secretary; lawyer Edwin Lacierda as presidential spokesman; Corazon “Dinky” Soliman as head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development; Teresita Deles as Presidential adviser for peace process, and incumbent Commission on Human Rights chief Leila De Lima as Department of Justice secretary.... MORE
Shabby treatment FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares ...
Vietnam legislature evolving, but still communist ...
Jojo says nay to Noy MR. EXPOSE Amb. Ernesto Mace...
Losing much too early NO HOLDS BARRED Armida Sigu...
Keeping the revolution alive DIE HARD III Herman ...
Clarification LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 06/25/2010 ...
McChrystal’s radical war plan losing early luster ...
Key witness in massacre trial murdered By Michael...
Plunder raps to greet GMA once she loses immunity,...
Pimentel reminds Noy he’s a minority president By...
‘Graduating’ Pimentel may join Noynoy gov’t 06/25...
Solon to CJ Corona: Beware of Cojuangco hacienda’s...
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Lies and more lies EDITORIAL 09/02/2010
Lies and more lies
Justice Secretary Leila de Lima, speaking with reporters said that if necessary, she would summon President Aquino, as well as Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief, Jesse Robredo, her co-chairman in the probe body, for them to shed light on the botched hostage rescue operations.
Obviously, that’s all for show. She certainly wouldn’t dare summon Noynoy Aquino to even “shed light” on what he was doing all that time, because if she did, Noynoy and his boys who claim to have been in Emerald Restaurant on Roxas Boulevard, in front of the US Embassy, would be found to have been lying through their teeth, since it has been confirmed by the restaurant staff, as well Robredo, that Noynoy arrived at Emerald after 8:30 p.m., or after the hostages were already killed. His secretaries, such as Robredo, were there some 30 minutes early as they were summoned by Noynoy to a meeting.
And even as Noynoy was already near the area of the hostage taking, it still took him over four hours to make an appearance, made worse by wearing a smile on his face.
So it has been established that neither he nor his officials were in Emerald monitoring the situation the whole time. So where were they? In the Palace playing billiards while the hostage drama was ongoing?... MORE
Bribes, kidnap and murder: Russia’s police turn to crime focus 09/02/2010
Bribes, kidnap and murder: Russia’s police turn to crime
MOSCOW — Scandals involving police crime are becoming more and more frequent in Russia — kidnapping, murder, torture and corruption among them — casting doubts on President Dmitry Medvedev’s ability to reform the tainted force.
In the latest incident, four Moscow policemen were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a businessman and driving off with him in the trunk of their car.
The man’s wife told police that her husband had been kidnapped from outside their house by camouflaged attackers.
The case was not unprecedented: three Moscow police officers had kidnapped two women in February, demanding 50,000 euros and threatening that the families would be framed in drugs cases if they failed to pay up..... MORE
Amboy Noynoy FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 09/02/2010
Amboy Noynoy
Noynoy announced to media that he had canceled his trips scheduled this month to Indonesia and Vietnam, but will go ahead with his US visit to attend the United Nations General Assembly meeting, a yearly affair, where heads of state or governments, or their foreign ministers attend in their stead, to give their speeches, which more often than not, are not even listened to by other world leaders.
Noynoy of course hopes for a meeting with US President Barack Obama, even for a photo-op, in the hope of scoring points with the locals to generate that impression that Noynoy has Obama’s full support. But who cares if Obama supports him?
As of now, however, Malacañang has not gotten word that Noynoy can be squeezed into Obama’s schedule.
The interesting question with regard to the canceled Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) visits, however, is: Just who canceled the visits Indonesia or Noynoy, and Vietnam or Noynoy?
Noynoy, in announcing the cancellation of his visits to Indonesia and Vietnam, made it appear that it was he who had canceled the visits, and that he has sought a rescheduling of his visits for October, but that the two Asean countries failed to fit his visit in their schedules..... MORE
Much ado about rolling and flying coffins BLURBAL THRUSTS Louie Logarta 09/02/2010
Much ado about rolling and flying coffins
Louie Logarta
Associate Justice Noel Tijam of the Court of Appeals has turned out to be the knight in shining armor of an estimated 10 million PWDs (people with disability) all over the country for upholding their right to a 20-percent discount in the purchase of medicines as mandated by in the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons.
It was a well-received decision penned by Justice Tijam of the CA’s Eleventh Division wherein he threw out a petition filed by the Drugstores Association of the Philippines and allies Save More Drug of the SM group, Manson Drug Corp., Northern Luzon Drug Corp. and South Star Drug Inc. seeking to nullify said discount being granted to PWDs, claiming several provisions of the PWD law were “unconstitutional.”
Tijam countered that the questioned discount is in fact constitutional because it is a legitimate exercise of police power by the State.
“While the Constitution protects property rights, petitioners must accept the realities of business and the State, in the exercise of police power, can intervene in the operations of a business which may result in the impairment of property rights in the process… based on the foregoing reasoning and justification, we find that the grant of 20 percent discount on the purchased medicines of PWDs is similarly considered a valid exercise of police power of the State, hence, it is constitutional.”.... MORE
Crisis mismanagement by panic By Ronald Roy COMMENT 09/02/2010
Crisis mismanagement by panic
By Ronald Roy
After the smoke cleared over the Luneta carnage the other Monday, there was little doubt we would be thrown into an internecine state of frenzied blame-laying and finger-pointing. The disarray has reached a point where we must now decide for ourselves how we can regroup to salvage the national honor and recover fast from a jolted economy. For how long, nobody really knows.
One cannot but recoil at the “expert” remark of a Tourism or Foreign Affairs official that there was nothing to worry about since business relations between Hong Kong and mainland China on one hand, and our country on the other, would normalize in around “two and a half” months.
This optimism is as asinine as the notion of a pint-sized Gloria Arroyo being entered as a statuesque contestant in a beauty pageant, and uncalled for since it tends to downplay the hurt the Chinese claim we have heaped upon them. This official must learn that contrition cannot set a deadline for the grant of the forgiveness that a wrongdoer seeks.
At the same time, it is regretted that some of our Chinese friends have failed to isolate the wrongful acts of our officials as their own and not of the entire Filipino nation. It might help them to know we are among the most decent and amiable peoples in the world..... MORE
US legacy unwritten as Iraq combat mission ends — commanders FEATURE 09/02/2010
US legacy unwritten as Iraq combat mission ends — commanders
CONTINGENCY OPERATING SITE MAREZ — Army Col. Charles Sexton likes to tell his soldiers that, 19 years on from his first involvement with Iraq, the US military’s legacy here remains largely unwritten.
Sitting in his office on Contingency Operating Site Marez, just outside the main northern city of Mosul, where insurgent groups wreaked havoc in the aftermath of the US-led invasion of 2003, the 48-year-old recounts a story he has told his troops.
On a recent break in France, Sexton and his wife visited Chateau-Thierry, a town east of Paris, where he saw a monument to the US army’s Third Infantry Division’s contributions during the two World wars.
“The monument is beautiful, it’s gorgeous... everything was kept perfectly and it was in a beautiful spot,” says Sexton, now the commander of the Third Division’s 2nd Brigade.
“And there is, just outside this town... another little sign, it’s about maybe 18 to 20 inches, and it says ‘Cimetiere Allemand,’ which is ‘German Cemetery’. ... It wasn’t well-kept, it was just a cemetery.”.... MORE
Sex Education — 7 VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz 09/02/2010
Sex Education — 7
Archbishop Oscar V. Cruz
As a right and proper ending of this subject matter of “Sex Education,” it has now become both fruitful and practical to make a full circle thereabout in the sense that there it started and there also shall it end.
Question: What are the clear and given premises of this short and simple treaties in conjunction with education about sex?
Answer: Firstly, it acquired the interest and concern of the Department of Education in particular. Then, the same department considered it necessary to have sex education modules, booklets and similar literature composed, printed and accordingly funded. Lastly, as a matter of course, the said department tasked some teachers in selected public schools to handle the subject matter and do the teaching thereof to duly chosen elementary and high school students in the school premises.
Needless to say, the starling statement of the previous secretary of Health to give “Sex Education” even to “Kindergarten” pupils was not taken seriously..... MORE
Palace hand in Senate probe suspension eyed By Angie M. Rosales 09/02/2010
Palace hand in Senate probe suspension eyed
By Angie M. Rosales
Malacanang may have had a direct hand in the sudden suspension of the Senate’s scheduled inquiry into the bungled hostage crisis that left eight Hong Kong residents dead and eight more injured, with more traumatized over the tragedy.
Sen. Edgardo Angara raised this issue of probable Malacañang interference in the affairs of the Senate as word reached him that somebody allegedly asked to have Sen. Gregorio Honasan, overall lead in the probe of the Aug. 23 hostage incident in Manila, place on hold the proceedings in the meantime.
“Who is investigating it? Because they (Palace) requested Gringo (Honasan) to suspend in the meantime the investigation here in the Senate,” Angara said yesterday in an interview with reporters, adding this was the information he had gathered.
He insinuated that the current Senate does not seem to be acting independently, tossing back the question to reporters if the move to suspend the inquiry will affect the credibility of the institution.
Angara, however, refused to divulge his source, saying that the issue is best addressed to the panel chairmen.
Predictably Honasan, chairman of the public order committee, dismissed the allegations, standing by the decision taken by senators, while assuring that.... MORE
Posted by Jesusa Bernardo at 11:55 AM 1 comment Links to this post
Noy’s factions’ turf war seen in bungled hostage crisis 09/02/2010
Noy’s factions’ turf war seen in bungled hostage crisis
With so many uncoordinated moves from several communications secretaries of President Aquino during the Aug. 23 bungled hostage rescue operations, this is today seen as a probable cause for the mixed signals that emanated from Malacañang during the hostage crisis, from the explanations offered by them in the matter of the call of Hong Kong leader Donald Tsang, to the continued excuses being offered by them in defense of their, and their President’s lack of leadership.
That factions exist in the Palace was denied yesterday by presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda, even when it is fairly evident that there are at least two warring factions in the Palace: The Roxas group, branded by the media as the “Balay Puti” group, and the Samar Group, identified with the Aquino relatives and the Cory yellows.
Lacierda denied that there is infighting between at least two groups in Malacañang and claimed too that the allegations that it was the infighting that contributed to the botched rescue of Hong Kong tourists was false.
Lacierda, who himself has made a lot of boo-boos in his statements issued shortly after the botched operations clarifying the incident of Tsang’s calls not being answered by Aquino, yesterday said that the “issue has been totally blown out of proportion” in relation to the warring factions in the Palace.... MORE
HK gov’t tells Speaker: Ours is an independent judiciary 09/02/2010
HK gov’t tells Speaker: Ours is an independent judiciary
Reacting to an Aug. 31 Tribune story titled “Singson may receive HK anger backlash” wherein the Speaker, Feliciano Belmonte, was quoted as raising the possibility of the court case of Rep. Ronald Singson —charged by the Hong Kong government with drug possession — being the recipient of the anger of Chinese citizens in Hong Kong and may prove to detrimental to Singson, a Hong Kong government spokesman yesterday defended the integrity of the city’s judicial system, saying : “We do not comment on individual court cases. However, Hong Kong’s rule of law is upheld by an independent judiciary. It is the cornerstone of our society. Judges here (HK) administer justice according to law without fear or favor.”
Belmonte was quoted in the report as saying that it would be “pitiful” if the botched rescue last week that resulted in the death of eight Hong Kong residents would affect the case now pending in the former British colony.
“That’s a different matter altogether. That would be pitiful,” Belmonte said amid continued outrage over the Manila incident that killed eight Hong Kong and Canadian tourists held hostage by a former police officer.
At the same time, Deputy Secretary for Security, Mr Ngai Wing-chit, of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government issued a clarificatory statement in reaction to Tribune’s Sept. 1 report which had Senate Pro-Tempore Jinggoy Estrada confirming the fears of the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in HongKong over the anger of Hong Kong residents spilling over to their jobs and persons.... MORE
Senate okays reso suspending GOCC, GFI execs’ fat perks 09/02/2010
Senate okays reso suspending GOCC, GFI execs’ fat perks
The refund of the reported P127-million “bonuses” allegedly received by former Social Security
System (SSS) president Romulo Neri and chairman Thelmo Cunanan along with several others was sought by senators yesterday.
They, along with several other executives from government-owned and -controlled corporations (GOCCs) uncovered to be receiving fat salaries and excessive allowances, are being made to remit to their respective agencies the amounts they have declared as “benefits,” said to be in the hundreds of millions of pesos.
This is contained in the Senate resolution formally adopted yesterday in the plenary which calls on President Aquino to suspend all the bonuses and allowances of the governing boards of the various GOCCs and have these sums of money turned over to the country’s coffers.
Senate Resolution 17 was unanimously approved by its members.
Sen. Franklin Drilon, in an interview yesterday clarified that it is only the benefits that the governing boards get from their own agencies that are being called to be suspended by the Executive.... MORE
Put up or shut up 09/02/2010
The Daily Tribune’s editorial board is protesting presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda’s repeated threatening remarks on the newspaper’s Malacañang beat re-porter Aytch de la Cruz, of her facing libel charges for doing her assigned job of coming out with daily stories from the Palace that President Aquino’s subalterns find critical of the new admi-nistration.
While not new to an antagonistic Palace, the Tribune editors consider the Palace spokesman’s regular tirades against their reporter as a form of prior restraint on her ability to carry out her daily journalistic chores.
Lacierda yesterday uttered “Ayoko ‘yan, Tribune ‘yan, gagawan na naman ako ng story n’yan” (I don’t like that, that’s Tribune, it will again spin the story) to De la Cruz when she tried to chase him for a com-ment on a previous story about the thousands of justices and judges who wanted to find answers as to whether their unpaid benefits would be provided by the Aquino government.
Even before De la Cruz could shoot her question, Lacierda stopped her cold with his remarks in a
supposed effort to evade other reporters seeking to clarify stories.... MORE
Aquino economic team slammed over incomplete budget proposal 09/02/2010
Aquino economic team slammed over incomplete budget proposal
President Aquino’s economic team yesterday earned the ire of opposition lawmakers as Budget Secretary Florencio Abad tried to hide a big portion of the 2011 national budget from congressional scrutiny.
House Minority Leader Edcel Lagman and Quezon Rep. Danilo Suarez said Abad had apparently tried to hide the big picture of the national budget to the lawmakers when the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) failed to give details of some P711.5-billion in his presentation of the National Expenditure Program. The proposed budget for 2011 is P1.645 trillion.
Lagman noted that Abad had only delved on the new appropriations when he should have discussed automatic appropriations such as the debt service and the internal revenue allotment, continuing appropriations such as salaries, and all other kinds of appropriations such as net lending and tax refunds.... MORE
Over 2,000 OFWs waiting in shelters, safehouses or repatriation 09/02/2010
Over 2,000 OFWs waiting in shelters, safehouses or repatriation
Over 2,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) are waiting in various shelters and safehouses in the Middle East for their immediate mass repatriation, with the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) having set aside more than P100 million.
The cost of plane ticket for each returning OFW is estimated at P50,000, apart from other expenses such as immigration
and legal fees paid by the Philippine government
to host countries to allow the Filipino worker leave the country.
Overseas Workers Welfare Administration chief Carmelita Dimzon said most of the OFWs that will be deported are not members of OWWA.
The OWWA has collected an estimated $12 billion in 2010 from the mandatory $25 contributions from OFW members, of which a portion should be earmarked for emergency repatriation. “For undocumented cases, the OWWA forwards processing and implementation to the Department of Foreign Affairs which also has funds for this purpose.”
But the OWWA funds have been subjected to numerous cases of misuse of funds from abusive board members. The DFA, on the other hand, has been complaining of alleged lack of funds “but has failed to repatriate a number of OFWs and those in distress over the years.”.... MORE
Bribes, kidnap and murder: Russia’s police turn to...
Amboy Noynoy FRONTLINE Ninez Cacho-Olivares 09/0...
Much ado about rolling and flying coffins BLURBAL...
Crisis mismanagement by panic By Ronald Roy COMME...
US legacy unwritten as Iraq combat mission ends — ...
Sex Education — 7 VIEWPOINTS Archbishop Oscar V. ...
Palace hand in Senate probe suspension eyed By An...
Noy’s factions’ turf war seen in bungled hostage c...
HK gov’t tells Speaker: Ours is an independent jud...
Senate okays reso suspending GOCC, GFI execs’ fat ...
Aquino economic team slammed over incomplete budge...
Over 2,000 OFWs waiting in shelters, safehouses or...
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Sun, Apr 08, 2018 - Page 4 News List
Spain, Portugal take down gang running eels to Asia
AP, MADRID
Spanish and Portuguese authorities on Friday said that they have taken down a criminal network that made large profits by smuggling glass eels to Asia.
Authorities across the continent have been trying to tackle the smugglers, who take European glass eels to Asian countries, where they are raised into adults and their meat commands high prices for local delicacies.
Trade in the European eel has been restricted since 2009 under the rules of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. The EU has banned all exports outside the union and regulated internal sales, although an underground black market in eels has thrived in recent years.
In the latest operation, four Chinese citizens, three Spaniards and three Moroccans were arrested in Spain in an operation coordinated by Europol.
The Spanish Civil Guard said that 460kg of glass eels were seized in southern Spain, adding that their market value, once the eels have grown into adults, is estimated at more than 400 million euros (US$492 million).
One kilogram of baby eels could yield 1.3 tonnes of adult eels, investigators said.
More than 100 tonnes of juvenile eels evade wildlife traffic controls every year in Europe, Sustainable Eel Group chairman Andrew Kerr said.
“That’s nearly one-fourth of the total European eel natural stock,” Kerr said on Friday. “It’s the biggest wildlife crime action in Europe and it’s hidden from everyone.”
Friday’s disclosure showed how the ring exported the baby eels bought in Spain through Portugal and Morocco, and how the eels were concealed in suitcases or in cargo containers and sent to Hong Kong, China, South Korea and other Asian markets.
Police also seized 364 suitcases possibly used to smuggle the eels, Spanish Civil Guard Colonel Jesus Galvez told reporters in Madrid.
Because eels cannot be bred in captivity, the wriggling glass eels —or elvers — are usually fished and raised to maturity at aquaculture farms in Asia, where pollution, climate change and poaching has diminished stocks of the Japonica Anguilla species.
Since the glass eel fishing season began at the end of the fall, Portugal has arrested 28 people and seized 1 tonne of glass eels during 18 raids.
Meanwhile, Spain has since November arrested or identified as suspects 89 people, confiscating more than 2.3 tonnes of baby eels.
The seized eels have been reintroduced to the wild, Galvez said.
Europol European Serious and Organized Crime Centre Head Jari Liukku compared the benefits from illicit wildlife trading to those of drug, arms or human trafficking.
“Punishments are low and the conviction rate for environmental crimes is still low,” he said.
2020 Elections: Envy and solidarity from HK advocates as Taiwan votes
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The search for Eden and the pursuit of humanity’s origins
2020 Elections Interview: Lai focused on need for a legislative majority
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Turning the Corner: Twelve Questions for the Week Ahead in Indian Wells
March 11, 2013 by Chris Skelton
See you again next year? Same place, (almost) same time?
In the early stages of a draw as large as Indian Wells, more questions often are asked than answered as we learn just enough to know what we don’t know—and what we want to know. Here are twelve burning questions to ponder while the core of the tournament approaches.
1. Will Federer and Nadal meet for the first time in a year?
For the first time since their rivalry took flight, the archrivals did not clash on clay or grass last season. By placing them in the same quarter, the draw gods have done their best to ensure that they will meet at Indian Wells for the second straight year. Especially promising is Federer’s path, for only Ivan Dodig and the winner of Hewitt vs. Wawrinka stand between a Swiss star who looked crisp in his opening demolition of Denis Istomin. Nadal’s route looks generally benign as well on paper, but the surging Ernests Gulbis could pose a severe test if he can keep up the form that has carried him through his longest winning streak ever.
2. Will Azarenka and Wozniacki meet for the first time in two years?
The two BFFs last faced each other on this court in 2011, when Wozniacki held the #1 ranking and Azarenka faced serious questions about her physical and emotional durability. How times have changed since then. Now, Wozniacki must field questions about her continued relevance as a contender, while Azarenka has become the face of the WTA’s new generation (albeit not always the face that the WTA would want). What makes this potential quarterfinal between the last two Indian Wells champions intriguing is Wozniacki’s former control of their rivalry, which seemed not so much technical as psychological. Still undefeated this year, Vika looks nearly certain to reach that rendezvous if she can keep injuries at bay. Chronic nemesis Goerges still might intercept Caro, as might a revived Petrova.
3. Can Berdych take care of business?
As if the weakest quarter in the men’s draw needed to get any weaker, Kevin Anderson upset the only serious threat to the Czech in David Ferrer. With his route to the semifinals wide open, Berdych need not worry about anyone more dangerous than Gasquet. The Frenchman does happen to be rather dangerous at the moment, granted, since he has won two (small) titles this year and should prosper on the slow surface. But Berdych also has enjoyed a consistent season to date, so his superior weapons leave him in control of his own destiny.
4. Can Sharapova take care of business?
Lara Arruabarrena-Vecino. Sara Errani. Marion Bartoli. None of these potential pre-semifinal opponents ever has defeated Sharapova, and only once has any of them threatened her. That occasion did come recently at last year’s US Open, when Bartoli won the first set before Maria stormed back. All the same, the 2006 champion should overwhelm the Spanish journeywoman in the fourth round and rely on her dominance over those rivals to reach a third straight semifinal in the desert. Even without her best form against a top-25 opponent, Suarez Navarro, she eased through in straight sets by—as usual—growing more aggressive rather than less when the match could have tilted in either direction.
5. Should Murray’s fans be concerned?
After an easy third-round assignment, the competition will get stiff for the Scot as Nishikori and Del Potro loom. With those obstacles ahead, Murray would have benefited from a strong and efficient start to the tournament, but he didn’t get it in a three-set scare against Evgeny Donskoy. While the Russian has plenty of talent and ambition, he is not the sort of player expected to trouble one of the Big Four. Anybody and everybody has troubled Murray here recently, though, for he dropped seven consecutive sets at Indian Wells between a 2010 quarterfinal and the first set of his opener here. Hangovers from Australian Open disappointment have hampered him emotionally in those appearances, so his body language will bear watching if more sustained adversity arises. That said, he matches up extremely well to Nishikori and Del Potro, neither of whom ever has defeated him on a hard court.
6. Should Radwanska’s fans be concerned?
The sun of Indian Wells usually has not shone brightly on Radwanska, usually more successful at the tournament’s sequel in Miami. But her draw looks more comfortable than it often does, or at least it did until she toiled for two and a half hours to suppress Sorana Cirstea in the third round. The type of player whom Radwanska tends to dismantle with ease, the erratic yet powerful Romanian hit through her surprisingly often considering the court speed and her defensive skills. Radwanska also twice failed to serve out the match in the third set once she had reversed the momentum, a strange lapse for someone who has established herself as a fine competitor over the last eighteen months. Her next two projected opponents, Kirilenko and Kvitova, have spelled trouble for her at significant events before.
7. Which Novak will show up?
This question would have sounded ridiculous a set and a half into what looked like a humiliating rout of Fabio Fognini. When Djokovic threw away the second set and did not immediately reassert himself in the third, some eyebrows raised over this extended lapse. Also suggesting competitive fatigue was a minor altercation over a time violation warning that he received. Djokovic is not nearly as dangerous a player when his head is not in the right place, and early signs of trouble historically have spelled trouble later in the draw. If the man who smoothly struck every shot in the book during the first set returns, however, he will remain the title favorite. Djokovic may have time to collect himself, for his next two opponents do not look intimidating, nor did quarterfinal foe Tsonga in his convoluted victory over Blake.
8. Which Petra will show up?
Always a woman of two sides, Kvitova brought her bad version to the Australian hard courts and her good version to the Persian Gulf. As remarkable as it sounds, the same woman who won two games from Cibulkova one month came within two games of knocking off Serena (and demolished Radwanska) the next. More of a lamb than a lion in March recently, Kvitova showed some of both extremes in a three-set victory over the pedestrian Govortsova and a third-round battle with a qualifier that nearly reached a third set as well. She can contend for the title as convincingly as anyone, especially with her past success against Azarenka, but every opponent whom she faces should enter that match knowing that they have a chance.
9. Can a former US Open champion prove himself (again)?
When he knocked off Nadal and Federer in succession to win the 2009 US Open, Del Potro looked like the next big thing for the ATP. He still could be, but the odds of his becoming one of his generation’s great champions grow slimmer with every season since his wrist surgery in which the Big Four and even players like Ferrer throttle him. One of the few men who has won a major but not a Masters 1000 tournament, Del Potro may need to walk before he can run. In the peaceful environment of Indian Wells, where he has produced strong results before, he should take heart from the early frailty displayed by Djokovic and Murray.
10. Can a former US Open champion prove herself (again)?
Compared to Stosur’s recent results, those of Del Potro look positively brilliant. The 2011 US Open champion has not won a title since that miraculous breakthrough against Serena, and winning a single match lay beyond her abilities early in 2013. Unlike most players who win a major, the Aussie drew no fresh confidence from her achievement. The good news is that she finally has strung together a few victories in her recent tournaments, and a commanding victory over Keys showed form that could prove good enough to carry her through the weakest quarter in the women’s draw. When she last faced Azarenka at the US Open, Stosur extended her to a third-set tiebreak. Who knows what could happen in a semifinal against her if she accumulates some momentum before then?
11. Who will be the last American man standing?
There are two candidates left at this stage: Mardy Fish and Sam Querrey. Both find themselves uncomfortably close to Djokovic, never a good place to be. Fish is just grateful to have started to play matches again after his health scares, and anyone who believes that Querrey can become the next great American champion probably just clicked on an email from Nigeria. That said, the Californian deserves credit for surviving the elephantine serve of Ivo Karlovic, and it will be intriguing to see how he handles bearing the mantle of the top-ranked man from a nation frustrated with its tennis underachievement.
12. Who will be the last American woman standing?
Well, let’s take a look at the options. There’s Stephens and,…oh, she lost already? Anyway, there’s Keys, who…she’s gone too? Maybe Christina McHale with…hmm, Kirilenko came back? Time to do a Ctrl+F for USA on the women’s draw.
1 match. Jamie Hampton.
Enjoy the rest of the tournament, and feel free to suggest answers for questions 1-11 in the comments.
Filed Under: Chris Skelton, Latest News, Lead Story, Live Coverage Tagged With: Agnieszka Radwanska, Andy Murray, ATP, BNP Paribas Open, Caroline Wozniacki, indian wells tennis, Juan Martin del Potro, Maria Sharapova, Novak Djokovic, Petra Kvitova, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Samantha Stosur, Tomas Berdych, Victoria Azarenka, WTA
No Mirage Are These Four: ATP Indian Wells Draw Preview
March 7, 2013 by Chris Skelton
Federer couldn’t defend Rotterdam or Dubai, but can he cling to Indian Wells?
For the first time since Wimbledon 2012, all of the Big Four convene at the same tournament. We take a detailed look at a balanced Indian Wells ATP draw.
First quarter: Twice a champion at Indian Wells, Djokovic brings a perfect 2013 record to the desert following titles at the Australian Open and Dubai. Having faced Federer at neither tournament, he could face the Federer facsimile Grigor Dimitrov in the third round. While his one-handed backhand certainly spurs thoughts of the Swiss star, this young Bulgarian continues to alternate encouraging results (Brisbane final) with disappointing setbacks (first-round loss in Melbourne). The towering serve of Isner ultimately undid Djokovic in an Indian Wells semifinal last year, and Querrey’s similar game toppled him at the Paris Indoors last fall. Now the Serb can eye an opportunity for revenge in the fourth round, where he could meet the latter and will hope to stay mentally sturdier than he did against Isner here. A higher-ranked potential opponent does loom in Juan Monaco, but the world #14 has not won a match this year outside the Davis Cup as injuries have sapped his confidence. Among the intriguing first-round matches in this section is serving leviathan Karlovic against future American star and forehand howitzer Jack Sock.
Winless against the top eight from the start of 2012 until last month, Tsonga may have gained confidence from finally snapping that skid against Berdych in the Marseille final. On the other hand, he also lost immediately in Rotterdam to an unheralded opponent and thus still seems less trustworthy than most of those ranked around him. Rarely has he made an impact on Indian Wells, outside a near-upset over Nadal in 2008, but his draw looks accommodating through the first few rounds. Returning American Mardy Fish, a former finalist here, surely cannot sustain the level of tennis necessary to discomfit Tsonga at this stage of his comeback if they meet in the third round. In the opposite side of this eighth lies Milos Raonic, tasked with outslugging the more balanced but less intimidating Marin Cilic in the third round. Lesser players of note in this area include French serve-volleyer Michael Llodra, who upset Tsonga in Dubai, and Vina del Mar champion Horacio Zeballos, who has not won a match since stunning Nadal there. Although Tsonga obtained considerable success early in his career, his results against him have tapered so sharply of late that one might think Raonic the sterner test for the Serb.
Semifinalist: Djokovic
Second quarter: Assigned probably the smoothest route of any top-four man, Murray cannot expect much resistance at a tournament where he reached the final four years ago. Nevertheless, early losses to Donald Young and Guillermo Garcia-Lopez in his last two appearances illustrated the Scot’s struggle to recover from his annual late-round disappointment in Australia. Murray will want to bounce back more smoothly this time on a slow hard court that suits his counterpunching so well. Looming in the fourth round is Memphis champion Kei Nishikori, who faces a potentially edgy opening test in Tursunov. Resuscitating his career in February, the Russian reached the Marseille semifinals as a qualifier and qualified for this draw as well. The mercurial Dolgopolov, the second-most notable player whom Murray could face in the fourth round, has floundered throughout 2013 and probably lacks the steadiness to threaten either Murray or Nishikori.
Of all the seeds whom he could have faced in the third round, Del Potro surely would have wished to avoid Australian Open nemesis Jeremy Chardy. The Frenchman receded into obscurity again after reaching the quarterfinals there, but he may hold the mental edge over Del Potro should each win his opener. Not since his first appearance in the desert five years ago, though, has the Tower of Tandil tumbled to anyone other than Federer or Nadal, and he has taken care of business against lower-ranked players with impressive consistency over the last year. One of the most compelling third rounds in the men’s draw could pit Almagro against Haas in a clash of exquisite one-handed backhands and volatile shot-making arsenals. The eleventh-seeded Spaniard has produced an early 2013 campaign inspiring and deflating in equal measure, but his Australian Open quarterfinal (nearly a semifinal) reminded viewers what a threat he can pose away from clay with his underrated serve. Accustomed to wearing down mentally dubious opponents, Murray should handle either Almagro or Haas with ease, and he compiled a flawless hard-court record against Del Potro even during the latter’s 2009 heights.
Semifinalist: Murray
Third quarter: The section without any member of the Big Four often offers the most notable storylines of the early rounds, although Ferrer succeeded in living up to his top-four seed at both of the majors where he has held it. Never at his best in the desert, however, he may find his transition from clay to hard courts complicated by the two towering servers whom he could face at the outset in Kevin Anderson and Igor Sijsling. The latter upset Tsonga and nearly Cilic last month, while the former started the year impressively by reaching the second week of the Australian Open before injury sidelined him. Curiously, the fourth round might hold a less formidable test for Ferrer because his grinding game matches up more effectively to the two seeds projected there, Simon or Kohlschreiber. The quirky Benoit Paire and the lanky lefty from Luxembourg, Gilles Muller, add some individuality to an otherwise monochrome section, as does the invariably entertaining but terminally fading Verdasco.
Berdych may loom above the opposite eighth, considering his two February finals in strong fields at Marseille and Dubai. But an equally intriuging storyline may come from Jerzy Janowicz, still attempting to find his footing in the crucial post-breakthrough period when players encounter scrutiny for which they are not yet prepared. The next several months could prove critical for Janowicz in consolidating his seeded status, and he will deserve credit if he emerges from a neighborhood filled with diverse talent. Nalbandian could await in his opener, and the trio of Bellucci, Tomic, and Gasquet will vie for the right to face the Pole in the third round. Twice a titlist in 2013 already, the last of that trio has retained his top-ten ranking for a long time without scording a signature victory. Such a win could come in the quarterfinals if he can solve Berdych, unlikely to expend much energy before that stage against the likes of Troicki and Florian Mayer. The heavier serve of the Czech should propel him through on a hard court, though, as it should against a fourth seed who has not played as crisply this year as his results suggest.
Semifinalist: Berdych
Fourth quarter: Defending champion Federer can anticipate his first quarterfinal meeting with archrival Nadal in the history of their rivalry, but a few obstacles await before then. Like Del Potro, the second seed probably drew the least auspicious third-round opponent imaginable in Benneteau, who nearly upset him at Wimbledon last year and succeeded in finishing the job at Rotterdam last month. Federer obtained avenge for a February 2012 setback against Isner at Indian Wells a month later, so he can seek similar revenge this year. A rematch of last year’s final beckons against Isner himself in the fourth round, although little about the American’s recent form can infuse his fans with confidence that he even can reach that stage. Much more consistent this year is Stanislas Wawrinka, the Swiss #2 who played the most thrilling match of the Australian Open against Djokovic and backed it up with a February final. This section also features the most curious match on Thursday, an encounter between the battered Hewitt and the one-match wonder Lukas Rosol that should offer a clash of playing styles and personalities. Despite falling short of the final in his first three tournaments, Federer looks fully capable of sealing his side of the rendezvous with Nadal.
Not in much greater doubt is Rafa’s side of that appointment, for he could face no opponent more intimidating that Tipsarevic through the first four rounds. Young American Ryan Harrison looks set to become Nadal’s first hard-court opponent of 2013 (exhibitions aside), and his woeful results of the last several months intersect with a non-competitive effort against Djokovic in Melbourne to suggest a lack of confidence fatal here. While Youzhny has enjoyed several successes and near-successes against the Spaniard before, the Russian has left his prime several years behind him and lacks the power to outhit him for a full match. Hampered by injuries recently, the ninth-seeded Tipsarevic never has tested Nadal in their previous meetings and should count himself lucky to reach that projected meeting. The Serb’s current four-match losing streak could reach five in an opener against lefty serve-volleyer Feliciano Lopez or Delray Beach champion Gulbis, who carries a ten-match winning streak of his own. Either the winner of that first-round meeting or the unpredictable Baghdatis seems a safer bet than Tipsarevic to meet Nadal one match before Federer. Afterwards, the Swiss should repeat his victory in their semifinal last year.
Semifinalist: Federer
Check out the companion piece that we wrote yesterday to preview the women’s draw if you enjoyed this article.
Filed Under: Chris Skelton, Latest News, Lead Story, Live Coverage Tagged With: alexander dolgopolov, Andy Murray, ATP, benoit paire, Bernard Tomic, BNP Paribas Open, David Ferrer, David Nalbandian, Dmitry Tursunov, Ernests Gulbis, Feliciano Lopez, Fernando Verdasco, Florian Mayer, Gilles Muller, Grigor Dimitrov, Horacio Zeballos, Igor Sijsling, indian wells tennis, Ivo Karlovic, jack sock, Janko Tipsarevic, Jeremy Chardy, Jerzy Janowicz, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, John Isner, Juan Martin del Potro, Juan Monaco, Julien Benneteau, Kei Nishikori, Kevin Anderson, Lleyton Hewitt, Lukas Rosol, Marcos Baghdatis, Mardy Fish, Marin Cilic, Masters 1000, Michael Llodra, Mikhail Youzhny, Milos Raonic, Nicolas Almagro, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Richard Gasquet, Roger Federer, Ryan Harrison, Sam Querrey, Stanislas Wawrinka, Thomaz Bellucci, Tomas Berdych, Tommy Haas, Viktor Troicki
Their Just Deserts: The Mega WTA Indian Wells Draw Preview
Will Vika hang on to her hardware here as well as she did in Melbourne?
Read about what to expect from the first Premier Mandatory tournament of 2013 as we break down each quarter of the WTA Indian Wells draw in detail!
First quarter: For the second straight year, Azarenka arrives in the desert with a perfect season record that includes titles at the Australian Open and the Premier Five tournament in Doha. Able to defend those achievements, she eyes another prestigious defense at Indian Wells on a surface that suits her balanced hybrid of offense and defense as well as any other. In her opener, she could face the only woman in the draw who has won multiple titles here, Daniela Hantuchova, although the more recent of her pair came six long years ago. Since reaching the second week of the Australian Open, Kirsten Flipkens staggered to disappointing results in February, so Azarenka need not expect too stern a test from the Belgian. Of perhaps greater concern is a rematch of her controversial Melbourne semifinal against Sloane Stephens, who aims to bounce back from an injury-hampered span with the encouragement of her home crowd. Heavy fan support for the opponent can fluster Azarenka, or it can bring out her most ferocious tennis, which makes that match one to watch either way. Of some local interest is the first-round match between Jamie Hampton, who won a set from Vika in Melbourne, and Kuala Lumpur runner-up Mattek-Sands.
The most intriguing first-round match in the lower section of this quarter pits Laura Robson against the blistering backhands of Sofia Arvidsson. In fact, plenty of imposing two-handers highlight that neighborhood with those of Julia Goerges and the tenth-seeded Petrova also set to shine. The slow courts of Indian Wells might not suit games so high on risk and low on consistency, possibly lightening the burden on former champion Wozniacki. Just two years ago, the Dane won this title as the world #1, and she reached the final in 2010 with her characteristic counterpunching. Downed relatively early in her title defense last year, she has shown recent signs of regrouping with strong performances at the Persian Gulf tournaments in February. On the other hand, a quick loss as the top seed in Kuala Lumpur reminded viewers that her revival remains a work in progress. She has not faced Azarenka since the latter’s breakthrough in mid-2011, so a quarterfinal between them would offer fascinating evidence as to whether Caro can preserve her mental edge over her friend.
Semifinalist: Azarenka
Second quarter: Unremarkable so far this year, Kerber has fallen short of the form that carried her to a 2012 semifinal here and brings a three-match losing streak to the desert. Even with that recent history, she should survive early tests from opponents like Heather Watson and the flaky Wickmayer before one of two fellow lefties poses an intriguing challenge in the fourth round. For the second straight year, Makarova reached the Australian Open quarterfinals, and her most significant victory there came against Kerber in a tightly contested match of high quality. Dogged by erratic results, this Russian may find this surface too slow for her patience despite the improved defense and more balanced weapons that she showed in Melbourne. Another woman who reached the second week there, Bojana Jovanovski, hopes to prove that accomplishment more than just a quirk of fate, which it seems so far. Also in this section is the enigmatic Safarova, a woman of prodigious talent but few results to show for it. If she meets Makarova in the third round, an unpredictable clash could ensue, after which the winner would need to break down Kerber’s counterpunching.
Stirring to life in Doha and Dubai, where she reached the quarterfinals at both, Stosur has played much further below her ranking this year than has Kerber. A disastrous Australian season and Fed Cup weekend have started to fade a bit, however, for a woman who has reached the Indian Wells semifinals before. Stosur will welcome the extra time that the court gives her to hit as many forehands as possible, but she may not welcome a draw riddled with early threats. At the outset, the US Open champion could face American phenom Madison Keys, who raised eyebrows when she charged within a tiebreak of the semifinals in a strong Sydney draw. The feisty Peng, a quarterfinalist here in 2011, also does not flinch when facing higher-ranked opponents, so Stosur may breathe a sigh of relief if she reaches the fourth round. Either of her likely opponents there shares her strengths of powerful serves and forehands as well as her limitations in mobility and consistency. Losing her only previous meeting with Mona Barthel, on the Stuttgart indoor clay, Ivanovic will seek to reverse that result at a tournament where she usually has found her most convincing tennis even in her less productive periods. Minor injuries have nagged her lately, while Barthel has reached two finals already in 2013 (winning one), so this match could prove compelling if both silence other powerful servers around them, like Lucie Hradecka.
Semifinalist: Ivanovic
Third quarter: Another woman who has reached two finals this year (winning both), the third-seeded Radwanska eyes perhaps the easiest route of the elite contenders. Barring her path to the fourth round are only a handful of qualifiers, an anonymous American wildcard, an aging clay specialist who has not won a match all year, and the perenially underachieving Sorana Cirstea. Radwanska excels at causing raw, error-prone sluggers like Cirstea to implode, and she will face nobody with the sustained power and accuracy to overcome her in the next round either. In that section, Christina McHale attempts to continue a comeback from mono that left her without a victory for several months until a recent breakthrough, and Maria Kirilenko marks her return from injury that sidelined her after winning the Pattaya City title. Although she took Radwanska deep into the final set of a Wimbledon quarterfinal last year, and defeated her at a US Open, the Russian should struggle if rusty against the more confident Aga who has emerged since late 2011. Can two grass specialists, Pironkova and Paszek, cause a stir in this quiet section?
Not much more intimidating is the route that lies before the section’s second highest-ranked seed, newly minted Dubai champion Kvitova. Although she never has left a mark on either Indian Wells or Miami, Kvitova suggested that she had ended her habitual struggles in North America by winning the US Open Series last summer with titles in Montreal and New Haven. Able to enter and stay in torrid mode like the flip of a switch, she aims to build on her momentum from consecutive victories over three top-ten opponents there. The nearest seeded opponent to Kvitova, Yaroslava Shvedova, has struggled to string together victories since her near-upset of Serena at Wimbledon, although she nearly toppled Kvitova in their most recent meeting at Roland Garros. Almost upsetting Azarenka near this time a year ago, Cibulkova looks to repeat her upset over the Czech in Sydney when they meet in the fourth round. Just reaching that stage would mark a step forward for her, though, considering her failure to build upon her runner-up appearance there and the presence of ultra-steady Zakopalova. Having dominated Radwanska so thoroughly in Dubai, Kvitova should feel confident about that test.
Semifinalist: Kvitova
Fourth quarter: Semifinalist in 2011, finalist in 2012, champion in 2013? Before she can think so far ahead, the second-seeded Sharapova must maneuver past a string of veteran Italians and other clay specialists like Suarez Navarro. Aligned to meet in the first round are the former Fed Cup teammates Pennetta and Schiavone in one of Wednesday’s most compelling matches, but the winner vanishes directly into Sharapova’s jaws just afterwards. The faltering Varvara Lepchenko could meet the surging Roberta Vinci, who just reached the semifinals in Dubai with victories over Kuznetsova, Kerber, and Stosur. Like Kvitova, then, she brings plenty of positive energy to a weak section of the draw, where her subtlety could carry her past the erratic or fading players around her. But Sharapova crushed Vinci at this time last year, and she never has found even a flicker of self-belief against the Russian.
Once notorious for the catfights that flared between them, Jankovic and Bartoli could extend their bitter rivalry in the third round at a tournament where both have reached the final (Jankovic winning in 2010, Bartoli falling to Wozniacki a year later). Between them stands perhaps a more convincing dark horse candidate in Kuznetsova, not far removed from an Australian Open quarterfinal appearance that signaled her revival. Suddenly striking the ball with confidence and even—gasp—a modicum of thoughtfulness, she could draw strength from the memories of her consecutive Indian Wells finals in 2007-08. If Kuznetsova remains young enough to recapture some of her former prowess, her compatriot Pavlyuchenkova also has plenty of time to rebuild a career that has lain in ruins for over a year. By playing close to her potential, she could threaten Errani despite the sixth seed’s recent clay title defense in Acapulco. Not in a long time has anyone in this area challenged Sharapova, though.
Semifinalist: Sharapova
Come back tomorrow before the start of play in the men’s draw to read a similar breakdown!
Filed Under: Chris Skelton, Latest News, Lead Story, Live Coverage Tagged With: Agnieszka Radwanska, Ana Ivanovic, Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, angelique kerber, Bethanie Mattek-Sands, BNP Paribas Open, Bojana Jovanovski, Carla Suarez Navarro, Caroline Wozniacki, Christina McHale, Daniela Hantuchova, Dominika Cibulkova, Ekaterina Makarova, Flavia Pennetta, Francesca Schiavone, Hsieh Su-Wei, indian wells tennis, jamie hampton, Jelena Jankovic, julia goerges, Kirsten Flipkens, Klara Zakopalova, Ksenia Pervak, Laura Robson, Lucie Hradecka, Lucie Safarova, Madison Keys, Maria Kirilenko, Maria Sharapova, Marion Bartoli, Mona Barthel, Nadia Petrova, Peng Shuai, Petra Kvitova, Premier Mandatory, Samantha Stosur, Sara Errani, Sloane Stephens, Sofia Arvidsson, Sorana Cirstea, Svetlana Kuznetsova, Tamira Paszek, Tennis, Tsvetana Pironkova, Varvara Lepchenko, Victoria Azarenka, WTA, Yanina Wickmayer, Yaroslava Shvedova, Zheng Jie
The Elite Eight: Players Seeking the Indian Wells/Miami Double
Is Novak destined for another double-double this year?
More remarkable than any feat in tennis outside the majors, the Indian Wells-Miami double title requires many factors to fall together for those who would complete it: sustained form across twelve matches, resilient fitness in heat and humidity, efficiency in early rounds, the ability to raise one’s level in later rounds, adjustments to contrasting playing styles, and—perhaps—a bit of luck from fortuitous upsets late in the draw. Since Federer completed a stunning pair of doubles in 2005-06, only one player on either Tour has matched his accomplishment, but several have come close. We take a look at each of the leading threats to rampage through March in both the ATP and WTA.
ATP:
Djokovic: The aforementioned architect of an Indian Wells/Miami double, the Serb demonstrated his improved fitness by sweeping these arduous draws early in his spectacular 2011 campaign. Even before he became the fearsome member of the big four, moreover, he came within a match of the same feat by finishing runner-up at the first and champion at the latter in 2007. Last year, Djokovic came within a tiebreak of the Indian Wells final before defending his Miami crown. The slow courts should favor his more physical style over Federer’s preference for short points, and he currently holds the momentum in his rivalry against Murray with three straight victories. Entering the Dubai semifinals, Djokovic had won 16 straight matches and 26 of his last 27, opening a massive lead as world #1.
Murray: Four years ago, he came within a win of the double when he fell to Nadal in the Indian Wells final before sweeping Del Potro and Djokovic to win Miami. Often at his best on North American hard courts, Murray has won six of his eight Masters 1000 titles there—but has lost three straight matches at Indian Wells, where he has advanced past the quarterfinals just once That futility in the desert, which should suit a high-percentage game adaptable to variable conditions, has stemmed from emotional hangovers after losses in the Australian Open final. Although he lost there again this year, Murray seemed less distraught afterward, so he could bounce back sooner. He might well avoid long-time nemesis Nadal at both events but probably will have to reconquer the Djoker at least once.
Berdych: A Miami finalist in 2010, he never has reached the final at either of the tournaments in any other year and has won just one Masters 1000 shield. Nevertheless, Berdych has grown more consistent in the last several months against players outside the elite, and he will take comfort from the knowledge that he may not face either Federer or Nadal. Securing his fair share of success against Murray over the years, he never has defeated Djokovic on a hard court. For a player of his size and (limited) mobility, Berdych handles slow courts unusually well because his groundstrokes still can power through them, while he often will have the time to run around his backhand for forehands.
Del Potro: The only active major champion outside the Big Four, he does own a somewhat recent victory over Djokovic and momentum against Federer following two victories last fall. But Del Potro never has defeated either Djokovic or Murray on an outdoor hard court, at least pending his Dubai semifinal against the former. Most of his notable successes have come on faster courts like those at the US Open or the year-end championships, where his forehand can break open rallies more quickly. Although his fitness has proved unreliable in the heat, his four-title surge during the summer of 2008 showed that he can stay torrid for a long time when his game starts to sizzle.
Federer cannot complete the double because he has not entered Miami. Nadal? Well, he remains entered in both tournaments as of this writing and thus will have a chance to complete a feat that he never quite has approached. In the reality of his comeback, however, Nadal surely cannot sweep twelve straight hard-court matches in elite draws and conclude an exhausting four weeks by winning Miami for the first time after losing three finals there. Nor might he want that accomplishment, for it surely would drain him before the crucial clay season.
WTA:
Sharapova: Within one win of a 2006 double, when she won Indian Wells and finished runner-up to Kuznetsova in Miami, she has produced outstanding results at each of the March mini-majors in the last two years. Denied only in the finals of both 2012 tournaments, Sharapova has started this year with a relentlessness similar to what she showed last year despite a surprising loss to Li Na in the Australian Open semifinals. She has not defeated Azarenka on an outdoor hard court since 2009, but she towers above the rest of the Indian Wells field in credentials. Much more complicated is Miami, where she has lost all four of her finals and must hope for someone else to dispatch Serena.
Azarenka: Undefeated entering Indian Wells for the second straight year, she often has raced to a fast start early in the season before losing momentum as injuries accumulate. Last year, she won Indian Wells with ease but arrived significantly depleted in Miami, where she could not survive the quarterfinals. The world #2 shares Djokovic’s affinity for a surface that showcases her transitions from defense to offense as well as her returning prowess. Apparent niggles with her fitness already have surfaced this year in every tournament that she has played, however, leaving her durability still in doubt. Rarely has she won titles in consecutive weeks.
Radwanska: By contrast, the Pole whom Azarenka ruthlessly has suppressed since the start of 2012 has demonstrated her ability to win key titles in consecutive weeks. Radwanska swept the Premier Five/Premier Mandatory pair of Tokyo and Beijing in 2011, catalyzing a surge that has not yet ended, and she should welcome the slow courts. The defending champion in Miami, where she defeated Venus and Sharapova last year, she should approach the pressure of that status with her characteristic tenacity. But Radwanska has reached a major semifinal only once because of her failure to outlast the WTA’s fiercest aggressors through a seven-round tournament, and the same pattern might undo her in the attempt to win consecutive six-round tournaments against the best in the sport.
Kvitova: Feckless in North America until last year, she suddenly erupted during the US Open Series with two titles and a semifinal. Kvitova can tear through a draw or multiple draws without warning, as she showed by emerging from a slump to claim the Premier title in Dubai without dropping a set, including a victory over Radwanska. She never has defeated Serena and has struggled lately against Sharapova, while she astonishingly has not faced Azarenka since the latter’s rise early last year. More dangerous with every round that she advances further into a tournament, Kvitova will hope to avoid dark horses early in both draws and find the patience necessary to win rallies on the slow courts.
Among the key reasons why no woman has completed the double lately is the presence of the Williams sisters in Miami but not in Indian Wells. Their dominance at the former tournament, near their Palm Beach Gardens home, once inevitably forestalled the champion of the desert from repeating in Miami. While the tottering Venus probably cannot win a title of this magnitude, Serena remains the favorite at any non-clay tournament that she enters when healthy. Healthy she may not be, considering her injury-hampered hobbles through Melbourne and Doha, but the month of rest since the latter tournament may have allowed the world #1 to recover.
Filed Under: Chris Skelton, Latest News, Lead Story Tagged With: Agnieszka Radwanska, Andy Murray, ATP, indian wells tennis, Juan Martin del Potro, Maria Sharapova, Masters 1000, miami tennis, Novak Djokovic, Petra Kvitova, Premier Mandatory, Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Tennis, Tomas Berdych, Venus Williams, Victoria Azarenka, WTA
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Fields That Demand Integrity
Kevin Drum questions my most recent post on the NEA conference call. In it I wrote:
…the call wasn’t about furthering controversial elements of President Obama’s agenda, but it was about deliberately politicizing art — that is to say, encouraging artists to advance particular public policy goals rather than enabling them to spend their time and energy creating works of truth or beauty to the best of their ability….It is that effort that I find objectionable, as should anyone who values art or the autonomy or creative people.
Mr. Drum replies:
So if this conference call had been with, say, a bunch of educator types, urging them to promote public service among schoolkids, would that have been OK? Or how about law enforcement groups? Or veterans groups?
Because I don’t quite see the difference. Artists don’t exist on some kind of pristine plane of their own and they don’t do their work in a vacuum. They’re all part of the same culture as the rest of us, and they react to it and try to influence it just like everyone else.
Look. Were high school civics teachers asked by Department of Education bureaucrats to tweak their lectures and pedagogical material to make volunteering seem cool, I’d object to that too — though if a “volunteering outreach czar” independently encouraged a bunch of teachers to promote service opportunities by hanging pre-printed posters on bulletin boards within their classrooms, I’d likely count myself untroubled.
In the former example, the actual job of the teacher — educating children based on facts and sound pedagogy — is corrupted. It is made subservient to a propaganda effort. Even worse, that effort is being coordinated by administrators who ought to count educating as their sacrosanct, undiluted goal, one that is incompatible with pushing propaganda efforts on the side.
Perhaps my interlocutors can better understand my concern if I use a journalistic example. Imagine that the Queen of England and President Obama are touting a new effort to reduce the rate of smoking. Via government officials close to those leaders, the heads of the BBC and NPR are informed of the effort, and asked to coordinate a conference call to include all journalists in the news organizations. On the call, the reporters are encouraged to make smoking seem uncool in their stories. Does everyone agree that it is inappropriate for the head of a news organization to abet that type of request, and that insofar as it is honored, the journalism produced — and the core reason for the news organization’s existence — will have been corrupted?
Artists aren’t uniquely apolitical people, nor are they so fragile that they demand kid gloves, but there is a relevant quality at stake here that is common to art, education, journalism, and science — all are pursuits that require integrity if they are to maintain their worth. It is in society’s interest to preserve this worth — indeed it is so valuable that people are always trying to co-opt it for their own ends.
Just as the university operates on the proposition that it is valuable to preserve places in society where truth and knowledge are pursued for their own sake, the NEA exists in part for the sake of uncorrupted art. The university administrator would undermine his mission if he asked his leading professors, “In the course of your social science scholarship, could you play up the importance and coolness of volunteerism?” So too, the NEA administrator undermines his mission when he asks, “In the course of making your art, could you make volunteering cool?”
Your interlocutors aren’t going to get it, and unfortunately due to your political allegiances they’re not going to hear it coming from you.
And this is (yet another example of the of) NEA functioning to preserve the status quo, exactly as it is intended to do.
It’s bread and fucking circles for the chattering classes.
— Tony Comstock · Sep 30, 11:45 AM · #
Drum has been bizzare on this. He asks that question, and the obious answer is, yes! You don’t ask law enforcement or education or HHS to “push the president and push his administration.” Maybe you set a big set of priorities at the Cabinet level (“we’ll be hiring a bunch of dudes to work on Internet child porn and reassigning some other dudes from anti-terrorism cases to that” or “we’d like to encourage charter schools”) (and damn if I know what a federal “veteran’s group” is) but then people sit at their jobs and, as I’ve now pointed out too many times, don’t think about the President’s political agenda. Period.
What’s funny is, Drum (correctly) pounded Bush and co. for trying to get the Justice Department (“law enforcement groups”) to “push the President and push his administration.” It’s amazing how fast the standard has changed.
Tony, I see the point you’re trying to make but I can’t see how it’s right. I’m most comfortable talking about jazz and maybe modern dance and at least in those cases it’s wrong to see federal funds as enshrining some kind of mainstream and crowding out new visions.
The reason for that is the NEA money pot really is small and the mechanism for leveraging them (when some idiot administrator isn’t trying to leverage them politically) has to do with a lot of partnering with and support to smaller (and often local) organizations, which do the bulk of the lifting. So the NEA supports, for example, the Monk Institute, which is one of the big ways a young musician with new ideas is going to get heard. The NEA basically routes money to organizations run by the field’s Great and Good and so they decide what’s artistically worthy.
To which you could easily answer, yeah, and that’s the problem, because it’s inherently status quo — the current leaders in the field are going to be conservative and want to fund what sounds like them. That’s a good argument but the first place it falls down is, I think even without government funding that’s going to nail you: arts are, yeah, dominated by schools and ideas and to have a good chance of making it you’d better find a signifcant critic who wants to push you or get respect from a school/tradition with some clout. Or luck out and find yourself a powerful patron. It was ever thus, and we may not have had Michelangelo without Julius nor Faulkner without Crowley. Sucks.
But the other place it seems to fall down, at least in jazz, is that the eminences grises seem to be pretty quick to enthusastically support new ideas and outsiders. You hear some amazing and really fucked-up stuff coming out of the Monk Institute or Berklee. I’ve had the pleasure of speaking with old tigers of bygone decades like Kenny Burrell and Herbie Hancock and all those guys seem acutely aware and interested in the avant-garde and support the hell out of every new thing they hear, and they seem to’ve maintainted constant communication with the more avant-garde and less well exposed of the previous generation as well (say Arthur Blythe or Julius Hemphill or Henry Threadgill or David S. Ware). Those guys seem as aware of the “fringe” and the counter-revolutionaries as any of the crowd you used to see at the Knit.
The counter to this I suppose is that there’s always the NEA/NEH backing of the Wynton Marsalis/Stanley Crouch arts purity patrol (and their big assist from Ken Burns) and I think that’s a perfect example of the kind of damage you’re worried about. But much as I hate those guys I just don’t see it as so damaging: there was a big pushback from the jazz community (still going on) and do I really think that those guys’ agenda killed off the form? Not really: you had Matthew Shipp and John Zorn and Ben Monder and Maria Schneider and M-BASE and all kinds of fucked-up stuff come out while they were pushing it, and I find it hard to believe that the American music audience is awake enough that those fringe players would have had more support than they did if there’d been no Lincoln Center. It also helped that the eminences grises are, as I said, exceptional (it’s hard to take seriously Wynton Masralis condemning work of a type, say, Roy Haynes or Ornette Coleman seems interested in: I mean, in that company, who the fuck is Marsalis?) So I guess we’re a little dependent on great artists continuing to be interested in great art even if it defies theirs — but again, it was ever thus, and I don’t believe that throwing of some public support behind those great artists (1) squashes a lot of dissent (the marketplace does that: congrats on your empty pop and snoozer smooth jazz, bitches) nor (2) represents an unwise allocation of funds. And in fact when Crouch decided to take on Dave Douglas, who’d become a stadard bearer of some of the new avant-garde (and a guy who’s interested in promoting every kind of weird shit: I went to pick him up once and he was talking with a hotel clerk about Qawwali music, then you’d see him at Down Home records all the time), Crouch got rapidly and solidly defenestrated.
Even attempts to rigidify the form are hard to sustain. You went through a brief period of a lot of extraordinarily talented young lions playing stuff so drearily formulaic and passe under the 1980’s-early ’90s return to “purity” that one feared for creativity, but in the end they, and jazz, broke out. It’s hard to keep talent down!
It helps that NEA seems to recognize this problem. As I recall, one of the very first NEA Jazz Masters was Sun Ra! And Ornette Coleman! And that while the neo-classicsts were just getting enthroned, and Wynton was going around running his mouth to the gravely nodding “chattering class” about how, well, that stuff’s not real jazz. The system seems to be working!
So, it’s not that I trust the government: it’s that I trust a lot of the small arts organizations out there, and what you want (and try to get) is an NEA director/Smithsonian director/ etc. who’s not so much a political flack but rather someone extensively networked in that community — and the prferences of those people, even without the NEA, are going to doiminate, no?
All this argumentation fails if the Great and Good old men (and women) of jazz are so much more farsighted and accepting than those of (say) film. I accept that that’s possible.
— Sanjay · Sep 30, 01:53 PM · #
Sanjay, you just sooooo don’t get it, and I honestly don’t know what words I could string together to help you get it, except to say that your “arguments” are mired in status quo assumptions, and that’s the whole fucking point. In the world as you imagine it, everything you say is mostly true, except the whole fucking point of Important Art is to imagine worlds that don’t exist yet. So the NEA is successfully fostering a thriving and forward looking jazz scene. Wonderfuckingful. Are your horizons really that small?
I don’t care about jazz surviving and thriving, and I sure as hell don’t care about film surviving and thriving. Fuck jazz and fuck film too. I do care about the gubberment picking winners and losers, or even having their thumb on the scale.
— Tony Comstock · Sep 30, 02:33 PM · #
But I guess that;s my point: I don’t think the government is picking winners and losers. I think they’re handing clout to arts organizations like the Monk institute, and letting them pick winners and losers. And I think that, that arts organizations and established artists/critics “pick winners and losers,” has always been the case. Young? Play guitar? Have good ideas? Then you better try to get Berklee — not the government, Berklee — to agree with you or you have a real harder uphill climb than you already do. The government is now making that differential stronger, but it’s not picking the winners and losers: Berklee is.
And this is what makes me crazy, why is it that Jim Manzi can understand marginal effects and under this rubric he can make cogent appeals cogent (if not convincing to me) appeals about being cautious about carbon and climate change, but can’t even acknowledge marginal effects of laws related to culture.
Why is it you, Sanjay, can completely torpedo Jim’s TOE/Fitness/God nonsense, but can’t apply the same rigor to the cultural eugenics you advocate for?
It’s the last 10% that kills, and that’s why the NEA “powerful leverage” is so destructive.
Am I missing something? Tony, for someone as battered by the “eugenics” of the corporate-controlled marketplace, you seem surprisingly forgiving of it. I’m sure you don’t think there is someplace that exists outside of interests and power and selection? Certainly the NEA exists in the final analysis to support the status quo – I would hardly expect government funded insurrectionist pamphlets to start coming around – and I’m not surprised at all to hear an administration trying to put certain values and messages on the NEA agenda. I worked for PBS during the Bush years after all. But there is interesting art that emerges from the unruly edges of a process like this – just as it does on the edges of the marketplace – artists will be artists. And I’m glad there are institutions beyond the corporate and religious making rain for artists.
— Chris Lucas · Sep 30, 03:33 PM · #
Chris! So glad you stopped by this thread. For the benefit of TAS, Chris has been one of the most important voices of devil’s advocacy in my developing my TITA presentation, and it and I benefited richly from his various challenges and provocations!
RE: Am I missing something?
Well in a word, yes. I would never call the corporate-controlled marketplace “cultural eugenics”. Until it’s backed by a monopoly on violence, a breeding program is just a breeding program.
RE: PBS
Don’t get me started
RE: Institutions
Says Conor: “the NEA exists in part for the sake of uncorrupted art.”
I deeply and profoundly reject the notion that commerce is corrupting. More over, I would argue that in the realm of something as ephemeral as “artistic merit” or cultural significance” it is insulation from commerce that is corrupting.
It’s mind-boggling to me that, in a world where Kanye West sells millions of records, Miley Cyrus sells out arenas at $500 a ticket, and Michael Bay can reliably churn out blockbusters, someone can actually say with a straight face that art is a ‘field that demands integrity.’ If anything, it’s striking how well art can function with absolutely no integrity at all.
And the NEA’s budget isn’t ‘modest’; it’s a complete joke. $150 million in a country of 300 million people with a per-capita income of $50,000 is less than a rounding error. If 1% of the people in this country decided to spend 1/10 of 1% of their income (i.e. $50 a year) on Important Art Uncorrupted By Politics, they could completely replace the NEA’s budget, grants, local partnerships, administration, paperclips, everything. Take the time you’ll spend ranting about keeping art pure from government influence, go take orders at McDonald’s instead, and you’ll earn more than that. Eminem’s broke-ass fans have figured out how to keep him in mansions and limos without corrupting his artistic vision, yet somehow the supergenius PhD’s who love experimental jazz and modern dance can’t figure out what it takes to keep the musicians and dancers they love both fed and uncorrupted, except to bitch and bitch and bitch (on a blog!).
— Bo · Sep 30, 04:02 PM · #
And less I be accuse of not accounting for the negative space around my position, I don’t think there’s any great damage done by the government funding of cultural institutions; schools, museums, performance spaces, etc; and in fact I think it’s valuable.
I think the government should be out of the business of funding new work. Yes, I understand that’s going to make for some blurry lines here and there. That’s not what I’m talking about.
“Eminem’s broke-ass fans have figured out how to keep him in mansions and limos without corrupting his artistic vision, yet somehow the supergenius PhD’s who love experimental jazz and modern dance can’t figure out what it takes to keep the musicians and dancers they love both fed and uncorrupted, except to bitch and bitch and bitch (on a blog!).”
I hate to repeat myself, Conor, but did you look at the names of the people on the call? They were mostly an assortment of commercial artists, designers, ad agencies, media figures, promoters, publicists, etc. They’re not the kind of folks who spend their days reflecting on truth and beauty. Most of their day job work is about communicating specific messages on behalf of clients. So to keep pushing this as an “artistic integrity” issue is just willful ignorance.
Furthermore, the call happened because community arts folks had been asking for these kinds of opportunities, looking for ways to take a greater role in public life.
— Kevin Erickson · Sep 30, 05:16 PM · #
Tony, you can’t have it both ways: either you take Bo’s value and say it’s a piddling amount of money, why can’t you make it some other way, or you say, no it has a HUGE impact.
And it does have a HUGE impact: Bo, you’re just wrong. It’s not like I wouldn’t like the NEA’s budget to be an order of magnitude bigger (and on trends before it got bogged down in the culture wars, it probably would’ve been — which is why the administration’s bungling here is alarming). But it’s large.
It’s large because it serves very few people and it does so where monies are few, at large return for money. I mean, if I ran down the street, knocked on doors, and asked how many families had been to an art museum in the past two years, my guess is I’d be lucky to get about 2.5%. Same for seeing a symphony orchestra, or a dance performance. You are serving very very few people.
And the income expectations aren’t the same. You open with Miley Cyrus, Kanye West, Michael Bay. Well, sure. The biggest names among the jazz guys don’t move money in that league. My guess would be that Ornette Coleman’s yearly earnings are a “rounding error” relative to Miley Cyrus’. But that’s why Coleman is in NEA’s bailiwick and Cyrus isn’t: when they give here some sort of Master’s award you’ll have a point. So: it’s big money because it’s a very small population and a few-orders-of-magnitude lower earnings expectation. I mean, I’ve been in Joe Henderson’s house. “Eminem” wouldn’t have used it for a garage. If Pearl jam gets back together after years and records a crap album there’ll be reviews everywhere, even from otherwise smart people like Suderman. When Human Feel got back together after years and recorded a very interesting album there’s nothing even though Eddie Vedder, on the best day of his life, isn’t half the guitarist Rosenwinkel is. Similarly I can’t imagine anyone thinking USA, which Matt Frost was at some point reading, isn’t great art, but you’d better believe that the entire money that’s been spent buying it over the last decade is less than they’ll spend picking cover art for the next stool Dan Brown passes. The art we’re talking about — the art that’s relevant here — does have integrity, and operates on a tiny budget. I mean, shit, man, I’ve seen Ron Carter — Ron fucking Carter — thinking through options to fix up a bass that broke while on a plane, and worrying about what each cost!
But the biggest reason it’s a lot of money is where it goes. I do shell out — in money and in kind — for arts charities and I buy tickets to jazz festivals, and there’s money from me and people like me. But as I pointed out before that’s not what NEA does. I had a buddy who tried to set up an annual Oakland Jazz Festival: got a lot of in-kind donations and the like but couldn’t get federal money ‘cause, well, it’s in Oakland. SFJAZZ didn’t used to get NEA money either. On the other hand if you want to keep a jazz program running in rural Nebraska: that’s why we have an NEA. And then they’ll typically provide funding that goes in with your local organization and its existing fund base, and give you a forum so you can tell artists you’re there. The NEA doesn’t bring Chick Corea to Manhattan, so much as it helps keep jazz piano clinics going in Dayton. That’s the kind of thing it’s hard to do with my money (say) because I don’t have contacts there and, oh please God, never will.
In symphonic music it’s worse. Even in major cities, without some kind of large charitable donation, orchestras almost won’t play modern composers at all! It won’t draw the crowds another frickin’ Mozart fesitval will. That form would be completely, totally dead without funding from groups like NEA.
NEA knows this. They’ve taken a lot of deserved pride in how much art simply wouldn’t exist without their help.
It’s cheap but supportable! Keeping antiquities safe in Baghdad, say, would’ve costed piss. A “rounding error” relative to all the other invasion costs. And most of us think it’s scandalous that it wasn’t done. Well, this is the same: our cultural treasures aren’t what the Dirty Projectors produce, they’re what Uri Caine produces: and we value them, and want them to be accessible, at least a little, to as many of our people as possible.
“It’s cheap but supportable! Keeping antiquities safe in Baghdad, say, would’ve costed piss. A “rounding error” relative to all the other invasion costs.”
Agreed. But paying an Iraqi composer to write a new symphonic work might have been a worthwhile investment in propaganda. If you want the NEA funding propaganda, that’s certainly an argument your entitled to make.
And I think I did say it has a big impact, and precisely for the reasons you think it’s such a good idea. That thumb on the scale takes the oxygen (well money actually) from artist that don’t get public subsidies. Your commercial pap vs. worth artist argument is either disengenous or naive of the entrepenural realities of being an artist (I reckon the later.)
It’s not your beloved jazz vs Hanna Montana (or whatever stand-in you want for “stuff people like that I think is low.) It’s your beloved jazz vs something you’ve never heard of.
It’s cheap but supportable! Keeping antiquities safe in Baghdad, say, would’ve cost piss. A “rounding error” relative to all the other invasion costs.
But what about the Iraqi jazz musicians? The Mosul Interpretive Dance Troupe? The Iraqi Symphony? The guy who dunks Muhammad dolls in urine? Would they all be properly protected? I need more context before I decide.
“They were mostly an assortment of commercial artists, designers, ad agencies, media figures, promoters, publicists, etc. They’re not the kind of folks who spend their days reflecting on truth and beauty. Most of their day job work is about communicating specific messages on behalf of clients.”
And that’s who the NEA is supposed to encourage!
Let the market take care of “truth and beauty.”
It’s not like there is any difference in culture and society, beauty and utility, or campaigning and integrity. It’s all just supposed to help make the government’s job easier.
I just don’t see why conservatives can’t get on board with making artists get off their high horses and working for the fatherland like we all should be doing anyway. I thought they were the ones who loved Norman Rockwell and his wholesome celebration of American values like directing citizens’ responsibility, industriousness, and health concerns toward serving the greater good.
It is too bad they are so blind to the power of art (i.e. marketing), or else maybe Bush wouldn’t have lost so much support in his war on terror. Where were the posters of evil muslim radicals covering our women in hajibs?
Where was the billboard of Saddam flying planes into the Sears Tower?
Why no ads celebrating our rightful power and sworn duty to serve our honor and humanity by liberating oppressed people and their oil from volatile dictators?
Where were all the paternal Uncle Sams ordering us to report unpatriotic activity and sacrifice for liberty, justice, and the American way in Iraq?
Once again the conservatives were just too incompetent to see the potential of engaging with and recruiting creative types to do something for the national interest for once.
Just think of how much better and prouder our military and cops will be once we start celebrating their noble service and courage in the arts (i.e. advertisements) as cool once those who tell us what’s cool get their hands on it.
I mean, check out the crap they used to fund and encourage: these ‘artists’ were lost in ambiguity and an inability to create a clear, coherent message. What am I supposed to take from free-floating images, vague metaphors, and shapes, exactly? Give me a slogan – tell me what to do and think.
If these ‘artists’ can’t get it together and paint things that resonate with the average man then it’s up to the government to dictate their message so at least someone besides hoity toity art critics can pretend to “get it” and “appreciate it.”
— Hank Toupee · Sep 30, 09:46 PM · #
Maybe your jazz friends need to read this, Sanjay:
Why I’m Not Afraid to Take Your Money
I’m not contributing much to this, but I’ll just clarify that I also reject the idea that commerce is necessarily corrupting. But I also reject the idealization of market, esp in an advanced corporate setting, as freedom. Concentrations of power, whether commercial, political, technical, or religious, are susceptible to corruption, perhaps endemically. Governments have no monopoly on violence, unless you define violence so narrowly as to fit a definition useful to other forms of power, and commercial power – with ready access to state power – has certainly shown itself willing to use violence to reach its ends. All that is to say, since we’re talking about art and ideas and not molotov cocktails, if we are in a competing field of power relations in the production of art and ideas, I want a agency of the republic – esp one positioned at the unpredictable interface that comes with arts funding and artists at work – to have a hand in the game.
— Chris Lucas · Oct 1, 01:12 AM · #
If the question is, “Do you trust the modern corporate economy to ensure that all pregnant women have adequate access to prenatal care?” my answer is, “No, I’d like an agency of the republic to have a hand in the game.”
If the question is “Do you trust the modern corporate economy to ensure safe drinking water and hygienic disposal of sewage?” my answer is, “No, I’d like an agency of the republic to have a hand in the game.”
But if the question is “Do you trust the modern corporate economy to ensure that Important Art does not go unfunded”? the answer “I’d like an agency of the republic to have a hand in the game.” seems like a non sequitur. But maybe that’s just me.
— Tony Comstock · Oct 1, 01:45 AM · #
Then of course there’s this
“Serious journalism has never been profitable and never will be.”
Bring on the NEJ! Because a great country deserves great journalism!
NEP too, for us rogue philosophy guys (after all, nobody ever talked about Art-kings).
— Kristoffer V. Sargent · Oct 1, 04:37 AM · #
I’ve heard of mambo kings and art fags, but never art kings. If you’re gonna be a square you ain’t a gonna go no where.
I’m with Lucas. In part I just don’t get Tony’s contention: it seems to me like the vast history of art across himan history and geography is largely one of state patronage (and in fact, unfortunately, propgaganda: this is true even of Shostakovich, say, or at least Stalin would’ve liked it to be true.) So it’s clearly nonsensical to say the hand of authority represses the development of new forms: it hasn’t from the bust of Nefertiti to the compositions of Russian modernists.
I also don’t think that you crowd out a lot of fantastic totally new creativity because frankly I don’t think people with fantastic awesome new art ideas that existing art insitutions and criticism don’t support and/or fund, are cruising to get screwed anyway. Those innovators appear to be motivated by inner fire, not wealth, or at least I hope they are because they sure as hell ain’t getting wealth. The biographies of most great artistic innovators, as far as I can tell, at least start out pretty depressing. So I don’t hav a lot of faith in arguments that by funding ohter stuff I’m screwing them worse, and probably — as in jazz — I’m actually creating a larger community that serves as a kind of antenna for innovation.
And I think that while corporate influence doesn’t have to corrupt, it strongly pushes against Art. I turn on the TV or go to the summer blockbusters or flip on the radio and for some reason I’m not wowed by the ability of the Market to generate halfway decent art. In fact what I hear is not art so much as it is “product.” You want a band that keeps crapping out the same, predictable shit, and makes your consumers feel nice and happy and nostalgic for that shit you you cna relicense it endlessly to nostalgia stations and know what you’ll get next time: experimentalism sucks and empirically looking at the market, it’s discouraged.
Plus I think the idea that the market supports artists in any way well is also questionable. As far as i can tell the market does wonders for distributors and packagers and editors and so on, but can screw artists with amazing cheerfulness.
— Sanjay · Oct 1, 12:48 PM · #
Okay Sanjay, you win. Now send me some of that Important Coffee of yours.
— Tony Comstock · Oct 1, 01:57 PM · #
It needs a government subsidy.
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In Mordovia came into operation a new plant for the production of high-tech building materials
31.01.2011 Category: UkraineAuthor: admin
December 6 in the village of Komsomolsk Chamzinsky area in a solemn ceremony was started a new production — the factory of gypsum binders and their products. Plant gypsum binders was built in two years, total investment in new production totaled more than 3.5 billion rubles. The four production lines will employ more than 150 people. After reaching full production capacity, the plant will produce nearly 15% of the total produced in the country of gypsum binders.
The new plant is part of the Company "Magma", which, in turn, is part of a group of "Mordovcement." The dynamic development, effective marketing strategy enabled the group to achieve good results and take strong positions on domestic and foreign markets. In terms of production, "Mordovcement" is now second in the country after such industrial "monster" as "Evrotsement."
Commissioning of the new plant will offer to the market of building materials, gypsum partition plates 560 square meters a year, plasterboard — 30 million m per year of gypsum binders for the production of plasterboard and gypsum partition blocks (plaster) is 100 thousand tons per year of gypsum binders for manufacturers and CCC sectors (in the nomenclature) — 90 thousand tons per year.
The military department has completed work on charge of military personnel increased allowance
Head of social guarantees of the Russian Federation Ministry of Defense Anna Kondratieff at
Another Dunin-Marcinkiewicz
Creators Project — Dmitry Artyukh poets and Oksana Sprinchan, united start their own names
Prophecies and predictions, visions and hypotheses 0
Indigo children say …
13-year-old girl who is taught the Virgin, help sick people Indigo children — special
Russia’s WTO accession is postponed?
The State Duma postpones discussion of the agreement on accession of Russia to the
Raw materials appendage, you say?
We have already commented on Russian technologies in the global aviation industry. Three leading
6.5 earthquake in northern Japan
Earthquake 28.03.11.Na northern Japan in Miyagi province on Monday at 7.24 (02.24 Moscow time),
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“In a paradoxical and perverse way, Holocaust literature is very beautiful and affirming.”
Dorian Stuber Isabelle Peregrin Odyssey Associate Professor of English, Hendrix College, Arkansas
“Talking about bathrooms is talking about the human condition—who has access and who doesn’t.”
Lezlie Lowe Freelance Journalist and Journalism Instructor
“I found myself in the middle of a small-scale civil war when an election went sideways.”
Marco Chown Oved Investigative Reporter for Toronto Star
“I like big ideas, but I also like implementing things.”
Mordecai Walfish Deputy Director at Leading Edge HQ, New York
“The question, ‘what if’ is very important to us.”
Susan Leblanc & Alex McLean Artistic Directors of Zuppa Theatre
“When I wrote my first full play, the sense of excitement and possibility—that you could put people in a room and get them to speak—was astonishing.”
Kate Cayley Writer
“The Pit is really just a Petri dish for experimentation.”
Griffin McInnes Director, Playwright, Producer
“Journalism exists for the vulnerable people who don’t have a voice.”
Sofia Ortega Freelance Video Journalist with Associated Press, Mexico
“I am trying to change perception through story telling.”
Angel Moore Atlantic Correspondent for Aboriginal People’s Television Network
“The best way to make change is to be part of it.”
Victoria Foley Director of Marketing, New England Cancer Specialists; City Councilor, Biddeford, Maine
“Being open minded is something I carry with me from King’s.”
Angus Morgan Family Medicine Resident at University of British Columbia
“I realized I wanted to work on some of these issues before they turned into more violence and loss of life.”
Laurel Collins Lecturer, University of Victoria; City Councillor, Victoria
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Victorian Association Of Microbreweries Inc
Our Constitution and Rules
The Authenticity Stamp
DRINK LOCAL, DRINK CRAFT. 100 % GENUINE HANDCRAFTED BEER.
Web Page – http://handcraftedlocal.beer/
The Stamp of Authenticity – Buy Local, Drink Local
The Victorian Microbreweries Association launches a campaign to help beer drinkers to buy local and support independent craft breweries.
The craft beer scene in Australia has exploded with new breweries, new brands and an ever-expanding range of quality beers, driven by a growing base of consumers with a thirst for something different.
The success of the craft beer scene across Australia has seen new drinkers flood to the category seeking new flavours and experiences from local, independent breweries. Consumers are voting with their dollars, with the craft beer category the only section of the market in positive growth.
Determined to help consumers sort out exactly what they are seeing on shelf, the Victorian Association of Microbreweries Inc (VAMI) has launched a campaign to help fans of locally brewed products easily identify craft beers from local, independent microbreweries. Called the Stamp of Authenticity, the easily identifiable graphic is designed to help craft beer fans in Victoria pick out verifiably local products. The state is at the forefront of craft beer production in Australia, and VAMI is dedicated to promoting local, independent microbreweries that are currently operating. Now, when customers spot the Stamp of Authenticity or visit locallybrewed.com.au, they will be able to identify truly local, and legitimately independent craft beers.
As well as including strategic labelling, the project has a fully functional website to help both existing fans and those new to the craft beer category stay up to date with craft breweries from around the state. Victoria is unique in that so many microbreweries are open to the public, with 70 per cent located in regional areas. It is entirely possible to travel all over Victoria visiting microbreweries and trying a vast array of small batch brews – something VAMI is encouraging through the campaign to help consumers recognise truly local products.
VAMI The Victorian Association of Microbreweries Inc is all about supporting independent microbreweries across the state. Members of the association are all small, independent breweries that run their own brewing operations – often in amazing picturesque tourist locations, or accessible Melbourne suburbs. VAMI seeks to further the cause of craft beer by actively encouraging visitors to explore a brewery’s on site offerings – think amazing food matched to boutique beers – as well encouraging them to search out local products in bottleshops, bars and pubs.
The Victorian Association of Microbreweries Inc has previously published The Beer Lovers Guide To Victoria’s Microbreweries. The booklet has always been a fantastic resource for beer lovers, and well received by both the industry and consumers alike. Now, to make the information more accessible to a wider range of consumers, the booklet has been transformed in an extensive website, tied in with the Stamp of Authenticity, offering resources for those wishing to visit Victorian microbreweries as well as learn a little more about the brewers and breweries that produce the fantastic array of local craft beers currently on the market. The stamp itself can be found on beers produced by Victorian microbreweries that are passionate about handcrafting their own beer range. The campaign also extends to posters and flyers, which will be on display in bottleshops, bars and pubs that support local craft beer, as well as in Tourism Victoria outlets around the state.
FIND YOUR LOCAL VICTORIAN BREWERY HERE. DRINK LOCAL. DRINK CRAFT. 100 % GENUINE HANDCRAFTED BEER.
Follow Us On Twitter, Facebook & Instagram
With Thanks To Our Sponsors
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© Sandy Kenyon
Eileen Goudge is the New York Times best-selling author whose novels include One Last Dance, Garden of Lies, and Thorns of Truth. There are more than three million copies of her books in print worldwide. She lives in New York City with her husband, entertainment reporter Sandy Kenyon.
» Author’s Website
Books by Eileen Goudge:
by Eileen Goudge
$6.99 US · $8.99 CAN
About the Book · Website · Buy
Buy This Book:
Amazon.com · Barnes & Noble.com · Books-a-Million.com · Booksense.com · Borders.com · Powells.com · More
From New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge comes an unforgettable tale that you'll want to pass on to someone you love. More
$7.99 US · $9.99 CAN · £4.99 UK
From the New York Times bestselling author of Woman in Red comes an emotionally charged family drama, focusing on two sisters and their turbulent lives. More
$14.95 US · $18.95 CAN
From the New York Times bestselling author of The Diary, comes a new, emotionally charged family drama, focusing on two sisters and their turbulent lives. More
Amazon.com · Barnes & Noble.com · Books-a-Million.com · Booksense.com · Borders.com · Powells.com · Amazon.ca (Canada) · Indigo.ca (Canada) · More
From New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge comes an intimate story of family secrets, stunning betrayals, and heart-wrenching reunions. More
Woman in Red
A powerful story of love and redemption, and what one woman will do to overcome the buried secrets of her past. More
From the bestselling author of Woman in Red comes a moving story in which an unlikely twist of fate has the potential to change the lives of three women in ways they never could have imagined. More
An original and emotional novel, perfect for Mother’s Day, from New York Times bestselling author Eileen Goudge. More
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Home Global Activities America Tzu Chi Named NVOAD Member of the Year
Friday, 17 May 2013 11:36 Tzu Chi Foundation
Tzu Chi USA was named Member of the Year at the 21st National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NVOAD) Conference.
NVOAD is a network of organizations that provide disaster relief in the United States. Its 110 members represent the best of American volunteer organizations. Tzu Chi officially became a member in October 2006. It is the only Buddhist organization in the network. The blue and white uniforms of Tzu Chi volunteers and the way they have quietly inspired a culture of doing good deeds are widely respected by people in the US.
The Member of the Year Award is only given to one organization each year. This year there were five nominees. Tzu Chi was nominated by Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). In their nomination, FEMA pointed out that in their disaster relief efforts in 2012, Tzu Chi was a national role model in many ways. They inspired a culture of gratitude, respect and love in relief efforts and doing good deeds. They also promoted environmental protection as a way to care for the earth among the disaster victims and their communities.
On May 14, the award ceremony was held at the NVOAD Conference in Portland, Oregon. As the emcee announced Tzu Chi as the recipient of the award, a picture of Master Cheng Yen was shown on the screens, followed by pictures from the Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall with more than 10,000 participants and a heartwarming scene of Tzu Chi volunteers serving hot meals after Hurricane Sandy. These images moved the 450-plus representatives from other disaster relief organizations and they showed their support and admiration for Tzu Chi.
NVOAD plays a role in connecting the federal government, non-profit agencies, religious organizations, companies and academia. It has a significant impact on establishing and promoting education for disaster response planning. Kim Burgo, an NVOAD director, visited Tzu Chi Global Headquarters in Hualien in July 2010.
Since 2012, Tzu Chi has participated in disaster relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy, the Texas fertilizer plant explosion, floods in the Midwest, and tornadoes across the country, as well as recycling efforts in American Samoa.
In 1985, Tzu Chi volunteers living abroad established a chapter in the US and extended the reach of Tzu Chi missions overseas. Currently, the organization has one national office, eight regional offices, 100 local offices, and over 200,000 members in the United States.
Each time a major disaster strikes, Tzu Chi volunteers provide both immediate comfort and long-term support for the victims after the disaster. Their actions have touched and are respected by the American government's disaster response personnel. They are a great partner for FEMA.
Dharma Master Cheng Yen Receives Honorary Doctorate
In California, Tzu Chi Volunteers Give Nutritious Food to Families in Need
Tzu Chi Helps Survivors of Devastating Northern California Fires
Bringing Smiles Back: Flood Relief in Guatemala
Opening of Three Schools in Haiti - a Landmark
White House Honors Tzu Chi as Champions of Change
Tzu Chi Helps 13,000 Earthquake Survivors in Guatemala
Tzu Chi Celebrates 10 Years in Las Vegas
Young Volunteers in Hawaii Clean Beach to Celebrate 20th Anniversary
" To be humble is to shrink our ego until we are small enough to enter other people's eyes and reside in their hearts and minds. "
Tzu Chi Accorded Elaine Field Award
WFB Merit Medal
Students Graduate From Foundation Academies in North America
The World Prays For Japan
Dharma Master Cheng Yen Receives 2011 FDR Distinguished Public Service Award
The Anniversary of New Jersey Food Pantry
The Recognition of “Friend of El Salvador"
It Takes a Village to Raise a Child
Penang State Gives Highest Civilian Honor to Master Cheng Yen
One in Every Nightstand
Hope, Health, and Happiness in Santa Ana
Character Education in Public Schools
The Quiet Dignity of Tea
Tzu Chi Academy Seeds of Goodness
Care and Relief for Landslide Survivors in Snohomish County
Rotary International Award of Honor Bestowed to Master Cheng Yen
Jing Si Multi-purpose Folding Bed
Tzu Chi Inventions Win Awards at Geneva Exhibition
President Obama Sends Greetings to Tzu Chi on 50th Birthday
Tzu Chi Assesses the Damages Caused by Hurricane Matthew in Haiti
DA.AI’s R2R won the 23rd Creativity and Research Award
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PHOTOS: Curtain Comes Down On A Weekend Of Drama In Killarney
Jimmy Deenihan is consoled by Brenda Somers and Peggy Dowling after he lost his seat on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
IT’S all over now…for the moment anyway.
An exhausting weekend in Killarney for candidates and their loyal supporters came to an end on Sunday night after all the successful politicians had been elected just after 8pm.
Brendan Griffin, Martin Ferris and John Brassil were hoisted on high by their supporters and the celebrations began in earnest, with the winning and losing candidates afforded to chance to make a speech from the podium.
Arthur Spring making his speech from the podium on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
It was a sad day for the former Fine Gael Minister Jimmy Deenihan who lost his seat and retires after 30 years in politics. In his speech he thanked the people of Kerry for their support over the years and said he and Arthur Spring of Labour were partly victims of tough decisions made by the Government in the past five years.
Arthur Spring congratulated the winning candidates and praised his own team for their tireless work in the campaign. He said it was a difficult day for the party, but they would survive the result. He also paid tribute to Jimmy Deenihan whom he said has made an enormous contribution to society, not just in Kerry, but nationwide.
The winning candidates also paid tribute to their workers on the ground and had words of condolence and congratulations for candidates.
Brendan Griffin with wife Róisín and children Breandán and Micheál at the count centre on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fine Gael’s Brendan Griffin said he will not let the people of Kerry down. He paid tribute to the losing candidates, especially his close friend Arthur Spring whom he said did fantastic work and was sure he would be back. He also paid tribute to his mentor Jimmy Deenihan who gave him a chance. He said the former Minister was “the hardest working man I ever came across and wish you well for the future”.
Deputy Griffin also thanked his political team and especially his parents and his wife Róisín.
John Brassil with his mother Mary at the count centre on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Fianna Fail’s John Brassil said it gave him no pleasure to be elected on the day that Jimmy Deenihan lost his seat. “He’s a true gentlemen of politics and a great friend of mine. You’ve served the people of Kerry well,” he said.
He thanked the Fianna Fail team in Kerry, the canvassers and especially Norma Moriarty, whose transfers, he said, brought him over the line. “We worked so well together. You’re a gentle and very kind woman, with a great future in politics and I thank you sincerely,” he said.
He had special thanks for his family for their support, including his mother Mary. “She had a very bad year of health and she’s here tonight. I hope today is the start of your return to good health,” he said.
Martin Ferris speaking on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Sinn Féin’s Martin Ferris also had kind words for the losing candidates, especially Jimmy Deenihan, whom he said he has known over 40 years from the sporting fields to the political arena.
“We’ve had political rows but we’ve remained friends. He has 33 years as a servant of the people of Kerry and deserves recognition for that,” he said. He also promised the people of Kerry that he would continue to serve them to the best of his ability.
“I want to assure you, while there is breath in my body, I will do everything in my power to bring about a fairer and more just society and more equality for our people,” he said.
Danny Healy Rae said the people in Dublin just don’t get it and while the politicians pay big money to advisors, the only advisors they have are the people of Kerry.
He credited his father Jackie Healy Rae for the election victory and said they learnt everything from him. He also thanked the army of canvassers and workers on the ground who made the victory possible and also paid tribute to Jimmy Deenihan and the other losing candidates.
Last up was his brother Michael who said it was a tough year for him after losing his mother and father and two great friends Arthur Lenihan and Bernard Collins.
He promised the people of Kerry that they would work tirelessly and do their best for the people of Kerry.
“You’re trusting us with your vote. In return, what ye’ll get is a sound, solid political service both from myself and Danny and from Cllr Johnny Healy Rae. We’ll do a simple thing always and that is our level best,” he said.
So ended Election 2016 in Kerry. What happens next is anyone’s guess but one thing is certain; no candidate wants to through that again for a while. Scroll down for more photos…
Cllr Norma Moriarty with Sheila Hickson at the count centre on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Jimmy Deenihan being interviewed on Radio Kerry. Photo by Dermot Crean
This bird was an interested onlooker in the count centre on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
RTE’s Joe Stack attempts to recover part of his microphone after it fell from the balcony on Sunday night. His colleague Sean Mac An tSíthigh captures the moment for posterity. Photo by Dermot Crean
Brendan Griffin with his parents Michael and Betty at the count centre on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cllr Norma Foley chats to Maria O’Gorman at the count centre on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Cllr Norma Moriarty making her speech on Sunday night. Photo by Dermot Crean
Deputy John Brassil with his mother Mary and family at the count centre on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
Michael and Danny Healy Rae with Luke Keane from Knocknagoshel on Sunday. Photo by Dermot Crean
#Election 2016
PHOTOS: Jubilant Scenes As The Final Three Are Elected
ELECTION UPDATE: It’s Almost Certain To Be Brassil, Ferris And Griffin
ELECTION UPDATE: Ferris Takes The Lead Over Griffin After Ninth Count
ELECTION UPDATE: O’Gorman And Finucane Eliminated After Eighth Count
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No More Room In Hell
Karate Explosion
Post subject: No More Room In Hell
http://www.nomoreroominhell.com/
been waiting sooo long for this game plus only reason i bought the HL2 with the evil of steam (seems like a trend to post about upcoming games)
It would have been better if you posted more info.. You know, try keeping it with more than 3 line sof text not including hyperlinks.
This mod would look like a good standalone game, if it works out Im very sure Steam will start selling standalone versions.
It is creative ideas like this that make great games, not sequels. However I feel that Ive seena similar stlye of mod for another game, i think it was UT2004.
You know, Steam may be sucha pain, and I do hate it, however Steam is the key to independent video game development. Of all way to publisha nd sell indie games, Steam is the only way to go that is effective, safe, and very well known. Games used to be made and sold by small time developers, in the process they get a lot of the money they earn. However, little by little, publishers stepped in, buying and dismantling these creative teams and turning them into factories pumping out sequel after sequel. That isnt how the industry should be, and this is where Steam stepped in. By getting rid of the publisher, through indie game support, and slowly gettin rid of middle man retailers (with added price and everything) - Steam is actually ushering the new era of game distribution far better than any digital distribution service available.
I am not protecting steam, FYI; hopefully Steam doesnt turn into a magemonopoly of game publishing.
ok No More Room In Hell is a Zombie mod for HL2 it is being created by some professional designers it
"No More Room in Hell" will have 3 core gameplay modes, with these modes being Extermination, Escape, & Barricade.
The survivors (players) must hunt and eliminate all the zombies infesting the area, incinerating the corpses in a bonfire. There will be two modes of play. The first involves players competing in two teams to see which side can kill, collect, and burn the largest number of zombies. With players using several different means of getting the corpses to the bonfire, such as dragging by hand or using vehicles (i.e. pick-up truck). The second mode involves co-operative teamwork, as the players all work together to destroy every zombie plaguing the area and burn their corpses to remove all traces of the deadly infection. Of course the zombies are more than capable of coming after the players to dine on their flesh... So ask yourself. Are you the hunter or the hunted?
The survivors (players) have found themselves hounded wherever they go and are now on the run. As the horde of zombies close in on them they desperately seek to escape to safety. Players can either start in the same location or in different locations, depending on the map. Along the way players will need to complete objectives in order to proceed. Reagrdless the survivors will need to team up and move fast to stay one step ahead of the zombies.
The survivors (players) find themselves in dire straights as they are pitted against a seemingly endless horde of zombies. A survivor's worst nightmare, they must barricade and defend a location for set duration. When this time has elapsed the survivors will either have succeeded in their goal (win) or be required to complete secondary objectives and/or reach an escape location on the map (i.e. a helicopter evacuation zone). This gameplay mode is not for the lone-wolf player, as it will require a strong co-operative team effort if the players ever hope for any chance of survival.
Co-Op Gameplay - Teamwork is the key to survival against the zombies, and to this end players will be able to do everything from sharing weapons, ammo, and equipment with other survivors to working together to help barricade a building and fight off zombies.
New Models - A sweeping series of changes have been made to give the mod the look and feel of modern survival horror game. Players will be given access to all new weapons (melee/firearm/explosive), new equipment, new vehicles, and even new character and object models.
Barricading - Lock those doors and bolts the windows. Not enough? Don't worry players will be able to board-up windows and doors to keep the zombies out. But the question is… for how long?
Zombies - Far from just the classic "Shuffler" zombies that slowly stumble towards survivors, there will also be the fast-moving "Runner" zombies as popularized in the movie, "Dawn of the Dead" 2004. The fresher the infected corpse, the faster the zombie will still be able to move, but as the infection spreads so too does the rot and decay that turns the zombies into a shuffling and clawing hoard.
Zombie AI - Far from the simple Headcrab zombies of Half-Life 2 fame, the zombies in "No More Room in Hell" will possess a different set of hunting skills to bring them closer to their horror movie brethren. Zombies will hunt by hearing, sight, and smell. Zombies may have poorer eyesight than they did in life, but a player who makes noise will draw a zombie's attention and with their keen sense of smell, although working only at a short range, they can detect a player hiding nervously inside a closet or from behind a barricade.
Dismemberment - Players can dismember a zombie's body, taking it apart limb by limb. Remove a leg or two and they will collapse, but be careful though, as they will still come crawling after you…
NPC Survivors - At times players might encounter NPCs (computer-controlled, "Non-Playing Characters" or simply "bots"). Whether acting as additional support for maps where minimum players requirements have not been met or as helpless civilians seeking rescue during the chaos of the zombie apocalypse. Some NPCs survivors will arm themselves, or already be armed, with weapons while others will only cower in fear… following closely behind you in hopes of finding salvation. NPCs will follow player commands… with the exception of the military. NPC soldiers have their own agendas that can sometimes even work at cross-purposes to player survival.
Infection - Every zombie is infected and they carry that infection within them. The infection is passed to a survivor through a zombie's bite. A single bite is a death sentence as there is no cure… only time before the player dies and joins the ranks of the living dead. The healthier a player is, the longer they will resist the infection. As death nears a player will hear and see the symptoms marking their immanent demise.
Minimal HUD - In order to immerse players into the action many of the gauges and counters that normally clutter Half-Life 2's FPS view will be removed. Instead players will need to rely on innate skills, actions, and visual/audio cues to realize their situation. This extends to health aspects, such as: drowning, injury, infection, fatigue, and hypothermia.
Classic Movie Mode - Feeling a bit nostalgic for zombie movie classics like, "Night of the Living Dead"? Not anymore. You will have the option to activate a movie filter mode. This mode will transform your screen into a black and white motion picture straight from a 1960's horror flick. Once selected from the menu options, even the menu will change to reflect the classic horror theme and a 1960's style of orchestral music will play in the background.
Darkness & Light - Players will carry hand-held flashlights in addition to any weapon they might choose to hold, but should that weapon require two hands to hold, it will require the player to sacrifice using their flashlight (unless the weapon generates its own light) and dark areas become that much more menacing. Of course other players could help light the way with their flashlights… Did I mention the gameplay was co-op?
Iron-sights - The players are survivors, not trained marksmen or combat specialists, and as such their aims are natural and unskilled. When you fire it is down the length of the barrel of your gun. Also, the less time taken to brace for your shot, the sloppier your aim will be over longer distances.
Locations - Whether exotic, countryside, urban, or just down the block, players will find themselves in a wide variety of locations from around the world as they fight, or flee, from the living dead.
That mod is just going to be really good, worth putting up with steam.
hell yeah it is just making me feel all hot and bother thinking about how awesome it shall be
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WMC Live #14: Kathy Najimy, Sunny Clifford, Nora Pouillon. (Original Airdate 11/24/2012)
Robin defends Susan Rice from John McCain, and speaks with actress Kathy Najimy on feminist comedy; South Dakota park ranger Sunny Clifford on the documentary "Young Lakota;" and chef Nora Pouillon about “certified organic” food.
WMC Live #13: Lisa Ling & Laura Ling, Carol Adams, Luvvie Ajayi, Yifat Suskind. (Original Airdate 11/17/2012)
Robin deconstructs the Petraeus scandal, and speaks with Yifat Suskind about MADRE's "Blow the Whistle on Violence against Women" campaign; Carol Adams waxes eloquent on the sexual politics of meat; and three Women's Media Center Award honorees: Social Media Award-winner Luvvie Ajayi, and Sisterhood Is Powerful awardees...
WMC Live #12: Pat Mitchell, Sarah Hoye, Anu Bhagwati, Julie Burton. (Original Airdate 11/10/2012)
Robin hosts a special Women's Media Awards show with award recipients Pat Mitchell and Sarah Hoye; and Women's Media Center President Julie Burton. Anu Bhagwati of SWAN—Service Women’s Action Network—praises women vets in honor of Veteran's Day. Plus Robin comments on the election outcome's historic wins for women...
WMC Live #11: Maxine Waters, Celinda Lake, Zoey Kotzambasis. (Original Airdate 11/3/2012)
With her Manhattan studio offline after the historic Hurricane Sandy, Robin ventures into the storm-battered streets of NYC in search of power and the Internet to host a very special and somewhat irregular pre-election show—and the result is her Letter from Ground Zero #4. Guests include pollster Celinda Lake on the...
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WILLIAM BURGESS, JR.
(early pioneer)
William Burgess, Jr. was born March 1, 1822 in Putnam, Washington County, New York.
Mariah Pulsipher was born June 17, 1822 in Choconut, Susquehanna County, Pensylvania.
William & Mariah were married on November 29, 1840 near Lima, Adams County, Illinois.
In the fall of 1862, William and his family were called to go down to southern Utah to help build up Dixie. They settled in Pine Valley where William with his father and brothers set up and operated the first saw mill in that area. They also ran the first grist mill in that part of the country.
The Burgess family saw mill provided some of the lumber for the Salt Lake Tabernacle and its organ.
In 1880, William moved his family to Thurberin Wayne County, Utah and then in 1885 to Huntington in Emery County, Utah.
Mariah died December 26, 1892 in Huntington, Emery County, Utah.
William Died March 14, 1904 in Huntington, Emery County, Utah.
Harrison's Parents and Siblings:
William Burgess Sr.
Violate Stockwell Burgess
Harrison Joseph Burgess
Horace Burgess
Rosina Burgess
Hyrum Burgess
Abram Burgess
William Burgess Jr.
Hannah Burgess
Frederick Burgess
Philip Burgess
Melancthon Wheeler Burgess
Vilate Burgess
(5/20/1794-xx/xx/xxxx) (married xx/xx/xxxx)
(10/10/1794-xx/xx/xxxx)
(9/3/1814-2/10/1883) (married Sophia Minerva Foster and Amanda Melvina Hammond)
(1/23/1816-6/17/1849) (married Almira Pulsipher and Bolinda Pulsipher)
(3/29/1818-xx/xx/1849) (married George Lyman)
(5/5/1819-7/7/1819)
(9/3/1820-11/9/1846) (married Samantha Cheney)
(3/1/1822-3/14/1904) (married Mariah Pulsipher, Charlotte Liggete, and Catherine Chamberlain)
(2/1/1825-10/9/1846) (married Alonzo Jones)
(2/2/1827-xx/xx/1866 or later) (married Xxxxxxx X. Xxxxxxxx)
(1/9/1829-10/9/1843)
(7/14/1831-12/8/1904) (married Margaret Jane McIntire)
(2/21/1837-12/11/1913) (married Richard Cannine Gibbons)
Mariah's Parents and Siblings:
Zerah Pulsipher
Mary Ann Brown Pulsipher
(xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx) (married xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx)
(xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx)
First Wife and Children:
Mariah Pulsipher Burgess
Mary Harriet Burgess
Carmelia Maria Burgess
Juliett Burgess
William John Burgess
Willmer Burgess
James Casper Burgess
Vilate Pulsipher Burgess
William Harrison Burgess
Annette Burgess
(6/17/1822-12/26/1892) (married 11/29/1840)
Second Wife and Children:
Charlotte Liggete Burgess
(xx/xx/xxxx-xx/xx/xxxx) (married xx/xx/xxxx)
Third Wife and Children:
Catherine Chamberlain Burgess
Biography of William Burgess, Jr.
FamilyLegacy.org entry for William Burgess, Jr. and Mariah Pulsipher
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Exclusive Autosport Driver Search
100 000 Rotax Max Engines
2018 Rotax Grand Finals In Brazil
Gunskirchen, February 2, 2018 – Beginning of February 2018 the 100,000th kart engine – out of the Rotax 125 MAX engine family – left the assembly line at BRP-Rotax in Gunskirchen, Austria. The Rotax 125 MAX engine conquered the market after its launch in 1997. “When we launched the Rotax 125 MAX karting engine in 1997.
We launched a new engine concept based on our extensive experience of 2-stroke technology for recreational applications. Using the Rotax 125 MAX engine allowed the driver to spend more time on the track and less time in the pits”, said Peter Oelsinger, vice-president Rotax Propulsion Systems and Finance.
Compared to existing engines of that time the durability and the ease of use with the onboard electric starter in combination with the centrifugal clutch and a carburetor with fixed jets was significantly improved and attracted the kart drivers. The rapidly increasing engine sales confirmed that the new engine concept met the requirements of the market. Rotax engines won the most kart racing titles – and still leads the list of overall championship titles.
“We already provide the best karting engine in terms of equal opportunities, reliability, cost of ownership to our customers as well as a concept for the Rotax racing community that stands for consistency and same opportunities for everybody. Be assured we will not stop here”, said Oelsinger.
The Rotax MAX Challenge (RMC) is a professional kart racing series established, owned and organized by BRP and its Rotax kart engine distributors. Approved by and in compliance with CIK / FIA, the RMC is a “one-make-engine” formula: only Rotax kart engines that are checked and sealed (for equal performance) will be used. With an equal technical playing field, the success in the competition is primarily dependent on the skills of the driver.
blakechoquer
Mojo The Tire Of Choice For Clubs In 2020
© 2020 Western Canadian Karting Championship. All Rights Reserved. Muffin group
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Steven Gouletas
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| 0.304786
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Archive for Rochelle Y.
In-N-Out Burger, Davis, Ca
Posted Friday September 11, 2009 6:48AM
Categories: Davis Ca, fast food burger, In-N-Out Burger, Rochelle Y.
Address: 1020 Olive Drive, Davis, Ca
Visited: Thursday September 10, 2009 11:15AM
Ordered: #2 Combo (Cheeseburger no onions, Fries, with Coke) (x1), #3 Combo (Hamburger no onions, Fries, with Root Beer) (x1)
Photo from In-N-Out
Rochelle Y.’s Review
We were passing through Davis on our way back from Sacramento, looking for a quick bite to eat and limited on time, so we chose someplace with an easy off/easy on to the freeway: In N Out Burger at the corner of Olive Drive and Richards Boulevard. We had to enter through the gas station parking lot next door, which was not ideal, but it was doable.
Being as we went through the drive-thru, I can’t vouch for the inside ambience of the place; however, the outside appearance was quite nice, with a clean, tucked-away look, lushly landscaped and reflecting a city rule to have drive-thrus as unobtrusive as possible. It was early in the lunch hour, so when we arrived there were only 2 cars ahead of us in line and only the second window was open (taking both money and giving food), but while we waited the first window opened to take money.
Menu options are limited, but it helped make ordering easy and quick. Also, the person taking the order paid attention, which helped move things along. Equally important to me today was the cost of our food - I had a $10 bill in my wallet, and was tickled I could use it instead of having to use a debit or credit card. Once we got to the food window it took slightly longer than I thought it would to get our food, considering the lack of cars in the parking lot; however, even with a longer wait we were on our way in less than 5 minutes – in and out, as the restaurant’s name implied we would be.
Experience rating: 4.5/5
The Burger
We ordered two of the three burgers offered on the menu: the Cheeseburger, and the Hamburger. Both were large enough so that we could share them with our kids and still have enough to fill us up, since we also had fries, but not so big that a single burger would replace our meals for a day. Except for the cheese, they were exactly the same – single patty, lettuce, tomato and "spread", which looked and tasted like a thousand island dressing.
Since we were eating in the car, we received paper place mats for our laps and our burgers and fries in an open-topped cardboard box. Only the bottom half of the burgers were wrapped, to enable immediate picking up and eating, but they were wrapped well, which was a plus since they were a little drippy (as I found out when I tore the Hamburger apart for my kids to share). The patties were fairly thin and perfectly round and looked as if they were going to be cardboard disk in texture, but were actually juicy and quite flavorful, although I would have been happier with a slightly thicker patty. The bun was lightly grilled, and the lettuce and tomato firm and fresh-tasting. The "spread" paired well with the grease in the meat, and along with the lettuce, tomato and the cheese on the Cheeseburger, made for a tasty burger. Unexpected bonus: the drippiness of the burger tasted great as a topping for the fries!
Overall, we had a great burger experience here: quick, tasty, and within budget.
Burger rating: 4.75/5
hamburger reviews, son!
info@whattheburger.com
The Hambloggers:
Caryl D. (RSS) (2)
Dave N. (RSS) (11)
Richard C. (RSS) (1)
Rochelle Y. (RSS) (1)
Samson L. (RSS) (2)
Sarah C. (RSS) (1)
Scott M. (RSS) (1)
Vin S. (RSS) (6)
Reviews by City:
Davis Ca (RSS) (1)
Gilbert Az (RSS) (1)
Jerome Az (RSS) (1)
Los Angeles Ca (RSS) (4)
Redondo Beach Ca (RSS) (2)
Toronto On (RSS) (13)
Reviews by Joint:
BBQ Express (RSS) (1)
Classic Burger No. 3 (RSS) (2)
Duke of Somerset (RSS) (1)
Fox & Fiddle (RSS) (1)
Hero Certified Burgers (RSS) (1)
In-N-Out Burger (RSS) (1)
J&I Burger . BBQ (RSS) (1)
Jerome Palace – The Haunted Hamburger (RSS) (1)
Johnny Rockets (RSS) (1)
McDonald's (RSS) (1)
Moxie's Classic Grill (RSS) (1)
Norm's Restaurant (RSS) (1)
Original Motorcycle Gourmet Burgers Etc. (RSS) (1)
South St. Burger Co. (RSS) (1)
The Burger Shack (RSS) (1)
The Burger Stand (RSS) (1)
Trimana (RSS) (2)
Volo (RSS) (1)
Wendy's (RSS) (1)
Wing Shop 366 (RSS) (1)
Reviews by Style:
"gourmet" fast food burger (RSS) (3)
"gourmet" burger (RSS) (2)
fast food burger (RSS) (3)
fast food-style burger (RSS) (6)
pub/diner burger (RSS) (8)
© 2009-2020 What The Burger?! and David Newton.
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holy shit i love this thread...never heard the black doom delights of Bethlehem
how bout some early doom for everyone:
trouble is awesome because they were a seminal early doom metal band as well as one of the first christian metal or "white metal" bands. Psalm 9 is a knockout album regardless of religious preferences.
#32 clansmaneddie
clansmaneddie
ha, white metal, ive never heard this term but i will forever use it
here's barren cross then, talking about abortion in the metalest way possible, singer reminds me of bruce, really breaks the mold that these christian metal bands can coexsist with the rest of the guys as long as they play good music
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhSq9U9xgL4
I'd take Snapple's satirical pestering over your tired ass trolling ANY DAY.
First Dream Theater song I heard, as far as I know:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P0wk7pw5pqA
Big fan of Sex Machineguns:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=menE5G7z_14
I like how they don't take themselves too seriously, either. There's a lot of variety in their videos. "Suspense Gekijou" is probably my favorite.
#34 DiscountBabyJam Mike
DiscountBabyJam Mike
Jean Clause Van Salome
Location:Don't worry about it
rushing into a Success nest
Goblinkiss.com
Remember when Children of Bodom didn't suck balls?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d8F3t-F_grc
It's been a while. Same goes for Soilwork, In Flames (though they were best when they just started out IMO), and a ton of other bands.
#37 ansgaros
ansgaros
Location:Finland; it is a country
yes, yes i do. it was before that album though.
site / youtube / face book
TheBeautyofGRIND: it's not rape if i allow it
Love Sex Machineguns! My brother got me Heavy Metal Thunder when he was in Japan, bloody awesome album.
Crimson Glory - Dragon Lady
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAWyL2Xxo28"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=QAWyL2Xxo28[/url]
I actually knew and loved Crimson Glory before Brutal Legend, so I was pretty excited to find out they were on the soundtrack.
Flotsam and Jetsam - Iron Tears
[url="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxjSP36pI-Y"]http://www.youtube.c...h?v=sxjSP36pI-Y[/url]
Ill stand behind Hatecrew Deathroll. I think at that point everyone knew COB was going to become the power brats of melodeath. Needled 24/7, triple corpse hammer blow, angels don't kill?
all awesome
I think it was the Stockholm Knockout Live DVD when they really swung for the fences with pyrotechnics and an ostentatious stage presence that there was no turning back
#40 Zio Oxview
Zio Oxview
Boyhood fave.
Hatecrew was pretty good, about half of the album was great but the other half really suffered from lack of innovation. Something Wild, Hatebreeder and Follow the Reaper didn't have a bad track on 'em. By the time Are You Dead Yet hit it was over, though. Shit was awful.
I saw COB live a few years ago with Amon Amarth and if they didn't play anything off of Follow the Reaper and earlier, I was just bored. Amon slayed of course.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQVrl7wRcNg
I don't listen to 'em much, but I saw Amon Amarth at about 2am at Wacken '04, and they were fucking incredible. One of the best shows I've seen, easily.
I like The Crusher the most. I know.
Remember this little ditty?
I saw the same tour here in dc which incidentally was the reason i waned from children of bodom. Its hard to bounce back after a deflating concert experience. Same thing happened with big business. Awesome awesome albums...shitty shitty shows
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Dirt Sheet History
Sexy Wrestler
ScoopZone
Wrestling W/ Food
4 on 4 Fans: Casual Fans Special
Welcome to the latest edition of Four on Four. This week, we have a casual fans theme. We’re looking to peer into the mind of individuals who used to be diehard wrestling fans but rarely or casually watch the product today, or who are happy to watch what WWE has to offer without the distractions of the indies. Let’s meet the panel:
Juan Vazquez: Was stalked by a Velvet Sky loving werewolf at an independent wrestling show. Handheld video game enthusiast.
He doesn’t have a twitter but says you should follow ours: @WrestlingEarth
“Hollywood” Chris Hall: No relation to Hollywood Hulk Hogan, we think. Designer of this glorious website you read. St. Louis Cardinals hater. Bigger Oakland Athletics hater.
Follow him on Twitter: @powerofliberty1
Kelly Marshall: Has half of Mr. Fuji’s cane as her prized possession. Also had her camera smashed by Andre the Giant’s foot when she was 10 years old. Roll Tide.
Follow her on Twitter: @ksm
Andrew Blackett: Enjoys a glass of shandy on a rainy day, but don’t even think about giving him shandy on a sunny day. Feels like he’s finally ready to take a run at his older brother.
Follow him on Twitter: @blacketta
1. Who is your favorite wrestler of all time?
Juan:
My favorite wrestler of all time… hmmm… this is a tough one. A lot of people would choose a favorite wrestler based on how popular the wrestler is while I base it on how good of a wrestler I think the wrestler actually is.
My favorite wrestler is… drum roll please… Kurt Angle. This guy really knew how to make a match worth watching. His technicality in the ring was amazing. I believe his greatest matches were those against Brock Lesnar. Nobody could have pushed Kurt to be as great as he is if it was not Lesnar in my opinion. Kurt brought a certain type of physical reality that is rare to see in the ring.
My favorite wrestler of all time would have to be The Rock. I got into wrestling because of The Rock. One of the most dynamic characters of all time, he used his limited move set to his advantage, adopting a more athletic brawling style that made for very good storytelling during the Attitude Era years.
Can I have three for my three lives as a wrestling fan? As a little kid, George “The Animal” Steele stole my heart the minute I saw him. I had a MINE doll and I secretly hoped he would win Miss Elizabeth’s heart from Macho Man. Looking back, I probably just wanted him as my own pet.
I would check out every wrestling book and VHS tape my local libraries had to get a handle on the history of feuds and stables. I was mesmerized by early-NWA. I could never find them on my local TV as a kid, but the old VHSes impacted me enough to know that I should be a Sting-head. As my second life as a fan emerged (when Hogan turned heel), Sting was my man. I was so pissed that he just stood in the rafters and watched. I missed out on the best days of Sting, but he still holds a top spot in my heart.
Today, it’s Punk all the way. Those times he was ‘drunk’ at Jericho – best. (I took Jericho to Hooters once with Dean Malenko, Chavo Guerrero and Chris Benoit).
Side note: My favorite referee was Joey Marella, but don’t tell Charles Robinson.
Stone Cold by far. He taught me so much from a young age and was a fantastic role model.
2. What do you most look forward to about watching wrestling, and what about wrestling makes you want to change the channel when you see it?
What I look forward to the most when watching wrestling is a good realistic storyline and great matches. I know these wrestling shows are fake but I like it when they bring that realistic aspect to it. I wanna see realistic storylines which bring bring out how charismatic a wrestler can be and I would like for the wrestlers to be damn good at wrestling.
For me to want to change the channel to see wrestling I need to see the hype behind it. I believe the crowds cheering and their interaction with the matches are what sell it the most for me. When you hear the crowd cheering and roaring with all of these different emotions, you tend to be curious enough to know what in fact is going on.
These days, I look forward to seeing a well done match. I consider wrestling athletic theatre and just like any play, I want to see a good performance. I’m not worried about “workrate” or how many moves a wrestler performs in the match. I want to see a match that has an strong beginning, a captivating middle, and a brilliant end.
As for performers, I look forward to watching CM Punk and Daniel Bryan in the WWE; AJ Styles, Bully Ray, and Gail Kim in TNA; Candice LeRae and Kevin Steen in the indies. What generally will make me change the channel is generally anything related to divas, poor comedy segments, and just weak performers overall.
Today, I look forward to the really special promos. CM Punk and Paul Heyman (and a few others) have a way with the mic and I look forward to hearing just how many ways one can tell another “you gonna lose”. It’s an art and I truly appreciate it. Aside from that, I also really like Santino’s matches a whole lot and I love a run-in.
Back in the day, I most looked forward to the end of matches – when Brutus would chop up a head of hair; Rick Rude would swirl over a lady; Jake would Damien all over someone’s face. The over-the-top displays were SO GREAT. Remember when The Islanders stole Matilda, yet Bobby Heenan was terrified of him? I love the hell out of that kind of thing.
I hate to admit this as I like to consider myself a big ole feminist, but I change the channel on any Divas match : (
I think the OMG moments are the best. I love it when there is a big return or a dramatic turn to the show. Dolph Ziggler cashing in was a huge highlight and it’s moments like those that make me want to keep watching. The last ‘moment’ I had for this was when Cena chose Daniel Bryan for Summerslam. WWE does such a good job to keep letting you down and convince you that “nahhh, that won’t happen!” and then when it happens you literally start shouting in front of the TV.
What makes me change the channel is usually an undercard match with 3MB or something. I miss the days where you had great story lines for the undercards, like Val Venis stealing Kai En Tai’s lady friend and having his pee pee chopped off, or stealing Ken Shamrock’s sister. Even DX, who weren’t main eventers, were still really entertaining.
I think the boundaries for these guys have been made smaller, but I feel there is still more they could do then having 3MB having meaningless matches and the Real Americans holding back Cesaro from being amazing. Even with a big card name like CM Punk, he has such a crap storyline right now. Why can’t we have him bury Heyman alive and film Heyman in the hospital with CM Punk dressed as a nurse? WHY.
3. What exposure have you had to independent wrestling and what do you think of it?
My exposure to independent wrestling has been pretty much decent. Some of the independent shows I have been to were better than others. My favorite independent wrestling experiences were the ROH matches at the Hammerstein Ballroom/Manhattan Center in New York City.
When you are there watching the match, you feel energized and have the feeling that you are about to see something special. I guess it is due to the atmosphere. The Manhattan Center is bigger, hundreds of fans surrounding the ring, the spotlight is on the ring. All of these factors and a few more make the atmosphere ten times better than if it were being held in a gymnasium.
I’ve generally followed Ring of Honor and Pro Wrestling Guerrilla over the years. I like independent wrestling due to the fact that it really captures the essence of what a wrestling experience should be for the performer and for the fan.
However, I think a lot of wrestlers, promoters, and fans in general would benefit if there was a little bit more cohesive working relationship to where angles could carry over from different promotion to promotion.
I have had three lives as a wrestling fan. As a child, I went to every event that came through Birmingham – even the tiny matches at the fairgrounds. I didn’t really know the difference between independent and ‘big’ companies, so I just enjoyed all of it.
My second life was right before the nWo invaded the WCW, and a friend was trying to make a name for himself on our local Indy circuit. I much preferred the pomp and flair of the ‘big guys’, much to the dismay of my friend.
My current wrestling fan life happened when @tomblackett introduced me to Wrestling Road Diaries. Holy shit. I became a Colt Cabana fan 4 life (and was also amazed that Daniel Bryan can sneeze with his eyes open!)
I haven’t invested enough time into the back stories of everyone in the indy world yet – it’s hard enough catching back up with why HHH is now a corporate guy – but I think I would make the perfect Southern ROH fan.
I’ve had very little exposure to independent wrestling. I recorded a Ring of Honor show and was unable to get through the first match. I think this is due to me simply not caring or wanting to care.
Watching an actual wrestling match isn’t that fun for me. I only enjoy it when I am invested in the character or storyline. I also love the scale WWE is at. Having 16 thousand people in a different city, every week going nuts for wrestling makes me happy and Ring of Honor or the other independent wrestling scenes, just don’t do it for me.
My idea of going to an independent show would be a bunch of guys my age or older who have just come up from the basement for the first time in 3 months to watch wrestling and being super awkward. NOT MY THING MATE, NOT MY THING.
4. What main event for Wrestlemania 30 would draw your interest in most?
There are rumors I’ve heard are saying that we might see The Rock vs. Brock Lesnar. That’s one of the matches I would be looking forward to. The match they had at Summerslam a few years ago was decent though The Rock was overpowered by Lesnar. Now that The Rock is in the best shape he has ever been in I am hoping this time it will be an amazing match up.
There is also Undertaker‘s Wrestlemania streak on the line. Honestly I feel that his streak should end. It should have ended a few years back. It should have ended with the Shawn Michaels match-up. I do not see any new wrestler that would be able to end the streak well. Possible ideas at who could end it would be Brock, Randy Orton or CM Punk. Those are the only ones who I believe could end it.
A huge main event for me would be a title unification bout for the WWE and World Heavyweight Championships.
Nothing draws my interest more than the possibility of a Colt Cabana run-in during a CM Punk match. I mean, I bought every PPV for a year hoping for just that! (I don’t read those “sheets” y’all talk about.)
Barring anything like that, I’d like to see a DDP “Crib of Accountability” match with Scott Hall & Jake ‘The Snake’ Roberts vs. Jim Neidhart & Ultimate Warrior – the winner gets to keep eating all the fresh farm-to-table food he can stand. The loser has to live with DDP.
Undertaker vs. Cena in a career vs. career match. I think this would be an amazing stipulation for a main event. People would genuinely not know who would win this and every close pin fall would be lived and breathed by the adoring universe.
– Follow us on Twitter: @WrestlingEarth.
This entry was posted in 4 on 4, 4 on 4 Fans and tagged 4 on 4, 4 On 4 Fans, Brock Lesnar, casual fans, CM Punk, Stone Cold Steve Austin, The Rock, Undertaker, Wrestlemania, WWE on October 24, 2013 by Tom B.
← The Merch Table: Halloween Special (Part 1)
WCW Comic Book Reading Club: Issue Two, Page 13 →
Wrestling On Air: Episode 69, 10/7/19 October 7, 2019
Wrestling On Air: Episode 68, 8/24/19 August 24, 2019
Wrestling On Air: Episode 66, 7/27/19 July 27, 2019
Wrestling On Air: Episode 64, 6/29/19 June 29, 2019
Wrestling On Air: Episode 63, 6/1/2019 June 1, 2019
Wrestling On Air: Episode 62, 5/18/19 May 18, 2019
Wrestling On Air: Episode 61, 3/30/19 March 30, 2019
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Deeper History Blog
Three years of adventures
Dominican Republc
How the IT revolution reshapes the American politics
25/01/2016 Politics, ThoughtsAleksei
With a held breath I’m following the unfolding of the American presidential race this year. Unusually, there is a genuine uncertainty this time as to how the race will develop and who will ultimately win.
It feels as if the lithospheric plates of American politics have began to shift. The unlikely figures, Trump and Sanders, are rocking the stage on both sides of the aisle. What gives? The answer is simple. The internet revolution has finally reached the American political mind.
The trick that both parties used to play with the electorate was essentially to promote whatever sells and then to implement an ulterior agenda while in power, sometimes completely ignoring the population’s preferences. The Republicans would concentrate the voters’ ire on culture wars and limited government while pushing through the agenda of expanding military spending and drastically cutting taxes on the superrich. The Democrats would focus on liberal social policies while decisively deregulating the financial sector and bailing out banks at taxpayer’s cost. Both parties essentially serving the interests of moneyed elites while largely ignoring the preferences of the electorate in key areas.
That’s no longer possible. The age of (more) perfect information finally affects the United States. People like Trump and Sanders now have an unprecedented direct connection to the voters. In different ways, both of them are products of the information revolution. Trump is the emperor of the media in general and the social media in particular, deftly using both to amplify his message. A message sensibly tailored to the widely shared actual preferences of the Republican voters. Sanders is the king of online fundraising. Both insistently position themselves as not soiled by any super-PAC connection, as if super-PACs were some dirty underworld creatures. Citizens United has been neutralized by the internet revolution.
Trump has skilfully exploited the divide between the voters’ preferences and the official position taken by the party. As an example, the Republican establishment has endorsed the issue of immigration as an area of a convenient political compromise. Turns out, voters would have none of it. GOP politicians were not afraid of hammering on about the deficit, transparently preparing the ground for cutting social programs. But there is no support for touching Medicare or Medicaid among the electorate.
With an equal vigour, Sanders has endorsed Elizabeth Warren-style anti-rich rants. He is an authentic messenger for this creed, in stark contrast to Hillary Clinton. Her ties to financial services industry go back to her husband’s presidency and continue over the years as a steady stream of campaign contributions and speaking fees. Her credibility as an anti-inequality crusader is questionable at best.
Ultimately, the reason why Trump is the overwhelming favourite now to win the Republican nomination is the fact that he represents the voters’ preferences in the way that other candidates don’t. Will Sanders win on the Democratic side? Hillary Clinton is a mediocre politician who was propelled into the pole position by being uniquely connected to two former presidents. She has nevertheless amassed a solid lead in several key metrics: recognition, minority support, supercandidates and endorsements, money. This lead may be too large for Sanders to overcome. But watch out for the power of information technology revolution. Once he wins both Iowa and New Hamphshire, Bern she will feel.
My prediction for the general election: Trumps beats Hillary in a walk.
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Life after the trip 04/11/2017
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The first debate: Trump sabotages himself 30/09/2016
Trump doesn’t want to win 03/08/2016
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John Dorton/isiphotos.com
United States U-20 Soccer
Tab Ramos Names 35 for U.S. Under-20 Qualifying
United States under-20 coach Tab Ramos pretty much defined the player pool for January's U-20 World Cup qualification process, and ASN's Brian Sciaretta has more for you right here.
TAB RAMOS TODAY announced the provisional 35-player roster for U-20 World Cup qualifying as well as a 21-player roster for its final camp in Sunrise, Florida.
The large provisional roster is surprising only that it contains top prospects Emerson Hyndman of Fulham and Rubio Rubin of Utrecht, who are both expected to face club objections. Since the games do not fall on FIFA international dates, clubs are not required to release players for this tournament.
The current 21 player camp in Florida will open today and run through January 5 and all 35 players are available for selection to the 20-player roster for World Cup qualifying which is being hosted by Jamaica and will begin on January 9.
It is expected that the final World Cup qualifying roster will be named shortly after the conclusion of the camp.
In Jamaica, the U.S. U-20 team will open Group A play when it faces Guatemala on January 9th followed by games against Panama on January 11th, Aruba on January 14th, hosts Jamaica on January 18th, and Trinidad & Tobago on January 21st.
“We are certainly ahead of the game compared to the last cycle as far as preparation,” Ramos said via press release. “I think that the biggest challenge for us in this cycle is that the last qualifiers were played in Mexico and we were guaranteed of games on very good fields. That always benefits the good teams. This time around, because the facilities in Jamaica will be more difficult to play on, I think that evens out the competition a lot more. That’s something that we’ll have to adjust to.”
Should the U.S. win Group A, it will qualify for the World Cup. If it finishes in second or third place, it will face a one-game playoff for a World Cup spot. If it finishes lower than third place, it will be automatically eliminated.
The U.S. is led by attackers Paul Arriola and Romain Gall who have both been integral parts of the team’s attack all cycle long.
35-Player Provisional Roster
GOALKEEPERS: Jeff Caldwell (Virginia), Ethan Horvath (Molde FK), Zack Steffen (SC Freiburg)
DEFENDERS: Michael Amick (UCLA), Cameron Carter-Vickers (Tottenham Hotspur), Conor Donovan (N.C. State), Chase Gasper (UCLA), Luis Martir (Chivas Guadalajara), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Shaquell Moore (Unattached), Chris Odoi-Atsem (Maryland), Erik Palmer-Brown (Sporting Kansas City), Tommy Redding (Orlando City), John Requejo (Club Tijuana), Tyler Turner (Orlando City)
MIDFIELDERS: Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Fernando Arce (Club Tijuana), Corey Baird (Stanford), Russell Canouse (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), Marco Delgado (Toronto FC), Luis Felipe (Cruzeiro), Junior Flores (Borussia Dortmund), Romain Gall (Columbus Crew), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland), Emerson Hyndman (Fulham), Zach Pfeffer (Philadelphia Union), Joel Soñora (CA Boca Juniors)
FORWARDS: Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Bradford Jamieson IV (LA Galaxy), Amando Moreno (Club Tijuana), Alex Muyl (Georgetown), Andrija Novakovich (Reading), Rubio Rubin (FC Utrecht), Ben Spencer (Indy Eleven), Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes)
Roster for camp in Sunrise, Florida
GOALKEEPERS: Ethan Horvath (Molde FK), Zack Steffen (SC Freiburg)
DEFENDERS: Conor Donovan (N.C. State), Chase Gasper (UCLA), Luis Martir (Chivas Guadalajara), Matt Miazga (New York Red Bulls), Shaquell Moore (Unattached), John Requejo (Club Tijuana), Tyler Turner (Orlando City)
MIDFIELDERS: Kellyn Acosta (FC Dallas), Fernando Arce (Club Tijuana), Russell Canouse (TSG 1899 Hoffenheim), Marco Delgado (Toronto FC), Junior Flores (Borussia Dortmund), Romain Gall (Columbus Crew), Lynden Gooch (Sunderland)
FORWARDS: Paul Arriola (Club Tijuana), Bradford Jamieson IV (LA Galaxy), Amando Moreno (Club Tijuana), Ben Spencer (Indy Eleven), Tommy Thompson (San Jose Earthquakes)
What do you think of these rosters? Did Ramos leave off a deserving player? Think the U.S. U-20s will qualify? Share your take below.
Brian Sciaretta is an American Soccer Now columnist and an ASN 100 panelist. Follow him on Twitter.
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Trico promotion extended
By John Loughran On November 20, 2018
Autoparts Express and Carcessories are extending the joint promotion with Trico wiper blades: for every €100 spent on wiper blades, customers will receive a ticket that could win them a share of more than €10K worth of prizes until the end of November!
The top prize is a €1,000 holiday voucher which is still up for grabs, while there is a variety of other prizes up for grabs, including an iPad, Amazon Echo, flatscreen television and a driving experience.
Trico Senior Product and Brand Manager, Sam Robinson said: “Autoparts Express and Carcessories are both leading suppliers of Trico wiper blades in Ireland and it’s fantastic to be working together on this promotion to regularly reward our valued customers.”
From hybrid wiper blades and beam blades, to conventional wipers and specialty blades, Trico offers a wide range of styles to fit driver needs.
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Home » Crime , Gist/Viral , Gossip » Drama as Popular Herbalist storms church to collect his Juju back from pastor
Drama as Popular Herbalist storms church to collect his Juju back from pastor
The herbalist and his crew disrupted activities in the church while telling the pastor to return the Juju he collected from him.
In a video that has gone viral, Kwaku Bonsam was heard saying “I told you to be patient” but it was not certain if he was speaking directly with the pastor, who was totally confounded by the unexpected move of the herbalist.
In case you don’t know who Kwaku Bonsam is, in the year 2014 he was at war with Nigeria and Africa’s most popular seer, Prophet T.B Joshua, where he vowed to expose the Nigerian cleric and chase him out of Ghana.
Recently he stated in an interview that he has pastor-clients across the African continent – About 1700 of them – and they approach him for different charms to boost membership in their churches, Pulse NG reports.
“Over 1, 700 pastors and so called men of God from different parts of Africa have approached me, seeking powers to perform miracles, including Prophet T.B Joshua from Nigeria. He is my boy. I challenge him to come out and deny this.
Apart from the pastors, many prominent business people and celebrated church founders in Africa frequent my shrine for my services and if they deny, I am going to name them.”
Bonsam, who operates from a shrine at Sa-Peiman, a village on the outskirts of Nsawam in east Ghana, said his god is called Kofi-Kofi and provides him with supernatural powers that are desperately needed by pastors from all walks of life.
Buhari should lead by example by patronizing a Nigerian public hospital — PDP
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday urged President Muhammadu Buhari to show example by patronizing a Nigerian public hospital o...
Nigerian Federal Government orders 78% increment in electricity tariffs
The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on Saturday announced the immediate review of electricity tariffs in the country fr...
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Digital Television Town Meeting
The Way We Were II
Prog Press Conference Today
Lady Links & Francis Soyer
Withdrawing from Race
Bureaucracy Blog
Meat Space Moments II
Adam Cate Disciplined
John Briggs over at the Free Press is reporting today that Adam Cate, the city's waterfront manager who has been suspended with pay since June for God-Knows-What, is appealing Parks Director Wayne Gross's disciplinary decision.
What that decision is, we don't know. We only know that Cate is appealing it to the Parks and Recreation Commission. From the Burlington Free Press:
Gross declined to discuss the nature of the charges against Cate, the scope of the investigation or his recommendation for discipline. He described the investigation as focusing on "a series of different issues related to the operation of the (Community) Boathouse and access to e-mail accounts."
The hearing before the commission has not been scheduled. Gross said it would be a closed hearing unless Cate asks that the public be admitted.
Cate's attorney couldn't be reached Monday for comment. Earlier, lawyer Sheldon Katz confirmed that the city had hired two private investigators. At least part of that investigation focused on Cate's possession of an e-mail from Ben Pacy of the Clerk-Treasurer's Office to the top union official in the Parks Department.
Pacy formerly was a Parks Department supervisor.
This kind of thing is infuriating. It's not right. It's not right. It's not right. Good government is transparent. It's open. I have been a pretty strong supporter of Bob Kiss throughout his term, but I have to be honest here. That support is eroding. There is no reason for everything to be so secretive. City Hall belongs to the people of Burlington. Not Ben Pacy. Not Johnathon Leopold.
One comment on this story at the the Free Press website is interesting. From "Sabin:"
Ben Pacy couldn’t get Gross’s job so he transfers to the treasurer’s office and starts romancing King Leopold on the idea of combining Public Works & Parks Department. Maybe a good idea, who knows. Cate breaks into Pacy’s e-mail and finds an invitation to a union official to meet off the record. Cate brings the e-mail to Gross who presents it to Kiss. Four days later Cate is suspended on the pretense of embezzlement. What are the chances that they realized Cate was stealing four days after the e-mail? Then the drama begins, Burlington Police is asked to investigate – no luck. Kiss not happy with the outcome hires the P.I. firm – batted zero. Shocker. Now what?
Labels: Jonathan Leopold, Jonathon Leopold
At October 21, 2008 10:12 AM, Anonymous said…
Yeah, this is brilliant. There are seemingly two options of what's happening: 1) Whatever Cate did (or, is thought to have done) is actually quite a bit more serious than they're letting on, or 2) the city really, really is doing everything they can to look remarkably inept and Kiss is passing out shovels for a "this way to my political career burial party."
If someone is stealing money, they get fired. And quickly. But we see there's some hint of union-involved reorganization push behind this. That generally involves managers and sometimes elected folks. Soooo, maybe something small turned into something big: someone scratched off the thin layer of Krylon and found something more serious.
Then again, maybe we're just witnessing the general incompetence of a small town bureaucracy...
At October 21, 2008 1:59 PM, Anonymous said…
That comment is pretty interesting.
I have a very serious question:
How the hell did you wade through the muck in the BFP comments to find it?
At October 21, 2008 2:12 PM, Unknown said…
or could it be that a public investigation goes all through the entire administration? Personally, this is not at all what I expected from a Kiss admin.
This is far from incompetence, its a full blown cover-up, and I think its closed to the public because it will implicate far more than Cate himself.
Yeah, "Sabin" seems to have some inside info, eh? Cuz he's certainly not pulling that out of the articles from the BFP. Yeah, I think we're in general agreement: we gotta think this is something more serious than accusations of embezzlement. Oh, and if it turns out to be something simple and stupid, y'all should be DEMANDING your tax money back.
At October 21, 2008 6:05 PM, Haik Bedrosian said…
How are we gonna get it back? Sue Adam Cate?
could be something as simple as taking money from boaters for favors such as slip placements, no?
At October 22, 2008 8:50 AM, Haik Bedrosian said…
I suppose it could. But if that were the case then it's a systems issue. The system should be altered to prevent the possibility of such corrupt actions. Like a slip placement log book that requires more than one signature per transaction, for example. Something like that.
It's silly to expect corrupt deeds won't happen if they are easy to do and hard to detect. Systems need to ensure that they are hard to do and easy to detect.
Also, if it were something like that, the city needs the testimony of a witness as a basis for action against Cate. Then they could fire Cate. Without that, they just have suspicion, which should only serve as the impetus for fixing the systems as I mentioned.
Hiring a PI on the taxpayer's dime is ridiculous. I would hope Cate asks for an open hearing before the Parks and Rec commission. Or somebody forces it to be public somehow.
At October 22, 2008 9:42 AM, Anonymous said…
As someone who spent their college years working on the waterfront, I can tell you that there are plenty of opportunities to collect revenues, yet there is very little accountability for A/R. Hourly dockage-fees can represent a huge chunk of revenues, and rates/fees are often left to negotiation. Nightly dockage can be subject to negotiation as well (arrival/departure times involved). Guess who "negotiates" -- very easy to see how monies could have been skimmed with little/no way to prove it.
That this looks like garden-variety embezzlement blown out of proportion should tell you something.
Frankly, you start to solve this problem by incentivizing P&L -- a public entity has very little incentive for accountability of revenues it collects.
At October 22, 2008 11:05 AM, Haik Bedrosian said…
Hourly dockage-fees can represent a huge chunk of revenues, and rates/fees are often left to negotiation. Nightly dockage can be subject to negotiation as well (arrival/departure times involved). Guess who "negotiates" -- very easy to see how monies could have been skimmed with little/no way to prove it.
Yeah. That sounds like a problem. Fees should be static and accounted for. It would be smarter to focus on the environment that fosters bad behavior over the behavior itself.
Giving Cate a four month paid vacation and hiring a PI is just throwing good money after bad without addressing the root cause of the problem.
At October 22, 2008 11:17 AM, Unknown said…
Why doesn't BPD subcontract the docking fees to a private firm for a cut? A guarantee that a private firm wouldn't "negotiate" docking fees, and would have a hell of a lot more accountability for making and documenting a profit margin.
At a time when the city is trying to spend Millions for the Moran (moron) plant project, it seems that their own accounting practices are less than sound. Also, if its happening at the waterfront, whose to say it inst happening in other areas of cash revenue.
At November 21, 2009 11:01 AM, Anonymous said…
Who knows where to download XRumer 5.0 Palladium?
Help, please. All recommend this program to effectively advertise on the Internet, this is the best program!
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As For Me And My House (CD)
John Waller's music has been heard by millions, touching lives all over the world. Waller first captured the attention of the Christian music community as front man for the pop band According to John . His major label debut, The Blessing, included the powerful title track, While I'm Waiting, the theme song from Fireproof, the No. 1 independent film of 2008. Now As For Me And My House, is the power ful song on the Top 10 Courageous movie soundtrack.
His third album, As For Me And My House picks right up where While I'm Waiting left off and continues to boldly proclaim the Word of God in song wi th a Joshua 24:15 Declaration to this generation. The title track and companion music video confronts the spirit of this age (Acts 17:22-23), and the idols of money & power, sexual immorality, powerle ss religion, pornography and drugs & alcohol. It provides a solution, God's solution; As For Me And My House, we shall serve the Lord.
With declaration-style anthems like Our God Reigns Here (Luke 10 :19), Yes (2 Corinthians 1:20) and Bless Us and Keep Us (Numbers 6:24-26), John inspires the listener to fight the good fight of faith with biblical lyrics to claim as their own during trying and unce rtain times. Hiding God's Word in my heart has impacted every area of my life since I began memorizing scripture in my early College days. What has been $^$John Waller's music has been heard by millions, touching lives all over the world. Waller first captured the attention of the Christian music community as front man for the pop band According to John . His major label debut, The Blessing, included the powerful title track, While I'm Waiting, the theme song from Fireproof, the No. 1 independent film of 2008. Now As For Me And My House, is the power ful song on the Top 10 Courageous movie soundtrack.
With declaration-style anthems like Our God Reigns Here (Luke 10 :19), Yes (2 Corinthians 1:20) and Bless Us and Keep Us (Numbers 6:24-26), John inspires the listener to fight the good fight of faith with biblical lyrics to claim as their own during trying and unce rtain times. Hiding God's Word in my heart has impacted every area of my life since I began memorizing scripture in my early College days. What has been
1. Our God Reigns Here
2. As for Me and My House
3. Heaven Just Got Better
5. Because God is Good
6. Somebody Else’s Story
7. Count it All
8. Man of the Valley
9. The Jesus I Needed
10. The Marriage Prayer
11. Fallen
12. Bless Us and Keep Us
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Sterling K. Brown & Brian Tyree Henry Interview for “Hotel Artemis”
Hotel Artemis:
As rioting rocks Los Angeles in the year 2028, disgruntled thieves make their way to Hotel Artemis — a 13-story, members-only hospital for criminals. It’s operated by the Nurse, a no-nonsense, high-tech healer who already has her hands full with a French assassin, an arms dealer and an injured cop. As the violence of the night continues, the Nurse must decide whether to break her own rules and confront what she’s worked so hard to avoid.
Director: Drew Pearce
Writer: Drew Pearce
Stars: Jodie Foster, Sofia Boutella, Dave Bautista
Sterling K. Brown:
Sterling Kelby Brown (born April 5, 1976) is an American actor. He starred in the FX drama The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story, for which he won a Primetime Emmy Award. He currently stars as Randall Pearson on the NBC drama This Is Us. The role garnered Brown his second Emmy award, in 2017, for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series and his first Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Drama, as well as his first Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series and Outstanding Performance by an Ensemble in a Drama Series.
Brian Tyree:
Brian Tyree Henry is an American actor. His television roles include Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles in Atlanta and Tavis Brown in Vice Principals. Henry was also a part of the original cast of The Book of Mormon, and stars in Lobby Hero on Broadway, for which he was nominated for the 2018 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play. In February 2017, Henry guest starred in the NBC TV series This is Us episode “Memphis” as William’s cousin, receiving an Emmy Award nomination. Originally from Fayetteville, North Carolina, Henry attended Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia as a business major-turned-actor in the early 2000s. He fell for the city, its community, and its creative energy when he was there. Later, he returned to Georgia’s capital to play Alfred Miles, a.k.a. Paper Boi in FX’s Atlanta.
Henry received his bachelor’s degree from Morehouse College and his master’s degree from Yale School of Drama.
Tags: Cinema Buzz, Dave Bautista, Drew Pearce, Hotel Artemis, Jodie Foster, Sofia Boutella, Steve Samblis
Written by Steve Samblis
Steven Samblis is an American businessman, inventor, TV host, Interviewer, Movie Critic and Entrepreneur. He is the founder and CEO of Envision TV, Inc. and Cinema Buzz, Inc.
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Michael Mogus
Sculpture (1-work)
To Begin Again
100 x 40 x 36 in
Michael Mogus Statement
Art is a paradox that has no laws to bind it. The artist must work towards the unknown. Whether this is called invention, finding or searching. It must be a projection beyond the given state of art.
Michael Mogus Resumé
2001 - “Home Sweet Habitat”, Red Butte Gardens, S.L.C.,UT
2000 - 76th Utah Spring Salon, Springville, Utah
2000 - “Boxes” Salt Lake City Art Center, S.L.C., UT
1999 - “Autumn Show”, Phillips Gallery, S.L.C., UT
1998 - “Blue” Salt Lake Art Center, S.L.C., UT
1996 - "Altering Convictions" Loge Gallery, S.L.C., UT.
1996 - "3 Dimensional Utah, 100 Years of Sculpture" U.S.U., Logan, UT.
1996 - "Garden Sculpture Show" Phillips Gallery,
1995 - Northern Wasatch Parade of Homes, No, S.L.C., UT.
1993 - "Nemelka Spiritual Show", Springville, Utah
1993 - Parade of Homes, Salt Lake City, Utah
1992 - University of Utah School of Medicine Exhibit
1991 - "Emergence", Salt Lake City Art Center
1990 - "Celebration" Dolores Chase Gallery, S.L.C., UT.
1990 - University of Utah Student Show
SELECTED PRIVATE COLLECTIONS PUBLIC COLLECTION
Sarcos “Centuries End” Springville Museum of Art, Springville, UT
Borge Andersen
Joe and K.C. Muscolino
Pete Hill and Monica Smith
Kenton Peters and Sarah McCormick
Jeff Frame and Tom Gosse
PUBLIC COLLECTION
“Centuries End” Springville Museum of Art, Springville, UT
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Media and Events News
Third qualification for security officer
A CPUT security officer obtained his third qualification from the university when he graduated with a BTech: Project Management degree this morning.
Boot camp boosts fitness
Staff and students are shaping up at a free boot camp series at the Outdoor Gym on the Bellville campus.
The boot camp sessions take place on weekdays from 4 pm to 6 pm and staff and students can join any 30-minute slot during this time.
“Professional trainers facilitate the camp every day. The pieces of outdoor equipment in the gym are used to enhance body fitness. The sessions are absolutely free, there is no sign-up fee and you can come whenever you feel you need to level up your fitness,” said Phillip Chibvuri from the CPUT Residence Business Unit.
Chibvuri said participation and interest in the boot camp were growing.
“We are looking at ways to bring excitement to all students and staff about appreciating the spaces we have on our campuses as well as the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, which can go a long way in enhancing productivity and output,” he said.
Chibvuri added, “Once the boot camp has deeper roots we are looking at giving students and staff swimming lessons to equip them with this skill more especially as we live in a coastal metropole.”
First woman driver appointed
To all the young women out there: never doubt that you are valuable and powerful and deserving of every chance and opportunity in the world to pursue and achieve your own dreams.
Innovative lecturer making waves
An innovative lecturer with a passion for her craft has been selected as a finalist in the 2019 International e-Learning Excellence Awards.
New cyber security programme launched
With cyber criminals becoming increasingly brazen, the CTS Department is launching a new cyber security awareness programme for staff members this month.
New Head for Biomedical Sciences Department
Associate Prof Glenda Davison has been appointed as the new Head of the Biomedical Sciences Department.
Davison, who joined the Department as a senior lecturer in 2006, takes over the reins from Prof Tandi Matsha, who was awarded the National Research Foundation’s SARChI Research Chair in Cardiometabolic Health last year.
“It’s been an adventure so far,” said Davison whose focus area is Haematology.
“I’m so fortunate that we have brilliant staff here in the Department who are as enthusiastic as I am and always willing to go the extra mile.”
Davison is passionate about ensuring that the Department produces graduates that are in touch with society’s needs.
“When our students graduate we want them to be sensitive to the unique needs of South Africa. They must be empathetic and understand the inequalities in the country and be in tune with communities. I want to ensure an inclusive environment where we pay attention to the issues facing this country.”
One of her main goals will be to increase the Department’s connections with laboratories.
“I would really like to strengthen the links with private and public laboratories here in the Cape, with other universities that have research laboratories as well as with laboratories outside the Cape, including in rural areas.”
Davison, who is an honorary lecturer at UCT, said her career highlights include her promotion to Associate Prof in 2017 and receiving her NRF rating last year.
In 2011 she received the BridgeMohan award for her research contribution to Haematology.
“Graduations are always my biggest highlight. I love seeing the joy on the students’ faces and the parents’ excitement and to know that we made a difference.”
Retiring Deputy Vice-Chancellor leaves lasting legacy
Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching and Learning at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, Prof Anthony Staak, is retiring from the institution after 36 years.
Alumni and Advancement
Institutional memos
Campus update
HIV/ Aids unit
Communication officers
Ilse Fredericks
Email: Frederickskennediji@cput.ac.za
Provides coverage for the Health and Wellness Sciences and Informatics and Design Faculties.
Kwanele Butana
Email: butanak@cput.ac.za
Provides coverage for the Business and Management Sciences and Education Faculties, Student Affairs Department and Cape Town and Mowbray Campuses.
Theresa Smith
Email: smitht@cput.ac.za
Provides coverage for the Applied Sciences and Engineering Faculties and the Wellington Campus.
Media relations officer
Lauren Kansley
Email: kansleyl@cput.ac.za
Liaises with the media and writes press releases about interesting developments at CPUT.
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Welcome SCBWI Arizona Members!
You Can Write for Children
with Chris Eboch
Remember the magic of bedtime stories? When you write for children, you have the most appreciative audience in the world. But to reach that audience, you need to understand the business of writing for children, including the requirements for different genres, age ranges, and markets. You also need to write fresh, dynamic stories, whether you’re writing rhymed picture books or middle grade mysteries or edgy teen novels.
In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore how to do all of that. Participants also have the option of getting personal feedback on their homework for an additional $49.
This class is both for beginning and experienced writers looking to build skill and learn more about the publishing environment for children's book authors. Recordings will be available to class participants, both for review and for anyone who can’t attend a session live.
Bootcamp Summary
Image courtesy of Wikimedia
Pre-Class
To prepare for the class, brainstorm 5 to 10 possible ideas for stories, articles, or novels for young people. Get at least five copies of different children's magazines from the library or find sample issues online. Look up their writing guidelines online or in a market guide. Study the magazines, making a note of the type of content and target audience. A handout will provide guidance for each of these steps to help you get the most out of the assignments and the bootcamp.
First Session
We’ll start with an overview of the markets. These include both fiction and nonfiction, in books, magazines, and more. You'll learn the specific requirements when writing for different age ranges. This will help you decide where you feel comfortable – or give you new and exciting areas to explore!
For homework, you'll review your list of ideas and choose your top three. Identify three possible markets for each. Then write up a paragraph explaining the idea and why it is suitable for your top market choice. People who have signed up for personal feedback will send their ideas by e-mail and get suggestions on which idea to pursue first or how to tweak their ideas for marketability.
Second Session
Writing for children has many things in common with any good writing, and some things that are special. We’ll explore the essential elements of appealing to children. Participants will learn how to develop their ideas, as well as:
Identify a market
Choose a target age
Match the story length and reading level to the target age
Create a plot with conflict and a three-part structure
Focus on young characters who have control
Homework: draft a short story or article, or begin outlining a novel.
Image courtesy of Nic McPhee
Final Session
We’ll cover editing techniques and submitting your work, as well as answer your questions. Expect to leave this workshop with an article or story in progress, and a list of ideas for future development.
For homework, revise your story/article, or revise your outline and write a first chapter of a novel. Participants who have signed up for personal feedback can send in up to ten pages of one piece, and receive an individual critique after the class.
Chris Eboch writes fiction and nonfiction for all ages, with 20 traditionally published books for children. Her novels for ages nine and up include The Genie’s Gift, a middle eastern fantasy, The Eyes of Pharaoh, a mystery in ancient Egypt; The Well of Sacrifice, a Mayan adventure; and the Haunted series, which starts with The Ghost on the Stairs. Her book Advanced Plotting helps writers fine-tune their plots. Chris teaches through the Institute of Children’s Literature and has led dozens of popular writing workshops around the world. She is a Regional Advisor emerita of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI).
Learn more at www.chriseboch.com or her Amazon page.
Three Wednesdays
July 9th, July 16th, July 23rd
1 pm - 2:30 pm EDT
12 pm - 1:30 pm CDT
11 am - 12:30 pm MDT
10 am - 11:30 am PDT
Note: This class has started, but you can still join and receive all the recordings and handouts. You can also join us live for any future sessions and connect with Chris Eboch via email.
Member Price*: $99
Non-Member: $125
Choose below...
Member $99.00 USD Non-Member $125.00 USD
Full Bootcamp PLUS
Feedback Package
(This includes email responses to all homework assignments, as well as a thorough critique of up to 10 pages of your story, novel, or article)
Member Price*: $148 ($99 + $49)
Non-Member: $174 ($125 + $49)
Member $148.00 USD Non-Member $174.00 USD
*NOTE: Active membership in SCBWI will be verified.
To join SCBWI or ensure your membership is up-to-date, please email: Michelle Parker-Rock at
RegionalAdvisor(at)scbwi-az.org
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Horror Comments Off on Review of They Live
They Live is a seriously stupid movie, yet interestingly, that sort of reflects the culture of the times and the themes of the film. They Live has aliens ruling the world through television (media) turning all the people into slaves of the aliens (media). The people consume and consume to fuel the aliens strive for dominance, and the people are powerless to stop them. It seems like a terrible C-grade alien flick, and it most certainly is. But it also speaks on the culture of the era in a weird way. After John Carpenter took a break from milking the tit of the Halloween franchise, he encapsulated an overall thought process with intrigue and suspense, encased in a shell of a stupid movie.
Reason to Watch
They Live doesn’t pander to you as much as you deserve it to, and for that, it is worth your time.
It’s a throwback to 50’s alien-grade visuals, and it has underlining messages of mass-consumerism and greed helmed by John Carpenter. Not bad for a one trick pony.
Most Memorable Quote(s)
Nada: I have come here to chew bubblegum and kick ass… and I’m all out of bubblegum.
Nada: Wooo. It’s like a drug. Wearing these glasses gets you high, but you come down hard.
Bearded Man: We could be pets, we could be food, but all we really are is livestock.
What You Need to Get Through This Movie
All your receipts of the all the shit you bought in the last year, to make yourself feel bad and bring yourself into the movie with greater aplomb
The line “I have come here to chew bubble gum and kick ass, and I’m all out of bubble gum” was ad-libbed by Roddy Piper. According to director John Carpenter, Piper had taken the line from a list of ideas he had for his pro wrestling interviews.
Roddy Piper, being a married man at the time of filming, refused to take his wedding band off. That’s why in several scenes you can see a wedding ring on.
If aliens were to invade, the first place they would go is to the televison stations
Mullets- still not retro
You may be married to, sleeping with, or sitting next to an alien. Men in Black taught you this one as well
Justification for Rating
Well, it’s a movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=inZUDMGJsKo
Tags: Action, camp horror, film review, good bad movies, Horror, John Carpenter, modern cult classics, movie review, They live
Review of Phantom of the Paradise
Comedy 1 Comment »
Phantom of the Paradise Theatrical Poster
Before there was Rocky Horror, there was Phantom of the Paradise.
This rock opera-styled comedy written and directed by Brian dePalma is a witty and very campy blending of Faust and The Phantom of the Opera. The story is centered on songwriter and composer Winslow Leach (played more or less badly by William Finley), who has his music stolen and adulterated by the somewhat Satanic, wildly successful record producer Swan (played impishly and yet with a hint of sinister by Paul Williams). When Leach confronts Swan, Swan has him beaten and imprisoned on trumped-up drug charges.
Leach manages a prison break, breaks into Swan’s record-press facility and gets disfigured by the hot presses while trying to sabotage the system. Later, he breaks into the rock palace owned by Swan and finds himself a nice phantom costume to wear as he begins a campaign to terrorize everyone and sabotage the opening of Swan’s new rock theatre. As with Phantom of the Opera, there’s a love interest and as with Faust, we know early on that Swan is something of a devil, who has Leach sign a “contract” in exchange for using his music.
There are some great lines in this movie, along with frequent and funny allusions to other films. The send-up of the famous shower scene from Psycho is one of the film’s funniest moments, as are the scenes featuring the effeminate-yet-butch lead singer Beef (played hilariously by Gerritt Graham). Some of the music isn’t bad, either, which isn’t surprising. Paul Williams created the score and wrote the songs for the film at the height of his career.
Phantom of the Paradise came out at the height of the early 70s “Weird=Good” era. It bombed at the box office initially, but quickly became a cult favorite, especially in Canada, where it ran for a year.
If your idea of a good rock musical-movie is one that takes its music very seriously, then this flick will probably piss you off a bit. However, if you like music and films that make fun of themselves and the culture in which they were made, you’ll have a lot of fun.
Beef: I know drug -real from real-real.
Beef: The karma in here is so thick you need an aqualung to breathe.
Beef: Swan, this was scored for a chick. I’m not doing it in drag.
There’s something for everybody here: horror, comedy, rock music and romance. If you can’t find something to like in this movie, then a movie may not be able to help you, anyway. This is supposed to be fun, it’s supposed to be silly and it’s supposed to be weird. It succeeds beautifully.
Grab some throwback snacks and just enjoy the movie for what it is. Like all cult classics, it requires you to loosen up a bit, so do some stretching beforehand.
Originally, Paul Williams was supposed to play the Phantom and Gerrit Graham was supposed to play Swan. Everyone switched roles just a couple of weeks before shooting started. Paul Williams felt he wasn’t quite scary enough. The diminutive songwriter who brought us “Just An Old-Fashioned Love Song” may have been right. But he’s nicely sleazy as Swan.
The actors who play the three bands in the film (The Juicy Fruits, The Beach Bums and The Undead) all did their own choreography, then just showed up to shoot.
If someone asks you to sign a contract in blood, you really need to have a lawyer look at it first.
Never face plant on a record press.
The movie does everything it sets out to do. Cheesy, yes, but not unsuccessful.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2n5qVJEg3qA
Tags: Brian de Palma, camp horror, cult, modern cult classics, rock musical
Review of Heathers
Comedy Comments Off on Review of Heathers
Christian Slater goes against character type by playing a bad boy, and Winona Ryder goes against character type by playing a a witty goth “against the norm” girl in this High School dark comedy. Ok, so Heathers isn’t breaking stereotypes of reinventing its own wheel, but it does offer a peculiar look at a peculiar subject with a wit and charm that very few films could put together. Suicide is one of the untouchables. So it is remarkable that the cast and filmmakers crafted something so honestly enthralling and funny without being taboo and pretentious. In 1989, this is quite a feat. Heathers touches on reigning High School topics without being stuffy or egotistical, and manages to craft an addicitive and charming story through all the quirkiness.
Lots of attractive High School girls that we can only hope are much older in real life than the age they play on television. It also allows us to make fun of High schoolers without having to pull up to our old High School in beat-up Chevy’s to tell them ourselves.
Heathers is dark, weird, and potentially too niche for everyone to relate to. Unlike something like The Breakfast Club, which is too catch-all to ctach anyone off guard, Heathers is darker and more twisted in construction and execution. The context, truly, is that Heathers holds little back, and succeeds brilliantly because of it.
Veronica Sawyer: It’s one thing to want someone out of your life, but it’s another thing to serve them a wake-up cup full of liquid drainer.
Heather Chandler: You wanted to be a member of the most powerful clique in school. If I wasn’t already the head of it, I’d want the same thing.
Heather Chandler: Grow up Heather, bulimia’s so ’87.
If you are not a High School girl, and never have been, a current High School girl or a girl who was in High School in the 80’s will do just fine. if you are or were a total nerd, this movie may go right over your head. Though do keep in mind for you nerds, the movie has more vengeance than a Superman spin-off series.
Main bad boy J.D. is a direct reference to famous Catcher in the Rye author J.D. Salinger and iconic bad boy, James Dean
A character tricks another character into killing someone by saying that the gun shoots special non-piercing bullets called iche luges.” Iche luge is German for I’m lying
The film was considered as putting Christian Slater on the map as an actor. The film barely grossed a million and failed to make its budget
Many parallels to Columbine can be found in this film. Not a comedic point, but a frightening one
Much of this film is based on real events in Ohio circa the mid 80’s. Be glad you didn’t grow up there
The movie holds up well, but is perhaps too bizarre for its own good. For every attractive high School girl, there is a lame bad boy who hogs screen time.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEeQpejFbYA
Tags: dark comedy, Heathers, high school, modern classic, modern cult classics, Winona Ryder
Review of Repo Man
Scifi Comments Off on Review of Repo Man
This is one ridiculously bizarre film. Repo Man stars Emilio Estevez is a troubled comically cliche punk rock heathen. Yet, after a series of events, he finds himself driving to drop off something that you wouldn’t believe it if I told you items being carried in his trunk. The film really has two parts. The first is just a charming harmless little comedy flick. the second is a driveling borderline nonsensical series of science-fiction flair. Repo Man is dated and very much focused in its, umm, focus, but it is too over-the-top to pass up.
Emilio Estevez of The Breakfast Club fame is slowly turned insane by aliens. Yes, aliens. Sorry for the spoiler, but I couldn’t hold that back.
Repo Man doesn’t have much to say about life, reality, what have you, but it is just too ludicrous to not be watched at least once in passing. the dialogue is almost self-parody of the era, and if the trailer didn’t clarify anything for you, the film sure as hell won’t.
Debbi: Duke, let’s go do some crimes.
Duke: Yeah. Let’s go get sushi and not pay.
Duke: You say our names, we’re going to have to kill all these people, Archie.
Bud: Look at those assholes, ordinary fucking people. I hate ’em.
A Netflix account, because you ain’t going to find this bitch any other way.
You can see graffiti for the punk band The Circle Jerks, the same band that plays later in the film
The photo of aliens depicted in the film is actually condoms filled with water
Repo men have it hard and obtain greater success in proportion to the economy’s failure
If you own an air freshener business, endorse a movie about cars
Aliens are wimps if you own a car or have even a few collective brain cells
For all the oddities and bizarre encounters and stupidly funny acting by Emilio Estevez and some other one shot characters, Repo Man is a terrible average movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLGrXGEMOSo
Tags: Action, bad movie, camp horror, modern cult classics, Repo man, Review
Review of Night of the Comet
Drama Comments Off on Review of Night of the Comet
1984 is wholly drowning in science-fiction oddities. Some of them fail miserably and others are quaint and retreaded, though sort of intriguing. Night of the Comet is unabashedly open to taking in influences from many mediums and genres, sort of crafting a romance story around a science-fiction tale, capping it with humor and drama alike. Night of the Comet isn’t particuarly good, but for what it does, you come to appreciation the seamlessness of making so many types of movies in one and having it turn less into a hodge podge mess and something not entirely pretentious. Night of the Comet is quiet for all its exaggerated tendencies, and the film comes and goes without making a huge splash, but a quiet simmer that will stick for some time. Like a slow kiss and not meaningless mediocre sex, Night of the Comet is pretty and interesting, and for sci-fi in the 80’s, that’s about as modest as it gets.
Night of the Comet does a lot right, and doesn’t focus on one thing to drive the characters through their silly story.
The film’s charming elements are helped further by a story that actually sort of makes sense, something akin to a god-like impossibility in mid-80’s science-fiction realm.
Willy: You wouldn’t believe what we want from you. In your worst nightmare you wouldn’t believe.
Regina Belmont: C’mon Hector, the MAC-10 submachine gun was practically designed for housewives.
A nice cup of coffee and your viewing glasses, this contradicts the absurdity with a little bit of wholesome goodness
The original working title for the film was Teenage Mutant Horror Comet Zombies.
The Shopping Mall featured in Night of the Comet was the Sherman Oaks Galleria. The Galleria has been used for several movies including Terminator and Fast Times at Ridegmont High.
If famed gruesome horror/children’s film director Robert Rodriguez likes something, it’s probably good
Malls are creepy when empty
If Night of the Comet does something right, they remind you that Dawn of the Dead is a good movie
Unlike many cult films, Night of the Comet is a legitimate engrossing movie. it takes influences from many different sources, yet on its own, its a nice mix of many different things that work well together, as opposed to a blender of random items that make a chunky gross brown smoothie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91xWXTIwTwM
Tags: Action, camp horror, gross, Horror, modern cult classics, Night of the Comet, sci-fi, thriller, zombie
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色国产在线高清,色 综合 欧美 亚洲 国产
Home > Tourism
75 mln tourists visit Xinjiang in first half of 2019
2019-08-02 source:Xinhua
Tourists buy handicrafts at the International Grand Bazaar in Urumqi, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. (Xinhua/Zhao Ge)
Tourism Trend Today: About 75.9 million visitors visited Xinjiang, China, in the first half of 2019, up 46 percent year on year.
Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region received about 75.9 million visitors in the first half of this year, up 46 percent year on year, according to regional officials.
Shohrat Zakir, chairman of the regional government, told a press conference in Beijing on Tuesday that Xinjiang has seen a tourism boom in recent years. The number of tourists to Xinjiang exceeded 150 million last year, up 40.1 percent.
The region is expected to welcome over 200 million tourists this year, said Erkin Tuniyaz, vice chairman of Xinjiang.
Erkin said the region vowed to build Xinjiang into a key area for tourism and a destination with worldwide popularity.
He said the next step is to further improve Xinjiang's tourism development planning, strive to create better tourism branding, improve services and transportation, as well as accelerate the construction of supporting infrastructure.
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A Review Of Ken Wilber’s ‘Trump And A Post-Truth World’: Or, How I Stopped Evolving And Learned To Love The Trump
Ken Wilber is often hailed as the smartest guy you never heard of. For an ‘integral’ part of his theory, Wilber built on Jean Gebser’s work on societal and evolutionary development, which suggest societies move through levels of consciousness as they grow, ie: tribal, fundamental, entrepreneurial, liberal, infinity and beyond. Buzz Enlightenedyear? Throughout his tenor, Wilber has generally ignored republican antics in favor of lib coaching (Summary Alert: with deeper levels of consciousness, comes greater responsibility). In Trump And A Post-Truth World, Wilber labels the main pitfall of liberals as ‘aperspectival madness’, or how pluralism (moral-relativism) has paved the way for this truthless post-modern landscape. Progressives tend to insist that all perspectives are equal and, in such a world, truth itself dissolves into an egalitarian nightmare. He also points to the onslaught of fake news as contributing to the problem and how search engines are weaponizing shitty viewpoints by trading meaning for popularity. He rails against click-bait, which *cough* reminds me, before reading further please like and share my Man Trapped On Whataburger Roof Calls 911 For Rising Cholesterol Levels.
Dear GOP, I Think You’re Choking On Something
A headline over on Drudge yesterday read “Christians Under Siege!” Yes, I took the bait and made the mistake of reading the whole article. The assaults on Christianity are always a variation of the same two: Christians are now forced to watch other people marry the person they love and/or not everyone says “Merry Christmas” as enthusiastically as our Founding Father’s envisioned. Some people even have the audacity to say “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas” on December 25th .…you know, Saturnalia. The main point of this same article shifted to southern Christian conservatives burden to make sure they choose the right, God-fearing candidate. This is a tremendous burden, indeed, as they must decide whether their party should tack stupid, or tack reeeally stupid. I think if Hercules had to choose between these jokers, he’d be like, “Can I just wrestle the giant squid again, please?”
That Which We Call a Radical by Any Other Name
by Pokey McDooris • March 1, 2015
Some random thoughts struck me this week, Zano, like squirrels on water skis, honey badger, and that hot barista over at Starbucks. Then some relevant thoughts struck me, but, since you have no answers, I thought I would list them all in an attempt to continue to annoy the crap out of you. First off, stop the placating! Start to join the voices condemning Islam as irrational, hateful, and just plain wrong. Quit encouraging these bullies and let’s start our own academic Jihad! Then more squirrels on water skis.
This week Rudy Giuliana said he didn’t believe that Barack Obama loved this country but, when challenged, Giuliana didn’t give a very strong defense of his statement and essentially backed down. Glenn Beck, however, did have a good response. Beck asked the question, “Is it possible for a person to want to ‘fundamentally change this country’ and still love this country?” I believe that to be a fair challenge. I know you have nothing but contempt for Mr. Beck, but back in 2013 Beck claimed that ISIS was forming a Caliphate. At this time our president was referring to ISIS as “the JV team.”
Then, this week, President Obama said, “Islam is woven into the fabric of the foundation of the United Sates” (paraphrased). This is totally false. Islam had absolutely nothing to do with the foundation of the United States, and it wasn’t until the 1890s that the 1st Islamic center was built in New York. In the 1700s, if there were such a person on this land who had even suggested Sharia law, they would have been rightly executed.
“We need to transform our history.”
President Obama said that ISIS is not Islamic, but rather a “hijacking of Islam.” This is also false. ISIS is not a deviation from Islam. ISIS has a coherent theology rooted in the Koran. ISIS is as Islamic as Muhammad; it might make us feel good to say otherwise, but if anything, ISIS is a ‘Reformation’ of the barbaric, yet theologically rooted, foundation of Islam.
The central message of the Koran is for the community of believers to spread its message through violence. Those people who truly believe that Muhamad is the last Prophet of Allah and that the Koran comes from God are at war with us, whether we like it, believe it, speak of it, or not.
By not addressing the reality of what is actually occurring in ISIS, Islam, and the Middle East, we are putting our heads in the sand as our enemy grows stronger and is emboldened by our feeble signs of weakness.
To say ISIS is not Islamic is like saying that the Nazis were not fascist. Let me start by contrasting the “racist slayings” in the U.S. with the real bigoted slayings going on around the globe like in Syria, France, Africa, etc. Our President and Al Sharpton and you too, Zano, ought to be rallying protests against the bigoted ideology—yes, “Islam.” Say it with me, kids. Isssslaaaaaam. What’s the capitol of Pakistan, kids? Islamisbad. I’m here til Friday. Is this thing on?
Those on the left have been tiptoeing around these bullies for too long. Call it what it is: Islam is a religion of intolerance—no, not just radical Islam, Islam itself. Read the Koran, look at the history. A Moderate Muslim is a person who doesn’t really believe that Muhammad is a prophet and doesn’t really believe that the Koran is from God. Anybody who really believes that Muhammad is a prophet and that the Koran is really from God is a radical Muslim.
We, that is reasonable Western thinking democracies, must expose Islam for what it is, no holds barred. Islam is a religion of intolerance. Oh, I know not all Islamic people are violent, but all true believing Islamists are tolerant of the violent worldwide jihad which is right not being waged against you and I.
Oh, and Zano, the only thing separating the Islamic State from you and me is conservative Christians. It sure isn’t the Democratic Party. Those same folks who work tirelessly to undermine, weaken and ridicule, Conservative Christians, kind of forget about Islam. Boo hoo, a reprehensible cartoon depiction of Muhammad, a reprehensible video, a reprehensible book, a reprehensible blog, blah, blah, blah. Yes, your blog is reprehensible but for decidedly different reasons.
I’m tired of these guys making everybody tip toe around them. Oh, be careful not to offend Abdul, kids. No really, he’s wearing a suicide vest.
Oh yeah, and the President will encourage the showing of the ‘Interview’ as a sign of patriotism? Well, let’s paste those cartoons on every newspaper and news station across the world. Oh no, that would be incendiary. What is more reprehensible to joke about the killing of present day world leader, or the satirical depiction of a false prophet who’s been dead for 1400 years?
Next installment: rethinking the virtues of the Holy Crusades…
Manmade Vs God-Given Rights
To me the ‘unalienable rights’ part of the Declaration of Independence means absolute rights that cannot be tampered with. Whereas the origin of these rights remain open to debate, the rights themselves are not. Pokey worries that without defining the origin-part, liberals will try to change shit. On that note, there’s as much Athens as Jerusalem in our founding documents so let’s begin by replacing ‘God-given’ with ‘Zeus-given’. Then let’s draw a really cool lightning bolt over the entire next paragraph and change the name of this thing to the Bill of Smites.
[Winslow: This is a continuation of a debate that has sadly been allowed to continue.]
To benefit from the spirit of our Constitution we needn’t define the God-part. Our Founding Fathers (FFs) had a healthy dose of atheism, so they avoided naming the particular deity in question. The WHO who bestowed these rights is moot, and with good reason. The Age of Reason comes to mind, or the flip side Sharia Law. Of course, our FFs were more worried about the Church of England at the time. Damn Protestants. They understood God could be any God, Gods, or higher power. But please avoid cartoon Gods where prohibited.
Some believe these rights are bestowed by a bearded guy in the clouds while others do not. But one day YOU WILL ALL KNOW the glory of the Flying Spaghetti Monster! To me the key is that these rights are inherent and irrefutable. Sure the FFs stated the “right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” comes from God, but then these same folks spent no small amount of time ensuring a clear separation of church and state.
To me unalienable means—
[Zano’s 17 page Ancient Alien rant rejected by the editor]
Whereas you, Pokey, are looking at colonial times from solely a Christian standpoint, I realize our founding documents were an amalgam. Sure it’s an amalgam with clear ties to The Bible but, taking a page from Ken Wilber, I believe our FFs were operating at a much higher level of consciousness than the norm for that time period. The idea of starting with some basic tenants that could not be overruled by anyone from a lower, or even a higher perspective was brilliant (no matter how you slice it). They were certainly light years ahead of either party today. They only used this fundamental origin-myth to protect the essence of their vision, not the least of which is that all men are Created Splenda. (Sorry, but I already changed that part, because Equal causes cancer.)
After all, they started this schitznik with We The People, not We The Children of God. The people had the sovereignty here, not the all-mighty, or the all-mighty dollar. That came later. The whole tug-o-war between a Christian Nation vs the Wall of Separation between church and state remains ongoing, then and now. I’m not an all-or-none thinker and the answer, as usual, lies somewhere in between:
“The founders were not as Christian as those people would like them to be, though they weren’t as secularist as Christopher Hitchens would like them to be.”
—Richard Berkhiser
Let’s look at the rest of that phrase “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”
To me life means breathing and stuff. The GOP seems to only find life in the womb sacred. Discuss any post-natal rights and they get all snotty. Post-natal drips? I believe The GOP has become a cult of death. Climate change? Nah. Dying oceans? Nah. Overpopulation? Nah. The need to shift to alternative energies? No thank you. We prefer a better life, through death.
Republicans love children and they show this profound Christian love by gutting education, child protective services, and all regulation of food and water. They always just want to turn their heads …and cough.
So in this nirvana of yours the church is supposed to take care of the mentally ill with prayer and with cookies? You don’t need to be insured, you don’t need medical care, you don’t need basic sick leave or any basic wage to function in our current society. You don’t need workers’ rights, you don’t need vaccinations from deadly illnesses…you know, the ones once eradicated through said vaccinations. You have the freedom to either die in the lobby without coverage or die in your designated sweatshop. That’s a wonderful interpretation of our Founding Fathers’ vision. You have the right to life…until our policies kill you. Mass extinction sold separately.
Is life longer and fuller without healthcare coverage? Do you really believe that?
“Just live a little. No really, just a little. That’s all we’re funding.”
—John Q. Republican
Let’s take liberty…no really, take it. James Madison extended the Constitution to include the Bill of Rights to protect said liberty. The Bush Administration essentially junked the thing indefinitely post 9/11.
And what about the War on Drugs? That shit-show cost us dearly. Ever heard of the Rico law? Your house car or cash can be confiscated by the police if they even suspect anything you or your family member might have done related to a drug offense. And you’re trying to tell me that having a well-funded emergency room in your town trumps all of these affronts? Isn’t it more likely you’re being duped? I think NSA is all we agree on this topic.
Suffice to say, once you can by picked up off the street by your government without due process, held indefinitely, and then tortured, uh, I think that might infringe on your liberties ….a tad.
“Never ever get a writ of Habeas Corpus.”
—Groucho Jefferson
Let’s ignore my hedonistic view of happiness for a moment. Sex, drugs, and rock & roll sold separately. Christian “values” keep people from dying with dignity and it keeps them from having access to pornography while in hospice care—which is no small point when your last request is spiritual midget porn. If given a chance Christians would impose their version of happiness on us all. The FFs understood this part, even if you don’t. On a related note, I come from a long line of Impuritans.
One nonstarter is how a Christian Nation invariably tries to remove temptation. They would block even any chance of sin, which is a ridiculous approach to helping someone move toward spiritual growth. Try interviewing some altar boys to see how well that’s working out. This is also why the decriminalization of all drugs must occur. Did God remove the Tree of Knowledge from the Garden of Eden? Hell, he didn’t even block porn in that liberal Portlandia. Eve? Is that you burning frankincense again, you naked hippy chick?
I think there’s a big difference if you call something like healthcare an inherent right, but universal healthcare does seem to work in everywhere it has been tried. Sorry, but freedom didn’t die anywhere it’s been tried. The taxes associated with healthcare costs polled well in all 18 countries. Again, I think there’s a middle ground at play here, well, should our republican friends outgrow their middle school playgrounds. Pursuing happiness from poverty is possible but not always preferable. I don’t want to belittle the efforts of our churches, but they are not the whole picture—they’re not even the previews.
Rick Santorum, a guy cut from your cloth, would like to see the church prominent and powerful again. He feels the separation of Church and State only goes one way. He feels the government itself must be separated from any church, but churches can petition the government as much as they want.
—Our Founding Fathers amidst a collective face palm
And that was just their reaction to his latest sweater vest. If you recall the context back in 1776, our FFs obviously wanted a very clear separation of Church and State. Hey, why not shift the whole wall on our southern border back to where our Founding Fathers intended? …between Church and State. Lest we forget the church had full control of the West for many centuries. It was called the Dark Ages.
Back to the Other Main Point: The Constitutionality of Obamacare
I never said the individual mandate was a clear violation of the Constitution. I said I had concerns about that one aspect of that 1,000+ page law. I am not a constitutional scholar, nor am I an all-or-none thinker, so I am forced to leave that important task to our partisan Supremes. Any ruling that arises from your infallible document—the one handed to us from God himself—is deemed constitutional or not depending on the ratio of D to R appointed judges during said ruling. Funny how that works.
Meanwhile, Senator Orin Hatch (R) and Senator Fred Upton (R) have just proposed an alternative health plan, which is suspiciously similar to the ACA, minus the individual mandate. They want to give tax credits to compensate for this emergency room penalty. In their version you can keep coverage for your existing condition as well. But unless you counter the high risk pool with lots of other people that approach makes no sense (See: any other proposal by republican in the 21st century).
Things may go down as Starsky and Hatch are proposing, but essentially it will be Obamacare under a new name and without any viable way to pay for it. Of course, if we elect a republican president what we call the ACA will be the least of our problems.
Others have already come up with some individual mandate work-arounds, as previously mentioned here. I won’t strip millions of Americans from their healthcare coverage for a piece of this law that is not remotely fatal, for a piece of this law that is currently deemed constitutional by the Supreme Court, for a piece of this law that may well be correctible. If you change ‘unalienable’ rights to unconscionable then I think you have a point.
How is having access to an emergency room destroying your freedom, Pokey? Could we afford the fire department needed if every household in the U.S. burst into flames? The government takes a lot of your paycheck and it always will, so why is this bit so hard to digest? How much of our check goes to Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, fire, garbage, infrastructure, schools etc? If you don’t have a kid, you still pay a school tax. If you don’t have a fire you still pay for that fire department. And now, if you don’t have a medical emergency there still an emergency room down the street should you need it. You peeps always complain about the money associated with a basic functional society, yet you ignore the fact you can’t unionize, get a raise, get time off, or get a life. Freedom…you’re doing it wrong.
Excuse me if I don’t want to pay for your ‘personal responsibility’ from my pay check. It’s a shared burden…like Fox News. If you don’t like it, live off the grid, nature boy. You’re making much ado about healthcare. And what are you complaining about? You and your ilk are winning. We don’t invest in infrastructure, we don’t take care of our most vulnerable, as we devolve into a third world nation. How do you folks twist reality into such a pretzel? Don’t ask me to get inside the head of a republican; I have weak constitutions. See? I just threw up on my amendments again. Oh and sorry, Pokey, but I changed some of the first part too:
We the Spoof Bloggers , in order to form a more perfect Onion.
What da ya think? Oh, and I already changed the Zeus part again. I’m kind of partial to Dionysius, but I’m still keeping the lightning bolt. It doesn’t have to make sense. Hell, republicans don’t.
Integral Thought Doesn’t Have a Prayer
Discussing integral levels of thought will undoubtedly ruffle some feathers, about 99% of the world’s feathers if Ken Wilber is any judge. That’s about the percentage of hate mail Obama received after his breakfast prayer last week. Luckily my discussion on the subject will only anger most of my 11 fans, because my fans go to 11. So do the math. No really, it’s a fraction. Anyway, Obama’s event with the Dalai Lama impressed me greatly—I mean, eggs Florentine?! Yum!
Obama’s a gutsy guy, just not in the traditional Republican sense of the word, aka breaking wars and economies over one’s knee in the name of freedom! But where has this guy been hiding? Even though most will miss his main points, I commend his efforts. We should begin to speak to what’s best in all of us, not remain transfixed on those worst aspects of the human condition. Those with a clue deserve a little prime time as well. With religious fundamentalism still tearing our world apart, I loved Obama’s whole shebang.
Note to self: when trying to spell check shebang do not, under any circumstance, use the Google to accomplish this task.
Obama wasn’t throwing any one religion under the bus; he was compelling us to dump the shittier parts of all religions. Religion has a lot of baggage, present and past. Of course, Fox News “slammed” the president’s related comments and then “slammed” our strengthening economy and then “slammed” our falling unemployment rate and then “slammed” our staggeringly high stock market. Shock poll: no one shocked by this. Obama will be criticized for every sentence regardless of its meaning, which brings with it a certain freedom. Post this important speech, Charles Krauthammer honed in on this quote:
“Humanity has been grappling with these questions throughout human history. And lest we get on our high horse and think this is unique to some other place, remember that during the Crusades and the Inquisition, people committed terrible deeds in the name of Christ.”
He was “shocked” and “stunned” that Obama would speak the truth, out loud, in front of other people. This is not the Republican way (see: U.S. history). I believe Krauthammer is about the smartest conservative out there and, boy, is he out there. Wow. Their brightest bulbs still can’t illuminate a phone booth. Of course Obama went on to list some of the abuses throughout history of some other key religions as well, annoying each country in question along the way. Good. This was Obama’s answer to that first quote, the part Krauthammer left out:
“So how do we, as people of faith, reconcile these realities—the profound good, the strength, the tenacity, the compassion and love that can flow from all of our faiths, operating alongside those who seek to hijack religious for their own murderous ends?”
Every one of Obama’s words rang true, but taken out of context you can and will offend. For example take my recent quote: “bite me, you gravy sucking whore.” When placed back into the correct context of my article it’s an entirely different beast:
“I would never say to the Dalai Lama, bite me, you gravy sucking whore, unless he continues to ignore my emails.”
See? Oh, and then there’s this bit:
“But we also see faith being twisted and distorted, used as a wedge—or, worse, sometimes used as a weapon. From a school in Pakistan to the streets of Paris, we have seen violence and terror perpetrated by those who profess to stand up for faith, their faith, professed to stand up for Islam, but, in fact, are betraying it.”
On Bill Maher last week Howard Dean exposed Obama’s playbook. They were returning to the Affleck/Harris argument, whether or not to call ISIS Islamic terrorists. Dean basically confirmed my suspicion that this President adamantly refuses to increase terrorist recruitment, through word or deed. He will therefore not conflate ISIS with Islam in any way. Does he think they’re related? Well, duh, but because he realizes they kill in the name of Islam many are calling Obama’s language-failure a lie. More accurately, it’s just a smart strategy.
For a brief review: Ben Affleck stands for the liberal appeasers among us who can’t even read a poll about radical Islamic beliefs without playing the racist card (wrong), while our Foxeteer friends forever attack and blame the entirety of Islam (wrong). As usual Obama is threading the needle. He understands how the future lies within moderate Muslim countries and their people. Conflating this as a war with greater Islam is an automatic recruitment tool. Is he shying away from blowing the shit out of stuff? Hardly. He just wants to balance his actions by not creating more of the problem. This is no easy task as Republicans have shown us all too well.
Obama would like to share the burden of tackling these radical groups with regional forces. At least to some degree this is starting to happen. Moderate Islam represents a key part of reigning in the radicals, otherwise this war is already lost. I think more and more Muslims will evolve, but the question remains: will it happen fast enough? Meanwhile my position hasn’t changed, I agree with air strikes and Special Forces to quell these radicals, but boots on the ground need not be American. Land wars have not been effective in this endeavor, remember? Of course not.
Back to breakfast:
Hell, I could repost this entire speech, but here’s the link. Wow! This is one of the speeches history will talk about. Your first clue? No one agrees with me. It’s ahead of its time and Republicans are so far behind the times, it would take a quantum leap forward to get them up to The Flintstones.
Paul Waldman differs:
“I’d certainly prefer it if Obama never went to another one of these. He could say that though presidents have gone in the past, the event has become highly sectarian, and since he’s the president of all Americans, he’d prefer to hold his own inter-faith breakfast at the White House, one geared more toward understanding and less toward proclamations of the one true faith.”
Come on, live a little, Paul. Who cares what fundamentalists think? After his diatribe on the ills of religion, Obama doesn’t abandon spirituality but rather encourages us to embrace those best parts inherent in spirituality. To borrow a page from Wilber, he wants to transcend and include what works and ditch the rest:
“Whatever our beliefs, whatever our traditions, we must seek to be instruments of peace, and bringing light where there is darkness, and sowing love where there is hatred.”
“Each of us has a role in fulfilling our common, greater purpose—not merely to seek high position, but to plumb greater depths so that we may find the strength to love more fully. And this is perhaps our greatest challenge—to see our own reflection in each other; to be our brother’s keepers and sister’s keepers, and to keep faith with one another.”
Who better to have been sitting at this table during this speech than his Holiness the Dalai Lama? People need not defend every morsel of their sacred texts—to the death. Hopefully more people across the globe will move beyond fundamentalism in all of its forms. Face it, all religions contain some shittier, more contradictory parts. Even if you believe your own sacred text is directly from the Hand of God, you must admit the hand of man is evident throughout these puppies, or:
“I’ve done everything the Bible says! Even the stuff that contradicts the other stuff!”
Let’s defend those aspects and those tenants worth defending. Let’s stick with Jesus’ kindness and lose Jehovah’s smiting, strive for the Kalimahs of Sufism and drop Sharia, a little more enlightenment and a little less crusades, a little more Menachem Begin and a little less Netanyahoos, and what do I have to say about those Voodoo Vikings that you don’t already know? Let’s a build a future that is brighter for everyone, not just for one sect, country or cult, but for all of mankind.
“The old appeals to racial, sexual and religious chauvinism, to rabid nationalist fervor, are beginning not to work. A new consciousness is developing which sees the earth as a single organism, and recognizes that an organism at war with itself, is doomed. We are one planet.”
Westboro Baptist Church Vs. the Daily Discord and GOD
by Mr. Sherman • December 29, 2014
Cranky Crank’s Damage Repair
by The Crank • November 26, 2014
At this point in my life I have been instructed by my orthopedist that I will not fare as good as my Mom did with the arthritis. In my case, if nothing is done it will kill me, and sooner rather than later. The scoliosis in my lower back is bad but not terminal. My neck is another story. Over the years I have graduated from one big chin to many big chins. Of course I realized this is partly because of Pasta and Twinkies, but also because for some reason I was losing height in my neck area.
Remembering Mom’s issues, I thought it was time I had it looked at. Besides, now if I coughed my arms went straight out like they were electrified. If I looked up I would lose feeling in both arms and part of my chest and face. I also had almost constant debilitating headaches. Not good. I have already had two full knee replacements already in an attempt to head off the kind of debilitating arthritis my Mom had.
After having the obligatory MRI after warning them I already had two metal knees (I really didn’t want my knees ripped from my body) my wife and I returned to the doctor. It was a life changing visit. He brought the scan up on a big monitor and pointed to the area from vertebrae C-2 to C-7. The spinal cord canal had narrowed to the point it was closing off at midpoint C-4 and one good fall or abrupt movement could, and probably would, end in quadriplegia or death. While I have tons of respect for Professor Hawking, I didn’t want to fully emulate him. He said my working days were over, and warned me I had better not drive or even be a passenger in a car for even a minor accident could be disastrous. At 59 I was to go home and watch TV, have restless leg, and eat, for the rest of my life. Tripping over the cats was not an option at this point, an activity I normally participated in regularly.
I went through the whole thing: first inconsolable sadness. I had said to myself that unlike my Dad, I was going to enjoy my retirement, not die just before it. I then had lots of anger at my Mom for inflicting this on me. I would scream at her picture when I was alone. My brother, my sister and I now have so much metal in side of us that airplane travel is all but ruled out without someone from TSA calling out a swat team. I then remembered my Aunt Pauline, my uncle Tony, and all the rest of Mom’s lineage with all their arthritis based issues, and now it’s popping its little bastard head in some of my nieces and nephews.
I then got to a point that I started to look for a fix. Most doctors I read of on line said they were not comfortable with fusing six neck vertebrae and wouldn’t advise surgery. I did some more internet searches for a fix and came upon a name. A man who was the head of Orthopedics for the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN had recently tired of cold and wet and moved to the Surface of the Sun. He was also ‘in my plan’!!
We saw him, and after he studied my MRI, he turned to my wife and I said the four words I wanted to hear: “I CAN help you”. He explained he had done many and instructed me on what I would be left with as far as movement (not very much). He also said my headaches would in all probability go away. He was going to remove permanently the backs of each vertebrae in something called a Laminectomy. Just the word gives me the frightened turtle. He would then wire the vertebrae together with 2 long steel posts and 12 large screws. (Hello, Home Depot?) He would even attempt to reshape the neck into something remotely resembling what it was “supposed to” look like. Mary and I had a conversation, and agreed to go ahead.
The surgery went great but the recovery, not so much. The doctor said that when he finally freed up the cord, it sprang out of my spine like a jack-in-the-box, spring. He had never seen one so compacted. After two days in the hospital, I was released. I was weak as a kitten and could barely move my arms. I had to be fed. Now I know exactly what being a Tyrannosaurus felt like. Big head, big mouth, big ass, tiny useless little flappy arms. More fun was finding out I was allergic to large amounts of opiate-based painkillers. Something the Discord crew used as a food group at company parties. I found out my own allergies while in a hospital bed with my wife and niece at my side.
You see, I started to hallucinate, bigtime. Look people, I lived through the fucking seventies and that was nothing. My dining room table became a picnic table filled with itinerant field workers from the turn of the century, in black and white. At the foot of my bed a flower arrangement in a vase became the head of a man poking through the floor, with headphones on, in front of some kind of equipment. He had 70s style aviator glasses and hairstyle. He was in full color. The obligatory women in white gown floated around by the front door. And all these people were staring at me, while talking amongst themselves.
Now, this frightened me, and more so my wife. When I pointed out the guy with the headphones, who she couldn’t see, I naturally accused her of being part of some vast conspiracy. She then figured it was time to call for an ambulance and had me re-admitted. I was put in another MRI to see if I had had a stroke. When I came out I was flipping out. Some story I had seen on TV became real and I was convinced I was integrally involved. The MRI became a helicopter I was being removed from and I was also convinced I was no longer in a hospital, but in some fake hospital set up in a warehouse somewhere a la Blacklist. Crawling under the bed to get the spiders was also helpful to the staff. Yeah, fun times. I will at this point have to take the space to thank Mick Zano for his help with texting answers to questions we had while watching the doctors argue about my meds in the middle of the night. That really gave me the warm fuzzies. He may be politically incoherent, but in his forte he has my full respect.
It wasn’t all horrific, though. There were the ants. I saw very big, pink ants, coming out of the corners of the rooms. They were dressed in full 70s disco regalia with afros, leisure suits, aviator glasses and platform shoes. And they danced. It started as I stared into the corner of a room. I would first hear the beginning of the song Love Rollercoaster (Ohio Players 1975) and then the ants would slowly appear along the ceiling, as if they were squeezing out from behind the wall. They would wave at me as they entered. Then they started to dance as they made their way around the room. I implore the readers to go to YouTube and hear this song
While you’re watching, picture what I was seeing. It was wonderful. I would stare at them for hours, they kept me sane while we all waited for the drugs to wear off. To this day from time to time I gaze up at the corners of the room, hoping maybe I would see them again. I really miss the pink dancing disco ants.
It all went better after that. I have very little up or down movement and only about 20 degrees side to side. More importantly I am headache free, except when I read Zano. And that’s easy, I just don’t read Zano. I have built my strength back up and retaught myself to drive with the help of big-assed mirrors. So it’s all good. I just have a block of concrete for a head, but that’s nothing new.
I had an amazing support group. My wife is a nurse, my niece and nephew helped a lot, and my stepson came out for a week to be of great assistance. I could not have done it without all of them.
Oh yea, and ….Thanks Mom.
Atheism: It’s What’s for Last Supper
So how does a guy deeply interested in spirituality end up championing the coming Age of Atheism? Oh, it’s easy, especially when you’re a spoof news “journalist”. But, before we get started, excuse me while a sacrifice this goat on this pentagram. Pokey, you are that goat.
One of my chief GOP complaints remains their rigidity of thought and their all-or-none thinking. Where does this problem stem from? I think some of their dysfunction clearly has its roots in Catholicism. It’s at least part of why republicans think the way they do, badly. Catholicism and Islam are the main two religions on earth with this good people/bad people, hell/heaven dichotomy and it is still shaping ideologies and legislation in the U.S. today.
“U.S. and them, and after all I’m just an ordinary Dem.”
—Pinko Floyd
Hey, at least atheists believe in science and they believe that ALL men are created equal. They also believe in public television, NPR, and no whip mocha lattes. More importantly, they believe in math, science and outcome measures. They can interpret new data into an ever-evolving position (with the notable exception of the whole mind/brain thing. Related post soon).
I was not originally opposed to voter ID laws, until I discovered during any given election fraud was estimated to occur only about .004%. That’s when I realized this was more GOP game-rigging (See: Gerrymander 2: A Good Day to Lie Hard) so my position changed. But, if the new data from NC turns out to be accurate, here, I may change my opinion again, especially if it turns out to be even more widespread. But I will reserve judgment as 95% of the stuff covered on Fox News tends to be of the bullshit variety. Yet all along the GOP’s solution to .004% voter fraud was to cover each instance, one at a time…this will explain it:
Dear GOP,
If 130 million folks voted and there was an estimated .004% fraud, if you cover each of the 5,200 stories separately, it doesn’t change the overall amount.
Evolving positions on the right are almost unheard of. So, minus any evidence, this ID vendetta was designed to disenfranchise our poor voters. Nothing more. Blessed are the…Your paperz, bitte! I believe that ploy was from Josh’nya or was it Dontvoteicus?
If the Foxeteers don’t have any real evidence, they just click on the Breitbart.coms of the world and voilà, instant evidence! It panders, it slanders…and look at that shine! No matter what data emerges the vast majority of republicans are incapable of changing their views. Republicans take their propaganda on faith. There’s at least a five year half-life on any botched issue and by the time they figure it out, who cares? Benghazi! Today’s republicans make Douglas Adam’s Golgafrinchnans seem like the High Elves of Rivendell (who legalized, apparently).
Oh, and how about that recently unearthed 2nd century evidence suggesting Jesus had a wife?
This parchment was coincidentally released right around the same time that Jesus stopped hanging around with all those sinners and prostitutes. This excerpt from the lost Gospel of Huggy Bear:
“Sorry, guys, ahh she kinda funny.”
“Yeah, everybody funny. Now you funny too.”
—George the Apostle
And then Jesus said, “Blessed is the steady booty” and no one saw Jesus for a time.
But don’t worry about Climate Change, God will send another Moses to cool the oceans, or if they get too acidic Jesus will turn it into a nice merlot, or if it starts to rain too much another Noah will gather two of every iPhone app so they can eMate.
But remember, kids, under no circumstance drink and then try to walk on water. It will end up on YouTube.
Also, atheists are a surprisingly ethical bunch, which at first sounds counterintuitive, like conservative wisdom. Take Christopher Hitchens for example; he created a much more sensible 10 commandments before he went to meet his…oh (throat clear). How could his rules be more relevant than God’s? Full Zano story on here. Most of God’s 10 commandments are meaningless in 2014, like our Constitution. I kid the patriots.
You shall not covet thy neighbor’s ox? Really? Well, once during a Google search I saw something pretty horrific, but I think such things go without saying, aka, no coveting that shit. But, really God? Did you have to carve that into a tablet? (Throat clear)…er, what does covet mean again?
Religion’s main affront to humanity is how it invariably turns out-group members into monsters, which is a source of much of the strife in the world today and, coincidentally, a main theme for Fox and Frauds. More “primitive” cultures, who employ hallucinogens in their sacred rights and/or individuals who meditate, tend to move beyond fundamentalism and embrace some form of humanity’s interconnectedness. Atheists are more likely to squat on a mat for the science-backed benefits of meditation than Christians. A form of Unity Psychology is our future…that is, if we have one. Many more tribal cultures believe in the oneness of all things and, by the way, so did the Gnostics, better known as the people who invented Christianity. Unfortunately, their Frankenstein Monastic wandered away from the castle and started terrorizing the planet.
So I appreciate the work of Hitchens, Dawkins, and Harris. Atheism and the leading edge of human knowledge seem married at the moment. And, in a world getting dumber by the second, they give me some small hope for mankind. Many of our atheists are our best and our brightest; they are dizzying intellects who I just happen to be smarter than (cough). I agree with them on this much: we must move passed this “we have the ONE true answer” dogma, or:
“The Indians once called a great council (to discuss their origin myths) as they sat around a fire the Dakota people talked about how they rode in from the Black Hills on purple horses before time and when they finished their story, everyone said, ‘Great story! Great story!’ And then when the Cherokee spoke, they told a story of how their people emerged from a cave, everyone said, ‘Great story!’ And when it came time for the priests to tell their story, they told of the Garden of Eden and of Adam and Eve, and everyone said, ‘Great story!’ Then the next tribe started to tell their story and the priests said, ‘No, no. No more stories. Our story is the only story.’ And the Indians were like, ‘Who invited these guys?’”
—Tom Blue Wolf, Mythic Journeys (2009), paraphrased.
That fear of out-group is organized religion’s biggest problem and, coincidentally, republicans and coincidentally the worlds. It stops the move from ethnocentric to more worldcentric thinking. If we don’t start working together as a global community, it’s going to be bye-bye time. Working together will improve our chances of navigating the rough waters ahead. The only thing stopping us right now is religion and capitalism—the GOP’s dynamic duo—mainly because:
A. There’s no money in saving the Earth (an excerpt from the Gospel of Koch), and:
B. Resources, reshmources, why bother? Jesus is returning soon to suck the faithful into heaven with his Holy Hoover.
Thanks to such reasoning, here we are today, so far behind the 8-ball it would take the aid of the Hubble telescope just to see the town the pool hall is in. I believe there’s some hope in parts of the new age movement (check Reality Sandwich and a related Pinchbeck post, here).
As for the Dawkins and Harrises of the world:
“For the most part, I agree with them. Belief in God is not required and it’s the cause of so much suffering around the world via religious extremisms. However, their approach is too fundamentalistic for my taste.”
So Wilber would likely agree with my “Sure beats Huckabee” pro-atheistic last post snark (PALPS). Dawkins’ approach, in particular, annoys me the most. He captures the essence of scientism. Indeed, there’s even fundamentalism in science. He wants to rid the world of all hocus pocus and all mumbo jumbo, even the stuff he hasn’t bothered to look at or study! And, as for Mr. Hitchens, see my Hitch is Not Great: How Rationalists Are Wrong About One Thing. But at least atheism continues to wage an important unholy war on organized religions:
“Today, every one of our great traditions is in profound disorder. What have been taught as their basic truths seems to no longer hold. Cultures move from a deep spiritual impulse, lyric moment that creates the form of a culture, to more pragmatic consideration.”
Campbell assigns no blame for this natural societal shift, or as Forrest Gump once said, “Shift happens.” Enters a true pragmatist, Barack Obama, a man thwarted from the onset by the faithful. Why? Because to them he is the personification of some out-group and he’s in the White House!
“So the new mythology to come must be a global mythology, and it’s got to solve the problem of the in-group by showing that there’s no out-group.”
There is no They…except maybe in that John Carpenter film, but that’s different. So is Them, for that matter, and giant ants aren’t even mentioned in the Bible. An oversight? Blessed are the radioactively enlarged ants? Well, God’s not bugnipotent, that’s for sure.
Atheists are much more open to this worldcentric model and they’re less likely to go to war than those still deluded by fundamental religions. And that’s not to say all religious folks are delusional. Christ-consciousness is Buddha consciousness is the Tao, is the way. It’s just that Christ consciousness has little to do with today’s Catholicism, at least for the vast majority of its members (see: the 700 Club).
The right’s ability to get it wrong, every time, is astounding and only with help from the faithful could they be so blinded. Take the death penalty. Who’s for that? Christian conservatives. But it costs society more in legal fees and appeals than if we just let them rot in prison. So it doesn’t even make sense from a fiscal standpoint. Not to mention those wrongly fried. And what about Thou shalt not kill? Are you going to ignore the only commandment that makes sense? Is there a footnote or an asterisk on the tablet that got chipped off?
And step away from that ox, Pokey!
Such fixed beliefs only become barriers to Wilber’s worldcentric level, to pantheism, to unity psychology and to the perennial philosophy, shaken not stirred. In fact, they become a barrier to solving the greatest challenges of our time.
“Science doesn’t have all the answers but fundamental religions don’t seem to have any.”
The world will be a much better place when we leave religious intolerance behind for a more meaningful spiritually. Embracing atheism, aka reason, may well be an important step:
“Your old road is rapidly agin’, please get out of the new one if you can’t lend your hand, for the climate is a-changin’.”
—The Gospel of Bob
This is not an actual Zano rebuttal to the recent Pokey McDooris’s post, here, as both contributors decided independently to discuss atheism as their next topic of interest. They both picked on Dawkins, they both mentioned the Hubble, and they were apparently both separated at birther. So I propose, rather than another round of dim-witticisms, we have the deciding post via Skype or some other mediated forum. Cokie? Can you handle these bozos? Meanwhile, any attempt at rebuttal posts from you two knuckleheads will be immediately sent to the Discord furnace, deep in the bowels of the asphalt jungle known as Philadelphia.
Godless speed,
Atheism Is Dead: Don’t Believe the Unbelievers
by Pokey McDooris • April 21, 2014
Pinning down your logical fallacies, Zano, is like playing Whack-a-Mole with a Q-tip, on acid, while surfin’ the web on an outdated Blackberry, while trying to sign up for Obamacare—early on in the enrollment period—and throw in some more acid…but worse.
I’m just gonna focus on whacking one mole at a time. Let’s start with your absurd claim that we are entering the Age of Atheism. If our country really is entering the age of atheism, then how do you explain the American people electing such a devout Christian as Barak Obama? Remember his words, less than six years ago, while he was running for office, and he was asked his opinion about gay marriage; President Obama answered, “I personally believe that marriage is a union between a man and a woman; and as a Christian, I believe that marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman.” If we were truly becoming an atheistic nation, would we have elected someone who publically professed such a traditional faith? (This is called ‘irony’.)
You claim that all cultures eventually tend to shift toward liberalism and that atheism is potentially an evolved worldview. Name one evolved atheistic culture in the history of humanity? Atheistic liberalism is equivalent to brainwashing. It was brainwashing when Stalin did it; it was brainwashing when Mao did it, it was brainwashing when Castro did; it was brainwashing in Lesbos, that Greek island inhabited by all those beautiful…wait, I kind of get that. But it’s brainwashing now.
Just to prove my point, let’s take a look at Little Johnny’s atheistic education.
“Little Johnny, we know that your foolish parents have taught you that there is an invisible Creator called God–just like they taught you about that silly Santa Claus and his cohort, the Easter Bunny–so we’re here to teach you that you’re parents are ignorant fools. You see, Johnny, the consensus of expert scientists agree on the fact that human beings are mere complex apes that arose from random chance mutations on this tiny speck of a dust called Earth. We’re just circling around a sun as one of billions in this vapor fart-cloud of a galaxy that is but one amongst billions of others galaxies in this black empty universe. Essentially we popped into existence, like one of those breakfast cereal elves.”
Yes, we know how to snap, crackle and pop Little Johnny into shape, so that he will be best equipped to compete in the modern day economy. Oh, he feels a little pressure as his brain is pinched tight until the juice drips to fit the bubble. “So Little Johnny, you’re feeling depressed and stressed from the standardized test. Well, the doctor can prescribe you the THC ‘chill pill,’ and we’ve got the federally funded ‘munchie break’ between breakfast and lunch. Oh, and it’s a bummer that we’ve eliminated recess, but you can burn off some steam in Sex Ed. with our state of the art ‘hump dummies,’ or head over to the cross dressing, same-sex fondling room. You don’t know where that is? Right passed the transgender and metrosexual restrooms. You see, Johnny, it’s best that you explore the full gamut of your sexuality so you can come to an educated decision as to your sexual orientation.
Atheism’s time is over, but some ideas don’t die easy. Zano assures us that our society is becoming Atheistic, and I agree…that our society is being brainwashed by the dead ideas of Atheism, Darwinism, Communism and Overt Zanoistic Hedonism (OZH). Although, I did have fun at that one party, but then I had to spend all Sunday in confession.
Look, atheism has never made an affirmative claim, it merely denies the existence of a theistic God and an intrinsic purpose to life. Modern atheists speak with such arrogance when confronting those silly superstitious people who read their Bibles and talk to their invisible God because of their fears and inadequacies. What modern atheists don’t tell you is that the scientific evidence over the past century points clearly in the direction of theism.
When an atheist use to ask, “Where did the Universe come from?” They would reply that the universe is “infinite, and has always existed.” This was called the ‘Steady State Theory,’ and this theory was held by many within the scientific community. I say ‘was held’ and ‘was called’ because no reputable cosmologist holds that position today, because the observable evidence has proven this theory to be false.
The Hubble Telescope has shown humanity that the galaxies are moving away from each other with increasing speed. Cosmologists mathematically plot the movement backwards to a “singularity point” where all matter was on top of each other –13.74 billion years ago. Thus we now have scientific proof that the first three words of the Bible, “In the beginning…” are in fact true, and truth-seekers are compelled to ask if the fourth and fifth words of the Bible are also true. And let’s not forget the dedication page, To my Loving Wife, Barbara. I admit that part of the Bible code has not been cracked.
Recent scientific investigation has uncovered the structure of DNA and it’s far more complicated than Darwin ever imagined. Unlike mere molecules, DNA actually stores information. Nowhere in nature has matter been found to ever give rise to information. Information comes from intelligence. This discovery of the complexity of DNA has led many scientists to question the theory that proposes “origin of species” and “natural selection” and “random chance mutations.” Dr. Fred Holye says “bio-materials with their amazing measure of order must be the outcome of intelligent design.” Anthony Flew said, “The findings of more than 50 years of DNA research have provided materials for a new and enormously powerful argument for design.” That’s starting to sound a lot like hate speech. Thought police alert. Hey, what happened to that grant money? But I have tenure. Hey, I even voted for the metrosexual restrooms?
Even Richard Dawkins started changing his tune: “I suppose it’s possible that you might find evidence for that (Intelligent Design) if you look at the details of biochemistry, molecular biology, you might find a signature of some sort of designer.” Oh, but Tricky Dicky Dawkins can’t leave any hope that this ‘sort of designer’ is the first cause intelligent Creator of the cosmos that many of us refer to as God. No, no, Dawkins clarifies, “Well, it could come about in the following way. It could be that at some earlier time, somewhere in the universe, a civilization evolved, probably by some kind of Darwinian means, probably to a very high level of technology, and a form of life that they seeded onto perhaps this planet.” Oh, that clarifies things Dr. D. It was space aliens who intelligently designed life on this planet.
You see, now, that the genetic evidence cannot be suffocated inside the stifling straightjacket of Darwinism. These atheists theorize about space aliens–that’s their God, anything but the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Okay, Ricky, I’ll humor you. Let’s say that life on Earth was intelligently designed by Evolved Space Aliens–then who or what designed the life that became the Evolved Space Aliens?
Crickets….crickets…and more crickets…followed by doubletalk, distraction, chit chat about the weather (global warming, no doubt), and change of subject. On this question, I have yet to get any coherent response by the proponents of the ‘Space Alien God’ (SAG) Theory.
This brings me to my last point–the discovery that the conditions for supporting intelligent life is so very, very rare. The earth is indeed a very lucky (or very blessed) planet. When cosmologists first realized the vastness, diversity, and scope of the universe, most assumed that life would be common. After all, our galaxy alone contains billions of other stars. Our galaxy is one of billions of galaxies in the known universe. Scientists assumed that out of so many known planets, there must be numerous cases of life at least as intelligent as ours. As Carl Sagan once stated, “The available evidence strongly suggests that the origins of life should occur given the initial conditions and a billion years of evolutionary time.”
Well, recent discoveries have found that the universe is actually very hostile to life. Life is fragile and requires numerous narrow and specific conditions to be met to make life possible. Our planet Earth has just the right location in just the right kind of galaxy. Our planet is just the right size with a large enough moon, and it orbits at just the right distance from just the right type of star. Our plate tectonics are thin enough to shift, but thick enough to be maintained. Our atmosphere contains just the right combinations of life-nurturing gasses. Yes, the more we discover about the conditions in our own galaxy and in other galaxies in the universe, the more it seems as though the origin of complex life is indeed miraculous.
So what of the numerous reports of UFOs that we hear of in the popular culture? When Carl Sagan extensively studied the details about the large numbers of modern reports of UFOs, he called it pseudo-science. “Think of how many other “explanations” there might be: time travelers, demons…tourists from another dimension…the souls of the dead…each of these explanations has been seriously proffered…” “The least likely explanation of UFOs is the hypothesis of extraterrestrial visitors by intelligent beings…”
Atheism led to Darwinistic ‘origin of species,’ ‘natural selection,’ and ‘random chance mutations.’ Darwinism led to genetic engineering and social engineering, which lead to Nazism’s ‘Superman’ and Communism’s ‘totalitarian state’. Now Darwinism’s foundation is undermined by the evidence, which suggests an intelligent designer; so Atheists seek another kind of designer ‘god.’ This god will play the part to give everybody what they want. A soul-travelling pure spiritual being of higher consciousness, a remotely-viewed psychic channel to the Akashic field, or an anal-probing alien from another spoof news blog. I hate those. Choose whatever god best fits your orientation…uh, and the right bathroom.
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Ask The Ghetto Shaman November 9, 2012
Supporting Fascism In The Name Of Freedom October 29, 2018
Ask The Ghetto Shaman July 6, 2012
Hung, Beaten, Impaled Iranian Nuclear Scientist’s Death Deemed Suicide July 22, 2010
Hey, Let’s Show the World How Well We’re Doing on Emissions by Hosting the G20 in Pittsburgh September 29, 2009
Immigration Reform: Seeking Asylum Vs Those Seeking An Asylum February 4, 2019
Bart Simpson Claims responsibility for “Nightmare Cruise” March 6, 2013
Hundreds Of Republican Superdelegates Beach Themselves Ahead Of RNC Convention June 14, 2016
Northeast Votes! Are You Ready To FUM-BLE! April 26, 2016
Southwest to Accommodate Kevin Smith March 10, 2010
Hugh Hefner, Best Known For His Cameo In Mel Brooks’ History Of The World Part 1, Dead At 91 September 28, 2017
Ask The Ghetto Shaman January 6, 2012
Tomb of the Unknown Candidate September 23, 2012
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You are here: Home ∼ Projects ∼ WISE CHOICES
WISE CHOICES
The design of Sage’s new HQ is agile and dynamic, in keeping with its global ethos and the evolving needs of its employees
Last year, when Sage – a market leader in cloud-based business management solutions – relocated its African head office from Woodmead, the choice of new home was obvious. Waterfall, midway between the metropolises of Johannesburg and Pretoria, is the latest growth node in Gauteng. Its CBD, Waterfall City, is a signature mixed-use precinct created by developer Attacq for, as its website puts it, ‘people and their work/life requirements today and well into the future’.
Waterfall City’s dramatic Gateway West building stands right at the exit to Allandale Road, beside the Mall of Africa, the biggest single-phase mall on the continent (location, location, location). And it’s an eye-catcher with a green heart. Its distinctive concave facade of glass and aluminium, which resembles an owl’s face, was dictated as much by sustainability (function) as aesthetics (form), reducing conductive heat and allowing the building’s radiant temperature to stay low all year round.
Along with more conventional green features – energy-efficient HVAC systems and controls, lighting with occupancy sensors, economical hot water systems and water fittings – the building has been awarded a Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating. This was a significant attraction for Sage, when it moved its operation and workforce to the top three floors of Gateway West, which boast a commanding view of Midrand.
The company engaged Paragon Interface to design and fit out its aerie in a style befitting this setting – and its global ethos. ‘We conceptualised our designs based on how we understood Sage as a global client,’ says Jessica Self, Paragon’s project interior designer. ‘But the brief was also to develop a uniquely South African flavour for this organisation. From both a finish and a functionality point of view, South Africa is behind on trends. We designed the space towards the global trend and best practice – however, we also ensured that the employees in South Africa could adopt these principles while still feeling at home within the spaces. We also ensured that the functionality could adapt as mindsets shift and trends evolve.’
One of the main challenges for Paragon was the timeline – concept development to final completion took just a year (from the end of 2017 to the end of 2018). The size of the fit-out was a daunting 5 500 m² over three floors, and it needed design and layout approval for each step from the Sage Global Real Estate team based in France, before the Sage South Africa team stepped in. ‘The workplace design strategy was geared towards open plan, with a lot of agile spaces, which support the functionality of open plan and allow for an increased amount of interaction and collaboration,’ says Self. ‘Differentiating all the meeting rooms in feel, finish and size, from small private “phone booths” to formal meeting rooms, enables employees to work according to their needs and encourages them to move through the three floors and floorplates, increasing employee engagement. ‘Each meeting room is customised with its own unique feature walls, colour combinations and acoustic secrets.’
This builds on the experience of employees and visitors from the moment they enter the building. ‘A defining feature is its multi-volume internal atrium ensuring ample natural light and an impressive sense of space,’ notes Attacq. ‘The urban environment is showcased in a central piazza, created as a corporate square and green open space, ideal for informal discussions or lunch breaks.’ But Sage employees may very well opt for their own inviting interior open spaces, enhanced by ‘maximising external views and natural daylight – principles that aid a healthier and more productive work environment’, says Self.
The spaces start with an airy reception area featuring a distinctive long reception ‘table’ in a new Caesarstone finish, ‘rugged concrete’, rather than a conventional counter (which can cut people off), then moves through the work, meeting and chill spots, including coffee-pause areas, a canteen and a data centre.
Colour and texture are key, and different hues have been used on each of the three floors in carpeting and hexagonal ceiling boards, to help with wayfinding and design differentiation. Textures range from natural wood used in tables, wall panels and ceiling rafts, to glossy, pale floor tiles, and Caesarstone cladding on certain walls, offset by striking ‘green’ features incorporating cleverly fashioned silk foliage used to lush, tropical Africa effect. Bold custom-designed signage was created especially for Sage by Made By Lemon, suggesting certain functions for certain workspaces. ‘Because Sage has global space-planning guidelines for all its projects, the planning process was very streamlined,’ says Paragon Interface director Claire D’Adorante. ‘The Sage French team worked with the local Sage team to assist in making the plans come to life.’
The fit-out accommodated 550 desks in all, based on the desk-sharing principle in an open-plan setting. As part of Sage’s global standard, the bulk furniture supplier was Steelcase, a US-based company that has invested extensively in new ways of working. ‘They refer to it as “new work, new rules”,’ says David Fish, director of Inspiration Office, the SA agent for Steelcase. ‘As they put it, “hyper-collaboration is redefining teamwork and me work”.
‘Due to the incredible speed that companies need to deliver products and services today that are more innovative than their competitors, they need to allow for teams that work together, as well as individuals working alone. It’s a constantly changing and thus “agile workplace” that we need to design. Steelcase specialises in developing products for teams, to create spaces that “feel right”, reflecting and encouraging the practices and working ways of a team, helping them with “building trust together”, creating a sense of identity, and all while encouraging important “playfulness”.’
The Sage fit-out had a number of challenges, ‘but as Steelcase SA, we’re fortunate to have experience in dealing with large installations of global customers like Sage’, says Fish. ‘The installation required 22 40-foot shipping containers, the biggest available, so as you can imagine, that’s a significant volume of furniture. The secret to a smooth installation is of course planning, and our team invested meaningful time in logistics planning. This begins as soon as our orders are loaded for shipping – tracking the shipments, ensuring swift delivery to site, off-loading, and installation with our experienced team of installers. Behind the scenes there’s constant communication and updating of our client Sage, as well as the design team at Paragon Interface.’
Fish’s favourite feature of the development? ‘Our beautiful Steelcase QiVi chairs in all the meeting rooms, with a pivoting back and gliding seat – one of a kind.’ Everyone has a different favourite. ‘The entire project has been one of my favourites, but I especially enjoy the use of colour and many custom-designed features,’ says Self. ‘I’m personally proud of our design of the interactive power panels that reticulate power to the workstations. The custom-designed signage also adds flavour.’
Gordon Cook, associate director for Turner & Townsend, the project manager says: ‘My best is the interior design of the meeting rooms and canteen space, and the front reception table.’ For Beverley Ogden, design consultant for Execuflora, the planting supplier, the most innovative aspect was ‘drilling holes into Caesarstone and inserting various silk plants to create an innovative and exquisite feature. We used all artificial plants and were given a specific brief from Paragon. We love the Caesarstone wall and all the artificial green walls that were custom-designed to fit around windows. The wire frame stretching to the ceiling that was draped in creeping plants is magnificent’.
As Pieter Bensch, Sage’s executive vice-president (Africa & Middle East), puts it: ‘We believe in creating a conducive environment for our colleagues to collaborate, interact and do their best work and, in turn, help customers and communities succeed. Our offices are a great place for our colleagues to work.’
DEVELOPER & MANAGER
Attacq
www.attacq.co.za
Acoustic panelling & Shopfronts
HQ&CO
www.hqandco.co.za
Paragon Interface
www.paragon.co.za
Furniture supplier
Inspiration Office
www.inspirationoffice.co.za
TSK Bartlett
tsk-bartlett.co.za
Planting supplier
Execuflora
www.execuflora.co.za
Turner & Townsend
www.turnerandtownsend.com
Made By Lemon
www.madebylemon.co.za
By Glynis Horning
Images: Paragon
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Thank You For Flying Air Atwell
The virtual living room of Erik Atwell, author of Thank You For Flying Air Zoe
I Want Candy, a Vegemite Sandwich, and a Chili Dog Outside the Tastee-Freeze
When you think of 1960s music, you might think of it as the decade when rock and roll truly exploded. You think of The Beatles and their rabid fan base, The Rolling Stones and their bad boy swagger, and the era's epic mountaintop: the freewheeling carnival that 60s kids called Woodstock.
When you think of 1970s music, you might think of groovy teens rating pop rock records on American Bandstand, the funkadelic dance floor of Soul Train, and the garish glitter of Saturday Night Fever.
And when you think of 1980s music, well...
You probably laugh.
And think of hair. Lots and lots of hair.
Looking back, I now think of the 80s as a decade that was too insecure about what it wanted to look like musically, so it tried on every conceivable outfit in the hopes that one might fit. Either that, or it was so secure that it believed it could get away with wearing things like skintight leather, even tighter lycra, rubber bands, safety pins, and the occasional flower pot. Yes, only in the 80s did Home Depot and Staples do double duty as apparel stores.
Unlike other decade, 80s music was impossible to compartmentalize. Weekly Top-40 radio shows played like a dozen teenagers' mix-tapes had been thrown into a blender and squashed into one incomprehensibly goofy megamix that incorporated drum machines, axe-shaped guitars, and massive synthesizers that could simulate pianos, string sections and spaceships in one deft keystroke.
And therein lies the charm of 1980s music.
If you've read my novel Thank You For Flying Air Zoe, you'd know that much of the story's soul is rooted in its protagonist's passion for 80s music. And if you haven't read the novel, this here blog post is your opportunity to snag a copy.
For free. Pretty awesome, huh?
I am nothing if not a devotee of holiday spirit and cheer. I suppose that once you've weathered 28 consecutive Decembers of hearing Do They Know It's Christmas? almost every single day of the month, it's hard not to feel like you shouldn't be giving stuff away.
And all you have to do to get to this giveaway part is indulge my silly meditation on 80s music.
From a Top-40 standpoint, the 80s was all over the map. How many of you learned what a vegemite sandwich was in the 80s? Who among you was puzzled by the fact that there were three Thompson Twins, and none of them were related? Did you ever watch the video for The Safety Dance and think, “Wow, that’s not safe at all!”
Have you ever dialed 867-5309?
If so, did you stay on the phone long enough to ask for Jenny?
The decade gave us Top-10 hits from toe-tapping, knee-knocking F-Word films: Flashdance, Footloose and Fame. Also from the world of cinema, the 80s gave us memorable anxiety anthems from the Brat Pack oeuvre like Don’t You Forget About Me, If You Were Here, and If You Leave.
Still, none of those soundtrack classics could compare to the grand champ of 80s movie music -- a bouncy little pop jingle about being alright that even to this day conjures up images of a dancing gopher.
The 80s also gave us some crazy scary stalker songs, such as the legendary Every Breath You Take, the playfully creepy Private Eyes, and the carnally charged Hungry Like the Wolf.
By the way, a question to any member of Duran Duran who may be reading this... How exactly does someone smell like they sound? I don’t really need to know the answer -- I long ago accepted the excellent nonsense that 80s lyrics often brought to the party. I mean as long as the melody is catchy, you’ll even sing along with gibberish like “See that chameleon, lying there in the sun, all thanks to everyone, Run Runaway.”
We'll get to song lyrics soon, but for now, let's take some more time to bask around the 80s lunatic fringes as we ponder all that the decade gave us...
It gave us Hit Me With Your Best Shot, a power-pop song in which five-foot-nothin' Pat Benatar proved she was way tougher than Robert Conrad and his silly 70s Battery-On-The-Shoulder bit.
It gave us a duo previously alluded to -- Hall and Oates. Back in the 80s, almost everyone I knew pretty much claimed to loathe Hall and Oates. Myself included. Naturally, all this distaste is indicative of why they scored twelve Top-10 hit singles between 1980-1985. Seems to me that everyone kinda lied. Myself included.
It gave us rappers Run-DMC, Salt-N-Pepa, and The Beastie Boys. Back then, rap was new, and many thought it was just a fad. I wonder how many 80s kids believed back then that the genre would far outlast and surpass heavy metal, new wave and goth.
It gave us the faux media-fueled feud between teen queens Debbie Gibson and Tiffany. Over two decades after their reign atop the pop charts, the two sirens came together to star in a SyFy Network B-movie called Mega Python Vs. Gatoroid.
The film was, predictably, totally freakin' awesome.
It gave us a third decade of Rod Stewart, who despite starting to show some wear and tear, still had the macho moxie to sing lines like "I'm coming home real soon / Be ready 'cause when I do / I'm gonna make love to you like fifteen men."
Um... Uh...
Okay, moving on.
It gave us more epic and catchy one-hit wonders than probably any other decade -- Too Shy by Kajagoogoo, the immensely fun Come On Eileen by Dexy's Midnight Runners, and my personal favorite, 99 LuftBallons by Nena.
By the way, A Flock of Seagulls was not a one-hit wonder band, and Space Age Love Song was far superior to I Ran.
The 80s gave us Morrissey and his band The Smiths, who routinely made the morbid sound downright whimsical. Yes, Girlfriend In A Coma, I'm talking to you.
It gave us West End Girls, Wild Boys, Kids in America, and Superfreaks.
It gave us countless awesomely awesome hair bands who probably tore through enough hairspray to ultimately set back the lifespan of Planet Earth by a full century. Oh, and for the record, amongst all of the power chords and flammable bombast, the bands White Lion and Tesla totally deserved better.
It gave us MTV, and watershed moments in video history like the videos for Take On Me, Money For Nothing, and Thriller.
It gave us Milli Vanilli. Fortunately, we quickly passed them over to the 90s.
It gave us scandalous and unmentionable innuendo songs like Frankie Goes to Hollywood’s Relax and Billy Squier’s The Stroke -- two songs about how to succeed at golf.
And finally, it gave us legends both new and old. Prince. Madonna. U2. The Boss.
MJ, R.I.P.
The 80s were also a powerfully transformative decade, turning hard rockin’ monsters like Van Halen and Motley Crue into Casey Kasem’s favorite cream puffs. So too did the 80s turn Hippie Nation on it’s dreaded heads when The Grateful Dead’s Touch of Grey reached the Top Ten back in 1987. But honestly, was any transformation any more gruesome than Jefferson Airplane’s nosedive into its reincarnation as Starship? In a parallel universe, someday 60s Grace Slick will meet 80s Grace Slick, and she will kick her ass into the third row for We Built This City.
This nutty decade also posed many important and potentially life-changing questions. Questions like: Who ya gonna call? Who’s that girl? Who can it be now? How will I know? What about love? What is love? Why can’t this be love? Do you believe in love? What’s love got to do with it? How am I supposed to live without you? Don’t you want me? Do you wanna touch me? Where is the tenderness?
(*exhales*)
Sorry. For a moment there, I was having flashbacks of being dumped at the homecoming dance.
Back to the 80s... Specifically its song lyrics, which will (hopefully) soon segue nicely into the big giveaway.
Some of the decade's lyrics have become almost iconic:
Out on the road today
I saw a Deadhead sticker on a cadillac.
Oh yeah, life goes on
Long after the thrill of livin' is gone.
Put another dime in the jukebox, baby.
Other lyrics are unexpected pop music poetry:
Aspirations in the clouds
But your hopes go down the drain.
Spinning on that dizzy edge
Kissed her face and kissed her head
Dreamed of all the different ways
I had to make her glow.
Let me smell the moon in your perfume.
Yes, the 80s gave us some totally excellent lyrics. Unfortunately, they also gave us lyrics that were totally looney tunes:
You played dead
But you never bled
Instead you laid still in the grass
All coiled up and hissing.
Before the cream sits out too long
You must whip it.
Candy on the beach, there's nothing better
But I like candy when it's wrapped in a sweater.
I stumble into town just like a sacred cow.
War is stupid, and people are stupid.
Who's that eatin' that nasty food?
And then there's the band Wang Chung, who apart from committing the atrocity of attempting to turn their band name into an actual verb, gave us the following verse in their single Dance Hall Days:
Take your baby by the hair
And pull her close, and there there there
Take your baby by the ears
And pray upon her darkest fears.
I can only imagine that the reason we have not heard from Wang Chung recently is because they are all safely locked away.
One final lyric for you to contemplate:
That Thomas Dolby guy... He just got it, y'know?
So anyway, let's finally get around to giving away copies of my novel Thank You For Flying Air Zoe! I will be giving away two paperback copies of the novel on Christmas Day, and the winners will be selected at random by the aptly named website Random.Org. Here is all you have to do to add your name to the mix.
I would like to hear a lyric or verse from one of your favorite 80s songs. It can be a snippet from a favorite song, a few lines from a song that sparks a special memory, or just something you find howlingly funny. Share your song lyric here in the comments section of this blog, or share it on my Facebook Author Page, and just like that, you've entered the giveaway!
And here's a groovy holiday bonus I've come up with. If you already own a copy, you can instruct me to send it to someone as a belated holiday gift. That's right, I will send them a signed copy of my novel, whether they like it or not! I'm giving like that.
Also, many of you have told me that you have not been able to leave comments on this blog -- apparently through some Blogger related hitch. So if you can't access comments here, and you're not a Facebooker, please feel free to email me -- address at the top right of this page -- and I will add your lyric to the comments myself.
This giveaway will end when the clock strikes midnight on Christmas Eve. Rest assured, I will remind you ad nauseam until then. And of course, if you feel like spreading the word and sharing this giveaway post with anyone you think might be interested, I would be impossibly grateful.
Lastly, it wouldn't be fair if I didn't include a favorite lyric of my own. I have a handful of favorite songs from the time period -- songs by the ever popular Fleetwood Mac and U2 (Gypsy and Bad), as well as songs by more alternative acts like The Replacements and 'Til Tuesday (Skyway and Coming Up Close). But my pick is from a one hit wonder that hit close to home during an icy adolescent New Hampshire winter back in 1985-1986. Got into a whole lotta trouble that year, and for whatever reason, jacking this song up on the walkman and drowning in its psuedo-psychedelia, booming tympani, and hypnotic chanting was my great escape from the angst that ailed.
Plus, I met my wife during that school year. So looking back, I'm sort of fond of my 1985-1986 winter, and my crazy life in a northern town...
'The Salvation Army Band Played
And the children drunk lemonade
And the morning lasted all day
All day'
Life In A Northern Town
So what's your 80s song lyric?
Posted by Erik at 6:41 AM
Lisa Beliveau December 19, 2011 at 7:19 AM
Of the memory of late nights
And coffee in bed
I liked this lyric long before I ever experienced late nights and coffee in bed.
June Kramin December 19, 2011 at 7:41 AM
Ohh.... too many to even mention. How can one pick a favorite? I always say my super power is my love of 80's music. I see I have competition!
"Thunder drowns out what the lightning sees....and you fee-HEE-l like a movie star."
"You'll find a god in every golden cloister/and if you're lucky then the god's a she/I can feel an angel sliding up to me."
Couldn't choose! Spent way too much time with my Prince albums, but "One Night in Bangkok" must be mentioned. ;)
Natalie Aaron December 19, 2011 at 4:44 PM
I'm giving you two, since my first choice is the spoken-word section from a song (loved this video):
I thought you loved me but it seems you don't care
I care enough to know I can never love you
ABC - "Poison Arrow"
And now, for my second lyric, I believe they are a legit one-hit wonder:
Sentiments and tears will get you
As far as you might think they will;
But I don't, no, I don't mind at all.
Bourgeois Tagg - "I Don't Mind At All"
Melissa A December 19, 2011 at 5:34 PM
"my baby may not be rich, he's watching every dime. but he loves me, loves me, loves me...we always have a real good time."
find out what song from "how i met your mother" sounds like this song at the beginning... http://merrylandgirl.blogspot.com/2011/05/funny-friday-52711-lets-hear-it-for.html
thanks for all the 80's nostalgia. i'm glad i grew up in that decade, even though i ended it with a NKOTB obsession!
You are hysterical! Great post that made me laugh so hard! And I enjoyed reminiscing.
So you know my favorite, here we go:
(Def Leppard)
Pour some sugar on me, ooh, in the name of love
Pour some sugar on me, c'mon fire me up
Pour your sugar on me, I can't get enough
I'm hot, sticky sweet from my head to my feet, yeah
Laura Chapman December 20, 2011 at 6:42 AM
I already have my ARC, but this prompt was too go to resist. My favorite line from any 80s song is probably "Let me take your hand/ I'm shaking like milk," from The Cure's "Let's Go to Bed."
Jeryl M. December 20, 2011 at 11:00 AM
I was kind of into sad songs in the 80's so I liked the lines:
Some people live their dreams
Some people close their eyes
Some people's destiny passes by
from Toto's I'll Be Over You
jeryl.marcus@gmail.com
Megan Karasch December 20, 2011 at 4:16 PM
I was the hair band queen in the 80s .. how 'bout a little Twisted Sister .. We're Not Gonna Take It!
We've got the right to choose and there ain't no way we'll lose it. This is our life, this is our song!
Author of Tales from My Hard Drive
Literary Chanteuse December 22, 2011 at 9:31 AM
The 80's what were we thinking? I was in a band and we played all the classics so my lyric is:
You're a
love taker
don't you mess around with me you're a .... Pat Benetar
I actually sang this song at an out door concert when I was 13 like a dream for me back then, I was surrounded by the hair bands and was praised for my performance and my voice so it was definitely a highlight for me from the 80's.
Thanks for the giveaway! I'll keep my fingers crossed!
singitm(at)hotmail(dot)com
Kristen December 22, 2011 at 8:56 PM
Gina works the diner all day
Working for her man
She brings home home her pay for love......
I may have those lyrics totally wrong, but you gotta love Bon Jovi! How do I not have this book if it's about the 80s???
kly(dot)327(at)gmail.com
Erik December 22, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Love these - you are all totally awesome for entering - thank you!
With about 48 hours left to enter, I have two additional entries to share that were submitted via email because Blogger would not let them publish:
Anne M. Cole:
Billie jean is not my lover
she's just a girl who says that i am the one
but the kid is not my son
I chose this because it took me ten years to realize what he was saying!
Steven Bentley:
I always think of the Cars for some reason "I don't mind u coming here, wasting all my time"...LoL
To Be Continued.....
Nancye December 22, 2011 at 11:05 PM
My lyrics would have to be:
"Wanted Dead od Alive" Bon Jovi, 1987
"Sweet Child 'O Mine" Guns-N-Roses, 1987
"Push It" Salt-N-Pepper, 1987
They don't make music like that anymore!! :)
StephTheBookworm December 24, 2011 at 7:01 PM
I feel so dirty when they start talking cute, I wanna tell her that I love her but the point is probably moot.
I frackin love Jesse's Girl.
Stephaniet117 at yahoo dot com
Erik Atwell - Author Page
I Want Candy, a Vegemite Sandwich, and a Chili Dog...
Drop Me A Line:
atwellerik (at) gmail (dot) com
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Archive for May 23rd, 2013
1876: Four for the Mutiny on the Lennie
1 comment May 23rd, 2013 dogboy
As criminals go, the Lennie mutineers were neither organized nor gifted. Indeed, they likely did not fancy themselves mutineers when they perpetrated a triple-murder of the officer corps on board the vessel during high seas.
Matteo Cargalis, Pascalis Caludis, George Kaida, and Giovanni Carcaris were hanged on this date for that “atrocious conspiracy” in Newgate prison’s largest mass execution behind closed doors.
As they say, you get what you pay for, and Captain Stanley Hatfield apparently didn’t pay too well. His ragtag crew of multinationals — Turks, Greeks, Dutch, Belgians, and possibly others (Hatfield himself was a Canadian) — was in it for the money when the vessel left Antwerp bound for New Orleans on 24 October 1875.
The circumstances of the mutiny’s start are hazy, but what is clear is that the entire ship’s complement excluding first officer, cabin boy, and steward were on deck in heavy seas about 10 days out. What seems to have been a minor labor dispute resulted in Hatfield and Second Mate Richard Macdonald being summarily dispatched by stabbing; the first mate, Joseph Wortley, was sought out below and shot in his quarters.
Since the crew was all in now, the murderers and a small group of associates pressed the remainder of the deckhands into service. The two remaining persons belowdecks were now let out. The Belgian steward, Constant von Hoydonck (spelled in various ways, but Anglicized in what seems to be the most popular way), and the cabin boy, Henri Trousselot, were given the option to join the rest of the crew.
To the now-leaderless and ill-educated rebellious deck crew, Von Hoydonck’s literacy made him was the best hope of finding safe harbor, and Von Hoydonck hammed it up like Mark Hamill going on about Tosche Station.
Trousselot was worth little (though he was also literate), and he gamely followed Von Hoydonck’s lead and elected to join the mutineers.
The rest of the tale reads like a Hardy Boys story, with an implausible plot built around incompetent characters.
Apparently, one of the Greek crew members knew someone back home that he felt would be interested in the vessel, so the crew now had a “plan”. All they needed was a quick trip through the Strait of Gibraltar followed by a trip across the Mediterranean, and they were home free! Von Hoydonck volunteered to navigate the course to the Strait, but rather than head southeast, he led the ship straight back toward the French coast.
The details of the voyage, embellished and colorfully littered with age-appropriate judgments about Greeks, were handled by the newspaper “The Age” in 1958:
When France was sighted he brazenly told them it was Spain, and sailed along the coast.
When they asked why he hugged the shore, he told them it was to avoid the chief traffic routes and the consequent danger of being hailed by another ship…
By November 14 he had navigated the Lennie between the Isle of Rhe and the French mainland. In spite of rough seas he brought the ship almost within hailing distance of the short and then calmly ordered the anchor to be let go.
This was carried out promptly enough by the slow-thinking mutineers, but after some ten minutes what intelligence they had started to function, and they swarmed round remanding to know why they were at anchor.
[Von Hoydonck] surveyed them coldly and pointed out that that the coast of Spain (which, of course, was some 250 miles away) was rocky and dangerous, and as they could not risk standing out into the traffic lanes they must anchor here until the heavy sea subsided.
The mutineers were not satisfied with this explanation and angrily threatened to send him after the ship’s officers.
[Von Hoydonck], playing his part superbly, indignantly informed them that as they seemed to have so little faith in his handling of the ship they could sail her themselves. He then went below, slamming the companion door behind him as if in a temper.
Von Hoydonck then had Trousselot write up notices of the mutiny in French, English, and Dutch; these letters were placed in a dozen or more bottles and slipped out a port hole, hopefully to quickly reach shore. Meanwhile, the mutineers decided they really needed that navigationally competent steward and urgently repaired relations with him.
The storm subsided during the night and Von Hoydonck got some sleep. By morning, the mutineers had taken the initiative, and they rounded the Isle of Rhe and traced down the Isle of Oleron toward a lighthouse that — to the geographically confused crew — looked mighty like the Pillars of Hercules.
Unfortunately, it failed to meet the one critical test: the pinch of island and shore lacked the distinctive Rock of Gibraltar.
… and Gibraltar’s distinctive Barbary Apes.
Von Hoydonck offered the lame excuse that, instead of risking the Mediterranean, he had led them to a nearly uninhabited part of the French coast, where they could get off the boat without risk of being found out. Six of the more aggressive members of the mutineers took this bait, so they hopped a life boat and scuttled to shore.
Five mutineers now remained, and none of them was particularly big on the cause. So Von Hoydonck followed up his successful bluff by clambering up the rigging in the dead of night to raise the flag of distress. He then took to the deck with a pair of revolvers and waited for morning.
The bottles had done their job, and the French man-of-war Tirailleur was dispatched immediately when authorities heard of the trouble; her crew quickly spotted the Lennie.
The six who had gone ashore were almost as swiftly rounded up on the mainland.
In all, eight of the 11 on board were put on trial, and only the four implicated directly in the murders of the officers were found guilty* and sentenced to death.
At the time, the Lennie was quite well-known; the actions of Von Hoydonck were celebrated in the local press, and the crown awarded Von Hoydonck 50 pounds for his actions.**
Strangely, the ship’s story has slipped into obscurity,† perhaps because reality in this case sounds like a plot written for 8-year-olds.
* Though the vessel’s occupants had mutinied, the British had the crew extradited under charges of murder. Two of the defendants were released by the technicalities of the extradition treaty.
** Constant von Hoydonck went on to own a pub in Middlesex and was bankrupt by 1892. Henri Trousselot moved to New Zealand, where he and others are memorialized for attending to a double shipwreck in Timaru; he lived to 66.
† The Record of Yarmouth Shipping reports that the Lennie was refitted and carried on to New Orleans with a new crew.
1936: Adolf Seefeldt, Uncle Tick-Tock - 2019
1942: Georges Politzer and Jacques Solomon, academics in resistance - 2018
1996: Yevgeny Rodionov, Chechen War martyr and folk saint - 2017
1699: Nikol List, Golden Plate robber - 2016
1865: Stanislaw Brzoska, Polish patriot priest - 2015
1991: Ignacio Cuevas, Huntsville Prison Siege survivor - 2014
1892: Frederick Bailey Deeming, Bluebeard - 2012
1673: Thomas Cornell, on spectral evidence - 2011
1906: Ivan Kalyayev, moralistic assassin - 2010
1832: Samuel Sharpe, "I would rather die upon yonder gallows than live in slavery" - 2009
1498: Girolamo Savonarola, as he had once burned vanities - 2008
1790: Thomas Bird, the first federal execution under the U.S. constitution
1675: The murderers of John Sassamon, precipitating King Philip’s War
1903: George Chapman, Ripper suspect
1637: William Schooler and John Williams
1961: Wasyl Gnypiuk, sleep-killer
1752: Mary Blandy, “forgiveness powder”
Entry Filed under: Capital Punishment,Crime,Death Penalty,England,Execution,Guest Writers,Hanged,History,Murder,Mutiny,Other Voices
Tags: 1870s, 1876, dumb criminals, george kaida, giovanni carcaris, lennie, matteo cargalis, may 23, newgate prison, pascalis caludis
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2007: Six Bangladesh bombers
Add comment March 30th, 2019 Headsman
Bangladesh on this date in 2007 hanged six Islamic militants* for a terrorist bombing wave two years prior.
Several were agents of the terrorist organization Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh, notable for a headline-grabbing coordinated bombing on August 17, 2005 that saw hundreds of explosions throughout Bangladesh. That organization’s chief Shaykh Abdur Rahman was among those executed on March 30, 2007, as was “Bangla Bhai” (Siddique ul-Islam), the leader of the Al Qaeda-aligned Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB).
* Four different prisons were used for the executions.
1900: Joseph Hurst - 2018
1702: Not Nicholas Bayard, anti-Leislerian - 2017
1781: Diego Corrientes Mateos, Spanish social bandit - 2016
1555: Robert Ferrar, Bishop of St. David's - 2015
1875: John Morgan, slasher - 2014
1883: Emeline Meaker, child abuser, first woman hanged in Vermont - 2013
1911: Joseph Christock - 2012
2011: Three Philippines drug mules in China - 2011
1938: Arkadi Berdichevsky, Jon Utley's father - 2010
1952: Nikos Beloyannis, the man with the carnation - 2009
1689: Kazimierz Lyszczynski, the first Polish atheist - 2008
1986: Andrew Sibusiso Zondo and two other ANC cadres
2010: Five for the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman
2018: Shoko Asahara and six Aum Shinrikyo followers, for the Tokyo sarin attack
1478: Pazzi Conspiracy attempted … and suppressed
2003: Paul Hill, anti-abortion martyr
2006: 27 at Abu Ghraib Prison
2016: Mir Quasem Ali
Entry Filed under: 21st Century,Assassins,Bangladesh,Capital Punishment,Death Penalty,Execution,Hanged,History,Mass Executions,Murder,Religious Figures,Revolutionaries,Ripped from the Headlines,Terrorists
Tags: 2000s, 2007, abdur rahman, bangla bhai, islam, march 30, siddique ul-islam, terrorism
1900: Joseph Hurst
On this date in 1900, Joseph Hurst hanged in Glendive, Montana for murdering Sheriff Dominick Cavanaugh — whom Hurst had run against in the most recent election. A literal life-and-death ballot!
Did he assassinate a political opponent to gain his office? (Hurst was briefly appointed to the sheriff’s post after Cavanaugh’s murder, before the investigation turned against him.) Or, was he railroaded by a prejudiced town? “If the evidence upon which this man has been convicted and twice sentenced to death, had been laid before me as the prosecuting officer of this county,” wrote another Montana district attorney in a widely circulated missive, “I should be ashamed to think I had compelled Hurst to employ a lawyer and submit to a prosecution before a magistrate.”
The question generated a furious controversy in its time, inundating Gov. Robert Burns Smith with a record deluge of mercy appeals from around the American West. Newspapers drew up column-inches for vigorous briefs as to Hurst’s innocence or guilt.
As is frequently the case, partisan political fissures reached all the way to bedrock disagreement about reality itself, for although Hurst expressed his innocence on the scaffold the respective sides circulated opposing contentions about whether he did or did not privately confess the crime in the end.
A representative bit of the original newspaper coverage. More can be found in Officer Down, by Jim Jones.
Anaconda Standard, February 28, 1900
Anaconda Standard, March 4, 1900
Anaconda Standard, March 13, 1900
Helena Independent, March 30, 1900.
Butte Weekly Miner, April 5, 1900
A different story from the very same Butte Weekly Miner, April 5, 1900
2007: Six Bangladesh bombers - 2019
1882: William Heilwagner, onion weeder
1891: William Rose
1883: Ah Yung
1883: Heinrich “Henry” Furhmann, oldest hanged in Montana
1866: Robert Dodge, haunter
1864: Five Virginia City road agents
1883: Milton Yarberry, Marshal of Albuquerque
Entry Filed under: 19th Century,Capital Punishment,Common Criminals,Crime,Death Penalty,Execution,Hanged,History,Montana,Murder,Politicians,USA,Wrongful Executions
Tags: 1900, 1900s, elections, glendive, joseph hurst, march 30, politics
1702: Not Nicholas Bayard, anti-Leislerian
March 30, 1702 was the date colonial New York spared Col. Nicholas Bayard from undergoing a hanging scheduled later that same day.
A “puzzling affair, made so by frustratingly incomplete documentation,” in the estimate of Adrian Howe, whose William and Mary Quarterly article (January 1990) “The Bayard Treason Trial: Dramatizing Anglo-Dutch Politics in Early Eighteenth-Century New York City” is a key source for this post: it was certainly blowback for the execution a decade earlier of the Dutch merchant Jacob Leisler who seized control of New York in a populist rising to cement its adherence to the Glorious Revolution. Bayard, a colonial elite related to Peter Stuyvesant himself, was Leisler’s superior in the militia but abhorred the Leislerian intervention on behalf of the usurping Dutch king William III.
Bayard got his by helping to manage Leisler’s prosecution all the way to the gallows, even reputedly hosting the new royal governor at his own house while his party plied him with alcohol in a (successful) bid to overcome his reluctance to sign Leisler’s death warrant — a triumph Bayard celebrated by gaily hanging a flag from his window on the day Leisler hanged.
Unchastened by having found it necessary to flee the city for his own safety during Leisler’s hour, Bayard did not refrain from provoking a foe that grew to hate him. Anglican clergyman John Miller surveyed the city during the intervening years and noticed that team Leisler “have vowed revenge & Some Say want but an opportunity to effect their purpose.”
As the 18th century dawned, the Leislerian party — think artisans, against the magnates — was back in control of the New York’s Provincial Council, and could finally see a way to that purpose. It seized on an intemperate petition that Bayard had drawn up against the late, pro-Leislerian governor Bellomont* and turned a 1691 anti-Leisler law-and-order statue against it.
The resulting eight-day trial in early March was a nakedly political operation although New York’s Dutchmen fell a bit short of the Robespierrian standard: it’s not clear whether they really meant to hound Bayard all the way to death or whether the last-minute pardon was the plan from day one. To get it, Bayard had to submit himself as far a very grudging apology for the offense — “which by the said sentence he finds and is convinced he has committed.” Apparently this sullen abasement was enough to satisfy Team Leisler, who cut here a picture of moderation and restraint that would do their countrymen’s latter-day stereotypes proud; when a new governor arrived, Bayard’s condemnation was fully reversed and expunged, “as if no such trial had been.”
This escape and restoration left Leisler to publish a pamphlet against his treatment, An Account of the illegal prosecution and tryal of Coll. Nicholas Bayard, in the province of New-York, for supposed high-treason, in the year 1701.
* Among other things in his venturesome life, Bellomont sponsored William Kidd when he was a somewhat legitimate privateer, but eventually orchestrated Kidd’s capture as a pirate.
1741: Not Sarah Hughson, “stubborn deportment”
1691: Jacob Leisler, “a Walloon who has sett at the head of the Rable”
1741: Cook, Robin, Caesar and Cuffee
1741: John Hughson, Sarah Hughson and Peggy Kerry, “so abandoned to confederate with Slaves”
1741: Prince, Tony, Cato, Harry and York
1776: Nathan Hale, with regrets
1778: Abraham Carlisle and John Roberts, triggering Benedict Arnold’s betrayal?
Entry Filed under: 18th Century,Capital Punishment,Death Penalty,England,Execution,Hanged,History,New York,Not Executed,Occupation and Colonialism,Pardons and Clemencies,Politicians,Power,Public Executions,USA
Tags: 1700s, 1702, jacob leisler, march 30, new york city, nicholas bayard, politics
1781: Diego Corrientes Mateos, Spanish social bandit
1 comment March 30th, 2016 Headsman
On this date in 1781, the Spanish social bandit Diego Corrientes Mateos was hanged and quartered in Seville.
A robber who plied the roads from Portugal to his native Seville, Corrientes (English Wikpedia entry | Spanish) was said to be of farmworker stock himself. His consequent good treatment of the rural common folk enabled him to operate with great freedom and situated him as a Robin Hood character; folklore has consequently inflated the valor of his exploits and the bile of Sheriff of Nottinghamesque pursuers like the lieutenant governor of Seville. For example, surprising his adversary on one occasion, Corrientes is supposed to have remarked, “I have learned that you boast you will be able to capture me.”
“Yes, and hang you,” shot back Francisco de Bruna.
“Then I must spare your life so you can fulfill your promise,” the sporting Corrietes allowed. (The reader will discern that Francisco de Bruna soon made good his threat.)
By the 19th century, he’d become a positive fixture of romantic and nationalist literature.
1739: Dick Turpin, outlaw legend
1713: Juraj Janosik, Slovakian social bandit
1670: Claude Duval, gentleman highwayman
1724: Jack Sheppard, celebrity escape artist
1771: Matthias Klostermayr, the Bavarian Hiasl
1788: William “Deacon” Brodie, Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde inspiration
1796: Lesurques, wrongly, and Couriol, rightly, for robbing the Lyons Mail
Entry Filed under: 18th Century,Arts and Literature,Capital Punishment,Common Criminals,Crime,Death Penalty,Dismembered,Execution,Famous,Hanged,History,Outlaws,Popular Culture,Public Executions,Spain,Theft
Tags: 1780s, 1781, cinema, diego corrientes, literature, march 30, seville, social bandits
1555: Robert Ferrar, Bishop of St. David’s
The Martyrdom of Bishop Farrar [sic]
by Ted Hughes
Burned by Bloody Mary‘s Men at Caermarthen
“If I flinch from the pain of the burning, believe not the doctrine that I have preached.
— His words on being chained to the stake.
Bloody Mary’s venomous flames can curl;
They can shrivel sinew and char bone
Of foot, ankle, knee and thigh, and boil
Bowels, and drop his heart a cinder down;
And her soldiers can cry, as they hurl
Logs in the red rush: “This is her sermon.”
The sullen-jowled watching Welsh townspeople
Hear him crack in the fire’s mouth: they see what
Black oozing twist of stuff bubbles the smell
That tars and retches their lungs: no pulpit
Of his ever held their eyes so still,
Never, as now his agony, his wit.
An ignorant means to establish ownership
Of his flock! Thus their shepherd she seized
And knotted him into this blazing shape
In their eyes, as if such could have cauterized
The trust they turned towards him, and branded on
Its stump her claim, to outlaw question.
So it might have been: seeing their exemplar
And teacher burned for his lessons to black bits,
Their silence might have disowned him to her,
And hung up what he had taught with their Welsh hats:
Who sees his blasphemous father struck by fire
From heaven, might well be heard to speak no oaths.
But the fire that struck here, come from Hell even,
Kindled little heavens in his words
As he fed his body to the flame alive.
Words which, before they will be dumbly spared,
Will burn their body and be tongued with fire
Make paltry folly of flesh and this world’s air.
When they saw what annuities of hours
And comfortable blood he burned to get
His words a bare honouring in their ears,
The shrewd townsfolk pocketed them hot:
Stamp was not current but they rang and shone
As good gold as any queen’s crown.
Gave all he had, and yet the bargain struck
To a merest farthing his whole agony,
His body’s cold-kept miserdom on shrieks
He gave uncounted, while out of his eyes,
Out of his mouth, fire like a glory broke,
And smoke burned his sermon into the skies.
1556: Thomas Cranmer, architect of Anglicanism
1546: Anne Askew, the only woman tortured in the Tower
1538: John Lambert, “none but Christ”
1540: Three Papists and Three Anti-Papists
1536: William Tyndale, English Bible translator
1555: John Hooper
1554: David van der Leyen and Levina Ghyselius, Anabaptist martyrs
Entry Filed under: 16th Century,Arts and Literature,Burned,Capital Punishment,Death Penalty,England,Execution,God,Heresy,History,Martyrs,Public Executions,Religious Figures,Wales
Tags: 1550s, 1555, caermarthen, march 30, poetry, robert ferrar, ted hughes
1875: John Morgan, slasher
On this date in 1875, a private named John Morgan was hanged for murdering his fellow.
The London Times reported the trial (March 12, 1875: Morgan did not outlive his victim by so much as a month) thus:
THE SHORNCLIFFE MURDER
Home Circuit.
Maidstone, March 11.
Crown Court.– (Before Mr. Justice Denman.)
The Court was occupied all day with a trial for murder — a case of a very remarkable character.
John Morgan, a private in the 82d Regiment, was indicted for the murder of Joseph Foulstone, another private in the same regiment, at Shorncliffe, on Saturday last.
Mr. Biron and Mr. Denny were for the prosecution; Mr. Norman, at the desire of the learned Judge, defended the prisoner, and was assisted by Mr. Grubb.
The prisoner Morgan and Foulstone, the deceased, were quartered at Shorncliffe. The prisoner and Foulstone occupied the same “hut,” No. 26. At 9 o’clock on the night of last Saturday they were in the same room together, with two boys and a man named Reader, who was fast asleep, sleeping off the effects of drunkenness. Just after 9 the prisoner asked one of the boys to go and get him some sweets, giving him a shilling for the purpose, and when he was gone told the other boy to go and get him some sauce. When they left the hug Foulstone was reading near a bed (not the one on which Reader was sleeping, but another one). Almost immediately afterwards a man named Brown, in the next hut, was horrified at seeing Foulstone, the deceased, coming staggering towards him, holding his throat with both hands and the blood gushing from it rapidly. He motioned for writing materials and wrote something not in evidence. [n.b. — he wrote “Morgan done it” -ed.] The attempts to stop the flow of blood from his throat were vain, and in a minute or two he dropped his head and died. The prisoner was found in his hut, standing over a can of water, evidently in the act of washing. There were marks of blood on his shirt, and one of his sleeves was wet as if recently washed. There were also drops of blood on his coat and trousers and boots. When brought into the presence of the dying man the latter motioned with his hands towards him. The prisoner said, “I did not do it; he did it himself,” and that was the defence set up. The evidence of the surgeon, however, went to show that the wound was such as the deceased could not have inflicted himself. There was a clean fresh cut on the prisoner’s thumb, and there were cuts both on the left and right hand of the deceased. A razor covered with blood was found in the hut, and was evidently the weapon with which the wound was inflicted.
The suicide story seemed so far-fetched that the jury had little difficulty reaching its verdict. In time, Morgan did confess to the crime; according to the London Times of March 31, 1875 he admitted the motive for it only to his chaplain and under a strict seal of confidentiality — an unusual stricture that can’t but put one in the mind of a scandalous subtext like the love that dare not speak its name.
Since consummate professional hangman William Marwood was busy long-dropping Morgan at Maidstone Gaol, a yokel named George Incher had to be recruited to carry out a simultaneous execution at Stafford Gaol. Twenty-three-year-old John Stanton had murdered his uncle in a quarrel earlier that month, and spent his last weeks pleading contrition for this family tragedy to anyone who would listen; this non-Marwood hanging used the old “short drop”, which meant that Morgan just strangled to death.
Part of the Daily Double: Victorian Soldiery.
1875: Richard Coates, gunner and rapist
1885: Not John “Babbacombe” Lee, the man they could not hang
1880: Ned Kelly
1801: James Legg, crucified ecorche
1855: Emmanuel Barthelemy, duelist
1873: Mary Ann Cotton, serial poisoner
Entry Filed under: 19th Century,Capital Punishment,Common Criminals,Crime,Death Penalty,England,Execution,Hanged,History,Murder,Soldiers
Tags: 1870s, 1875, george incher, john morgan, john stanton, march 30, william marwood
1883: Emeline Meaker, child abuser, first woman hanged in Vermont
2 comments March 30th, 2013 Meaghan
(Thanks to Meaghan Good of the Charley Project for the guest post. -ed.)
On this day in 1883, Emeline Lucy Meaker was hanged for the murder of her nine-year-old sister-in-law and ward, Alice. She was the first woman executed in Vermont and almost the last; the only other one was in 1905, when Mary Mabel Rogers was hanged after killing her husband for his insurance.
Alice’s father died in 1873 and her impoverished mother sent her and her brother Henry to live in an overcrowded poorhouse. There, the little girl was reportedly sexually abused. Others noted that she was “a timid, shrinking child—of just that disposition that seems to invite, and is unable to resist—persecution.”
In 1879, Alice and Henry got a chance for a better life when their much older half-brother* Horace (described by crime historian Harold Schechter as a “perpetually down-at-heels farmer”) agreed to take them in for a lump sum of $400. However, Horace’s wife, Emeline, was unhappy at this extra burden. She referred to Alice as “little bitch” and “that thing.”
Schechter writes of the killer in his book Psycho USA: Famous American Killers You Never Heard Of:
Married to Horace when she was eighteen, forty-five-year-old Emeline was (according to newspapers at the time) a “coarse, brutal, domineering woman,” a “perfect virago,” a “sullen, morose, repulsive-looking creature.” To be sure, these characterizations were deeply colored by the horror provoked by her crime. Still, there is little doubt that … Emeline’s grim, hardscrabble life had left her deeply embittered and seething with suppressed rage — “malignant passions” (in the words of one contemporary) that would vent themselves against her helpless [sister-in-law].
Young Alice’s life, however difficult it may have been before, became hell after she went to live with her half-brother and his family.
She was forced to do more and heavier chores than she was capable of, and for the slightest reason, Emeline would beat her horribly with a broom, a stick or whatever else was at hand.
Soon Alice’s sister-in-law dropped the pretense of punishment and simply hit Alice whenever she felt like it. Emeline was quite literally deaf to the little girl’s screams, as she had a severe hearing impairment. So did Horace.
Some of the neighbors later said they could hear the child’s cries from half a mile away, and Emeline had no compunctions about abusing Alice in front of visitors. Everyone in in their small community of Duxbury was aware of what was going on, but no one bothered to do anything about it until it was too late.
Less than a year after Alice’s arrival, Emeline decided to do away with her. The crime is reported in detail in Volume 16 of the Duxbury Historical Society’s newsletter.
Emeline convinced her twenty-year-old “weak minded” and “not over bright” son, Lewis Almon Meaker, to help. He later said his mother had persuaded him that Alice would be “better off dead” and that “she wasn’t a very good girl; no one liked her.”
Emeline’s first suggestion was to take Alice out into the mountain wilderness and leave her there to die, but Almon thought this was too risky. Instead, on the night of April 23, 1880, Almon and Emeline woke up Alice, shoved a sack over her head and carried her to the carriage Almon had hired in advance. They drove to a remote hill and forced Alice to drink strychnine from her own favorite mug, which her mother had given her.
Twenty minutes later, the child’s death agonies ceased and Almon buried her in a thicket outside the town of Stowe.
Emeline and Almon, people who had been concerned about the riskiness of a previous murder plot, didn’t bother to get their stories straight about the unannounced disappearance of their charge, so when the neighbors asked where Alice had gone their contradictory explanations for her disappearance raised suspicions.
On April 26, a police officer subjected both mother and son to questioning. Almon didn’t last long before he broke down and confessed. He led the deputy sheriff to the burial site and they disinterred Alice’s remains, still visibly bruised from her last thrashing. Because the deputy’s buggy was small, Almon had to hold Alice’s corpse upright to keep it from falling out during the three-hour journey back to Roxbury.
That must have been some ride.
Emeline and Almon were both charged with murder. Each defendant tried to put as much blame as possible on the other, but both were ultimately convicted and sentenced to death. Almon’s sentence was commuted to life in prison, but Emeline’s was upheld in spite of years of appeals and a try at feigning madness.
Her violent tantrums, attempts at arson, and attacks on the prison staff didn’t convince anyone she was crazy — they merely alienated her family and others who might have otherwise supported her. Once she realized she wasn’t fooling anybody, she calmed down and passed her remaining days quietly knitting in her cell.
She was hanged at 1:30 p.m., 35 months after the murder.
On the day of her execution she asked to see the gallows. The sheriff explained to her how it worked and she declared, “Why, it’s not half as bad as I thought.” For the occasion — she had a crowd of 125 witnesses to impress — she wore a black cambric with white ruffles.
The not-half-bad gallows snapped Emeline Meaker’s neck, but it still took her twelve minutes to die. Emeline wanted her body returned to her husband, but Horace refused to accept it and it was buried in the prison cemetery.
Ten years after his mother’s execution, Almon died in prison of tuberculosis.
* Some reports say Alice was Horace’s niece rather than his half-sister.
1861: Paula Angel … but why?
1900: Louisa Josephine Jemima Masset
1898: Alfred C. Williams
1869: Nicholas Melady, the last public hanging in Canada
1856: Casey and Cora, by the San Francisco Vigilance Committee
1936: George W. Barrett, the first to hang for killing an FBI man
1881: George Parrott, future footwear
Entry Filed under: 19th Century,Capital Punishment,Common Criminals,Crime,Death Penalty,Execution,Guest Writers,Hanged,History,Milestones,Murder,Other Voices,USA,Vermont,Women
Tags: 1880s, 1883, domestic violence, duxbury, emeline meaker, family, march 30
1911: Joseph Christock
On this date in 1911, Joseph Christock — a “loose-jawed, low-browed fellow, a brother to the ox, under the fine-spun skin of the human” — was hanged for murder.
The last person executed in Schuylkill County, Pennsylvania had, a mere five months before, been a hired farmhand … until he drank himself stupid on cider and proceeded to rape the lady of the farm and murder both her and her 65-year-old mother.
The crime was a straightforward one, even if the prisoner was determined to run out the clock making what reads like a rather self-conscious display of bravado. (He wrote his own death-date into his Bible and coolly showed it off to a reporter; he also attempted suicide several times.)
The definitive blog post on Joseph Christock is this one at Coal Region History Chronicles, but we were drawn to this comment left below it …
my grandfather, charles reigle was a asst. warden at this time and joesph christock made an astrological drawing the night before the hanging which i possess along with a photo of my grandfather,joesph christock and the warden which i also posses.
I took the liberty of following up this comment, and Mr. Ron Young generously sent me copies of the images below, along with the following explanation.
The one is a photo of my grandfather, Charles Riegle, and the other is a drawing cristock made for my grandmother, Sarah Riegle. They,along with my mother, Dora and i don`t remember how many more of 13 children they had were living in a house right outside of the prison walls. The drawing always intrigued me because it looks astological, but could mean a number of things. My grandfather passed aroung 1938, so a lot of the stories, i heard were at a young age.
We don’t have any special research to add on this occasion, but submit them here with great gratitude to Mr. Young, and in the spirit of the uncanny. These small artifacts, from the doomed flesh of a long-dead murderer via two generations of a warden’s family, across a random meeting on the Internet and thence to points unknown.
1936: Rainey Bethea, America’s last public hanging
1903: Tom Horn
1946: Phillip and William Heincy, father and son
1938: Anthony Chebatoris, in death penalty-free Michigan
1938: Albert Dyer, sex killer (presumably)
1992: Johnny Frank Garrett, “kiss my ass because I’m innocent”
1945: Lena Baker
Entry Filed under: 20th Century,Capital Punishment,Common Criminals,Crime,Death Penalty,Execution,Hanged,History,Murder,Other Voices,Pennsylvania,Rape,USA
Tags: 1910s, 1911, joseph christock, march 30, ron young, schuylkill county
2011: Three Philippines drug mules in China
6 comments March 30th, 2011 Headsman
Today in China, overseas Filipino workers Ramon Credo, 42, Sally Villanueva, 32, and Elizabeth Batain, 38, were executed by lethal injection in China as drug smugglers — the first two in Xiamen, and the last in Shenzhen.
The three had been arrested in 2008 and convicted in 2009 for carrying heroin — they said unknowingly — into the People’s Republic.
The fate of these three aroused an outpouring of sympathy in their native land, where economics drives up to 10% of the population to work overseas, often at a hazard.
Vice President Jejomar Binay, who personally traveled to China to plead their case, called it “a sad day for all of us.” (Unusually, China actually granted a few weeks’ reprieve from the original February execution dates. This was viewed as a concession, and why not? China has rolled stronger countries in similar cases before without even that courtesy.)
While this case was in the headlines for weeks in the Philippines and around the world, the condemned at the heart of it seem not to have realized their deaths were imminent until relatives flew in from China to meet with them on this very day, just hours before execution.
These seem to be the first known Philippines nationals executed in China for drug trafficking, and if that’s a surprising milestone for the world’s most aggressive executioner to be setting with a regional neighbor noted for its many overseas workers … it bears remembering that it’s only China’s stupendous economic growth in the past generation or so that has made it such an especially attractive migrant worker destination.
This execution date also happens to be the 40th anniversary of another landmark event in Sino-Filipino relations, the hijacking of a Philippines airliner by six students, who diverted it to China. Those illicit airborne arrivals were greeted with considerably more leniency than our present-day drug couriers enjoy.
Seventy-two more Philippines nationals are reportedly under sentence of death in China for drug crimes(or not), and around 120 more for various offenses throughout the world.
2009: Akmal Shaikh, mentally ill drug mule
2006: Yuan Baojing, gangster capitalist
2008: Tseng Fu-wen, drug dealer
2002: Aileen Wuornos, Monster
2009: A day in the death penalty around the world
2005: Michael Ross, the Roadside Strangler
2004: Dhananjoy Chatterjee, the last hanged in India … for now
Entry Filed under: 21st Century,Capital Punishment,China,Common Criminals,Crime,Death Penalty,Drugs,Execution,Lethal Injection,Milestones,Philippines,Ripped from the Headlines,Women
Tags: 2010s, 2011, drug smugglers, drug smuggling, elizaeth batain, heroin, labor, march 30, ramon credo, sally villanueva, shenzhen, xiamen
1938: Arkadi Berdichevsky, Jon Utley’s father
On this date in 1938, Arkadi (or Arcadi) Berdichevsky, a Russian Jew run afoul of the (pre-KGB) NKVD, was executed in the Arctic Circle prison town of Vorkuta for leading a prisoners’ hunger strike.
Though the powerful whom Stalin purged are well-known to the student of Russian history, Berdichevsky is just one of the countless obscure Soviet citizens who disappeared into the gulag never to emerge again.
Berdichevsky had something most of his fellow-victims did not: an English wife.
Freda Utley and her son Jon Utley — the couple cannily gave the boy his mother’s foreign last name to make it easier to emigrate if it should come to that, as indeed it did — left the USSR and Freda’s communist youth for fame as (paleo)conservative giants.
While young Jon — just two years old when his father was whisked out of their Moscow flat by the spooks — came of age, Freda Utley naturalized as an American and turned against her former ideology with the zeal of the converted.
Berdichevsky’s widow, Freda Utley, published this book in 1940 about her disillusionment with communism. This work and many others by Utley are also available as free pdfs from FredaUtley.com.
She savaged the U.S. government officials who “lost China”, and testified at Sen. Joseph McCarthy’s behest in the latter’s 1950’s red-hunt. (Utley also supplied McCarthy some research. She defended Tailgunner Joe until her death in 1978.)
Along the way, Freda Utley learned the date of her husband’s death, but never the circumstances.
That discovery fell to Jon Utley, who made his own fortune in business and became a conservative activist/intellectual himself, notable for his anti-imperialist position. (Utley writes regularly for antiwar.com, and opposed the recent Iraq blunder.)
In 2004, Jon Utley finally obtained the remarkably detailed records revealing that it was a firing squad rather than cold or malnutrition that took his father’s life. Utley then personally visited the sites of that Calvary in the Komi region of Russia.
Jon Utley gives a video interview about the experience and about his own path as an anti-communist here, but most especially recommended for our purposes is his written account of finding his father: HTML form here; pdf here.
1938: Nikolai Kondratiev, purged economist
Entry Filed under: 20th Century,Capital Punishment,Death Penalty,Execution,History,Jews,Mass Executions,Notably Survived By,Posthumous Exonerations,Russia,Shot,Treason,USSR
Tags: 1930s, 1938, anti-communism, arcadi berdichevsky, arkadi berdichevsky, communism, communists, conservatism, freda utley, gulag, jon utley, joseph mccarthy, komi, march 30, vorkuta
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Age of innoncence
A.C. Spark Plug decorated for the holidays. (Photo courtesy of Lori Wenzel)
Lori Wenzel looks back on the Flint she remembers:
I feel as nostalgic as you do about this city. I’m 49 years-old and went to Pierson Elementary and Zimmerman Junior High before graduating from Southwestern in 1976. I grew up on Lyndon Avenue off Harvard & Pierson Roads. I now live in Grand Blanc Township. The older I get, the sadder I feel about “what used to be.”
My mom worked at Federal's Department store. I still have my nametag from working at Monkey Wards when downtown was bustling and fun. I later worked at AC Spark Plug and just retired two years ago. Even that was sad. When I hired in, there were about 7,000 people there. When I retired, just 1,500.
There was a real innocence when I was growing up in Flint. We hitchhiked; rode our bikes to Flushing Park; weren't scared to walk to our friends’ houses after dark; went to Mary's Sunshine Food Stores for cigarettes that were 50 cents a pack; hung out at the fountain at Genesee Valley; drank M & S red pop with New Era potato chips; and went to concerts at the old IMA and at Richfield Park for their Super Sundays. I even have my ticket stub from my first concert at IMA. It was Deep Purple in 1972.
I went down to the Hot Dog Stand in Grand Blanc the other night for the Back To The Bricks Cruise. I was looking for someone with my first car — a 1969 Grand Prix. I found one parked along the route. The guy let me take pictures and sit in it. I was 16 when I got that car. It was a huge thrill!
I hung around with four other girls through junior and high school. After graduation, we all went our separate ways. Luckily, I reconnected with them a few years ago, and now we go on a trip every summer together. It's great how we all still get along when our lives are so different. We still talk about what we did in the good old days. We had lots of fun.
I'm thrilled that I grew up when and where I did, so I can remember when people were good and we weren't scared for our safety like it is now. I can't even visit my childhood home because it's a drive-by neighborhood now.
Labels: AC Spark Plug, Flushing Park, IMA, Lori Wenzel, M and S pop, Mary's Sunshine Food Stores, Monkey Wards, Pierson Elementary, Southwestern High School, Zimmerman
You're making me cry, Lori. :^(
But, thanks for the memories for sharing those memories, anyway. Good stuff! :^)
www.theChurchGuy.com
redgirl August 22, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I really relate to your story, Lori, and I think it's great that you have reconnected with some old friends. Did you happen to go to Pierson for kindergarten? My aunt was a kindergarten teacher there for years and years before transferring to Neithercut.
Gillian Swart August 22, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Thanks for sharing, Lori. I didn't grow up in Flint, but it was our #1 destination for shopping. Sadly, we only had a few years of living there before things started to get bad.
cactusland August 23, 2008 at 6:54 AM
I came across this when I was looking for the name of an ice cream parlor that I couldn’t not remember, which was Harriman’s. I moved from the north side of Flint to the south side and on to Davison. I attended Brownell, Holmes and graduated from Powers. I am now living in Arizona. I enjoyed reading your story, not only do I remember all those places, my father was the assistant Principal at Zimmerman and Southwestern. If you remember him he will be 80 this year, and is in good health along with my mother. They became Floridians.
I came across this when I was looking for the name of an ice cream parlor that I could not remember, which was Harriman’s. I moved from the north side of Flint to the south side and on to Davison. I attended Brownell, Holmes and graduated from Powers. I am now living in Arizona. I enjoyed reading your story, not only do I remember all those places, my father was the assistant Principal at Zimmerman and Southwestern. If you remember him he will be 80 this year, and is in good health along with my mother. They became Floridians.
Gordon Young August 23, 2008 at 7:28 AM
Cactusland, my brother, Matt Donaldson, also attended Zimmerman and graduated from Powers. Did you happen to know him?
Geewhy, I don't remember his name, he might be younger. I graduated in 1977. I enjoyed reading all the memories of Flint, I can remember most of them. I lived off Pierson Rd and Clio till I was aroung 15. We hung out at the A&W, PX, The Fair and Arlens. I remember the tanker trunk that turned over on Clio and Pierson Road, burning the gas station down. That was huge, can't remember what year.
Spring of '69 if I remember correctly.
Dave McDonald August 23, 2008 at 12:16 PM
i have been following the comments about Zimmerman and Southwestern, who is your dad ? i graduated from Southwestern in 79. i also attended zimmerman penitentiary and cummings
Dave "Slick" McDonald
cactusland August 23, 2008 at 4:19 PM
My dad is Felix Beltrame. He was at Zimmerman, Holmes, back to Zimmerman and retired from Southwestern.
bustdup August 23, 2008 at 9:09 PM
cactusgirl,
I was one of the denizens under Your Father's dominion. Always felt badly for having cussed Him when I broke my leg about a hunnert years ago. He and Mr. Cullen, Mr. Mack(human wall), Mr. Kinnard, and the Shwitalla's left big impression on me. How did Your Dad end up at Southwestern?! I do hope it was post-rioting era. my Best Regards to Him, though I doubt He remembers me. Do You know what became of Mr. Cullen? He was a Good Soul...
LastManInFlint August 23, 2008 at 9:19 PM
That Christmas picture of AC's main office on Dort Highway was actually in the AC calender for 1967 or 1968. I hired in at AC on Industrial but was transfered over to the old 1702 in Spark Plugs on "The Highway" in November 1967, just in time to get the calander they were giving out to the employees. Years later I found another one at a rummage sale and bought it.
It is so sad they are tearing down the Dort Highway plant right now, and most of it is gutted but the main office is still standing at the moment. There is an arial view on the internet of the razing in progress that was taken Aug 8th and I spent 20 minutes staring at it--remembering every square foot of the place.
Who remembers the "Coal Mine" and Rota-Forg next to the 29 tool room? How about 1701 up front under the clock tower and the Kiln Area? How about 1702 (later 8202) and sitting at the glazers? The noise of the stock handler filling your hoppers with "wires and nails"? Then the ovens on the straight-lines that pressed the terminal down into the insulator--everything so cherry-red hot you could almost see through them?
Does any old-timer remember when AC made model airplane spark plugs up until 1952 when they suspended production? You'll see those on ebay a lot too: cute little actual working spark plugs 1/2 inch long.
Ah I could go on but this is too long already!
redgirl August 24, 2008 at 2:03 AM
The Fair and Arlen's - we went to those stores at least once a week! And the old Yankee's. And A&W. I remember when that tanker incident. I was either 3 or 4, so it was either '69 or '70, a sunny day in spring or maybe early summer; it was definitely not cold weather, that I remember, along with those plumes of smoke floating over the house. It's funny how many expats I've run into over the years who remember that. Incidentally, cactusland, my sister Brigid graduated from Powers in 1977, too.
Hi Slick
Mr Mack lives in the Carolina's. Mr Kinnard moved to Ohio to teach years ago, so dad's lost touch with him. Mr Cullen lives in Mesa, Arizona, and sadly Mr Schitalla has expired. After asking dad about this he, of course, wants to know who you are.....:-)
Sorry Slick I was answering Bustdup
Wow! Cactusgirl, I'm amazed. I would've thought Mr. Cullen had passed a long time ago, but then thinking on it further, all those wonderful people were probably my age right now back then. Another Hero to me was Dr. Tear, if that's the correct spelling. Drove a Model A Ford everyday to school. He'd get in when everyone else was snowbound,(damnit!). I was suspended for going to the "Stop the War" moratorium that year, and Dr. Tear was the only Teacher who asked me why I went, what I was trying to accomplish, made me stand up to relate it to the rest of the Orchestra, Thanked me and told me to sit again. he was a whole different planet than Southwestern's band conductor, mr. wentz. Gordon has my vitals if You're still interested Cacutsgirl, Thank You for the update!! Slainte!
Dave McDonald August 25, 2008 at 5:36 AM
Hey Cactusgirl,
i had a feeling that Mr. Beltrame is your dad. my mom and dad were friends with your mom and dad which made me tow the line for the most part.
zimmerman had quite the cast of teachers....ms. siegel with the glass eye, two married couples karwoskis and the scwitalas...mr.brody...mr.reed (ex tigers pitcher)...my favorite willie j. barton...chuck carpenter...mr.bloomer and on and on
Lori, when you talk to your dad tell him that my mom, kathleen mcdonald, just asked me the other day if i knew whatever happened to felix.
I just spoke with my mom...to check out the connection....your mom worked with my parents at SS Kresge..first at detroit and pierson then at the northwest shopping center.
wow, what a small world...i would hate to paint it
OMG, Mrs. Siegel, I'd forgotten her. Slick, You have Miss Swift? whew! that class could not go by fast enough! Mr. Carpenter was my homeroom and shop teacher(go figure-a shop teacher named that). He was down in Mr. Beltame's office when I jumped from the class room down to the work table and broke my leg in 3 places.well...everybody else was doing it. why not? lucky I made it to old age, I know. But, you really don't consider mortality too often when you're young and invulnerable to kryptonite...
I was also at the Deep Purple concert! There sure were some great shows at the IMA.
theChurchGuy August 26, 2008 at 8:35 PM
Ah, yes, the IMA...car shows...boat shows...the shrine circus...and, oh, I remember a quiet Sunday afternoon, March 24, 1968, with a little three-piece band named "The Jimi Hendrix Experience." Wow! I think I have discovered the reason for that slight hearing loss in my right ear! That was their last stop on a Michigan tour that also featured, "The Rationals," Frut of the Loom," and "The Soft Machine."
(Yes, I was at the concert, but, no, I didn't really remember all that stuff. You can find most anything on the Internet, can't you?)
Hey Cactusland,
i do apoligize for getting confused, Lori was the original poster and I guess the whole L thing got me messed up on the names.
sorry about that, hope to see you post again....back to the original thing that led you to flint expats...speaking of ice cream...what about Pattersons just down the street from zimmerman
Gordon Young August 28, 2008 at 10:19 AM
cactusland,
Please contact me at gordieyoung (at) sbcglobal (dot) net
I want to pass along the email of a former classmate who wants you to get in touch with you.
cactusland August 29, 2008 at 11:34 AM
Hey Slick I just talked to my parents they remember your parents well. They were all friends of the Vails, if you remember them. I asked her if I had ever met you, she said your mom wasn't married as of yet, but she remembers her getting married and then having a boy.....
Nice memories! Any chance to get a copy of your DEEP PURPLE ticket stub?? Check out my website & you will understand ;-)
www.deep-purple-ticketmuseum.co.uk
info@deep-purple-ticketmuseum.co.uk
GM: Unpopular at home
Separated at birth
A not-so-simple question
Lust to love
Flint international
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Postcard from bucolic Flint
Embezzlement: A new career option
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Tyrone C. Robertson, R.I.P.
Chevy Malibu Classic
De'Shon D. Wright and Gary E. Dotson, R.I.P.
Art and commerce
We're not #1! In fact, we're not even in the top 6...
A question of quality
Reverse deindustrialization
Note to Annonymous
Flint Artifacts: 1960 Longway Planetarium — Sound...
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Bad journalism's greatest lists
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Latonia Larry, R.I.P.
Boot the Don
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Flint Artifacts: Concordia 76 Soccer Patch
Catching on
Motorama comes to Pebble Beach
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Merlin's Retreat revisited
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Flint Expatriates in the news.
Flint Artifacts: Corvair Mania at the Sloan Museum...
The greening of Flint
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Back by popular demand...The Della Theater
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Alice Cooper's unexpected duet in Flint
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From Flint to Los Angeles
Suing to speak
Calling all Smurfs
Hidden Park Revisited
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Nudist club just misunderstood
From fruit to freeway
Movie wonderland
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Search this site or CSUF general sites
Search Type Site CSUF
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Dr. Misty Paig-Tran, Biology
Instructor, California State University Fullerton
2013-2014 Instructor, California State University Fullerton
2013-2014 Postdoctoral Scholar, Arizona State University
2011-2013 Instructor, Saddleback College
Ph.D. Biology , University of Washington/Friday Harbor Labs
B.S. Marine Biology, California State University Long Beach
My research uses an integrative approach combining engineering and physics techniques to study the biology of organisms and create bioinspired applications. My work on biomimetic manta ray filters has garnered national media attention and I plan on continuing the research and development portion of this patent pending design for use in waste water treatment. The bio-inspired manta filter is unique to other filters because it is a self-cleaning system (it does not clog) and is therefore useful to a broad scope of industries beyond wastewater treatment including but not limited to: beer and wine making, medical and drinking water treatment, and low flow system filtration. I believe this is an ideal topic for undergraduate researchers to perform meaningful, human health related research.
Hinojosa-Alvarez, S., Paig-Tran, E.W.M., Diaz-Jaimes, P., and Galvan-Magana, F. Submitted. A third manta ray species: phylogenetic analysis of the Mexican Caribbean giant mantas. PeerJ.
Paig-Tran, E.W.M., Barrios, A., and Ferry, L.A. Accepted. Presence of repeating hyperostotic bones in dorsal pterygiophores of the oarfish, Regalecus russellii. J. Anatomy.
Ferry, L.A., Paig-Tran, E.M. and Gibb, A. 2015. Suction, ram, and biting: deviations and limitations to aquatic prey capture. Integrative and Comparative Biology. 55:1, 97-109.
Paig-Tran, E.W.M. and Summers, A.P. 2013. Comparison of the structure and composition of the branchial filters of suspension feeding elasmobranchs. The Anatomical Record. 701-715.
Paig-Tran, E.W.M., Kleinteich, T., and Summers, A.P. 2012. Functional morphology of the filter pads and filtration mechanisms in the Mobulidae (Manta Walbaum 1792 and Mobula Rafinesque 1810). J. Morph. 1026-1043. Cover.
Paig-Tran, E.W.M., Bizzarro, J.J., Strother, J.A. and Summers, A.P. 2011. Bottles as models: predicting the effects of varying swimming speed and morphology on size selectivity and filtering efficiency in fishes. J. Exp. Biol. 214: 1643-1654. Cover.
Submitted NSF IOS–16-505 Pre Proposal “Using a multidisciplinary approach to elucidate the fluid dynamics and functional morphology of filter-feeding in manta rays.” (PI)
Submitted NSF MRI–15-504 “Acquisition of a Vapor Pressure Scanning
Electron Microscope and Materials Characterization System for Research in Biology, Geology, and Chemistry” (PI, $630,571)
Grants-in-Aid and Fellowships
2010 Smithsonian Research Travel Award
2010 University of Washington Sargent Fellowship
2010 University of Washington WRF-Hall Fellowship
2009 NSF Predoctoral Fellowship Honorable Mention
2008 Sigma Xi Grant in Aid of Research
2008 AGEP Travel award
2005-2006 Research Initiative for Science Enrichment Fellow/Scholar, CSULB
2013 Best student paper honorable mention, AMS
2011 Best Student Poster (Carrier Award), AES
2006 Women and Philanthropy Award recipient, CSULB
This site is maintained by Biology Department.
Last Published 8/30/19
To report problems or comments with this site, please contact marc@fullerton.edu.
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Noctua NF-A4x10 40mm fan Written Review
A 40mm fan that doesn't act like an annoying screaming child? The impossible might just have become possible.
Here's the spec:
Max Airflow (m3/h)
Noise (dB(A))
Static Pressure (mmH2O)
Without L.N.A
With L.N.A
Accessories: Low noise adaptor(L.N.A), OmniJoin Adaptor set, 3:2 Adaptor set, 30cm Extension cable, Anti-vibration mounts, fan screws.
As soon as I was aware of the release of the A-series it was this fan I was interested in. 40mm fans have been the nightmare of pc cooling for years now and with Noctua entering the 40mm race we can straight off see the features Noctua puts into their fans that even other standard 120mm fans (thank god we re past the days of the 80mm standard) don't have.
To cover the small features first, the NF-A4x10 features anti-vibration pads! Granted they are incredibly small, on smaller fans that spin as fast as these you could argue they are even more necessary than on the larger fans. I don't personally like the size and perceived fragility of these pads, they look like they will just fall off with a slight knock. That being sad unless you intentionally rip them off, they will stay put happily, though take note that these are not designed to be removed so you will have to stick them back on if you do take them off.
You might also notice that even their 40mm fan is cable sleeved. Yes they really do care about the little details as you will see even more of further into the review.
Expressed in the picture to the right is a size comparison of the fan compared with the anti-vibration mounts supplied with it. To maximise static pressure it is also equipped with a 7 blade fan design, these take up a good part of the fan as the motor is quite small.
Accessory wise the fan comes with a lot more than what we see on regular Noctua fans. This is because with the fan being such a small format, it is generally capable of being used in many different scenarios, each of which will use a different power connection.
Keep in mind guys that to use this kit you will have to murder the fan your are replacing for its bespoke connector. Needing to murder another fan may be the Marmite to this adaptor however the capabilities it delivers make it worth a 2nd glance as it provides a 3 pin adaptor for ANY bespoke header. This blatantly obvious yet ingenious design makes this fan compatible with any header.
It comes with 2 accessories specifically for compatibility. The 1st one being the Omni-join adaptor set which is designed to create an an adaptor rather than being one itself. It is designed to be used on systems in which the fan you are replacing uses a bespoke connector and come with 2 sets of adaptors which I assume is for if you want to re-attach the connector at a later date.
The 2nd being a standard adaptor for 2 pin fan headers. This is here so you don't have to keep murdering your beloved equipment for a connection that is really quite common. Just like the rest of Noctua's accessories this adaptor comes wrapped in their extremely high quality cable sleeving, I just wish they would start using black connectors as well.
To kill 2 birds with 1 stone we have the rest of the AAO frame (Advanced Acoustic Operation). The inner surface microstructures and the stepped inlet design. Both designed to reduce noise albeit from different noise issues. The microstructures to create an air buffer between the blade tips & chassis and then the inlet design to reduce the noise of the air as it is pulled into the fan.
Looks wise the fan is gorgeous, especially for a 40mm fan. We see just about everything on this fan hat we see on the much larger fans, quite surprising really because at such a small size you might say it really wasn't worth the effort, clearly to Noctua it is. Even the flow acceleration channels make an appearance which if you have read the previous A-series reviews I feel really sharpen up the look of these fans.
To add as a final note, this fan does come equipped with the highly regarded SSO2 bearing system though we don't see a brass bearing shell.
Previous experience of 40mm fans left nothing but contempt. Noctua entering the 40mm race could have either been good for them or ruined them. Thankfully it wasn't the latter. the general consensus for 40mm fans is that they are loud and obnoxious, put this up against ever the NF-P12 and it suddenly seems quieter than a mouse.
It is actually so quiet I feel that the 17.9 decibel rating is too high. Granted the fan doesn't push a ton of air even for a 40mm fan, but it does produce a static pressure rating of 1.78, an irrefutably high rating. This fan is perfect for any of your 40mm needs.
40mm fans, a market in which Noctua's colour scheme is actually what people are looking at, with the release of motherboards like Asus' Sabertooth range. With all the features of their higher end fans, this really is a sight to behold.
If you are looking for a fan that pushes the most air then this is not for you however unless you are deaf this wont be you. 40mm fans are loud and obnoxious, Noctua have found the middle ground here with their product. Meeting the requirements of most 40mm needs but keeping the fan silent at the same time, not to mention it has amazing static pressure performance.
If you are in the market for a small fan then this is Definitely going to be worth a 2nd glance,while being rather expensive the list of features and accessories that compliment this product make it worth every penny. It's only downfall in my eyes is that it was released at a very similar price point to the NF-A9x14, an utterly outstanding 92mm fan. I think they could have actually pushed it a little faster as well it's that quiet.
This fan receives our gold award, missing out just a tiny bit to the Platinum because we feel that a few slight tweaks could have been made to make this fan a product to truly behold.
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Abbastanza! Enough with the Mona Lisa already
Can't we move on to a new painting now?!
For centuries now, the "Mona Lisa" has beguiled art buffs unable to resist speculating on its origins and meaning. Now a (bored) French inventor claims to have some answers, including the fate of the enigmatic subject's famously missing eyebrows and lashes.
Move along, grandpa!
Parisian engineer Pascal Cotte says his ultra-detailed digital scans of the painting allow him to effectively burrow through layers of paint to "see" into the past of Leonardo Da Vinci's 16th-century portrait of a Florentine merchant's wife.
According to your boy Pascal, the world's most famous painting originally included both brows and lashes, obliterated by long-ago restoration efforts.
"With just one photo you go deeper into the construction of the painting and understand that Leonardo was a genius," Cotte said at the U.S. debut of an exhibit detailing his findings.
Leonardo was a genius before your discovery, bro. I don't need to know about Mona's eyebrows or eye lashes, OK?
Regardless the 49-year old French engineer estimates he has spent 3,000 hours analysing the data from the scans he made of the painting in the Louvre's laboratory three years ago. How does a job like that pay?
Your boy Cotte says his research has lead him to these other findings:
Da Vinci changed his mind about the position of two fingers on the subject's left hand.
Her face was originally wider and the smile more expressive than Da Vinci ultimately painted them.
She holds a blanket that has all but faded from view today
Cotte said his analyses also revealed what he believes are the painting's colors as they looked on Da Vinci's easel.
Age, varnish and restorations performed by later conservators' hands have resulted in a painting that, in its permanent home behind bulletproof glass at the Louvre, appears saturated with heavy greens, yellows and browns.
Working with his 22-gigabyte digital nerd-o-photo, made using 13 different color filters rather than the typical three or four found in consumer-grade digital cameras, Cotte created a reproduction of the Mona Lisa with the light blues and brilliant whites he thinks represent the painting in its original form.
Th' fuck u lookin at?!
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We would like to ensure an enjoyable atmosphere and experience for all event guests. The safety of our event staff and guests is our number one priority; therefore, we ask that you please observe the following policies and procedures:
All permanent public, on-street accessible spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis. City garages, the University of South Florida (USF) garage and Tropicana Field provide accessible parking at the prevailing rate. The USF garage is recommended for those with limited mobility wishing to enter the 5th Avenue S. gate (Gate 5) and the SouthCore garage is recommended for those wishing to enter the 1st Avenue S. gate (Gate 1). The Looper is also wheelchair accessible. Please visit City of St. Petersburg website for the most up-to-date information or click here for the parking and transportation map.
Track Crossing Times & Locations
Click here for estimated track crossing times (link active when available).
Click here for Locations.
This event was designed to provide equal opportunity for enjoyment by all participants. If you would like to request any particular aids or services pursuant to disability laws, please contact the event planner at 727-898-4639 or City of St Petersburg Community Affairs Division at (727) 893-7345 or (727) 892-5259 TDD/TTY
Accommodations / Area Information
Information about area hotels and restaurants can be found at the St. Petersburg/Clearwater Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. Additional downtown information is available from Discover Downtown, the Official Guide of Downtown St. Petersburg
Please visit the City of St. Petersburg's website for more information.
Credential Center
The Credential Center location is at a New Location for 2019: Rococo Steak, 655 2nd Ave. S. St. Petersburg, FL 33701. This is where pre-arranged media, sponsor and corporate credentials are issued. All credentials must be signed for when issued. Credentials will not be mailed. Credentials are non-transferable and photo identification must be presented and an insurance waiver signed before the credential is released. Each credential is assigned to a specific person. Transfer or loaning of credentials by any individual will result in confiscation of the credential and refusal of entry to both the individual found with the credential and the person to whom it was originally issued.
Credential Center Hours*:
Thursday March 7: 7:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday March 8: 7:30 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday March 9: 7:30 PM - 5:00 PM
Sunday March 10: 6:30 AM - 1:30 PM
* Times subject to change without notice.
Please note individual sanctioning bodies may operate on limited hours of operation. Credentials are not available for pick-up after the Credential Center has closed for the day.
If you require assistance with a ticket order, please call 1-888-476-4479.
For all other inquiries, please email tickets@gpstpete.com.
There has never been a place like The Dalí Museum. Visit this magnificent building on the beautiful downtown St. Pete waterfront to get a glimpse of celebrated artist Salvador Dalí’s world and an unparalleled collection of his finest works. Experience his precocious talent, persistent obsessions, humor, edginess, and beauty – from iconic melting clocks to imaginative visual illusions and avant-garde symbols.
For information on where to park or how to get to The Museum, please visit TheDali.org or call 727.823.3767.
The Dali Museum will be temporarily closed during the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
From the north (Tampa)
I-275 south
I-175 east via (left) exit 22
Keep left onto 5th Avenue S.
Track is at 1st Street S. and 5th Avenue S.
From the north (Clearwater)
US-19 south
54th Avenue N. east
I-275 north (Sunshine Bay Bridge)
I-175 east via exit 22
Entry Gate Hours & Locations
2020 Gate Hours TBD
Gate 1 is located at 1st Avenue S. and 1st Street S., and offers on-site ticket sales.
Gate 5 is located at 5th Avenue S. and 2nd Street N., and offers on-site ticket sales. Gate 5 also houses the Will Call ticket window.
Both gates are accessible. Please see posted track crossing times.
Entry Inspection
For all events over race weekend, patrons will be asked to open purses, backpacks or other bags for inspection upon entry. Prohibited items, including all other items deemed a risk to staff and/or patrons’ safety by event security will not be permitted onto the event grounds.
Firestone IndyCar Paddock Pass Redemption
The Mahaffey Theater Box Office is also where Firestone IndyCar Paddock passes are redeemed. You will redeem your Firestone IndyCar Paddock pass ticket for a wristband. You may choose to redeem your Saturday and Sunday passes at the same time, so that you do not have to stand in line twice. As a general rule of thumb, the lines are shorter earlier in the weekend.
There are several First Aid stations throughout the facility.
North side of Al Lang Stadium, near Spectrum Speed Zone
West side of Mahaffey Theater, near circle drive
North of Grandstand 2
Southwest corner of Indy Lights Paddock
No food and/or drinks may be brought onto the race grounds. To ensure the safety of our event staff and racers on track, carrying food and beverage over bridges or track crossings is not permitted.
If you have specific food allergies or a medical condition that requires you to bring food or drinks onto the race grounds, please e-mail tickets@gpstpete.com in advance of your attendance.
All tickets for all events are both non-refundable and non-exchangeable. The Racing series will make their best efforts to race in the rain.
Junior Tickets
Junior is defined as 12 years of age and under. All junior ticket holders are to be accompanied by and adult when entering and while on site. Any person with a junior ticket whom is not a junior will be removed from the grounds.
Any child under the age of 24 months is not required to purchase a ticket but must sit on the lap of the parent/guardian.
Liquor and Alcohol Management
No alcoholic beverages may be brought onto the race grounds. If a guest attempts to enter the grounds with alcohol, the guest will be removed from the grounds and may face police charges. Alcoholic beverages can be purchased on site and are not permitted to leave the designated licensed areas.
Any guest purchasing, in possession of, or consuming alcohol must be 21 years of age or older and be able to prove their age by showing valid photo identification.
Lost & Found is located at the Mahaffey Theater Box Office.
Motorcycle parking :
Available for $5, Saturday and Sunday along the west side of 1st Street South between 1st Avenue South and Central Avenue.
For updated information on parking, street closures and other transportation issues, go to the City’s website at stpete.org/grandprix
Permissible Items List
The following items may be brought onto the race grounds but will be subject to inspection by event staff and security.
Binoculars, scanners and cameras w/small case
Purses, backpacks and other small bags
Umbrellas may be used as long as they do not obstruct the view of others
Recognized mobility aids used by guests with disabilities are permitted. Guests are advised to bring a lock to chain wheelchairs and scooters underneath the grandstands.
Camera stands (tripods, monopods, etc.) are allowed on the grounds as long as they do not obstruct the view of others; such equipment is not to be used in the stands.
Small, personal handheld devices - cell phones, PDAs, etc.
All items are brought on site at your own risk. Event staff and security are not responsible for lost, damaged, or stolen items.
Prohibited Actions List
Strict security measures have been put in place to ensure an enjoyable experience for all event guests. Violating these policies may warrant ejection or arrest
Carrying open food/beverage containers over bridges or track crossings
Abuse of intoxicants
Disorderly conduct/fighting/profanity
Placing cups on walls
Running/jogging
Standing on grandstand seats
Smoking in grandstand & hospitality areas
Spitting tobacco
Standing or sitting in walkways, aisles and ramps
Throwing or kicking objects
Prohibited Items List
None of the listed prohibited items may be left in or around the gate area. We ask all patrons to leave any non-essential, prohibited items at home, or locked in the trunk of your vehicle. The following items are not permitted on the race site:
Coolers (includes food and beverage)
Fires, Grills, Fireworks
Firearms, knives, explosives or weapons of any description are not permitted
No flammable or combustible materials except small lighters (for cigarettes)
Personal protection devices (mace/pepper spray)
Pets (except service animals assisting those with disabilities)
Scaffolding and other structures
Noise Makers, Horns, Helium Balloons, Beach Balls
Camera lenses that exceed 10’’
Inflatables (beach balls, etc.)
Items that obstruct views
Roller blades, skateboards, skates, scooters, bicycles
Golf carts for personal use
Motorcycles or off-road vehicles (including ATVs, ATCs, dune bug bicycles)
Handbills or samples are not to be distributed or placed on the grounds without the express written approval of the Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg
Other items that are deemed hazardous or diminish the enjoyment of the event by other patrons
None of the above restricted items may be left in or around the gate area
Laser lights and pointers
Poles or sticks(except those to assist the disabled)
Projectile items and missiles
Drones or other unmanned aircrafts
Laptop computers (see below for accepted devices)
Large bags including but not limited to: Duffel and grocery bags, luggage
Park Downtown:
City parking garages are a $10-all-day event rate on Friday and a $15-all-day event rate on Saturday and Sunday.
For a map of parking and transportation options click here
Please visit the City of St. Petersburg’s Traffic Operations website for the most up to date road closures in and around the city.
All ticket pricing includes taxes. Additional service, convenience, and handling charges extra. Tickets purchased by phone or at the box office race week/weekend are subject to additional service & handling charges. Depending on the delivery method chosen by the customer (mail), orders may be subject to shipping charges.
Take the St. Petersburg Trolley: The Looper Downtown Trolley and Central Avenue Shuttle (St. Pete's trolley system) offers rides throughout Grand Prix weekend for .50 per person. The Looper provides a circular route between the city's parking facilities, hotels, restaurants and attractions at no charge.
Park and Ride Shuttle from the Trop: From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. there is a free shuttle service from Tropicana Field to the track. Park in Lots 1 and 2 at Tropicana Field, the cost will be $10 by credit card only. The shuttle picks passengers up on 16th Street S. and drops off passengers at Second Street S. and Fifth Avenue S. The shuttle operates all three race days from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Ferry: Coming from Tampa? Take the Cross Bay Ferry directly to St. Pete's downtown waterfront
The Speed Zone is located near Turns 5 & 6 and the Firestone Bridge. There are many interactive displays and racing simulators for families and children of all ages.
A taxi stand will be located on 3rd Street S. between 3rd and 4th Avenues S.
All items are subject to 7% FL state sales tax.
Ticket Upgrades and Refunds
Please ensure that you carefully review your ticket selection before you complete your purchase. The Firestone Grand Prix of St. Petersburg and Ticket Alternative have a strict no refund or exchange policy.
Pending availability, tickets can be upgraded both before and during the event. Tickets may be upgraded on-site at the Gate 5 ticket booth or the Mahaffey Theater Box Office window.
The track map is available here. Track Map is subject to change.
Tropicana Field Parking / Shuttle
Park and Ride Shuttle from Tropicana Field: From 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. there is a free shuttle service from Tropicana Field to the race course. Park in Lots 1 and 2 at Tropicana Field, the cost will be $10 by credit card only. The shuttle picks passengers up on 16th Street S. and drops off passengers at Second Street S. and Fifth Avenue S. The shuttle operates all three race days from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and is ADA accessible.
The will call ticket window is located at the Gate 5 ticket booth at 5th Avenue S. and 2nd Street N.
*Subject to change without notice.
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Happy Interdependence Day. The New World Order Was Announced In 1975
As America celebrates Independence Day, The Daily Stirrer looks back to 1975 when a document titled declaration Of Interdependence signalled the intent of American elitist liberal intellectuals to destroy the American ideals of freedom and independence and lead the nation into a global totalitarian superstate.
Happy Interdependence Day. The New World Order Was Announced In 1975.
July 4 is Independence Day for the people of the United States Of America, a national holiday when Americans celebrate their nation's escape from oppressive colonial rule. Since independence the United States has held iconic status in the world as "The Land Of The free", a bastion against tyranny and champion of the rights of individuality and self determination. Not all Americans have been totally committed to the ideals laid down in the Constitution and Bill Of Rights however.
In 1975, in the City Of Brotherly Love where I believe, almost 200 years earlier the United States Declaration Of Independence was signed, the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, who may have seemed like a joke at the time, issued a declaration of their intent to build a “new world order.” The document was drafted by left wing radical Henry Steele Commager who liked to call himself an American liberal but espoused the views of international socialism, i.e. a global, totalitarian government.
Containing lines like: "We call upon the American people, on the threshold of the third century of their national existence, to bring forth a new nation and inaugurate a new era in human history” it reads in part, before urging the abandonment of the sovereign state and of national borders and shift sovereign powers to a global government.
This Declaration of Interdependence calls on the American people to strengthen and expand the United Nations “and its specialized agencies,” as well as other surrendering the powers of government to international authorities, and to recognize the fact that no one nation could stand alone any longer.
Production and economies would be subject to regulation from the international authorities. Keeping population numbers at a sustainable level in balance with the earth were described as duties of each nation and enforceable by worldwide authorities under the new understanding of global government Lefties always get down to eugenics sooner or later.
“WE AFFIRM that a world without law is a world without order,” is the grandiose conclusion of the declaration which was reportedly signed by 32 Senators and 92 Representatives from the United States via the World Affairs Council although there seems to be little evidence of this. What it proves beyond doubt that those of us who use phrases like New World Order in a tongue in cheek way usually, are not conspiracy theorists, we are merely reporting on a conspiracy that has been going on under our noses.
Intellectuals have always despised the masses and the intellectual left in particular have a track record of behaving as if they are a superior species. Our universities and the upper echelons of government departments have become petri dishes for that kind of authoritarian socialism dubbed Oligarchic Collectivism by George Orwell in his novel '1984'.
The bold declaration of Americas founding fathers in casting off the imperialist yoke of the oppressive Hanoverian dynasty in Great Britain would be casually thrown aside by the one-world-under-socialism ambitions of these deluded globalists who see themselves not a despots but benign and paternalistic liberals. Unfortunately their brand of liberalism can be summed up as "You are free to do as you wish so long as you do not wish to do, say or think anything of which we, the government disapprove."
Declaration of interdependence my Arse. It's a statement of intent to establish an oligarchic dictatorship.
Read the 1975 Declaration Of Inderdpendence
Soros Sponsored "Democracy Spring" Launches Program Of Civil Disobedience
So there you have it, the 'radical left' are sponsored by one of the nastiest, greediest corporate capitalists ever, a shameless advocate of global totalitarian government proposed by theelistist socialist group The Fabian society over a hundred years ago and towards which these supporters of 'oligarchical collectivism' have been working ever since.
France's FN Win Regional Elections First Round. Now The Cheating Starts
We want to avoid the usual hyperbole on this story, but victory for France’s Front National in the first round of regional elections on Sunday (6 December, 2015), in which the anti EU party led by Marine Le Pen lead the vote in six of France's thirteen regions, will shake up the political landscape not only in France but throughout Europe and possibly further afield.
"Big Brother State": FBI Says Citizens Should Have No Secrets That The Government Can't Access
The surveillance state predicted in George Orwell's novel "1984" has gradually crept up on us. With no sense of irony, the government of the nation that calls itself "The land of the free" has led the way in trying to persuade citizents that the only way they can be sasfe from vague and largely fictitious "existential threats to democracy" is to surrender civil rights and freedom to determine our own destiny ...
The surveillance state predicted in George Orwell's novel "1984" has gradually crept up on us. With no sense of irony whatsoever the government of the nation that calls itself "The land of the free" has led the way in trying to persuade citizens that the only way to be safe from vague "existential threats to democracy" is to surrender our civil rights and freedom to determine our own destiny to Nanny State.
Prepare For The Worst Case Scenario
An article on the cashless society our political and corporate overlords are pushing for proposes that as far as privacy and individual liberty are concerned, what is being planned right now in the political capitals and financial centres of the world is the worst case scenarion. An all digital financial system would mean the end of privacy, nothing you bought or traded would be your own business any more ...
Democracy: Does It have A Future Or Has Global Totalitarianism Won?
The General Election in Greece (January 2014) could have much wider effects than most elections in small nation, the vote could decide the future of the European Union and have a major breaing on whether democracy can survive the push towards government by a global, corporate oligarchy. It look like being an interesting few months if the anti - EU party wins as polls suggest they will.
Greece Votes On Whether Its People Have Any Future The voters of Greece will choose today, whether their country, the cradle of democracy, has a future of not. They are voting in a general election which could result in Greece trying to renegotiate the terms of its bailout with international lenders and even quitting the EU if the expected victory for hard line left wing party Syriza.
The leader of Syriza, Alexis Tsipras, has pledged to write off much of Greece's huge debt and revoke austerity measures ...
Is It Lack Of Diversity That Makes Lefties Stupid?
Quite a while ago now I wrote a post titled "Is It Lack Of Diversity That Drives Left wing Hate?" It contained these lines: There's an old joke; Q: "Why do teenagers only listen to other teenagers?" A: "Because they're stupid." - Q: "Why are teenagers stupid?" A: Because they only listen to other teenagers." Substitute leftie, liberal, radical or progressive for teenager and that just about sums up the political 'left'
Was The Flooding Of The Somerset Levels Deliberate?
Whether the recent freak weather that has caused flooding in the Somerset Levels was caused by HAARP, The High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program or by nature, there is a very strong business case to support the idea that the floods werer planned for business reasons.
How an international elite are destroying the sovereignty of nations
Captive Minds And Intellectual Cowardice
Lack Of Diversity And Liberal Hate
The Importance Of Free Speech
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How Big Brother Plans To Spy On You In Your Home
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Published on March 22nd, 2016 | by Sean Warhurst
Tom Clancy’s The Division PS4 Review
Tom Clancy’s The Division PS4 Review Sean Warhurst
Summary: With a slate of content planned for the future and constant revisions to ensure that the playing field is as balanced as possible, The Division looks like it’s going to have the legs to retain its player base for the foreseeable future, assuming that Massive sort out the balancing issues in the Dark Zone, of course.
A city divided...
Tom Clancy’s The Division has already set records for being Ubisoft’s fastest selling new IP and the highest selling game of the year so far, but of course hype and high sales don’t necessarily translate to quality. So, how does The Division stack up against its contemporaries?
Right off the bat the first thing you need to know about The Division is that it’s not your usual first person shooter; instead, similar to Destiny, The Division is structured more like an MMORPG with FPS elements. This means that, depending on the level of your current equipment, a baseball bat wielding rioter can take an entire clip to the face and barely miss a beat. Conversely, level up your stats and procure some of the higher tier weapons on offer and that same goon will only take a single well placed bullet to drop.
The basic premise of The Division is as follows – A variation of the Smallpox virus has been unleashed upon New York City, transmitted via the exchange of currency during the mad Black Friday sales rush. In the event of a major catastrophe, a sleeper cell of government agents dubbed The Division await the call to activate and head into ground zero. You take control of one of these agents and, after fiddling around with the limited physical appearance customisation options, you’re dropped directly into the middle of a city in the middle of its death throes.
One of the most appealing things about The Division’s setting is the realism that comes along with it. You’re not some super-powered, genetically engineered killing machine or the subject of some ancient, mystical prophecy; instead you’re just a regular guy or gal just trying to lend a hand as well as you can.
Combat is predominately cover based and, particularly early on, survival ensures on taking advantage of this system and keeping your head down, as the enemies are quite literally bullet sponges. This is where the strategic element and stat crunching comes into play, as when you progress you collect an immense amount of loot, each one with its own unique stats and bonuses.
This results in a heavy focus on micromanagement as you go through and compare the incremental increases in stats after each successful run, constantly rejigging your load out to accommodate your latest acquisitions. Much like Destiny, this soon becomes one of the most addictive elements of the game, especially after you reach the level cap and it becomes your main incentive for venturing into the Dark Zone.
And what is the Dark Zone, you ask?
It’s a walled off section of the city that is the den of wretched villainy you’d expect… I mean, it’s basically the plot of Escape from New York, minus Kurt Russell. In the Dark Zone you can accumulate special DZ credits than can only be used to purchase items from high end vendors. The Dark Zone is filled with top tier loot but also high level enemies, so it’s wise to build your character up somewhat before venturing into the criminal wastelands.
The awesome loot that can be collected is contaminated with the virus, so the only way to collect them is to shoot off a flare to summon an extraction helicopter and frantically guard your position until your bounty is clear of the area.
Another major part of the Dark Zone is that it’s the only area of the game that allows for PvP combat. If you so desire, you can choose to gun down those you come across and steal their loot for yourself. Giving into your darker impulses carries a price, however, as killing another agent will result in your character being labelled as rogue and given a 30 second cooldown timer. Keep killing and your rogue level increases, granting access to even better items but also making you a target of other players as they can obtain a bounty for slaying you.
Unfortunately this Dark Zone, which should be rife with extraction zone double crosses and roaming bands of rogue marauders, is in its present state neutered as the penalties for going rogue are currently too severe. Hopefully this will be addressed in a future patch but at the moment you really have no choice but to play nice lest you be instantly gunned down and robbed.
You level up by undertaking missions that have recommended levels, meaning you’ll have to grind one of the myriad side missions in between the major storyline quests in order to obtain the sufficient level before you’ll stand a chance of surviving. Thankfully these minor side missions aren’t too taxing and never really feel like a grind, even when you start to realise that there’s only a limited handful of mission variations.
For me, some of the most satisfying parts of the game was juggling my inventory and building my base of operations from a decrepit building to housing fully functional Medical, Tech and Security wings. Each mission you complete that corresponds with the wing’s colour will grant upgrade points that allow you to slowly add to each wing.
This is rather fulfilling and the vast collection of phone recordings, missing agents and more will keep you preoccupied as you build your stats between each major raid. You can choose to venture into the city by your lonesome or you can team up with up to three other agents, with the stats of your enemies rising accordingly.
Working as part of a considered team is definitely the best way to tackle the game, especially when you each tweak your talents and upgrades to complement each other, such as having a dedicated Medic, Tank, etc. The flexibility of this system allows you to switch your character class on the fly, allowing for the perfect combination for each assault.
The lack of a crouch button is a curious decision but thankfully the cover system more than makes up for this; with a tap of the X button you’ll stick to the nearest piece of cover in your line of sight. You can aim your crosshairs and move from cover to cover with relative ease, although it can become a bit finicky when things get a little heated.
Graphics and Audio
The Division is a visually arresting game, with New York standing as one of the most realistic and accurate depictions of a real life location to date. There were times when my PS4 struggled to load in textures at times and I experienced a brief period of severe stuttering and frame dropping and an instance where I became stuck in the revive position during a firefight but for the most part The Division runs fairly smoothly and is free of any major gameplay or graphical bugs.
The audio is solid, if slightly unremarkable when it comes to the dialogue. The NPCs you see wandering around the city spout the same few lines and your enemies will incessantly repeat the same three or four war cries. The gunfire and explosions sound suitably robust and the ambient music, whilst never intrusive, lends to the overall aesthetic of this world in the process of breaking down.
The storyline can be a little underwhelming and some can argue that once you reach the end game there’s not too much to do besides run the same few mission types over and over on higher difficulties. Whilst this is true to a degree, the sheer addictive thrill of increasing your weapon accuracy by two points well and truly sucked me in and I found myself finally understanding the draw of MMOs and games like Destiny.
With a slate of content planned for the future and constant revisions to ensure that the playing field is as balanced as possible, The Division looks like it’s going to have the legs to retain its player base for the foreseeable future, assuming that Massive sort out the balancing issues in the Dark Zone, of course.
Some may be deterred by the unrealistic nature of enemies absorbing entire clips before succumbing to death, but that quality reveals where The Division’s true allegiances lie: With the RPG elements, and it’s a better game for this decision.
Primary Format – Playstation 4 (Reviewed), PC and Xbox One
Game Genre – Shooter
Rating – MA15+
Game Developer – Ubisoft Massive
Game Publisher – Ubisoft
Reviewer – Sean Warhurst
Sean Warhurst Avid gamer. Cinephile. Considerate lover. Neither the word Protractor or Contractor accurately conveys my position on how I feel about Tractors.
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The GIF of Life: Vestigial File Formats as Documentary
By Lewis Bush
GIF based on Eadweard Muybridge's 1887 Human and Animal Locomotion
Computer file types come and go. It’s unlikely you’ve recently opened a .PCX for example, a type of image file now so redundant as to virtually be regarded as jurassic. That redundancy came less because it was a particularly specialized format, at least by the standards of today, but because it had it’s moment in the early stages of widespread computer use, served its purpose and was superseded by the advance of technology and newer file types which did a similar job better. There are dozens, perhaps hundreds of comparable examples of these digital fossils, but then there are also the freakish exceptions, the vestigial survivors which remain either because they simply do their job so well that there isn’t a need to come up with an alternative, or which end up remaining in use more out of fluke than anything else.
One example of the latter is the Graphic Interchangeable Files better known as the GIF. GIFs are a joke, or at least in many of the diverse cultures of the internet they are the universal shorthand for one. GIFs might have once enjoyed a useful role following their introduction in 1987 in the era before fast internet connections and streamable video, but today the format’s purpose is today largely consigned to that of conveying the Internet’s numerous memes in moving form. The web is awash with animated GIFs of funny things, from clips of cats going berserk at the sight of a surprise cucumber to Monty Pythonesque animations based on renaissance paintings. Entire online conversation are conducted through the exchange of humorous GIFs and sites like Giphy exist purely to fulfill the need for them in the context of these conversations. A famous and rather neo-Fordist sounding trademark of the Apple corporation was that whatever you need ‘there’s an app for that’. In humour terms one might say similar for GIFs. Whatever joke you want to make, whether tasteless or witty, rooted high culture or deep in the gutter, there’s probably a GIF for it, and if there isn’t? Make one. Predictably the GIF’s resurgent popularity has seen those outside the internet’s anarchic communities attempt to cash in on it. A range of companies have run GIF based marketing campaigns with varying success. In 2015 the British Channel 4 news program introduced Newswall, a slightly awkward website displaying the news of the moment in GIFS, a project which ran for about eight months before it was shut down. While often quite funny Newswall also made very clear the difficulty of using GIFs to discuss controversial or troubling issues without appearing to make light of them. In 2016 Coca Cola introduced a new slogan and promoted with a GIF maker which allowed internet users to add their own slogans to short video clips from Coca Cola adverts. Predictably it was quickly trolled by internet users and had to be taken down.
The GIF’s currency as digital shorthand for humour would seem to lie in a few of its unique characteristics. It has always been comparatively shareable, making low demands on bandwidth and storage compared to streaming video, although this is less an issue today. By popular demand social networks like Twitter and Facebook are gradually reintroducing support for them but in an example of how unnecessary the GIF’s low bandwith demands now are the GIFS displayed on Twitter are actually resampled and displayed as MP4 video files. A more important element which is perhaps often overlooked are the aesthetics of GIFs. In their humorously disjointed looping, their silence and their fractured visual quality they call to mind early cinema, particularly the jerky slapstick of Chaplin or Keaton, and certainly these early films feel in a strange way most at home in the format of a GIF. It felt particularly apt while researching this piece to stumble across the animation above, a homage to Edweard Muybridge, who in his experiments with high speed sequential photography laid the groundworks for the developments of later pioneers like the Lumière brothers. Perhaps the association also goes beyond the aesthetic. I sense that for a certain generation which grew up during the early stages of the internet, the GIF has a certain nostalgia value perhaps akin to the nostalgia that the aesthetic of the cinema or television screen was to previous generations generations. Rooted in our earliest memories and experiences of the interne,t we have a bond to them which the advance of technology has struggled to break.
Beyond the history and mainstream use of GIFs I’ve recently been thinking about whether and how the format can be used for other purposes, like art, or journalism. GIF art is most definitely a practice (there’s even a GIF art collective) an activity with it’s roots in the early internet but which continues in diverse forms today, and which spans people experimenting with and highlighting the unique specificities of GIFs to others who view the format simply as a useful medium for other ideas they are keen to discuss. Much of this art references the popular use of GIFs as a medium of humour, escalating cheap cracks and meme’s into more sophisticated commentaries on art and culture. An example of this might be Zack Dougherty, who under the name of Hateplow creates GIFS that reference and rework classical sculpture and archaeology, combining the two to offer a commentary on the present. For another example more towards the photographic side of things, Swedish artist Martin Brink has experimented with a range of web based mediums in his work, including producing GIF based images which change with varying drama as the viewer watches them.
I have also been sporadically experimenting with GIFs as a medium for work of a more documentary nature. Recently I became interested in the question of whether the refugee crisis that continues to unfold across Europe, the Middle East and North Africa, is leaving traces behind that are detectable from space. Using satellite imagery, I have been attempting to locate markers in the landscape left behind by various actors and agents in the crisis and to show the changes in these markers over time as the crisis also mutates and transforms, as new routes are opened and closed, and new sites appear and disappear. The expansion and contraction of the Calais refugee camp known as The Jungle is an obvious example, but others are more nebulous. The construction of the Hungarian border fence for example or the appearance and disappearance of seasonal camps used by refugees working as temporary farm workers in Turkey. Others, like the pathways beaten through the countryside by refugees seeking passage across borders might be barely detectable or may not even register at all on the intentionally degraded imagery available to public view. By imaging the same sites multiple times over several years and then compositing these images into animated GIFs I am trying to suggest the expansion and contraction of the crisis and it’s causes in different parts of the world at different times. In other instances, the locations imaged suggest not change, but inertia. The European parliament in Brussels for example appears in virtual stasis as the crisis unfolds over several years.
As I start to collect more of these I hope that these images will start to form a web of locations, which will in turn be mapped across the affected regions in order to give viewers a sense of how one flows into another. I have published some of these images on my website under the working title Borderlands and I am also releasing these and others as I create them on to GIF file sharing services. The hope being that when seen alongside jerky animations of a sneezing panda or a morose dog, a looping satellite image of a refugee camp blossoming out across the Jordanian desert might, in the jarring moment of an unexpected encounter, give someone pause for thought.
africa art discussion diversity documentary europe format middle east photojournalism refugee review social media
Lewis Bush
Lewis Bush works across different media and platforms to make structures and cultures of power visible. He has exhibited, published, and spoken about his work internationally, is a lecturer in documentary photography at University of the Arts London, and runs workshops from his studio in London. From September 2019 he will be a PhD candidate at the London School of Economics researching automation's impact on visual journalism.
Review – An Atlas of War and Tourism by The Sochi Project
Travelling Light: What Refugees Couldn’t Leave Behind
The Beat Goes On: Photobook Bristol 2016
Women’s Work: A Dialogue with Max Houghton
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Home | Drama/Movie Index | Hot Drama/Movie | Recent Updates | Contact Us
Title: Beautiful Rain (Japanese Drama)
Broadcast Date: July, 2012
Casts: Denden, Toyokawa Etsushi, Miura Shohei, Yasuda Ken, Ashida Mana
English Subs: Yes
Ost: N/A
Synopsis/Summary/Review:
One day a father with a young daughter is diagnosed as a sufferer of early-onset Alzheimer's disease. The father, Kinoshita Keisuke has been separated from his wife by death and has worked at the factory's dorm with his daughter ever since. A skilled craftsman at the metalworking factory, Keisuke is a man with a sunny disposition who is also the team coach for a boys' baseball team. Surrounded by his friends of the neighborhood, he has lived happily with his daughter up until today.Things take a turn when Keisuke realizes that his forgetfulness has taken its toll. He is diagnosed as having early-onset Alzheimer's disease. His daughter, Kinoshita Miu played by child actor prodigy Ashida Mana, is a strong reliable girl on the outside but still a young and vulnerable girl on the inside. Overcoming her mother's death with her cheerful personality much like her fathers', she too must face the consequences of the sickness with her father...A father who has looked after his daughter by himself all this time and a daughter who held faith in her father even without the existence of her mother. Tied to each other by a strong bond, how will they face reality and overcome it?
Click Here to Download Korean Drama (High Definition)
Beautiful Rain Episode 8
[parts]: 1, 2, 3
[parts]: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
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Korean full house DVD downloads
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Headphones Hangout Forum
Forums > Headphones & Earphones > Members Lounge >
Good Vibrations and Conversations
Discussion in 'Members Lounge' started by Lauri Cular, Jul 13, 2017.
Lauri Cular Well Balanced
We all know how sound is composed of vibrations in the air, and that sound recording is possible when these vibrations affect the diaphragm of a microphone. But what if the use of a microphone is a bit awkward, as in the case of spying?
Among the scientific geniuses that we seemed to have a lot of years ago, Léon Theremin (inventor of the creepy-sounding musical instrument bearing his name) did not think a microphone was necessary; he developed a system called the Buran eavesdropping system for the Soviets at the end of World War 2.
It would use an infra-red powered beam and when pointed at a window, it could detect vibrations in the window which revealed the sounds of the room behind it.
Fast forward a few decades, and this technique has been improved upon somewhat. With the computer power available now, silent video recordings can be studied for tiny vibrations (100/th of a pixel), and the sound at the location can be reconstructed. The video below shows that this can be achieved, although it's not strictly hi-fi!
Lauri Cular, Jul 13, 2017
dalethorn likes this.
dalethorn Obsessive Auditor
What makes these technologies interesting, particularly in the U.S. where I live, is that the federal (central) government employee who reads my postal mail and email, and collects transcripts of my Internet use, is not a thousand miles away in Washington DC - he lives in my neighborhood and works at the federal building in the centre of town. That's a byproduct of the size of government and the fact that half of the population are government employees at one level or another.
Many savvy technology users are aware of these things, and try to block the "spying" et al with advanced software tools, which complicates things for law enforcement, since they often can't tell the difference between digital criminals and people who want 100 percent privacy.
dalethorn, Jul 14, 2017
Lauri Cular and TonyW like this.
dalethorn said: ↑
..the federal (central) government employee who reads my postal mail and email, and collects transcripts of my Internet use..
I pity them, they must have spent a lot on headphones by now!
Oscar Stewart and dalethorn like this.
Will open back earphones allow me to hear room conversations?
goak, Jan 17, 2012, in forum: Ask The Experts
dalethorn
Metal Thread Vol. I
haiduk posted Mar 19, 2018
haiduk posted, Replies: 3
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HomestayKorea (Since 1998)
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A new express train to carry passengers to PyeongChang Olympic Games
http://www.homestaykorea.com/?document_srl=184587
Athletes of the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games and Olympic-goers, alike, will be able to travel from the Incheon International Airport right to the venues for the upcoming sporting events in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province.
Secretary General Yeo Hyung-koo (left) of the Organizing Committee for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games and KORAIL President Hong Soon-man sign a memorandum of understanding on Dec. 28 for cooperation to host the Olympic Games successfully.
This is thanks to a new high-speed railroad service which will kick off around the end of 2017.
The new service was agreed upon as part of a memorandum of understanding between the Korea Railroad Corp. (KORAIL) and the Organizing Committee for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games signed on Dec. 28.
Under the agreement, the railroad operator will open the Wongang Line (원강선) later in 2017 linking Wonju with the city of Gangneung on the east coast, both in Gangwon-do Province.
High-speed trains, also known as KTX (Korea Train Express), will run on the Wongang Line to reach the Pyeongchang Station where major sporting events are to be held during the Olympic Games.
Throughout the Olympics which will run from Feb. 9 to 25, 2018, the new express trains will bring more than 50,000 athletes and representatives, alongside approximately 19,000 visitors per day from around the world, from the Incheon International Airport to Pyeongchang in just less than two hours.
KORAIL will also increase the number of KTX runs during the period to a total of 51, which will depart at the Incheon International Airport Station and stop by Cheongnyangni, Sangbong and other stations.
“The upcoming Olympic games is an international sporting festival and will draw lots of attention from around the world,” said KORAIL President Hong Soon-man. “To run the games successfully, we will do our best to provide both participating athletes and visitors a safe and comfortable trip to the Olympic venues.”
KORAIL_KTX_Olympic_01.jpg (148.5KB)(9)
277 Cheong Wa Dae announces National Security Office vice chiefs 2260 May 25, 2017
Cheong Wa Dae spokesperson Park Su-hyun announces the appointment of two chiefs at the National Security Office, at the Chunchugwan press center at Cheong Wa Dae on May 24. (Jeon Han) Cheon W...
276 Moon Jae-in wins presidential election 2265 May 11, 2017
Democratic Party of Korea candidate Moon Jae-in raises his hands to his supporters on the evening of May 9 after he was declared the winner of the presidential election. (Yonhap News) Moon Jae-...
275 May presents golden opportunity for getaway 2149 Apr 27, 2017
Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn delivers a speech during a cabinet meeting at Seoul's government complex on April 25. (Prime Minister's Office) "There should be an abundance of ...
274 PyeongChang torch relay to cover 2,018 km across Korea 2400 Apr 20, 2017
President Lee Hee-beom (right) of the organizing committee for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and honorary ambassador Kim Yuna pose for a photo in Seoul on April 17. The...
273 Gov't to support biotech, medicine for economic growth 2096 Apr 13, 2017
Acting President and Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn (right) browses through one of the kiosks at the Bio Korea 2017 trade fair on April 12. “We are going all out to foster the 'bio-health' industr...
272 Seoul, Paris, London gather to clear the air 2037 Apr 06, 2017
Mayors from Seoul, Paris and London jointly launch the new Global Car Scoring System, a rating system to measure car emissions. Seoul Mayor Park Won Soon (left) speaks about the system with London May...
271 'My goal is to stand on the podium in PyeongChang' 1996 Mar 24, 2017
Won Yun-jong (left), the pilot, and Seo Young-woo, the brakeman, finished the 2016-2017 BMW IBSF World Cup in third place after they came in fifth in the men’s bobsleigh race, the final race o...
270 Spring has sprung along Jeju's canola trails 2451 Mar 24, 2017
At the Seogwipo Yuchae Canola Flower International Walking Festival, held in Seogwipo-si, Jeju Island, on March 18 and 19, participants can walk on 5-km, 10-km or 15-km trails that weave through the isl...
269 Culinary delight of Gangwon-do: freeze-dried pollack 1891 Mar 24, 2017
“We’re all ready to serve during next year’s Olympic Games.” Kim Sunyeol runs Hwangtae Hoegwan (황태회관), one of the time-honored hwangtae (황태) restaurants in Pyeongchang, Gangwon-do Province. The ...
268 Baby’s big day 1869 Mar 24, 2017
As in any country, a baby’s first birthday is a big deal in Korea. In the past, due to various reasons, such as famine and disease, many babies didn’t make it to their first birthday. So those that...
267 Korean chopsticks attract Japanese diners 1953 Mar 03, 2017
Chopsticks designed by artists from Cheongju are on display at the Nagoya Tabletop Show in Nagoya, Japan, on Jan. 18 and 19. Korean chopsticks will soon be lying more often at Japanese table settings....
266 Abandoned mine becomes must-visit tourist attraction 2089 Mar 03, 2017
In 2010, only about 3,000 tourists visited Gwangmyeong in Gyeonggi-do Province. However, by 2015, that number had jumped 514 times, hitting 1.54 million. The secret behind the surprising boost is the G...
265 Entertainment, cuisine at 2018 Winter Olympic host city lures global media 2135 Feb 23, 2017
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Georgia Tech - 26 Apr 2007
InterruptorJones (Talk | contribs)
(Remove ums, uhs, likes, you knows, stutters, and other verbal tics that made this impossible to read)
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''{The video fades in to a shot of the event poster, where it lingers for a few seconds before cross-fading to the Georgia Tech Multimedia Studio. Ryan, Matt and Mike are sitting near a row of computers, and Alison and Joel are standing behind them. Mike has his laptop in front of him, which is connected to a projector displaying his monitor on a screen to his left. The audience surrounds them on three sides.}''
'''ALISON VALK:''' —he heads up the Multimedia Studio here, and we are really, really lucky to have the guys from Homestar Runner here. If you don't know what Homestar Runner is, it is one of the most popular Flash-animated cartoons on the web, and these guys have been written up in the ''New York Times'', ''Wired'', been interviewed for ''All Things Considered''. You guys have worked with They Might Be Giants, is that right?
'''ALISON VALK:''' —he heads up the Multimedia Studio here, and we are really, really lucky to have the guys from Homestar Runner here. If you don't know what Homestar Runner is, it is one of the most popular Flash-animated cartoons on the web, and these guys have been written up in the ''New York Times'', ''Wired'', been interviewed for ''All Things Considered''. You guys have worked with They Might Be Giants, is that right?
'''MIKE CHAPMAN:''' Mmm-hmm.
'''MIKE:''' ''{Laughs}''
'''MATT:''' ''{With Mike laughing throughout}'' And they were like, "Say a cuss." And they were like, "You never cuss, Chapman," and I was like, "You don't know, I cuss all the time. What are you talking about?" And they were like, "Well then, say a cuss word," and so that everything would be okay, and I would still go to heaven, I go, "Shet," and in my head it was S–H–E–T, but they totally bought it and thought I said "{{{swear|shit}}}" and then I was cool.
'''MATT:''' ''{With Mike laughing throughout}'' And they were like, "Say a cuss." And they were like, "You never cuss, Chapman," and I was like, "You don't know, I cuss all the time. What are you talking about?" And they were like, "Well then, say a cuss word," and so that everything would be okay, and I would still go to heaven, I go, "Shet," and in my head it was S–H–E–T, but they totally bought it and thought I said "{{{swear|shit}}}" and then I was cool.
''{Laughter}''
'''MIKE:''' So anyway, we do a website called homestarrunner.com. We've been doing it for over seven years now, and it's pretty much been our sole job for like the last five now. And it's just Flash-animated cartoons on the web. We make money by selling T-shirts. We don't have any ads on the site or anything like that. The only revenue is from people buying shirts and DVDs and the merchandise that we sell on the site. And so anyway, they asked us to just do a little demo about how we do stuff, and it's pretty funny because all these computers are decked out and much nicer than the computers that we make Homestar on. We use Flash 5, which, I think, they're on Flash 8 now, so the version of Flash we use is about four years outdated. For various lazy reasons, mostly, just not wanting to get used to the minor changes and interface and things like that.
'''MATT:''' Well, we definitely work faster. There's several things that we can do way faster in Flash 5 than we can in 8. We publish everything in Flash 8 because it compresses everything so much more. Like, we'll make a cartoon in Flash 5, and it'll be, like, one and a half megs, and then you put it in Flash 8, and it's 700k or something, so it really makes a difference, so to keep bandwidth under control, we do that sort of thing. But—
'''MATT:''' Well, we definitely work faster. There's several things that we can do way faster in Flash 5 than we can in 8. We publish everything in Flash 8 because it compresses everything so much more. Like, we'll make a cartoon in Flash 5, and it'll be, like, one and a half megs, and then you put it in Flash 8, and it's 700k or something, so it really makes a difference, so to keep bandwidth under control, we do that sort of thing. But—
''{Mike brings up Flash 5 on the screen. The animation window is blank except for an image of Homestar on the far right.}''
'''MIKE:''' So there's beautiful Flash 5, and it was back before Adobe sued Macromedia, so they could have tabbed folders over here. ''{Starts clicking around the tabs in the right-hand menus in the Flash interface}''
'''MATT:''' Yeah, that's another—
'''MATT:''' Yeah, that's another—
'''MIKE:''' ''{simultaneously}'' That's another thing we like.
'''MATT:''' Homestar's on top of the border.
'''MIKE:''' Well, I'll drag the border up in front of him. ''{Rearranges the border so that it's in front of Homestar}'' So, anyway, this is the magic of making Homestar walk. So we've got this "walk" clip. ''{Plays a looping clip of Homestar walking}'' It's its own ten-frame graphic that just loops, and so we'll just tween it from there to there, and then at that point I've already broken him apart into four layers, with each part being on a layer. And I'll flip that foot and make him so that he's sort of facing that way. And we animate everything at 12 frames a second—
'''MIKE:''' Well, I'll drag the border up in front of him. ''{Rearranges the border so that it's in front of Homestar}'' So, anyway, this is the magic of making Homestar walk. So we've got this "walk" clip. ''{Plays a looping clip of Homestar walking}'' It's its own ten-frame graphic that just loops, and so we'll just tween it from there to there, and then at that point I've already broken him apart into four layers, with each part being on a layer. And I'll flip that foot and make him so that he's sort of facing that way. And we animate everything at 12 frames a second—
'''MATT:''' —'cause that's what you did in 1999.
'''MATT:''' —'cause that's what you did in 1999.
'''MIKE:''' In 1999 that's all—
'''MIKE:''' In 1999 that's all—
'''MATT:''' —all the Internet could handle.
'''MATT:''' —all the Internet could handle.
'''MIKE:''' And that's how we learned to animate, so we have rarely done a few things at 18 or 24 frames a second, and of course it takes us way longer, so we stick with 12. Um...
'''MIKE:''' Yeah.
'''MATT:''' It takes, like, The Cheat—
'''MATT:''' It takes, like, The Cheat—
'''MIKE:''' ''{simultaneously}'' Yeah. It takes like three days.
'''MATT:''' —usually The Cheat, when he turns around, it's, like, two frames, and he just goes "doink" and flips around the other side, so this way we'd have to make some real frame of The Cheat turning. And, anyways we're glad that the things were the way they were in '99. So we—definitely makes it much quicker. Plus we're trying to make a three-to-five-minute cartoon pretty much every week, and so animating it at 12 frames per second definitely makes that possible. I feel like if we tried to animate quicker, at least for us, I'm sure there's people that do it, but for us, that's the way we can get something done.
'''MATT:''' —usually The Cheat, when he turns around, it's, like, two frames, and he just goes "doink" and flips around the other side, so this way we'd have to make some real frame of The Cheat turning. And, anyways we're glad that the things were the way they were in '99. So we—definitely makes it much quicker. Plus we're trying to make a three-to-five-minute cartoon pretty much every week, and so animating it at 12 frames per second definitely makes that possible. I feel like if we tried to animate quicker, at least for us, I'm sure there's people that do it, but for us, that's the way we can get something done.
''{Mike, who has been modifying with the animation the entire time Matt's been talking, now plays it. Homestar walks in from the right and stops in the middle of the animation window.}''
'''MIKE:''' And that's another thing, we—
'''MIKE:''' And that's another thing, we—
'''MATT:''' "You can't fool me."
'''MIKE:''' —we're totally self-taught animators and illustrators. I was a photography major at University of Georgia, and Matt went to film school at Florida State, and then we both kind of realized we didn't want to do ''that'' as our careers and just started teaching ourselves Photoshop and Illustrator and Flash. And Homestar was originally just a tool, something to learn Flash with because we were going to try to get jobs making banner ads for, you know, icebox.com ''{Matt laughs, followed by the audience for a short period of time}'' or whatever was the Flash-animated—
'''MIKE:''' —we're totally self-taught animators and illustrators. I was a photography major at University of Georgia, and Matt went to film school at Florida State, and then we both kind of realized we didn't want to do ''that'' as our careers and just started teaching ourselves Photoshop and Illustrator and Flash. And Homestar was originally just a tool, something to learn Flash with because we were going to try to get jobs making banner ads for, you know, icebox.com ''{Matt laughs, followed by the audience for a short period of time}'' or whatever was the Flash-animated—
'''MATT:''' ''{interrupts}'' Yeah, I got one of those jobs.
'''MATT:''' So are you going to make him say a line?
'''MIKE:''' We're going to make him say a line of dialogue, and I will—
'''MIKE:''' We're going to make him say a line of dialogue, and I will—
'''MATT:''' ''{Who had briefly interrupted}'' Sorry.
'''MIKE:''' No no no no.
'''MATT:''' I was just going to say why this is one of the things that we love about Flash 5, and again, there's probably several things. We've tried to have people tell us this, like, oh, you know, you can do that in Flash 8, we just didn't know how to do it. This is something that I don't think you can do, is that‐
'''MATT:''' I was just going to say why this is one of the things that we love about Flash 5, and again, there's probably several things. We've tried to have people tell us this, like, oh, you know, you can do that in Flash 8, we just didn't know how to do it. This is something that I don't think you can do, is that—
'''HOMESTAR RUNNER:''' ''{on screen}'' Oh, hello.
'''MATT:''' Like, show him, so like—
'''MATT:''' Like, show him, so like—
'''MIKE:''' So his head is here on frame two. Another thing that, you know, people know Flash, if you make everything a symbol and put every symbol on its own layer, it just makes things a lot easier from an organizational standpoint. So to make Homestar talk, he's got three faces: closed mouth, that mouth, and that mouth. The "O" mouth.
'''MATT:''' So you don't have to mess with his legs.
'''MIKE:''' Bubs's frickin' elbows. So anyway, it's three frames, and I've got it set to single frame at 1, so when he's not talking, it's just going to stay closed. If I put a—um, not on that frame—if I put a key frame and make it go to frame 3, that's his "O" mouth, and so I can just click on this frame. And this is one of the things that's different between Flash 8 and Flash 5. In Flash 5, I can just click on these frames, and I can still hear the sound. ''{Clicks in individual frames, producing a frame's worth of dialogue with each click.}'' So I know right there he's stopped saying "oh", and so I can put that, and he's starting to say "heh", so I can make that. And then I can just cut and paste. He's saying "oh". ''{Starts rapidly cutting and pasting frames.}'' Right now, I'm just cut-and-pasting frames rather than keep going back down here to type in frame 2 or 3. I know which ones are which.
'''MIKE:''' Bubs's frickin' elbows. So anyway, it's three frames, and I've got it set to single frame at 1, so when he's not talking, it's just going to stay closed. If I put a—um, not on that frame—if I put a key frame and make it go to frame 3, that's his "O" mouth, and so I can just click on this frame. And this is one of the things that's different between Flash 8 and Flash 5. In Flash 5, I can just click on these frames, and I can still hear the sound. ''{Clicks in individual frames, producing a frame's worth of dialogue with each click.}'' So I know right there he's stopped saying "oh", and so I can put that, and he's starting to say "heh", so I can make that. And then I can just cut and paste. He's saying "oh". ''{Starts rapidly cutting and pasting frames.}'' Right now, I'm just cut-and-pasting frames rather than keep going back down here to type in frame 2 or 3. I know which ones are which.
'''MATT:''' We don't necessarily—most of you that do Flash animation can probably animate way better than we can, so we're not saying this is how you have to do it. But this is just our process.
'''MATT:''' We don't necessarily—most of you that do Flash animation can probably animate way better than we can, so we're not saying this is how you have to do it. But this is just our process.
'''MIKE:''' I don't even know what he's saying here, so it would help if I listened to the soundbyte ''{Laughter}'' so I knew what he was saying.
'''MIKE:''' So I can just sit here and click until he starts to say "my."
'''MATT:''' So yeah, in Flash—
'''MATT:''' So yeah, in Flash—
'''MIKE:''' In Flash 8, I would have to sit here and do that. ''{drags the marker across the audio clip}''
'''MATT:''' Yeah, if you drag it across, you'll hear the sound, but when you click on the frame, you don't hear that one little frame's worth of sound, which makes it so much easier when you're lip-syncing dialogue. And that alone is one of the reasons why we still use this five-year-old, six-year-old version of Flash.
'''MIKE:''' So he's saying "mouth," so I'll get the "m"— or the "o". "Mouth"... "Great times."
'''MIKE:''' So he's saying "mouth," so I'll get the "m"— or the "o". "Mouth"... "Great times."
'''MATT:''' That's another thing with Homestar, in doing it at 12 frames per second, we could add a mouth, a half-closed mouth, or another in between the "o" and the square mouth or something like that, but at 12 frames per second you're not going to get that much more in between. You're not going to see that much more.
''{Mike plays the clip again.}''
'''HOMESTAR RUNNER:''' ''{on screen}'' Oh, hello guys. ''{doinks}'' This is ''{leans forward}'' my ''{turns his upper body around}'' talk— ''{resumes his normal posture as the audience laughs}''
'''HOMESTAR RUNNER:''' ''{on screen}'' Oh, hello guys. ''{doinks}'' This is ''{leans forward}'' my ''{turns his upper body around}'' talk— ''{resumes his normal posture as the audience laughs}''
'''MIKE:''' I might try a little harder to make that look better, but—actually, I probably wouldn't try. Matt's generally a better animator, so that anytime you see really, just like, "Hi, I'm Strong Bad" animation, that's me, and Matt will make him move around a little more. I'm just trying to plow through these things. ''{Laughs}'' Matt, generally, I do about, I don't know, 70%—
'''MIKE:''' I might try a little harder to make that look better, but—actually, I probably wouldn't try. Matt's generally a better animator, so that anytime you see really, just like, "Hi, I'm Strong Bad" animation, that's me, and Matt will make him move around a little more. I'm just trying to plow through these things. ''{Laughs}'' Matt, generally, I do about, I don't know, 70%—
'''MATT:''' —75—
'''MATT:''' —75—
'''MIKE:''' —60 to 75% of the cartoon I do, and then Matt does any complicated scene with a lot of characters where there's actually some kind of action other than just characters talking Matt will spend, like, five days on them, and then I'll just plow through the rest of the cartoon.
'''MIKE:''' —60 to 75% of the cartoon I do, and then Matt does any complicated scene with a lot of characters where there's actually some kind of action other than just characters talking Matt will spend, like, five days on them, and then I'll just plow through the rest of the cartoon.
'''MATT:''' And Mike also, while I'm recording stuff, Mike starts to do the rest of the cartoon, so I'll be—
'''MATT:''' And Mike also, while I'm recording stuff, Mike starts to do the rest of the cartoon, so I'll be—
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, I'll do—
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, I'll do—
'''MATT:''' —recording the dialogue and breaking apart and all that stuff, and then Mike's just getting busy on starting the cartoon or placing scenes.
'''MATT:''' —recording the dialogue and breaking apart and all that stuff, and then Mike's just getting busy on starting the cartoon or placing scenes.
'''MIKE:''' Doing new graphics, if there's any unique, new drawings, we try to reuse stuff as much as possible, but inevitably there's going to be some objects or backgrounds or something that we need to draw new.
'''MATT:''' ''{simultaneously}'' The accent one, yeah.
'''MIKE:''' So this is—
'''MIKE:''' So this is—
'''MATT:''' We have an HTML?
'''MIKE:''' I do. Why don't you tell them what this is?
'''MATT:''' So this is just—we're putting out another DVD—it's time, we've gotten another 30 Strong Bad Emails done, and so we've compiled them onto a DVD at that point, and add them with extra features and commentary and all that crap, and so, we try to put, you know, bonus stuff on it to make it worthwhile, and so this is a bonus email that's going on the new Strong Bad Email DVD.
'''MATT:''' So this is just—we're putting out another DVD—it's time, we've gotten another 30 Strong Bad Emails done, and so we've compiled them onto a DVD at that point, and add them with extra features and commentary and all that crap, and so, we try to put, you know, bonus stuff on it to make it worthwhile, and so this is a bonus email that's going on the new Strong Bad Email DVD.
'''MIKE:''' This is a question that Strong Bad gets asked a lot, and so we've finally just, as a bonus thing, we've decided we'd answer it.
''{Plays the Strong Bad Email [[Accent]].}''
'''MIKE:''' So that's that. That's kind of a—
'''MIKE:''' So that's that. That's kind of a—
''{Mike is interrupted as everybody applauds.}''
'''MATT:''' When he gets soft, his head waggles And then we could just plug it in and the ActionScript would do the rest, but nobody could figure that out for us.
'''MIKE:''' I found a few things laying around my file folder that we've never done anything with, and most of them, I don't even know why I made them.
''{Mike plays a looping animation that shows Homestar leaping up into the air and then turning around and falling back to the ground head-first. He's wearing a yellow helmet covering his eyes and matching kneepads.}''
'''MATT:''' What is that from?
'''MIKE:''' I don't know. ''{Laughs}''
'''MATT:''' That—a nice ''{inaudible}''. That's from—
'''MATT:''' That—a nice ''{inaudible}''. That's from—
''{Offscreen, an audience member suggests "[[monster truck]]."}''
'''MATT:''' Who said that? ''{Offscreen, an audience member behind The Brothers Chaps says "yeah" and raises his hand.}'' Nice.
'''MIKE:''' Impressive.
<span id="wiki">'''MATT:''' That's another thing, is there's a Wikipedia, a Home—it's its own thing, a Homestar Wiki online, that is amazing and ridiculous and kind of frightening.</span>
<span id="wiki">'''MATT:''' That's another thing, is there's a Wikipedia, a Home—it's its own thing, a Homestar Wiki online, that is amazing and ridiculous and kind of frightening.</span>
'''MATT:''' And we use it anytime they have a drive—they'll have a drive because it's all just, whatever, just people volunteering to do it, and so that their cost of bandwidth and everything is just out of pocket, and so anytime they have a drive, we try and donate to it, because we use it probably more than—
'''MATT:''' And we use it anytime they have a drive—they'll have a drive because it's all just, whatever, just people volunteering to do it, and so that their cost of bandwidth and everything is just out of pocket, and so anytime they have a drive, we try and donate to it, because we use it probably more than—
''{Stops and laughs along with the audience at another looping animation clip that Mike is playing. This one shows a squat, boxy Homestar falling headfirst into a line with three other identical Homestars and a similarly-shaped Strong Bad. He then bounces across the screen with the words "Going Away" in the background.}''
'''MATT:''' It's going away!
'''MIKE:''' Another thing I made for no reason.
'''MATT:''' Yeah. But so we use that wiki all the time because we'll look—you know, start to make a cartoon and be like, "All right, what's the one where Bubs has a toilet brush, why he has a toilet brush in some cartoon?" so you just look up toilet brush on the—what is that?
'''MATT:''' Yeah. But so we use that wiki all the time because we'll look—you know, start to make a cartoon and be like, "All right, what's the one where Bubs has a toilet brush, why he has a toilet brush in some cartoon?" so you just look up toilet brush on the—what is that?
''{Mike and the audience laugh at a looping animation of a sketch of Homestar doing the Keep On Truckin' walk.}''
'''MATT:''' That's the Keep On Trucking guy. Yeah, isn't that from that sketchbook drawing?
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, there's a sketchbook drawing Matt made of that, and I just decided to—I haven't gotten very far, but I at least got the rough—
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, there's a sketchbook drawing Matt made of that, and I just decided to—I haven't gotten very far, but I at least got the rough—
'''MATT:''' You're keeping all these secrets from me.
'''MATT:''' I like that.
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, and then there's the—
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, and then there's the—
''{Mike tries to open up a file in Flash 5 but receives an error message.}''
'''MATT:''' Oh, that's in Flash 8.
'''MIKE:''' Yeah. We're gonna do one where it looks like—it's kind of a rough animatic, you know, you see the pencil in-between drawings of, like, Disney cartoons and stuff before they—
'''MIKE:''' Yeah. We're gonna do one where it looks like—it's kind of a rough animatic, you know, you see the pencil in-between drawings of, like, Disney cartoons and stuff before they—
''{Mike plays a looping animation that shows a sketch of Strong Bad bobbing his head to the side.}''
'''MATT:''' Show them the Atari game real quick.
'''MIKE:''' Oh yeah.
'''MATT:''' You have that?
'''MIKE:''' That's one of our lifelong dreams. We've got a friend who programs games for the 2600, and he actually makes cartridges and so we started talking to him three or four years ago, and we wanted to actually make an Atari game, you know, 2004 or whatever. Still hasn't come out yet, so it'll be even funnier when it comes out in 2012—
'''MIKE:''' That's one of our lifelong dreams. We've got a friend who programs games for the 2600, and he actually makes cartridges and so we started talking to him three or four years ago, and we wanted to actually make an Atari game, you know, 2004 or whatever. Still hasn't come out yet, so it'll be even funnier when it comes out in 2012—
'''MATT:''' ''{Laughs with audience.}''
'''MIKE:''' —producing the Atari 2600 game. ''{Staring at his computer.}'' How do I do this?
'''MIKE:''' —producing the Atari 2600 game. ''{Staring at his computer.}'' How do I do this?
'''MATT:''' I guess try and drag it on top of it, try and drag "HS" onto that... ''{Windows error sound plays.}'' Ah, no.
'''MIKE:''' Can I just do this?
'''MATT:''' You can't do it.
'''MIKE:''' All right. Sorry. False alarm. But anyway, it's really on a cartridge and so we, with the graphics, we're like, eight by eight grid of asterisks that you had to—
'''MIKE:''' All right. Sorry. False alarm. But anyway, it's really on a cartridge and so we, with the graphics, we're like, eight by eight grid of asterisks that you had to—
'''MATT:''' Yeah, so he sent us, he'd be like, "Here, make some graphics and send us the template," and it was just a text file that had—yeah, there was like 16 by 8 sideways grid of asterisks, and then you made the stuff you wanted to be pixels be dashes instead or something, and so you're making them sideways and stretched out, and then he'd put them in the game, and then it's like, "Oh, there's Strong Sad." That's pretty cool.
'''MATT:''' Yeah, so he sent us, he'd be like, "Here, make some graphics and send us the template," and it was just a text file that had—yeah, there was like 16 by 8 sideways grid of asterisks, and then you made the stuff you wanted to be pixels be dashes instead or something, and so you're making them sideways and stretched out, and then he'd put them in the game, and then it's like, "Oh, there's Strong Sad." That's pretty cool.
'''MIKE:''' This is the Georgia Tech reference on the site. We made a video game that's tried to be, like, the worst video game ever, ''{Audience laughs}'' and it was like track-and-field, one of those games where you have to mash buttons really fast, but it was a race-walking game, and—
'''MIKE:''' This is the Georgia Tech reference on the site. We made a video game that's tried to be, like, the worst video game ever, ''{Audience laughs}'' and it was like track-and-field, one of those games where you have to mash buttons really fast, but it was a race-walking game, and—
''{The camera pans out to reveal that the game in question is [[50K Racewalker]].}''
'''MATT:''' Oh, no, more than that!
'''MIKE:''' It's like several days—
'''MIKE:''' It's like several days—
'''MATT:''' —three weeks—
'''MATT:''' —three weeks—
'''MIKE:''' —or something. But anyway, so we made it so, for no reason, you can totally customize the way the character looked. And—
'''MIKE:''' —or something. But anyway, so we made it so, for no reason, you can totally customize the way the character looked. And—
'''MATT:''' The only fun part of the game.
'''MIKE:''' —and there's four or five people that we made where if you make it look a certain way, and I think it's yellow, black, yellow—
'''MIKE:''' —and there's four or five people that we made where if you make it look a certain way, and I think it's yellow, black, yellow—
''{Mike selects these colors for the runner's shirt, shorts and shoes respectively. The words "Luke Schenscher" appear on the bottom of the screen.}''
'''MIKE:''' I think that's right. Yeah, it becomes Luke Schenscher, who was the—
'''MIKE:''' I think that's right. Yeah, it becomes Luke Schenscher, who was the—
''{The audience laughs.}''
'''MIKE:''' —center for Tech a few years ago.
'''MIKE:''' —center for Tech a few years ago.
'''MATT:''' There's a, what, there's—
'''MATT:''' There's a, what, there's—
'''MIKE:''' So then here's playing it. Oh wait.
'''MATT:''' Awwwwww! You kick its {{{swear|ass}}}.
'''MIKE:''' Now watch how long... ''{Faults and the audience laughs}'' {{{swear|Damn}}}! I want to at least get to—yeah, this next hash mark—
'''MIKE:''' Now watch how long... ''{Faults and the audience laughs}'' {{{swear|Damn}}}! I want to at least get to—yeah, this next hash mark—
'''MATT:''' It's like, oh, we didn't program this far. ''{Audience laughs.}'' We added that one when somebody emailed us a few days later and was like, "Hey, I got up to three kilometers," and we're like, "Wait! Really?"—
'''MATT:''' It's like, oh, we didn't program this far. ''{Audience laughs.}'' We added that one when somebody emailed us a few days later and was like, "Hey, I got up to three kilometers," and we're like, "Wait! Really?"—
'''MATT:''' —"People are doing that?" ''{Mike gets to 0.02km, then faults.}'' So we figured we should add something.
'''MATT:''' —"People are doing that?" ''{Mike gets to 0.02km, then faults.}'' So we figured we should add something.
'''MIKE:''' Anyway—
'''MIKE:''' Anyway—
'''MATT:''' And that's—
'''MATT:''' And that's—
'''MIKE:''' So you gotta factor in a few faults, too, 'cause it sits you there for like five seconds after you make a foot fault.
'''MATT:''' What else? What was the—oh yeah, there was some email where someone announces Strong Bad as "The Ramblin' Wreck of Email Check".
'''MATT:''' What else? What was the—oh yeah, there was some email where someone announces Strong Bad as "The Ramblin' Wreck of Email Check".
'''MATT:''' Which is—that's the only other—we tried to figure out if there were any Georgia Tech references on the website.
'''MATT:''' Which is—that's the only other—we tried to figure out if there were any Georgia Tech references on the website.
'''MIKE:''' Which is pretty good because there's no, like, Georgia references or Florida State. I mean, it's not like we've got references to everything.
''{Mike and the audience laugh.}''
'''MATT:''' ...just to {{{swear|piss}}} off... So let's take questions.
'''MIKE:''' Questions.
'''MIKE:''' Trogdor. Um...
'''MATT:''' It's based on Ed Emberley drawing books, which is these things when we were kids, a series of drawing books where it's like "to draw an alligator, you draw a triangle and you draw a rectangle and a bunch of triangles on the back for the scales and two lines," and broke it all down. And so originally the email was gonna be mostly about like how to draw crappy drawings, and so it was Strong Bad's version of that doing this dragon. And we had somewhere—we tried to find it, actually, to bring it up here—just the sheet of Mike and I trying to draw worse dragons than the others, so it's just a sheet of terribly drawn dragons.
'''MATT:''' It's based on Ed Emberley drawing books, which is these things when we were kids, a series of drawing books where it's like "to draw an alligator, you draw a triangle and you draw a rectangle and a bunch of triangles on the back for the scales and two lines," and broke it all down. And so originally the email was gonna be mostly about like how to draw crappy drawings, and so it was Strong Bad's version of that doing this dragon. And we had somewhere—we tried to find it, actually, to bring it up here—just the sheet of Mike and I trying to draw worse dragons than the others, so it's just a sheet of terribly drawn dragons.
'''MIKE:''' You can see—
'''MIKE:''' You can see—
'''MATT:''' —And we just decided on that one.
'''MATT:''' —And we just decided on that one.
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, you can see the sort of the evolution of like, "Oh, well we like the beefy arm sticking out of the back and we—" So it's sort of like 20 or 30 different variations, some of which are pretty hilarious. Some of them are just flat out alligators, like, crocodiles.
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, you can see the sort of the evolution of like, "Oh, well we like the beefy arm sticking out of the back and we—" So it's sort of like 20 or 30 different variations, some of which are pretty hilarious. Some of them are just flat out alligators, like, crocodiles.
'''MATT:''' And then the—it's funny, though, because the song at the end of it was a complete afterthought, sort of. Like, we were making the email, and essentially it was an email about bad drawings. It was more like this illustration email, and then Mike was—
'''MATT:''' And then the—it's funny, though, because the song at the end of it was a complete afterthought, sort of. Like, we were making the email, and essentially it was an email about bad drawings. It was more like this illustration email, and then Mike was—
'''MIKE:''' We're—
'''MIKE:''' We're—
'''MATT:''' —finishing up the email? We had worked all night, so it was, like, breakfast, and I was in the kitchen making eggs, I think, and just started singing that song, like, as a joke, just singing this Trogdor song, and Mike was like, "Well, now we have to make that."
'''MATT:''' —finishing up the email? We had worked all night, so it was, like, breakfast, and I was in the kitchen making eggs, I think, and just started singing that song, like, as a joke, just singing this Trogdor song, and Mike was like, "Well, now we have to make that."
'''MATT:''' And so then we made the end. You know—
'''MATT:''' And so then we made the end. You know—
'''MIKE:''' Here's something else I forgot to show. There's a fake heavy metal band that's Strong Bad's favorite band called Limozeen.
''{Someone in the audience shouts "Woo!"}''
'''MIKE:''' And so we made a real album and had to make some fake album covers, and one ''{laughs}'' one of the things I made was that I wanted to make Limozeen doing, like, gang symbols out of fingers, and so I tried to do it. And originally the idea was going to be, like, a hot woman—
'''MIKE:''' And so we made a real album and had to make some fake album covers, and one ''{laughs}'' one of the things I made was that I wanted to make Limozeen doing, like, gang symbols out of fingers, and so I tried to do it. And originally the idea was going to be, like, a hot woman—
'''MATT:''' —with like red—
'''MATT:''' —with like red—
'''MIKE:''' —with like red fingernails—
'''MIKE:''' —with like red fingernails—
'''MATT:''' —Yeah—
'''MATT:''' —Yeah—
'''MIKE:''' —and make spelling Limozeen with her fingers somehow, so I did a test to see how it would look, and...
'''MIKE:''' —and make spelling Limozeen with her fingers somehow, so I did a test to see how it would look, and...
'''MATT:''' It's the most obscene....
''{More laughter.}''
'''MIKE:''' It just looks—
'''MIKE:''' It just looks—
'''MATT:''' —for the Saw movies.
'''MATT:''' —for the Saw movies.
'''MIKE:''' Yeah. I thought we might get arrested if we publish that.
'''MATT:''' That is pornographic. I don't know why.
'''Q: Who does the voices?
'''MATT:''' ''{raises his hand}'' I do.
'''Q: ''Guitar Hero II'', you've got this song in there. So how did that come about?'''
'''Q: I know a lot of Flash and webcomic sites now, it's becoming common for creators to have a news or a blog page where they just talk about pending projects, things going on in their personal lives, they answer questions from the fans, things like that. They have a comments section. Have you guys ever thought about adding a page like that to your site?
'''MATT:''' ''{Turning to Mike}'' We were just—
'''MATT:''' ''{Turning to Mike}'' We were just—
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, we just talked about that in the last week or two.
'''MATT:''' But what we wanted to make it was the Excuses Blog, and we would only update it when we don't update the website.
'''MATT:''' Because we always have a really good reason. We never just blow it off. It's always, like, we're working on some other project, or there's something going on in our lives like—
'''MATT:''' Because we always have a really good reason. We never just blow it off. It's always, like, we're working on some other project, or there's something going on in our lives like—
'''MIKE:''' —having a baby or something. ''{Laughs.}''
'''MIKE:''' —having a baby or something. ''{Laughs.}''
'''MATT:''' ''{Smiling and pointing to Mike.}'' Yeah, and so we were just like, "We need to start the Excuses Blog section," and every time we don't update it, it's like, "Hey, look," you know, maybe show a little bit of the other thing we're working on, or something. Or like, "We need to take this week off to work on the DVD." Like the week when we made that "Accent" email, it just sucks, we made this awesome email, and then the next Monday we had to make another cartoon for it, and it was like, "No, we just made a cartoon—"
'''MATT:''' ''{Smiling and pointing to Mike.}'' Yeah, and so we were just like, "We need to start the Excuses Blog section," and every time we don't update it, it's like, "Hey, look," you know, maybe show a little bit of the other thing we're working on, or something. Or like, "We need to take this week off to work on the DVD." Like the week when we made that "Accent" email, it just sucks, we made this awesome email, and then the next Monday we had to make another cartoon for it, and it was like, "No, we just made a cartoon—"
'''MIKE:''' So, yeah, we—
'''MIKE:''' So, yeah, we—
'''MATT:''' "Now we have to make two." So we're thinking about it. Because it's the sort of thing where we felt like it would sort of appease people if they knew that, so maybe hate mail wouldn't come in—
'''MATT:''' "Now we have to make two." So we're thinking about it. Because it's the sort of thing where we felt like it would sort of appease people if they knew that, so maybe hate mail wouldn't come in—
'''MATT:''' —when we don't update, and people wouldn't be {{{swear|pissed}}} off, like, "Oh, I'm not going back to Homestar anymore, man, they don't update anymore," or something like that which... So, maybe. The Excuses Blog. Look for it in '07.
'''MATT:''' —when we don't update, and people wouldn't be {{{swear|pissed}}} off, like, "Oh, I'm not going back to Homestar anymore, man, they don't update anymore," or something like that which... So, maybe. The Excuses Blog. Look for it in '07.
'''MIKE:''' ''{leaning over and pointing to his right}'' Question behind someone. I can't see— Yep?
'''MIKE:''' ''{leaning over and pointing to his right}'' Question behind someone. I can't see— Yep?
'''Q: I know you guys have worked with They Might Be Giants several times in the past. Are you all going to keep collaborating?'''
'''MIKE:''' Yep.
'''MATT:''' ''{Turns to Mike}'' We're trying to, you don't have any—can we show a small clip of that? We can turn the audio down. Maybe they wouldn't care about that.
'''MATT:''' ''{Turns to Mike}'' We're trying to, you don't have any—can we show a small clip of that? We can turn the audio down. Maybe they wouldn't care about that.
'''MATT:''' We don't know. It's so cool working with them. It's another thing that they just came to us, which was amazing. Like, in the same day we got a package from Jim Mallon, who is one of the producers of Mystery Science Theater. He operated Gypsy—I don't know if anybody knows—and he sent us a Tom Servo, so in the same day, we got a Tom Servo puppet and then got an email from John Linnell from They Might Be Giants, and we could have died the next day and been happy.
'''MATT:''' We don't know. It's so cool working with them. It's another thing that they just came to us, which was amazing. Like, in the same day we got a package from Jim Mallon, who is one of the producers of Mystery Science Theater. He operated Gypsy—I don't know if anybody knows—and he sent us a Tom Servo, so in the same day, we got a Tom Servo puppet and then got an email from John Linnell from They Might Be Giants, and we could have died the next day and been happy.
'''MATT:''' But they're so cool! They're really laid back and we've never had any contacts or agreements in any of the stuff we've done. Like, we made a video for them. It was on MTV. It's on DVDs. Their song is on our DVD, and they've never made us sign any of those things, so it's funny, 'cause we're working on this thing for them now, and I have no idea, we haven't talked about whether we're getting paid for it. We haven't—there's been no discussion of contract, or we didn't have to sign a non-disclosure agreement or anything, so it's funny. I was like—I'd like to just sort of show—
'''MATT:''' But they're so cool! They're really laid back and we've never had any contacts or agreements in any of the stuff we've done. Like, we made a video for them. It was on MTV. It's on DVDs. Their song is on our DVD, and they've never made us sign any of those things, so it's funny, 'cause we're working on this thing for them now, and I have no idea, we haven't talked about whether we're getting paid for it. We haven't—there's been no discussion of contract, or we didn't have to sign a non-disclosure agreement or anything, so it's funny. I was like—I'd like to just sort of show—
'''MIKE:''' It's just—
'''MIKE:''' It's just—
'''MATT:''' ''{Simultaneously}'' You can let it play for a little bit.
'''MIKE:''' It's a k—
'''MIKE:''' It's a k—
'''MATT:''' —the song might be—maybe they wouldn't want people to hear the song.
'''MATT:''' —the song might be—maybe they wouldn't want people to hear the song.
''{The camera pans upward to reveal the music video being played. The first scene shows an overhead shot of cars racing down a [[TMBW:Figure Eight|figure-eight]] track (see [[They Might Be Giants]]). Cut to a boy in a red cap and blue coat and pants ice skating in a figure eight and moving toward the camera.}''
'''MIKE:''' They've got some kid's DVDs. There's one called "Here Come the ABCs" and this is called "Here Come the 123s," and so—
'''MIKE:''' They've got some kid's DVDs. There's one called "Here Come the ABCs" and this is called "Here Come the 123s," and so—
''{Someone in the audience lets out an "Awww." The scene cuts to an overhead shot of the skating boy.}''
'''MIKE:''' —it's a video for that.
'''MIKE:''' —it's a video for that.
''{The camera cuts to a wide overhead shot to show several small figures skating on a frozen pond, some of which are etching a figure eight into the ice.}''
'''MATT:''' The number eight.
'''MIKE:''' And so, it's just lots of race car driving and kids ice skating—
'''MIKE:''' And so, it's just lots of race car driving and kids ice skating—
''{Cut to an overhead shot of race cars racing around a figure-eight racetrack in the middle of a desert as a bird flies overhead.}''
'''MIKE:''' —things like that.
'''MIKE:''' —things like that.
''{Cut to a driver-side view of one of the race cars. As the car races along the track, a turn left sign springs up in his windshield. The screen then goes blank as Mike closes the music video.}''
'''MIKE:''' This was actually something we animated at 18 frames—
'''MIKE:''' This was actually something we animated at 18 frames—
'''MATT:''' —oh yeah—
'''MATT:''' —oh yeah—
'''MIKE:''' —kind of just to, 'cause we knew—
'''MIKE:''' —kind of just to, 'cause we knew—
'''MATT:''' —the robot, show 'em the robot.
'''MATT:''' —the robot, show 'em the robot.
'''MIKE:''' Oh, the robot. Matt's proud of his robot.
''{Matt laughs}''
'''MIKE:''' Don't nobody talk about these robots on your blog now.
''{Mike starts rapidly fast-forwarding through scenes in the music video.}''
'''Q: ''{The same student who asked Matt to do voices}'' How does the Cheat do voices for his own cartoons?'''
'''STRONG BAD:''' That's what I'd like to know, because from what I can tell, the guy's got two throats.
'''STRONG BAD:''' There's this one throat, it's, like, monkeys, you know, that can't talk, like, no matter what. Their vocal cords can't support human speech, you know, and I would, from what I, I've, you know, and I've had to pull stuff out of this throat several times, and he chokes on things and stuff, and it doesn't look like he could talk. And then all of a sudden, he starts making cartoons and he do—he goes into this secret room when he does the voices, so I never see how he does it. And he comes out, and he sounds just like this:
'''STRONG BAD:''' There's this one throat, it's, like, monkeys, you know, that can't talk, like, no matter what. Their vocal cords can't support human speech, you know, and I would, from what I, I've, you know, and I've had to pull stuff out of this throat several times, and he chokes on things and stuff, and it doesn't look like he could talk. And then all of a sudden, he starts making cartoons and he do—he goes into this secret room when he does the voices, so I never see how he does it. And he comes out, and he sounds just like this:
''{Matt looks at Mike.}''
'''Q: Yeah. Speaking of voices, what do you do for recording voices?'''
'''MATT:''' We have a little sound room, a fairly—it's not soundproof by any means, but it's better than sitting in front of the computer in our old crappy apartment, which is what we used to do. And so we've run into—we just have a decent mike. We've got a low impedance one that after like three feet, it just stops recording sound. And we go to USB Preamp that M-Audio makes, which is great. It's got XLR and quarter-inch inputs, and that just goes USB into the computer, and we use ''{laughs}'' again, like, a five-year-old copy of Cool Edit Pro to do all the stuff. Now it's all Adobe Audition, and we also have new versions of that, but that's worked out for us, so... nothing fancy.
'''MATT:''' We have a little sound room, a fairly—it's not soundproof by any means, but it's better than sitting in front of the computer in our old crappy apartment, which is what we used to do. And so we've run into—we just have a decent mike. We've got a low impedance one that after like three feet, it just stops recording sound. And we go to USB Preamp that M-Audio makes, which is great. It's got XLR and quarter-inch inputs, and that just goes USB into the computer, and we use ''{laughs}'' again, like, a five-year-old copy of Cool Edit Pro to do all the stuff. Now it's all Adobe Audition, and we also have new versions of that, but that's worked out for us, so... nothing fancy.
'''MIKE:''' It's good that it doesn't record sound after about three feet, because in old recordings, when we had an apartment together, you could hear me, like, doing the dishes. There's one sound—
'''MIKE:''' It's good that it doesn't record sound after about three feet, because in old recordings, when we had an apartment together, you could hear me, like, doing the dishes. There's one sound—
'''MATT:''' —Find the worms. Squishiness.
'''MATT:''' —Find the worms. Squishiness.
'''MIKE:''' Oh, the worms... ''{starts looking for the file}''
'''MATT:''' See, that's what we do as we're making cartoons, we'll do that about a hundred times. There is worm, so crank it, crank it.
''{The camera pans up to the screen as Mike turns up the volume.}''
'''MATT:''' Listen at the end, you'll hear me whistling.
''{Mike plays the squishy sound heard when the mouse passes over "Toons" or "Games" on [http://www.homestarrunner.com/main7.html Homestar Runner Main Page 7]. At the end of the sound clip is a faint whistle. The audience laughs. Mike plays the sound again. More laughter.}''
'''MATT:''' So that's—
'''MATT:''' So that's—
''{Mike closes the main page window, revealing another window with Strong Bad and The Cheat standing in Homestar's house. Homestar's broken cow lamp is on the floor, and Strong Bad's face is sticking out from the side of his head.}''
'''MIKE:''' There's one working now—
'''MIKE:''' There's one working now—
'''MATT:''' —sound has improved.
'''MATT:''' —sound has improved.
'''MIKE:''' There's one where you can clearly hear a truck driving by because the window was open. We had this apartment that no air conditioning, I mean, it was just awful in the summertime, so you just had the window open, and you could hear dogs barking and trucks driving by and stuff.
'''MATT:''' ''{Gets out of his chair and points at the screen}'' Look, there's a goof. The—
'''MATT:''' ''{Gets out of his chair and points at the screen}'' Look, there's a goof. The—
'''MIKE:''' What?
'''MATT:''' —shadow of Homestar's little table is going over the cow lamp.
'''MATT:''' —shadow of Homestar's little table is going over the cow lamp.
'''MIKE:''' Oh, yeah.
'''MIKE:''' Oh. Chair.
'''MATT:''' And so we decided we would—he acts like he's showing you his parents, but something's in the way, so you can't see this photograph, and so if you decompile it, though, and look at that symbol, it says "Nice try" or something like that on it, knowing that people were going to do that. The Easter eggs have had to go into this technical Flash level just to hide stuff. ''{points to an audience member}'' Yeah?
'''MATT:''' And so we decided we would—he acts like he's showing you his parents, but something's in the way, so you can't see this photograph, and so if you decompile it, though, and look at that symbol, it says "Nice try" or something like that on it, knowing that people were going to do that. The Easter eggs have had to go into this technical Flash level just to hide stuff. ''{points to an audience member}'' Yeah?
'''Q: Is that why you guys did the widescreen for the special email, I think it was, maybe it was the hundredth one?'''
'''MATT:''' Oh, the virus one.
'''MIKE:''' No, no, it was—
'''MIKE:''' No, no, it was—
'''MATT:''' Yeah, it was—
'''MATT:''' Yeah, it was—
'''MIKE:''' —hundred, hundredth—
'''MIKE:''' —hundred, hundredth—
'''Q: ''{Same audience member}'' Where he goes, "Whoa, where have you been?" and he said, "I'm always here."
'''MATT:''' It is?
''{Same audience member says "Yeah." Mike laughs.}''
'''MATT:''' If we don't have it here, look on the Wiki.
'''MIKE:''' ''{Laughing}'' Yeah.
'''MATT:''' They look like old graphics. We're trying to actually make—
'''MATT:''' They look like old graphics. We're trying to actually make—
'''MIKE:''' They're more fun than that one, but anyway, yeah, so I was just lamenting the fact, I think it's been almost three years since the first one came out, and we just not gotten around. It was like a six month process to make the whole thing, so... We'll make another one.
'''MATT:''' ''{Turns around and points behind him}'' Yeah, somebody else over here?
'''Q: Where's Stinkoman level 10?'''
Number one. Double deuce.
'''MIKE:''' ''{Stops the audio file}'' Anyway, some people—
'''MIKE:''' ''{Stops the audio file}'' Anyway, some people—
'''MATT:''' The guys from Da Vinci's Notebook, who is this humorous a cappella band that's kind of broken up now?
'''MATT:''' —did that a long time ago. They're the same guys who did this cartoon called the "Ballad of the Sneak" on the website. ''{Points}'' Yes?
'''MATT:''' —did that a long time ago. They're the same guys who did this cartoon called the "Ballad of the Sneak" on the website. ''{Points}'' Yes?
'''Q: How do you all do the writing? Is it just, you look at the emails, and if one strikes you as really funny, you go with it? Or do you have to think in advance?'''
'''MATT:''' Both ways. We'll look through the emails. We have a "good ones" folder that when we find one we think is good, we'll just separate it and just be, like, not necessarily that right then it starts to write itself, but just like, "Oh, that has potential," and so we'll always go back and look at the good ones folder. Or sometimes there's time where it's like, we want to do an email about this, so let's search. Fortunately, he gets enough emails that you can usually just go—
'''MATT:''' Both ways. We'll look through the emails. We have a "good ones" folder that when we find one we think is good, we'll just separate it and just be, like, not necessarily that right then it starts to write itself, but just like, "Oh, that has potential," and so we'll always go back and look at the good ones folder. Or sometimes there's time where it's like, we want to do an email about this, so let's search. Fortunately, he gets enough emails that you can usually just go—
'''MIKE:''' —we reverse engineer it.
'''MIKE:''' —we reverse engineer it.
'''MATT:''' Yeah, do a search for that word and see that they'll be five or six emails of that, pick the one that's the best. Like that "Accent" one, 'cause like I said, that was one that we wrote a long time ago 'cause we get that question all the time, so it's like, "Oh, that will be an easy one to find," so just looked up "Accent" in whatever, in Thunderbird, and it brought up, like, that one has like 30 results for things, so just pick the one that we like the best and, uh, so yeah. And then as far as just straight-up writing for cartoons and even for emails we usually, we're pretty tapped out by Monday or Tuesday, whenever we put up the cartoon, so we take it easy one of those days, and then starting on Wednesday, we just go for long walks and try and eat at weird places to make us think of funny stuff, or just trying to get inspiration from whatever, just trying. Where we work is pretty, you know, we work in a kind of a depressing strip mall which is always good.
'''MATT:''' No, in a good way.
'''MIKE:''' No, the other places of business are Piccadilly Cafeteria, a hearing-aid store—
'''MIKE:''' No, the other places of business are Piccadilly Cafeteria, a hearing-aid store—
'''MIKE:''' —a medical supply store—
'''MIKE:''' —a medical supply store—
'''MATT:''' —like canes and walkers—
'''MATT:''' —like canes and walkers—
'''MIKE:''' —yeah, an adult diaper store—
'''MIKE:''' —yeah, an adult diaper store—
'''MATT:''' —adult diaper wholesaler—
'''MATT:''' —adult diaper wholesaler—
'''MIKE:''' —yeah, scooters, and then there's a Family Dollar and Big Lots. I mean, everything is, like, for old people or—
'''MIKE:''' —yeah, scooters, and then there's a Family Dollar and Big Lots. I mean, everything is, like, for old people or—
'''MATT:''' That's right.
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, did we ever do that?
'''MATT:''' ''{Simultaneously}'' We've been talking about making an email that's him doing that. Like here's the—
'''MATT:''' ''{Simultaneously}'' We've been talking about making an email that's him doing that. Like here's the—
'''MIKE:''' —asking about his parents—
'''MIKE:''' —asking about his parents—
''{Audience member says in a mock-Strong Bad voice, "Never email me these things"]
'''MATT:''' There you go. Yeah, get him to do the voices.
'''MATT:''' ''{Points in front of him}'' Yeah?
'''Q: I was just curious what kind of staff you guys have ''{inaudible—audience member continues to ask about the size and composition of the Homestar Runner staff}'' '''
'''Q: I was just curious what kind of staff you guys have ''{inaudible—audience member continues to ask about the size and composition of the Homestar Runner staff}'' '''
''{Matt leans back in his chair and puts one arm behind Mike and the other behind Ryan. Mike points both fingers between Ryan, Matt and himself.}''
'''MATT:''' No, Mike always says it was just 'cause I was the youngest and wanted attention the most when I was a kid, so I had to invent some way to make people pay attention to me.
'''MIKE:''' We also just watched, like, Bugs Bunny cartoons, and he's got a very good memory, so he was just always talking, quoting Simpsons or old Bugs Bunny cartoons and doing the voices, and—
'''MIKE:''' We also just watched, like, Bugs Bunny cartoons, and he's got a very good memory, so he was just always talking, quoting Simpsons or old Bugs Bunny cartoons and doing the voices, and—
'''MATT:''' In Mr. Turnipseed's algebra class, they would have—I didn't even realize my voice was changing—
'''MATT:''' In Mr. Turnipseed's algebra class, they would have—I didn't even realize my voice was changing—
'''MIKE:''' —You had a teacher named Mr. Turnipseed?!
'''MIKE:''' —You had a teacher named Mr. Turnipseed?!
'''MATT:''' Yeah.
'''MATT:''' I could do, when my voice was changing, it was only this short window of opportunity, I could do a really good Marge, and Mr. Turnipseed would have me do it for the class, ''{Mike laughs}'' and I would just say, "Oh Bart" or something like that, and my voice was pubescent enough that I could squelch it out. So, no, I never got any formal training or anything like that. But I don't know, when we first started making the cartoon Mike was just like, "Well, I'm not doing these voices, so you make something up." ''{Mike laughs}'' And, like, "All right, well, what about Coach Z?" and he was like, "I'm not doing that either."
'''MIKE:''' Well, Coach Z was a char—he used to do this really depressing Midwestern guy or something. We'd just be hanging out or something, and Matt would just turn into this really depressing guy and like, ''{voice switches to an imitation of Coach Z}'' "Oh geez, I don't, things aren't going so good."
'''MIKE:''' Well, Coach Z was a char—he used to do this really depressing Midwestern guy or something. We'd just be hanging out or something, and Matt would just turn into this really depressing guy and like, ''{voice switches to an imitation of Coach Z}'' "Oh geez, I don't, things aren't going so good."
'''MATT:''' And so that was just, you know, we just really did it, and then decided that this could be something that would be fun to keep doing. And actually, that's one of my favorite—that's another thing that we don't do as often, and it's much easier, obviously, to make, because there's no animation. There's just drawings. But we've tried, so we could crank those out like crazy, but we try to keep it, I don't know, so it feels like that's something we could have made, gotten, some people already think it's already gotten old, but we try, and I feel like the girls have taken on these much more in-depth lives than we ever thought possible.
'''MATT:''' And so that was just, you know, we just really did it, and then decided that this could be something that would be fun to keep doing. And actually, that's one of my favorite—that's another thing that we don't do as often, and it's much easier, obviously, to make, because there's no animation. There's just drawings. But we've tried, so we could crank those out like crazy, but we try to keep it, I don't know, so it feels like that's something we could have made, gotten, some people already think it's already gotten old, but we try, and I feel like the girls have taken on these much more in-depth lives than we ever thought possible.
''{Laughter. An audience member remarks, "They're probably not teens anymore."}''
'''MATT:''' Yeah. They wouldn't be if we were going by—
'''MATT:''' Yeah. They wouldn't be if we were going by—
'''MIKE:''' Well, it's possible.
'''MATT:''' ''{Simultaneously}'' But see, Bart Simpson's been ten years old for, like, whatever, for 15 years or something. So...
'''MATT:''' Was there another... ''{Points behind him}'' Yes.
'''Q: Yeah, the kind of style of humor that you guys have, has that developed over the years, or has it just always been innate as brothers, like, just kind of, you know, because I have a little brother, and we have a weird style of humor.'''
'''MATT:''' Right.
'''Q: It's just always how it's been, like, in that, ends up reflected in the way that you guys have favorite jokes, in a way, kinda quirky humor that you guys had background, and like...?'''
'''MATT:''' Yeah, I think it's definitely just, that's just the way we were, I mean, we've just been screwing around with each other and in our whole family, like—
'''MATT:''' Yeah, I think it's definitely just, that's just the way we were, I mean, we've just been screwing around with each other and in our whole family, like—
'''MIKE:''' Hey now—
'''MIKE:''' Hey now—
'''MATT:''' —there were all these dumb whole family inside jokes and stuff like that, and so we just started making the cartoons just sort of to amuse ourselves.
'''MATT:''' —there were all these dumb whole family inside jokes and stuff like that, and so we just started making the cartoons just sort of to amuse ourselves.
'''Q: ''{same audience member}'' And that's what I really found interesting about it was you were able to take that strange dynamic that is like, how do you express the weird family humor action so well and make it relate to other people. I thought that was really good.'''
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, I was always encouraged when people would say that exact thing. It's like, if there's just being shows and cartoons and being overwritten and written by ten people over a period of months, it sort of loses any sort of that, that was once there.
'''MATT:''' Yeah, I don't mean this in a derogatory way, but it's sort of a commentary, not to diss on the Happy Tree Friends, but there was one episode of Happy Tree Friends where the, I think it was the squirrel falls off of a cliff, and his guts just keep coming out, and it gets down to where it's his toe or something comes out of his mouth. And it's pretty, you know, very Itchy and Scratchy style, that whole cartoon is. And at the end there were 20 writers ''{Mike laughs}'' for this cartoon. There was, it was like a three-minute long cartoon, and it was mainly just a cat getting his, you know, a squirrel getting his guts ripped out, which is, you know, if that's your thing that's great, that's funny, whatever, but I was like, "Really? It took 20 people to be like, 'Oh wait, and ''then'' his stomach comes out'?"
''{Audience member says something inaudible. Mike laughs.}''
'''MATT:''' Well, there you go. I'm not trying to diss on them. It was just surprising to me that it was, like Mike said, I feel like a lot of stuff gets overwritten, and maybe more—
'''MATT:''' Well, there you go. I'm not trying to diss on them. It was just surprising to me that it was, like Mike said, I feel like a lot of stuff gets overwritten, and maybe more—
'''MIKE:''' The other thing is, we do all our stuff, pretty much, we try to put out a new cartoon on Monday. Back in the day, it used to be written and produced all day Sunday, but these days it's a little more, usually, we're writing Thursday and Friday and Saturday we're sort of recording and getting stuff done, and then Sunday is a marathon session of animating. So everything's written and produced within 2 or 3 days of you seeing it, so it's sort of an immediacy to it that wouldn't be there. That's why we've always not been interested in doing TV where you've got to write episodes six months in advance, and it would lose some of the, I don't know, spontaneity of the writing. You'd overthink something and not put in there. Whereas now, we're just like, four in the morning, and like, yeah let's just do that and it's a double-edged sword. Sometimes that probably yields terrible results but sometimes its good.
'''MIKE:''' Well, it's mostly the pressure, you know, we try and not to disappoint fans. I mean, I think that for me, anyways, is more incentive to do something, to stay up late, to just give the people that have supported us what they're expecting. So we're trying not to let any financial things influence what we do.
'''MATT:''' Yeah, 'cause remember, we got to this point by not caring. We didn't set out to start a business. We were just kind of amusing ourselves and so, it was like, that works to get it to where it is, so if we started to think about, like, "Oh well, we should bring this character back because it was a big seller," then that would change it and probably make it worse. So—
'''MATT:''' Yeah, 'cause remember, we got to this point by not caring. We didn't set out to start a business. We were just kind of amusing ourselves and so, it was like, that works to get it to where it is, so if we started to think about, like, "Oh well, we should bring this character back because it was a big seller," then that would change it and probably make it worse. So—
'''MIKE:''' Yeah, so it's definitely been a challenge going from it being a spare time, something we do for fun into our job. There is that sort of balance that you've got to deal with, but we try not to let the money side affect any of the creative side at all.
'''MATT:''' Our sister lives in Alpharetta and works out of there, so we rarely see her. She does all the business stuff, so— ''{Laughs}'' Keep her physically far away from us. ''{Mike laughs. Matt points in front of him}'' Yeah, and you had another question.
'''MATT:''' Our sister lives in Alpharetta and works out of there, so we rarely see her. She does all the business stuff, so— ''{Laughs}'' Keep her physically far away from us. ''{Mike laughs. Matt points in front of him}'' Yeah, and you had another question.
'''Q: Who made the puppets?'''
'''MATT:''' Yeah. ''{Points in front of him}'' Yes?
'''Q: I know you guys—'''
'''Q: I know you guys—'''
'''MATT:''' ''{Pointing to the current audience member speaking to stop another member who was about to speak}'' —No—
'''MATT:''' ''{Pointing to the current audience member speaking to stop another member who was about to speak}'' —No—
'''Q: —show up at conventions sometimes. How's your relation—'''
'''Q: —show up at conventions sometimes. How's your relation—'''
'''MATT:''' —One time. ''{Mike laughs}''
'''MATT:''' —One time. ''{Mike laughs}''
'''Q: —how's your relationship with other artists in the online comic community, and...'''
'''Q: —how's your relationship with other artists in the online comic community, and...'''
'''MATT:''' We don't talk to a lot of them. We have to be kind of heads down in trying to do something every week, you know, for us anyways. But—
'''MATT:''' We don't talk to a lot of them. We have to be kind of heads down in trying to do something every week, you know, for us anyways. But—
'''MIKE:''' —we talked to the Red vs. Blue people.
'''MIKE:''' —we talked to the Red vs. Blue people.
'''MATT:''' Yeah, we met the guys from Red vs. Blue. They were all nice dudes. We met them, actually, we did meet them at a, where was that? At South by Southwest.
'''MATT:''' That's qwantz.com, I think is the website. Mike just bought me some stuff for Christmas from there and the guy saw his email address and was like, "Hey, Homestar Runner. That's awesome." And so we became just sort of email friends with that guy. But yeah, I don't really, it's the sort of thing where we're not trying to be antisocial, but if we sought support from the rest of the web comic, web cartoon community, we could hopefully find it, but we just haven't. We're just three dudes.
'''MIKE:''' We're trying to put all of them out of business anyways, so, it's best if we don't—
'''MIKE:''' We're trying to put all of them out of business anyways, so, it's best if we don't—
'''MATT:''' That's not—
'''MATT:''' That's not—
'''MIKE:''' —know who they are.
'''MIKE:''' —know who they are.
'''MATT:''' ''{Points in front of him}'' There was a question over there?
'''MATT:''' ''{Turns around and points behind him}'' Yes?
'''Q: Do you find it hard not to wear your own T-shirts? '''
'''MATT:''' It's pretty easy. Most of the ones with the characters now, we've started making these shirts that aren't a character, it's like, there's one that says, "My baby got stole by a bear holding a shark." There's one that I saw ''{points to an audience member behind him with a Videlectrix shirt on}'' yeah, the one with the Videlectrix 500—
'''MATT:''' It's pretty easy. Most of the ones with the characters now, we've started making these shirts that aren't a character, it's like, there's one that says, "My baby got stole by a bear holding a shark." There's one that I saw ''{points to an audience member behind him with a Videlectrix shirt on}'' yeah, the one with the Videlectrix 500—
'''MIKE:''' —Yeah, I noticed.
'''MIKE:''' —Yeah, I noticed.
'''MATT:''' —disk on it.
'''MATT:''' —disk on it.
''{Laughter.}''
'''MIKE:''' I saw "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in the airport a few years ago, and he had a hat and jacket on, and I saw him from afar and thought, "Oh, he's trying to blend in," and then, until I noticed he was wearing a Stone Cold shirt and a WWF hat.
'''MATT:''' Anybody else? ''{Points to his right}'' Yes.
'''Q: Okay, this is kind of a personal request. I don't know how familiar you guys are with Georgia Tech traditions or anything like that, but could you get Strong Bad to say, "What's the good word?" '''
'''MATT:''' Should I do it, Mike? Is this—
'''MATT:''' Should I do it, Mike? Is this—
'''MIKE:''' I'm not comfortable with this, being a UGA alum.
''{Same audience member says "George P. Burdell." Another audience member says "Yeah, he's our fake student. We have a fake student at Georgia Tech." Matt laughs.}''
'''MIKE:''' Nice.
''{Another audience member says, "A long story." The previous member says, "He's better than anyone else at this school." Matt laughs.}''
''{Audience cries out in unison, "To {{{swear|hell}}} with Georgia!" After a second, someone in the audience says, "Say it again."}''
'''STRONG BAD:''' What—?
'''STRONG BAD:''' What—?
'''MIKE:''' Say ''{inaudible}'' again.
''{Audience cries out in unison, "To {{{swear|hell}}} with Georgia!" }''
'''STRONG BAD:''' I'm supposed to say it a third time?!
''{An audience member says, "Yes."}''
'''MIKE:''' That's it?
'''STRONG BAD:''' Is this—so am I supposed to envision a picture of a yellow jacket taking a leak on a bulldog?
'''STRONG BAD:''' Is this—so am I supposed to envision a picture of a yellow jacket taking a leak on a bulldog?
'''Q: You guys were talking about things ''{inaudible}''. Outside of Homestar Runner cartoons, what do you guys do for fun?'''
'''MATT:''' What do we do for fun? We live in Decatur and all are homeowners, so we hang out at each other's—so Ryan's got an awesome porch. We grill out. Ryan's a home brewer, so we go to drink Ryan's beer at his house, which is good. ''{Ryan nods}'' I got a Nintendo Wii that I don't play as often as I'd like to.
'''MATT:''' What do we do for fun? We live in Decatur and all are homeowners, so we hang out at each other's—so Ryan's got an awesome porch. We grill out. Ryan's a home brewer, so we go to drink Ryan's beer at his house, which is good. ''{Ryan nods}'' I got a Nintendo Wii that I don't play as often as I'd like to.
''{An audience member says, "Yeah."}''
'''MATT:''' So we like video games. We, um...
'''MIKE:''' We play basketball sometimes.
'''MATT:''' Yeah, we can shoot hoops in the morning, sometimes. We try and do other dumb creative stuff on the side, like Mike just got this awesome—
'''MATT:''' Yeah, we can shoot hoops in the morning, sometimes. We try and do other dumb creative stuff on the side, like Mike just got this awesome—
'''MIKE:''' ''{Points to Ryan}'' —like Ryan's shirt.
'''MIKE:''' ''{Points to Ryan}'' —like Ryan's shirt.
'''MATT:''' Yeah. Ryan's shirt ''{Ryan pulls out the front of his shirt}'' that says, "Orange is {{{swear|shit}}}." Mike made that. ''{Mike laughs}'' It's an orange that's smiling. It says, "Orange is {{{swear|shit}}}." So we're always trying to do other dumb—you know, if we're not doing Homestar. It does sometimes, not necessarily tap you out, but it's a nice thing, like doing that They Might Be Giants, like, videos is actually fun sometimes to do something that's not on the website.
'''MATT:''' Yeah. Ryan's shirt ''{Ryan pulls out the front of his shirt}'' that says, "Orange is {{{swear|shit}}}." Mike made that. ''{Mike laughs}'' It's an orange that's smiling. It says, "Orange is {{{swear|shit}}}." So we're always trying to do other dumb—you know, if we're not doing Homestar. It does sometimes, not necessarily tap you out, but it's a nice thing, like doing that They Might Be Giants, like, videos is actually fun sometimes to do something that's not on the website.
'''RYAN STERRITT:''' ''{Turns to Matt}'' ''{inaudible}'' made, made real quick.
'''MATT:''' ''{Laughs}'' We never leave Decatur.
'''MIKE:''' We're... becoming domesticated.
'''MATT:''' Yeah. Mike's got a baby. I've got one on the way. So you gotta come over, if you—
'''MATT:''' Yeah. Mike's got a baby. I've got one on the way. So you gotta come over, if you—
'''MATT:''' If you want to hang out with us.
'''MIKE:''' We're a load of fun.
''{Laughter. Mike points to a student at a terminal behind him who's been working relentlessly on an architecture project since before the Brothers Chaps arrived.}''
'''MIKE:''' This guy's a master of SketchUp over here.
''{Ryan and Matt turn around to look at the student. Student says, "No, I'm not." Laughter.}''
'''MIKE:''' Look at that.
''{Joel says something inaudible and then stands up from behind the Brothers Chaps.}''
"Georgia Tech" redirects here. For references made to the university in the Homestar Runner body of work, see Georgia.
On April 26, 2007, The Brothers Chaps appeared at a talk at the Multimedia Studio of Georgia Tech. The event was scheduled to include Q&A, background info, a Flash demo and more. The Flash demo presented was a preview of the music video animated by The Brothers Chaps for the song Figure 8 by They Might Be Giants.
The event took place in the Library on the Georgia Tech campus. It was organized by Alison Valk and Joel Linderman. It took place in the multimedia studio that houses all of their high end multimedia software and equipment, as well as being "homebase" for the Georgia Tech iMovieFest. The studio is currently decked out as "Mario-land" and discussions have taken place regarding the possibility of doing a Homestar Runner theme for the summer months.
Due to various programs on campus and the high interest of many of the students there in Flash animation, Alison and Joel felt The Brothers Chaps would be ideal speakers. Alison focused on the idea of collaborating with her management to bring in some "nontraditional speakers" to the library, such as "the guys from Homestar Runner".
1.1 Part I: Demo
1.2 Part II: Q & A
Warning: Language that may be considered offensive by some readers follows.
To view a censored version of this page, see Georgia Tech - 26 Apr 2007 (censored).
Part I: Demo
{The video fades in to a shot of the event poster, where it lingers for a few seconds before cross-fading to the Georgia Tech Multimedia Studio. Ryan, Matt and Mike are sitting near a row of computers, and Alison and Joel are standing behind them. Mike has his laptop in front of him, which is connected to a projector displaying his monitor on a screen to his left. The audience surrounds them on three sides.}
ALISON VALK: —he heads up the Multimedia Studio here, and we are really, really lucky to have the guys from Homestar Runner here. If you don't know what Homestar Runner is, it is one of the most popular Flash-animated cartoons on the web, and these guys have been written up in the New York Times, Wired, been interviewed for All Things Considered. You guys have worked with They Might Be Giants, is that right?
MIKE CHAPMAN: Mmm-hmm.
ALISON: And anyways, we're really, really lucky to have them here. They're going to do a Flash demo for us and answer a few questions that you guys might have. So, without further ado, Mike and Matt Chapman.
MIKE: Thanks, Alison.
{Applause}
MATT CHAPMAN: And this is Ryan Sterritt. {Points to Ryan on his right} He works with us and authors all our DVDs and does all our video stuff also.
MIKE: Matt?
MATT: Hi everybody.
MIKE: Thanks for having us by the way, guys. This place is pretty awesome. Alison was trying to get me to do it, and I am generally really nervous about doing this kind of stuff, but when she showed me pictures of how it's all decked out like Mario Land, I decided it would make me feel very comfortable, which it really hasn't because I'm still pretty nervous, but anyway...
{Some members of the audience let out a collective "Awwww..."}
MATT: It's good to be back in the Mushroom Kingdom.
MIKE: {Laughs} And the last time I was on the Georgia Tech campus was probably in like 1986 for the Science Olympiad, which was just kind of mathletes, kind of, but I had to do this event called Bottle Music where you filled up bottles with different amounts of water and make a song hitting them with a spoon and I didn't want to do it, so we pushed the kid that was holding our box of bottles so that they broke so that we didn't have to compete.
{Laughter}
MATT: Good job!
MIKE: Yeah. {Laughs}
MATT: One time I went to Bobby Cremin's basketball camp in fourth grade. It was a stay-overnight camp.
MIKE: {Laughs}
MATT: It was awesome. And these kids trying to get me to cuss and I wasn't cussing yet.
MATT: {With Mike laughing throughout} And they were like, "Say a cuss." And they were like, "You never cuss, Chapman," and I was like, "You don't know, I cuss all the time. What are you talking about?" And they were like, "Well then, say a cuss word," and so that everything would be okay, and I would still go to heaven, I go, "Shet," and in my head it was S–H–E–T, but they totally bought it and thought I said "shit" and then I was cool.
MIKE: So anyway, we do a website called homestarrunner.com. We've been doing it for over seven years now, and it's pretty much been our sole job for like the last five now. And it's just Flash-animated cartoons on the web. We make money by selling T-shirts. We don't have any ads on the site or anything like that. The only revenue is from people buying shirts and DVDs and the merchandise that we sell on the site. And so anyway, they asked us to just do a little demo about how we do stuff, and it's pretty funny because all these computers are decked out and much nicer than the computers that we make Homestar on. We use Flash 5, which, I think, they're on Flash 8 now, so the version of Flash we use is about four years outdated. For various lazy reasons, mostly, just not wanting to get used to the minor changes and interface and things like that.
MATT: Well, we definitely work faster. There's several things that we can do way faster in Flash 5 than we can in 8. We publish everything in Flash 8 because it compresses everything so much more. Like, we'll make a cartoon in Flash 5, and it'll be, like, one and a half megs, and then you put it in Flash 8, and it's 700k or something, so it really makes a difference, so to keep bandwidth under control, we do that sort of thing. But—
{Mike brings up Flash 5 on the screen. The animation window is blank except for an image of Homestar on the far right.}
MIKE: So there's beautiful Flash 5, and it was back before Adobe sued Macromedia, so they could have tabbed folders over here. {Starts clicking around the tabs in the right-hand menus in the Flash interface}
MATT: Yeah, that's another—
MIKE: {simultaneously} That's another thing we like.
MATT: Well, I guess now that they've merged, or that Adobe bought Macromedia, the next version of Flash supposedly is going to bring back the little tabs over there, but that was one of the biggest reasons why we kept using 5 was because it was so much easier to use from an organizational standpoint.
MIKE: So I was just going to show, what we generally do is we've got several hundred cartoons at this point, so obviously we don't need to redraw all the characters for every cartoon. We can reuse graphics, so I'll just open up this library. Something that has, say, the background in it. {peruses through library}
MATT: We never organize things in folders because that would make it too easy to find.
MIKE: Yeah, so there's just like 200 something items.
MATT and MIKE: {simultaneously} There it is, "Ground".
MIKE: So I'll make a thing down here and drag it in. {Drags an image of the Field onto the animation window. He clicks inside the library, specifically on a symbol that is Andy Griffith's head. He then continues to scroll through the library.} And sky is for some reason called "Sky2". {He chuckles as he says this} There's Andy Griffith!
MIKE: "Sky2". It's been called "Sky2", that symbol probably for six years for no reason. We've never changed it to just "Sky". {drags an image of the sky down and arranges it behind the Field} And then we also have a little border that we put over everything to give everything a nice rounded edge. {Places a black rectangular border with rounded corners over the animation window. } Because round things are nice.
MATT: Homestar's on top of the border.
MIKE: Well, I'll drag the border up in front of him. {Rearranges the border so that it's in front of Homestar} So, anyway, this is the magic of making Homestar walk. So we've got this "walk" clip. {Plays a looping clip of Homestar walking} It's its own ten-frame graphic that just loops, and so we'll just tween it from there to there, and then at that point I've already broken him apart into four layers, with each part being on a layer. And I'll flip that foot and make him so that he's sort of facing that way. And we animate everything at 12 frames a second—
MATT: —'cause that's what you did in 1999.
MIKE: In 1999 that's all—
MATT: —all the Internet could handle.
MIKE: And that's how we learned to animate, so we have rarely done a few things at 18 or 24 frames a second, and of course it takes us way longer, so we stick with 12. Um...
MATT: Its funny, for when we do DVDs, we do a fake FBI warning thing at the beginning, like the one from the '80s with that fading background, and then one of the characters will always come out over it, and in order for that fadey background to look good in Flash, we'd have to make it at 30 frames per second, and I think that was just easy, too, because all video's at 30 frames, obviously, or 29.97 {says as "twenty-nine nine seven"} or whatever. And so then we have to animate the characters at 30 frames per second, and that's a huge pain in the ass.
MIKE: Yeah.
MATT: It takes, like, The Cheat—
MIKE: {simultaneously} Yeah. It takes like three days.
MATT: —usually The Cheat, when he turns around, it's, like, two frames, and he just goes "doink" and flips around the other side, so this way we'd have to make some real frame of The Cheat turning. And, anyways we're glad that the things were the way they were in '99. So we—definitely makes it much quicker. Plus we're trying to make a three-to-five-minute cartoon pretty much every week, and so animating it at 12 frames per second definitely makes that possible. I feel like if we tried to animate quicker, at least for us, I'm sure there's people that do it, but for us, that's the way we can get something done.
{Mike, who has been modifying with the animation the entire time Matt's been talking, now plays it. Homestar walks in from the right and stops in the middle of the animation window.}
MIKE: {dryly} So, did you see that, guys? Look, he's stopped walking. Isn't that amazing?
MIKE: And this is a trick that Matt patented, it's called the "Doink", where it just kind of goes up and down when you're transitioning from one thing to another, just make him kind of pop up a little bit. For some reason, it makes it look better.
MATT: We learned that people call that in the cartooning industry, we met a guy that just graduated from SCAD, and it's called "squash and stretch" {Mike laughs} in the animation industry. But I was like, "No, that's doinking."
MIKE: And that's another thing, we—
MATT: "You can't fool me."
MIKE: —we're totally self-taught animators and illustrators. I was a photography major at University of Georgia, and Matt went to film school at Florida State, and then we both kind of realized we didn't want to do that as our careers and just started teaching ourselves Photoshop and Illustrator and Flash. And Homestar was originally just a tool, something to learn Flash with because we were going to try to get jobs making banner ads for, you know, icebox.com {Matt laughs, followed by the audience for a short period of time} or whatever was the Flash-animated—
MATT: {interrupts} Yeah, I got one of those jobs.
MIKE: Yeah, Matt worked at MindSpring, which became EarthLink, for several years.
MATT: Made some sweet banner ads for EarthLink.
MIKE: Yeah, we just discovered, buried in some EarthLink pages, there's still some icons that you made like six years ago or something.
MATT: If you go to the EarthLink personal start page in the accounting section, or banking section, there's a few of my icons still up there. {Laughter} I was proud. My legacy lives on. {Laughter} I'm not going to show my kids Homestar Runner when they grow up. I'm going to be, like, {raises voice to higher pitch} "Hey, you know what your dad did? He made this market sign that has one graph going up and it's red, and the green graph is going down." Which is wrong, 'cause the green graph should probably be growing.
{Matt turns to Mike, who's still editing the Flash clip.}
MATT: So are you going to make him say a line?
MIKE: We're going to make him say a line of dialogue, and I will—
MATT: {Who had briefly interrupted} Sorry.
MIKE: No no no no.
MATT: I was just going to say why this is one of the things that we love about Flash 5, and again, there's probably several things. We've tried to have people tell us this, like, oh, you know, you can do that in Flash 8, we just didn't know how to do it. This is something that I don't think you can do, is that—
HOMESTAR RUNNER: {on screen} Oh, hello.
MATT: Like, show him, so like—
MIKE: So his head is here on frame two. Another thing that, you know, people know Flash, if you make everything a symbol and put every symbol on its own layer, it just makes things a lot easier from an organizational standpoint. So to make Homestar talk, he's got three faces: closed mouth, that mouth, and that mouth. The "O" mouth.
MATT: The roundy mouth.
MIKE: The roundy mouth, squarey mouth, and closed mouth. So it's really easy to animate. We accidentally made all these characters very easy to animate. Most of them don't have arms or legs. Several of them don't have mouths or anything like that. We created the characters in 1996 before we were ever going to animate them, so we totally lucked out. The characters that do have arms and elbows and things, we just tend not to put into cartoons very much.
MATT: {Laughs} That's why Bubs is always behind a concession stand.
MATT: So you don't have to mess with his legs.
MIKE: Bubs's frickin' elbows. So anyway, it's three frames, and I've got it set to single frame at 1, so when he's not talking, it's just going to stay closed. If I put a—um, not on that frame—if I put a key frame and make it go to frame 3, that's his "O" mouth, and so I can just click on this frame. And this is one of the things that's different between Flash 8 and Flash 5. In Flash 5, I can just click on these frames, and I can still hear the sound. {Clicks in individual frames, producing a frame's worth of dialogue with each click.} So I know right there he's stopped saying "oh", and so I can put that, and he's starting to say "heh", so I can make that. And then I can just cut and paste. He's saying "oh". {Starts rapidly cutting and pasting frames.} Right now, I'm just cut-and-pasting frames rather than keep going back down here to type in frame 2 or 3. I know which ones are which.
MATT: We don't necessarily—most of you that do Flash animation can probably animate way better than we can, so we're not saying this is how you have to do it. But this is just our process.
MIKE: I don't even know what he's saying here, so it would help if I listened to the soundbyte {Laughter} so I knew what he was saying.
MATT: We recorded this right before we left.
{Mike plays the audio clip.}
HOMESTAR RUNNER: {on screen} Oh, hello guys. This is my talk and mouth move.
MIKE: "This is my talk and mouth move" is what it sounds like he's saying..."Hello guys." And do we have volume? {Turns up the volume and continues cutting and pasting mouth movements to the audio clips. Notably at a fast rate.}
MATT: There we go.
MIKE: So I can just sit here and click until he starts to say "my."
MATT: So yeah, in Flash—
MIKE: In Flash 8, I would have to sit here and do that. {drags the marker across the audio clip}
MATT: Yeah, if you drag it across, you'll hear the sound, but when you click on the frame, you don't hear that one little frame's worth of sound, which makes it so much easier when you're lip-syncing dialogue. And that alone is one of the reasons why we still use this five-year-old, six-year-old version of Flash.
MIKE: So he's saying "mouth," so I'll get the "m"— or the "o". "Mouth"... "Great times."
MATT: That's another thing with Homestar, in doing it at 12 frames per second, we could add a mouth, a half-closed mouth, or another in between the "o" and the square mouth or something like that, but at 12 frames per second you're not going to get that much more in between. You're not going to see that much more.
MIKE: Yeah, its already hard enough now. Sometimes you have to decide where he closes his mouth, because he sort of closes his mouth halfway in between two frames.
{Mike finishes syncing Homestar's mouth movements to the audio and now plays the entire clip.}
HOMESTAR RUNNER: {on screen} Oh, hello guys. This is my talk and mouth move. Great times.
MATT: There you go.
MIKE: {still modifying the animation} And so what I would do probably is go ahead and give him a little... So I can make him move around a little bit, maybe. For an interesting line, like...
{Mike plays the clip again.}
HOMESTAR RUNNER: {on screen} Oh, hello guys. {doinks} This is {leans forward} my {turns his upper body around} talk— {resumes his normal posture as the audience laughs}
MIKE: I might try a little harder to make that look better, but—actually, I probably wouldn't try. Matt's generally a better animator, so that anytime you see really, just like, "Hi, I'm Strong Bad" animation, that's me, and Matt will make him move around a little more. I'm just trying to plow through these things. {Laughs} Matt, generally, I do about, I don't know, 70%—
MATT: —75—
MIKE: —60 to 75% of the cartoon I do, and then Matt does any complicated scene with a lot of characters where there's actually some kind of action other than just characters talking Matt will spend, like, five days on them, and then I'll just plow through the rest of the cartoon.
MATT: And Mike also, while I'm recording stuff, Mike starts to do the rest of the cartoon, so I'll be—
MIKE: Yeah, I'll do—
MATT: —recording the dialogue and breaking apart and all that stuff, and then Mike's just getting busy on starting the cartoon or placing scenes.
MIKE: Doing new graphics, if there's any unique, new drawings, we try to reuse stuff as much as possible, but inevitably there's going to be some objects or backgrounds or something that we need to draw new.
MATT: We'll start out a week and be like, "All right, last week was rough. We did, like, three all-nighters to get this cartoon done, so this one will try and stick with just," you know, not to make it jokes we've done before, but just, "oh, all take place in Bubs' Concession Stand or places we've already established," and then inevitably we end up inventing a movie theater for this cartoon, or having some new thing happen that we have to make a bunch of new graphics, or... We're always shooting ourselves in the foot that way.
MIKE: What else, Matt?
MATT: Why don't you just show them the cartoon, so show them something in action a little more.
MIKE: Like "The Accent"?
MATT: {simultaneously} The accent one, yeah.
MIKE: So this is—
MATT: We have an HTML?
MIKE: I do. Why don't you tell them what this is?
MATT: So this is just—we're putting out another DVD—it's time, we've gotten another 30 Strong Bad Emails done, and so we've compiled them onto a DVD at that point, and add them with extra features and commentary and all that crap, and so, we try to put, you know, bonus stuff on it to make it worthwhile, and so this is a bonus email that's going on the new Strong Bad Email DVD.
MIKE: This is a question that Strong Bad gets asked a lot, and so we've finally just, as a bonus thing, we've decided we'd answer it.
{Plays the Strong Bad Email Accent.}
MIKE: So that's that. That's kind of a—
{Mike is interrupted as everybody applauds.}
MIKE: That's what we do. Strong Bad Emails are the cartoons we do probably, I don't know, two or three out of every four updates is one of those. We've done 170-something at this point? {Turns to Matt.}
MATT: Mmm hmm.
MIKE: Over the last five or six years. Making Strong Bad's head waggle around in front of the text and making the text animate, that's one of my specialties. That is really not fun to animate text being typed across the screen. But, anyway...
MATT: We've tried a couple of times to figure out a way to automate that, but Flash can't look at a WAV file and interpret what it is. We wanted to figure out a way where we could just bring in the sound file of Strong Bad and just have it be like, okay, when he gets loud, his head goes up.
MATT: When he gets soft, his head waggles And then we could just plug it in and the ActionScript would do the rest, but nobody could figure that out for us.
MIKE: I found a few things laying around my file folder that we've never done anything with, and most of them, I don't even know why I made them.
{Mike plays a looping animation that shows Homestar leaping up into the air and then turning around and falling back to the ground head-first. He's wearing a yellow helmet covering his eyes and matching kneepads.}
MATT: What's this one?
MIKE: It's just Homestar with a helmet and kneepads on flying up in the air.
MATT: What is that from?
MIKE: I don't know. {Laughs}
MATT: That—a nice {inaudible}. That's from—
{Offscreen, an audience member suggests "monster truck."}
MATT: Monster truck one, yeah?
MATT: Who said that? {Offscreen, an audience member behind The Brothers Chaps says "yeah" and raises his hand.} Nice.
MIKE: Impressive.
MATT: That's another thing, is there's a Wikipedia, a Home—it's its own thing, a Homestar Wiki online, that is amazing and ridiculous and kind of frightening.
MATT: And we use it anytime they have a drive—they'll have a drive because it's all just, whatever, just people volunteering to do it, and so that their cost of bandwidth and everything is just out of pocket, and so anytime they have a drive, we try and donate to it, because we use it probably more than—
{Stops and laughs along with the audience at another looping animation clip that Mike is playing. This one shows a squat, boxy Homestar falling headfirst into a line with three other identical Homestars and a similarly-shaped Strong Bad. He then bounces across the screen with the words "Going Away" in the background.}
MATT: It's going away!
MIKE: Another thing I made for no reason.
MATT: Yeah. But so we use that wiki all the time because we'll look—you know, start to make a cartoon and be like, "All right, what's the one where Bubs has a toilet brush, why he has a toilet brush in some cartoon?" so you just look up toilet brush on the—what is that?
{Mike and the audience laugh at a looping animation of a sketch of Homestar doing the Keep On Truckin' walk.}
MIKE: I'm not done animating that, though.
MATT: That's the Keep On Trucking guy. Yeah, isn't that from that sketchbook drawing?
MIKE: Yeah, there's a sketchbook drawing Matt made of that, and I just decided to—I haven't gotten very far, but I at least got the rough—
MATT: You're keeping all these secrets from me.
MIKE: Yeah, this is the one I found this this morning. I had no idea why I made it or what it is.
{Mike plays a looping animation of a squat, black-and-white shaded Strong Bad shaded in blue punching the air in a ready fighting position. The audience laughs}
MIKE: It's called "SB style".
MATT: Let's make a T-shirt of that.
MATT: I like that.
MIKE: Yeah, and then there's the—
{Mike tries to open up a file in Flash 5 but receives an error message.}
MATT: Oh, that's in Flash 8.
MIKE: Yeah. We're gonna do one where it looks like—it's kind of a rough animatic, you know, you see the pencil in-between drawings of, like, Disney cartoons and stuff before they—
{Mike plays a looping animation that shows a sketch of Strong Bad bobbing his head to the side.}
MATT: Is that all it does?
MIKE: That's all it does. {Laughs with audience.} I spent like, five minutes on that one. But I was just making sure it could work, and it looked okay.
MATT: How to draw Strong Bad the Marvel way.
MIKE: Yeah {Laughs.} By the way, anyone, if you've got questions during this, you can feel free to ask questions now.
MATT: Yeah, are we done showing other things we need to show?
MIKE: Um...
MATT: Show them the Atari game real quick.
MIKE: Oh yeah.
MATT: You have that?
MIKE: That's one of our lifelong dreams. We've got a friend who programs games for the 2600, and he actually makes cartridges and so we started talking to him three or four years ago, and we wanted to actually make an Atari game, you know, 2004 or whatever. Still hasn't come out yet, so it'll be even funnier when it comes out in 2012—
MATT: {Laughs with audience.}
MIKE: —producing the Atari 2600 game. {Staring at his computer.} How do I do this?
MATT: I guess try and drag it on top of it, try and drag "HS" onto that... {Windows error sound plays.} Ah, no.
MIKE: Can I just do this?
MATT: {inaudible} {Windows error sound plays} I don't know. Ah, you probably have to install it.
MATT: You can't do it.
MIKE: All right. Sorry. False alarm. But anyway, it's really on a cartridge and so we, with the graphics, we're like, eight by eight grid of asterisks that you had to—
MATT: Yeah, so he sent us, he'd be like, "Here, make some graphics and send us the template," and it was just a text file that had—yeah, there was like 16 by 8 sideways grid of asterisks, and then you made the stuff you wanted to be pixels be dashes instead or something, and so you're making them sideways and stretched out, and then he'd put them in the game, and then it's like, "Oh, there's Strong Sad." That's pretty cool.
MIKE: This is the Georgia Tech reference on the site. We made a video game that's tried to be, like, the worst video game ever, {Audience laughs} and it was like track-and-field, one of those games where you have to mash buttons really fast, but it was a race-walking game, and—
{The camera pans out to reveal that the game in question is 50K Racewalker.}
MIKE: You have to press left and right alternately, but you can't go too fast or you foot fault, and literally, it would take like a day to win, to go 50K.
MATT: Oh, no, more than that!
MIKE: It's like several days—
MATT: —three weeks—
MIKE: —or something. But anyway, so we made it so, for no reason, you can totally customize the way the character looked. And—
MATT: The only fun part of the game.
MIKE: —and there's four or five people that we made where if you make it look a certain way, and I think it's yellow, black, yellow—
{Mike selects these colors for the runner's shirt, shorts and shoes respectively. The words "Luke Schenscher" appear on the bottom of the screen.}
MIKE: I think that's right. Yeah, it becomes Luke Schenscher, who was the—
{The audience laughs.}
MIKE: —center for Tech a few years ago.
MATT: There's a, what, there's—
MIKE: So then here's playing it. Oh wait.
MATT: Go.
{Mike faults. The audience lets out a collective "Awwwww".}
MATT: Awwwwww! You kick its ass.
MIKE: Now watch how long... {Faults and the audience laughs} Damn! I want to at least get to—yeah, this next hash mark—
MATT: Gooooo!
{Mike reaches the hash mark.}
MIKE: And that's point one {Faults and laughs} oh one, so that's a hundredth of one kilometer, so that's, like, one five-thousandth of the game or something.
MATT: We eventually made it to where if you actually do a whole kilometer, then the screen starts to black out, and he walks into blackness.
MATT: It's like, oh, we didn't program this far. {Audience laughs.} We added that one when somebody emailed us a few days later and was like, "Hey, I got up to three kilometers," and we're like, "Wait! Really?"—
MATT: —"People are doing that?" {Mike gets to 0.02km, then faults.} So we figured we should add something.
MIKE: Anyway—
MATT: And that's—
MIKE: So you gotta factor in a few faults, too, 'cause it sits you there for like five seconds after you make a foot fault.
MATT: What else? What was the—oh yeah, there was some email where someone announces Strong Bad as "The Ramblin' Wreck of Email Check".
MATT: Which is—that's the only other—we tried to figure out if there were any Georgia Tech references on the website.
MIKE: Which is pretty good because there's no, like, Georgia references or Florida State. I mean, it's not like we've got references to everything.
MATT: There's one where somebody, they're from Tallahassee, and he pronounces it "Gainesville".
{Mike and the audience laugh.}
MATT: ...just to piss off... So let's take questions.
MIKE: Questions.
MATT: We're out of things to show.
MIKE: Yeah, we're done.
Part II: Q & A
Q: Where did y'all come up with the idea for Trogdor?
MIKE: Trogdor. Um...
MATT: It's based on Ed Emberley drawing books, which is these things when we were kids, a series of drawing books where it's like "to draw an alligator, you draw a triangle and you draw a rectangle and a bunch of triangles on the back for the scales and two lines," and broke it all down. And so originally the email was gonna be mostly about like how to draw crappy drawings, and so it was Strong Bad's version of that doing this dragon. And we had somewhere—we tried to find it, actually, to bring it up here—just the sheet of Mike and I trying to draw worse dragons than the others, so it's just a sheet of terribly drawn dragons.
MIKE: You can see—
MATT: —And we just decided on that one.
MIKE: Yeah, you can see the sort of the evolution of like, "Oh, well we like the beefy arm sticking out of the back and we—" So it's sort of like 20 or 30 different variations, some of which are pretty hilarious. Some of them are just flat out alligators, like, crocodiles.
MATT: And then the—it's funny, though, because the song at the end of it was a complete afterthought, sort of. Like, we were making the email, and essentially it was an email about bad drawings. It was more like this illustration email, and then Mike was—
MIKE: We're—
MATT: —finishing up the email? We had worked all night, so it was, like, breakfast, and I was in the kitchen making eggs, I think, and just started singing that song, like, as a joke, just singing this Trogdor song, and Mike was like, "Well, now we have to make that."
MATT: And so then we made the end. You know—
MIKE: Here's something else I forgot to show. There's a fake heavy metal band that's Strong Bad's favorite band called Limozeen.
{Someone in the audience shouts "Woo!"}
MIKE: And so we made a real album and had to make some fake album covers, and one {laughs} one of the things I made was that I wanted to make Limozeen doing, like, gang symbols out of fingers, and so I tried to do it. And originally the idea was going to be, like, a hot woman—
MATT: —with like red—
MIKE: —with like red fingernails—
MATT: —Yeah—
MIKE: —and make spelling Limozeen with her fingers somehow, so I did a test to see how it would look, and...
MATT: It's the most obscene....
{Laughter washes out their speech. The camera pans to the screen to show an image of the word "LIMOZEEN" spelled out with cut-outs of photos of a person's fingers.}
MATT: It's so gross.
MIKE: And, like, the "e"s are all fat and stubby!
{More laughter.}
MIKE: It just looks—
MATT: —for the Saw movies.
MIKE: Yeah. I thought we might get arrested if we publish that.
MATT: That is pornographic. I don't know why.
MATT: Obscene. Anybody else have a question? No?
Q: Who does the voices?
MATT: {raises his hand} I do.
Q: Guitar Hero II, you've got this song in there. So how did that come about?
MATT: The guy from Harmonix, Alex Rigopulos just emailed. He's a big fan, and emailed us and was like, "Hey, would you guys be willing to put a, you know, a track in as a bonus track?" He asked about one of the song Trogdor's on, Guitar Hero II for the Playstation 2 as an unlockable track. And so yeah, they were just fans and contacted us, which was pretty awesome. And what else happened with that? Oh, it's funny, 'cause I, wanted to repay the favor, and I was like, "Well, is there anything? You know, I'll send you whatever," and he was like, "Oh, I've already got everything," and I was like, "Oh, I'll send you some T-shirts and some DVDs," and he was like, "I've already gotten it all".
MATT: "Really? All of the T-shirts?" and he was like, "Well, kind of, pretty much." So that was pretty cool to find out that. Most of the stuff, we've rarely sought out any of the cool collaborations that we've been able to do over the years and have just lucked out that people were psyched and, and contacted us which was so... It's a nice, lazy, totally like, what do you call it, non-confrontational way to do it. Sit there and wait for cool people to come to you. {Mike laughs.} That's the moral. Anybody else? {Points.} Yes.
Q: I know a lot of Flash and webcomic sites now, it's becoming common for creators to have a news or a blog page where they just talk about pending projects, things going on in their personal lives, they answer questions from the fans, things like that. They have a comments section. Have you guys ever thought about adding a page like that to your site?
MATT: {Turning to Mike} We were just—
MIKE: Yeah, we just talked about that in the last week or two.
MATT: But what we wanted to make it was the Excuses Blog, and we would only update it when we don't update the website.
MATT: Because we always have a really good reason. We never just blow it off. It's always, like, we're working on some other project, or there's something going on in our lives like—
MIKE: —having a baby or something. {Laughs.}
MATT: {Smiling and pointing to Mike.} Yeah, and so we were just like, "We need to start the Excuses Blog section," and every time we don't update it, it's like, "Hey, look," you know, maybe show a little bit of the other thing we're working on, or something. Or like, "We need to take this week off to work on the DVD." Like the week when we made that "Accent" email, it just sucks, we made this awesome email, and then the next Monday we had to make another cartoon for it, and it was like, "No, we just made a cartoon—"
MIKE: So, yeah, we—
MATT: "Now we have to make two." So we're thinking about it. Because it's the sort of thing where we felt like it would sort of appease people if they knew that, so maybe hate mail wouldn't come in—
MATT: —when we don't update, and people wouldn't be pissed off, like, "Oh, I'm not going back to Homestar anymore, man, they don't update anymore," or something like that which... So, maybe. The Excuses Blog. Look for it in '07.
MIKE: {leaning over and pointing to his right} Question behind someone. I can't see— Yep?
Q: I know you guys have worked with They Might Be Giants several times in the past. Are you all going to keep collaborating?
MIKE: Yep.
MATT: {Turns to Mike} We're trying to, you don't have any—can we show a small clip of that? We can turn the audio down. Maybe they wouldn't care about that.
MATT: We don't know. It's so cool working with them. It's another thing that they just came to us, which was amazing. Like, in the same day we got a package from Jim Mallon, who is one of the producers of Mystery Science Theater. He operated Gypsy—I don't know if anybody knows—and he sent us a Tom Servo, so in the same day, we got a Tom Servo puppet and then got an email from John Linnell from They Might Be Giants, and we could have died the next day and been happy.
MATT: But they're so cool! They're really laid back and we've never had any contacts or agreements in any of the stuff we've done. Like, we made a video for them. It was on MTV. It's on DVDs. Their song is on our DVD, and they've never made us sign any of those things, so it's funny, 'cause we're working on this thing for them now, and I have no idea, we haven't talked about whether we're getting paid for it. We haven't—there's been no discussion of contract, or we didn't have to sign a non-disclosure agreement or anything, so it's funny. I was like—I'd like to just sort of show—
MIKE: It's just—
MATT: {Simultaneously} You can let it play for a little bit.
MIKE: It's a k—
MATT: —the song might be—maybe they wouldn't want people to hear the song.
{The camera pans upward to reveal the music video being played. The first scene shows an overhead shot of cars racing down a figure-eight track (see They Might Be Giants). Cut to a boy in a red cap and blue coat and pants ice skating in a figure eight and moving toward the camera.}
MIKE: They've got some kid's DVDs. There's one called "Here Come the ABCs" and this is called "Here Come the 123s," and so—
{Someone in the audience lets out an "Awww." The scene cuts to an overhead shot of the skating boy.}
MIKE: —it's a video for that.
{The camera cuts to a wide overhead shot to show several small figures skating on a frozen pond, some of which are etching a figure eight into the ice.}
MATT: The number eight.
MIKE: And so, it's just lots of race car driving and kids ice skating—
{Cut to an overhead shot of race cars racing around a figure-eight racetrack in the middle of a desert as a bird flies overhead.}
MIKE: —things like that.
{Cut to a driver-side view of one of the race cars. As the car races along the track, a turn left sign springs up in his windshield. The screen then goes blank as Mike closes the music video.}
MIKE: This was actually something we animated at 18 frames—
MATT: —oh yeah—
MIKE: —kind of just to, 'cause we knew—
MATT: —the robot, show 'em the robot.
MIKE: Oh, the robot. Matt's proud of his robot.
{Matt laughs}
MIKE: Don't nobody talk about these robots on your blog now.
{Mike starts rapidly fast-forwarding through scenes in the music video.}
MATT: But so hopefully, yes, we're actively doing this for them right now, and hopefully, I mean, it's been cool 'cause they've treated us like, not just like some kids that at one time did something with these guys, they treat us like they want to collaborate with us, which has been hugely validating and awesome, so hopefully we'll continue to work with them.
MIKE: Hey Matt, here are your robots.
{The scene has frozen on an image of a spaceship following the path of a sideways rainbow figure eight in space.}
MATT: Oh, awesome. Thanks, Mike. I wanted them to see them.
{The scene shows four robots standing in a row on a glowing purple grid against a dark blue sky. One by one, the robots fold up into a shape, the first and third into a circle that's two-thirds complete and the second and fourth into small rectangles. The four then merge together to form the number eight, which then sprouts a robot head, two arms, and two legs. The robot then flies upward with its left fist raised. Laughter.}
MATT: Yeah. They're kind of Tron transformer robots. Any other questions? Yes.
Q: It's probably to be expected, but I know a lot of us probably want to hear some of the voices.
{Laughter as Matt grins humbly}
MATT: Sure, does somebody have a question for a character? That's always easier to do than to just start talking like them. Do you have a question for a character? {as several audience members start talking at once} Yeah, put your money where your mouth is. What?
Q: {Several members of the audience speak up at once} How do you type with boxing gloves on?
MATT: That's the last question you should ask.
Q: {The same student who asked Matt to do voices} How does the Cheat do voices for his own cartoons?
STRONG BAD: That's what I'd like to know, because from what I can tell, the guy's got two throats.
STRONG BAD: There's this one throat, it's, like, monkeys, you know, that can't talk, like, no matter what. Their vocal cords can't support human speech, you know, and I would, from what I, I've, you know, and I've had to pull stuff out of this throat several times, and he chokes on things and stuff, and it doesn't look like he could talk. And then all of a sudden, he starts making cartoons and he do—he goes into this secret room when he does the voices, so I never see how he does it. And he comes out, and he sounds just like this:
{Matt looks at Mike.}
PBTC HOMESTAR: Hi, Strong Bad. I can do it all the time.
STRONG BAD: It's amazing. I don't know how he does it.
MATT: {Points} Yeah.
Q: I have a question for Homestar.
MATT: Oh. {Laughs with audience} Does anybody have any more questions for human people?
MIKE: {raises his hand} 'Cause I'll leave if not.
Q: {Same audience member} Did he ever get a new cow lamp?
HOMESTAR RUNNER: I've been to every thrift store and vintage store and antique store in the country, {voice raises as if on the verge of tears} and I've not found another cow lamp. {voice returns to normal} So if anyone wants to make me a custom cow lamp, uh, that would be great. Uh, just so you know, it's made of out, like, dried, I don't know if it's animal skin or something, and it has the leather, like, binding around the top. It was three of those with, like, caveman drawings of cows. It was my favorite lamp.
MATT: {Pointing} Did you have a human question?
Q: Yeah. Speaking of voices, what do you do for recording voices?
MATT: We have a little sound room, a fairly—it's not soundproof by any means, but it's better than sitting in front of the computer in our old crappy apartment, which is what we used to do. And so we've run into—we just have a decent mike. We've got a low impedance one that after like three feet, it just stops recording sound. And we go to USB Preamp that M-Audio makes, which is great. It's got XLR and quarter-inch inputs, and that just goes USB into the computer, and we use {laughs} again, like, a five-year-old copy of Cool Edit Pro to do all the stuff. Now it's all Adobe Audition, and we also have new versions of that, but that's worked out for us, so... nothing fancy.
MIKE: It's good that it doesn't record sound after about three feet, because in old recordings, when we had an apartment together, you could hear me, like, doing the dishes. There's one sound—
MATT: —Find the worms. Squishiness.
MIKE: Oh, the worms... {starts looking for the file}
MATT: Do you have the main page or something? {turns to audience} There's a sound of this, like {makes squishing noises} of squishing that we've used forever, and you can hear, I think, {points to Mike} you recorded that sound, actually.
MATT: And you can hear me whistling in the background. And we still use it, it's great. I've tried to sort of get the whistle out of it, but I kind of like that.
MIKE: Which one is that?
MATT: ...whistle. What's the...
{Audience member suggests the Halloween Main Page.}
MATT: Is there anyone from the Wiki here? {Turns toward screen, where Mike has the Wiki page "Main Pages" up} Yeah, see, main pages. Which is the Halloween one?
MIKE: Graveyard. Seven.
MATT: Seven! Okay, there you go.
MATT: See, that's what we do as we're making cartoons, we'll do that about a hundred times. There is worm, so crank it, crank it.
{The camera pans up to the screen as Mike turns up the volume.}
MATT: Listen at the end, you'll hear me whistling.
{Mike plays the squishy sound heard when the mouse passes over "Toons" or "Games" on Homestar Runner Main Page 7. At the end of the sound clip is a faint whistle. The audience laughs. Mike plays the sound again. More laughter.}
MATT: So that's—
{Mike closes the main page window, revealing another window with Strong Bad and The Cheat standing in Homestar's house. Homestar's broken cow lamp is on the floor, and Strong Bad's face is sticking out from the side of his head.}
MIKE: There's one working now—
MATT: —sound has improved.
MIKE: There's one where you can clearly hear a truck driving by because the window was open. We had this apartment that no air conditioning, I mean, it was just awful in the summertime, so you just had the window open, and you could hear dogs barking and trucks driving by and stuff.
MATT: {Gets out of his chair and points at the screen} Look, there's a goof. The—
MIKE: What?
MATT: —shadow of Homestar's little table is going over the cow lamp.
MIKE: Oh, yeah.
{Matt returns to his chair as Mike moves the image of the cow lamp slightly to the right.}
MIKE: {playfully} Not anymore...
MATT: Re-upload that. Any other questions?
Q: Is there any Easter eggs that we don't know about yet?
MATT: Probably not. I don't think, I think it, with, I know with the advent of the Wiki, there's nothing, we can't hide anything. It's funny, because people started watching it, like they watch it full screen, and so you can see all this other crap that we kind of don't want you to see on the side that's just the edges of graphics and things, and so like. When Homestar walks in, and he just disappears, you know, when he leaves the frame or whatever, and so if you watch it, and it's nice to watch it full screen, I understand, but you get all this extra crap that kinda makes the cartoon ugly, and so that's why for a while, we made that border huge, like, the symbol was gigantic so that even if you watched it all the way, it's still black on the edges if you watch it full screen. But so because people are, they just start poking around, they decompile our Flash files and look at stuff, and so we've started adding a few things here and there for the nerds that do that stuff.
MATT: And so there's one where these two Homestars appear, like, it appears that there's two Homestars, you can barely see the edge of his feet on that side of the frame, like, that's in the actual cartoon, so then to make it consistent in the universe, one of them has a mustache, but you only see it if you decompile the Flash thing and be like, "Oh, that's Homestar with a mustache." And then, what else? There's something where recently Strong Bad almost showed you a picture. People always ask about the characters' parents, and we just, that's something that we don't want to touch, We're just like, "Who cares what their parents look like?"
MIKE: {Turns to Matt} Is it this one? Which one is it?
MATT: No, it's the chair. He gets the new chair.
MIKE: Oh. Chair.
MATT: And so we decided we would—he acts like he's showing you his parents, but something's in the way, so you can't see this photograph, and so if you decompile it, though, and look at that symbol, it says "Nice try" or something like that on it, knowing that people were going to do that. The Easter eggs have had to go into this technical Flash level just to hide stuff. {points to an audience member} Yeah?
Q: Is that why you guys did the widescreen for the special email, I think it was, maybe it was the hundredth one?
MATT: Oh, the virus one.
MIKE: No, no, it was—
MATT: Yeah, it was—
MIKE: —hundred, hundredth—
Q: {Same audience member} Where he goes, "Whoa, where have you been?" and he said, "I'm always here."
MATT: Right.
Q: {Same audience member} "I think I live here."
MATT: {Laughs} Yeah, exactly.
MIKE: I don't have that email.
MATT: You don't have one hundred on here?
MIKE: No, one sixty-two. I was looking for the "Nice Try Dodongo."
MATT: Oh, oh.
{Audience member says "It's on the Wiki."}
MATT: It is?
{Same audience member says "Yeah." Mike laughs.}
MATT: If we don't have it here, look on the Wiki.
MATT: Anybody else? {Points} Yeah?
Q: Will there be more Peasant's Quest games?
MATT: We were just, we went on a big long walk yesterday and were talking about the future of Peasant's Quest. So it takes a long time to do that one. It took us, like, six months to make or something but yeah, hell yeah.
MIKE: Peasant's quest is a King's Quest-like graphic text adventure, and most of our video games and most of the games we make on the side are intentionally, like, 1985-to-1989-era graphics.
MATT: We try to make them fun, unlike the one we showed you.
MIKE: {Laughing} Yeah.
MATT: They look like old graphics. We're trying to actually make—
MIKE: They're more fun than that one, but anyway, yeah, so I was just lamenting the fact, I think it's been almost three years since the first one came out, and we just not gotten around. It was like a six month process to make the whole thing, so... We'll make another one.
MATT: When we have time.
MATT: {Turns around and points behind him} Yeah, somebody else over here?
Q: Where's Stinkoman level 10?
{Mike laughs}
MATT: That's also coming. Now, it will probably will come before Peasant's Quest, actually. That's totally in the works, and what we're going to do is maybe add difficulty levels and midpoints to each of the levels too, because people were always complaining that it was too annoying and hard, so we're going to add midpoints to the level and maybe difficulty levels so maybe people will actually play it.
MIKE: Here's a Stinkoman theme song that we've never used. {Plays an audio file as the camera pans upward to the screen.}
DA VINCI's NOTEBOOK: {singing}
Stinkoman {A silhouette of Stinkoman posing is superimposed behind the "Stinkoman 20X6" title.}
Stinkoman {The scene pans left to a silhouette of Stinkoman running. The same title starts out small in front of the silhouette and grows increasingly larger.}
Fight fight fight fight fight {With each "fight," the scene switches to Stinkoman in a different running or fighting pose. The scene cuts to a blank white screen at the end.}
Challenge challenge challenge challenge challenge
MIKE: I didn't do any more animation.
...20X6 {Brief cut to Stinkoman in a fighting pose pulling out his knife, then back to the blank screen.}
All over the universe, the victims he has {inaudible}
MIKE: {Stops the audio file} Anyway, some people—
MATT: The guys from Da Vinci's Notebook, who is this humorous a cappella band that's kind of broken up now?
MATT: —did that a long time ago. They're the same guys who did this cartoon called the "Ballad of the Sneak" on the website. {Points} Yes?
Q: How do you all do the writing? Is it just, you look at the emails, and if one strikes you as really funny, you go with it? Or do you have to think in advance?
MATT: Both ways. We'll look through the emails. We have a "good ones" folder that when we find one we think is good, we'll just separate it and just be, like, not necessarily that right then it starts to write itself, but just like, "Oh, that has potential," and so we'll always go back and look at the good ones folder. Or sometimes there's time where it's like, we want to do an email about this, so let's search. Fortunately, he gets enough emails that you can usually just go—
MIKE: —we reverse engineer it.
MATT: Yeah, do a search for that word and see that they'll be five or six emails of that, pick the one that's the best. Like that "Accent" one, 'cause like I said, that was one that we wrote a long time ago 'cause we get that question all the time, so it's like, "Oh, that will be an easy one to find," so just looked up "Accent" in whatever, in Thunderbird, and it brought up, like, that one has like 30 results for things, so just pick the one that we like the best and, uh, so yeah. And then as far as just straight-up writing for cartoons and even for emails we usually, we're pretty tapped out by Monday or Tuesday, whenever we put up the cartoon, so we take it easy one of those days, and then starting on Wednesday, we just go for long walks and try and eat at weird places to make us think of funny stuff, or just trying to get inspiration from whatever, just trying. Where we work is pretty, you know, we work in a kind of a depressing strip mall which is always good.
MIKE: Kind of depressing?
MATT: No, in a good way.
MIKE: No, the other places of business are Piccadilly Cafeteria, a hearing-aid store—
MIKE: —a medical supply store—
MATT: —like canes and walkers—
MIKE: —yeah, an adult diaper store—
MATT: —adult diaper wholesaler—
MIKE: —yeah, scooters, and then there's a Family Dollar and Big Lots. I mean, everything is, like, for old people or—
MATT: That's right.
MIKE: Yeah, so it's pretty good. So we're in the basement there and nobody knows what we do. We just walk in there and lock the door and people always try to open the door. There's been a couple of times when we don't lock the door, and people just poke their head in, thinking we're, I don't know what they think we are, but they just come in and it's like, "Hey, leave, please." {Laughs}
MATT: Anybody else? {points behind him} Yes?
Q: How much time do you actually spend checking emails?
MATT: There will be, I mean, the days when we're looking for one if we're, like, don't have an idea to go for, we'll both sit there for an hour or more just reading emails. I mean, unfortunately they break down into, you know, five categories that are all the same, so it's having to find the ones that aren't that, and especially now that we're at 170, it's like even, if it's like, yeah, it's a different question, but it's kind of treading the same territory. We're trying to, you know, we gotta try and keep it fresh for us, too, in addition to trying to keep it for the viewer. I mean, people will just want him to draw Trogdor again. That's like 50% of the emails he gets.
MATT: "Draw another dragon" or "draw Trogdor again" or "draw a girlfriend for Trogdor."
MIKE: Yeah, a girlfriend for Trogdor.
MATT: So... {points in front of him} Yes?
{Audience member behind him says "Things for what not to email about."}
MATT: {Looks behind him} What?
{Same audience member says "These are hints for what not to email about." Matt laughs.}
MATT: Yeah, exactly.
MIKE: Yeah, did we ever do that?
MATT: {Simultaneously} We've been talking about making an email that's him doing that. Like here's the—
MIKE: —asking about his parents—
{Audience member says in a mock-Strong Bad voice, "Never email me these things"]
MATT: There you go. Yeah, get him to do the voices.
MATT: {Points in front of him} Yeah?
Q: I was just curious what kind of staff you guys have {inaudible—audience member continues to ask about the size and composition of the Homestar Runner staff}
{Matt leans back in his chair and puts one arm behind Mike and the other behind Ryan. Mike points both fingers between Ryan, Matt and himself.}
MATT: Our sister does all of the business. She runs the online store, and that's it. Four of us, basically. So not much on our staff.
MIKE: {points to his right} Yep.
Q: What's Homsar up to these days?
MATT: Homsar? {Mike laughs} You know, lurking in the shadows, floating around probably, somehow defying the laws of physics.
MATT: Those are some of his hobbies. He's doing pretty good.
HOMSAR: Don't touch my severance package.
MATT: That's a little more obscene than I wanted.
{Laughter. Matt points in front of him.}
Q: One of the things I admire about the site is that, I know you do voices for 95% of the characters, and each one is distinctive, different. Did you study voice acting in college?
MATT: No, Mike always says it was just 'cause I was the youngest and wanted attention the most when I was a kid, so I had to invent some way to make people pay attention to me.
MIKE: We also just watched, like, Bugs Bunny cartoons, and he's got a very good memory, so he was just always talking, quoting Simpsons or old Bugs Bunny cartoons and doing the voices, and—
MATT: In Mr. Turnipseed's algebra class, they would have—I didn't even realize my voice was changing—
MIKE: —You had a teacher named Mr. Turnipseed?!
MATT: Yeah.
MIKE: Really?!
MATT: I could do, when my voice was changing, it was only this short window of opportunity, I could do a really good Marge, and Mr. Turnipseed would have me do it for the class, {Mike laughs} and I would just say, "Oh Bart" or something like that, and my voice was pubescent enough that I could squelch it out. So, no, I never got any formal training or anything like that. But I don't know, when we first started making the cartoon Mike was just like, "Well, I'm not doing these voices, so you make something up." {Mike laughs} And, like, "All right, well, what about Coach Z?" and he was like, "I'm not doing that either."
MIKE: Well, Coach Z was a char—he used to do this really depressing Midwestern guy or something. We'd just be hanging out or something, and Matt would just turn into this really depressing guy and like, {voice switches to an imitation of Coach Z} "Oh geez, I don't, things aren't going so good."
MIKE: And so he's actually, Coach Z's become pretty depressing. He'll just, like, get drunk instantaneously sometimes, and things like that, and this guy was even more depressing than Coach Z is. {Matt laughs}
MATT: Yeah. Anybody else? Questions? {Looks around the room}
MIKE: We've got 17 minutes left, guys. C'mon.
MATT: {points behind him} Yeah?
Q: Where did Teen Girl Squad come from?
MATT: That really came from an email, I mean, it was an email that somebody sent. Actually, I think that's the only Strong Bad Email that was not sent to Strong Bad. It was actually sent to Mike and I, so it didn't say, "Dear Strong Bad." That was something we changed. It was just an email, and what she meant was, "Will you make a cartoon of me and my friends?" is what I'm assuming, and so it's just this girl that was like, "Oh hey, will you make a cartoon of my friends? Here are their names." And so I was like, "Oh, I gotta forward this to Strong Bad."
MIKE: Did you actually do that?
MATT: No. No, I don't think I did forward it to him. I try to not treat the characters like they're real people, too.
MATT: And so that was just, you know, we just really did it, and then decided that this could be something that would be fun to keep doing. And actually, that's one of my favorite—that's another thing that we don't do as often, and it's much easier, obviously, to make, because there's no animation. There's just drawings. But we've tried, so we could crank those out like crazy, but we try to keep it, I don't know, so it feels like that's something we could have made, gotten, some people already think it's already gotten old, but we try, and I feel like the girls have taken on these much more in-depth lives than we ever thought possible.
{Laughter. An audience member remarks, "They're probably not teens anymore."}
MATT: Yeah. They wouldn't be if we were going by—
MIKE: Well, it's possible.
MATT: {Simultaneously} But see, Bart Simpson's been ten years old for, like, whatever, for 15 years or something. So...
MIKE: They're 18 now.
MATT: Was there another... {Points behind him} Yes.
Q: Yeah, the kind of style of humor that you guys have, has that developed over the years, or has it just always been innate as brothers, like, just kind of, you know, because I have a little brother, and we have a weird style of humor.
Q: It's just always how it's been, like, in that, ends up reflected in the way that you guys have favorite jokes, in a way, kinda quirky humor that you guys had background, and like...?
MATT: Yeah, I think it's definitely just, that's just the way we were, I mean, we've just been screwing around with each other and in our whole family, like—
MIKE: Hey now—
MATT: —there were all these dumb whole family inside jokes and stuff like that, and so we just started making the cartoons just sort of to amuse ourselves.
Q: {same audience member} And that's what I really found interesting about it was you were able to take that strange dynamic that is like, how do you express the weird family humor action so well and make it relate to other people. I thought that was really good.
MIKE: Yeah, I was always encouraged when people would say that exact thing. It's like, if there's just being shows and cartoons and being overwritten and written by ten people over a period of months, it sort of loses any sort of that, that was once there.
MATT: Yeah, I don't mean this in a derogatory way, but it's sort of a commentary, not to diss on the Happy Tree Friends, but there was one episode of Happy Tree Friends where the, I think it was the squirrel falls off of a cliff, and his guts just keep coming out, and it gets down to where it's his toe or something comes out of his mouth. And it's pretty, you know, very Itchy and Scratchy style, that whole cartoon is. And at the end there were 20 writers {Mike laughs} for this cartoon. There was, it was like a three-minute long cartoon, and it was mainly just a cat getting his, you know, a squirrel getting his guts ripped out, which is, you know, if that's your thing that's great, that's funny, whatever, but I was like, "Really? It took 20 people to be like, 'Oh wait, and then his stomach comes out'?"
MATT: "Oh, I never thought his stomach would come out. I stopped at his lungs. And then we keep going down to his toe." And it took this room full of 20 people writing that.
{Audience member says something inaudible. Mike laughs.}
MATT: Well, there you go. I'm not trying to diss on them. It was just surprising to me that it was, like Mike said, I feel like a lot of stuff gets overwritten, and maybe more—
MIKE: The other thing is, we do all our stuff, pretty much, we try to put out a new cartoon on Monday. Back in the day, it used to be written and produced all day Sunday, but these days it's a little more, usually, we're writing Thursday and Friday and Saturday we're sort of recording and getting stuff done, and then Sunday is a marathon session of animating. So everything's written and produced within 2 or 3 days of you seeing it, so it's sort of an immediacy to it that wouldn't be there. That's why we've always not been interested in doing TV where you've got to write episodes six months in advance, and it would lose some of the, I don't know, spontaneity of the writing. You'd overthink something and not put in there. Whereas now, we're just like, four in the morning, and like, yeah let's just do that and it's a double-edged sword. Sometimes that probably yields terrible results but sometimes its good.
MATT: {looking around the room} Is there anybody that hasn't asked a question? {points to an audience member with his hand raised who's asked a question before} Not to... Yes. {points behind him} Yes.
Q: Yeah, {inaudible} my question was since you don't have any financial sponsors or go into advertising, what kind of pressures do you put on yourself {inaudible}?
MIKE: Well, it's mostly the pressure, you know, we try and not to disappoint fans. I mean, I think that for me, anyways, is more incentive to do something, to stay up late, to just give the people that have supported us what they're expecting. So we're trying not to let any financial things influence what we do.
MATT: Yeah, 'cause remember, we got to this point by not caring. We didn't set out to start a business. We were just kind of amusing ourselves and so, it was like, that works to get it to where it is, so if we started to think about, like, "Oh well, we should bring this character back because it was a big seller," then that would change it and probably make it worse. So—
MIKE: Yeah, so it's definitely been a challenge going from it being a spare time, something we do for fun into our job. There is that sort of balance that you've got to deal with, but we try not to let the money side affect any of the creative side at all.
MATT: Our sister lives in Alpharetta and works out of there, so we rarely see her. She does all the business stuff, so— {Laughs} Keep her physically far away from us. {Mike laughs. Matt points in front of him} Yeah, and you had another question.
Q: Who made the puppets?
MATT: Our friend Lucky Yates. He is a local, he used to work at the Center for Puppetry Arts, and now he's an improviser in Dad's Garage, and him and this guy Chris Brown, who are both just local puppeteer guys, made all our puppets.
MIKE: Again, we were friends with them before, you know, we just had friends that were good puppeteers, so like, "Hey, make us some puppets", and if it wasn't for that, we would have never gotten puppets made.
MATT: Yeah. {Points in front of him} Yes?
Q: I know you guys—
MATT: {Pointing to the current audience member speaking to stop another member who was about to speak} —No—
Q: —show up at conventions sometimes. How's your relation—
MATT: —One time. {Mike laughs}
Q: —how's your relationship with other artists in the online comic community, and...
MATT: We don't talk to a lot of them. We have to be kind of heads down in trying to do something every week, you know, for us anyways. But—
MIKE: —we talked to the Red vs. Blue people.
MATT: Yeah, we met the guys from Red vs. Blue. They were all nice dudes. We met them, actually, we did meet them at a, where was that? At South by Southwest.
MIKE: {Simultaneously} At South by Southwest, yeah.
MATT: And the guy that does Dinosaur comics. Anybody know Dinosaur comics?
{A couple of audience members in the back shout "Yeah."}
MIKE: it's really good.
MATT: That's qwantz.com, I think is the website. Mike just bought me some stuff for Christmas from there and the guy saw his email address and was like, "Hey, Homestar Runner. That's awesome." And so we became just sort of email friends with that guy. But yeah, I don't really, it's the sort of thing where we're not trying to be antisocial, but if we sought support from the rest of the web comic, web cartoon community, we could hopefully find it, but we just haven't. We're just three dudes.
MIKE: We're trying to put all of them out of business anyways, so, it's best if we don't—
MATT: That's not—
MIKE: —know who they are.
MATT: {Points in front of him} There was a question over there?
Q: {inaudible}
MATT: {Cups his ears to hear better} Do we have new what?
Q: ...T-shirts here?
MATT: With us? Not, well, I can take... {pretends to take his T-shirt off}
{Laughter. A woman in the back yells "whoo".}
MATT: No, we didn't bring any merch. I'm sorry. {looks at Ryan} Will you run the merch table next time?
{Laughter. Ryan says something inaudible.}
MATT: {Turns around and points behind him} Yes?
Q: Do you find it hard not to wear your own T-shirts?
MATT: It's pretty easy. Most of the ones with the characters now, we've started making these shirts that aren't a character, it's like, there's one that says, "My baby got stole by a bear holding a shark." There's one that I saw {points to an audience member behind him with a Videlectrix shirt on} yeah, the one with the Videlectrix 500—
MIKE: —Yeah, I noticed.
MATT: —disk on it.
{Laughter.}
MATT: Like, we're now making shirts more that we would wear. I mean, not that we didn't want to wear the characters before, and we used to, back in the day, before anybody knew what we were doing, but now, not that people ever know who we are or recognize us, but it would be weird to be like, you're wearing your shirt, and someone's like, "Oh hey, are you one of the Homestar Runner guys?" and you're just like, "Yeah..." {Bows his head in mock embarrassment}
MIKE: I saw "Stone Cold" Steve Austin in the airport a few years ago, and he had a hat and jacket on, and I saw him from afar and thought, "Oh, he's trying to blend in," and then, until I noticed he was wearing a Stone Cold shirt and a WWF hat.
MIKE: It's like, "Oh wait, he's not trying to blend in at all." {Laughs}
MATT: Anybody else? {Points to his right} Yes.
Q: Okay, this is kind of a personal request. I don't know how familiar you guys are with Georgia Tech traditions or anything like that, but could you get Strong Bad to say, "What's the good word?"
MATT: Who, what is, can you explain briefly what the...?
Q: {same audience member} The tradition is, you say, "What's the good word?" and then the response will be "To hell with Georgia."
MATT: Oh, okay.
Q: You say, "What's the good word?" We say, "To hell with Georgia" again. You say "What's the good word," "To hell with Georgia." And then you say, "How bout them Dawgs?" and you'll find out what the response to that is.
MATT: Should I do it, Mike? Is this—
MIKE: I'm not comfortable with this, being a UGA alum.
MATT: Mike went to UGA. I don't know.
{An audience member says "Maybe we should submit, George P. Burdell send you guys an email."}
MATT: Who?
{Same audience member says "George P. Burdell." Another audience member says "Yeah, he's our fake student. We have a fake student at Georgia Tech." Matt laughs.}
MIKE: Nice.
{Another audience member says, "A long story." The previous member says, "He's better than anyone else at this school." Matt laughs.}
MATT: I don't know. Should I do this?
{An audience member says, "Yes."}
MIKE: Yeah, do it. Sure.
MATT: And so I say, "What's the good word?"
{An audience member says, "Yeah."}
STRONG BAD: What's the good word?!
{Audience cries out in unison, "To hell with Georgia!" After a second, someone in the audience says, "Say it again."}
STRONG BAD: What—?
MIKE: Say {inaudible} again.
STRONG BAD: {Simultaneously} Again?
STRONG BAD: What's the good, what is again the good word?!
{Audience cries out in unison, "To hell with Georgia!" }
STRONG BAD: I'm supposed to say it a third time?!
STRONG BAD: {hesitates} WHAT'S THE GOOD WORD?!
STRONG BAD: Then what's my next line?!
{An audience member replies, "How 'bout them Dawgs?"}
STRONG BAD: How 'bout them Dawgs?!
{Audience cries out in unison, "Piss on 'em."}
STRONG BAD: That was...
MIKE: That's it?
STRONG BAD: Is this—so am I supposed to envision a picture of a yellow jacket taking a leak on a bulldog?
STRONG BAD: That's the most disturbing thing ever.
{Continued laughter}
STRONG BAD: You should make those, like, they have the Calvin pissing on Hobbes, Calvin peeing on, you know, Dale Earnhardt, Sandra Bernhard. {Matt looks at Mike} I'm gonna settle that one. Young man's daughter, maybe.
{The audience member who asked the original question says, "Thanks, though. That was awesome." Audience applauds.}
MATT: That'll be five hundred dollars.
MATT: Anything else? I think we're almost out of time here. {Points in front of him} Yes.
Q: You guys were talking about things {inaudible}. Outside of Homestar Runner cartoons, what do you guys do for fun?
MATT: What do we do for fun? We live in Decatur and all are homeowners, so we hang out at each other's—so Ryan's got an awesome porch. We grill out. Ryan's a home brewer, so we go to drink Ryan's beer at his house, which is good. {Ryan nods} I got a Nintendo Wii that I don't play as often as I'd like to.
MATT: So we like video games. We, um...
MIKE: We play basketball sometimes.
MATT: Yeah, we can shoot hoops in the morning, sometimes. We try and do other dumb creative stuff on the side, like Mike just got this awesome—
MIKE: {Points to Ryan} —like Ryan's shirt.
MATT: Yeah. Ryan's shirt {Ryan pulls out the front of his shirt} that says, "Orange is shit." Mike made that. {Mike laughs} It's an orange that's smiling. It says, "Orange is shit." So we're always trying to do other dumb—you know, if we're not doing Homestar. It does sometimes, not necessarily tap you out, but it's a nice thing, like doing that They Might Be Giants, like, videos is actually fun sometimes to do something that's not on the website.
RYAN STERRITT: {Turns to Matt} {inaudible} made, made real quick.
MATT: Yeah, we were daring each other to just make short films and edit them and the idea was that within two hours you had to make a movie and edit it and have a DVD that you could bring over to somebody's house, and called that "Made Real Quick". I don't know. What else? Where do we hang out? Do we hang out?
MIKE: Our houses, yeah.
MATT: {Laughs} We never leave Decatur.
MIKE: We're... becoming domesticated.
MATT: Yeah. Mike's got a baby. I've got one on the way. So you gotta come over, if you—
MATT: If you want to hang out with us.
MIKE: We're a load of fun.
MATT: At our house.
Q: What's the address?
MATT: Anything else?
{Laughter. Mike points to a student at a terminal behind him who's been working relentlessly on an architecture project since before the Brothers Chaps arrived.}
MIKE: This guy's a master of SketchUp over here.
{Ryan and Matt turn around to look at the student. Student says, "No, I'm not." Laughter.}
MIKE: Look at that.
{Joel says something inaudible and then stands up from behind the Brothers Chaps.}
JOEL LINDERMAN: Is there any more questions? Anybody else? Well, I have a poster over here, and you guys are welcome to sign it. I've got Sharpies, so you can show your appreciation for Homestar Runner. Write little notes, but don't write a book, 'cause there's a lot of people, so might need some room on there. And if you just want to give them a hand for coming, taking the time...
{Audience applauds}
MIKE: Thanks, guys.
{Matt waves and says something inaudible. Fade out.}
Andy Griffith's head is from extra plug.
Dale Earnhardt was a noted NASCAR driver. Sandra Bernhard is an American entertainer.
Google SketchUp is a 3D modeling program used mainly for architectural design.
download the video of the event (148 MB)
view the streaming video of the event
visit the Georgia Tech Library website
visit the Georgia Tech Library Calendar info for the event
view the poster for the event (PDF)
read the Ubiquitous Librarian post on the event
forum thread re: "Georgia Tech - 26 Apr 2007"
Retrieved from "http://www.hrwiki.org/wiki/Georgia_Tech_-_26_Apr_2007"
Categories: Uncensored Articles | Interviews and Public Appearances
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ER workers on gang violence: 'We're in a war zone, too'
By John Kass
Published May 10,2018
When two women were shot standing outside Chicago's Mount Sinai Hospital the other night — waiting for news of a relative who'd himself been shot earlier — a witness asked a Tribune reporter:
"What kind of city do we live in?"
The next day the hospital was locked down because of a virtual riot in the lobby.
Chicago is heading toward a mayoral election year so City Hall insists that crime is down. But ER workers — the nurses and doctors who deal with threats and angry families and friends of gang members — know different.
It's only May. The violence is ramping up.
"We see so much sadness, we work with good people, our Sinai family, and we have many patients who are, well, patient," a Mount Sinai nurse told me. "But there's the other side. Every night nurses are verbally abused, physically threatened, spit on. It's a constant barrage. It can get scary. They say, ‘I'll get you after work.'
"And this shooting that happened just the other night outside the hospital? It happened right where I get picked up after work," the nurse said. "It's the law of averages. It's a roll of the dice with gangs out of control. That's my life, man."
As Chicago is again forced to confront the facts of a depleted police force and the gang wars heating up, I put out the question on social media:
What about the hospital workers?
"Mount Sinai is the worst because the ER is right off the street," said a Chicago paramedic. "You've got the families angry when their kid is killed, they're angry, pushing, some threaten the health care workers. It's insane man. There's so much anger out there. It's chaos."
I'm not identifying those I interviewed by name. I wanted them to speak freely, without a corporate suit in the room to intimidate them while taking notes.
But I also spoke with Jeff Solheim, president of the Emergency Nurses Association, which represents 43,000 ER nurses internationally.
Solheim was in Washington on Tuesday pushing for legislation that would require hospitals to report workplace violence and determine security protocols. He said studies show that most if not all ER nurses have been subject to some kind of verbal or physical abuse, from being spat on to being seriously injured.
"Look what happened in Chicago," Solheim said. "We need a safe environment for us and our patients. People shouldn't have to fear for their lives when they go to work."
All the ER workers I interviewed told me they're frustrated with frequent fliers.
Frequent fliers?
"A frequent flier is a repeat customer," another veteran ER nurse told me. "They're shot, you treat them, they shoot someone else, or they get shot again. You just saw them six months ago, and there they are on the stretcher, with their phones, texting. ‘Welcome back frequent flier.'
"In the ER, among us, there's a lot of disgust, sadness, that we're looking at lives being lost," the nurse told me. "And we're scared for ourselves, because we don't know who's coming in the door when the gang families come in. They can be angry, threatening, and we're just trying to do our jobs. Does anybody care?"
A trauma surgeon talked about the warm weather.
"You hear the weather report, it's going to be a nice, sunny weekend and you think ‘Aw, (crap) I'm on call. Sun's out, guns out. That's the way it is. Most people have no idea.
"And the guy with the gang tattoos is shot and he still won't give up his phone, he's texting — insults probably, taunts to some other gang, that'll cause more shooting. And I figure, ‘Oh, you're shot and you're texting? You might live. Then again, you might not.' "
Angry families, including generations affiliated with street gangs, mill about in the waiting room, some pushing to get into the ER.
Threats are made. Anger is vented, at nurses, at doctors. Add to that the psychotic episodes, the drug overdoses, the raging. Cops know, nurses know, doctors know.
The trauma surgeon says he's always asking himself if Chicago really wants to stop the violence. Or is it just political talk?
"Is Chicago really serious about the gang crime? Or is City Hall just content to segregate the violence on the South and West sides of the city? Because you know there aren't enough cops to handle this, not enough detectives to solve the crimes, (and) gun offenders keep coming out of jail like the one that shot Cmdr. Paul Bauer, we all know this," the trauma surgeon said.
"Chicago might not get it. But we see the end result."
How do you deal with it?
"You see them come in, trauma patients with neck tats, gang affiliation, generations of dysfunction, and you ask, ‘You were just going to church, right?' That's the running joke. We see it all the time," the surgeon said.
An ER nurse said she's exhausted.
"We're in a war zone. The gangsters keep bailing each other out on gun crimes. They really don't do real time, they're out with guns and they shoot and they shoot.
"I had a nurse at a different hospital, riding her bike home. Gangsters in a car with a wounded buddy hit her on her bike, taking their buddy to the ER. She had a broken pelvis. Did that make the news? No. We're casualties of this war too."
John Kass is a columnist for the Chicago Tribune who also hosts a radio show on WLS-AM.
© 2020 TRIBUNE CONTENT AGENCY, LLC.
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I'm a multimedia sports reporter in the Washington, D.C. area. I have worked at my craft with a relentless work ethic and passion since 2005 and have had the privilege of covering everything from big WCAC showdowns between DeMatha and Good Counsel to the NFL Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
During my career I have built a reputation as one of the best local high school sports reporters — breaking news about college commitments such as Melo Trimble selecting the University of Maryland, covering big games from my unique perspective, human interest pieces and features that give you a glimpse of local athletes beyond their achievements on the field. I can tell a story with a pen, a still camera and a video camera. The only question is: How do you want your story told?
Tweets from Brian Kapur @BrianKapur
Dez Bryant @DezBryant
I bet every college athlete believe they have a full ride scholarship.. it’s no such thing
Retweet from Brian Kapur
Brian Kapur @BrianKapur
@BloggingTheBoys Dreams do come true
@SNFonNBC
© Kapur Productions
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Better Word
By: Leeland
Integrity Music 2019 Compact Disc
Author BioListen
Contemporary/Pop Praise - Contemporary
Online Stock: 58
Kern's Christian Book & Supply
Leeland came to the forefront of the worship music world in 2004 and debuted their first project, the revolutionary Sound of Melodies, in 2006. Fast forward to now with four GRAMMY nominations and eight GMA Dove Award nominations under their belts, Leeland have become one of the most important voices in a new generation of worship music. Their lives, ministry and music are a true extension of their passion to simply worship God personally and in the context of their community and friends.
Publisher: Integrity Music
Binding: Compact Disc
Leeland is a Christian rock band from Baytown, Texas that came to the forefront of the worship music world in 2004 and debuted their first project, the revolutionary Sound of Melodies, in 2006. Now, with multiple GRAMMY and GMA Dove Award nominations under their belts, Leeland has become one of the most important voices in a new generation of worship music. Their lives, ministry, and music are a true extension of their passion to simply worship God personally and in community. Leeland is composed of Leeland Mooring (lead vocals, guitar), and Casey Moore (guitar, background vocals). The band's original line-up included Jeremiah Wood (guitar), who left the band in late 2006 and was replaced by guitarist Matt Campbell in late spring of 2007, Jack Mooring (piano), Mike Smith (drums) and Jake Holtz (bass).
Yes, You Have
Look Up Child
Daigle, Lauren
How Can It Be
Hills and Valleys
Wells, Tauren
Williams, Zach
The Very Next Thing
Story, Laura
Mercy Me
Beautiful Offerings Deluxe Edition
Chris Tomlin 3CD Collection
Sing Over Me: Worship Songs and
Resurrection Letters: Volume 1
Be One
Grant, Natalie
Redman, Matt
The Darker the Night/The Brighter the
Jobe, Kari
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Getting to Gjirokastra
Attractions in Gjirokastra
Excursions to Gjirokastra Region
The Blue Eye, Sarande and Butrint
Përmet
Antigonea
Tepelenë
Libohovë
Labovë e Kryqit
The Tekke of Melan
Dropull Region
Visit our Artisan Center
From Gjirokastra to THE TEKKE OF MELAN
To get to Melan take the road to Glinë east from the National Road. The road runs up to the bottling plant of the famous Glinë mineral water which can be seen from across the valley. Take the road behind the plant, which has a concrete paved surface for a few kilometres and leads through the villages perched on the skirts of the mountains. Continue straight on and resist all temptation to take tracks or roads to the side even though the middle way narrows considerably when it reaches the village of Grapsh, 4 km from Glinë. From here the road descends in curves to the Tekke of Melan which is entered alongside a small aqueduct that originally brought water to the shrine. The grove of tall ancient Cyprus trees is clearly visible from the track and also from the valley below.
The site has a long history. A massive wall of polygonal and rectangular blocks encircles the end of the promontory suggesting an Epirot or Illyrian fortification. This is supported by finds of ceramics from the 4th-century BC. The wall was reconstructed in the 5th or 6th-centuries AD when many of these ancient hilltop sites were refortified as the power of the Roman Empire declined. It is possible that these are the remains Justinianopolis, a 6th-century city for which a definite site had not been confirmed. Melan may also have been a fortified site in the middle ages as a small single-naved church exists in the undergrowth on the southern side of the fortified enclosure. A cobble-stone road takes visitors up to the Tekke of Melan past a fine Ottoman fountain, the original destination of the aqueduct. At present, it serves as a religious centre for the Bektashi Shia: Muslims who celebrate the annual festivals of Greater Bairam, Lesser Bairam and the Nevruz Holiday. There is a Dervish in permanent residence. The present Tekke buildings were erected in 1800 by Father Ali from Gjirokastra whose tomb is in the Turbe in front of the main Tekke structure.
The main building consists of a circular prayer hall with annexed rooms and galleries. The façade of the building has a fine upper gallery and the whole is constructed in typical Epirot style with the well-cut stone blocks typical of the area. The current Tekke of Melan was built on top of a previous Bektashi monastery, which was led by Father Hasan. Originally the Tekke was situated on the main route north along the eastern side of the valley. The English Baron Cam Hobhouse passed by in 1809 with his friend Lord Bryon during their journey from Prevesa to visit Ali Pasha at Tepelenë. This road was superseded when Ali Pasha erected a series of bridges and causeways across the low lying river plain.
Home | About Gjirokastra | Visiting Gjirokastra | About Us | Help Save Gjirokastra | Site Map
This website has been created by the Gjirokastra Conservation and Development Organization
Web Design by: Enea Godroli
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2018 Phoenix Classic
Women's volleyball adds Indiana native
LEBANON, Tenn.-- Cumberland women's volleyball has announced the signing of Faith Weitzel for the 2020 Fall season.
Slaughter resigns as Women's Volleyball coach
LEBANON, Tenn. – Cumberland University women’s volleyball coach Kathy Slaughter has resigned as head coach effective February 16th. Assistant coach Hannah Vadakin will step in as the program’s new head coach.
Women's volleyball adds incoming Freshman
LEBANON, Tenn.-- Cumberland women's volleyball announced the signing of Karrigan Bludworth for the 2020 season.
Cumberland in third place for MSC President's Cup
LEBANON, Tenn.- Cumberland Athletics sits in third place for the Mid-South Conference President's Cup after the completion of the fall sports. Cumberland is trailing Lindsey Wilson and University of the Cumberlands.
Perez signs with Women's Volleyball
LEBANON, Tenn. – Cumberland Women’s Volleyball coach Kathy Slaughter announced the signing of Dickson, Tenn., native Maddie Perez to scholarship papers this week for the 2020-21 academic year.
Women's Volleyball lose, 3-2, in MSC Quarterfinals
BOWLING GREEN, Ky.--The Phoenix fought tooth and nail against Life in the Mid-South Conference Tournament, but fell to the Running Eagles tonight in five sets, 3-2.
Slaughter, Nalovic, Serna, Wickham garner honors at MSC championship banquet
LEBANON, Tenn. – Senior Masa Nalovic was voted First Team All-Mid-South Conference and seniors Mikayla Wickham and Lyssette Serna earned Second Team All-MSC honors. Head coach Kathy Slaughter was voted Mid-South Conference Coach of the Year, as announced by the league office Wednesday night in Bowling Green, Ky.
Edmonston garners her third MSC Defender of the Week honors
LEBANON, Tenn.- Cumberland's Sadie Edmonston was voted Mid-South Conference Volleyball Defender of the Week helping the Phoenix to a perfect 3-0 record last week.
Phoenix Volleyball set to face Life in Mid-South Conference Tournament
LEBANON, Tenn. – Cumberland women’s volleyball is slated to play Life University in the quarterfinals of the Mid-South Conference Championships this Thursday, as announced by the league office Sunday afternoon.
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Home ASP Telenisus Debuts WebStructure
Telenisus Debuts WebStructure
By Kevin Newcomb | February 27, 2001
Telenisus Corporation Monday (Feb 26) introduced WebStructure, its managed Internet infrastructure services for customers who want to move beyond the "just hosting" services and step up in class with greater security, reliability and growth capabilities.
In addition, Telenisus has opened a new advanced hosting center near Washington D.C., more than doubling the company's capacity to support the Internet infrastructure needs of customers quickly and reliably. The center is located within the Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX) Internet Business Exchange (IBX) center in the Washington, D.C. area.
"The introduction of our WebStructure and newest hosting center is further assurance to Telenisus customers that their on-line needs are in the best of hands," said Mayer Becker, vice president of marketing and product management, Telenisus. "When it's time to move from 'just hosting' to managed Internet infrastructure that is world-class in security, reliability and scalability, customers need to look no further than to Telenisus and its customer focused team of professionals."
Telenisus' WebStructure services address the growing needs of businesses that face increasingly complex Internet requirements that can't be met by ordinary hosting providers. These businesses also lack the in-house resources to properly implement and manage Internet needs quickly, securely and cost-efficiently.
WebStructure gives customers an all-in-one approach to protecting and conducting business over the Internet. The primary elements of WebStructure by Telenisus include:
Telenisus managed hosting, managed information security and managed virtual private networking services for the connectivity, robust infrastructure and data protection and storage required for e-business.
Built for e-Business automated service delivery platform, consisting of an operations support system, customer portal, network operations center, hosting centers and hardware/software, upon which Telenisus delivers and supports highly engineered solutions.
Patent-pending multi-tier security architecture, a unique combination of firewalls, switching, intrusion detection and software to defend customer applications, data and infrastructure from compromise.
Deep subject matter expertise, including professional services security consultants and more than 100 other technical professionals who hold more than 260 industry certifications.
The newest addition to Telenisus' Built for e-Business service delivery platform is its hosting center in the Washington, D.C. area, the company's second. It joins a center in Chicago, open since June 2000, as the home of the Telenisus hardware and software architecture from which the company offers its managed hosting and storage services.
"These two centers provide us with capacity to serve customers very quickly," Becker said. "Customers can benefit in days, not months, from our advanced Internet infrastructure technology, backed by industry-leading experts."
Telenisus hosting centers are collocated in data centers owned and operated by best-in-industry partners. In addition to serving its own customers with hosting, storage and business continuance services from its newest hosting center, Telenisus will make its full suite of managed security services – including managed firewall, authentication, intrusion detection, security consulting and training – available to the Internet companies participating in Equinix's neutral IBX centers.
WebStructure by Telenisus leverages strong relationships with technology leaders, including Check Point Software Technologies (Nasdaq: CHKP) for security products, EMC (NYSE: EMC) for enterprise storage management and Cisco Systems for load balancing, security and switching/routing. Reflecting its capabilities in providing managed Internet infrastructure services, Telenisus is a Check Point Certifi
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Home Small Business GlobalMedia.com a Winner in Recent Webcast Ratings
GlobalMedia.com a Winner in Recent Webcast Ratings
By Paul Nicholls | December 14, 2000
[Vancouver, CANADA] GlobalMedia.com (NASDAQ:GLMC), the Internet broadcasting and e-services provider, was happy to learn today that its clients include 15 of the top 75 Arbitron September Webcast Ratings.
The Arbitron Webcast Ratings measured over 1000 Webcast stations and channels. The GlobalMedia properties logged 928,400 aggregate tuning hours during the month of September.
GlobalMedia's properties represent a wide range of formats covering the variety of GlobalMedia.com's Network. The popular KPIG (known as "The Pig") joined the ranks at number 18 with its Americana format.
"This Arbitron Report is another proof point that our acquisition strategy is paying off," said Mike McHenry, GlobalMedia executive vice president. "And with our recent association with HiWire, we are now able to generate revenue for our affiliate base."
GlobalMedia.com creates end-to-end solutions for streaming and e-commerce on the Internet and over broadband. It provides businesses with customized, private label rich media players that generate revenue through advertising and online retail sales.
It won the prestigious Linux Journal award for the "Best Overall Linux Solution" at Comdex Fall '99.
The company's applications are scalable, easily implemented, and highly customizable. It is regarded as one of the major publicly traded providers of streaming solutions to traditional media broadcasters in radio, television and film.
www.globalmedia.com
www.arbitron.com
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DVD Profiler
DVD Profiler for iOS
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Invelos Forums->DVD Profiler: Contribution Discussion Page: 1... 248 249 250 251 252 ...317 Previous Next
List of Accepted Birth Years with Documentation.
Devion27
Registered: April 3, 2008
Greg Ward=1961
Larger Than Life, Slacker, Omega Cop
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0102943/?ref_=ttfc_fc_tt
Greg Ward
Power Ranger Super Megaforce, Spartacus, Power Rangers Mystic Force
Pending Greg Ward=1961
http://www.mulligansmovies.com/
AiAustria
Profiling since 2004
Quoting Devion27:
This is not a documentation at all
Even the IMDB links don't link to the actors.
I'd assume this is only one person (and he has a third entry in IMDB as Greg Ward (II)). This BY is unacceptable, until you can add any documentation besides IMDB.
Complete list of Common Names • A good point for starting with Headshots
T!M
User since 6 Dec. 2000
Registered: March 13, 2007
Quoting SwissFilm:
Tim Woodward (1953) BY already in the database, but not documented.
Tim Woodward (1953)
Actor in London has fallen, Legend, K-19, Jerico, RKO 281 and many others.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0941000/?ref_=fn_nm_nm_1
Tim Woodward (????)
Producer of The Importance of Blind Dating
Writer of documentaries like The Rocky Mountain Fly Highway, Idaho, the Movie
Actor only in The Golden Age
Director only in short video Final Archive
Actor in Barstool Cowboy and Over Unity (Short)
Actor in Untitled (filming)
BY 1953 already accepted in the database.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I can see, none of titles of any of the other Tim Woodward's you mention, actually exist in the DVD Profiler database. Note that birth years are only allowed if two people with the same (common) name appear in the DVD Profiler database - merely the fact that people exist isn't enough. If all Tim Woodward credits in the database belong to the same person, then the addition of the birth year is invalid.
Quoting AiAustria:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0911563/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t97
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2115122/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cl_t116
Sorry i messed up late last night will change the links above right now feel free to look
I'll open a thread in the contribution forum for this guy, since I don't believe, the birth year to be necessary...
@Kluge: Please keep this guy off the list, until we can clarify the BY to be needed.
@Contributers: Please stand back a little bit, contributing the BY=1961, since it is not sufficiently documented right now.
Registered: August 4, 2007
Jim Miller (1955)
Collateral, Agent Cody Banks, Serving Sara, Wild Wild West, 2 Days in the Valley, Get Shorty, Addams Family Values, For Love or Money, The Addams Family, Let It Ride, The Milagro Beanfield War
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Miller_(film_editor)
What to Expect When You're Expecting, Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle
Jim Miller (19??)
Gladiator Cop, The Legend of Billie Jean
Moroz po kozhe
Updated List of Accepted Birth Years
Billy Cook (1928-1981)
Beau Geste, The Blue Bird
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Cook_(actor)
Billy Cook (19??)
Green Street 3: Never Back Down, Ripper Street, Traveller
Jeff Gardner (1974)
Invader, Shin kaitei gunkan, Patriot Games, Hairspray
Jeff Gardner (19??)
Robot Chicken, Moral Orel
Michael Hoffman (1956)
Director | Writer | Producer
12 and Holding, Gambit, One Fine Day, The Best of Me, Soapdish, The Emperor's Club, The Last Station, Restoration, Game 6, The Great New Wonderful, Love Relations, A Midsummer Night's Dream, The Narrows, Promised Land, Restless Natives, Some Girls
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Hoffman_(director)
Michael Hoffman (19??)
The Alpha Incident, 90210, Baywatch, Beyond Paradise, Too Rich: The Secret Life Of Doris Duke, ER,
Final Examination, Tejing xinrenlei, Men of War, I Do...I Did, More Mercy
The Big Bus, Camp Cucamonga, Carny, Damnation Alley, Death Wish 4, Running Scared, The Monster Squad, Patriot Games, Sleepwalkers, Street Hawk, Final Chapter: Walking Tall, The Presidio, Walker : Texas Ranger, Pretty in Pink.
Miami Connection
Last edited: by Kluge
Joseph Roman (1927)
Bugsy, Murphy's Law, Quincy M.E., Columbo, You Are There (TV Series)
http://www.historyforsale.com/joseph-roman-printed-photograph-signed-in-ink/dc199344
Joseph Roman (19??)
Jason Chan (1971)
Der letzte Patriarch, Dance of the Dragon, The Leap Years, Candy, Stealth, Power Rangers DinoThunder.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jason_Keng-Kwin_Chan
Jason Chan (19??)
The Ruby in the Smoke
Discostu
I'm sorry, Dave.
Registered: October 17, 2010
Quoting CubbyUps:
Paul Wagner
http://www.iafd.com/person.rme/perfid=paulwagner/gender=m/paul-wagner.htm
http://www.yobt.com/model/Paul_Wagner.html
BY=?
Next Stop Wonderland
Windhorse
1982 BY Contributed
Profile Contribution Approved Mar 30 2012 5:25PM
Paul Wagner (1899)
German actor and voice actor
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0906040/reference
https://www.synchronkartei.de/?action=show&type=talker&id=733
Pending.
Recently bought films:
The Matrix [Blu-ray] | Shirins Wedding [DVD] | The Graduate [Blu-ray] | Prometheus [Blu-ray 3D] | Hwal [DVD]
ninso4
Registered: January 16, 2010
Josh Singer
Producer - Spotlight, etc.
BY= 1972
Visual Effects Artist - Life of Pi, The Town, etc.
Everything will be okay in the end. If it's not okay, it's not the end.
Last edited: by ninso4
Crew - 10 Rillington Place, Return to Oz, etc.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0020315/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr17
Writer - Big Bad Beetleborgs, Mysitic Knights of Tir Ta Nog, Beetleborgs Metallix
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm1678477/?ref_=ttfc_fc_wr1
Status: Contributed
Last edited: by Devion27
Crew - The Vampire Diaries , The Originals, The Blind Side, Ect.
BY= ????
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0281984/?ref_=ttfc_fc_cr435
Writer / Actor - Big Bad Beetleborgs, Beetleborgs Metallix
BY=1959
At least one more...
David Fletcher (????): Special Effects; aka. Dave Fletcher, David Christian Fletcher
Known for: Prisoners, Face/Off, The Blind Side, Rocky V and many more including TV series like The Vampire Diaries
Documentation: IMDB as David Fletcher (I)
David Fletcher (1942): Military Historian
Born December 24th, 1942 in UK
Known for: Britain's Greates Machines: 1910's: Triumph and Tragedy, Greatest Tank Battles, Battlefield Detectives, Sworn Secrecy: Secrets of War and many more documentaries about tanks.
Documentation: Wikipedia, IMDB as David Fletcher (XV), Osprey Publishing, OverDrive, LibraryThing
David Fletcher (1959): Actor, Writer
Born September 11th, 1959 in Princeton, New Jersey, USA
Known for: Beetleborgs Metallix, Curse of the Shadowborg and Big Bad Beetleborgs
Documentation: IMDB as David Fletcher (III)
Copyright © 2000-2020 Invelos Software, Inc. All rights reserved. Contact Us | Privacy Policy | Account Settings | Invite a Friend | FAQ Follow @Invelos
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English councils accused of hiding scale of homelessness crisis
English councils have been accused of deliberately hiding the scale of the rough sleeping crisis in England by changing the way they compiled figures for the 2018 official count, the Guardian can reveal.
Trump believes Kelly is hiding information from him: Report
US President Donald Trump has learnt that White House chief of staff John Kelly has called him “an idiot” on several occasions and believed that the retired four-star Marine general is hiding information from him, according to a new report.
Govt. accused of hiding figures after 1,000 cars torched
Vandals in France have torched nearly 1,000 cars on New Year’s Eve amid accusations that the government is hiding the actual figures of crime.
‘US firms hiding trillions in offshore funds’
Leading poverty charity Oxfam revealed on Thursday that the top 50 biggest companies in the United States have hidden trillions of dollars in offshore funds amounting to more than the GDP of Spain, Mexico and Australia.
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black ⊇ schwarz: Spatio-Temporal Composition with Mirjam Dorsch
[installation::Konsumeverein, Braunschweig, Germany @ 5×2 Klangkunst exhibition::2010::with Mirjam Dorsch]
The spatial sound, or the site-specific sound can be hardly obtained when only rely on traditional stereo set up. As soon as one adds more, even just one more loudspeaker in the space, suddenly everything changes. I mean, E-V-E-R-Y-T-H-I-N-G. Who said sound has to be perceived like images? But strangely, or not strangely at all when considering how awfully visually orientated society are we living in, more than often times we do perceive sounds just like images: frontal, central, and unidirectional. Anyway, sounds has this extreme advantage as an art making material: it can be everywhere at the same time, it can move in the space freely, people can easily go into the sound field and also freely move inside. To get one hundred per cent out of these advantages, the use of multi-channels setting seems to be absolutely necessary. With all these ideas and excitement, I started to make some experiments and tests in my studio with different equipment that I could get my hands on, and the opportunity to realize a big scale installation came to me. “5×2 Klangkunst” was a 5 months long run exhibition program inviting five couples of artists working together to realize sound art piece.
I joined with Mirjam Dorsch, who is visual artist but has excellent sensibility on spatial arrangement with her minimalist sculptures. [ black is a superset of schwarz ] is ten channels sound installation that is to be experienced in a completely dark, a room-inside-room space. The space is enclosed by industrial plastic covers mounted on six walls structure. There is no light at all inside, but four sub woofers, five middle range loudspeakers, one high range twitter and four electric fans. The four sub woofers are mounted behind walls embracing the whole space and they diffuse smoothly panning sounds in circular way between the four channels. Other six loudspeakers are mounted in the boxes that has the same shape as the ground plan of the space (and we can not see them!) diffusing randomly triggered sounds that interact between each other. The fans are placed at regular distances in the space. I hoped that the air waves produced by fans doing something to the movement of sound waves, and I felt like it worked, but no way to prove it to myself. But later, the audiences liked very much the gentle air touching their skins in the dark, so, it’s all good anyway. When people come into the space, normally it takes 3 to 5 minutes for their eyes to get used to the darkness. Then people regain their ability to have visual orientation and start to recognize diverse things in their visual field, even tough things look like just some dark silhouettes. The same process goes for the ears now. People start to recognize the three dimensional sounds and they try to orient themselves by measuring the distances between sounds and the self. But as soon as they try, the efforts surprisingly fails because the sounds are constantly moving and creating different interactions between them. The main idea of the whole thing was to make some kind of conceptual connection between seeing and hearing, and that just becomes obvious from the fact that I was working with a visual artist who bravely decided to show everything in the dark(!).
This entry was posted in collaboration, installation, spatio-temporal composition, structure and tagged collaboration, installation, multi-channel, spatio-temporal composition, structure on May 16, 2014 by czesio.
← Flicker::Spatio-Temporal Composition On Board: Spatio-Temporal Composition →
Elevator: Spatio-Temporal Composition The Paperwork: Spatial Composition/Performance with Audrey Martin The Issue: installation work @ Galeria Labirynt On Board: Spatio-Temporal Composition
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Australian Catholic Social Justice Council_November Briefing
The Australian Catholic Social Justice Council’s (ACSJC) Briefing for November is now up on the website. The Briefing covers issues of Catholic social teaching in November 2018, highlighting resources, media items and diary events. It can be read here (ACSJC_Monthly Briefing_No 206)
From the Secretariat
Current Issues/Resources
ACSJC Publications
Social Justice Diary
Social Justice Events:
National | ACT | NSW | NT | QLD | SA | TAS | VIC | WA
Social Justice Events (WA)
8 November. Launch: Catholic Women’s Mentoring.
10 to 11 November. 2018 Perth Peace Conference.
17 November. Meeting: Just Desserts
From the Secretariat:
Church supporting World Vision’s #KIDSOFFNAURU campaign
Campaign organisers are calling on Australia’s political leaders to free the 40 or so children held on Nauru, by Universal Children’s Day on 20 November. The UN is presenting the day as an opportunity to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights. ACSJC Chairman, Bishop Vincent Long says the children on Nauru ‘have been traumatised – torn from their homes and endured perilous journeys. We cannot be a nation that adds to their trauma, that turns away or remains indifferent. Now is the time to get these children and their families safely to Australia.’ … read more From the Secretariat
United Nations Universal Children’s Day is observed on 20 November. The UN says that the day offers the opportunity to advocate, promote and celebrate children’s rights, translating into dialogues and actions that will make a better world for Children.
The UN website urges us, ‘Mothers and fathers, teachers, nurses and doctors, government leaders and civil society activists, religious and community elders, corporate moguls and media professionals as well as young people and children themselves can play an important part in making Universal Children’s Day relevant for their societies, communities and nations.’
Kids Off Nauru
World Vision Australia is doing just that, with its #KIDSOFFNAURU campaign calling on Australia’s political leaders to free the 40 or so children held on Nauru by Universal Children’s Day.
The Campaign website says,
‘Children in detention on Nauru have recently witnessed lipstitching, self-immolation and other suicide attempts. There are limited safe or pleasant places to play because of unshaded, hot phosphate rock and the fear of wild dogs on the island.
‘In at least three cases in the past seven months, Australian judges have ordered that young children be immediately brought to Australia for care. Three refugees in Nauru have died by suicide.
‘One 10-year-old boy had attempted suicide three times on Nauru. Doctors said he was at critical risk of killing himself, but it took a Federal Court order to eventually move him to Australia for urgent treatment. It shouldn’t require Federal Judges to force the Government to keep these children safe.
‘Children and their families are trapped on the island of Nauru in cruel and inhumane conditions without adequate health, education or employment options. By Universal Children’s Day (20 November), we need to bring them here and either offer resettlement in Australia or find another suitable country that welcomes them.’
This campaign follows the deteriorating health of refugees and asylum seekers and the removal of Australian doctors of the International Health and Medical Services by Nauruan authorities. Following the departure of the Médecins Sans Frontières team, the organisation released a statement describing the mental health situation of asylum seekers there as ‘beyond desperate’. MSF Australia director Paul McPhun reported that many children are suffering traumatic withdrawal syndrome and are unable to eat, drink and talk…
Current Issues/Resources:
National Congress urges constitutional recognition
At the end of September, the National Congress of Australia’s First Peoples demanded Constitutional recognition of Australia’s First Peoples. This follows the Prime Minister’s rejection of the Statement of Heart at Uluru. Dr Jackie Huggins, co-chair, stated, ‘A third chamber to the Parliament is ludicrous and was not the intention of the participants at Uluru. We urge the PM to act responsibly and to look at the proposal again.’ … see more Current Issues/Resources
ACSJC Publications:
Orders open for 2019 Social Justice Diary
The diary includes the dates of significant events, anniversaries and special days which celebrate particular aspects of social justice. The Diary provides a social justice program for the full year. Information and ideas for prayer and reflection are included. This is an essential resource for teachers and parishes and a great Christmas gift. The order form is on the ACSJC website. … see more Publications
12 November – Launch of ‘Parity: Mental Health Disability and Homelessness’
It has long been acknowledged that there is a greater incidence of mental health issues for many people who are homeless, particularly those who experience chronic or long-term homelessness. You are invited to a presentation at the University of Melbourne on the key issues around the nexus between mental health, disability and homelessness from people at the frontline, including people with lived experience of homelessness. … Read more
All events:
This includes information about social justice events by various organisations around Australia. Event details may have changed since being posted – please confirm with the organiser.
News Monitor:
Pope calls lack of progress fighting hunger shameful
At a time of technological and scientific progress, ‘we ought to feel shame’ for not having advanced in ‘humanity and solidarity’ enough to feed the world’s poor, Pope Francis said. ‘Neither can we console ourselves simply for having faced emergencies and desperate situations of those most in need. We are all called to go further. We can and we must do better for the helpless,’ he said in a message to world leaders attending a meeting of the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation in Rome. … see more News items
Social Justice Diary:
International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of the Environment in War and Armed Conflict
Though humankind has always counted its war casualties in terms of dead and wounded soldiers and civilians, destroyed cities and livelihoods, the environment has often remained the unpublicised victim of war. Water wells have been polluted, crops torched, forests cut down, soils poisoned, and animals killed to gain military advantage. Furthermore, the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) has found that over the last 60 years, at least 40 percent of all internal conflicts have been linked to the exploitation of natural resources, whether high-value resources such as timber, diamonds, gold and oil, or scarce resources such as fertile land and water. Conflicts involving natural resources have also been found to be twice as likely to relapse. … see more Diary items
Subscribe to Free Monthly Briefing Newsletter here
(send an email to us admin@acsjc.org.au with the Subject line ‘Subscribe to Briefing’)
Tags: ACSJC Briefing, Australian Catholic Social Justice Council
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Published on February 17, 2015 by The FREE DOCUMENTARY Channel on YouTube Watch the Documentary
Filmmaker Thomas Behrend has persevered through a hazardous eight hour drive through the wildernesses of the Central African Republic to reach the habitat of 3,000 silverback Makumbas, a great and for the most part unassuming gorilla. Helped by widely acclaimed zoologist Angelique Todd, who is known as "The Gorilla Whisperer", and a group of shrewd trackers, Behrend overcomes the components and embarks to record the Makumba species in their natural habitat.
His excursion of discovery is caught in The Jungle Adventure: Living among Gorillas, an uncovering look at these uncommon and superb animals, and the enthusiastic preservationists who commit their lives to watching and ensuring them.
The Makumba are all around familiar with their human neighbors, and have a level of solace with them that just about fringes on the cavalier. Groups of students, researchers and different voyagers from all over the world frequently make a trek to the area for the chance to collaborate with the gorilla, and to learn the intricacies of their conduct and their association with their general surroundings.
As the film so wonderfully illustrates, solid securities are conceivable between these gorillas and their human partners, particularly the individuals who contribute adequate time, and show the best possible measure of tolerance and regard for the animals and their home. Such is the situation with Todd, who has stayed in their company for a considerable length of time, watching everything they might do and custom, and n even nursing them back to well being when they fall sick.
Maybe most significantly, Living among Gorillas is life-changing in its delineation of Todd and others like her. The film gives a material feeling of the tricky environment in which these adventurers must work. They rest in unassuming camps shrouded profound inside of the wilderness, and are encompassed by possibly perilous creepy crawlies and the consistent danger of tropical malady.
The wildernesses which serve as their foundations of investigation are not just occupied by the gorillas they look for; the area is likewise collaborating with forcing elephants who are frequently not as obliging to human pariahs. Their lives are driven by the same feeling of reason that characterizes the film: a voracious yearning to comprehend the most superb of animals which populate our planet, and to reveal our place among them.
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Food & Lodge Toys & Games Plush Animals
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African American Photography African Education African Female Abuse KOLUMN KOLUMN Magazine August 30, 2016 September 3, 2016
Childbirth in the Shadow of the American Dream
[two_fifth padding=”0 25px 0 10px”]BY Paolo Patruno | PUB World Plus
The voices of African American women are key to resolving gaping maternal health disparities in the United States. Their voices are at the center of a new documentary by Italian filmmaker Paolo Patruno.[/two_fifth][three_fifth_last padding=”0 0px 0 10px”]Birth is a dream. Or at least, that’s what Paolo Patruno believed before a midwife opened his eyes to the darker realities many women face in childbirth. Paolo is a World Pulse community member from Italy and an engineer, photographer, and filmmaker. As he traveled throughout Africa for work, women began sharing with him their harrowing journeys to motherhood.
Moved by what he heard, Paolo launched Birth is a Dream, a multimedia project to document their stories. This project has taken him to Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Morocco, Mozambique, Uganda, and Zimbabwe—and now, Orlando, Florida. His latest documentary is filmed in the United States, where African American women are nearly four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related complications than white women.
Watch the video to hear the story of midwife Jennie Joseph and a group of African American moms as they navigate the challenges and inequities in the US medical system. Then, go behind the scenes with Paolo Patruno in a Q&A with the filmmaker.
How did the American Dream Documentary Come About?
The American Dream is the latest story that I have produced for my Birth is a Dream project, which I began in 2011. After more than five years documenting maternal health in Africa, I started hearing from women all over the world, some of them from the US. As I started researching, I realized that women in the US face more maternal health challenges than other industrialized countries and black women are the most in danger. I realized this would be a good opportunity to show that this challenge is not just happening in Africa. More than 800 women are dying every day from pregnancy or childbirth complications all over the world. This is a silent war. Women are dying but it’s not covered by major media.
You are an example of how men can be involved in Maternal Health Advocacy. Where did your interest in Maternal Health Issues begin?
I met an English midwife while I was living in Malawi and working as an engineer. She was working in the main hospital in the capital Lilongwe, and she started sharing with me the challenges behind maternal health there and something happened in my mind. I had been traveling in Africa for many years and I didn’t know anything about this issue. That was the starting point. And story after story, year after year, my commitment and interest has grown.
[/three_fifth_last]
the American Dream. Paolo Patruno
[two_fifth padding=”0 25px 0 10px”]Paolo Patruno
PHOTOGRAPHER & FILMMAKER[/two_fifth][three_fifth_last padding=”0 0px 0 10px”]Paolo Patruno (Italy) is a freelance social-documentary photographer and filmmaker. He traveled throughout Africa over the past ten years, documenting global topics, including health care, human rights, gender equality, and women’s empowerment. Since 2011 he has been working on his long-term project, “BIRTH IS A DREAM” which aims to document and raise awareness about maternal health in Africa.
Paolo’s work has been published in the The Huffington Post, Vanity Fair, Daily Mail, REFINERY29, and other reputable publications. His work has been awarded on an international level, having received first place in the Social Documentary and Narrative Documentary categories; a gold medal at Px3 Paris Photography Prize; and “Photographer of the Year” in the Humanitarian and Documentary category at 4th Pollux Awards, among others. Recent documentary film “the AMERICAN dream” has been selected for the 2016 Women’s Voices Now Online Film Festival and the Women Deliver 2016 Global Conference.
MORE | Paolo Patruno
CONTINUE READING @ World Pulse[/three_fifth_last]
Tags: African Maternity African Mothers African Pregnancy KOLUMN KOLUMN Magazine Paolo Patruno the American Dream
PrevAfrican American Art, African American Film, African American History, KOLUMN, KOLUMN Magazine, MuseumThe Rise of Civil Rights Tourism in America’s Deep South
NextAfrican American Film, African American Lives, African American Women, KOLUMN, KOLUMN Magazine, RaceDon’t Read the Comments … Especially if You’re a Black Woman
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Issue 2019/1-2 (324-325) - Planet Schulz - VIII International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych
Zbigniew Benedyktowicz, Paweł Próchniak, Wiera Meniok, Grzegorz Józefczuk Planet Schulz in the SchulzFest Cosmos. Conversation about the International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobycz 6
Władysław Panas Lesson Given by Professor Arendt 19
This article deals with “Professor Arendt” – one of the protagonists of Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) by Bruno Schulz. Władysław Panas indicates that the Professor is not only a specially distinguished dramatis persona within the construction plan of the story but also an exceptional character in entire Schulzian prose, since he is the only mentioned by name whom Schulz transferred into his prose from the actual reality of Drohobycz. The first part of the article presents historical-biographical findings concerning Adolf Arendt – a teacher of drawing at the Drohobycz secondary school. Władysław Panas goes on to present an interpretation passage placing Professor Arendt against a wide backdrop of “nocturnal painting” and “graphic nocturnes”; by making use of of the strategy of “anagrammatical-hypergrammatical” analysis (inspired by notes by Ferdinand de Saussure on anagrams, anaphones, and hypergrams) he shows the structural relation between Arendt and Rembrandt and – more extensively – links the manner in which Schulz comprehended art and the vision of art present in his oeuvre.
Małgorzata Kitowska-Łysiak Drohobycz, or the World 32
The article discusses and characterises the manner of perceiving Drohobycz inscribed in the works of Bruno Schulz. Małgorzata Kitowska-Łysiak recalls that the home town of the author of Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) plays a key role in his imaginarium, while the focus accepted by the artist is the reason why in his literary and visual art works Drohobycz appears as a “concrete place on Earth” (with recognisable topographic and architectural elements of reality) and, at the same time, as a space of creative imagination. It is precisely the latter – as the author of the article demonstrates - that processes the visible world and deprives it of reality, additionally placing upon its objective reality a filter of individualised sensitivity while, at the same time, reaching the real subsoil of visible reality, its invisible “bastion”. According to the interpretation proposed by the article the perception of Drohobycz suggested by Schulz possesses its imperceptible antecedents in the impact exerted by the spiritual and artistic aura of a town that co-created the culturally diverse milieu of painters connected with Drohobycz - widely portrayed by the author - and in various ways conceiving its iconographic “form of existence” (i.e. Leopolski, the Gottliebs, Lilien, Weingart, Stupnicki, and Lachowicz).
Igor Meniok Brilliant Epoch, What Can I Say… Excerpts of Conversations and Notes 43
Excerpts of conversations and notes dedicated to Bruno Schulz by Ihor Meniok, co-founder of the International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych.
Paweł Próchniak Bianka’s Villa. Short Guide to Drohobycz for the Friends of Władysław Panas - a Note 45
Władysław Panas Bianka’s Villa 46
The article concerns “Bianka’s residence” – an important construction element of Wiosna (Spring), a story by Bruno Schulz and, simultaneously, one of the most prominent elements of this artist’s imaginarium. Władysław Panas analyses and interprets the “Bianka’s villa” motif, its structural and semiotic properties and inner-textual determinants, as well as those contexts belonging to it whose impact models to the greatest extent the semantic potential of the motif subjected to analysis. The crucial role in the research and reading strategy chosen by Panas is played by references to painting and - indirectly – to the reality of Drohobycz; the leitmotif of the presented deciphering is the multi-form presence in the story of “whiteness” (spanning from “whiteness” inscribed in the name: ”Bianka” to the iconic-chromatic value of “white” elements of the depicted world in Wiosna).
Paweł Próchniak Warp. Sketch to a Portrait of Władysław Panas 53
An outline of a portrait of Professor Władysław Panas – scholar and man of letters. His accomplishments as one of the most outstanding Polish semioticians and an observant and thorough interpreter expanded the potential inherent in the structural-semiotic method. Furthermore, Panas’ writings accommodate intuition, maintaining that in the humanities style (the very manner of conducting a discourse) possesses not only rhetorical merit, but is also a prominent research instrument, which aligns itself with the cognitive force of the metaphor and thus allows cognizant thought to operate on the borderline between art and science. Panas is a sophisticated theoretician of literature and a brilliant interpreter of literary works. At the same time, he deals with the semiotics of the temporal-spatial dimension of culture. This is the reason why he reads literary texts in their complex links with the texts of space and its symbolic tissue. This is true in particular of his approach to the oeuvre of Bruno Schulz and Józef Czechowicz (to whom he devoted a major part of his considerations) and the hometowns of both authors: Drohobycz and Lublin. The author of the presented article lists Panas’ most important research achievements and writings, indicating that the cognitive dimension of his work is closely connected with an existential counterpart, while the cognitive ambition out which this accomplishment arises is also that of cognizant imagination and its striving towards a restitution of sense inscribed into human reality and, more widely, into the world and its existence.
Wiera Meniok, Igor Meniok Will Not Allow Us to Lose Our Way in Schulzian Space 57
Recollection of Professor Władysław Panas.
Leonid Golberg Memory and Gratitude 59
VIII International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych, 2018
Adam Zagajewski Towards Drohobycz 61
Tragically, Bruno Schulz died before he could draw artistic conclusions from the cruel hunt known to history – and whose victim he became. On the other hand, it is a good thing that his pre-catastrophe writings allow us to better comprehend just how radical was this tragedy. The visual material at present at our disposal – the food for our imagination and school aids, which could make it easier for us to understand the nature of life in shtetls scattered across provincial Poland – is extremely modest. As a rule it involves only black-and-white photographs showing poverty, emaciated horses pulling primitive carts, old women wrapped in scarves and shawls, humble and, as a rule, wooden houses or cottages, geese condemned to death and carried to markets, barefoot children running and playing in sand or mud, and old men resting on benches. Sometimes, there are also brief snatches of a documentary film. Was Drohobycz too the site of geese, scraggy horses, and carts? Probably. Did Drohobycz differ from other small towns? Perhaps not. Schulz’s prose does not transpire exclusively in Drohobycz but in all the places of residence of more and less pious Jews. This is by no means a black-and-white prose.
Sjón Cinnamon with Ice. Adventures of Bruno Schulz in a Land Where a Day Is Four Hours Long 64
Light. This is the first word that comes to my mind whenever I reflect on Bruno Schulz. The word itself, its literary connotations and, at the same time, a natural phenomenon. An endless games played by different lights, starting with the golden days of late summer, the obscurity of attics and closed sideboards, the darkness concealed within an abandoned woman’s glove, and glimmering glass jars full of condiments – endless variants of words describing the entire spectrum of those states. In addition, there is the manner in which they become intensified or splintered by fiery sparks and cool shadows. This is the first thing I recall when my mind becomes connected with an area that stores the earliest and, at the same time, the most recent recollections of reading Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) and Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą (The Hourglass Sanatorium).
Bruno Schulz: Philosophy, Poetics and Other Perspectives of a Place
Piotr Śliwiński Phantom Calligraphies: Schulz – Wat – Różewicz 68
The article concerns the application of the ”calligraphy” motif in the writings of Bruno Schulz, Aleksander Wat, and Tadeusz Różewicz. All three men of letters – belonging to “the nation chosen for the Holocaust” – share the secondary, the incidental, and the indigenous, which, however, do not anchor and obliterate the awareness of a deprivation of values offering support. At the same time, the authors in question belong to the “category of observant participants”, who due to their presence in time and place open up spaces of stirring and terrifying conjectures, although, at the same time, they are witnesses and victims of the grim literal quality of history. All these features are concentrated in the motif of calligraphy (the calligraphy quality, line, contour, outline, relief, shadow), which appears in important fragments of works by Schulz, Wat, and Różewicz. The particular prominence of “calligraphy” is indicated by Bruno Schulz’s Wiosna (Spring). Here, the concept refers to the expressiveness of the image and, simultaneously, to the uncertain ontology of the presented phenomenon. Calligraphic perception, therefore, strives towards capturing the distinctive contour and the mysterious essence of things – it is a description of existence based on metaphysical intuition. The author of the article is interested in the copresence of the calligraphy quality and illegibility (elusiveness, undesirability) as well as in calligraphy taming the spontaneity of writing, imposing a form, granting shape and, at the same time, indicating that writing always possesses some sort of a dark side, inaccessible to the eye. In this manner, calligraphy accentuates the incompleteness of cognition and the inexpressibility of experience, while simultaneously suggesting that the calligraphic form – by storing within the intimacy of the act of writing – indicates the presence of something that guides the hand engaged in writing (this, in turn, implies the possibility of the existence of a metaphysical source and evokes that the search for truth does not have to be treated as a futile effort). Śliwiński interpreted selected fragments of prose by Schulz and poetry by Różewicz and Wat, and indicated in close-ups that the calligraphic image of works by these authors is not merely a con tour of experience and cognition, and does not only touch directly “the night of existence”, but also enters into a relation with the problem of the presentation and creation of the world prior to and after a catastrophe (including: before and after the Holocaust); the passage (outlined in the article) concerning the intuition and strategy of three writers resorting to calligraphy runs a course spanning from the premonition that “the blood of mystery”, whose “dark fluid” originates from the “night of existence”, circulates in an artwork (Schulz), followed by the pursuit of literature, which consists of listening closely to the silent “night of the world and experience” (Wat), all the way to the writer’s recognition of the paradoxical void inhabited by death (Różewicz). A comparison of fragments of Schulzian prose and poems by Wat and Różewicz thus serves not exclusively a demonstration of the vitality of certain motifs (writing, contour, chiaroscuro), but, first and foremost, is to disclose the process of filling the “other side” with increasingly dark content: unconceivable sense (Schulz), endless pain (Wat), and omnipresent death (Różewicz).
Jerzy Jarzębski Power and Revolt 75
An essay dedicated to the motifs of power, obedience, and rebellion against the latter in the prose of Bruno Schulz – from the Father character and that of God to political authority from the period in which Schulz wrote his texts.
Stanisław Rosiek Clichés of Phantasms. Introduction to Reading “Xięga Bałwochwalcza” 80
Was Xięga bałwochwalcza (Idolatry Book) at the onset of the artistic path pursued by Bruno Schulz? The small number of the artist’s preserved works from the first stage of his œuvre makes it impossible to solve this question. Even if Xięga bałwochwalcza does not include everything it certainly contains much of that, which we come across (or not) later in a developed or transformed form, albeit at times also deeply concealed and disguised in his entire œuvre, including literary works. It is thus necessary to start with Xięga bałwochwalcza. There is no better road leading to Schulz’s literary world.
The problem lies in the fact that Xięga bałwochwalcza is not an orderly work. Nor is it completely present in the domain of culture. A copy encompassing all works does not exist (never existed?). Schulz treated on-the-spot configurations totalling more or less twenty graphic works selected from amongst 29, which upon each occasion he placed in a portfolio specially prepared for this purpose. Xięga bałwochwalcza is a work in motion – scintillating, with an ultimately undetermined configuration and unknown composition.
While working on Xięga Schulz – no one knows why and in what way – resorted to the cliché-verre graphic technique that does not involve paint and a printing press but light, which by penetrating a negative manually prepared on a glass pane, draws on positive paper traces initially invisible and then chemically developed. With metaphorical exaggeration one might say that this is the black light of the phantasm. Xięga bałwochwalcza is a collection of curious photographs of the artist’s gloomy interior and his concealed desires – private phantasms. His work, however, does not end at that exact moment. Sometimes the artist retouched the copies. Such secondary operations correct the visual presentation of the phantasm in time, when it suspends (or ultimately loses) its power. Holding the retouching instruments Schultz often entered the sphere of presented appearances. Now, creative activities, whose object was the negative, recommence on the positive print. The extent to which the changes performed at this stage could take place is demonstrated by a Cracow copy of a graphic work: Procession, in which the central figure of the adored female changes her appearance.
Józef Olejniczak The Schulz Heritage 88
An attempt at pondering the phenomenon of the reception of the Bruno Schulz œuvre and, at the same time, of the vitality of Schulzian tradition in contemporary culture. While deliberating on the “Schulz heritage” the author indicates the prime features of Schulz’s writings, which ensure that his stories are constantly interpreted anew while researchers, critics, and simply readers (whom the author of the presented sketch calls “The Schulz Order”) discover ever new meanings and senses rendered topical. Among the most important features of this œuvre Józef Olejniczak lists the following: 1. An original manner of moulding the narrative oscillating between myth and contemporary plot; 2. Shaping the auteur subject on the borderline between autobiography and self-portrait; 3. The originality of the depicted world, the representation of the real/oneiric/mythical/ simulacral and its dynamic disclosed in the metamorphoses of characters and protagonists; 4. The presence of psychoanalytical problems: the Father, the Oedipus complex – the conscious / subconscious / unconscious; 5. The presence of problems associated with sexuality (the body – Adela and Bianka – bliss – suffering – alienation – death); 6. Multiculturalism (Polish – Jewish – Christian – Greek – Central European – Modernist); 7. The presence of the motif of the town-labyrinth; 8. Intertextuality comprehended also as relocation between linguistic and visual-art texts; 9. The presence of a theme referring to Old Testament tradition and associated with the writ, the Book, the first word, genesis, and the “mythisation of reality”. The author recalls the person of Bruno Schulz, demonstrates the latter’s topicality outlined in Dziennik by Witold Gombrowicz, and notices the concurrence of the images of Western Galicia from Schulz’s stories with those in prose by Joseph Roth. At the end of the sketch he suggests interpretations of poems and essays by the contemporary Ukrainian author Serhiy Zhadan as homage paid to the vision of Drohobycz (Drohobych) created by Schulz.
Paweł Próchniak Fold, Tuck. On One of the Interweaves of Motifs in Manekiny by Bruno Schulz 95
The bird motif in Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) resounds the strongest – in assorted manners and according to different rights – in three stories: Ptaki (Birds), Wichura (Gale), and Noc wielkiego sezonu (The Night of the Great Season). A reflection of the “bird event” plays an essential role also in the cycle created by Manekiny (Mannequins) and three parts of Traktat o manekinach (The Treatise on Mannequins), where – similarly as in other links of this volume – the bird motif is harmonized with that of the nocturne. The author of the presented text is interested in this harmony and the “principle of the negative” governing it and based on an interference of reverse supplements due to which the narrative “tucks” and “folds” are arranged in a palette – providing much food for thought – of the stirrings of metaphysically attuned imagination.
Dariusz Czaja Schulz’s Mytho-logique. A Reconnaissance 100
Much has been written about the myth in Schulz’s œuvre. The affiliations of his conception of the myth and the proposals of twentieth-century theoreticians of myths have disclosed Schulz’s creative borrowings from sophists (Karl Kerényi) and men of letters (Thomas Mann). The author proposes deciphering Schulz’s visionary essay: Mityzacja rzeczywistości (The Mythisation of Reality) from two insufficiently defined perspectives: the relation between the myth and science as well as the future of the myth. Seen within this context the Schulz text proves to be completely contemporary and precedes by several decades the diagnoses of the philosophy of science (Enzensberger) and hermeneutics (Gadamer).
Jacek Maria Kurczewski Schulzian Sociology – a Sketch of the Problem 108
This article undertakes a reconstruction of Schulz’s literary œuvre as the sociology of the Umwelt, the world surrounding it. The author claims that the artistic work performed by Schulz is at the same time sociological, i.e. a departure from the egocentrically experienced world for the sake of a world of intersubjectivity, i.e. the Town generated by Schulz’s experience of Drohobycz. This is by no means a socio-graphic description of Drohobycz, but a theory of the Town proposed by the narrator. Starting with the child’s room it encompasses the whole family Home-Shop together with the structure of family and servant dependencies defined by gender and age; subsequently, it involves the entire Town and, finally, the World associated with the outer Universe – the source of war and revolution spreading to the Town. Earlier, the World introduced the Town to the industrial revolution, which shattered the traditional trade ethos up to the dominating in the Town. The Town’s social life possesses its institutions, e.g. the Barbershop, the Cinema, the ladies Café, and the men’s Restaurant, which are the object of Schulz’s sociological micro-studies. It also contains various social loops, such as a fire brigade or the upper stratum of the Jewish tradesmen, but also assorted varieties of the crowd: the throng engaged in trading, the crowd of passers-by, or the revolutionary multitude. Social life is not a steady state because together with its natural environment it is subjected to the constant oscillation of the seasons of the year and the time of day and night. Schulzian egocentric sociology lacks society and involves the world of life and social life, which oscillates and artistically dominates in different rhythms but in accordance with Schulz’s subjective reality.
Grzegorz Józefczuk Hah! Schulz? Place of Invention and Fuss with the Myth of a Place 117
The author stressed the existence of a legion of the Bruno Schulz character, whose stories give rise to the incessant curiosity of the theoreticians and historians of literature, with the latter presenting increasingly new interpretations of Schulz’s prose. The same is true of the writer’s biography, brimming with unclear moments. Gregory Józefczuk suggests that this multitude of interpretations, which testifies to the success and global popularity of Schulz, simultaneously influences the first experience of reading his prose and contact with it. Direct contact with the author’s linguistic imagination is disturbed by interpretations, with the biographical context of the Schulzian oeuvre being most susceptible to interpretation corrections and surmises.
Marek Tomaszewski Bruno Schulz and the Geography of the Artistic Milieus of His Epoch. The Relation between the Place and Visual-art Activity Along the Eastern Borders of Europe 123
Did Schulz belong to a certain milieu, which concentrated the strivings of a group of artists working in a certain delineated geographical region? Portraits and self-portraits, illustrations to own stories, drawn sketches to unwritten prose, notes marked with erotica – those vividly differentiated formulas of artistic expression do not facilitate the research pursued by critics. Apparently, Schulz found it less of an effort to create visual-art works than to write. Nonetheless, this does not signify universal triumph and recognition; to the last days of his creative life Schulz, already an acknowledged man of letters, cherished unfulfilled hope for artistic success. Upon numerous occasions he expressed regret that he was incapable of mastering the art of woodcutting. As a graphic artist, illustrator, and draughtsman he concentrated on his world of the imagination and tended to avoid participating in programme disputes. In the course of several decades there appeared numerous publications analysing Bruno Schulz’s attitude towards art. In Poland interesting interpretations were offered by Jerzy Ficowski, Małgorzata Kitowska-łysiak, Krystyna Kulig-Janarek, and Irena Kossowska and in France by Serge Fauchereau. In this essay Marek Tomaszewski wishes to delve into the character of Bruno Schulz’s artistic debut as a graphic artist and draughtsman within the range of a local milieu typical for ethnic and cultural differentiation, as well as to follow his artistic path and wide gamut of social life connections. It is a known fact that Schulz’s artistic Modernism assumed form, i.a. under the impact of East European Jewish avant-gardes, which could have won the recognition of the debuting artist from Drohobycz. Who were the artists with whom Bruno Schulz exhibited his graphic artworks? What is the relation between this period of strenuous although much censored (in the case of Schulz) artistic activity and reviews written by the author of Sklepy cynamonowe in “Przegląd Podkarpacia” at the end of the 1930s, dealing with such artists as Ephraim Moses Lilien or Feliks Lachowicz? Who belonged to the closest group of Schulz’s artist friends? In this essay Marek Tomaszewski attempts to resolve precisely those and other questions.
Tomasz Bocheński Metamorphosis as Interpreted by Schulz 129
The author of this essay analyses fundamental categories applied by Schulz: humour, metamorphosis, and matter conceived as forms of the dialogue, which comprises a dispute involving two ways of seeing matter: contemporary and regressive. Modernity, which aims at describing, naming, and evaluating things, tackles regress striving towards life, creativity, and the poetic nature of matter. Ironically and with perverse humour Schulz evoked voices assessing the creative undertakings of the Father in order to defend his own right to a creative transformation of things, to metamorphosis. Tomasz Bocheński interpreted the latter in Schulz’s œuvre as the metonymy of creativity and creative existence.
Lajos Pálfalvi Poetics of a Small Town 138
In her monograph Agnes Klára Papp analysed Hungarian prose from the last century by resorting to the methods of geopoetics and placing strong emphasis on the theme of the province. Hungarian classics created a sui generis anti-myth of a small town conceived as the reverse of the experiences of the modern subject. The extraordinary character of the small town created by Schulz could be captured by confronting this world with realistic depictions. Apparently, Schulz’s Drohobycz is not at all provincial and in certain respects even resembles to the eternal city described by Yuri Lotman. The protagonists are already prepared for the coming of the Messiah and almost welcome Him. Moreover, the centre of the town comprises a certain “metaphysical junction”, with the lower world joining the upper one. This Drohobycz crosses the boundaries of provincial existence not solely in an esoteric fashion. By way of example, images of modernisation and changes of manners and morals in Ulica Krokodyli (Street of Crocodiles) still provide material for sociological interpretation.
Stanley Bill Schulz’s Weeds 142
The world created by Bruno Schulz is full of plants: in his stories we frequently come across descriptions of assorted vegetation and extensive metaphorics based on botanical comparisons. Already the great ingenuity of Schulzian language suggests the lushness of plants. At the same time, Schulz described the origin and structure of history and myths with the intermediary of the same metaphorics. According to this conception his stories constitute precisely regrowth, regeneration, “new greenery” or “green coating” rejuvenating the branches of old myths. Schulz’s imagination is profoundly botanical. The author of this essay concentrates on a specific variety of omnipresent plants, i.e. weeds. Weeds – or wild growing plants in a wider sense – play a specially important part in the world of Schulz’s stories by representing the unusual “fertility” of vegetation and mindless life in its purest form. Within the range of the town, where the plot of the stories as a rule takes place, this impersonal form of life comprises the decisive majority of the described plants, both literally and metaphorically. Moreover, in the world depicted by Schulz weeds possess a specifically significant ontological status because they grow along an uncertain borderline between culture and Nature.
On the one hand, weeds do not belong to the world of human forms albeit, on the other hand, they are not part of wild Nature. In Schulz’s stories – just as in extra-literary reality – weeds blossom and develop best of all in courtyards and garden flowerbeds, on walls and roofs, and in streets and roadside ditches. They need people and their activity. Weeds are not only opponents of created forms of human culture but to a certain degree they are its products. In this sense they are archetypical beings of Schulz’s borderline between wild matter and human form.
Jurko Prochaśko Sphinx in a Labyrinth. Walter Benjamin and Bruno Schulz in Search of a Lost Childhood 147
The vividly diverse works by two outstanding twentieth-century European men of letters: Bruno Schulz – Polish artist and author of prose from Drohobycz, and Walter Benjamin – German philosopher, essayist, resident of Berlin and a cosmopolitan, contain numerous tangible similarities. Those “selected affiliations” are discernible primarily in reference to childhood recollections. In the case of Schulz the topos in question, which in the literature of high modernism achieved the attributes of a separate convention, revealed itself most clearly in Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) and in the case of Benjamin – in Berliner Kindheit um 1900. A comparison of these works from this vantage point is the prime interest of the presented essay.
Dariusz Wojakowski The Construction of Urban Space in „Sklepy cynamonowe” by Bruno Schulz 153
The article intends to characterise the manner in which urban space is constructed in The Cinnamon Shops. The applied method of analysis refers to general premises of studying the unique cultural contents proposed by Clifford Geertz. The concepts accepted as points of departure for analysis include those of space formulated in humanistic geography (Yi Fu Tuan) and anthropology (Marc Augé), perceived as spatiality, place, and non-place. Analysis indicates that the Schulzian construction of town space consists of the creation of an anti-archetype of the place, which originates from the fact that the author treated features typical for space as its modality. Schulz also indicated the multi-strata nature of space built by the rules of the visual nature and changeability of perspective as well as its multi-dimensional character – the result of a modal description of the town’s features.
Żaneta Nalewajk The Place of Nature, the Nature of Place – Schulz and Goethe 161
The main goal of the article is to present the parallels between Goethe’s idea of plant and animal morphologies presented in his works (i.a.:Vorarbeiten zur Morphologie) and poems (such as Metamorphosis of plants, Metamorphosis of animals or Epirrhema) and Schulz’s conception of matter formulated in The treaty on mannequins and other stories from the volume The Cinnamon Shops and the text stylized on the letter entitled To Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz. The authoress also analyzes a paradoxical way of description specific not only to the matter created by Schulz but also to Goethe’s nature shown by Georg Christoph Tobler in the aphoristic poem entitled Nature written after his many conversations with the author of Faust.
Jurko Prochaśko Why Vogel? 167
Debora Vogel Streets and Sky 168
Fragment from the volume: Akacje kwitną by Debora Vogel (1933) together with comments by the translators of her texts into Ukrainian and Japanese.
Ariko Kato Translating Acacias Blooming by Debora Vogel into Japanese: Temptations and Hardships 169
This paper outlines the significance of Debora Vogel’s prose in 20th century modernist literature. Additionally, referring to my own experience of translating Vogel’s Acacias Blooming (published in Yiddish in 1935 and Polish in 1936) from Polish and other works from Yiddish, this study explores the characteristics of Vogel’s prose through her original concept of the “montage” as a literary genre, as well as the similarities in literary and artistic concerns between Vogel and Bruno Schulz.
First, this study suggests that Debora Vogel, a Yiddish modernist writer who was rediscovered in the mid-2000s and who contributed to modernist Yiddish magazines published in the US, is a key figure in the reevaluation of the modernist movements of Central and Eastern Europe. Vogel’s choice of Yiddish, a language of diaspora that was not her native tongue, enabled her, living in Lviv, the “periphery” of modernist literature and art, to join the forefront of modernist literature flourishing in major cities like Paris, New York or Berlin. Second, by describing the characteristics of Vogel’s prose and her concept of “montage,” this paper explains the difficulty of translating her prose into Japanese (for example, her frequent use of conjunctions like “and” and “but”). Third, this paper identifies similarities in the literary and artistic concerns of Vogel and Schulz as well as their different approaches: first, they attempted to blur the traditional boundary between visual art and literature, and second, they objected to the poetic language proposed by Tadeusz Peiper. Finally, this paper summarizes the current trend in the study of Polish interwar literature in which interwar Polish writers like Vogel, Schulz, or Bruno Jasieński, who were bilingual or multilingual, have become key figures in the present day reevaluation of the modernist maps of the 20th century. Their activities reached beyond the boundaries of language and country, therefore, by searching for the materials written by or on these writers in languages other than Polish, we can discover new networks and extensions of European modernism.
Ariko Kato Stamps, Map, and Ruler. The Bruno Schulz Postcolonial Vision 175
Hana Nela Palková The Schulzian Księga as a Mysterious Place 179
This article is based on a thesis maintaining that the text in such initiation works as Schulz’s Księga is conceived as a place containing a holy esoteric secret. In accordance with the French theory of the novel the author of this article conducts upon the example of Schulz’s stories an analysis of the term: mise en abyme, i.e. a book perceived as specific space created within the range of the literary text. Two varieties are distinguished: the self-reflective text, which is its own theme (the topos of the text-town or the book-labyrinth), and narration, within whose range the text revolves around its axis (the cyclical structure of Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą). Finally, Hana Nela Palková refers also to the idea of the Schulzian Księga / Book as the Talmud.
Agnieszka Giszterowicz Paths of Familiarity with Schulz’s Accountancy 182
An article dedicated to accountancy present in the works of Bruno Schulz – the sort of accounting described by J.W. Goethe as “one of the most beautiful discoveries of the human spirit”. A study of Schulzian dylogy and works by the interpreters of his œuvre, an analysis of concepts borrowed from economic sciences and accountancy, and an analysis of the accomplishments of theoreticians within the range of this science create a set of instruments that make it possible to resolve the question concerning the impact exerted by accounting on the protagonists of the Schulzian dylogy. Can accountancy be perceived as a sui generis causal power thanks to which (instead of: despite which) Jakub / Jacob underwent spiritual experiences? In order to grant accountancy the function of a portal leading to spirituality it is necessary to alter the perspective of perceiving this science and to create for it a place in metaphysical space, art, Goethean polarity, etc. The most recent achievements of researchers representing this particular domain create such an opportunity.
Henryk Siewierski The Motherland as Bruno Schulz’s “Fragment of a Larger Whole” 194
“Fragment of a larger whole” is a footnote, which Schulz placed at the very beginning of his story: Ojczyzna, published in the 59th issue of “Sygnały” (1938). Although nothing appears to indicate that this footnote was to refer to the very conceit of the motherland its possible ambiguity makes it possible to understand the titular concept as part of a larger and more complex whole. With total premeditation the author referred the word: “homeland”, which the Schulzian protagonist does not use to describe his native land, to the town of exile situated on this antipode. Since it was exactly in this work that Schulz constructed a narration whose very title indicates an intention to write about the motherland and to render the latter a prime theme, as has never been the case in his works, and although already its first reading might astonish and not correspond to the reader’s earlier moulded visions, it is worth listening in good faith to what the narrator and, simultaneously, the protagonist has to say and to ponder which “larger whole” could become the motherland in this story, one of Schulz’s last.
Katarzyna Warska Schulz as Seen by His Male and Female Pupils. Putting the Archive of Reminiscences in Order – a Summary 197
The author of this article presented her plan aimed at introducing order into the scattered archive of recollections about Bruno Schulz pursued upon various occasions by his pupils. In doing so she proposes a characteristic of documents and brings the reader closer to the difficulties they pose for the researcher. She also takes this opportunity to review the information that can be obtained by embarking upon the laborious task of studying the discussed material.
Mark Golberg Borderline. Gratitude. Warning 203
The oeuvre of Schulz is a polycultural phenomenon containing living traditions of Polish literature spanning from Adam Mickiewicz to the young Poland period. The author’s strong ties with Drohobycz are also supposed to recall the impact exerted upon him by Ukrainian culture and the typological convergences of his works with Ukrainian lyrical poetry, i.a. that of Vasyl Stefanyk. Finally, Schulz was brought up in a Jewish family, was familiar with Jewish rites and customs, and never forgot his Jewish descent - traits of Jewish mentality are vividly discernible in his writings and reside in their profound structure and sub-text. We encounter in Schulz’s oeuvre numerous reminiscence of world literature - from antiquity and the Bible to contemporary authors. These are signals of a prolific dialogue conducted with the literature in question. Schulz referred to the Romantic poetics of a two-world: a dull provincial small town assumed the form of an extraordinary realm of dreams, and the visible material quality of things reveals their profound essence and deeply hidden poetry. Such poetics of the Schulzian two-world is close to the creative quests of German Romanticism, especially Jena Romanticism and Hoffmann, and becomes embodied in the mythologisation, stylistics, and architectonics of works written by the author of Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą (The Hourglass Sanatorium).
The Bruno Schulz dylogy is an entity bonded by the narrator who possesses all the properties of a lyrical subject and actually is such a subject prone to contemplation and self-reflection; already these traits allow to state that Schulz’s prose is lyrical. Moreover, the leading role in Schulzian narration is played not by external events, but by a reflection of the inner life of the subject, deliberations, and lyrical landscapes. Schulz was capable of perceiving in every detail of life something concealed behind empirical reality, and saw the transcendent and transcendental in everything. His world is thoroughly metaphorical since in it the metaphor is not an artificial setting of the story but a manner of thinking; it is not a hidden comparison in the Aristotelian meaning of the term but a transformation of reality, the creation of new worlds. The writer’s presented world is tantamount to the unity of poetry, myth, and philosophy, and in it philosophical features cease being abstractions but assume the form of fascinating images, thus building the foundation of a poetic perception of the world.
Schulz’s works contain a great potential opening up assorted interpretations and, at the same time, causing their conflict. The most correct approach to an interpretation of his writings appears to be a combination of hermeneutic, phenomenological, historical-comparative, and fictional approaches; treating culture as a palimpsest and a theory of intersexuality will prove to be rather ineffective.
The Schulzian oeuvre, emergent on the borderline of cultures, carries enormous spiritual energy. Schulz is indispensable for our times and, simultaneously, his fate is a warning and a call for watchfulness and respect for people and nations.
Wiera Meniok Spring Mists in Drohobycz. A Farewell to Alfred Schreyer 209
A farewell to Alfred Schreyer – Bruno Schulz’s student, violinist, and resident of Drohobycz. Vera Meniok writes: ”An entire epoch, whose devoted witness was Alfred Schreyer, departed together with him as did the subtle and profound truth of the existence of a person with an immense will to live, possessing an extraordinary skill of stirring joie de vivre and telling about a different life – an increasingly absent world”.
Ostap Sływyński Recreating a Brilliant Epoch 211
Reflections of a participant of the International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobycz.
Lidia Wiśniewska Cinnamon Shops and Others in View of the Myths of God and Nature 213
The article “Cinnamon Shops and Others in View of the Myths of God and Nature” evokes Northrop Fry’s “completeness” applied to those literary works whose formal qualities are beyond explicit type or genre qualifications, proposing a thesis that Schulz’s works also use the completeness of the myths of God (One Form as absolutisation of time, Emptiness as negative space) and Nature (Fullness and Protounity as absolutised space and Chaos as negative time) or similar paradigms (rectilinear time, hierarchical space in linear paradigm, and the coincidentia oppositorum – based space and circular time in circular paradigm). Such a thesis is justified by a motif of a shop occurring in the two series of stories (and forming anti-fictional whole subcutaneously). The Father (called Jacob in the first cycle) and the son (called Joseph N. in the second part) represent two sides of the shop, appearing as a seller and a buyer.
The selling father represents the myth of God in the Night of the Great Season due to spiritual creativity, making him resemble Yahweh, and in the Dead Season, by obeying the rules of a specific merchant-knightly order, which assimilates him to a scorpion. In both cases, the other characters, including the mother, are essentially situated on the myth of Nature’s side. However, in the first cycle of the stories (The Visitation, Birds), the aging father is gradually taking the side of the myth of Nature, immersing into its inner dimension (holes in the earth, its own viscera, the labyrinths of its mind) and confronting himself with Yahweh as well as with the mother, who now takes the side of the myth of God, its consciousness and laws. When, in the story Cinnamon Shops, the narrator presents him as living in the circular time and dead in the linear time, the father stubbornly intends to restore linearity thanks to the shop. Finally, “the ultimately dead” father, presented as a boiled scorpion, escapes from the disruptive reality (shop, house, mother, servant) and the myth of Nature, being the only one who is consolidated and established, and thus included into the myth of God.
In contrary to his father who examines the ontological dimension of the myths, the juvenile, buying son is interested in their knowledge. In the first cycle, in Cinnamon Shops and The Street of Crocodiles, he tries to reach the erotic knowledge: however, the ecstasy of the romantic night finds its negative reflection in the image of eroticism, its pollution and shallowness, which is incorporated into a destructive and creative duality of the myth of Nature. In The Hourglass Sanatorium, tired of the circular time intricacies, the son yearns for a new, pure rectilinear time but he also sees its threats: the idea of rectilinearity as idée fixe of being perfect makes people automatic machines and only simulates their lack of imperfection.
Schulz’s works show a completeness of ontological and cognitive depictions and point to the complementarity.
Jan Gondowicz “The Dreadful Drug of Schulzian Cinnamon” 223
An essay dedicated to the cinnamon shops present in texts by Bruno Schulz, which, as the author demonstrates, “meet the need for the exotic and dreams, thus satisfying the deficit of the wondrous so characteristic for the provinces”.
Małgorzata Fuszara Mother, Adela and Others… Women in “Sklepy cynamonowe” and “Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą” 227
An attempt at an analysis of Schulz’s prose in a manner accepted in women’s studies and with the application of categories used in analyses of this sort. Such an approach calls for focusing on women, their experiences, and viewpoints. In addition, the analysis demonstrates primarily that in Schulzian stories women do not exist as independent subjects but are described exclusively from a man’s vantage point (the “male gaze” category) as well as from the perspective of their sexual attraction, clothes, and appearance (including a “fragmentarisation” of the female body). Such marginalisation of women and their experiences is the outcome of the then prevailing culture, while fragments of Wiosna (Spring) indicate that Schulz was aware of cultural violence present in women’s socialisation and experiences. A dominating part of his prose contains a reflection of the small-town patriarchal world in which women were not the partners of men but persons granted a subjective, subordinate, and marginal social position. Their absence as independent subjects points to “symbolic annihilation”, described in studies on gender inequality, which consists of ignoring or at the very least belittling not merely the role, experiences, and viewpoint of women but even their social presence.
Jan Gondowicz Slender-legged Adela 235
An essay on Adela, the most curious character in Schulzian prose, who appears in as many as 19 of the 32 stories by the author from Drohobycz.
Olga Czerwińska Intellectual Texts by Bruno Schulz as a Receptive Palimpsest 237
The unique diversification of the creative profile of Bruno Schulz generates a quest for specific criteria of evaluation aimed at those horizons, which as if provoke the artist’s un-uniform oeuvre. The idea of bringing up to date the author’s intention in the awareness of the recipient, originating from the context of the hermeneutic conception conceived by Gadamer, accentuated by Hans Robert Jausss, and developed by Wolfgang Iser and Hans Blumenberg, formed the treatment of literature primarily as a sui generis intellectual provocation: by situating the text not only within the perspective of the past but also of the future we render it to a certain extent a historical fait accompli. We measure the entire persona of the Galician author by means of separate texts, fractions of fragmentary reminiscences or correspondence; nonetheless, it is worth keeping in mind that each intellectual “text” becomes not one of the small “deaths of the author” but a special form of his transformation, preserving these ingested and accomplished earlier. The article stresses the conspicuous symphonic character of Schulz’s achievements, the organic similarity of all his multi-genre artistic works (painting and graphic art, verbal images, epistolary collections), the openness of a ”horizon” of all varieties of perspectives, which creates a palimpsest of sorts based on the inter-text and inter-media qualities. Such an approach towards the special form of Schulz’s ”artistic language” (in the widest meaning of the term) and towards describing his general poetics is quite natural. We perceive the unconditional, fanatical recreation of the world and man, which permeates all his drawings, literary texts, letters, and behaviour, and which constitutes the indivisible palimpsest of the portrait of his personality. Hence the reception of the variegated oeuvre of Bruno Schulz should be uniform - each particular text within the context of all the others – as a sui generis integral entity in accordance with the comprehension of such a paradigm proposed by Gérard Genette through the intermediary of its second degrè, containing multi-level factors. In the case of the Schulzian heritage such an approach suggests more precise connotations.
David A. Goldfarb Schulz, Dante and Beatrycze 243
Lothar Quinkenstein Bruno Schulz Festival 2018. Journey to Reality 247
An expanded essay-account of the VIII International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobycz.
Elina Świencicka The Philosophy of Personality in “Sklepy cynamonowe” by Bruno Schulz 258
The author deliberates on the specificity of comprehending personality in Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) by Bruno Schulz. The work in question was presented as artistic reflection on the consequences of the spiritual world of man abandoned by God. In Schulz’s dylogy we perceive the phenomenon of abandonment by God in a paradoxical manner – via polytheism revealing itself according to the principle of a negation of hierarchy. In such a situation, man resorts to a sui generis provocation of the absolute, which reveals itself in a dialogue. Bruno Schulz demonstrated how in the case of the absence of God the possibility of creating a new world and a new life spreads within matter and every person desires demiurgy. Gradually, there emerges the image of a personal world involving the existence of an eternal formation in accordance with the will of the creative personality; this formation is depicted as eternal existence. Its fabric is created by things and natural components of reality containing a distinctive spiritual essence and experiencing their separate lives. This principle expresses the unstable character of the surrounding world – its split. At the same time, the unity of life divided into numerous small lives remains essentially indestructible and unchanging in each of them. This is precisely the reason why personality becomes dispersed across the world and affiliated with natural reality. The author conceived the subject in a holistic, synthetic, and prompt reception, which produces the effect of renascence that restores the idea of omniunity rejected by rationalists. Upon the basis of an analysis of the subjective organisation of Schulz’s oeuvre the author of the article proposes a conception of the alienation of personality as a way of its self-fulfilment.
Zoriana Rybczyńska To Come to Schulz’s Town, or on the Use of Literature as a Guidebook 264
The various human and place relationships are manifested in literary texts, performative gestures and artistic visions, in cultural practices of traveling, experiencing and acquiring space. In the article on the example of the reception of the works by Bruno Schulz and contemporary tourism and reading practices caused by it are presented considerations about these relations, creating a connective tissue of ideas, expectations and beliefs, defining the ways of reading or traveling and the meaning that we attribute to them. The space of Drohobych (Schulz's hometown) have changed, devastated after the war and transformational transitions, however, remains the reference point for the movement of our imagination, for the revelation of our literal and metaphoric epiphanies, for establishing our personal topophilic relations. Schulz's texts direct our gaze, set the interpretative frame, stimulate of our senses, and activate our empathy. Drohobycz’s visit focused by Schulz’s texts can become a disappointment, but it can discover a different dimension of traveling and reading, discovering us to new existential experience, enabling the creation of “third spaces”.
Artur Cembik “Alongside that Hairy Rim of Darkness…”. Creation of the Nomadic Subject in “Sklepy cynamonowe” by Bruno Schulz 271
The presented text intends to present the protagonist of Bruno Schulz’s The Cinnamon Shops in relation to surrounding reality. The subject of the story, conceived as the author’s alter ego, is an intellectual nomad obliterating boundaries between the real world and the created one. According to the theory propounded by Rosi Braidotti his characteristic features include total independence and distrust of existing conventions. The protagonist’s ability to incessantly translocate himself, and his experiences of liminality are disclosed in an excess of stylistic measures and prove the author’s linguistic extravagance. The subject of the story is doomed to wander, a fact that he fully accepts by consenting to a world endlessly changing in front of the reader’s eyes.
Jana Waldhör When Places Disappear behind Myth’s Language: the Lush Rampancy of Childhood Memory in Bruno Schulz’s “The Cinnamon Shops” 275
The paper tries to apply Walter Benjamin’s concept of memory and history, formulated in Passagen-Werk, Berliner Chronik and Berliner Kindheit um 1900, as an instrument to Bruno Schulz’s prose volume The Cinnamon Shops. Not only are there only three days in between the date of birth of these two authors, but also both became victims of the Holocaust. In spite of one being a ‘Western’ and the other being an ‘Eastern Jew’, their approach to childhood memory and their working with and on it resembles, as will be examined.
Based on Walter Benjamin’s idea of history and memory, which is strongly connected to the paradigm of spatiality, the autobiographical sketches and snapshots in Bruno Schulz’s prose volume The Cinnamon Shops will be examined more closely and a topography of childhood will be revealed. By doing so, terms such as Tiefe der Erfahrung, Archäologie des Erinnerns and raumgewordene Vergangenheit, which Walter Benjamin formulated in several papers, will be revealed in Bruno Schulz’s approach to his childhood memory. The consistency of the authors’ approach with and on their childhood memories will be illustrated with two examples.
Subsequently, Drohobycz, which is not only the place of Bruno Schulz’s childhood, but also operates as a place of a triple bond, will be examined in more detail on the basis of several passages in The Cinnamon Shops. Including relevant literature, such as Gaston Bachelard’s La poétique de l’espace and the use of terms such as parergon (Jacques Derrida, La vérité en peinture) and simulacrum (Jean Baudrillard, Simulacres et Simulation), Bruno Schulz’s view at the spaces of his childhood is to be substantiated. It soon becomes apparent that Bruno Schulz’s Drohobycz only exists under the danger of disappearance for two reasons: on the one hand due to the collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, and on the other hand due to the onset of industrialization. Finally, it is Bruno Schulz’s language of myth, which, like the lush gardens in his memories, forces its way into the Galicia of his childhood and gradually makes it vanish beneath it
Magdalena Wasąg The Imaginary Townlet. Schulz in a Letter by Alicja Mondschein-Dryszkiewicz to Henryk Bereza 283
For years Alicja Mondschein-Dryszkiewicz met important and highly regarded artists. In her correspondence with Henryk Bereza she recalled such luminaries of the world of culture and art as Witkacy, Gombrowicz, Schulz, or Hłasko. On 15 October, under the impact of reading Janusz Rudnicki’s Schulz ‘92, she wrote a letter addressed to Henryk Bereza in which she once again mentioned her familiarity with the author from Drohobycz. In doing she characterised the local milieu and the small town – Schulz’s birthplace, presenting her interpretation of the life and works of the author of Sklepy cynamonowe. These recollections supported by “narrative talent”, which according to Bereza’s assurances did not deprive the account of authenticity, sound credible. Dryszkiewicz attempted to tell Bereza an unusual and complicated biography of Schulz-the author; in her recollections she referred to Schulz’s experiences of provincial life and endeavoured to evoke the stifling atmosphere of the local ghetto. All traces recorded in this letter produce a portrait of Schulz inextricably connected with the small town – the site of his life and creative work, and the space of inspiration and longing.
Bruno Schulz: Trajectories, Orbits, Constellations and Other Spaces
Serhij Żadan Drohobycz and Environs 287
“In Drohobych we all had the same acquaintance. His name was Schulz. Try to recall or imagine him“ - wrote Serhiy Zhadan in an essay originally published in the volume Drohobycz. Księga wierszy wybranych (2014–2016). Here, we cite also three poems from this collection.
Serhij Żadan Three Poems from the Volume: Drohobych 293
Paweł Próchniak “The Drohobych Book” by Serhiy Zhadan Note 294
Wiera Meniok Twilight in Schulz and his [Schulz’s] Shadow in Zhadan 295
An important effect of the International Bruno Schulz Festival as well as an expression of Schulz’s inspiration in the oeuvre of Serhiy Zhadan, a cult Ukrainian poet and writer is a volume of his poems, Drohobych, in Jacek Podsiadło’s translation. Zhadan reads Drohobych with the “letters of cinnamon shops”, looks for Schulz’s traces in it and notices his shadow. Schulz’s shadow appears in Zhadan’s works between darkness and dawn, between sickness and recovery, between sadness and joy, and between dilemma and salvation. Drohobych will be always associated with Schulz for the author of the Drohobych volume primarily in his imagination. Schulz has become “a private history of attachment to the city” for him and offered him a special state of initiation and inspiration. Schulz’s shadow in Zhadan is either a harbinger or a trace, either expected or sought after and has epiphanical and eschatological meaning as well as twilight in Schulz’s short stories, including Spring and July Night. Twilight as well as shadow is a common place in both Schulz and Zhadan and the most unexpected and painful things can emerge from it.
Natalia Filewicz Exhibition about Exhibitions: Bruno Schulz among Artists of His Time at the Boris Voznitsky Lviv National Art Gallery 304
The article focuses on ideas and surveys associated with the exhibition: Bruno Schulz among Artists of His Time, featured at the Lviv National Art Gallery in 2018 as part of the VIII International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych. The display presented artists who together with Bruno Schulz took part in exhibitions held in Lwów in 1922, 1930, 1935, and 1940. The Gallery collections store works by almost all these artists, up to now rarely or never shown. The exhibition demonstrated the position of Schulz’s works alongside those by other artists within the context of trends of the period. The author also discovered forgotten reviews and stressed that artists on show in Lwów – of assorted nationalities and representing diverse views – shared a striving towards creative quests as well as a dramatic fate.
Grzegorz Józefczuk VIII Festival. Artistic Dimension: Exhibitions, Concerts, Spectacles… 311
Description and analysis of the artistic events of the 8th Schulz Festival in Drohobych.
Bohdan Zadura Revita 322
Recollections from the V and VI edition of the International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobycz.
Grzegorz Józefczuk A Suicide, a Doctor and a Writer. Paradoxes of Stories from “One and a Half Cities” 325
The article refers to an authentic story of a suicide committed by a young Jewish woman, who on her deathbed converted to Christianity. This event roused the residents of Drohobycz – with Poles and Jews reacting differently – but did not generate an acute conflict. The daily life of those two nations living in Drohobycz was interwoven. The author treated the story as a pretext for touring the contexts of the period and the life of Bruno Schulz. This is the reason why Grzegorz Józefczuk wrote about, i.a. religious and medical authorities, leaders and the crowd, illnesses and cemeteries, oblivion and survival.
Grzegorz Gauden Both Polish and My Adventures with Bruno Schulz 331
Lecture given in the course of the inauguration of the VII International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych in 2016. Here, Grzegorz Gauden described the assorted contexts in which he enjoyed an opportunity to encounter the person and texts by Bruno Schulz.
Jerzy Kandziora Hidden Witnesses, or What is Left in Ficowski’s Book and in the Real World After Two Friends of Bruno Schulz 335
An attempt at a reconstruction of the fate of two witnesses of the life of Bruno Schulz: the Drohobycz lawyers Michał Chajes and Izydor Friedman (after the war: Tadeusz Lubowiecki). Their reminiscences and accounts served Jerzy Ficowski writing about Schulz – the author of this study, however, indicates that they were treated in a rather selective manner. Jerzy Kandziora demonstrated that both men “played a particularly great role in the early formation of Ficowski’s knowledge about Schulz and provided him with very copious characteristics of the man of letters […]. Paradoxically, these were persons who in the main text of Regiony wielkiej herezji never appeared as authors of such extensive source accounts”.
Ryszard Nycz Bruno Schulz: Art as Cultural Extravagance 341
Essay about extravagances presenting Schulzian texts as significant – all that “strangeness” and “oddity” typical for him. The author demonstrates that they should not be omitted in attempts at interpretations profiling the deciphering of this prose in a new, insightful, and informal perspective.
Jerzy Jarzębski Schulz – Ironic Order and Seductive Discourse 351
An examination of key mechanisms governing the entire oeuvre of Bruno Schulz, with the article pertaining in particular to those questions of the aesthetics of the works of the author of Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą (The Hourglass Sanatorium) that are linked with an artistic creation of reality and an attitude towards the real world, inscribed into that creative gesture. Jarzębski is interested primarily in the “ironic order” dominating the world depicted in Schulzian prose. This order has an underpinning of irony and, moreover, is closely connected with “passion”, which makes its presence known in the “seductive” element of each story – a fact that Schulz understood well and in assorted ways played out artistically. The oeuvre of the author of Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) is an affirmation of order and beauty, but this is an affirmation whose tools are “the grotesque” and “laxity” (this is why in the case of Schulz beauty is closely affiliated with tawdriness and ugliness, and order – with carnival-like chaos). At the same time Schulz’s imagination often runs in a circle – from mundane order towards strange fantasticality breaking the framework of time, towards something unusual participating in some sort of an out of the ordinary order, so as to ultimately return to the order of everyday time and the mundane. In this fashion the “explosion of fantasy” and “féeries of poetry” end in “bankruptcy” and are fulfilled in a “spectacular fiasco”, which denotes a return to order and an affirmation of daily life. This whirling circle is set into motion by a dual force – gravity and irony, sensitivity to the dramatic nature of existence and the farcicality of life. The force in question is also that of spinning a story. The latter is always a form of founding the world – a recounted world gains a “putting-in-order sense”. Simultaneously, the same story is seductive and does not make pronouncements about the world but tries to win over the listener (reader); this, in turn, is the reason why it becomes a form of an ”erotic game”, active flirtation involving “the grotesque” and “beauty”, (male) “tawdriness” and (feminine) “perfection”. Jarzębski concluded: “Even if the order of the world is in some way objective, it enters into our life and begins to mean something to us together with the birth of desire – this is why Schulzian stories are in their profoundest essence spectacles of eternally vital passion”.
Roman Dzyk Dostoyevsky and Schulz 356
The article focuses on inter-textual connections between Bruno Schulz and Fyodor Dostoevsky, a theme neglected by experts on Schulz. Upon the basis of the only mention of the Russian classic in the preserved oeuvre of the Polish man of letters Roman Dzyk proposes a methodological approach to the reconstruction of a possible inter-textual reception. This method foresees, i.a. an identification of editions of Dostoevsky’s work available to Schulz and studying the possible mediated impact of the functioning of Dostoevsky in Polish (Nałkowska, Witkiewicz, Gombrowicz) and world literature and culture (Freud). Special emphasis is placed on similarities in the treatment of the principles and limitations of realism in the case of both authors, demonstrated in their particular declarations. The Dostoevskian creative method thus reveals itself via the conception of mystical realism. In the case of Schulz analogous mystical interest comes down to mythological realism. Owing to the lucid presence of Schulz’s Doppelgänger and Dostoevsky’s Brothers Karamazov, the article outlines a perspective of a more profound inter-textual analysis, which does not restrict itself to the indicated texts.
Polina Justowa Bruno Schulz in Russia 362
A presentation of the history of translations of works by Bruno Schulz into Russian as well as assorted cultural initiatives focused in his oeuvre, spanning from the first edition of 1989 to the present day. Official Soviet literature did allow such “strange” and “degenerate” works to speak and thus they were usually presented in all sorts of editions functioning in so-called samizdat circulation. For the first time prose by the myth-maker from Drohobycz resounded in Russian in the samizdat socio-literary periodical “Mitin Zhurnal” in 1985. The work in question was Samotność (Loneliness), translated by Olga Abramovich. In 1989 “Rodnik” (1987–1994), a Latvian-Russian periodical published in Riga, presented prose by Bruno Schulz translated by Igor Klekh. The situation improved considerably in the 1990s when was finally permitted to print and read everything. The last decade of the twentieth century produced a whole gamut of Schulzian publications conspicuous for excellent translations by the writer and poet Asar Eppel. In 1993 the Gesharim publishing house produced book versions of Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) and Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą (The Hourglass Sanatorium). After a lengthy interval, in 2011 the “Text” publishers issued the volume: Salvaged, containing all the preserved texts by Schulz translated by Asar Eppel. On the other hand, the small number of literary studies discussing the phenomenon of Schulzian prose remains thought-provoking, although in more recent years this bewildering situation is compensated by Internet publications and cultural initiatives, i.a. material available on the Radio Svoboda website prepared by the poet and journalist Elena Fanailova and a Russian version of the portal: culture.pl, performative projects (the High-heels Project by Anna Kaszuba-Dębska, on show in Moscow in 2013), an exhibition of drawings by Schulz held as part of the B. Schulz Festival (Moscow, 2018), et al.
Paweł Huelle Four Drohobycz Poems 366
The Drohobycz poems by Paweł Huelle – one of the most outstanding Polish contemporary prose writers and essayists – are micro-essays reflecting on the elements of the Drohobycz imaginarium perceptible in a discursive diction, as well as the presence in that imaginarium of the biography of Bruno Schulz together with the important motifs of his oeuvre. Huelle considered, predominantly, memory landscapes linked with landscapes of death (in their historical and existential dimensions), the visibility of the world and the radical blurring of its image in the wake of the Shoah catastrophe, and, finally, the role of art as a form of seeking and reviving our sources of existence.
Adam Pomorski Translations of Poems from Antologia poezji ukraińskiego modernizmu. Od Łesi Ukrainki do Bohdana Ihora Antonycza 369
Adam Michnik Bruno Schulz for the World and for Ukraine 375
English version in: Bruno Schulz jako filozof i teoretyk literatury. Materiały V Międzynarodowego Festiwalu Brunona Schulza w Drohobyczu, ed. Wiera Meniok, Drohobycz 2014, p. 19-23.
David Grossman The Age of Genius 378
Taras Prochaśko *** My great-grandfather lived in Drohobych for several years... 381
Wiktor Jerofiejew A Boiled God 383
Shalom Lindenbaum Bruno Schulz – the Artist and the Aesthete: The Concept of Bruno Schulz’s Literature and its Embodiment in his Creative Works 387
English version in: Bruno Schulz jako filozof i teoretyk literatury. Materiały V Międzynarodowego Festiwalu Brunona Schulza w Drohobyczu, ed. Wiera Meniok, Drohobycz 2014, p. 267-279.
Jurij Andruchowycz In Old Apartments There Are Rooms, or I Know a Certain Sea Captain. Schulzian Versions of Space With the Addition of Time 393
English version in: Bruno Schulz: teksty i konteksty. Materiały VI Międzynarodowego Festiwalu Brunona Schulza w Drohobyczu, ed. Wiera Meniok, Drohobycz 2016, p. 40-58.
Andrij Lubka Inconceivable Ukrainian Patriotism, Or What Do We Need Kolomyia For 402
Two feuilletons by Andriy Lubka loosely connected with Bruno Schulz and published earlier in Kontrakty.ua and Day.kyiv.ua.
Andrij Lubka All Roads Lead to Drohobycz 404
Jurij Wynnyczuk Tasting Schulz 405
Lecture given at the inauguration of the VII International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych in 2016. Yurij Vynnychuk described his private reception of Schulzian prose which, he explained, “he absorbs in small doses, just like ice-cream in his childhood, rolls the metaphors on his tongue, tastes their flavour on the roof of his mouth, and tries to keep it as long as possible”.
Paweł Próchniak Bird’s Matter Contribution to the Reading of “The Night of the Great Season” 407
The author embarked upon the question formulated years ago by Władysław Panas, who wrote that remarks on time opening Noc wielkiego sezonu (The Night of the Great Season) are “a presentation of Schulzian poetics“ – they fulfil a “meta-poetical function” and comprise a “mini-study” on poetry and its matter. The thus seen introduction to the story appears to be a “theoretical introduction to poetics”, followed by a description of the creative act – an exemplification of “a presentation of poetical doctrine” translating the premises of formulated poetics into concrete immanent poetics and, at the same time, developing a quasi-discursive “poetical treatise” into an enigmatic “treatise about creativity” itemized as images and the plot. The author of the article is interested mainly in the prime motifs of the treatise in question (in particular “time” and the “dynamic state”) as well as the fabric woven out of those motifs – the matter of Schulz’s art and its concealed warp.
Elżbieta Ficowska Letter 412
Letter written in 2005 by Elżbieta Ficowska to Vera Meniok.
Jerzy Ficowski This is Why I Find It So Difficult to Stop 413
Statement by Jerzy Ficowski (1924–2006), researcher studying the oeuvre and biography of Schulz, made on 19 November 2003 upon the occasion of opening the so-called initial version of the Bruno Schulz Museum in Drohobych.
Wiera Meniok Bruno Schulz Museum in Drohobych. Several Remarks on the Genealogy of the Site 417
Article on the origin and idea of the Schulz Museum in Drohobych and the history of its establishment in Schulz’s office.
Grzegorz Józefczuk Stories of a Curiosity Cabinet. Several Remarks on the Genealogy of the Site 421
This essay describes the Bruno Schulz room-museum in Drohobych and the curios, collections, and artistic undertakings associated with it.
Sofija Andruchowycz More Than Everything 429
Artur Sandauer – literary critic, essayist, and translator – maintained that he read the manuscript of Mesjasz. According to his account the opening lines were as follows: ”you know – mother said to me in the morning. – The Messiah has come. He is already in Sambor”. Quite possibly this novel still exists somewhere – in the private collection of some egoistic maniac or in special services archives. Or perhaps it has never been written. There is nothing more to be added. The sentences remembered by Sandauer contain everything: conflict and drama, the Oedipal conflict and a universal social element, a post-Apocalypse, a provincial theme, an identity crisis, collapse and hope, the end of time, frenzy, faith, miracles, contradictions of human nature, fantasies and reality. They are even more excellent than Hemingway’s lines about baby shoes because we are dealing with a novel. One can say a lot, more and more, and yet say nothing. One can say a few words – and say more than everything.
Wiera Meniok “Unsaved” Bruno in Ukrainian Space-time 431
English version in: Współczesna recepcja twórczości Brunona Schulza. Materiały naukowe III Międzynarodowego Festiwalu Brunona Schulza w Drohobyczu, ed. Wiera Meniok, Drohobycz 2009, p. 249-260.
Wira Romanyszyn Bruno Schulz’s heterotopies as a geopoetic sign 437
The Schulzian character identifies himself with the city and is therefore not only aware of the urban space but also creating it, as he overcomes a set of obstacles, crosses boundaries and limits in creating labyrinth spaces (mazes of buildings, mazes of nature, mazes of time, and mazes of mental realm). His wandering, however, are taking place not only through the streets of the city but also through the labyrinths of sleep and night. In Schulz’s works, dreams and reveries are not so much the outcome of the individual author’s process of implementation of imagination and of other mental creative phenomena as they are a symbolic outlook upon the image that becomes the most optimal way to achieve the extra-verbal actuality – i.e. the actuality in absolute terms and not the individual symbolic actuality.
A number of authentic toponyms and loci, presented as a merger of autobiographical memory and the memory of culture in Bruno Schulz’s prose, is building up a range of heterotopies, peculiar places – like, for instance, the heterotopy of the home and the street and their respective subheterotopies of the room, the corridor, and the stroll through the streets; the heterotopy of the train and of the sanatorium as a concealed marginal side of the real actuality; the heterotopy of the Book, of the stamp album and panopticon (waxwork exhibition) as an implementation of the connection between individual and the collective history. All of the above go way beyond the real time and space of the city and constitute the sign of geopoetic knowledge of the city – viewed both locally and internally (i.e. of the author and the narrating character) and internally, as common knowledge which anyone may access. From the standpoint of geopoetics, the important point for all of these heterotopies is the experience of the places and the role of a specific place in that experience.
Keti Kantaria, Wiera Meniok I Absorbed Schulz with a Child’s Imagination - Conversation 443
Conversation held by the curator of the Bruno Schulz Festival with Keti Kantaria, translator of the prose of the festival’s protagonist into Georgian.
Jerson Fontana Bruno Schulz Protagonists in the Brazilian Theatre. A Turma do Dionísio Presents „Sanatorium” 446
The author describes work on a theatrical adaptation of three stories by Bruno Schulz, which resulted in a monodrama: Sanatorium, the theatrical and actor conception of this adaptation, and the reception of the spectacle in Brazil, Poland, and Ukraine. The main part in the Fontana adaptation is played by the actor’s body and motion, expression and message via – apart from the word – the gesticulation of each dramatis persona and the manner of making use of the space of the stage. Ultimately, concentration on movements and space is to emphasise the inner life of the protagonists, since this is the aspect most vividly outlined in Schulz’s prose. Sanatorium is a spectacle about persons involved in an encounter.
Grzegorz Józefczuk Schulz w Lublinie. Nasza tutaj specjalna rola 451
The sole preserved manuscript of a fragment of a story by Bruno Schulz survived the turmoil of history in the archive of the “Kamena” periodical, issued in Chełm near Lublin. The author attempts to confirm the conviction formulated by Prof. Władysław Panas, namely, that the town of Lublin enjoys a status distinguished in questions associated with Schulz and the reception of his oeuvre. Schulz is present in Lublin in assorted periods due to increasingly new projects and events - scientific, educational, and exhibition - while the Bruno Schulz Festival Society established here is the Polish organiser of the festival held in Drohobycz.
Jurij Andruchowycz Bruno and Porn. Drohobycz 2007 455
Text presented at the IV International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobycz in 2010, published also in the book Leksykon miast intymnych (2014).
Małgorzata Kitowska-Łysiak What is a Map? 459
Reflections on the semiotics of a map conceived as a text – within the context of the topography of Drohobycz/Drohobych and the oeuvre of Bruno Schulz.
Grzegorz Józefczuk Map of Drohobycz 462
Jerzy Jacek Bojarski Legend to a Map of Drohobych 465
Wiera Meniok “Anonymous and Cosmic” Map of Drohobych According to Bruno Schulz. Itinerary 474
Description of the historical and contemporary space of Drohobycz / Drohobych – read within the context of Willa Bianki. Mały przewodnik drohobycki dla przyjaciół, an essay by Władysław Panas.
Jerzy Maria Pilecki Contemporary Plans [Not Maps] of Drohobycz 478
List of available plans of Drohobycz with a detailed description of particular versions and editions.
Jerzy Maria Pilecki Association of Friends of the Land of Drohobycz Note 480
* “A town in which fate allowed me to find a haven …”. Walking with Torches, 6 June 2018 481
Francesco M. Cataluccio Bruno Schulz and Illustrated Short Stories. On the Margins of Italian Reception 491
Text on connections between the text and the drawing in the oeuvre of Schulz and the reception of his works in Italy.
Uri Orlev Quotations about Childhood Taken from Letters Written by Bruno Schulz and a Bit About the Translation of Some Polish Words That I Have Lost, As I Now Write in My New, Yet Very Ancient Language 493
Ewa Kuryluk A Condor, Cockroach, and Crocodile 496
The author of this essay seeks motifs connecting the characters and works of Bruno Schulz and Franz Kafka.
Jan Gondowicz Ekphrasis 498
Essay about Schulz’s inspiration in the mass culture of his mythical youth.
Jan Gondowicz What can be heard 499
An attempt at listening closely to texts by, i.a. Franz Kafka, Stanisław Ignacy Witkiewicz, and Bruno Schulz in a search for musical tropes.
Jean-Pierre Salgas Witold Gombrowicz – Bruno Schulz: From Duel to Double 501
Relation between Bruno Schulz and Gombrowicz as seen by the French literary scholar.
Igor Klech The Territory of Dreams – Bruno Schulz’s Small Motherland 502
English version in: Współczesna recepcja twórczości Brunona Schulza. Materiały naukowe III Międzynarodowego Festiwalu Brunona Schulza w Drohobyczu, ed. Wiera Meniok, Drohobycz 2009, p. 45-50.
Krzysztof Sawicki From Drohobycz Conversations in November 2006 505
The author contrasts history tantamount to “thinking back” (history focusing on that, which happened in the past) with such reflections on history, which become the reason why ”while talking about the past we enter together with history into the future”. Such “entering with history into the future” remains a ”fascinating journey into the past” but is also “management of the present” and managing ”borderland” space conceived as the site of meeting, conversation, and co-operation. The backdrop of reflections pursued in the presented sketch is composed of the phenomenon of the Ukrainian-Polish milieu, which undertakes ”organic work” and co-creates the Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych.
Jurko Pokalczuk Bruno Schulz in the Light of Assorted Cultures 507
The author formulates a thesis about the ethnic three-dimensional character – Polish, Jewish, and Ukrainian – of the oeuvre of Bruno Schulz. In doing so he also recalls parallels linking Schulz with Kafka (in his capacity as a writer who sought inspiration in three cultural sources: German, Czech, and Jewish) and – less obviously – with Gogol, Márquez, and Cortázar. Indicating those names permitted the author of the sketch to accentuate a prominent feature of Schulzian oeuvre, which combined sensitivity to the dramatic qualities of life with carnival-like imagination and the setting free in art of the element of the burlesque. In the case of the author of Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops) the tragedy of existence is an obverse of the farcical strangeness of life; this is the reason why the writer accentuated so vividly the unreality of the real world, showing (creating or disclosing) reality with an underpinning of the unreal. These observations make it possible to point to yet another parallel – that with the ”carni- val” Eneyida by Kotliarevsky. They also allow recalling that the “carnival-like” quality permeates Ukrainian folklore with which Schulz, who spent his whole life in Drohobycz, must have been familiar.
Ewa Zarzycka First Time in Drohobycz 508
The author (artist and performer) describes her first visit in Drohobycz /Drohobych: “Here am standing in my favourite spot in Drohobycz, at the corner of the market square, which inclines slightly downward. This is the cosmic angle of the Drohobycz market square. By means of this slightly folded corner Drohobycz is connected with the Cosmos. I imagine and feel this, and am convinced that this is where space is most translucent and pure and air is endlessly transparent. And at that exact moment when I had the impression that the air is crystal clear and transparent I opened my suitcase and filled it with air. Next, I shut the suitcase and set off to Bianka’s villa in order to open the suitcase during my performance and let the air out. While I was walking across Drohobycz carrying my suitcase towards Bianka’s villa I asked the people I met on the way about the words, which I wished to translate from the Polish to Ukrainian: first time – vpershe; space – prostir; air – povitrya; transparency – prozorist; purity – prozorist; comprehensible – zrozumile, pure – prozore.
Małgorzata Sady Drohobycz Seen Through My Window 510
An essay about a gradual (since childhood) discovery of the atmosphere of Galicia, the oeuvre of Bruno Schulz, and, subsequently, Drohobycz / Drohobych while participating in successive editions of the festival and “Second Autumn” meetings commemorating Schulz (the name of the event comes from his prose) as well as simply wandering around Drohobych with a camera in the company of filmmakers – the brothers Quay. Or in the course of encounters with Alfred Schreyer, Schulz’ pupil and guardian of the memory of pre-war Drohobycz, ”an aristocrat of the spirit”, a person of extraordinary personal culture, speaking beautiful Polish. Finally, while making (together with Marcin Giżycki) Alfred Schreyer from Drohobycz, a film about this unusual protagonist.
Jakub Orzeszek 3 × Schulz. Reminder of the Gdańsk Manifesto 514
When did Schulz’s presence in the Gdańsk humanities discourse become permanent and programme-like, if it may be described as such? Much seems to indicate that this took place in 2012 – the year of the publication by Stanisław Rosiek of an article-manifesto in the first issue of “Schulz/Forum”. The postulates outlined therein assume work conducted on three mutually supplementing levels, which should result in: (1) the emergence of a periodical dedicated to the person and works of Schulz, (2) the publication of a critical edition of Dzieła zebrane, and (3) a further reconstruction of the writer’s autobiography. The presented note is an attempt at a summary of some of the outcomes of this undertaking. Seven years later, the planned research and publishing tasks are still being pursued although it has proved possible for some to be already distinctly advanced. They include primarily: (1) the semi-annual “Schulz/Forum”, which fulfils the function of a platform-meeting place of both Polish and foreign researchers and readers of Sklepy cynamonowe (The Cinnamon Shops), (2) three of the nine prepared volumes of a critical edition of Dzieła zebrane, and (3) an Internet timeline of the life, works, and reception of Bruno Schulz, published in Polish, Ukrainian, and English – www.schulzforum.pl.
* Authors who published in “Schulz/Forum” between 2012 and 2018 516
Jerzy Jarzębski 80 Introductions to the Works of Bruno Schulz. Essential Information for the Readers of “Konteksty” – Selected Bibliography 517
From the Artist’s Archive
Krzysztof M. Bednarski „I, Bruno Schulz” and „Home of My Father” 521
An acclaimed sculptor residing in Rome and Warsaw describes his two works: I, Bruno Schulz (photograph on the cover of this issue) and Home of My Father: “The suitcase I used for I, Bruno Schulz belonged to my parents who came from Lwów, and in 1945, after the Second World War, reached Warsaw, i. a. via Kraków, my birthplace. It was kept in a storage cupboard together with other concealed ‘treasures’ until the winter of 1982, when, during the martial war period, I turned it for the first time into an art object. The impulse came from a photograph I discovered amidst a sizeable collection of photographs of my parents from the time of their courtship: young and beautiful, together with friends, captured in assorted fun situations, and radiating joie de vivre. The mood of one of photographs, however, drew my attention: in it my father looks at his family home in Kulparkowska Street, bombed in 1939.
From that moment home and suitcase merged into a single image: I envisaged the house as a cardboard suitcase concealing in its interior my parents’ youth together with the Eastern Borderlands and the fragrance of Bruno Schulz’s ‘cinnamon shops’, which at the time came alive with such special force. Thus, opening the suitcase I came across the large eyes of Bruno Schulz evoking the Holocaust of that world. This, however, was not the end of the history of the suitcase. In 1986 I restored its utilitarian function by taking it with me while leaving for Rome. The fact that every so often it changed from a useful object into an objet d’art, and vice versa, is the reason that it functions as an ontologically questionable object, as if it originated from the ‘Schulzian prop room’.
Several of my works refer more or less directly to its ‘contents’. One of them is Home of My Father, an installation I created ten years later upon the basis of the photograph, with a dismantled miniature home bringing to mind a birdhouse due to its small size and applied material as well as the fact that it stands on a sizeable pole supported by bricks. The resultant entity creates a configuration maintained in a state of ‘unstable balance’, and produces the impression that a stronger breeze could smash it in into pieces. Naturally, the pole could be just as well a pilgrim’s staff”
Zbigniew Benedyktowicz Protoword and the Word Discovered in “Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą” – the Film by Wojciech Jerzy Has [1972] 524
While discussing Mityzacja rzeczywistości – Bruno Schulz’s essay on myth and poetry, of importance for anthropological reflection – the author of the article juxtaposed it with Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą, a film directed by Jerzy Wojciech Has (1972). Z. Benedyktowicz found the mechanism and phenomenon of ”glossing life with the aid of the myth”, described in Schulz’s essay (B. Schulz: “The human spirit is tireless in its glossing of life with the aid of myths”) in the strategy accepted and applied by the film director, who in his cinematic version introduced into Schulzian prose “a discovered word” – a citation from the “protoword” (myth), borrowed from the Book of Ecclesiastes [Kohelet, 12, 1-2], a profound kinship with the essence and mystery of Schulz’s oeuvre. In this way, Has’ film directly cites poetry as conceived and depicted by Schulz in his extraordinary definition formulated in the above-mentioned essay: “Poetry is the short-circuiting of meaning between words, the impetuous regeneration of primordial myth”. By continuing to devote his attention to the relations between myth and poetry described by Schulz, the author of the article concentrated on such motifs (source word, “protowords”) as “domicile” and ”returning home”, present in Polish films, poetry, and theatre (i.a. Andrzej Wajda – Tadeusz Konwicki – Tadeusz Kantor – Wojciech Jerzy Has), indicating their profound connection with the oeuvre of Bruno Schulz and constructing “memory of places” in the same spirit in which the author from Drohobycz wrote in Sanatorium pod Klepsydrą (The Hourglass Sanatorium): “Under the imaginary table that separates me from my readers, don’t we secretly clasp each other’s hands?”. Into reflections referring to his earlier works: Przestrzenie pamięci: antropologia pamięci, Antropologia pamięci i motyw domu w polskim filmie and Elementarz tożsamości the author also included his experiences from participating in the VIII International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobycz.
Drohobyczana. From the Archive of the Institute of Art of the Polish Academy of Sciences in Warsaw
Piotr Sypczuk, Piotr Lasek Uniate Church of St. Yur in Drohobycz/Drohobych: Unknown Material for Studying Wooden Sacral Architecture 540
The proximity of Lwów (today: Lviv), an important centre of scientific life, became the reason why Drohobycz (today: Drohobych) found itself early on within the range of the interests of archaeologists, conservators of historical monuments, and historians of architecture. The regaining of independence by Poland in 1918 created new conditions for the protection of historical monuments. The Uniate church of St. yur in Drohobycz was recognised as an important monument in the Lwów conservation regiom, particularly in view of growing interest in wooden churches regarded as typical architecture in this part of the Second Republic. On 23 March 1934 the church was listed in a register of historical monuments. An essential role in the protection of historical monuments in the Second Republic was played by the Central Office for Art Monument Inventories (CBI), which conducted a planned and systematic inventory campaign across the entire Republic. CBI devised a model of “catalogue cards” containing administrative-historical data and a description of the given historical object for the purpose of recording historical monuments and a planned publication series of a topographic catalogue of art monuments. The cards in question included also one dealing with the church of St. Yur. The description on the catalogue card was based on own-observation familiarity with the object in contrast to earlier used questionnaires. A list of images, i.e. photographic plates and/or prints as well as architectonic-measurement photographs constituted another integral element of the card. The discussed catalogue card of the church of St. Yur is an important and heretofore incompletely exploited source of knowledge about this prominent monument of wooden architecture.
Drohobyczana. SchulzFest: Bibliographies, Lists, Indices
Bibliography of the Contents of Festival Publications 2004–2018
List of Participants of the International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
Index of Ensembles, Theatres, and Creative Groups – Participants of the of the International Bruno Schulz Festival in Drohobych (2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018)
2018, nr 4 (323)
1947, nr 1-2 (1-2)
2016, nr 3-4 (314-315)
1995, nr 3-4 (0)
2014, nr 0 (numer spec)
1995, nr 2 (0)
2018, nr 1-2 (320–321)
Institute of Art of the Polish Academy of Sciences
Konteksty. Polska sztuka ludowa
28 Długa st.,
00-950 Warsaw, P.O. Box 999
phone. (0048-22) 50 48 243
phone/fax. / fax. (0048-22) 50 48 296
konteksty@ispan.pl
www.konteksty.pl
For details check: www.ruch.nor.pl/en/ or: www.arspolona.com.pl
Konteksty are also available in the Central and Eastern European Online Library (CEEOL) on: www.ceeol.com/aspx/publicationlist.aspx
http://www.pia.org.pl
© Kwartalnik Konteksty
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Eurasia English
Eurasia Foundation and Association Christmas 2015 Newsletter
Dear friends and members of Eurasia,
We are sending you our kindest and best wishes for a Peaceful Christmas Time and a Happy New Year. Eurasia and Peaceful Bamboo Family Team are happy to share with you joyful and dynamic news from our work. We are trying our best to contribute to a wholesome, inclusive and sustainable development full of HOPE and JOY
The work of Eurasia Foundation and Association in the field of special education, social therapy and bio dynamic agriculture and training in Vietnam, started officially in the year 1999. The fruits of all these years of commitments and many realizations allow us now to make new steps, also the Gross National Happiness framework has helped us to deepen our engagement in many fields.
Please visit our new website: www.eurasia.org.vn
Eurasia Learning Institute for Happiness and Wellbeing: ELI
We have been conducting courses and training programs ever we since we started our work in Vietnam, but recently a new phase has begun. We are expanding beyond the field of Special education and are serving a much broader audience.
The Call to Care pilot program: developing Mindfulness and Compassion in schools has been implemented with over 500 primary school children in Hue city. The preliminary assessment has proven that there is a very positive outcome. The next step will be to implement the program in all of Hue province, but we still need to find the necessary funds to do so. We are thankful for any financial support that will help us to implement this extraordinary project that can have a powerful impact on the overall educational system in Vietnam.
We have conducted a series of presentations and seminars in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi and we were positively surprised to see the interest and engagement of many people, especially among the younger generation. We covered themes such as Gross National Happiness, Educating the Heart, Mindfulness and Compassion, GNH in business and more.
Hoa Sen University, a large non for profit private University in Ho Chi Minh City has decided to implement a “Mindfulness based Compassion and Happiness” for all their students. We have committed to training during one year a core group of about 40 professors, students and managers who will become the trainers and will disseminate the program in the university. The first module of this year long program was conducted very successfully in a National park in south Vietnam with almost 50 participants
We have co-facilitated a workshop with Dr. Russia Ha Vinh Leuchter and three other researchers from Lausanne and Geneva University on Social and Emotional Learning (SEL) and Mindfulness in Hue
We have organized a workshop in TTG with all our ELI partner to design a strategy for the years to come.
These are just some examples to show how ELI has developed in an amazing way in just a very short time. And most of these workshops have also generated income for Eurasia. So there is a lot of hope and also a lot of work!
Signing of a new Memorandum of Understanding with Hue Province
On November 20, we have signed a new MOU with the People’s Committee of Hue Province that will give us a stronger legal status in Vietnam and will help us develop Eurasia and ELI in a broader way. It also gives us the basis for the development of the “Call to Care” program at the Provincial Level.
It is a further encouragement that shows the high level of acceptance that Eurasia receives from the Vietnamese authorities.
Tinh Truc Gia Peaceful Bamboo Family TTG
TTG a living and vocational training community for young adults living with disabilities, is at the heart of ALL the work of Eurasia. All realizations in TTG are Eurasia pilot projects that are inspiring other organizations and attracting more and more interest in the country: the National TV aired a wonderful documentary on TTG. The community is thriving and many youngsters get trained and find a meaningful and adapted work, find friends and have a good life here! The social entrepreneurship in the different workshops is starting to develop more and more. The teahouse, the food processing workshop, the painting workshop, the biodynamic garden attract more and more customers. Mr. Tu the director and his team are doing a wonderful work! Our community is now able to contribute to almost 50% of its running costs through the income generating activities - which is a great achievement - but we are still dependent on your generosity to raise the remaining 50’000 US$ to guarantee its yearly functioning.
Inclusive Waldorf Kindergarten in TTG
There are now 13 children in TTG inclusive Kindergarten. Mrs. Hoa and Mrs. An and a new teacher Ms. Thuy are creating a wonderful atmosphere of Love and Joy for the children to grow and learn. The Teachers also continue to receive training and joined a module of Waldorfkindergarten training in Saigon lately.
Biodynamic garden in TTG
We started the biodynamic garden in 2011 with the help of Mr. Marc Blachère from Copake Camphill Community USA. In 2014 we bought a new land for medicinal herbs and for collecting biodynamic seeds. Seven youngsters and 3 gardeners work on the 4000m2 of land. After 4 years the soil has become rich, there are many animals enjoying the healthy earth, birds, frogs, bees….
Through the support of Dr. Frank Mueller and Dr. Annelie Mueller we now are able to buy 2 cows to support our bio dynamic work! We are looking forward to welcome them as new members of the community!
We also have a new watering system now, as we finally found groundwater. We could dig a well by hand! It was too deep for machines, and we now have a pond and a flow forms fountain to collect and purify the water. Thank you Bob and Gitti!
New Adolescent project in TTG
TTG is a social therapy project for young adults living with disabilities. Working, living together is at the center of our work in TTG. But more and more parents of adolescents with developmental and behavioral difficulties, from 12 to 18 years old, are approaching us because their child cannot integrate the normal school system. Families are exhausted and are about to break down and to despair because they cannot find an adapted education for their child with disabilities in this specific age range. We plan to open a small adolescent sector where some of these teenagers can get the care adapted to their specific needs. They still need to learn and to get educational and therapeutic support. We are looking for funding and support for this very important project that will complete Eurasia’s care all the way from early childhood until adulthood and old people’s care (In Tinh duc pagoda)
Early detection and parental advise office in Saigon
Mr Khanh, Eurasia representative in Vietnam, and his team have moved to a new office in the 7th district in Saigon. During this year they accompanied children with developmental problems from the age of 28 months until 7 years. Children receive therapeutic and pedagogical care and the parents get advise from a team of educators and psychologists. The Office still needs financial support but also more training. The reputation of the office is growing and they hope to become financially independent in 2 years. The team is more and more invited to schools to give trainings and advise.
Christmas 2015 is also a challenging time for the world. Exclusion, fear, violence are menacing our global humanity. In a very humble way we try to contribute to bring about a deeper Peace, Inclusion of all those who are different and healing and to bring Joy and Love
Thank you and all partners, friends, donors for your faithful support and your friendship
For your Donations :
Association Eurasia
CCP 17-496738-5/
Banque Cantonale Vaudoise Compte 987.86.01
IBAN CH78 0076 7000 A098 7860
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Labour Peers
Lords business
Time to take real action on dementia
Backbench Peer Don Touhig explains why the upcoming Social Care White Paper is a historic opportunity to overhaul our care and support system
The House of Lords last debated dementia in June 2009 when Baroness Murphy helpfully pointed out that with the average age of 68 one third of Peers could expect to die with dementia!
Today there are 800,000 people with dementia in the Britain, two thirds of whom are women. We can expect there to be a million people with the illness in our country by 2021. In 2012 alone, it will cost the UK over £23bn.
Often spoken of as a ‘hidden disease’, I know from the investigative work carried out during my time on the House of Commons Public Accounts Committee that diagnosis is hard to come by. Currently only 43% of people with dementia have a formal diagnosis.
All too often I have come across cases where by an elderly person has a fall and breaks a limb. That person is admitted to hospital and it is only then, because the person seems not to respond to questions from a ward nurse, that dementia is diagnosed. Yet diagnosis is the key to accessing information, treatment and support services.
Currently there are 600,000 family carers of people with dementia.
The pressures on carers are often too terrible to imagine. A couple of years ago I led a Memory Walk. It was intended to bring together carers and dementia sufferers to remember their loved ones. I walked alongside a man whose wife had not spoken a word in 18 months. She was doubly incontinent and her only carer was the husband who was sometimes given respite when their son took over.
The family had no ground floor toilet and shower and he told me that the only day he was confident his wife was even clean was the one day she went to a centre which had showers. He was in tears telling me of his battles to get a grant to provide these facilities at home. And that is so often the case. The carer not only cares but often has to do battle with the authorities to get help.
While significant resources are being spent on dementia, they are often being done so inefficiently and in ways which do not meet the needs of people with the illness and also their families.
The Alzheimer’s Society has been campaigning for many years for a change in the way we pay for care. The forthcoming Social Care and Support White Paper is a historic opportunity to implement the necessary overhaul to our care and support system. That should be the basis for a national debate on care and support for people with dementia. But please, oh please, not a long-drawn out one – we need to indentify the key actions needed and get on and implement them.
After all, as Lady Murphy said, a great many of us will die with dementia.
Lord Don Touhig is a backbench Labour Peer in the House of Lords
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info@makomborero.info
Makomborero UK
Makomborero Zimbabwe
Help a child achieve their dreams by donating to Makomborero
Mike is an orphan and has practically self-taught himself, having been unable to pay school fees ($50 per term) for most of his senior schooling. He says that some of the most painful memories of his life were all the times he got “sacked (sent home) from school for unpaid fees” and worse still the look in his friends and teachers eyes every time he walked out of the school gate.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Physics A*, Chemistry A
University: He has received a full Master Card Scholarship for August 2014 to study in the USA at West Virginia University
Destiny M
Destiny’s father died in 1996 and his mother (a teacher – salary approx. $200 per month) has struggled for many years to pay for his education. “In the future I would like to help other students with scholarships as I can see its importance”.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Physics A*, Chemisty A*, Further Maths B
University: Lipscomb University with a full scholarship to study Engineering.
Lesleen M
Lesleen has achieved the top O-level results at her current school (9As and 1B). She has two younger sisters which she would love to inspire by studying sciences for A-level. Her role model is her Biology teacher who was passionate about the subject and demonstrated true kindness by giving her spectacles to help her excel in her studies.
A-level Results: Maths B, Biology A*, Chemistry A
University: University of Zimbabwe Studying Medicine – she has been granted a scholarship for her tuition.
Edwin M
Edwin has overcome many challenges in his life, including the loss of both his parents when he was young. He was head boy at both junior and senior school. He is a talented mathematics and accounts student.
A-level Results: Maths C, Physics D, Chemistry C
University: Edwin has been accepted by the Airforce of Zimbabwe to be an aircraft technician and has started his training.
Brian started his schooling in Gokwe, living with his mother who “struggled with all her strength for the sake of my education”. He managed to do his secondary education in Mabvuku after his aunt and uncle recognised his potential. He emerged as the top O-level student at his school with 8As and 2Bs.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Physics A*, Chemistry A*, Further Maths A
University: Actuarial Science at NUST University in Bulawayo – He received a Joshua Nkomo Scholarship
Mercia K
Mercia wants the chance to be the first person and girl in her family to progress to A-levels. She wants to be able to look back on her life to see how she has “helped her family and the community”.
A-level Results: Maths B, Biology A, Chemistry A
University: Is doing an internship with a local investment company, learning the ropes of being an analyst and studying a BCom through UNISA sponsored by this company.
Sadly Mercia passed away in May 2015 after a long fight with cancer.
Simbarashe N
Simbarashe has to live away from his parents and siblings as the rented home is too small for the whole family. He wants to use the scholarship to achieve his goal of studying medicine at university. He “has the zeal and passion to save the nation in the health sector”.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Biology B, Chemistry A
University: University of Zimbabwe Studying Pharmacy
Tinashe Z
Tinashe was orphaned at a young age but has managed to get this far through the help of an uncle who recognised his academic potential. His aunt is his role model as “she is caring and has been like a mother to him”.
University: University in Turkey studying Computer Science on a full scholarship.
Tinashe R
Tinashe’s father died when he was nine and his mother is unemployed. He wants to develop plastics and soaps to help people in his community. His role model is his maths teacher who “helped him for no extra pay”.
A-level Results: Maths A, Physics A, Chemistry B
Ryan M
Ryan lives with his parents. Due to illness, his father has been out of work for a number of years and the family have struggled to provide for their basic needs. Ryan feels that this scholarship has the potential to change his life but also the lives of his family members.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Physics A*, Chemistry A*, Further Maths B
University: University of TUFTS in America on a full Scholarship studying Engineering.
Tinaye H
His father struggles to pay the school fees for his five sons. “At times I have to stay at home as we take it in turns to have our fees paid”. One day, Tinaye would love to be in a position to give back to the community.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Biology A, Chemistry A
University: University of Zimbabwe Studying Medicine
Terrence C
Terrence comes from a large family and there are many financial pressures as a result of this. His mother volunteers her time to provide support for Aids orphans and vulnerable children in their community. Terrence would like to demonstrate the same commitment and love for his patients when he qualifies as a medical doctor.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Physics A*, Chemistry B
University: University of Zimbabwe Studying Electrical Engineering
Rodwell K
Rodwell is a talented chess player and would like the opportunity to spend plenty of time studying in a well –resourced environment so that he can one day “improve people’s lives through the application of scientific knowledge”.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Physics A*, Chemistry A*
Munyaradzi U
Munyaradzi lives with his grandparents, having been orphaned at a young age. He believes God will use the scholarship to fulfil his dreams despite his disadvantaged start in life.
A-level Results: Maths A, Physics A*, Chemistry A*
Peter is a talented mathematician who has faced many challenges in getting a good education to maximise his potential. Peter lives in an isolated village and had to walk 15 miles to get to school each day to do his A-level studies. His background has made it difficult for him to learn English to the standard required to excel in his academic studies. His school was unable to offer the subjects that would have better suited his poor grasp of English. Thus he has under-achieved in his A-level subjects. We offered Peter a special scholarship where he lived with Mark and Laura to learn English and study A-levels in Mathematics and Further Mathematics.
A-level Results: Maths A*, Physics C, Further Maths C, Accounts C
University: He has an internship with a local company as an accounts clerk and they will pay for his University Studies through UNISA. This is huge for Peter and his family.
Makomborero is a charity trying to make a difference
Will you help us give hope to Zimbabwe’s children by donating to our charity today?
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Aberdeen Hunts for Added U.S. Distribution
by: Neil Anderson, Managing Editor
The deal speculation about Aberdeen Asset Management continues. Martin Gilbert, chief of the Scottish asset manager, told Reuters that he wants to buy an American asset manager this year.
"We want to increase our distribution capability in the U.S.," Gilbert stated, declining to comment on reports that Aberdeen is bidding on Lincoln Financial Group's asset management arm, Delaware Investments.
Aberdeen is not new to the U.S. asset management business or to M&A. Last summer Aberdeen closed on its acquisition of Nationwide Financial's active asset management arm, which gave its first 26 Aberdeen Funds in the U.S.
Reuters' Claire Milhench also names Janus and Putnam as "consolidation players as they are sub-scale." It was not clear whether that meant they are potential buyers or sellers.
In January, The MFWire reported that OppenheimerFunds was looking at buying Janus, and Franklin Templeton reportedly also eyed the Denver-based fund firm. Putnam CEO Bob Reynolds, meanwhile, has repeatedly told the press of his skepticism regarding asset management deals (though he has declined to completely rule acquisitions out as a possibility).
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The Sounds of Brazil
We do Workshops!
‘Thanks a million for all your hard work – you’re a superstar here in Greystones!!!’
Grainne McLoughlin – Greystones Summer Festival/ AOIFE National Executive PRO
‘We are very much aware of the excellent work being done by maSamba Samba School in the (South Inner City) area and wish you every success in the future’
Niall Ring, Manager, IFSC Dublin Inner City Trust.
‘We were delighted with the events and have had a fantastic response to your presence in them – as before you were all a pleasure to work with’
Maggie Fitzsimons, Artistic Director, Samhlaiocht Chiarrai Festival, Tralee, Co. Kerry
‘Thanks a million for making the Latin American Dance Party perfect for the 2nd year in a row! Hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did!’
Lisa Belmour, Samhlaiocht Chiarrai Festival.
‘I write to thank all the maSamba drummers for taking part in the Family Day in the National Gallery of Ireland. We enjoyed working with all of you. We have been receiving calls all this week from people telling us how much they enjoyed the event. The Family Day proved to be a great success and a large part of that success is due to your performance’
Marie Bourke, Head of Education, National Gallery of Ireland
‘For a magical moment representing the possibilities of cultural equality I must single out the performance by the Whiz Kids (the group’s stage name), our local samba band for under 12’s based at the City Arts Centre who, as part of the 25th Anniversary party, gave such a mighty performance. Musically exhilarating and wholly committed, they were absolutely and totally there for their 20-minute set. The dancing, the energy, the interaction with the audience is what seasoned performers dream of. We were with them on the night, carried off to that place which needs no explanation, no justification. This band of small musicians represented all the dreams past and to come and I realised why I have persisted over 25 years and still seek the promised vision that culture is about having a future’
Sandy Fitzgerald, Executive Director, City Arts Centre,
City Arts Centre, Annual Review 1998.
‘I really liked all the drums and I really liked the agogo bells. I cannot wait to play on Friday. I know everyone will like us. Thank you very much. It was a (once in a) lifetime experience. I hope you will come again’
Lorna Savage, 6th Class Scoil Catherine, Rush, Co. Dublin
‘What a treat to have you come and play at Esat Digifone yesterday. I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard a surdo from up on the fourth floor. Surprises like that are few and far between in my job’
Caroline O’Dea, ICT Dept, Esat Digifone
‘I enjoyed the repinique workshop on Saturday, it’s good the way it’s aimed at people who have been playing for a while .I hope there will be more. I’d like to see some of our players here in Wicklow to be involved in workshops like that.’
Aoife Pedreschi, Band Leader, Sambista, Wicklow
‘You were excellent and many here have commented to us how much they enjoyed your music – let us know where we might see you play again’
Siobhán and Tom Tierney, Carlingford, Co. Louth
‘I greatly appreciate your involvement in teaching both music modules and particularly the planning and organising of the Dublin study trip. They are still talking about it!
Noreen Murphy, Co-ordinator, Leaving Certificate Applied Programme,
Limerick Youth Service
‘Compliments of all for excellent workshop. It was a magic hit’
Monica Hughes, Irish Wheelchair Association, Clane, Co. Kildare
Thanks so much for everything. MaSamba really made the wedding reception. Everyone loved the band: Kathy and I especially – what a wonderful, joyous contribution!’
Brendan Hughes, Rush
‘well done and Thanks…Everybody really enjoyed the performance. I will heartily recommend you to all enquiries. Keep up the good work!’
Colm Croffey, Director, Ballinasloe International Horse Fair/Chairperson AOIFE.
‘Many thanks for the workshop. The feedback has been very positive from students and also the staff who attended the performance’
Brian O’Keeffe, Bursar, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, Co. Kildare.
‘We thought the day was absolutely brilliant, we had many different activities and think your one was the best!”
Robert Barry, Student, Clongowes Wood College, Naas, Co. Kildare.
“Thanks so much for maSamba’s wonderful contribution to the (Special Olympics) Opening Ceremony. The arrival in the stadium of the Special Olympics Flag was a truly magical moment. I always knew it would be special but it far exceeded my wildest hopes.”
Mary Davis, CEO, Special Olympics World Games
‘Samhlaíocht are delighted with the success of this year’s festival and are very much aware that without your contribution and involvement our parade would not have been as vibrant and visual as it was. We are very grateful to you and your group and…it was a pleasure to work with such professionalism…’
June Carey, Samhlaíocht Chiarraí Festival.
‘My appreciation was greatly enhanced by the extraordinary show offered by maSamba during the (St. Patrick’s Day) celebrations. It was a very symbolic example of Brazilian culture, proving that the samba is indeed one of the most direct cultural links between Brazil and the rest of the world. This is the perfect time to appreciate and acknowledge the efforts of people like you, who have been promoting the sounds of Brazil for the last nine years.’
Stélio Marcos Amarante, Ambassador of Brazil
‘I wish to thank maSamba most sincerely for joining for our World Music Day at the National Concert Hall.
Feedback from our guests and patrons on the day and since has been extremely positive and complimentary, and it was a pleasure to work with you for the event.’
Sinéad Hope, Corporate Friends and Project Manager, National Concert Hall.
‘Thanks to all those who joined us in drumming in the New Year with our Brazilian Carinval and fab Samba Band, the night was a huge success and we have already been inundated with great comments and further requests to bring back the exotic dancers!!’
Chantelle Meegan, Manager, Tonic Bar and Restaurant, Blackrock, Co. Dublin.
‘There has been fantastic feedback about the parade and the performance in the Town Square. maSamba were perfect for the finale, the entertainment generated an electric energy around the town on Saturday night. You brought a fabulous highlight to our event and, as always, you are a pleasure to work with’
Noreen Thompson, Event Co-ordinator,
Samhlaiocht Chiarrai Festival, Tralee, Co. Kerry
‘Thank you so much for coming to school on Thursday – it was fantastic, and the kids really enjoyed it! Hope to see you next time you come to Wrexham!’
Erin Elston, Music Teacher, Rhosnesni High School, Wrexham, Wales
‘Thanks to you and the guys. You were spectacular. Everyone was raving about you. I was super impressed.’
Noreen Murphy, Heineken Ireland
‘Brian was also delighted with the guys who worked on the day so thank
you for all your help with this Ulster Bank event !’
Kate Shorten, Fleishman Europe
‘Thank you so much for your contribution to our launch event – it sounded fantastic! It has been a pleasure working with you and hope to see you again soon.’
Zena Jay Ellis, UK Centre for Carnival Arts
‘Thanks for all your work. It is most impressive, and we are very grateful to you.’
Denis Costello, Principal, Scoil Iosagain, Crumlin, Dublin 12.
‘I just want to say a big congratulations again for such an amazing parade through Temple Bar. Everyone is talking about it’
The outfits, professionalism and brilliant behaviour of all the kids involved is really a credit to you and your work at MaSamba Samba School.
I very much look forward to working with you again in the future.’
Eimear Chaomhánach, Cultural Development Executive, Temple Bar Cultural Trust
‘MaSamba’s ability to collaborate with professional musicians and engage students at widely varying levels of ability across the generational spectrum (the EEDS has students from ages 8 to 80,) made it clear why he has been so successful at leading MaSamba to such a high degree of musicality. Brazilian percussion and dance is about community, and Simeon has paved the way in terms of using the “Escola de Samba” model in pursuit of community building and artistry. I can speak for everyone involved with the EEDS in saying that MaSamba’s musicianship and virtuosity was stunning. Since MaSamba left Chicago, many of our students have asked when they will return. The EEDS is already in the process of rehearsing and choreographing 2 new pieces that Simeon taught us.’
Chris Hasselbring, Director, Evanston Escola de Samba, Evanston, Illinois.
Sorry, there aren’t any upcoming gigs right now. Check back soon!
End of the Year, End of the Decade, End of 25 Years of Masamba!
25 Years of Samba In Dublin
Countdown to the Holidays!
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Nordic Union - "Nordic Union" (CD)
"Nordic Union" track listing:
1. The War Has Begun
2. Hypocrisy
3. Wide Awake
4. Every Heartbeart
5. When Death Is Calling (song streaming here)
6. 21 Guns
7. Falling
8. The Other Side
9. Point Of No Return
10. True Love Awaits You
11. Go
Reviewed by CROMCarl on January 26, 2016
"When it comes to musicians, you couldn’t make enough coats to hang on the amount of hooks created by Eclipse guitarist Erik Martensson."
When it comes to writing, a song is only as great as the hook that draws you in. When it comes to great albums, you need a lot of hooks. When it comes to musicians, you couldn’t make enough coats to hang on the amount of hooks created by Eclipse guitarist Erik Martensson. When you match the Swede with the Danish vocal god Ronnie Atkins (Pretty Maids) and Seventh Sign drummer Magnus Ulfstedt…this “Nordic Union” is bound to be a hit. In fact, in terms of catchiness, this more than merely combines the forces of the two elite acts in Scandinavian hard rock, it doubles it. It may be way too early to truly predict, but this has all the makings of the hard rock release of 2016.
I know Nordic Union wouldn’t strike you as the typical “super group,” the latest trend. Coincidentally, Frontiers Music srl has been the flashpoint for the majority of this latest craze in the music business – taking the greats and marrying them together. That’s pretty much how Nordic Union was created, as if Sarafino Perugino was the Italian Coachella. The only difference here is that where many super groups fail due to disjointed/drab songwriting with hopes pinned on a the marketability of the guest stars, Nordic Union sounds like a much more natural band. I’m hoping that this isn’t a one off and praying for albums for years to come.
There are only so many times you can refer to an album as “catchy” without sounding repetitive, but there isn’t a word on the planet that more perfectly describes the listening experience here. You definitely won’t find a music revolution in Nordic Union – it is precisely what it is supposed to be – a marriage of two amazing hard rock musicians and songwriters, well known to the hard rock community for down to earth, no frills music with hooks and melody as the core.
It comes as no shock that the material is the embodiment of each of the member’s own main bands – with songs like “The War Has Begun,” “Hypocrisy,” “21 Guns” and “Point of No Return” sounding right in line with the last three Pretty Maids albums and “Every Heartbeat,” “The Other Side,” “Falling” and “Go” leaning towards Eclipse. The union is perfect as the band's complement each other so well. I can see a grand tour between the two that includes a Nordic Union set in the future. I sure hope it happens.
For Ronnie Atkins, his performance always captivates me – with that amazing ability to sound crystal clear but at the same time he is able to run it thorough the meat grinder to give the grit it needs to make this appealing to both hard rock and traditional metal fans. Its hysterical how many times I have to explain myself when telling a hardened “warrior metalhead” that Pretty Maids is not only a metal band, but one of the best you will ever hear. I have the same issue with The Poodles. I don’t think Atkins cares worth a lick, but it is humorous in the fan circles.
The world of modern hard rock has truly shrugged off the old glam images of the past (save for joke artists like Steel Panther) and become what it was meant to be all along – a tribute to great songwriting. This may have been constructed largely by a label president, but Nordic Union isn’t just a mash up to sell records on the backs of the member’s known acts. This is a truly remarkable hard rock album where complimenting musicians were carefully selected in order to form a more perfect Nordic Union.
Highs: The perfect union of Pretty Maids and Eclipse. Too many hooks to mention.
Lows: Nothing earth shattering - so if no frills hard rock isn't your thing - steer clear.
Bottom line: Two musicians come together to form a more perfect Nordic Union.
4 out of 5 skulls
Get more info including news, reviews, interviews, links, etc. on our Nordic Union band page.
Recent Reviews By CROMCarl
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« Charting the Patriots’ First-Team Defensive Front vs. Eagles in Preseason Opener
New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Preseason Week 2 Observations »
New England Patriots vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ten Keys to Preseason Week 2
Could rookie punter Ryan Allen wrap up the starting punting job? (Photo: US Presswire)
NEPD Editor: Matthew Jones
Tonight, the New England Patriots will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the first of two scheduled contests this season; read on for ten keys to New England’s second exhibition of the season.
1. What type of workload will Tom Brady and the rest of the starters see?
In what was the most frightening moment of the season thus far, Patriots quarterback Tom Brady left Wednesday’s practice early after sustaining a minor knee injury which appeared potentially serious, but ultimately looks like a false alarm following Brady’s return to practice yesterday and reported desire to participate in the team’s secod preseason game of the year against Tampa Bay tonight. Whether Brady plays, and if so, I what depth, will be one of the key storylines of the game from New England’s perspective; however, it would come as a surprise if he were to see the field for any substantial period of time regardless of the severity of his injury. Last season, Brady, along with various other Patriots veterans, was held out of the team’s second preseason game in order for New England’s coaching staff to evaluate some of their reserve options.
In this case, an identical approach appears somewhat unlikely given the reports that Brady is determined to appear, but given that there is little incentive to subject Brady to any additional hits beyond a desire to further develop chemistry between the veteran quarterback and his young receiving corps, sidelining him for most of the game is a wise idea. With two intriguing backup quarterbacks on roster in Ryan Mallett and Tim Tebow, tonight’s game presents an opportunity to gain significant in-game experience, which is particularly lacking in Mallett’s case. The former Arkansas passer is likely looking to put together a more comprehensive performance than his limited outing during the preseason opener at Philadelphia.
2. Can Tim Tebow improve upon his weak debut performance with the team?
Deserved or not, quarterback Tim Tebow’s performances will liekly be the most scrutinized aspect of New England’s preseason. In last week’s game at Philadelphia, Tebow looked lost as a passer, with his accuracy severely curtailed whenever he was forced to throw to a checkdown option, a problem which has limited Tebow’s effectiveness since entering the league. Regardless of Tebow’s personal character, he will have to show that he is capable of moving the offense in order to make the final roster, which is something that we have not seen to this point.
On the bright side, Tebow did gain thirty-one yards on four attempts, looking determined and elusive on runs which were clearly designed with Tebow’s particular strengths in mind; those runs make it appear as though the coaching staff is determined to Tebow’s success despite what can be considered an unconventional skillset at best. This week’s game should help create a clearer picture of what Tebow offers the team, as the second week of the preseason is typically a time for evaluating some of the players on the roster bubble. Tebow won’t get all the snaps, as Ryan Mallett is practicing with the team after leaving last week’s game early, but the former Florida quarterback should see an ample workload for the second straight week. Without a dramatically improved passing performance, Tebow’s chances of making the final roster will diminish once again.
3. Will LeGarrette Blount continue to distance himself from Brandon Bolden?
If there was a star player in New England’s 31-22 victory at Philadelphia last week, it was running back LeGarrette Blount, who amassed 101 yards and two touchdowns over just eleven carries, one of which was a 51-yard touchdown run that helped Blount post an average of 9.2 yards per attempt. Although Blount was originally considered unlikely to make the final roster, he now appears to be among the team’s top four runners, with an opportunity to further distance himself from Brandon Bolden this week against his former team.
Bolden, an effective rookie runner for the Patriots last season despite not being drafted, averaged 4.9 yards per carry in 2012 but earned himself a place in Bill Belichick’s doghouse after serving a four-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs, carrying the ball just thirteen times over the last six games of the season, including New England’s two playoff games. Last week, he committed a special-teams penalty by running into Eagles punter Brad Wing and averaged just 3.5 yards per attempt on a four-carry, fourteen-yard showing as a running option. Bolden’s youth, strength, aggression, and special teams value would make him hard to part ways with, so it’s possible that New England’s coaching staff will opt to enter the season with five running backs on roster, but should they remain committed to a four-man personnel group, it looks possible that Bolden may be playing for another team within the month, whether via a trade or as a consequence of being released during roster cutdowns.
4. What will New England’s wide receivers show in their second game together?
Even if we likely won’t see Tom Brady for an extended period of time, if at all, New England’s wide receivers, with the possible exception of Danny Amendola, should still see plenty of playing time as the team attempts to finalize its depth chart at the position. Rookie second-round pick Aaron Dobson started during the preseason opener, ultimately taking the field for forty-four snaps, while Josh Boyce and Kenbrell Thompkins entered the game later for over thirty snaps each. Of the aforementioned players, Thompkins, an undrafted free agent, was by far the most productive, catching all four of his targets for a total of 23 yards and demonstrating his ability to run both sideline and crossing routes.
While the Cincinnati alum would do well to simply recreate his initial showing, significant room for improvement exists for both Dobson and Boyce; the former caught only two of eight targets, dropping another pass, while Boyce uncovered himself on an overthrow but otherwise was not targeted. At this point, all three players appear to be locks for the final roster, but it would nonetheless assuage some apprehensions if they were to factor more prominently into New England’s offense this week against a young Tampa Bay secondary which is likely to feature cornerback personnel including second-year cornerback Leonard Johnson and rookie second-round pick Johnthan Banks. New England’s decision to release veteran wide receiver Michael Jenkins earlier this week should be interpreted as a vote of confidence in the likes of Dobson, Boyce, and Thompkins.
5. How will New England protect their quarterbacks from Tampa Bay’s pass rushers?
Protecting the quarterback figures to be an emphasis for New England this week, as the team barely sidestepped a serious injury to Tom Brady during practice this week and was forced to pull second-string quarterback Ryan Mallett from the game early last week after the third-year player sustained what appeared to be a minor chest injury. When third-string quarterback Tim Tebow entered the game, he struggled to work through his progressions on time, completing just four of his twelve attempts and taking costly sacks on a number of occasions; in total, ProFootballFocus holds New England responsible for allowing six quarterback hits in addition to four quarterback sacks. Fortunately, New England’s starting offensive line looked dominant even without right guards Dan Connolly and Marcus Cannon; unfortunately, problems may crop up when the second-team linemen hit the field, which figures to be early in, if not at the beginning of the game.
Patriots running backs Leon Washington and Brandon Bolden must also redouble their efforts in pass protection after allowing a quarterback hit each over a combined four snaps in pass protection. Tampa Bay came away with just one sack last week vs. Baltimore, but has one of the best under tackles in the league in Gerald McCoy, with big defensive ends such as Da’Quan Bowers and rookie William Gholston, the latter of whom was responsible for a quarterback hit against the Ravens. One otpion may be to leave additional tight ends in pass protection to chip edge rushers and allow the interior offensive line to focus on stopping Tampa Bay’s tackles.
6. What kind of defensive looks will the Patriots present Tampa Bay with?
Relative to last season, in which the Patriots operated predominantly out of fronts featuring four down linemen, the defenses New England employed against Philadelphia last week featured a high volume of three-man looks, with defensive ends such as Rob Ninkovich, Michael Buchanan, Marcus Benard, and Jake Bequette frequently being asked to create pressure out of a two-point stance. As the NFL continues to move towards an emphasis on the passing game, it appears wise to start investigating additional ways to create pressure. Traditionally, the Patriots have prized size and two-gap ability in their three-man fronts, but in 2011 the team began tailoring their defensive schemes to the skillsets of their personnel more inventively than ever, incorporating both one-and-two-gap principles.
Should the Patriots continue down that road, they may be able to craft a dynamic pass rush featuring an undersized five-technique such as Chandler Jones and an explosive edge rusher in rookie second-round pick Jamie Collins. The ways in which New England worked Collins onto the field against Philadelphia, which included various different rushes from wide angles, including out of the slot, were enticing; the assumption is that we’ll get to see a little bit more of these types of alignments this week.
7. What will New England’s defensive line rotation look like, especially at end?
Following last week’s season opener, it appears safe to say that the composition of New England’s starting defensive line is complete, with returning starters Rob Ninkovich (left end), Vince Wilfork (nose tackle), and Chandler Jones (right end) being joined by Tommy Kelly (defensive tackle.) However, a personnel overload still exists at the position, with three preseason games remaining in order to determine who will make the team’s final roster. Longshot Jason Vega has been waived following a knee injury sustained during practice, but candidates such as Marcus Benard, Jake Bequette, Michael Buchanan, Jermaine Cunningham, and Justin Francis remain on roster.
Last week, Buchanan (60 snaps) and Benard (42 snaps) were worked onto the field as members of New England’s second team, with Justin Francis taking 41 snaps and Bequette on the field for 35, according to ProFootballFocus. Cunningham is still not practicing with the team, an absence which may very well cost him his roster spot. It will be interesting to see how New England opts to employ their ends against Tampa this week. Additionally, defensive tackle/end Armond Armstead is still on the Non-Football Illness list, which should create opportunities for defensive tackle reserves to showcase their abilities. Second-year player Marcus Forston is probably the most likely candidate for a spot, but undrafted free agent Joe Vellano, a Maryland product, looked disruptive as well. Cory Grissom, Scott Vallone, and Rashad White also factored into the mix.
8. Will New England’s secondary be able to prevent big plays through the air?
Both of the top two quarterbacks on Tampa Bay’s roster, Josh Freeman and rookie third-round pick Mike Glennon, are considered to have among the strongest arms in the league; consequently, New England’s secondary should be well-prepared to defend against any passing attempts downfield. Freeman has been criticized thus far in his career for his tendency to check down to short routes, attempting just eighty-nine throws which traveled twenty yards or more downfield last season; however, of those passes, he completed a respectable thirty-one (34.8%), gaining 1,178 yards for an average of 13.23 yards per attempt.
Mike Glennon, the North Carolina St. product who saw the majority of Tampa Bay’s snaps in the preseason opener, had an inefficient outing overall, completing eleven of twenty-three passes (47.8%) for 169 yards and an interception, but was penalized by two drops, threw one pass away, and was hit as thrown on another, per Pro Football Focus. He also managed to complete one of his four tries downfield, gaining 41 yards on a completion to Chris Owusu deep down the left sideline. Given that Patriots starting cornerback Aqib Talib was burned by DeSean Jackson last week for a 47-yard score, and that rookie cornerback Logan Ryan also surrendered a 35-yard completion to Greg Salas, New England should prepare for additional tests down the field.
9. What will New England’s defensive back rotation look like this week?
In the preseason opener, New England started Aqib Talib and Kyle Arrington at cornerback, with Steve Gregory and Adrian Wilson aligned deep in the secondary as New England’s starting safeties. Something similar is likely in the cards this week, as two typical starters, free safety Devin McCourty and right cornerback Alfonzo Dennard, were held out of practice this week. With Ras-I Dowling also not participating, the second unit may remain the same as well; last week, it featured Tavon Wilson and Duron Harmon at the safety spots, with rookies Logan Ryan and Justin Green joined by Brandon Jones and Marquice Cole at cornerback.
Ryan, a third-round pick last April, struggled last week, surrendering completions on , but undrafted free agent Justin Green was impressive, limiting his assignments to 3/5 receiving for twenty-eight yards. If Dowling continues to miss time, and if Green continues his production at the position, the rookie may end up as an unlikely member of the final 53-man roster. In addition to Ryan, Tavon Wilson is another player who needs to dramatically improve his productivity, as he has been criticized for his performances throughout training camp and did not stand out last week, either. While he appears a safe bet to make the final roster, he could find himself buried on the depth chart at this rate, especially given Duron Harmon’s superior physicality and overall play recognition, as evidenced last week against Philadelphia.
10. Can New England’s specialists regain firm control of their starting jobs?
Despite his strong leg, Stephen Gostkowski has consistently failed to develop into one of the league’s top field-goal kickers, frequently missing the types of attempts which are reasonable to expect from one of the highest-paid kickers in the league and the seventh-highest paid player on New England’s entire roster. The Patriots could save $1,945,000 by releasing Gostkowski this season, and they could arguably find a similarly-effective option on the open market for less than that, such as Dan Carpenter, whose leg may not be quite as strong but who was similarly consistent in 2012. After going 1/3 in the opener, Gostkowski needs to rebound with consistent accuracy this week to prevent New England’s front office from investigating alternative options.
Punter Zoltan Mesko, too, may be in danger of losing his job, as the Patriots brought in Ray Guy Award winner Ryan Allen this offseason as an undrafted free agent signing, and thus far, Allen has demonstrated considerable leg strength, punting twice in the opener and averaging 54.0 yards per attempt, compared to Mesko’s three punts averaging 44.7 yards. New England could save $768,000 by releasing Mesko, whose cap figure is significantly higher than Allen’s modest $405,000 salary for 2013.
Tags: New England Patriots, NFL, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ten Keys
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OUT OF MIND » THE INSANITY OF REALITY » CABAL AGENDA & WORLD DOMINATION » Greta Thunberg Enraged After Climate Strikes “Achieved Nothing”, Has Yet To Visit China
Greta Thunberg Enraged After Climate Strikes “Achieved Nothing”, Has Yet To Visit China
1 Greta Thunberg Enraged After Climate Strikes “Achieved Nothing”, Has Yet To Visit China on Sun Dec 08, 2019 12:29 am
Date: December 7, 2019 Author: Nwo Report
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg is angrier than ever. The 16-year-old climate crusader, whose childhood was stolen by everyone except China, says that the wave of climate change school strikes over the past year has “achieved nothing” since greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise.
Speaking from the Madrid climate conference, after arriving via train from Lisbon, Thunberg said she hoped the negotiations would result in “something concrete.”
Thousands of young people were expected to gather at the UN climate conference and in the streets of the Spanish capital on Friday to protest against the lack of progress in tackling the climate emergency, as officials from more than 190 countries wrangled over the niceties of wording in documents related to the Paris accord.
In the four years since the landmark agreement was signed, greenhouse gas emissions have risen by 4% and the talks this year are not expected to produce new commitments on carbon from the world’s biggest emitters. -The Guardian
“People want everything to continue like now and they are afraid of change,” she told reporters, without mentioning the world’s #1 polluter by volume, China. “And change is what we young people are bringing and that is why they want to silence us and that is just a proof that we are having an impact that our voices are being heard that they try so desperately to silence us.”
Thunberg’s movement began in Sweden in 2017, and has morphed into an organized campaign across the world.
Michael Malice @michaelmalice
There is no one more privileged than the white girl refusing to go to school until literally everyone on earth changes the weather for her https://twitter.com/GretaThunberg/status/1200430177144229888 …
Greta Thunberg @GretaThunberg
School strike week 67.
42°19’ N 25°03’W #climatestrike #schoolstrike4climate #fridaysforfuture
11:49 AM - Dec 2, 2019
“I’m just an activist and we need more activists,” said Thunberg, adding “I sincerely hope COP25 will reach something concrete and increase awareness among people, and that world leaders and people in power grasp the urgency of the climate crisis, because right now it does not seem that they are.”
In September, Thunberg drew criticism from French President Emmanuel Macron after she filed a legal complaint accusing five countries of inaction on global warming in violation of the 30-year-old UN Convention on the Rights of a Child. Germany, France, Brazil, Argentina and Turkey were named in the lawsuit.
https://nworeport.me/2019/12/07/greta-thunberg-enraged-after-climate-strikes-achieved-nothing-has-yet-to-visit-china/
Thanks to: https://nworeport.me
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Available at Spotify
Sadly not visible on UK Spotify...
So now... do I buy an LP set that is worth more than my actual non-functioning deck? So I'd have to fix the deck...or buy a new one...?
colinmce
Location:Denton, TX
A minor quibble, but the jewel case is a bummer. Couldnt spring for a nice digipack on this premium-price limited edition set? Isn't it a rule that the re-reissue should look nicer than the original reissue?
GIMME GIMME GIMME WAH WAH WAH, I know ...
I hear you. When Verve started the "Album Collection" box sets the first three were sets of digipaks, and then Hip-O took over and made jewel box versions (with crappier printing) of the final two volumes. But in this case, with the jewel case I can substitute the "Complete" version with the original album version in the fifth volume, and also slip in the disc of the original version, a nice plus.
JSngry
While logic makes its demands, emotion lends its voice
Location:tx, usa
OTOH, people used to complain about digipacks when the tray would come unglued and then there was no way to put it back right.
Ain't no living in a perfect world, although my workaround for this set would be a gatefold LP replica-ish cover. That might be more expensive, though?
But really, I'm not thrilled with either jewel box or digipack to be honest. The former just seems...wasteful, the latter not really sturdy.
You're right, a gatefold the way that Japan Impulse lp facsimile releases were would be the best option. I have Meditations and Ascension in this form and they're beautiful and sturdy.
I hate digipaks. Would rather have a jewel case for sure, though at this point I've moved all my CDs to CaseLogic books anyway.
In spite of the packaging, I had to stop listening last night because Coltrane's tenor sounded so shrill. It might have been me and I will try again.
Location:OR
Posted 2 May 2013
The sound on this album has never been that good — in my opinion, I don't think the engineer knew exactly what to do with Jones' drums as they overpowered the piano. That said, I think this reissue is likely the best we'll hear. Coltrane's horn is especially up-front, which can make it sound shrill (it doesn't to my ears, though), especially in comparison to the recessed piano. Tyner's piano suffers the most on the issued (and now unedited) take of "Sun Ship," which is a shame because his solo is amazing. On Disc II, it seems the engineer made some adjustments, and the piano begins to sound quite nice. One noticeable difference in this transfer is that there's more of a "room" sound, which especially benefits the drums — cymbals in particular seem to resonate with more of a natural sound. Overall, I'd say that this 2-disc edition is a noticeable improvement (sound-wise) over the 1995 digipack edition.
The added studio banter isn't particularly enlightening. There's really not that much (at one point, Jones suggests that one of the tracks be titled "F.U.") that adds to the "iconic" nature of the quartet. Ed Michel, it seems, gets bagged for his 1971 edits, but it's important to remember that he made those edits with Alice's approval. In the case of the original "Sun Ship" track in particular, Michel's edit (omitting a brief drum coda) to my ears was both astute and musical. The way (in the edit) the track abruptly ends with a cymbal crash is how I'll always know that song. The new, unedited version has far less drama (for its ending). Hold on to your 1995 edition if you know this album intimately. I'm very glad to have this new edition — I think it's worth the money — but I'll be programming a CDR version that mimics the original album sequence (also cued up very nicely by Michel).
If you're on the fence, the (complete) alternate versions are worthy. If it were just a collection of false starts and breakdowns (and there are plenty here), then I'd be less inclined to give a thumbs-up overall. Some of the inserts, actually, have some incredible Coltrane playing. You get to hear, very briefly, the tape rolling and then Coltrane jump in for a minute or two. He turns the heat up almost instantly. Amazing, actually.
If you like to "study" studio sessions, and you have a fondness for this particular recording, you won't be disappointed. And, if you like it only casually, I'd say that the sound is improved enough (though not stellar) to consider a purchase at some point. I don't mind the jewel case; it is what it is, and the paper inside will last longer.
Thanks for the review - I sure will get it later this year.
.:.impossible
Funktastic!!
Location:Richmond VA
Thanks Late.
GregK
Master of the Groove!
Location:Baltimore, MD
what exactly is an "insert", anyway? Confused me since the Miles Jack Johnson box, which is full of them.
jeffcrom
Location:Atlanta, GA
It's a take intentionally consisting of just part of the tune being worked on, for the purpose of splicing into/onto another take to produce a complete tune.
nail75
Thanks for the review. I am pretty sure, I don't need this new edition, although you made a good case for it.
CJ Shearn
Location:Staatsburg, New York
"Freddie Freeloader" contains an insert as well. "Miles Ahead", "Porgy and Bess" and (I think) "Sketches of Spain" all have numerous inserts.
jazzkrow
Location:Portland
Mosaic is now shipping the 3 LP box set...
Anyone buying this 3 LP set..?
medjuck
Location:Santa Barbara
I'm surprised by how much I'm liking this. Wasn't that impressed when it first came out. (But I was so much older then....)
I love the album a lot - but the CD version is good enough, costs about half a kidney less, too.
Location:New England
Agreed, the CDs sound fantastic.
I can't take the sound on the CD version of The Complete Sun Ship Sessions. They screwed up the sound of Trane's tenor. Obnoxious and unlistenable imo. I don't know if the sound on the LPs is any improvement, but I can't see spending Mosaic type $ to find out.
Posted 21 Aug 2013 (edited)
The Mosaic LPs use the same mix by Kevin Reeves, but were mastered by Kevin Gray instead. So if that tenor sound originates in the mixing...
From Mosaic:
Produced for release by Harry Weinger, Richard Seidel and Michael Cuscuna
Remixed from the original three-track masters by Kevin Reeves, Sterling Sound, New York City
Mastered by Kevin Gray at Cohearent Sound, North Hills, CA
The CD states: Mixed from the original three-track session reels and mastered in high-resolution audio by Kevin Reeves at Sterling Sound, NY.
The tenor sound is somewhat different, but I personally don't have a problem with the complete version. Even though mastered by Kevin Reeves, it doesn't suffer from the same faults as his Impulse Originals remasters. It's like that series was mastered too loud on purpose.
For my money the best sounding version of the original Sun Ship album is the recent Japanese SHM-CD, UCCI-9204. I've compared it against the 1995 20-bit and Originals CDs.
Edited 21 Aug 2013 by erwbol
Thanks for the info about Mosaic. I have a Japanese Impulse LP dated 1983 and the sound on that is better than the sound on the Complete CDs, though it's not great. RCA didn't come close to what Rudy did with Trane's music. Guess I'll stick with the LP and forget about completeness.
You're lucky probably to have that LP. The original LP is pretty terrible. Subsequent CD versions I have heard are to harsh for my tastes. You can go the streaming services to hear the compete version, if you want to know what material you are missing.
chewy-chew-chew-bean-benitez
wow, cant wait to see more releases like this in the future....
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Homepage Mobile Phones Apple iPhone Why iPhone 5 with 4.6-inch display is implausible
Why iPhone 5 with 4.6-inch display is implausible
Categories Apple iPhone
Author by Debbie Turner March 23, 2012
Although a release for the Apple iPhone 5 is at least several months away, many people want to hear all the rumors and leaks to try to ascertain what may eventually arrive. The latest rumor that has been widely reported is that it could have a huge 4.6-inch display but today we’ll give you a few reasons why that seems implausible.
As we pointed out yesterday when we told of the leaked display news, it’s true that many people have expressed desire for a larger screen for the iPhone 5 and it was widely expected already that it might be increased to a 4-inches display. However 4.6-inches just seems a step too far. It is also true that larger displays on smartphones are very much the current trend and many Android phones do feature a larger display but that doesn’t mean that everybody necessarily wants to carry around a larger handset.
The Samsung Galaxy Nexus for example has a 4.65-inch display while the Galaxy Note has a massive 5.3-inch display, although this is regarded by many as a hybrid smartphone/tablet. Even last year’s Samsung Galaxy S2 featured 4.3-inch display and there are rumors that it will be increased to 4.8-inches for the Galaxy S3. However the current iPhone, the iPhone 4S, has a vastly smaller display than many of the newer phones, at only 3.5-inches. A step up to 4-inches then may be plausible, but 4.6-inches? That would seem like a big leap to make from one iPhone iteration to another.
To be frank the iPhone 4S has realized phenomenal success, selling more units than anybody could have predicted so the fact that it has a smaller screen than many current smartphones doesn’t seem to have stopped the incredible demand for it. While we feel then that many consumers would like a slightly larger display for the iPhone 5 the more we think about it, the more unlikely it seems that Apple would make such a radical move to 4.6-inches.
As far as the technical aspects are concerned, an article on ZDNet makes some very valid points about why an iPhone 5 with a 4.6-inch display seems unlikely. The current Retina Display on the iPhone 4S gives a resolution of 960×460 and ZDNet notes that maintaining that resolution on a 4.65-inch screen would mean a drop in pixel density to 326ppi to around 250ppi, and that’s a drop that we don’t feel Apple would feel happy to compromise with. However the idea that Apple would attempt to increase the resolution instead also seems doubtful because many existing apps would then have scaling issues. If Apple did choose to bump up the resolution to 1920×1280 for example, that would give a density of 550 ppi and it’s highly questionable whether Apple could manage that.
We feel then that taking everything into account a 4.6-inch display for the iPhone 5 is improbable. It’s far more likely that the next iPhone may increase in size to 4-inches and that if the current vogue for larger screens continues, the following iPhone may step up in display size again. However a jump from 3.5-inches to 4.6-inches in one leap still seems implausible to us.
We’d really like to hear your views on this though to give us an idea of the general consensus, so let us have your comments. Would you like to see an increase to a 4-inch display for the iPhone 5 or maybe you’d appreciate a much bigger 4.6-inch display instead? Alternatively you may be perfectly happy with the current iPhone screen size?
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3 thoughts on “Why iPhone 5 with 4.6-inch display is implausible”
hibread says:
I’d like to see Apple add another device to their line up rather than changing existing devices too much. 3.5in is probably perfection for many smart phone users, and the 9.7in iPad also great. But I reckon adding a hybrid to the mix around the 5-6in mark (edge to edge) would be a great addition
Damn, you must have tiny hands if you think the ‘many’ smartphone users are happy with a 3.5 inch screen.
If Apple is going to quadruple the screen resolution to 1920 x 1280 they would need a display as big as 4.6 inches. In this case Apple would probably in addition have an iPhone with a 3.5 – 3.8 inch display with the current 960 x 640 resolution as well. I really hope the 4.6 inch display iPhone will be a reality, but only if it comes with that monster resolution!
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You are here: Rotterdam Convention > Procedures > Severely Hazardous Pesticide Formulations
Severely Hazardous Pesticide Formulations (SHPFs) are chemicals formulated for pesticidal use that are known to produce severe health or environmental effects observable within a short period of time after single or multiple exposure, under conditions of use.
Article 6 of the Convention outlines the procedures for SHPFs. Under Article 6, any Party that is a developing country or country with an economy in transition that is experiencing problems caused by an SHPF, either due to human health or environmental problems in its territory may make a proposal to the Secretariat for the inclusion of the formulation in Annex III. The proposals must contain the information specified in Part 1 of Annex IV of the Convention and be submitted to the Secretariat by the DNA of that country.
Process for the submission of an SHPF
To facilitate the implementation of Article 6 of the Convention, the Secretariat has developed two forms: one for reporting on environmental incidents and one for reporting on human health incidents related to an SHPF. The forms and instructions are intended to assist DNAs in understanding what information to collect and submit in support of a proposal for listing a hazardous pesticide formulation in Annex III.
The Secretariat has developed an SHPF kit to provide guidance on monitoring and reporting pesticide poisoning incidents.
In preparing a proposal for the listing of an SHPF in Annex III, a DNA may draw upon technical expertise from any relevant source. Upon receipt of a proposal the Secretariat must verify whether it meets the information requirements of part 1 of Annex IV of the Convention. If the proposal is found to be complete a summary is prepared and published in Appendix II, Part A of the PIC Circular. The summary briefly describes the formulation, how it was being used, when the incident occurred and the adverse effects observed on either human health or the environment.
PIC Circulars can be viewed and downloaded here PIC Circular.
Close Move
Procedures for severely hazardous pesticide formulations
1. Any Party that is a developing country or a country with an economy in transition and that is experiencing problems caused by a severely hazardous pesticide formulation under conditions of use in its territory, may propose to the Secretariat the listing of the severely hazardous pesticide formulation in Annex III. In developing a proposal, the Party may draw upon technical expertise from any relevant source. The proposal shall contain the information required by part 1 of Annex IV.
2. The Secretariat shall, as soon as possible, and in any event no later than six months after receipt of a proposal under paragraph 1, verify whether the proposal contains the information required by part 1 of Annex IV. If the proposal contains the information required, the Secretariat shall forthwith forward to all Parties a summary of the information received. If the proposal does not contain the information required, it shall inform the proposing Party accordingly.
3. The Secretariat shall collect the additional information set out in part 2 of Annex IV regarding the proposal forwarded under paragraph 2.
4. When the requirements of paragraphs 2 and 3 above have been fulfilled with regard to a particular severely hazardous pesticide formulation, the Secretariat shall forward the proposal and the related information to the Chemical Review Committee.
5. The Chemical Review Committee shall review the information provided in the proposal and the additional information collected and, in accordance with the criteria set out in part 3 of Annex IV, recommend to the Conference of the Parties whether the severely hazardous pesticide formulation in question should be made subject to the Prior Informed Consent procedure and, accordingly, be listed in Annex III.
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We cannot accept the behaviour of Turkey in the Cypriot EEZ, European Commission President says
The EU cannot accept the behaviour of Turkey and will stand strongly by the side of Cyprus, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on Tuesday, while Andrej Plenkovic, Prime Minister of Croatia whose country holds the EU rotating presidency, stated that their policy will remain within the context of EU Council conclusions.
On June 20, the EU Summit voiced “serious concerns” over Turkey`s current illegal drilling activities in the Eastern Mediterranean and deplored that Turkey has not yet responded to the EU`s repeated calls to cease illegal drillings in the Cyprus EEZ. EU leaders called on the EU External Action Service to submit options for appropriate measures without delay, including targeted measures.”
“We stand very strongly by the side of our member state, Cyprus. It is very important to support Cyprus in this matter, we cannot accept the behaviour we see by Turkey in this matter,” von der Leyen said, replying to questions during a press conference with Croatia PM Andrej Plenkovic.
On his part, Plenkovic said that “our policy will remain within the framework of the European Council conclusions as well as the earlier conclusions on the level of the Council.”
“So, nothing will go ultra vires from the line which was taken”, he concluded.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when Turkey invaded and occupied its northern third.
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Houma Nation partners with Southern Law Center to gain federal recognition
TAGS: LouisianaNative NewsGovernment & PoliticsLaw & PoliticsTribal IdentityFederal Recognition
The United Houma Nation is continuing its mission to become a federally recognized tribe, now with the help of law students at Southern University. The tribe recently partnered with Southern University Law Center’s Native American Law and Policy Institute. The university system’s Board of Supervisors approved the partnership with the United Houma Nation at its September meeting where the tribe’s Principal Chief August “Cocoa” Creppel and Southern University Chancellor John Pierre signed the agreement.
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(Mississippi) -- “You just tell everybody you’re white. You’ll have less trouble.” Growing up, that is what Amanda Ealy’s mom told her...
article U.S. Senate approves recognition for Little Shell Tribe
(Washington D.C.) -- The Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians is one step closer to achieving federal recognition. The United States Senate, with support from U.S....
article After centuries in Virginia, tribe still waiting for U.S. recognition
(Virginia) -- Along Mattaponi Reservation Circle, the one-street loop that the Mattaponi Indian tribe call home, Jack Custalow owns and operates the Mattaponi Indian...
article Oklahoma Judge Strikes Down Law Restricting the Definition of Native Art
(Oklahoma) -- A federal judge in Oklahoma City has struck down a state law that prohibits art from being labeled Native American if the artist is not a member of a...
article Frank's Landing Indian Community loses decision in sovereignty case
(Washington) -- The Frank's Landing Indian Community cannot engage in gaming on its homelands in Washington state, a federal appeals court ruled this week. While...
article Can Native American Tribes Protect Their Land If They’re Not Recognized by the Federal Government?
(California) -- Louise Miranda Ramirez has fought to protect her ancestral lands and cultural sites for most of her 60-plus-year lifetime. “It’s so hard to...
article Easterns seek to bring new Interior chief up to speed
(Connecticut) -- Amid change at the top of the U.S. Department of the Interior, the Eastern Pequot Tribe is attempting to refocus attention on the department’s...
article Native Hawaiians Divided on Federal Recognition
(Hawaii) -- More than 100 years ago, the American government took control of the Hawaiian islands and took away Native Hawaiians’ land rights. Now, officials at...
article Just outside Charleston, a Native American tribe seeks to preserve its identity
(South Carolina) -- The feather dreamcatcher hanging from Sabrina Creel’s rear-view mirror swung back and forth as she parked her gray Chevy Trailblazer at the...
article Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act fails in U.S. Senate
(Washington D.C.) -- In September, the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe celebrated the United States House of Representatives passing an act that would provide them federal...
article Utah senator blocks vote on Montana tribe’s recognition
(Washington D.C.) -- A Republican U.S. Senator from Utah blocked a vote on a bill to grant federal recognition to Montana's Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians....
article Another Member Of Congress, Another Terrible Argument To Ban Online Gambling
(Washington D.C.) -- Here we go again. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-WI) is the latest member of the U.S. Congress to wade into the online gambling debate. And like many who...
article Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe holds powwow, aims for federal recognition
(Florida) -- Last year, an estimated 10,000 people came to Santa Rosa County for a Native American celebration that recalled the old ways, with native songs and dances,...
article 7 area American Indian tribes gather to celebrate long-awaited federal recognition
(Virginia) -- Seven local American Indian Tribes celebrated their federal tribal recognition with U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke on Wednesday. The event took...
article Virginia's Indian tribes celebrate federal recognition
(Virginia) -- On land once occupied by their ancestors, members of seven Virginia Indian tribes gathered Wednesday to celebrate being formally recognized by the federal...
article ‘A long time coming’: Virginia’s Indian tribes celebrate federal recognition
article BIA Says Calif. Group Doesn't Merit Federal Recognition [sub req]
(California) -- The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs has urged a California federal court to toss a suit by an unrecognized tribe, the Tolowa Nation, seeking to force the...
article Little Shell Chippewa Tribe Chairman celebrating House bill passage
(Montana) -- A bill passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday that could provide federal recognition to the Little Shell of Chippewa Tribe. “It...
article Bill to recognize Little Shell Tribe in Montana passes U.S. House
(Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill on Wednesday that will provide federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians. U....
(Montana) -- A bill passed through the U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday that could provide federal recognition to the Little Shell of Chippewa Tribe.
article Little Shell Chippewa tribal win
(Washington D.C.) -- A historic vote in Washington Thursday for the Little Shell Chippewa tribe and their fight for federal recognition. For the first tI'me the U.S...
article Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians Restoration Act passed in U.S. House
article U.S. House Passes Bill Recognizing Little Shell Tribe
(Washington D.C.) -- Montana’s Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians reached what may be a watershed moment Wednesday in its four-decade struggle for federal...
article US House backs bill giving Montana tribe federal recognition
(Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. House passed a bill Wednesday that would give federal recognition to Montana’s Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians following a...
article Tribes once again ask Congress to recognize sovereign rights in Texas
(Texas) -- Two tribes are once again asking Congress to restore their gaming rights amid long-standing opposition in the state of Texas. The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and...
article Native American tribes have long, hard path to ‘recognition’
(Louisiana) -- For a group of individuals to be recognized as a Native American tribe is difficult. Some say it is too difficult, that the burden of proof is too high....
article Two groups claim to be descendants of Avoyelles' first tribe
(Louisiana) -- This parish was named after a small Native American tribe who lived here when Europeans first explored this area. The Avoyel Tribe has not officially...
article Montana tribe urges U.S. House to give them federal recognition
(Montana) -- The Little Shell Chippewa Tribe is urging the U.S. House of Representatives to pass a measure that would give the tribe federal recognition. The tribe doesn...
article Nansemond Indian Nation to celebrate long-awaited federal recognition at 30th pow wow
(Virginia) -- The Nansemond Indian Nation will celebrate a significant moment at its 30th annual pow wow this weekend. This year is special for the tribe, based out of...
article Louisiana tribes say federal recognition will help to face threat of climate change
(Louisiana) -- Crab traps and shrimp boats line Louisiana 665 down to Pointe aux Chene Marina, about 20 miles southeast of Houma. Nailed to a tree in the marina parking...
article Another tribal recognition bill advances with Republican support
(Washington D.C.) -- With little fanfare, another tribal recognition bill is advancing on Capitol Hill as a top Republican asserts authority over the politically-complex...
article House Panel Pushes Forward Little Shell Recognition Bill [sub req]
(Washington D.C.) -- The House Committee on Natural Resources on Wednesday easily passed a proposed bill that would give the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of...
article Little Shell Chippewa Tribe sees progress on federal recognition bill
(Montana) -- A bill to extend federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians is taking an important step forward on Capitol Hill this week. H.R.3764,...
article Leech Lake Band gets first hearing on reservation restoration bill
(Minnesota) -- A bill to return nearly 12,000 acres to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is getting its first hearing on Capitol Hill this week.
article Chinook Indian tribe, seeking recognition, advances with lawsuit
(Washington) -- A federal judge says a Native American tribe can proceed with seven of eight legal claims as part of its long effort to gain federal recognition as a...
article Chinook Tribe A Step Closer To Recognition As Judge Advances Claims
(Washington) -- A U.S. District Court judge in Tacoma has ruled that seven of eight claims brought by the Chinook Indian Nation will move forward. It’s a victory...
article Upper Mattaponi pow wow celebrates tribe's recent federal recognition
(Virginia) -- The Upper Mattaponi Indian Tribe held their 31st annual pow wow, their first pow wow as a federally recognized tribe. Native Americans from various...
article Gov. Brown disputes feds on tribal sovereignty issue
(Oregon) -- Governor Kate Brown on Monday affirmed the sovereignty of Oregon's nine federally recognized Indian tribes and their right to health care in the face of...
article 'We never gave up': Monacan tribe reflects on fight to achieve federal recognition
(Virginia) -- For Dean Branham and members of the Monacan Indian Nation, Bear Mountain in Amherst County is sacred ground. The tribe’s spiritual center is about...
article “One drop” — Reckoning with the erasure of Native identity in Appalachia
(Virginia) -- The classical stereotype of the Native American is a tired and worn cliché: a dark-skinned, “noble savage” on horseback, hunting buffalo with...
article Monacan Nation becomes federally recognized
(Virginia) -- In Amherst County, after 18 years of trying - the Monacan Nation is now a federally recognized Native American Tribe. Today the group held its 26th annual...
article Monacan tribe reflects on struggle to achieve federal recognition
article Chinook hearing shows renewed passion for justice
(Washington) -- The Chinook Tribe’s tenacious efforts to survive as distinctive original residents of this place — and to convince bureaucrats of their legal...
article Chinook tribe fights for federal recognition
(Washington) -- The Chinook Indian Nation will have to wait a little longer in a decades-old fight for recognition by the federal government. A judge in Tacoma said...
article Chinook fate up for federal hearing Tuesday
(Washington) -- The Chinook Indian Nation hopes to fill a federal courtroom with Native Americans and their supporters during a Tuesday hearing that could be pivotal in...
article Non-profit organization seeks tribal recognition
(Florida) -- A non-profit organization from Milton, Florida is seeking federal recognition from both the state and federal governments. In an April 6 Santa Rosa Press...
article OP/ED: LaMalfa bill to create new tribe raises questions
(Oregon) -- Congressman Doug LaMalfa recently introduced a bill to reinvent a terminated Rancheria as California's largest tribe with a reservation anywhere within...
article Ruffey Rancheria federal recognition bill raises fears of another casino
(Oregon) -- A bill to restore federal recognition to the Ruffey Rancheria is raising fears of a casino and questions about the tribe's legitimacy. The tribe is based...
article Tribal chairman: Casino in Ashland won’t happen
(Oregon) -- A tribal restoration bill is being modified to restrict a Siskiyou County tribe from taking Oregon land into trust and potentially building a casino in...
article Tribal recognition could mean casino in Ashland
(Oregon) -- The city of Ashland plans to “express concerns” to U.S. government officials over the possibility of a nearby casino if a Siskiyou County tribe...
article Mass. Tribe Didn't Meet Criteria For Recognition, Judge Says [sub req]
(Massachusetts) -- A Massachusetts federal judge on Friday tossed a suit by the Nipmuc Nation challenging the federal government’s decision not to recognize the...
article US recognises six Virginia Native tribes after decades-long fight
(Virginia) -- Six Native American tribes in the US state of Virginia have been granted full federal recognition after a nearly twenty-year-long legal fight.
article Long-awaited tribal recognition … and what it means for William & Mary
(Virginia) -- The winds blowing over what once was called Tsenacommacah seem to be finally changing direction. The biggest change came in late January, when President...
article Tribe gets support for federal recognition
(California) -- Santa Rosa commissioners have passed a resolution supporting a proposal to recognize the Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe Inc., as a federally...
article Maryland recognition of Accohannock tribe sparks debate within community of Native Americans
(Maryland) -- When he needed to clear his head as a boy, Clarence Lone Wolf Tyler would head to the western shore of Smith Island to look for Indian arrowheads. Tyler, a...
article From the ‘Pocahontas Exception’ to a ‘Historical Wrong’: The Hidden Cost of Formal Recognition for American Indian Tribes
(Virginia) -- For a Native American tribe, federal recognition comes with a host of benefits, including housing, health and education funding. But the process of...
article Santa Rosa commissioners support federal recognition of Santa Rosa County Creek Indians
(California) -- Santa Rosa commissioners in a resolution said they support a proposal to recognize the Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe Inc., as a federally...
article Trump signs bill giving federal recognition to Virginia Indian tribes
(Washington D.C.) -- President Donald Trump has signed legislation to grant federal recognition of six Virginia Indian tribes, opening opportunities for them to receive...
article Nansemonds gain federal recognition
(Virginia) -- A bill that extends federal recognition to the Nansemond Indian Tribe and five other Virginia tribes has been signed into law, according to a press release...
article Virginia’s U.S. Senators celebrate Recognition Act of 2017
(Washington D.C.) -- Today, U.S. Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine celebrated the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act of 2017. Kaine...
article Chinook Nation Says Court Can Grant Tribal Recognition [sub req]
(Washington) -- The Chinook Indian Nation fought back Monday against the federal government’s bid to kill its suit aimed at gaining formal recognition, contending...
article PODCAST: The California Tribe Fighting for Federal Recognition
(California) -- Today, we start out with the latest on the federal government shutdown, the second annual Women's March, and Facebook's admission that it might...
article The California Tribe the Government Tried to Erase in the 60s
(California) -- Some tribal elders estimate that in the 1850s there were 7,000 Nisenan Native Americans living in what is now considered Nevada City, California....
article Suffolk tribe closer to recognition
(Virginia) -- Leaders of the Nansemond Indian Tribe and five other Virginia tribes witnessed the recent passing of a bill in the U.S. Senate that pushed them further...
article Senate sends bill recognizing six Virginia Indian tribes to President Trump's desk
(Washington D.C.) -- The U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday granting federal recognition to six Indian tribes in Virginia, clearing a hurdle that brings chiefs and...
article William & Mary celebrates movement toward federal recognition for six local tribes
(Virginia) -- Six of the seven Indian tribes of eastern Virginia are one signature away from full federal recognition, after the U.S. Senate approved H.R. 984. The...
article Bill passes to give 6 Va. Native American tribes federal recognition
(Washington D.C.) -- The Senate has sent a bill to the president’s desk that would give six Virginia Native American tribes federal recognition. U.S. Senators Tim...
article Warner, Kaine Secure Final Passage Of Bill Granting Recognition Of Virginia Indian Tribes
(Washington D.C.) -- U.S. Senators Tim Kaine and Mark Warner (both D-VA) yesterday secured final passage of the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal...
article Bill Would Give Federal Recognition To Lumbee Tribe
(Washington D.C.) -- A bill that would give full federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has gotten a hearing in Congress. The measure filed by...
article LaMalfa bill could restore Siskiyou tribe’s federal recognition
(Washington D.C.) -- After decades of advocating for federal recognition, some members of one local tribal group may achieve their goal with the help of a bill...
article Trump administration willing to defer to Congress in federal recognition matters
(Washington D.C.) -- Change is in the air as the Trump administration opens the door to a controversial bill that would strip the Bureau of Indian Affairs of its federal...
article Lumbee recognition bill gets hearing in Washington
(Washington D.C.) -- Lumbee Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin and U.S. Rep. Robert Pittenger argued to a Congressional subcommittee on Tuesday that Congress should give full...
article Federal recognition bill for six tribes in Virginia inches another step forward
(Washington D.C.) -- It's been more than two decades since Congress passed a stand-alone federal recognition bill but six tribes in Virginia are hoping to turn the...
article Ramapough Lenape Nation continues to seek NY recognition
(New York) -- Dwaine Perry says he feels unwelcome in his own home. The 69-year-old chief of the Ramapough Lenape Nation spoke while sitting at the Split Rock Sweet...
article House approves bill to federally recognize Monacan Indian Tribe ahead of powwow
(Virginia) -- A local Indian tribe is getting very close to getting federal recognition after trying for decades. The U.S. House has already approved a bill sponsored by...
article Bills to recognize Virginia tribes move forward in Congress
(Washington D.C.) -- A bill recognizing six Native American tribes in Virginia passed the U.S. House on Wednesday, and companion legislation is also moving forward in...
article Live Oak Choctaws working toward federal recognition
(Mississippi) -- A Native American tribe on the Coast is trying to take the next step in recognition in a story of heritage. The Vancleave Live Oak Choctaws are trying...
article US Government Decides Which Are, Are Not, Legitimate Native American Tribes
(Washington D.C.) -- On a sunny afternoon in May 2016, members of Virginia’s Pamunkey Indian Tribe gathered for a formal photograph celebrating a milestone after...
article Golden Hill Paugussetts say they will try for recognition again
(Connecticut) -- The Golden Hill Paugussett tribe of Trumbull is preparing to seek federal recognition again, a classification that would bring the tribe special federal...
article Sinixt First Nation not extinct after all, court rules
(Canada) -- A First Nation declared extinct by the federal government 60 years ago has won a court battle to have its existence recognized. A provincial court judge in...
article Acquittal In Canadian Court Revives Tribe, Strengthens Sovereignty
(Canada) -- The traditional territory of the Sinixt tribe spans a wide swath of northeast Washington and southern British Columbia. But, you’ve probably never...
article Kaine and Warner push for federal recognition for 6 Virginia tribes
(Virginia) -- On Tuesday, the 400th anniversary of the burial of Pocahontas, Sens. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) and Mark R. Warner (D-Va.) will reintroduce a bill that would grant...
article Little Shell Tribe Unfazed By Zinke's Remarks On Federal Recognition
(Montana) -- The chairman of Montana’s Little Shell tribe is not fazed by Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke’s remarks to a U.S. Senate committee earlier this...
article EDITORIALLY SPEAKING: Judge's Indian art ruling correct
(Oklahoma) -- A federal judge was right to put a halt to enforcement of an Oklahoma law that restricts American Indian arts and crafts. The law places restrictions on...
article White House releases recap of work with tribes
(Washington D.C.) -- As Tribes and other Americans look toward changes expected under the new administration, the White House has released it's look back at changes...
article Some “Unrecognized” Tribes Still Waiting After 130 Years
(Montana) -- When President Obama held the eighth White House Tribal Nations Conference last fall, all 567 federally recognized tribes were invited to attend. As the...
article Native American accuses Oklahoma of violating civil rights
(Oklahoma) -- A California woman is suing the attorney general of Oklahoma, alleging violation of civil rights. Peggy Fontenot, of Santa Monica, California, and a member...
article The Duwamish Aren’t Holding Out Hope for Last-Minute Recognition By Obama
(Washington) -- In the last days of the Obama era, could the federal government finally recognize the Duwamish people and grant them the rights and benefits they’...
article Mdewakanton Sioux Indians of Minnesota Suing U.S Dept. of Interior
(Minnesota) -- Three members of the Prairie Island Indian Community filed a lawsuit against the U.S Department of the Interior Friday, individually and on behalf of the...
article Prairie Island tribal members sue U.S. Department of Interior
(Minnesota) -- Members of the Prairie Island Indian Community filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Interior Wednesday following the federal government's...
article American Indian artist files federal civil lawsuit over new Oklahoma law
(Oklahoma) -- An American Indian artist claims a new Oklahoma law violates her right to free speech. And now she’s taking her fight to court, suing Attorney...
article American Indian artist challenges Oklahoma law that silences her artistic speech
(Oklahoma) -- Award-winning American Indian photographer and artist Peggy Fontenot today challenged a new Oklahoma law that violates her constitutional rights to free...
article When Art Made by an American Indian Doesn't Count as Being 'American Indian-Made'
(Oklahoma) -- Peggy Fontenot is an American Indian artist, of that there can be no doubt. She's a member of the Patawomeck tribe. She's taught traditional...
article Federal judge rules Cumberland County-based tribal nation lawsuit can proceed
(New Jersey) -- A Cumberland County-based tribal nation won a victory in its attempt to maintain what it contends is an important state recognition that helps it get...
article Judge greenlights American Indian tribe's suit against state
(New Jersey) -- A federal judge has given the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe a greenlight to continue its civil rights lawsuit brought against New Jersey's attorney...
article Lenni-Lenape suit against N.J. attorney general can proceed, judge rules
(New Jersey) -- A federal court judge has ruled a federal civil rights lawsuit brought by the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe against New Jersey's Office of the...
article Little Shell Hosts Special Guests
(Montana) -- The Little Shell Chippewa Tribe is the landless Indians of Montana and have made their home on the west side of the Great Falls in the area once known as...
article Editorial: Virginia's Indian tribes progress toward recognition
(Virginia) -- Virginia’s congressional delegation has lost considerable seniority in recent years, and could lose more still. Eric Cantor’s loss to Dave Brat...
article Montana and Virginia tribes 'duped' with federal recognition bill
(Washington D.C.) -- Congress hasn't extended federal recognition to a tribe since 2000 but six tribes in Virginia and another in Montana think they have a shot this...
article Butte County tribe seeking federal recognition
(California) -- A fifth Butte County Indian tribe is seeking federal recognition, and will hold a ceremonial petition signing today in Riverbend Park. The petition to be...
article Six Virginia tribes closer to federal recognition
(Washington D.C.) -- Six Virginia Indian tribes are one step closer to being granted federal recognition. The U.S. House of Representatives Natural Resources Committee...
article Virginia’s Indian tribes clear another hurdle toward federal recognition
(Washington D.C.) -- A House committee has advanced a bill that would give federal recognition to six Indian tribes in Virginia, bringing them one step closer to the end...
article House panel OKs bill to change how tribes get federal recognition
(Washington D.C.) -- A House committee Thursday gave preliminary approval to a bill that would give Congress greater control over which Native American tribes are...
article Mont. Indian tribe closer to recognition by federal govt
(Montana) -- A House panel approved legislation Thursday that would grant Montana’s Little Shell Tribe recognition by the federal government. The House Committee...
article Eastern Pequots appeal denied petition for acknowledgment
(Connecticut) -- In its latest attempt to restart the federal acknowledgment process, the Historic Eastern Pequot Tribe has appealed a recently denied petition submitted...
article Adai Caddo struggles for 'official tribe' status
(Louisiana) -- Outside the Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center in Robeline, two teepees emblazoned with paintings of lightning bolts and Indian warriors stretch to the...
article Pomo Splinter Group Seeks Tribal Status
(California) -- Eighteen people who define themselves as "half blood Indians" sued the United States for refusing to recognize them as a separate tribe from...
article Recognition eludes tribe
(North Carolina) -- Leaders of the Tuscarora Nation of North Carolina on Friday asked state Sen. Jane Smith for help in cutting through all the bureaucratic red tape...
article A Connecticut Tribe Fights for Recognition, and a Piece of the Casino Industry
(Connecticut) -- In Connecticut, two Indian tribes, the Mohegans and the Mashantucket Pequots, years ago built shiny monuments to American capitalism in the form of...
article Eastern Pequots to ‘stand firm’ in pursuit of federal recognition
(Connecticut) -- The chairwoman of the Eastern Pequot Tribal Council vows the tribe will “stand firm” in its bid to have the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs...
article Federal officials: 2 tribes 'exhausted' recognition efforts
(Connecticut) -- The federal Bureau of Indian Affairs has notified two state-recognized tribes in Connecticut that they've exhausted both administrative and judicial...
article Schaghticoke Indian Tribe Revives Federal Recognition Effort
(Connecticut) -- The Kent-based Schaghticoke Indian Tribe has launched a bid for federal recognition, a move that could help the tribe reclaim land and consider the...
article Connecticut tribe says it has made federal bid, hopes for casino
(Connecticut) -- A Connecticut tribe says it filed a voluminous petition for federal recognition with the Bureau of Indian Affairs on Friday, a bid it hopes will result...
article Georgia Cherokee group doesn’t meet federal recognition criteria
(Georgia) -- The Georgia Tribe of Eastern Cherokee, Inc., a state-recognized tribe in Georgia, does not meet the criteria for federal recognition according to a notice...
article Recognition vs. representation
(Indiana) -- Indiana Sen. Randy Head (R-Logansport) introduced Senate Bill 13 in this last legislative session, hoping to reintroduce language similar to that used in...
article Waiting for the day that never comes
(Montana) -- Jackie Trotchie, a member of Montana's landless Little Shell tribe of Chippewa Indians, answers a knock on her apartment door. It opens to a kitchenette...
article Since You Asked: Nine recognized tribes in Oregon
(Oregon) -- There are a lot of stories about Native American tribes and tribal issues (i.e., casinos), but I've never seen a summary of how many tribes there are in...
article A great frustration
(Washington) -- The house in Bay Center, Washington is weathered and gray; frayed blue tarps protect the leaky roof. Inside, two women are preparing eggs and baskets for...
article Tortugas factions continue to shape debate about community’s future
(New Mexico) -- Local officials last week expressed their support — and lack thereof — for the Piro-Manso-Tiwa Tribe’s effort to gain formal federal...
article Dona Ana County Commissioners approve support for petition for local tribe's recognition
(New Mexico) -- The Piro-Manso-Tiwa Indian Tribe of the Pueblo of San Juan de Guadalupe got the support of Dona Ana County commissioners on Tuesday to petition to be...
article City council holds off on statement of support for tribe
(New Mexico) -- After two different tribal groups expressed conflicting stances, Las Cruces city councilors voted Monday to indefinitely postpone action on a statement...
article County commission OK's statement supporting tribe
(New Mexico) -- Doña Ana County commissioners on Tuesday in a contentious vote OK'd a statement of support for a Las Cruces-based tribe that's attempting to gain...
article Turtle Mountain documents could aid Little Shell tribe
(North Dakota) -- The hereditary chief of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians visited Great Falls on Tuesday, bringing with him historical documents that may...
article Tribe Famous For Pocahontas Only Just Won Federal Recognition. Here's Why
(Virginia) -- After a 34-year-long fight, the Pamunkey tribe of Virginia, which claims Pocahontas as one of its ancestors, achieved federal recognition on Jan. 28. But...
article CRIT reservation to celebrate 151 years as a federally recognized tribe
(Arizona) -- The Colorado River Indian Tribes will celebrate the formation of their reservation March 3. The reservation was established by executive order issued by...
article The Fight for Federal Recognition
(Louisiana) -- Stories from the Caddo Indians tell of the Twin Brothers, who avenge their murdered mother and go on many monster-slaying adventures. Choctaw myth...
article Calif. Tribe Denied Federal Recognition On Appeal
(California) -- A Native American group that has sought federal recognition for more than 30 years was turned down once again Thursday, with a Department of the Interior...
article Tribes find gambling opposition is a key barrier to recognition
(Connecticut) -- Call it a tale of two tribes, separated here by a few miles, connected by DNA, but with decidedly different fortunes. To the west, there is the...
article Native Tribe Fights for Recognition of UCI Land
(California) -- After waging legal battles for the last 40 years, the Orange County community of the Acjachemen Native American tribe continues to struggle in their...
article EDITORIAL: Across U.S., tribes line up to seek federal recognition
(Oklahoma) -- IT might surprise many Oklahomans to know that the state doesn't have the greatest number of federally recognized Indian tribes. Or that there are no...
article With new recognition, Pamunkey focusing on education, housing
(Virginia) -- Despite cloudy skies and rain outside, the mood within the Pamunkey Indian Museum and Cultural Center was light and excited on Feb. 4. On week earlier, the...
article The Chinook want to be heard: Northwest tribe continues recognition fight
(Washington) -- At the spot where the current of the Columbia River becomes the tide of the Pacific is the land the Chinook call home. It is a stretch of land where...
article Tennessee Groups Sue for Tribal Recognition
(Tennessee) -- Three Native American tribes claim in court that Tennessee stripped their official state recognition after only a few days because of a "bogus...
article Pamunkey federal recognition as 567th Indian tribe on hold, casino or not
(Virginia) -- At the White House Tribal Nations Conference in November, representatives from the 567 federally recognized American Indian and Alaska Native tribes...
article Spending bill gives hope to local tribes seeking federal recognition
(Louisiana) -- Native American tribes including the United Houma Nation that are seeking federal recognition have received some encouragement under a federal spending...
article North Stonington selectman helps GOP lawmakers push Indian recognition bill
(Washington D.C.) -- Nicholas Mullane, a longtime Republican selectman for the town of North Stonington, on Wednesday helped bolster a GOP bill that would strip the...
article Little Shell Tribe still waiting for decision on federal recognition
(Montana) -- The Little Shell Chippewa Tribe of Montana is still waiting for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make a decision on its federal recognition petition. After...
article From Paris: Houma Chief Seeks Support For Tribe
(Louisiana) -- International leaders continue negotiations Monday at the climate talks in Paris, and some Louisianans are there to advocate for their communities. One of...
article Lenni-Lenape Panel Celebrates Native American Heritage
(New Jersey) -- In 2012, New Jersey threatened to rescind the tribal status of the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation. In response, the tribe is suing the state of New...
article House committee holds second hearing on federal recognition bill
(Washington D.C.) -- The House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs will hold a second hearing on H.R.3764, the Tribal Recognition Act. The bill...
article Native Americans in Louisiana swamps seek tribal recognition
(Louisiana) -- " Giovanni R. Santini has done just about all he could to prove he's an American Indian over the decades he's lived in his Louisiana bayou...
article Burr Introduces Lumbee Recognition Act
(Washington D.C.) -- Senator Burr introduced the Lumbee Recognition Act, a bill that would grant the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina federal recognition. “The...
article Duwamish Still Waiting for Meeting With Interior Secretary Jewell
(Washington) -- Two months ago, Interior Secretary Sally Jewell told Duwamish Chairwoman Cecile Hansen and others that she would review letters requesting a meeting...
article DOI Belongs In Tribal Recognition Process, Jewell Says [sub req]
(Washington D.C.) -- As Obama administration officials prepare to meet with Native American tribal leaders, Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell said Wednesday that...
article US official: Congress shouldn't control tribal recognition
(Montana) -- A Republican proposal to let only Congress decide whether American Indian tribes deserve federal recognition threatens the legitimacy of hundreds of tribes...
article Bill would give Congress sole authority to recognize tribes
(Washington D.C.) -- A congressional subcommittee heard testimony last week on a bill providing that Indian tribes only be recognized by an act of Congress rather than...
article Top GOP lawmaker takes aim at BIA's Washburn ahead of hearing
(Washington D.C.) -- A top Republican is lashing out at the leader of the Bureau of Indian Affairs ahead of a key hearing on a federal recognition bill. Rep. Rob Bishop...
(Washington D.C.) -- An Obama administration official says allowing Congress to decide whether American Indian tribes deserve federal recognition would add more delays...
article Assistant Secretary Washburn to testify on federal recognition bill
(Washington D.C.) -- Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, is listed as the only witness for a hearing on a federal recognition...
article Clatsop-Nehalem Tribe seeks federal recognition for second time
(Oregon) -- A resolution to restore federal recognition of the Clatsop-Nehalem Confederated Tribes is making its way through the U.S. Congress for a second time. U.S....
article Native American Tribe Sues for Recognition
(New Jersey) -- New Jersey has moved to dismiss a lawsuit by a Native American tribe that claims the state gave them official recognition, but then rescinded it. The...
article House subcommittee takes up federal recognition bill at hearing
(Washington D.C.) -- The House Subcommittee on Indian, Insular and Alaska Native Affairs will hold a hearing this Wednesday on a new federal recognition bill. H.R. 3764...
article COLUMN: Putting Pamunkey's federal status on hold deals the tribe a bad hand
(Virginia) -- Because some people detest casino gambling, a Virginia tribe that for decades has sought federal recognition has found its application held up, yet again....
article American Indian tribe files second lawsuit against New Jersey
(New Jersey) -- The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation filed a civil rights lawsuit against New Jersey and Attorney General John Hoffman, claiming they were wrong in...
article New Jersey moves to toss tribe's suit over recognition
(New Jersey) -- New Jersey has moved to dismiss a lawsuit filed by a Native American tribe that claims the state gave it official recognition decades ago but then...
article Miami Nation continues fight for recognition
(Indiana) -- In 1897, an assistant attorney general made a legal error that cost the Miami Nation of Indiana their federal recognition as a tribe. They’ve been...
article Ponca Tribe strong 25 years after restoration
(Nebraska) -- Twenty-five years after then-President George H.W. Bush signed the Ponca Restoration Act into law, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is going strong here in...
article Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to mark 25 years after restoration
(Iowa) -- The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska this week celebrates the 25th anniversary of its restoration as a federally recognized nation -- a bittersweet reminder of the...
article House subcommittee embraces two tribal federal recognition bills
(Washington D.C.) -- Congress hasn't extended federal recognition to a tribe in more than a decade but that could be changing as two bills saw widespread support at...
article Tejon Indian Tribe makes community debut with powwow
(California) -- The reaffirmation of the Tejon tribe and its inclusion among the 567 federally recognized tribes was a long time coming for its members. After a six-year...
article Chinook's new leader spearheads fight for recognition
(Washington) -- Every day for the last three months, the Chinook Indian Nation has addressed a letter to President Barack Obama about a subject that tribal chairman Tony...
article Native History: the Epic Termination Battle on the Colville Indian Reservation
(Washington) -- The word “termination” is enough to make any knowledgeable Indian cringe. One of the federal government’s all-time biggest policy...
article Federal Focus: Tribal recognition reforms may not create a casino boom
(USA) -- There are some 55,000 Lumbee Indians in North Carolina, yet the Lumbee are not recognized by the federal government as an American Indian tribe. Nor are the...
article Lawmakers Hope for More Federal Recognition for Virginia's Native American Tribes
(Virginia) -- Virginia lawmakers are redoubling their efforts to attain federal recognition for six Virginia Native American tribes. They’re more optimistic now that the...
article Rainier Beach art walk to recognize historic Duwamish Tribe
(Washington) -- The Fifth Annual Art Walk Rainier Beach, a major event of the Rainier Beach Merchants Association, will be presented Saturday, Sept. 5, with the theme,...
article Native American tribe whose most famous member inspired the hit 1995 Disney movie Pocahontas finally given federal recognition
(Virginia) -- A once powerful Native American tribe whose most famous member inspired the hit 1995 Disney movie Pocahontas has finally been given formal recognition by...
article US Recognizes Pocahontas' Tribe—400 Years Later
(Virginia) -- More than 400 years after Pocahontas is said to have saved British settler John Smith from being killed by her father, Chief Powhatan, her tribe is being...
article VIDEO: Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe Suing NJ State Officials
(New Jersey) -- New Jersey state officials are being sued by a local Native American tribe who say they just want to be recognized. The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe,...
article N.J. American Indian tribe fighting for recognition gets new pow wow land
(New Jersey) -- A South Jersey tribe of American Indians is expanding its lands with help from Cumberland County. The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribe is going to purchase...
article Eastern Pequot Tribe to still pursue federal recognition
(Connecticut) -- The newly elected chairwoman of the Eastern Pequot Tribe says they will never abandon their quest to receive federal recognition. The Day reports the...
article OP/ED: Indian Gaming Act produced bad results
(Connecticut) -- The editorial, "New tribal rules defy logic, fairness," (July 6), complained that new rules for federal recognition prevent tribes that were...
article EDITORIAL: N.J. must recognize Lenni-Lenape as Native American tribe
(New Jersey) -- In middle school, we learned that most of South Jersey was settled by the Lenni-Lenape Indian tribe. There is even a high school in Burlington County...
article Splinter Band of Pomo Seeks Tribal Status
(California) -- A group of Pomo Indians is seeking federal recognition as a tribe, as its mother tribe fights a Northern California sheriff over a proposed pot farm....
article Lenni-Lenape tribe sue Christie, New Jersey over alleged civil rights violations
(New Jersey) -- The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation, an American Indian tribe of 3,000 members, filed a civil-rights action lawsuit in federal court against the...
article N.J. Sued Over Gambling Presumption
(New Jersey) -- A Native American tribe sued New Jersey to keep its designation, claiming state officials are trying to repeal it because of the prejudiced notion that...
article New Jersey American Indian tribe sues state for blocking official recognition, lawsuit states
(New Jersey) -- The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Tribal Nation is fighting to retain its official recognition as an American Indian tribe with the state — leading to a...
article State declines to comment on Lenni-Lenape lawsuit
(New Jersey) -- The state Attorney General's office declined to comment on the ongoing lawsuit filed by the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe on Monday. Paul Loriquet,...
article Group that claims Cherokee ancestry files for recognition
(Missouri) -- The Southern Cherokee Tribe of Missouri is asking the Bureau of Indian Affairs for federal recognition. An application -- weighing 79 pounds, Al Jazeera...
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« No. 2 (34) 2016
No. 4 (34) 2016 »
Ryszard Gryz. Catholic Church in the People’s Republic of Poland (1944/45–1989): Forms of Co-Existence with the Regime and the Role of Ideological Opposition
Geneviève Zubrzycki. Polonia semper fidelis? National Mythology, Religion and Politics in Poland
Kinga Sekerdei. A Matter of Taste. On a Certain Division within the Roman Catholic Community in Poland
Agnieszka Kościańska. The Image of the Polish Mother, and Mother of God: New Uses of the Symbolism of Motherhood
Ewa Klekot. Our Lady of Katyń: Religious Imagery and the Politics of History
Konrad Siekierski. “It’s Time to Quit with Religion of Small Comforts!”: Body and Text in the Extreme Way of the Cross
Kamila Baraniecka-Olszewska. Managing Sensational Forms: Optimization, Maximization and Efficacy. The Great Fair in Kalwaria Pacławska
Anna Niedźwiedź. From «Folk Religiosity» to «Lived Religion»: Terminological Debate within the Polish Anthropology of Religion
What Is the Scientific Status of Theology as a Discipline?
Ekaterina S. Elbakian. “In contrast to theology, the scientific axioms are only local and ‘technical’…”
Konstantin Antonov. “Theology is a discipline that studies Church as a certain factual reality…”
What Is the Scientific Status of Theology as a Discipline? Round-Table in the Editorial Office of the Journal
Hilarion (Alfeyev). Theology in Contemporary Russian Academia
Theology at the University: the Case of Germany (Prepared by Anna Briskina-Müller)
Johanna Rahner. “We need to re-position religion in an enlightened society...”
Thomas Bremmer. “If German theology is of some value, then it is due to academic freedom...”
Michael Gabel. “In the case of theology we have three actors: state, church and theology as a science…”
Jörg Dierken. “The overall goal of state and churches — to work together to ensure access to religious education...”
Main theme:
Catholicism in Contemporary Poland: Hegemony and Its Limits
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The Rhode Island Science Fiction Club
Sci Fi Journal
Author Iain Banks Dead at 59
Source: Los Angeles Times
Bestselling Scottish author Iain Banks, 59, has died of cancer. His death arrived just two months after he announced on his website that he had been diagnosed with the terminal illness.
Banks wrote both science fiction and bestselling social novels. He was best known for the novels "The Wasp Factory," "The Crow Road," and his "The Culture" series. "Banks writes with rich, tactile detail and dark suspense," wrote The Times' Richard Eder in 1998.
"The exciting thing about reading Iain Banks is that you never know what kind of book it's going to be," his friend writer Ian Rankin said. "It could be weird, it could be other-worldly, it could be literary fiction, a family saga, about a disc jockey — you don't know what you're going to get, so every time a new book comes out there was that excitement."
After being diagnosed with cancer in March, Banks swiftly wrote a novel, "The Quarry." Slated to be published later this month in the U.K., "The Quarry" features Guy, a cancer patient. The Telegraph has an excerpt: "the fatal cancer is an unwilled suicide where, initially at least, one small part of the body has taken a decision which will lead to the death of the rest. Cancer feels like betrayal.”
Known for his dark humor, Banks proposed to his partner, Adele, after his diagnosis. He wrote that he had asked her “if she will do me the honour of becoming my widow,” adding, "(sorry – but we find ghoulish humour helps)." The two were married in March.
Between 1984 and 2013 Banks wrote 27 novels, including the forthcoming "The Quarry." His works include "Consider Phlebas," "Stonemouth," "Espedair Street," and "Transition."
Authors will be credited in their articles.
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science fiction fan clubs ,Rhode Island, Sci Fi Journal
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Armenia Austria Belgium Bulgaria Corsica Cyprus
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| Basel | Berne | Davos | Geneva | Grindelwald | Interlaken | Lausanne | Lucerne | Lugano | Montreux | St Moritz | Zermatt | Zurich
Officially Swiss Confederation, republic (1995 est. pop. 7,085,000), 15,941 sq mi (41,287 sq km), central Europe. It borders on France in the west and southwest, with the Jura Mts. and the Lake of Geneva (traversed by the Rhône River) forming the frontier; in the north it is separated from Germany by the Rhine River and Lake Constance; its eastern neighbors are Austria and Liechtenstein; in the southeast and south it is divided from Italy by the Alpine crests, the Lake of Lugano, and Lago Maggiore. The federal capital is Interlaken and the largest city is Zürich. 1
Between the Jura and the Central Alps, which occupy the southern section (more than half) of the country, there is a long, relatively narrow plateau, crossed by the Aare River and containing the lakes of Neuchâtel and Zürich. Alpine communications are assured by numerous passes and by railroad tunnels, notably the Lötschberg, St. Gotthard, and Simplon. Switzerland consists of 26 federated states, of which 20 are called cantons and 6 are called half cantons. The cantons are Zürich, Interlaken, Lucerne, Uri, Schwyz, Glarus, Zug, Fribourg, Solothurn, Schaffhausen, Saint Gall, the Grisons (Graubünden), Aargau, Thurgau, Ticino, Vaud, Valais, Neuchâtel, Geneva, and Jura. Of the half cantons, Obwalden and Nidwalden together form Unterwalden, Basel-Land and Basel-Stadt form Basel, and Ausser-Rhoden and Inner-Rhoden form Appenzell. 2
German, French, and Italian are Switzerland’s major and official languages; Romansh (a Rhaeto-Roman dialect spoken in parts of the Grisons) was designated a “semiofficial” language in 1996, entitled to federal funds to help promote its continued use. German dialects (Schwyzerdütsch) are spoken by about 65% of the inhabitants. French, spoken by about 20% of the population, predominates in the southwest; Italian, spoken by about 8%, is the language of Ticino, in the south. The few Romansh-speakers are in the southeast. About 45% of the population is Roman Catholic and 40% is Protestant; close to 10% professes no religion. Although the country absorbed many foreign industrial workers after World War II, especially from Italy, social tensions in the late 20th cent. led the government to restrict immigration. There are universities at Lausanne, Geneva, Interlaken, Basel, Zürich, St. Gall, Neuchâtel, and Freibourg.
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Ro Wright
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Bayou Classic pulls largest crowd in 10 years, Grambling wins
Black Boot HBCU News - Sports
11/29/2016 10/08/2018 rowright4real
You can feel it in the air all over the state for weeks prior to the exciting weekend. Black People in Louisiana don’t get excited about Thanksgiving. We get excited about Bayou Classic!
A weekend of festivities was nearly shattered due to massive shooting on Bourbon St. hours after the game but the shooting had nothing to do with Bayou Classic directly. Common thugs attempted to destroy such a wonderful tradition but the fans would not allow it to stop their friendly comradery. NOPD was on the scene within minutes and one of the suspects was arrested immediately.
It shouldn’t plague the obvious progress of the Bayou Classic Weekend. Family and friends of both universities wait all year for a chance to compete, laugh, eat, dance, and catch up on old times. There is no better place to do it all than New Orleans!
This year, Doug Williams (former GSU Coach) was honored among several past Bayou Classic MVPs. He has always been a contributor to the Grambling/Eddie Robinson Legacy.
The story of this year, no doubt, is the remarkable job that young Coach Broderick Fobbs has done with the Grambling St. University football program. This is a program that just 3 years ago was on the verge of shutting down as players protested and staged a walk out due to the poor conditions of Grambling’s Athletic Facilities. Coach Fobbs has turned a struggling GSU Football program into a winning machine. The success of Grambling has sparked a fire in North Louisiana which has contributed majorly to the recent rise in attendance for the Classic.
Two years straight under Coach Fobbs, Grambling has defeated the Southern Jaguars but this time was nothing short of a true life, “butt whipping”, as Grambling won 52-30, clinching another Division Title.
Southern’s band, the “Human Jukebox”, dazzled the crowd with their organized field drills and highly energetic contemporary dance moves. One of the most notable moments on the field would be the band’s answer to social media’s “Mannequin Challenge”. The entire band paused as mannequins on the field and the crowd intensified in response to it.
For 43 consecutive years now, the Bayou Classic has been the landmark event which unites colleagues, alumni, college students, and black families across the state. This year the Classic made it known that is back on track and bigger than ever!
[FAGP id=294]
Tagged 2016 Bayou Classic New Orleans
Former Saints player puts 300+ families into homes, opens the only Black owned grocery store in Baton Rouge, LA
Fobbs builds his legacy, Bayou Classic win marks three in a row for GSU (50+ photos)
Gospel icon Ricky Dillard to participate in Shreveport choir concert with Dr. Sonya Hester
Grambling announces Jazmine Sullivan, Tank, Keith Sweat and more for Homecoming
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Unboxed Possibilities Enterprise of New Orleans | Theme: news-vibrant by CodeVibrant.
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Join the Hive
High School Football Players May Be at Doubled Risk of Migraine
Head injuries likely play a role in these headaches, second study suggests
HealthDay Health (June 19, 2015)
(Photo: Leah-Anne Thompson/Shutterstock)
By Dennis Thompson
THURSDAY, June 18, 2015 (HealthDay News) -- High school football players appear to be twice as likely to have migraines as the average person, which may be due to head injuries and concussions the athletes endure during play, two small new studies suggest.
The first study found that one-third of a group of 74 football players from Louisville, Kentucky-area high schools reported migraine-like symptoms.
"In the general population, anybody out walking the streets in America, there's a 16.2 percent prevalence of migraine," said senior researcher Dr. Tad Seifert, director of Norton Healthcare's Sports Concussion Program in Louisville and head of the National Collegiate Athletic Association Headache Task Force. "We found that almost 34 percent of our players self-reported a history of migraine."
Even that number is likely understated, said Dr. David Dodick, a concussion expert at the Mayo Clinic and chair of the American Migraine Foundation.
Related: How to Help Your Teen Get Enough Sleep
Many players may not realize that they've had a concussion or a migraine, Dodick said. If they do, players often don't report their symptoms to an adult.
"It makes them look like they're not tough," he said. "They don't want to let down their coach. They don't want to let down their parents. They don't want to risk their position on the team. So you stick it out."
In addition, migraine headaches or migraine-like symptoms appear to be the most common symptom suffered by high school athletes following a concussion, the second study found.
The second study included a random sample of 25 teenage athletes treated at the Florida Center for Headache and Sports Neurology. Only 5 percent of players lost consciousness due to a sports-related concussion. But 100 percent experienced a headache either right after the event or during their recovery, the study found.
Four out of five concussed athletes reported that their headache often worsened throughout the day, particularly if they engaged in physical or mental activity, the researchers said.
"We found that everybody we saw had a headache during some part of their sports-related concussion," said principal investigator Dr. Frank Conidi, main neurologist for the Florida Center. "A majority if not all of the headaches were consistent with migraines."
Related: Safe At First: How To Protect Your Young Baseball Player From Getting Hurt
The headaches reported shared many symptoms associated with migraines, including sensitivity to light or noise, nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, distortions of vision and difficulty speaking, the researchers explained.
Research has found that migraines and concussion are interrelated, with one increasing the risk of the other. For example, people with a history of migraine are more likely to suffer a concussion, Seifert said.
Because of that, coaches and team doctors should try their best to identify teenagers who suffer frequent headaches before they take the field, he said.
"That's an at-risk population that we need to pay a little closer attention to," Seifert said. "A good, thorough headache history should be a part of any pre-season physical, because they're at higher risk for concussion and will take longer to recover from a concussion."
Doctors also need to get better at treating headaches caused by sports-related concussions, Conidi and Dodick said.
"I see a number of these people go on to develop chronic headaches," Conidi said. "If these people were treated properly initially, they wouldn't go on to develop chronic headaches."
Unfortunately, the drugs commonly used to treat and prevent normal migraines don't always work on migraines that have been caused by a concussion, and research into medications specifically for sports-related headaches has been lacking, Dodick said.
"Post-traumatic headache is a very challenging medical disorder to treat," Dodick said. "And there hasn't been a single placebo-controlled study examining any drug used to treat athletes who are experiencing post-traumatic headache. That, in 2015, is incredible."
Related: Handling the Stress of College Rejection Letters
Findings from the studies were to be reported Wednesday at the American Headache Society's annual meeting, in Washington, D.C. Research presented at meetings is considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed medical journal.
For more about migraine, visit the American Migraine Foundation.
SOURCES: Tad Seifert, M.D., director, Norton Healthcare's Sports Concussion Program, Louisville, Ky., head, NCAA Headache Task Force; Frank Conidi, D.O., main neurologist, Florida Center for Headache and Sports Neurology; David Dodick, M.D., concussion expert, Mayo Clinic, and chair, American Migraine Foundation; June 17, 2015, presentations, American Headache Society, annual meeting, Washington, D.C.
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Eddie Logix :: Eddie Logix Plays Lykke Li
Steve 'Flash' Juon August 6, 2013
You may know Eddie Logix as one half of the Detroit-based rap groupProgress Report, but the bio that precedes the release of “Lykke Li” tries to throw that out the window. In fact it’s comically over the top to the point you’ll either love it or find it supremely annoying when reading it. I’ve never heard of “cowboy stamp collector Claude Merriweather” and neither have you, and I sincerely doubt he studied for six months at the University of Ho Chi Minh City.
The upshot of this whole joke is that Eddie’s greatest musical influence is alleged to be Lykke Li, a Swedish singer/songwriter who had one breakout pop hit in the U.S. – the song “I’m Good, I’m Gone” in 2008. I honestly don’t remember it and watching it on YouTube before writing this review didn’t jog my memory one bit. It sounds like her vocals make up the song “Deal Hard” though, either as a remix of her work or a complete audio re-interpretation. At least as a producer I can understand Eddie’s motivation here, even if his bio remains largely unfathomable.
It’s entirely possible all 9 songs on “Eddie Logix Plays Lykke Li” borrow from or interpolate her catalogue, but I’m going to have to unapologetically admit that I’m not going to listen to all her music to find out. The liner notes on Bandcamp don’t say – they just run down his whole whacky bio again. He’s also borrowing from a list of guest stars to rap on these tracks arguably more obscure to me than Lykke Li, save perhaps for MidCoast Most (another group he’s a member of). Out of all of his collaborators, the only one I really latched onto is Doc Waffles – he raps like the white nerdy version of Kool Keith.
As much as I’m trying to appreciate the jokes here by Eddie Logix, coming from an admitted multitude of levels that do showcase his creativity, I think deep down the only marketing necessary is “Do you like Eddie Logix as a producer?” He’s certainly not garbage, and he’s definitely several steps above your average bedroom producer with a MacBook and a copy of FL Studio. Songs like “Phone Number of Firsts” and “We Can Go” sound better in the headphones than they do on the stereo system or in your whip. There’s not a lot of snappy drum percussion or big bass feel. Eddie Logix operates from a wide variety of influences, perhaps as many as his fictional bio claims, but I wish he had settled on George Clinton or Prince this time. I like some of his work for others, but “Lykke Li” not so much.
5Overall Score
Lyrics6
[ self-released ]Eddie Logix
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Where would the Proclaimers end up if they walked 500 miles? And then 500 more?
ASSUMING they started in Edinburgh, where would twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid end up if they followed their own lyrics?
If the Proclaimers were to walk 500 miles...
IN their world-renowned hit, the Proclaimers sang that they would walk five hundred miles.
And then five hundred more.
But assuming they started in Leith, Edinburgh, where would twin brothers Charlie and Craig Reid end up?
According to a map, which has been doing the rounds online, if the Edinburgh-born brothers were to start in Scotland and walk 500 miles, they could reach Ireland, Norway, Denmark, Germany and France.
And if they were to walk another 500 miles, they could wind up in Iceland, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Austria or Poland.
Enjoy the hit song in the video below.
The Proclaimers movie Sunshine On Leith continues to become a worldwide hit
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WE'VE compiled a list of eight jokes that only those with Scottish roots will be able to understand.
Tom Shields: English won't be the official language of Scotland after independence... We'll be speaking Scottish
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Kirk Cousins is part of a shifting narrative in Minnesota sports
Winning and facilities. Those are two game-changers in sports these days and they are part of the reason the narrative has changed for multiple local teams in the last year.
March 15, 2018 — 4:46pm
Kirk Cousins was officially introduced as the new Vikings quarterback Thursday, finishing off a process that was both incredibly short and impressively long.
While free agency only officially started one day earlier, Cousins scouted the Twin Cities for almost a week when he was here for the Super Bowl last month and has been doing research on potential teams for more than two years with possible free agency in mind.
He said the Vikings “checked all the boxes,” but in addition to the millions they will give him — other teams probably would have given him even more — Cousins singled out one factor that stood out above the rest.
“I would be here a long time if I were to read off the grocery list of why this is a great fit,” Cousins said, adding a moment later. “I came here because of the chance to win.”
Toward the end of his introductory news conference at the Vikings’ shiny new headquarters in Eagan, Cousins also said this: “This TCO Performance Center is over the top. It’s just a tremendous place to go every day. … The stadium. The practice facility. It’s a great place to live.”
Winning and facilities. Those are two game-changers in sports these days — the first more than the second — and they are part of the reason the narrative has changed for multiple local teams in the last year.
The Twins suddenly became a free agent destination this offseason after winning 85 games a season ago while offering a jewel of a ballpark and a recently renovated spring training facility.
The Timberwolves nabbed Jimmy Butler in a trade last June, and a group of veteran free agents flocked to him as well as youngsters Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins for a chance to win. It helps that the Wolves have one of the nicest practice facilities in the NBA — after having one of the worst for a long time — and just renovated Target Center.
And now the Vikings — with their billion dollar stadium that just hosted the Super Bowl and their brand new headquarters — signed the best available player in free agency.
If you want to win and you want a nice place to play, Minnesota is suddenly where it’s at.
Schedule, tiebreakers favor Wolves in race for home court advantage
Keenum talks about leaving Vikings; Bradford says knee 'feels good'
Pitino's Gophers have played their way back onto NCAA tourney bubble
With Selection Sunday still two months away, the Gophers’ specific place in the pecking order is less important than the fact that they are in the pecking order.
The end of Jeff Teague and the Wolves: It was never the right fit
His final stat line often looked functional this year and throughout his tenure, but Jeff Teague wasn't right for the style the Wolves want to play.
Gophers' QB Morgan had 'the best season you didn't see coming'
Tanner Morgan wasn't even a sure thing to start at quarterback for the Gophers before Zack Annexstad suffered a foot injury in early August.
Donaldson's greatest contribution to Twins could be his defense
The new Twins third baseman was plus-15 defensive runs saved last season, second in MLB at his position.
Do numbers lie? Packers given slim chance of winning Super Bowl
Despite tying for the best record in the NFC, advanced metrics don't make a good case for the Packers compared to the other three teams in Sunday's conference title games.
Twins' invitation to Donaldson finally got a response: It's a deal • Twins
Life after Pitts: Whalen trying to guide Gophers through troubles • Gophers
Rested Wild blows out Dallas 7-0 for historic win • Wild
Hartman: Fleck engineered historic Gophers turnaround • Gophers
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Painting and lining
Basic Electrics – Wiring a Layout
Hazelwood Junction is built to N gauge so that members can use ready-to-run stock. The layout was started in 2006 and is based on the line from Hazel Grove through Middlewood to Disley, New Mills Central and Hayfield Junction.
Running sessions are usually on the first Wednesday of each month. Helpers are always welcome.
Since this photo in February 2007 the layout has progressed rapidly under the guidance of group leader Wally Pugh (pictured).
At the monthly meeting in August 2007, Hazelwood Junction saw its first train able to complete a circuit.
The layout’s electrician, Frank Gordon, reckons that he has used 3855 feet of wire and soldered about 2000 joints (some more than once).
There are 3 double slips and 19 other points on the layout operated by 22 point motors. These in turn operate 22 microswitches, 9 add-on switches and 14 relays. The relays switch the track wiring to suit the setting of the points. Five controllers can keep plenty of locos in operation.
Finally there are 13 section isolation switches and 12 push buttons (to release trains in the fiddle yard) and to assist the operators are 59 LEDs: 13 red for live sections, 12 for indication of which controller is in charge of sections where track possession can change and 34 which show which way points are set.
At the running session in December 2008, John Sherratt’s photograph shows a bird’s eye view.
The cliffs hide the storage loops and point motors.
Showing the footbridge and the station building, which is a mirror image of the real building at New Mills.
The sandstone cliff scales about 100 metres long and 20-25 metres high.The cliffs actually exist at the Sett Valley Trail, New Mills, Derbyshire.
Construction uses wire mesh, kingspan foam, polystyrene and plaster bandage, all covered with about 2cm of plaster. Working from photographs taken of the cliffs, much of this plaster is cut away to form the shape and structure of the rock walls.
August 2010 – photos by Wally Pugh
Track ballasting is now complete. The ballast was bought from Geo Scenics, using stone from the area being modelled. The ballast was loose laid and then fixed in place with the usual mixture of dilute pva with a drop of washing up liquid. So that moving parts of points were not clogged up a ready mix was used, laying about ten stones at a time!
The layout is looking much more complete, although there are still lots of details to be added.
The station and platforms are still to be finished, the signal boxes and goods shed to be erected, the roads surfaced and houses built.
The cliffs are now painted and the next step is for grass, bushes and trees to “grow”.
Also needed are working semaphore signals, two on the station platforms, a gantry near the tunnels and a two arm signal for the passing loop on the main line.
The yard may have ground signals at a later date.
The group members are very friendly and welcome anyone with an interest in N gauge. If you can also do a bit of modelling, or want to learn how to, so much the better.
At the end of 2012
We were having a number of track problems in the fiddle yard. Some of the points were too close to the ends of curves, causing derailments. The answer was to lift and move the failing points and point motors, and re-lay a lot of fiddle yard track. This had to be completed in time for Hazelwood’s first public viewing at the Northern Modelling Exhibition at EventCity in March 2013. At this there were a few teething problems, nothing too serious, and nothing that our public noticed, but things which needed attention.
One was a point failure in the fiddle yard caused by a soldered joint break on some point work which we had relaid before going to EventCity. We lost the use of one fiddle road because of this, but survived without it. Back at Dean Hall this only took a minute to fix, but we had to turn the layout board upside down to get at it.
At the back of the layout are wooden boxes covering the point motors and switch rods. These were found to be too high and too wide, not leaving enough room for operators’ hands to load stock.
To make more room to reach the fiddle yards, the protective boxes over the point motors were lowered and shortened as much as possible. This has now given much better access to the fiddle yards.
Another problem was a lack of lighting above the fiddle yards, in the tunnels under the hills. We had to put stock on the track by torchlight, it was so dark. Putting N gauge stock on the track is not easy in the light, in the dark it is practically impossible.
The problem here was not to lose the space we had just made by filling it with lights. Our answer came from a visit to Poundland which sells battery operated lights for use under kitchen wall cupboards. These consist of 5 clear LEDs normally powered from 3 AAA batteries in each unit. After modification they are now wired in groups of 3 units, each group powered by a 12 V DC supply.
At EventCity Hazelwood Junction had no lighting on the front of the layout, but hall lighting is not really good enough to light a layout properly.
The frame on which Hazelwood sits is from an MMRS layout of many years ago. This layout had a lighting beam and upright supports fitted to the front. Thankfully these had not been thrown away, so this beam is now being used for our new lighting.
No light fittings were found for this set up and new units have been made. Six lamp holders have been designed to hold GU10 50w lamps. All of the units have been wired up in a daisy chain so that they can be connected up in any order.
At the running session a Class 20 diesel with working headlights made an impressive sight.
The layout is showing more greenery and houses have appeared at the upper level.
Showing the latest scenic updates.
The left-hand (station) end of the layout……
…… and the middle …..
….. and the right hand end
More buildings have been added recently, mainly thanks to Ian Thwaites who usually models in a much larger scale.
Copyright 1925-2020 Manchester Model Railway Society
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Sunday 9th. February, 2014 – I am annoying with my camera
Wednesday 11th. June, 2014 – Adventures
Friday 24th. April, 2015 – Fun on the boat
Monday 6th. April, 2015 – Holiday Monday.
Monday 30th. June, 2014 – What a lovely surprise
Sunday 29th. June, 2014 – The Feast of St. Peter and St. Paul
Saturday 28th. June, 2014 – A long lie and a lovely walk
Friday 27th. June, 2014 – Spot the difference
Thursday 26th. June, 2014 – Another fabulous day: weather and in every way.
Wednesday 25th. June, 2014 – We are getting there!
Tuesday 24th. June, 2014 -- And today we got a little rain (not much)
Monday 23rd. June, 2014 -- A bit overcast but still thoroughly warm
Sunday 22nd. June, 2014 – The First Sunday after Trinity
Saturday 21st. June, 2014 – Welcoming friends and Rowan visits her family
Friday 20th. June, 2014 – Another fine day
Thursday 19th. June, 2014 – And still the sun shone!
Wednesday 18th. June, 2014 – Off to Stirling again
Tuesday 17th. June, 2014 – Today has been fun
Monday 16th. June, 2014 – Quite an incredible day
Sunday 15th. June, 2014 – Trinity Sunday
Saturday 14th. June, 2014 A Long lie followed by a long walk – a perfect Saturday
Friday 13th. June, 2014 – We are at leisure
Thursday 12th. June, 2014 – Sailing!
Tuesday 10th. June, 2014 – A Visit to Gateshead
Sunday 8th. June, 2014 – Pentecost
Saturday 7th. June, 2014 – Sunshine again
Friday 6th. June, 2014 – Summer such as we have never experienced before!
Thursday 5th. June, 2014 – Weather improves and we put up the roof beams
Wednesday 4th. June, 2014 – A foul day, at least as far as the weather was concerned
Tuesday 3rd. June, 2014 – It’s summer and, in spite of the weather forecast, it really is summer!
Monday 2nd. June, 2014 – Waiting for rain that never came!
Sunday 1st. June, 2014 – The First Day of Summer. It’s Official!
Dorothy, Tom, Rachel and Mum at the Whiteadder Reservoir. The boat sitting on Dorothy’s shoulder is Escapade
Up and walked Mix before breakfast, after which Mum, Rachel and I set off for Cranshaws where the service was conducted by Stephen Blakey, the minister of Duns Parish Church. There was an excellent congregation for this communion service which was part of a presbytery-wide pulpit exchange. Stephen read from Deuteronomy about Sabbath observance and from John’s Gospel about the man at the pool at Bethesda who was healed by Jesus. ‘Do you want to be healed?’ were Jesus words to the man, and Stephen’s question to his congregation today, followed in both cases by ‘Take up your bed and walk’.
After the service we enjoyed coffee before, as we were so near, driving Mum and Dorothy up to the reservoir to see Escapade and where we are to sail. Drove back home in time for a lunch at the slightly later time than usual of 2 p.m.
Escapade sitting by the water-side, looking forward to getting her bottom wet
After eating and enjoying Sunday lunch I retired to the summer house to keep an eye on the cricket – both the Test match which is destined for a draw, and Durham’s match against Lancashire, from which we desperately need some points. We ended the day on 310/8 which was largely due to Paul Coughlin, playing his first game in the County Championship, who scored 71 not out batting at number ten and to Phil Mustard still there at the close on 64. So we have earned three batting points and will have the possibility of another in the morning.
Rachel went off to Evensong and I started to gut the upstairs study so that I could be with both dogs in the Granary. On her return we got a snack ready to eat while watching The Suspicions of Mr. Whicher on television. It was excellent and very well done. Tonight I will watch Argentina against Bosnia. Should report that last night Olive and I watched England against Italy. I thought England played very well and were unfortunate to have been defeated by Italy. Stirling was superb, so much courage, commitment and grit and he was just one among many – so maybe there is still hope. Italy were just Italy and I will look out for them during the rest of the competition.
Saturday, June 14, 2014, 10:49 PM
A picture of Mix looking up at me after we had been walking for the best part of two hours – ‘I really don’t understand today. First you don’t get up and then you walk the hind legs off me, can I not sit down and have a rest, please?’
Today I slept in – I really slept in. In fact it was after half-past ten when I finally got out of bed. But once I was up I collected Mix and we set off for a really long walk. We walked along to Bogend Farm at which point we left the main road and set off for Fogo. Having explored the River Blackadder at Fogo we walked on past Caldra Farm and made our way back to Mount Pleasant by way of Nisbet Hill. It was a splendid walk, cleared away all of the cobwebs and I came home feeling really good.
On the walk I took some pictures:
The first part of our walk was dominated by sheep. The fields around Bogend are full of sheep and the noise of their conversation with each other is almost deafening – but they all look happy and well. I loved this little gathering of sheep who were clearly anxious to give us the once-over
The road to Fogo is a little country lane. It is about a three-mile walk to Fogo and we didn’t see any vehicle or anyone during our wander. It could not have been more peaceful. I contemplated on the fact that Saturday mornings are now so different. In the past I was probably preparing for a wedding or two and thinking about the services I was to conduct the next day. Now I am thinking about my little dog and about all of our plans for the rest of the summer
As we walked through Fogo my eye caught the church yard and I thought how well cared-for it looked. Notice all of the flowers at the graves. Village churches are important not just because of the services which are conducted there but because they really are the centre of village memory, aspiration and hope
Once past the church at Fogo we turned down along a little path which led to the River Blackadder. Mix enjoyed the canopy of trees which shut out the sun – there wasn’t really much sun until later in the day, but it was warm and humid – the kind of day in which in other parts of the country we would have been eaten alive by midges, but not here
Here was are at the bridge over the River Blackadder. There is a little plaque on the bridge which announces that the bridge was opened on the 31st. July, 2004 in memory of the Reverend John Hunter who had been minister of Fogo Kirk from 1926 to 1965
This is the view which greeted Mix and me from the bridge over the River Blackadder. I knew what to look for because by the side of the bridge there was an interpretative chart which told me:
“The name Blackadder Water is more about colour than snakes. The Blackadder is also known as Black water due to the dark tinge to the water from the peaty soil. It joins the Whiteadder Water to the east at Allanton before flowing into the famous Tweed not far from Berwick. The ‘adder’ part of the name probably dates back to the time of the first people to settle in the Borders after the Ice Age -- about 12,000 years ago. In those days adder was the word for a fast flowing river.
The Blackadder Water in front of you is important for conservation as part of the River Tweed catchment area. Salmon have joined Sea Trout in returning to this river after a 200 year absence.
People in Fogo have always needed to cross the river on this old right of way. Have a look under the bridge where stepping-stones are still visible, and they may be the first signs of access across the river.
Many woodland plants can be seen on the banks here such as Flowering rush, Flag iris, and Mollyglobs (Kingcups). If you are lucky you might also catch a glimpse of Otters, Red Squirrels, or Daubenton’s bats skimming the water catching insects. Herons, Dippers ... and sometimes Kingfishers are often seen dipping into the water, perhaps trying to catch eels and brown trout.
Please enjoy this peaceful place, but always take away what you have brought with you.”
Mix and I enjoyed this peaceful place where we paused before continuing our walk
As we walked on I was struck by how now all the fields around us, stretching as far as the eye can see, are green and growing. I expect that soon they will turn to gold and I will try to catch that on my camera as well. What a wonderfully fertile and quiet place this is
This last picture looks up towards the farm at Nisbet Hill – rolling fields and wonderful crops; glorious scenery for a summer walk
Back home it was time for lunch – rolls with cheese and egg mayonnaise, washed down with ginger beer. Afterwards we started on cutting the grass – the noise drove Mix wild and he did his best to run away. We are going to have to put him in the car when we cut the grass in future, certainly round in the summer house the noise is too loud when we are cutting the lawns behind the Granary and around the summer house. I watched a bit of the Test Match and read some of my book and I was lost to the world when Rachel came and chased me up for being late for dinner.
Rachel, Olive, Digger and I had a pleasant meal – Mum was absent as she was away with her friend Annie attending the film show in Gavinton Village Hall. The film was Sunshine on Leith (which we had all watched on our big television a few weeks ago) but Mum fancied seeing it again on an even bigger screen.
Watched a bit of television (a thriller about an ex-policeman in Ireland) in preparation for the England Italy football match. Going into the World Cup, these are the two teams that I would have supported, (We lived in Italy for six years back in the 1970s), so I suppose that whoever wins I can be happy. I would have preferred them to meet in the final however!
I’ll post my diary before then, walk Mix and catch up with the football in my diary entry for tomorrow.
Friday, June 13, 2014, 11:46 PM
Rachel took this picture (and the one below) on her new telephone so I just had to include them!
Woke and walked Mix before breakfast, leaving soon afterwards in my car with Cathy, Rachel, Mix and Rowan for Berwick where Cathy caught the ten to ten bus to take her on the first leg of her journey to Luss. Having ensured that Cathy caught her bus, the rest of us went off to Cocklaw Burn beach where we wandered and enjoyed the wild open sands and the black rocks where the burn crossed the beach on its way to the sea – Rowan ran for all that she was worth, Mix and I walked more sedately, Rachel called regularly to Rowan to ensure that she didn’t get too far away.
Eventually we made our way back to the car. We didn’t come back the way we had gone because Rachel was sure that she knew a shortcut. Well, as you may have guessed, it didn’t turn out that way and soon we were lost – not totally, we did find our way home but a short-cut it wasn’t.
Back home we remembered that we were short of dog food so we drove into Duns to collect a sack of something both dogs rather enjoy and because we were already in the metropolis we went off to the Co-op and did a bit of shopping as well.
Everything one does has consequences. We had been shopping for food so when we returned home I popped one of the pizzas we had just bought into the oven and enjoyed a bigger lunch than I had planned.
By now the weather was turning for the worse. There was nothing for it but that Mix and I should move out to the summer house and keep an eye on the cricket and read my book. After the storm moved away we went for a walk and then joined Olive and Digger in the farmhouse for a Chinese take-away. We had initially decided that we would all fend for ourselves this evening because Digger had got a message from a friend of his brother that he and his family were in the area, and inviting Olive and Digger to go for a meal with them. However that fell through because the friend was too tired to drive over to this part of the Borders and as a result we shared a Chinese meal – consequences you see!
Mum was out of it this evening because she had gone off with some friends from her reading group to the Borders Book Festival at Melrose. She saw the presentation of the Walter Scott Award which went to Robert Harris for his historical novel entitled 'An Officer and a Spy'. He was presented with a cheque for £25,000.
In the evening Mix and I returned to the summer house where I completed the Peter James novel I was reading, while Rachel watched a film on television. I have come to the conclusion that I have been spending too many evenings watching television and am going to do other things over the summer – Rachel says it is because I can only do one thing at a time and that when she watches television she is doing other things at the same time. Ah, well.
But the very idea, just a few months ago of being able to spend an evening with one’s dog reading a novel. Isn’t life wonderful?
Friday, June 13, 2014, 12:07 AM
I don’t have a picture of us sailing because we were on the boat and I didn’t wish to take my camera on this first venture into the Whiteadder in a boat we hadn’t sailed before in case we turned her over. But the boat in the centre of the picture is Escapade, a forty year-old Wayfarer and, once we had got the sails up, she sailed wonderfully well. It was exhilarating and made today a very special one
Up, showered and walked Mix before breakfast. Tom and Dorothy arrived as I was finishing my porridge, Dorothy to go with Rachel to Dun for their stained-glass workshop, Tom to take me to the Whiteadder Reservoir where we were to sail Escapade for the first time. We took our time about setting everything on the boat up as it should be – and we were very careful. The wind was about ten knots or maybe a little bit more so we were into a force four, normally something about which we would have been quite happy except that we didn’t know this boat at all and in my case it is such a long time since I was in a dinghy although, as I told myself, Olivebank sailed like a dinghy (except that she wouldn’t capsize – that’s quite big exception).
We pulled Escapade down into the water and soon we were off. The mainsail was well reefed and the jib was down and, as we reefed by rolling the main sail around the boom, we had no boom vang with which to control the shape of the mainsail. However, it didn’t matter, Escapade sailed like a dream and, after my larger boats, I was amazed at how close we could sail to the wind. This is going to be a dream summer – retirement is wonderful. I will have to get used to getting my feet wet as we launch and recover our boat, I have been spoiled on larger boats.
Having sailed and recovered our boat, Tom and I went to Pearsons for lunch where I had a really good Caesar’s Salad with chicken. Then it was back to Mount Pleasant where Tom dropped me and went off to his home. Here activity was in full swing. Cathy was working on the chairs and making a splendid job of them. Mum was away at an SWRI outing to Kelso, Olive was marking examination scripts on her computer and Rachel, now back from Berwick, was joined by Sandy and they started work on warping up the loom.
I had never really realised what these frames were for, but here Sandy is measuring out and collecting the threads which will make up the warp (the fixed lengths of thread) on the loom
Digger spent the day in his smallholding and I took this picture to show all the digging which has been going on over recent days:
It really looks good
Mix and I spent some time sorting out our sailing bits and pieces and in going for a walk. I also managed to take in a bit of the first Test Match (Joe Root and Matt Prior are doing exceedingly well) before it was time for supper in the farmhouse. After our meal Rachel and I watched the opening ceremony of the World Cup, followed by the first match which saw Brazil defeat Croatia by three goals to one. I’m not a football person but I did think that Croatia got quite a raw deal from the referee whose decisions seemed to favour Brazil – but then, what would I know about it. I did enjoy the opening ceremony however. The three themes of nature, diversity and football came across well. The costumes were stunning and I loved all the colours and the music.
Walked Mix and went to bed, perhaps to dream about sailing – we were to have gone to a farm sale tomorrow at Wooler but Tom ‘phoned to say that it had been cancelled because there wasn’t enough to sell. I’m sorry about that – I wanted to go, not because I hoped to buy anything, but because I love the rolls filled with sausages which are served in the canteen there. Ah well, even when one is retired, one can’t have everything!
Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 11:15 PM
Olive spent most of today in the garden. Here she has discovered some strawberries growing at the edge of one of the lawns (near the bar-b-cue area) and she is clearing out the grass and weeds so that we may be able to enjoy the strawberries when they have had a bit more sun
Up and walked Mix, breakfasted and then got things ready to take to the boat. Tom arrived and we set off. It was a pleasant drive as the sun was shining down and when we got to the reservoir we discovered that our boat had been placed in the boat park (which is only accessible from the water) so we realised that the RYA had used the boat over the weekend, as we had said they could.
However, anxious to take care of our equipment, everything had been placed under lock and key in one of their stores and, with no one there, sailing was out of the question. To be honest neither Tom nor really minded because the wind was rather strong for an exploratory sail. We spoke to the person in charge by telephone and we will collect our sails etc. tomorrow. We were told that our boat had sailed well -- and that is pleasing to know!
We drove home and on the way we stopped off at Fantoosh in the market square at Duns for lunch – apple juice and a ploughman’s – which was really nice. Back home I settled down to do some reading and took Mix for a good walk. Everyone else was busy – Digger was digging his potato patch and Cathy was working on the chairs in the lounge, Mum and Olive were both in the garden and Rachel was spring-cleaning the Granary.
Cathy here is re-upholstering Olive’s dining room chairs. It is a real work of art, a labour of love, a continuation of a dying skill – and, yes, it is all of these. Also in the picture however is the chair which Digger made out of greenwood when he went off and spent a week or so in a forest and learned to work with wood without the benefit of modern tools. I’ve sat on the seat and it is a good one too
We all ate in the farmhouse (fish pie is one of my favourites and Rachel had produced some rum and raisin ice-cream to go with the rice and black current jam cooked by Olive). Afterwards we watched Law and Order UK followed by the News. And when I walked Mix before bed it was still light – but then it has been a really lovely day.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014, 11:34 PM
A view of the interior of the Metro Centre at Gateshead. This is the largest shopping mall in Europe we were told
Up early and walked Mix before breakfasting in the farmhouse. Then, with Mix deposited in the farmhouse with Olive and arrangements made for Rowan to be regularly let out, Rachel and I set off for Newcastle, well, for Gateshead actually.
The purpose of our journey was to replace Rachel’s telephone and I had been told that there was a simply superb Apple Store within the Metro Centre. I was also keen to see the largest shopping mall in Europe, having visited its opposite number in America in Minnesota a number of years ago.
A view of the Apple Store which is in the red sector of the centre – there are four main coloured sectors: red, green, yellow and blue with a Platinum sector in the middle
We made our way into the Apple Store where we were greeted by a charming young assistant called Georgia. It turned out that this was her first day and that we were her first customers. She treated us well and soon Rachel was ensconced with an advisor who was setting up her telephone and ensuring that it worked in tandem with her i-pad. In fact the advisor worked with Rachel for more than half an hour ensuring that she knew exactly how everything worked. It was really very impressive.
We had time for a look around the centre before setting off for home. As one would expect I took a few photographs:
This gives a view from the first floor – I was taken by the cleanliness and the decor. Everything felt spacious and the shops were well presented
I wondered whether to offer this picture. We had a snack in KFC which I enjoyed – Rachel certainly isn’t sure that she wishes to be photographed outside such a place!
This is a picture of the ‘Village Street’ – I liked the way that the Centre contained such a variety of experiences
Rachel is being overlooked by two shoppers who are always present in the Centre
We drove home, stopping in Berwick to collect Cathy who had arrived by bus from Luss. Back home we had tea and coffee after which I took Mix for a walk before dinner in the farmhouse. Learned that Digger had had a busy day taxiing Mum to the hairdresser and back, and working on his dome in the allotment, while Olive was preparing for the examination marking which she will start tomorrow.
In the evening while Cathy got stuck in to the upholstery tasks she has set herself, Rachel and I watched an old episode of Endeavour, after which I watched the News before walking Mix and retiring to bed.
Monday, June 9, 2014, 11:10 PM
The Stables are really taking shape and are now becoming a real weaving place
Woke and walked Mix before breakfast. Tom was not coming today as the weather forecast was not great but it turned out to be a splendid day. I sat in the garden in my shorts reading a book and then later, when the sun did go in for a bit I moved to the summer house (which was roasting) and continued reading by now with both Mix and Rowan for company.
I moved back into the Granary for lunch and Tom arrived bearing gifts of honey for the Granary and the Farmhouse. He helped me assemble my new strimmer (or put right my errors!) and we nipped into Duns for two-stroke oil to get it operational. Then we helped Rachel by fitting two units to the walls of the stables and by moving a wardrobe from the Hen House into the Stables. We then sat down in the summer house and enjoyed a lengthy coffee and chat – largely about our plans to go sailing on Wednesday.
Rachel went off to buy ear-protectors for me so that I can strim in safety! I walked Mix and then came back to the summer house to do some more reading – this is quite addictive.
We all ate together in the farm house – Digger having gone and collected Olive from the station. Olive had been in Dundee for the final time tying up the loose ends at the completion of her working career.
In the evening we retired to the Granary and watched a bit of TV (the second part of a programme about the Battle of Bannockburn). Life is one long holiday. I feel that any moment I am going to wake up and be summoned to work for my living. But until then we have buildings to construct, golf to be played, sailing to be undertaken, and cricket to be watched, books to be read. It is a hard life – but someone has to do it.
Walked Mix – who is really enjoying his new and relaxed life – and went to bed.
Sunday, June 8, 2014, 11:05 PM
Today started almost before yesterday ended. Rachel walked Rowan and came to tell me that against the wall of one of the barns by the side of the A6112 was a blue carrying box for a bird and nestled down beside it was a rooster. Well, there was little point in telling me that so I went off and wakened Digger who came and joined us. Rachel had coaxed the rooster into the garden by the summer house and from there he was trapped in the hedge and carried by Rachel into the courtyard where he was put back in his box with some sawdust, some food and some water before being installed for the night in the loom room. Someone has obviously abandoned him outside our farmhouse – a pretty miserable thing to do but then I despair of humanity sometimes. He was lucky not to have been run over and, had it not been for the sharp eyes of Rowan he might not have been noticed
Because I was up, I looked at my emails and discovered one from Dorothy with two pictures of the honey-making process which I wrote about in yesterday’s entry. This is a picture of Tom’s new honey extractor in operation
And here is a close up of the spun honey being deposited into a container. In all Dorothy and Tom harvested eighteen pounds of honey
Went to bed and was up again at eight. Showered and walked Mix before setting off for Gavinton Church a little earlier than usual because both Rachel and I had to read during the service and we wanted to find out what the ground rules were.
Ann conducted a meditative service on the theme of Pentecost and the power of the wind both in reality and as a symbol of God’s power in the world. After the service we all met up over coffee in the church hall. Explained our cockerel adventures to Tom and Dorothy who said that they would pop along and take the new Rooster to join their band of cockerels – and later, in the afternoon, Tom duly arrived and put Oliver – for that is his new name – back into his box and took him back to Gavinton where he will have company and lots of room.
Tom and Digger persuading Oliver into his box so that he can be transported chez Stewart
In between times, we all had a late lunch at the farmhouse – later than usual because this morning Olive had a student who is getting ready for a big accounting examination on Tuesday.
In the afternoon I settled down in the summerhouse with Mix – it has been another gorgeous day – to watch the men’s final from the French Open, Nadal defeating Djokovic in a hard fought match over four sets (of which Djokovic won the first).
In the evening Rachel went to Berwick for Evensong, while Mum was driven into Berwick to attend Duns Church for a musical event featuring Stuart Townend, a modern hymn writer and musician. On Rachel’s return we moved back into the Granary (from the summer house – we being Mix, Rowan and I) where we had a very pleasant snack and watched Quirke before walking the dogs, this time with no adventures at all!
Saturday, June 7, 2014, 10:57 PM
While I was at Gavinton Church this morning I took this picture of a bumble bee hard at work on the flowers in the church yard. Bees were in my mind because earlier Tom had telephoned to say that he and Dorothy had extracted eighteen pounds of honey from one of their hives – and I gather that there is more to come. Haven’t they – or their bees – done well?
Up early for a Saturday and walked Mix before an early breakfast. Then Rachel and I drove Cathy to Berwick and set her off on her journey to Luss by bus (and, using her pass, at no cost at all). The bus was empty, well Berwick is the terminus, and it looked extremely comfortable.
Before coming home we went to the retail park where I bought a strimmer to tackle some of our long grass. We have great plans for the different areas of green but with all of the building programme the grass has so far been neglected.
Back home I got a phone call from Ann to say that her printer was on the blink and so she was going down to the church where there was a photocopier which might or might not be functioning. I said that I would drive over and join her and while I waited for her I took the picture at the head of this entry.
The photocopier wasn’t functioning – with help from Helen it looked as though it might but that hope proved to be a vain one. As I drove back from Gavinton I had a picture in my mind of people all over Scotland in churches trying to get broken equipment to work. I have certainly spent a great deal of time trying to nudge printers and photocopiers and almost every piece of equipment you could imagine back into life in the hope that I might get just a little bit longer from them.
Rachel set off for the hills to walk Rowan, Mix and I set about assembling the strimmer. However, no sooner had we completed the task than it started to rain, ruling out grass cutting for the afternoon. So I made myself some lunch and retired to the summer house where I watched the final of the ladies singles from the French Open. It was a magnificent match with Maria Sharapova edging out a very plucky Simone Halep over three sets.
During the afternoon I got a visit from Helen who was taken, I think, by the opulence of my ‘garden shed’. Rachel returned as Helen arrived so we were able to show her the new Loom Room before she set off for home. I listened to the end of Durham’s T20 match against Worcester (at Worcester). From a position where I thought that they couldn’t lose, Durham managed to get comprehensively defeated.
Digger has been out and about today. He and Olive watch a web-site which seems to be a channel for people to give to other people things for which they no longer have a need. Today Digger was away at Eyemouth to liberate an unwanted greenhouse. But it turned out to be a bigger exercise than he had imagined. Aluminium nuts and bolts were continually sheering as he was trying to un-fix them, and the whole structure was extremely hard to get at. So for Digger it will be back to Eyemouth tomorrow but if he gets a greenhouse out of it, he will have done well -- and the cause of recycling will have been boosted as well.
I fed Mix and we went for supper at the farmhouse after which we watched two concluding episodes to series we had been watching and had recorded during the week – From Then to Now and Happy Valley. I enjoyed them both. Happy Valley ended as I had expected but I was captivated by the performance of Sarah Lancaster; From Then to Now was so different and quite unexpected and I loved it.
Walked Mix and went to bed. It has been yet another great day.
Friday, June 6, 2014, 10:46 PM
The sun is shining down and the temperatures are Mediterranean. Of course there have been days like this before but always I have been working. Today I can just enjoy it. I took this picture of Mount Pleasant as Mix and I went for an early morning walk
Up and walked Mix before breakfast. Afterwards we hitched up Escapade and drove it (Tom, Rachel and I) to Whiteadder Reservoir where it will remain at least for the summer. Next week we shall sail! Today we met Andy who works for the RYA and who was about to run a course for some young people on the reservoir.
Escapade setting off from Mount Pleasant
Escapade at Whiteadder – all is now ready for summer sailing
Back home, Tom hurried off to Gavinton to answer a call that bees were swarming. I don’t know if they were his but Dorothy and Manda persuaded them into Tom’s spare hive. Meanwhile Rachel and I unloaded boxes from the Cart Shed so that Rachel could find some wool to set up the weaving loom.
Olive and Digger enjoying the sunshine as they prepare to set off to buy in some trees
Olive working in the garden on her return from her shopping trip, lamenting the fact that slugs have been eating the leaves of her herbs
I had some lunch and then came out to the summer house where Mix and I listened to Andy Murray losing his semi final in the French Open. Better luck at Wimbledon. I had offered to take Cathy somewhere because it was such a fine day but she preferred to work away on the chairs which she is re-upholstering. Digger worked in his allotment after returning from a trip to a garden centre where Olive used some vouchers she had been given to buy some trees and plants which she spent the rest of the day planting and arranging. Mum spent most of the day watching the D Day commemorations on the television.
In the late afternoon Sandy arrived (in his new car) and he and Rachel did some more work on the loom. They have some yarn and are going to order more for a second run but it will be good to have everything back in working order.
We dined at seven and afterwards we retired to the Granary. My goodness but it is really very warm! (Dinner was excellent. Olive had made a chickpea and mint pate which she served on home-baked bread, followed by banana wrapped in ham in a cheese sauce and covered in crumble, served with a potato cake. I ate well.)
We watched Inspector Gently which I always enjoy and then, after walking Mix, I retired to bed. It has been a lovely day in every way.
Thursday, June 5, 2014, 11:16 PM
There was a great deal of air activity over Mount Pleasant today – several war planes and one helicopter. By the time I got my camera the helicopter was far away but, using the zoom, I got this rather indistinct souvenir of its visit
Up, walked Mix and settled down in the summer house to try to sort out my electricity bill which arrived today. I’m glad to report that I seem to have got our usage under control and our bill is much smaller than it ever was in Luss which is quite exceptional because the only service we have here is electricity.
Tom and Dorothy arrived, and Dorothy went off for the day with Rachel to Berwick where they attended their glass class. Even although the weather wasn’t great Tom and I decided to complete the roof beams on the Bothy. So we breakfasted and then set about fitting the beams into place. It took us all morning but once it was done we felt that it was quite an achievement.
The beams cover the whole area of the roof inside the walls. Now we shall have to provide extenders to take the beams over the walls (the roof span was the largest we could get) and then we shall use sarking to cover the whole roof – we will actually use flooring as sarking so that the roof looks really good from inside
At lunchtime we went off to Pearsons to buy some brackets to bolt the roof structure to the walls – something we fitted after lunch which we enjoyed at the little restaurant at Pearsons. Our work done for the day we had a leisurely coffee in the summer house before I ran Tom home, returning to cut the wheels off Olivetub with an angle-grinder before looking through the internet to get some quotes for insurance for our new Wayfarer.
We joined everyone for supper in the farmhouse after which Cathy, Mum, Rachel and I watched ‘New Tricks’ before I walked Mix and went to bed.
It has been a busy day but other people have had a busy day as well. Rachel was in Berwick, Olive had her two students to prepare for their accountancy examinations next week, Cathy continued work on the dining room chairs – and I should have mentioned that I watched a bit of the women’s semi-finals of the French Tennis Open (just to keep my watching eye in for Andy Murray’s semi-final tomorrow). Congratulations too to Liam Plunkett, Durham’s ex-fast bowler who now plays for Yorkshire, who was today selected in the England squad for the upcoming Test Match against Sri Lanka. I always admired his commitment and I am delighted that he has been given this call up.
Thursday, June 5, 2014, 12:07 AM
Today it rained – it really rained – I haven’t seen rain like it since I lived in the west and for most of the day the dogs and I spent the time in the summer house where we were cosy and warm. I had plenty to do and the dogs slept on Mix’s huge cushion
Walked Mix in the bucketing rain before breakfast and then spent almost the entire day in the summer house. It was just so wet there was nothing else to do. I completed my book, read another book, lamented the fact that rain had washed out the Durham cricket match (which they were in a fine position to win), watched Andy Murray’s tennis match in the French Open (which he won – but not until after we had enjoyed our evening meal). To be honest, my summer house is a wonderful place and I really enjoyed a day of enforced relaxation in it today. It reminded me of holidays when it was wet and we just had to stay in and make our own entertainment, really quite special.
The reason I had both dogs was because Rachel was in Edinburgh lunching with her friend Ann and then visiting the glass man in Dunbar. Mum attended her book group this morning and a Guild Rally this evening. Olive and Digger went off to Berwick to do some shopping. Cathy continued work on the dining room chairs. This evening after we had eaten, and after Andy Murray had won his match, Cathy, Rachel and I watched an episode of New Tricks followed by the News.
I walked Mix before bed – it is still bucketing down, but the forecast for tomorrow is a little better.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 11:23 PM
Cathy spent this morning working in the garden weeding and this afternoon she sat in the garden and started work on reupholstering some of Olive’s dining room chairs. What a talent! And how much we enjoy having Cathy down here with us
I got up and walked Mix before breakfast after which Tom and I went up to the Abbey sawmill at Abbey St. Bathans to talk about wood for our Bothy project. The gentleman who owns the sawmill is a real gentleman and is giving us enormous help which we really appreciate. We continued on to the Whiteadder reservoir to look to sail there perhaps later in the week. It was again deserted but we met a fisherman who said that he often saw folk coming and sailing there so there shouldn’t be a problem. We wrote down every phone number from the different notice boards and we will continue to phone them but so far they all just ring out unanswered.
Back home it was lunch time. Rachel had run Mum into Duns for her hairdressing appointment and later she collected her. Cathy's exploits have been recorded under her picture. Olive was also in the garden working (although later she was marking dissertations in her study), Digger was in his allotment and Rachel was in the Loom Room. Everywhere was a hive of activity.
This afternoon I prepared the music for Arrochar for Sunday, did a bit of reading, followed the cricket in England (Durham are doing well against Middlesex but will be thwarted by the weather tomorrow; England lost to Sri Lanka), and walked Mix.
Rachel and I set off for Berwick about five-thirty to attend the National Theatre production of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time’. This records life as seen through the eyes of Christopher who is suffering from Asperger syndrome. It was quite simply a mind-blowing production. What made it so were some extremely powerful, intelligent and skilful performances added to a wonderfully conceived and directed piece which used all of the resources of quite an intimate theatre space, using sound and light and special effects to add to the performances. As Christopher, Luke Treadaway was better than words can describe, he was sympathetic, determined and with the ability to draw us all into his world. It was also a real pleasure to see Niamh Cusack (whom I remember from Heart Beat), Nicola Walker (from Spooks) and Una Stubbs (from so many television shows). I also thought that Paul Ritter as Christopher’s father was very good. It was little surprise to see the audience at the National Theatre rising as one to give the cast (and there were other excellent performances as well) a rousing standing-ovation. It really was that good and we are so fortunate to be able to visit the National Theatre by popping along to the Maltings at Berwick (which was all but full, I was glad to see).
Back home, I walked Mix and went to bed. What a grand day!
Tuesday, June 3, 2014, 12:11 AM
We may not have achieved a great deal today but we did set up our new Wayfarer this morning, ensuring that we had all of the ‘bits’ and that everything worked. At the end of the process we were all absolutely delighted and went off and spent the rest of the morning drinking coffee and planning our sailing summer
Up as usual, walked Mix and enjoyed breakfast in the farmhouse. Tom arrived and both of us were bowed under the promise of ‘weather’ so we did a number of smaller jobs – fixing the gate (the catch was getting caught and not always closing as it should), looking at Olivetub (a little boat in need of a great deal of tender loving care) and spending a great deal of time setting up ‘Escapade’ our new Wayfarer (new to us that is). I wouldn’t have chosen the name Escapade but, thinking about it, it is really quite appropriate for getting this little boat is a bit of an escapade for us – totally against all reason, and quite inappropriate for us at our ages: but enormous fun.
Here are another couple of pictures of Escapade:
Wayfarer dinghies were designed by Ian Proctor in 1957 and are still going strong. Our Wayfarer is number 3034 and was probably built in 1972. It is still a Mark I Wayfarer but is one of the Wayfarers which is made of GRP rather than the traditional wood. As far as I can gather, purists prefer the wooden model for racing but the GRP is ideal for cruising. Our ambitions are entirely in the cruising sector -- lazy afternoon picnics in the sunshine with just a little wind to move us along -- so I think that we have been extremely fortunate to find this lovely boat
All packed up and ready to go sailing (well, once the mast has been lowered). Tom is delighted that we have this Wayfarer because it grew out of a model called a Bosun which Tom remembers well from his Navy days. The Wayfarer is a really forgiving boat capable of handling any weather which we are likely to encounter and able to cope with a complement of six people on board (although normally we will sail her with two)
After coffee and planning, Tom went home for lunch and to plant potatoes in the afternoon. I did some sorting out in the courtyard and fiddled a bit more with Olivetub before doing some research in the summer house. In the early afternoon Olive and Rachel set off for Berwick to choose some fabric for chairs in the farmhouse lounge and to collect Cathy who is coming down from Luss. As a result I was confined in the summer house with two dogs to care for. What a bonus – I was able to listen first to Durham against Middlesex at cricket from Chester-le-Street (how well Durham are doing so far – but rain is in the air) and then to chart Andy Murray’s victory in the French Open.
Cathy arrived and we all enjoyed tea together before dinner in the farmhouse after which Mum and Cathy joined us in the Granary to watch a television programme about Bannockburn followed by the News.
Cathy was pleased to see the progress which had been made both in completing the Loom Room in the Stables and in rebuilding the Loom. By the end of the week we hope to have wool on the loom and be ready to start weaving once more
Mix and I went for a walk before bed.
I took this picture before the morning service today. It was Tom’s first Sunday in charge – the elder on duty. He looked the part and did it well
I got up really early and, after showering and dressing in my Sunday best, I walked Mix along the Swinton Road. It was before 7.30 a.m. and I saw almost no vehicles at all – how sadly different from yesterday morning.
I breakfasted early too but, as the rally had been cancelled, there was no need to set off as early as we had planned. Instead we made a leisurely journey to Gavinton Church arriving at half-past nine. We had a little get-together Rachel, Dorothy, Tom and I, to go through the service which had been entrusted to me as Ann was away conducting a selection school for the Church of Scotland. After prayers for the events of yesterday, our theme was the conclusion of the season of Easter and the Festival of Ascension.
We joined everyone for coffee after the service and then returned home. I cleaned more of Olivetub and then we all dined in the farmhouse – for me Olive had made a cheese and bean pie, a real favourite of mine. It was yummy!
In the afternoon I helped Rachel unpack boxes from the Cart Shed and move them into the Stables (wool etc for the loom) and then helped Olive free up a book case which also went to the Stables.
Finally I escaped to the summer house to listen to Durham’s magnificent opening day against Middlesex where, having been put into bat, Durham ended the day on 411 for four with two monumental innings played by Mark Stoneman and Scott Borthwick. Unfortunately the weather forecast doesn’t look too good for the next few days. But I did watch the weather forecast on the BBC and the presenter told us that today, according to the met office, is the first day of summer. I am looking forward to a really good summer with lots of out-door activities and the opportunity to do many of the things I haven't had time to do in recent years when I have been working.
Rachel went off to Berwick to Evensong and I looked after the dogs. On her return I did a bit more boat-cleaning before we had a snack and then watched this evening’s episode of Quirke which Rachel rather enjoyed and I found a little tedious. Then it was time to walk Mix and retire to bed. I really am quite tired tonight.
Saturday 31st. May, 2014 – Olivetub, Escapade and a real day of tragedy for the Borders
Saturday, May 31, 2014, 10:27 PM
Rachel and I bought this little boat in 1972 when we lived in Genoa, Italy. It cost around 300,000 lira (about £200 – a lot of money in those days) but that included the sailing rig (pictured here) a four-horse power out board engine and a set of oars. We had enormous fun with our tiny boat and now that I have a bit of time on my hands I am intending to restore it, as much as possible, to its original condition
I slept in until 9 as I usually do on a Saturday morning. We had been told that our involvement with the Jim Clark Rally would have ended last night, or early this morning at 1 a.m. However, from eight the rally cars were hurrying past our door. I found it really quite exciting but Rowan absolutely hated it and refused point-blank to go out into the garden because of the noise. So Rachel packed her into the Berlingo and drove her to Berwick where they went for a lengthy walk.
I set about putting our old Sportyak II together and then started on the task of cleaning it up. It is going to be a long job but this kept Mix and me busy while the rally cars roared around us – although at one stage Mix went off, opened the Granary door and took himself inside and away from the sound of traffic. Dogs are funny!
Soon afterwards Digger drove off to Duns and when he returned he reported that Duns was quiet and that he had been able to park and do what he wanted to do without any problem at all. Not so, Olive’s two students, Simon and Peter, who had attacked Mount Pleasant by coming down the A68 to avoid Duns but got caught up in road closures and arrived after forty minutes of delay in roadblocks which they ran into suddenly with no advance warning. However once they were here, they had a good time and did some preparation for their accountancy exams in a little over a week’s time.
Rachel returned and I went off for a shower and then, in mid-afternoon Tom collected me and we went off to Spittal by Berwick where we inspected a Wayfarer sailing dinghy and, finding it to our liking, bought it to provide us with some summer sailing. We had to go off to Halfords to get a trailer board and then Tom trailed it back to Mount Pleasant. We bought it from a couple, Jeremy and Stella, from Edinburgh. They were disposing of it because Jeremy is taking up single-handed sailing and the Wayfarer really requires two people (and can happily carry six). I’ll say more about this Wayfarer later on but events that followed kind of put a damper on our enthusiasm at a new boat.
Escapade by name and escapade describes our adventure too, I suspect
It was while we were driving home that the news began to come in that the Jim Clark Rally had been cancelled because of an accident involving spectators. It was impossible to find out what had happened in those early hours but it seems certain that there were two accidents and three spectators have been killed by a car which went out of control. Others have been seriously hurt. The Rally was closed down at once.
How sad that all of the excitement of yesterday and this morning should turn into the despair of this evening. I can’t begin to imagine how the families and those present must be feeling, nor how the drivers and their navigators must be coping. It must have been really hard for the Police, emergency services and rally officials as well. Yesterday Duns was heaving with visitors and excitement, this evening it will be very different.
Rachel and I watched a bit of television before going to bed. I walked Mix along the road which I hadn’t expected to be able to do – of course, I wish I hadn’t been able to.
Friday 30th. May, 2014 – A trip to St. Boswell’s and the Jim Clark Rally gets underway
Friday, May 30, 2014, 11:54 PM
Up early and walked Mix – don’t know when we’ll be able to walk again as for the next three days the Jim Clark Rally is to be all around us. I went out to wait for Tom and Dorothy who were taking me with them to the St. Boswell’s Market. I was a bit early so I took this picture of inside Digger’s dome while I was waiting – so now you know what he has been doing
At St. Boswell’s, where everything is laid out on the ground and folk wander around looking for bargains for which they will later place a bid
Here the crowd are following the auctioneer so that they can catch his eye when he auctions something in which they have an interest
We arrived at the market or the auction I suppose would be a better title. There was a lot to buy and there were many people there but nothing really caught our eye so we went off and had a roll with sausages in it, a cup of coffee and a chocolate biscuit and then we set off for home. It had been a good morning ... but all was to change.
On arriving home I discovered that Mix was lost and that Rachel and Digger had been searching for him for an hour or so. With all of the rally cars in the area I was really scared but I set off walking down towards the bridge and over it, all the time calling for Mix. Suddenly, after calling, I turned around and there he was, racing along the road to me, leaping up and as pleased as punch to have found me.
Up ahead, Rachel was in her car and when she saw Mix alive and well she burst into tears. She said we didn't deserve to be so fortunate -- no, but perhaps he does. We brought him home, loaded him into my car and went off to look for Digger. He found his own way home and telephoned to say he was home so we returned via Duns so we could see the preparations for the rally which started in earnest later in the afternoon.
Duns is looking very good for the rally and for the large influx of visitors. Everywhere there are big bags of sand. I thought that these would be in case petrol or oil spilled on the road but Tom tells me that they are to provide protection in case a car spins and would otherwise damage the town centre
And here are more sandbags in what will soon become a no-go area for any cars other than those involved in the rally
Back home, I came slowly down to earth. Mix was OK. Of course, his perspective was so different from mine. He left home because I was away and, I suspect, in his mind he was looking for me. When he found me, he brought me home and so he was happy. Our post mortem discovered that the gate had been left open in error and that, in fact, both dogs had escaped but Rowan had gone off to see Digger in his dome and it was only when Digger brought her back to Rachel that Mix’s escape was discovered. We have been extremely fortunate.
I spent the afternoon in the summer house preparing for Sunday, counting my blessings, and listening to Durham win a T20 cricket match (against Nottinghamshire). We ate late because Olive was away in Dundee all day and Digger had to collect her – but we ate well and afterwards Olive joined us to watch the second part of From Then to Now. One part to go.
Should have mentioned that Sandy was back today helping Rachel with the Loom. Now we have to get all of the wool and other supplies together so that work can start on getting it ready to weave. Exciting times.
Tonight cars have been rattling around Mount Pleasant. Naturally we have kept the dogs locked in the Granary – but Olive and I went out and had a little look. I’m told that the cars are not really rallying as they pass us by – well, you could have fooled me – but it is rather fun to watch the cars roaring around the corners and making so much noise as they rev through their gear-boxes and empty their exhausts; and the cars are all brightly painted and dressed for the occasion. The cars seem to be ending up at Bogend Farm end from where they will rally through to Polmont and then, at around 1 a.m. our bit of involvement in the rally will come to an end. I'm told that this is an important weekend for the local economy -- it will give people a huge amount of enjoyment as well.
Here are three pictures I took as the cars drove past our home:
Mix didn’t get a walk this evening – we made do with a stroll around the garden. Safer that way!
Thursday 29th. May, 2014 – The Good Weather Returns
Tom is on the roof as the first of the beams is fitted in place. Tom tells me that the difficult work has now been done!
Woke and walked Mix before breakfast. Tom arrived and we set about preparing the second of the triangular structures which will hold the roof beams in place. Before lunch we had it completed and base boards placed on the walls of the Bothy.
I took a bit of time out to show Mum’s friend’s Betty and Moira around our complex and to explain what we were doing. At lunchtime Sue arrived to return some cutlery and I started work on the service which I am to conduct on Sunday.
Then in the afternoon we managed to erect the two triangular structures onto the walls of the bothy and to ensure that they remained in place by fitting four of the roof beams. Next time we are working we have an additional twelve roof beams to fit and then we shall complete the roof by fitting sarking, covering the roof with felt and then with shingles.
The work on the roof completed for today, I retired to the summerhouse to work on the service for Sunday, to deal with some emails and to sort out my finances.
Meanwhile everyone else had been extremely busy: Rachel had gone for lunch to Berwick with her friends in the stained-glass class, Mum had gone out for the day with her friends Betty and Moira, Olive was working in her study in preparation for a meeting with her students in Dundee tomorrow and Digger was digging in his dome (the ground outside was too wet from yesterday’s rain).
In the evening Mum went off with her friends for a meal in the Black Bull. The rest of us dined as usual and in the middle of the meal there was a power failure as a result of which, after dinner, Mix and I went for a walk, returning to find power returned enabling Rachel and I to watch From Then To Now (which I really enjoyed).
We now have a new Scottish News programme on BBC2 at 10.30 with Newsnight delayed until later. As a result I watched Question Time which I found to be quite an unedifying experience – rude and fairly ill-informed and certainly quite unpleasant. Not good.
I walked Mix and went to bed.
Wednesday 28th. May, 2014 – Weatherwise: Rotten; otherwise: Not so bad at all
Wednesday, May 28, 2014, 11:52 PM
Sandy was back today working on the loom. I understand that he is coming back on Friday and that by the end of Friday the loom will be back in order and ready to be set up for weaving
Up and walked Mix before breakfast. Tom arrived and we all chatted around the table. It is a thoroughly rotten day and there is no prospect of working on the roof of the bothy today. So instead it was a day for an adventure!
Yesterday Tom and I had explored Whiteadder Reservoir. Initially we had wondered whether it would be suitable in which to sail Olivebank. It clearly isn’t so we have been toying with the idea of getting hold of a small sailing dinghy with which to have some fun. This morning we explored the internet to see what was available at a cheap price. We found a Wayfarer and an Enterprise, both of which we shall have a look at when we can. We ‘phoned the number of the waterboard to ensure that we can have access to the water. The number given for information at the lochside claimed to have no knowledge and passed us on to another number from which we got no reply all day but we did speak to a local person who lives right beside the reservoir and who assured us that there would be no problem sailing there.
Tom fixing the loom to the floor according to Sandy’s instructions
In the afternoon, the rain continued and after ensuring that the loom was firmly screwed to the floor in the position determined by Sandy, Tom and I set off for Berwick and Eyemouth to look at boats. We didn’t find any suitable boats but we did run into my friends David and Dianna with their son Jamie and we did see some rather fine larger yachts.
Back home the dogs and I retired to the summer house until Rachel returned from her trip to Edinburgh and Dunbar – in Edinburgh she was visiting the Apple Shop, in Dunbar (except that it was closed) she had hoped to buy some coloured glass. Ann set off for home just before lunch, Digger was pottering in his garden, Olive was working in her study (with Mix as her guest while Tom and I were at Eyemouth) while Mum had two friends to visit from Play Group days (Betty and Moira who are visiting the Borders and staying at the Black Bull) – they stayed with us for our evening meal and tomorrow, when they return to pick up Mum for a day out in the Borders, we will show them around the policies.
In the evening we watched a bit of television including catching up with Happy Valley before walking the dogs and bed.
Tuesday 27th. May, 2014 – A Visit to Whiteadder Reservoir
Tuesday, May 27, 2014, 10:05 PM
When I arrived for Tom this morning, I found that he was rotivating his extensive garden – this picture is particularly for Digger who believes that there is something intrinsically decadent about using mechanical means to turn over the soil
Up early today, showered and walked Mix before driving to the doctor’s surgery for my appointment at 8.20. The doctor has been conducting an investigation into my back and told me that all of the tests based on my blood sample had proved that I was in fine health – kidney, liver, blood sugar, infection, prostate and so on. My x-ray had also found nothing sinister just wear and tear and the aftermath of an old sports injury at the base of my spine. So I will continue to get pain if I sit for too long or if I bend over but it is nothing about which to be concerned. I am indeed fortunate – and how lucky we are that doctors can find out so much from blood and an x-ray. I remember an old episode of Star Trek when the doctor expressed horror that someone had been opened up for an operation to be performed – maybe one day that too will reflect reality.
Went off to collect Tom and to drive with him to Jack and Ann’s home up at Cranshaws where we helped clear out a barn (we are acknowledged experts in this art, although to be fair by our standards this barn was hardly in need of much work at all) and move some furniture around.
After a coffee (and excellent coconut cake – unfortunately not cut into triangular pieces) Tom and I drove up to Whiteadder Reservoir to spy out the land for sailing. It is only suitable for small dinghy sailing but, as we are missing sailing enormously, this may be what we have to do. It certainly looked lovely.
Whiteadder reservoir
These geese greeted us on our arrival at Whiteadder reservoir
And this little fellow kelp a watching eye on us as we explored
I dropped Tom off for lunch and returned to the Granary where everyone was busy doing their own things. Rachel and Ann had been planning their craft activities for the coming months, Mum had gone to the hairdresser (driver by Digger) after which she met her friend Jim for lunch in the Black Bull before a drive around Gavinton and Fogo. Their planning completed, Rachel and Anne set off for lunch at The Hirsel and a general explore of the Borders. Digger kept busy in his allotment and Olive had a visit from Stewart from Luss (to collect his books) and to be shown around all that is going on. Tom came down to join me in completing the first frame for the Bothy roof and to start work on the second. The plan, weather permitting, is to complete the second frame tomorrow and then to erect the frames and the connecting roof beams on Thursday. We shall see.
With such large timbers we have definitely developed onto big boys’ joinery
Later in the afternoon Jim and Mum came to join me in the summer house where we talked about theatre and a bit about London as well. We all met up for dinner in the farmhouse after which Mix and I returned to the summer house for a little while. Again Durham’s cricket has been disrupted by the weather.
Later I watched a bit of the News before bed.
Monday 26th. May, 2014 – The Good Weather Returns
Monday, May 26, 2014, 09:37 PM
Digger took this picture of Tom and I working on the first of the frames for the roof of the Bothy. The triangular shape has been made and bolted together and we have cut notches into one side of the triangle into which the roof beams will slot. Tom has been doing a great deal of cutting and I have been allowed to brandish a hammer and chisel to make the slots – here I am checking that a beam will fit into the slot which has just been completed while Tom is working on the joint
Up, walked Mix and breakfasted. Soon afterwards Tom arrived and we started work on the Bothy. This involved a great deal of measuring before we could set out the first frame for the roof on the ground and bolt it together (by which time it was lunch-time).
Sandy had arrived and continued to set up the loom:
It is starting to look really good
In the afternoon Tom and I continued working on the fame. Rachel’s friend Ann arrived – she is to be with us for a few days and Rachel has been looking forward enormously to having Ann with us. We showed her around and Rachel and Ann disappeared off to make plans for all that they hope to do.
Mix and I went for a wander – it is a truly lovely day (and yet I look on the computer and see that Durham’s cricket match at Nottingham has been delayed by rain).
We all dined in the farmhouse and afterwards ate chocolates and drank a liqueur brought by Ann in the lounge of the farmhouse before retiring to bed quite early.
Sunday 25th. May, 2014 – A Celebration of Scott’s Birthday
Sunday, May 25, 2014, 11:32 PM
Some of the family in the lounge at Scott and Sue’s home as we gather to celebrate his birthday. It was a grand occasion and a very happy one at which I took a few pictures to enable me to remember a special day
Up, showered and walked Mix before breakfast after which I drove Rachel and Mum to Church at Gavinton. Instead of a sermon today, Anne spoke about the General Assembly which she had attended during this last week. She had clearly enjoyed all of the social elements of the week and had met up with many old friends, several of whom played leading parts in the Assembly and had played them well.
She was less happy with some of the business of the Assembly. Evidently it was agreed that thirty new ministers each year are to be recruited into training for the ministry – where are they to come from? The Mission and Discipleship report did not enthral her and she was concerned (as I expect that much of the Assembly was) that our care services are in several cases not paying staff the living wage. She was impressed by the way that the discussions, both theological and practical, relating to ministers in civil partnerships was dealt with and looks forward to the resulting legislation coming down to Presbyteries for discussion under the ‘Barrier Act’. There was a lot of colour in her report and it is good that congregations should learn what happens at the Assembly, particularly now that it receives much less news coverage than in the past.
We had coffee in the Church hall and then returned home, only to set off soon afterwards for my brother Scott’s special birthday party. Almost all of the family were there and, as usual at family gatherings there was a quiz, an excellent meal and a lot of fun and chat.
Also as usual I took some pictures with which to embarrass everyone in the future:
My niece Katie, from her seat on the floor, spoke beautifully about her Dad and how special he was
Scott, covered in no little embarrassment, replied to Katie’s words, and the toast proposed by her brother Nick
Mum and Katie enjoying the party
Sue had arranged this extraordinary birthday cake
and Scott blew out the candles
‘Print never used to be so small when we were young.’ Scott with his long-time friend Jim
‘Now that’s a real camera.’ My nephew Nick and his wife Amy – it was super to see them again
Scott’s in-laws brought him this magnificent present of a chair – well, he is older now and will need to spend more time sitting down
As the day went on people gradually left, Mum and I being the last to leave and make our way back to the Granary and a warm welcome from the dogs.
Later we watched a bit of television (Olive and Mum joined us to watch the first part of Quirke – it was excellent) and went to bed to watch the election results from around Europe (having walked the dogs first).
Saturday 24th. May, 2014 – A Happy Time on Inchtavannach
On the way to Loch Lomond we drove past the Kelpies and I snapped them as we passed. They look most impressive and we hope to have time to stop when passing next time and have a better look
Up, walked Mix, showered and breakfasted before setting off about half past ten to drive to Loch Lomond to conduct a wedding on Inchtavannach, the island made famous by its association with Saint Kessog and his followers.
Rachel, who was driving on the way there, decided that we would take the Stirling Road so that we could see the Kelpies as we passed. It was a mistake! As we approached Stirling the motorway traffic stopped. We queued without moving for ages and so we turned back, left the motorway and decided to drive through Stirling itself. This too was a mistake! There was a civic event and the traffic in the town was absolutely jammed. After another period of waiting we turned around and drove to Glasgow, making our way to Loch Lomond along the M8 enduring additional traffic jams at the approach to the Erskine Bridge and on the way to Balloch. However we arrived in time and caught the boat across to Inchtavannach with the rest of the guests.
Roy had set up a little marquee on the island and it was there that the wedding took place – everyone being a little taken-aback by the good weather which arrived with the guests. The sun shone and it was a really lovely occasion. I had been invited to conduct the wedding of Roy’s sister, Sharon, and her husband-to-be, Richard, before leaving Luss and because it wasn’t at the Church and didn’t interfere with anyone else (no new minister has yet been appointed to Luss) I thought that it was fine for me to honour that commitment. I’m glad that I did because Inchtavannach and Roy’s family have always been important to me and I always feel that the island is one of those places where the distance between heaven and earth is very short – truly a ‘thin’ place.
It was a lovely wedding, I suppose it may be the last wedding I conduct and, if so, I will be happy that this was my final one. After the service we had a buffet and the wedding speeches before crossing back to the mainland at which point most people were going on to the Duck Bay Marina but, because of the distance, we set off for home.
The return journey was uneventful and we were home by half-past eight. I loved being back on Loch Lomond but I came back counting my blessings that we are now living here – no midges (the backs of my knees were eaten alive as I conducted the wedding), no traffic jams (we rarely see much traffic around here and certainly never have to plan to avoid heavy traffic), and such a good climate: it is warm and we have very little rain. But it is not just places, much more it is people, and it was so good to see Roy and Susan and to share with their family in such a special day.
As one would expect I took some pictures:
Having parked our cars we climbed onto Roy’s landing craft and were taken across to the island of Inchtavannach
As we sailed across, we were accompanied by the pipes
From a distance we caught sight of the marquee which had been erected in case of bad weather. We used the marquee but the sun came out and it was a lovely afternoon
Richard and Sharon my latest wedding couple and, quite likely, my last – well, it was a good wedding!
The piper played as we enjoyed ourselves
Every man was issued with a ‘Jimmy hat’ for the photographs
Every woman was keen to demonstrate the ‘welly boots’ they wore under their posh frocks
I caught the confetti in mid-air
The bride and groom on the boat as we made our way back to the mainland. It had been a really grand afternoon
Back home we had a snack – it was more than that, quite a feast really – while we watched an old episode of Foyle’s War before walking the dogs and retiring to bed, unusually tired.
Friday 23rd. May, 2014 – Not a Warm Day
After the almost Mediterranean temperatures of recent days, today was extremely cold and not a little damp. I was kept going all day by the thought of gathering around the stove in the Granary in the evening
Up, walked Mix and breakfasted in the farmhouse. Tom arrived and we did not work at all. Nothing was being done in the Loom Room so there was nothing for us to do to help and it was cold and damp outside – not the best time to start working with roof timbers for the Bothy. So we sat with the heater on in the summer house and put the world to rights.
When Tom left I made sure that I had a wedding service in order for tomorrow and did some reading – it was that kind of a day. I didn’t walk Mix this afternoon: his ankle is getting better but I think he will be the better of a day without too much activity.
Olive and Digger were in Dundee today – Olive to do some work at the University – and both to go on to visit Kirkcaldy. Here we collected Rachel’s Berlingo, now not only well-shod with new tires and fully serviced but clean as well. This in turn spilled over into her determination to gut the bedroom which occupied her time this afternoon.
We all dined together in the evening after which Rachel and I returned to our lovely warm lounge and watched ‘Have I got News for You’ and the News programmes which concentrated on the English local election results of yesterday and the consternation caused to the political classes by Nigel Farage and UKIP.
I took Mix for a short walk before bed. His leg seems to be much, much better.
Thursday 22nd. May, 2014 – Polling Day
Our convoy of cars – Mum and Rachel are in my car, Digger is behind with Olive holding the gate and holding up her voting card to show that we are all off to Duns to register our votes in the European Election. I suppose I shouldn’t reveal for whom we voted, other than to say we all voted for a party committed to a future in Europe
Slept in and enjoyed coffee in bed brought to me by Rachel before she set off for Berwick to attend her glass-making course. She had a problem with the car’s gear box on the way but Tom materialised out of nowhere as her guardian angel and sorted the problem instantly.
It is a filthy wet, horrid day today – just the kind of day you really don’t want for an election, nor for any other reason that I can think of. I went across to the summer house (which was freezing cold) and prepared the music for Arrochar and the wedding for Saturday and then went back in and lit a fire in the Granary.
As soon as Rachel returned we all set off to Duns to register our votes, Olive and Digger staying on to do some shopping as well. Tom had popped in briefly to see me earlier – it wasn’t a day to be working but we hope to be back at it tomorrow.
I had something to eat (because I’ll miss dinner tonight); enjoyed a shower and changed my clothes before setting off to pick up Scott and take hime to the Maltings where we saw ‘Blofeld and Baxter: Memories of a Test Match Special’ which I enjoyed enormously. For two parts each of an hour two elderly men entertained us with stories of their experiences in the radio commentary box of Test Match Special. It was amusing, comic, interesting and occasionally rude and it was a really professional and polished show. Great fun.
Came home and watched some of the English election results – the European results don’t come in until Sunday at the earliest. Walked Mix before bed – Mix has a bad leg, he has sprained his ankle so we are doing as little walking as possible – Mix’s choice, not mine. But he will be fine and he remains in good spirits.
Wednesday 21st. May, 2014 – A really good day
This is a picture I took a day or two ago of the bothy filled with bits of boats and Digger's dome. It is here that we started work today
Up early and walked Mix. During breakfast at the farmhouse Tom arrived for we are to start work on the bothy today. In fact we started by clearing everything out of the bothy – plants, boats and anchors, oars etc. Then, while I took a phone call about a wedding, Tom made wedges for the loom.
We completed the clear out of the bothy and when Rachel returned from Duns we all had coffee in the farmhouse and then lunch in the garden – a bit of a celebration because I got the good news that the blood tests I had taken last week had shown me to be in fairly good health.
It was lovely to sit and relax over lunch in the sunshine
In the afternoon, we drove to Duns – Rachel to drop her Berlingo off at the garage for its service tomorrow; Tom and I to pick up Rachel and to buy sand and cement, bolts and some creosote, all for the Bothy.
Soon we had the cement mixer in operation and the wall at the west end of the Bothy stabilised. With that we called it a day, Tom returning home where he was on tea duty, me to the summer house with Mix to catch up on the cricket (Durham are not doing too well against Somerset). Mix and I went for a walk. I was in shorts, such is the quality of the summer weather we are experiencing.
Rachel spent much of the day in her new Loom Room based in the stables while Olive and Digger started to clear some of their possessions out of the large barn. Mum had a relaxing day having got a bit tired as a result of the parties and visits of recent days.
We dined in the farmhouse at 7 p.m. and afterwards we relaxed in front of the television watching the final two parts of ‘Fleming’ which I thoroughly enjoyed before walking Mix and retiring to bed. I’ll sleep well tonight – life is good!
We erected scaffolding to enable us to access the wall to be stabilised
A picture from further away setting the Bothy in the context of the farmyard. This work is important because until we have somewhere to unload all of the boxes currently stored in the Hen House we cannot progress that part of our project. In the Hen House there is a large part of the building to which we have not yet gained access since soon after we arrived because it is so full of boxes. This Bothy will enable us to empty the Hen House and complete the Hen House conversion. It really is like one of those little puzzles with the one blank square through which everything has to be moved as order is created
Tom is using cement to ensure that the top of the end wall is solid before we start to build a roof
Here we have moved the scaffolding and Tom has moved on to the other side of the wall
Tuesday 20th. May, 2014 – Sandy starts to re-erect the Loom
Along with people from all around the world I joined the audience at the Royal Opera House in London for their performance this evening of La Traviata. For the first time ever an opera from the Royal Opera House was streamed to large screens around the country and to the internet – and all totally free! The performance and the streaming went superbly well and I really enjoyed it, sitting in the comfort of my summer house
Up and walked Mix and then drove my car to the Cheeklaw Garage for its MOT. Walked half-way back to Mount Pleasant before Rachel collected me! Breakfasted in the farmhouse and then came out to the summer house and did some reading, but almost at once the delivery of wood for the roof of the Bothy arrived. We got the gates open and the timber unloaded. Rachel drove Mum into Duns for her hair appointment and no sooner did she return than I got a call to say that my car was ready.
Rachel ran me in to collect the car and once I was home it was nearly time to collect Mum. Back at the Granary I had a couple of rolls for lunch before Sandy and Rita arrived to start to erect the Loom. The difficult part is all now done and it required Sandy, Rita, Rachel, Digger, Olive and me to be on hand to hold bits in place. The work will be completed on Friday once Sandy has made some little wooden pegs to hold everything together.
We all had coffee and happy chatter in the farmhouse before Sandy and Rita set off for home. They had brought with them Jean, a friend of Mum's from Galashiels days who had a happy afternoon chatting with Mum in her garden room. After their departure, I came back to the summer house with Mix – we are not walking too much today because Mix has hurt one of his paws, nothing serious, but he seems happy to rest on his huge cushion.
I was fascinated by the live streaming from the Royal Opera House of La Traviata, which conflicted with the T20 England versus Sri Lanka cricket match. Communication is spectacular nowadays.
We dined in the farmhouse and then I retired to the summer house to watch La Traviata. Absolutely great and, I hope, a taste of things to come. Later, by contrast, I watched Happy Valley on the television before walking Mix and retiring to bed.
Here are some pictures of the main task of the day – erecting the loom:
Rita, Sandy and Rachel separate out all of the bits of the loom which had been piled in the middle of the floor
The basis of the frame begins to emerge
The big, swinging part of the loom is taken to the frame and it is clear that additional help will be required to lift it into place and secure it on the frame
Digger, Sandy, Rita, Rachel and Olive complete the delicate manoeuvre and the back of the construction has been broken
Flushed with the success of their efforts, the team pose for the obligatory group photograph
Monday 19th. May, 2014 – A Gloriously Summer Day and Scott’s Birthday
Today the sun shone. It has been absolutely glorious all day. I got up, walked Mix and had breakfast. I then spent most of the day in the summer house, listening to cricket (a woeful day for Durham), reading and writing.
I had some lunch in the summer house and later in the afternoon Mix and I went for a walk.
In the evening we had a meal in the farmhouse to celebrate Scott’s sixtieth birthday. It was a good evening and afterwards, I walked Mix and went to bed.
The family gathered around the table
Mum and Sue look on as Scott contemplates blowing out his candles
Sunday 18th. May, 2014 -- A Summer Sunday
Monday, May 19, 2014, 12:30 AM
We really are enjoying a glorious period of sunny weather -- and there are absolutely no midges. Surely we are in heaven
Up and walked Mix. Breakfasted and set off for Gavinton Church where the service was conducted by Bill because Ann is at the General Assembly. Bill read from Isaiah, from the Revelation of St. John and from John’s Gospel.
The passage from Revelation was the message to the Church at Laodicea – “Because thou art neither hot nor cold, therefore will I spew thee out of my mouth” – I always remember it better in the Authorised King James version!
It sticks in my mind because Rachel and I visited Laodicea a long time ago. It was part of a pilgrimage around all of the Churches of the Book of Revelation and we learned that the author knew all about each of the places and used that local knowledge to play on words to give important advice for a church under persecution.
We arrived at Laodicea and got out of our bus. All that remained was a small part of an aqueduct filled with many small pipes from which water would flow into the town. Laodicea had no natural water of its own and so all water was ‘delivered’ from the coast where there were hot springs. The water which set off along the aqueduct was hot but by the time it had arrived in Laodicea it had cooled down but was still not cold. It was literally lukewarm, and hence the quotation much used by preachers down the centuries. In fact Bill, spoke on the verse, “Behold, I stand at the door and knock” coupling it with Jesus’ three-fold question to Simon Peter, ‘Do you love me’ with the command, ‘Feed my sheep’ and with the promise to Isaiah that better times lay ahead: but it all depends upon our response.
We enjoyed coffee after church and then drove home, lunching with everyone after which I spent some time in the summer house, sometime watching Somerset against Surrey in the T20 competition (victory for Surrey) and walked Mix before settling down in the Granary with both dogs while Rachel went off to Berwick to attend Evensong.
On her return we joined the family in the farmhouse and had drinks with our neighbours Mark and Fiona. It was a happy evening.
Saturday 17th. May, 2014 – A Walk and a Trip
I had my camera with me as Mix and I walked this morning. We live in a very beautiful place – as this picture of Fogo Kirk with a huge field of rape in front of it demonstrates
Slept in until after nine and then, once I was up, Mix and I set out on a long walk. We walked to Bogend Farm and from there down the little country road to Fogo at which point we turned right across the so-called weak bridge over the River Blackadder to Caldra Farm from where we journeyed to Clunklaw Farm, to Nisbet Hill and home over our own bridge over the Blackadder. The weather was glorious and I took some pictures as we journeyed.
Everywhere in the fields there were sheep who were all clearly enjoying the sunshine
The lambs are getting bigger and are playing in the fields
Even in this snap you can see how bright the sun was
There is a great deal of yellow in the fields just now – but doesn’t the little bridge look beautiful too?
This is the River Blackadder which meanders all around the area in which we live
I met some cows who also had their young with them
I hadn’t realised that I could see Gavinton from the road between Caldra Farm and Clunklaw – it’s a bit hazy in the distance because I had to use the telephoto lens and hold onto Mix rather than steady the camera (but it’s not bad for a snap)
One of the horses at Nisbet Hill – most interested to inspect Mix and I as we wandered past
Back home I got my breath back, had a croissant for lunch and did a small bit of grass cutting before getting ready to go to Jarrow with Rachel, Scott and Sue. This was a special event at Bede’s World to celebrate the bringing to the museum for a few months a facsimile edition of the Codex Amiatinus, a huge copy of the Latin Bible possibly of Saint Jerome and possibly of another Old Latin translation, completed in the monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow late in the seventh century.
I’m fascinated by the book, not least because of my experiences with the Rossdhu Book of Hours in Luss a few years ago. This Codex Amiatinus owes its origins to two Northumbrian Saints, Saint Benedict Biscop and Saint Ceolfrith. It also would never have been produced without the life and work of a little known Italian nobleman called Flavius Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator, known as Cassiodorus, who lived between 485 and 585 AD.
Cassiodorus was a Roman statesman and writer who spent more than twenty years of his adult life in Constantinople and, who when he retired, set up a monastery within his family estates right on the sole of the foot of Italy.
Cassiodorus did a great deal to raise the importance of copying texts. He was committed to the education not only of monks and ecclesiastics but also of the general community. One of Cassiodorus’ great projects was the production of a huge Bible (that’s why it is called Codex Grandior) for his monastery. It was written in Old Latin.
Some normally reliable sources say that the Latin used was the Vulgate, the name given to the Latin translation of Jerome who translated the Bible into Latin in Bethlehem between 382 and 405. The first part of his efforts were devoted to ‘correcting’ an existing Latin translation and then he translated the Old Testament from Hebrew into Latin. This created something of a stushie in academic circles at the time partly because most people thought that the Greek translation (the Septuagint) was inspired and partly because Jerome’s Hebrew was not very good – he may actually have used an earlier work by Origen of Alexandria to assist him.
Other reliable sources (possibly more reliable) suggest that it was the earlier Old Latin translation which was used by Cassiodorus and that this (rather than any changes made by the northern English monks), accounts for divergences between Jerome and the Jarrow Bible.
By any stretch of the imagination Cassiodorus’ project was a huge one which clearly inspired Benedict and Ceolfrith who wished not just to make one copy of this tome but three.
Benedict was a member of the royal household of King Oswiu, leaving his privileged position at the age of twenty-five to join the Church, almost immediately setting off for Rome on a pilgrimage with Saint Wilfrid. The journey obviously was one which greatly influenced Benedict because it was one which he repeated a further five times and which led to his setting up the twin monasteries at Wearmouth, in 674, and in Jarrow in 682.
Benedict was committed to making his monasteries not just places of worship but places of great learning and from the earliest days he committed considerable resources to the creation of two libraries – very considerable resources, as in those days books had to be copied by hand onto expensive vellum (calf-skin). Benedict also searched far and wide for books and other treasures to bring to his monastic base.
It was in Rome in 678 that Benedict, this time accompanied by Ceolfrith whom he had recruited to help establish the new monastery, acquired the sixth century Italian Bible known as the Codex Grandior. As described above it was a copy of an Old Latin translation from the original languages. This was the source of the Bible which was being celebrated today in Jarrow.
It was fourteen years later that Ceolfrith takes centre stage. Two years earlier, on the death of Benedict, Ceolfrith became Abbot of both Wearmouth and Jarrow. Now, in 692 he negotiated a grant of land to enable his monks to raise two thousand head of cattle to provide the calf-skins for his ambitious project which was to have his libraries produce three complete copies of the entire Bible. Today we are used to complete Bibles but it was quite unusual in those days. Think of the Lindisfarne Gospels and consider what proportion of the Bible is given over to Gospels to realise the scale of his ambition.
Ceolfrith’s plan was to have one of these huge Bibles in each of his monasteries and to have one which he would take as a gift for the Pope. (Gifts to the Pope, just as visits to Rome, were particularly important at this time, given that the Synod of Whitby which led to the Northumbrian Churches giving their full alliance to Rome had only taken place in 664, less than thirty years before.)
Presumably the three copies of the Latin translation originally produced for Cassiodorus, for his monastic foundation at Vivarium in Italy were completed and two installed in the twin monasteries at Wearmouth and Jarrow, and presumably they were destroyed by Viking raids. But the third, set off for Rome as planned – but not until the year 716 when Ceolfrith, now seventy-four or seventy-five years old, retired as abbot and set off for Rome. He should have gone sooner because he died without reaching Italy, at Langres Monastery in Burgundy.
What happened next, no one really knows. Some say that the codex did reach Rome, carried by Ceolfrith’s friends, and was given to the Pope. However, it did end up in the monastery at Amiata near Siena, where it remained from the ninth century until the monastery closed in 1792. But all those who saw it during this time were unaware from where it had come as the title page was altered to suggest that it had been commissioned not by Ceolfrith but a follower of Saint Benedict (of the ‘Rule of St. Benedict’ not St. Benedict Biscop!) and had been produced back in around 540 at Monte Cassino. It was only in the late nineteenth century that its true provenance was rediscovered. The 540 dating is quite interesting because it ties in with the timing of the production of the Codex Grandior and suggests that the copy made for Ceolfrith was a very good one!
For those who are interested in studying the Old Latin translations of scripture, it remains a fascinating and priceless book, one of the oldest extant copies to date and, apart from one small book, is complete. Its illuminations also give an insight into the life of the times and also establish a link with the Codex Grandior as at least one illumination (that of Ezra) is thought to have been copied from that work.
More recently the book was presented once more to the Pope and is now housed in the Laurentian Library in Florence and a facsimile edition has been created. It is this facsimile edition which has come to Bede’s World brought by folk from Amiata San Salvatore who celebrate a medieval weekend in July every year and who have established a friendship-linkage with Bede’s World. It is a particularly apposite linkage because both also have mining roots – the community of San Salvatore with Mercury and South Tyneside with coal.
So much for the story, now to our evening.
We arrived via the Tyne Tunnel at Bede’s World and, as we were a moment or two early, we wandered around the medieval farm. There are lots of pictures on my entry for April 1st, 2014 but here are another couple on the theme of animals as that is the theme I started with today:
Bathed in sunshine, these sheep are enjoying being part of Bede’s World
And this hairy pig is quite unlike any other pig I have seen before
We walked around and then made sure that we were back inside for the drinks reception:
The reception brought together the party of sixteen or so who had come across from Italy for the start of the Festival of the Book with many of the people who had supported Bede’s World, sponsors, the Mayor and Lady Mayor, Dame Rosemary the archaeologist who had been responsible for making so much of what is going on happen in the first place, and some of the users of the museum and its facilities
The Italian young folk were all in medieval costume
Some represented the clerics responsible for the Abbey San Salvatore
Some were champions brawling in a civilised medieval manner
We returned indoors for the ceremony of the bringing in of the Bible; preceded by drummers the Bible was carried into the museum
The Bible was placed in the position it will occupy for the next few weeks and a word was spoken by Professor Manuela Vestri who had travelled from Amiata for the official unveiling of the replica Codex
It looked very good
We all made our way to the dining area where, while we were fed, we were entertained by Italian minstrels
By the time the band from Jarrow started to play we had eaten our way through several courses – antipasto of Pork, ham, salami, cheese and pate, two plates of pasta, one a tomato-based flour and water pasta, the other a tagliatelle with a wild boar sauce. Then we had two main courses: wild boar with stewed pear followed by a wild boar stew. We ended with a superb torta, very sweet and full of chocolate, all washed down with two delicious wines from around Florence and some strong black coffee. The screen had been used to show wonderful pictures of the medieval weekend in Italy and the home of the book
Our chef for the night had been flown in from Italy and was ably assisted by his team: the youngsters from Italy and the staff of Bede’s World
It was an excellent evening, the start of something special for Bede’s World. We sat with Sheila from the Anglican Church and two of the leading volunteer users of the centre, Joan and Irene. We were in excellent company for what was a grand evening.
Scott drove us home – and it was well into Sunday by the time we got to bed after a fabulous day.
Friday 16th. May, 2014 – Summer has arrived!
Saturday, May 17, 2014, 12:10 AM
Rachel has done magnificently and has taken the barn (for which Tom and I created a floor) and has created something really special. The loom is ready to erect and this will be a fabulous craft centre and loom room
Up and walked Mix before breakfast, during which Tom arrived and took me off to collect my car which has been being serviced. We came back to Mount Pleasant and collected the Bongo and took it off to have a slow puncture repaired, leaving it in Duns to have this done. We went on to Tweedmouth where we ordered the timber for the roof of the Bothy. It will be delivered on Tuesday and then we can crack on. Time was marching on so we had an early lunch at Marks and Spencer before returning home, collecting the Bongo on the way.
Discovered Rachel hard at work in the Stables. What a difference she has made. Mum went off to her reading group and Olive was in Dundee seeing students and getting them ready to hand in their dissertations next week.
Tom gave Rachel another crash course in how to use the special camping features in the Bongo, Digger dug in the allotment and I sorted out some bits and pieces in the summer house before walking Mix and reporting to the farmhouse for scrambled egg on toast before driving Rachel and Mum to the Maltings where we met up with Olive for a drink in the bar before watching ‘Get Up and Tie Your Fingers’, a play which is touring down the east coast from Musselburgh to Hastings telling the story of the fisher lassies and the tragic loss of the Eyemouth fishing fleet in 1881.
The cast is made up of three professional actresses (Barbara Marten, Sian Mannifield and Samantha Foley), two students and local singers (in costume as part of the play) from each of the areas where the play is performed. There were just over thirty folk on stage – all female – and so quite a small scale production appeared much larger, and the involvement of local singers ensured a capacity audience. It was a moving story, well told, and I and everyone else clearly enjoyed the production which is being supported by an exhibition ‘Follow the Herring’ which Rachel intends to visit tomorrow.
Back home, I had something to eat and walked Mix before bed. It has been a good day – glorious weather ... real summer weather ... and down at Chester le-Street Durham recorded a victory in the T20 competition against Worcester.
Thursday 15th. May, 2014 – Christian Aid and a good walk
Thursday, May 15, 2014, 11:51 PM
This afternoon we took the dogs up behind Duns Castle – Rowan doesn’t walk to the lead very well and I have caught Rachel hanging on for dear life
Rose early and walked Mix. We all breakfasted earlier than usual at 8.30 because at nine, Dorothy and Rachel were driving into Berwick for their stained-glass class, taking with them Cathy who was catching a bus back to Luss via Edinburgh and Glasgow.
Tom and I spent a wee while in the summer house (Tom was working out all of the wood which we shall require to restore the Bothy) and then we set off for Gavinton, for the Village Hall, where we assisted the ladies in their preparations for Christian Aid lunches. We put out the tables and chairs and then set about creating our bookstall:
The work of setting up the bookstall completed, Tom peruses some of the items on sale – giving a good impression of being a reading sailor
There were lots of books on display. Everything on the first table cost just £2, the next table was £1, and the two tables beyond that was 50 p. (We had another table of cook books next to the cake and candy table offering a cook book for just 50 p. with every sale from that table.) There were some excellent books and I ended up buying several myself
We lunched on soup while we were there and then helped dismantle everything in the early afternoon, taking our stock of books to the Church hall where we are now ready for the next sale.
We dropped off some of the excess of books at the Charity Shop in Duns and then continued on to the Garage where my car is not quite ready – it is having a service – but I will collect it tomorrow morning.
Back at Mount Pleasant, Digger had got a message to say that someone wanted to look around Mum’s flat in Kirkcaldy, so he dropped everything and drove up to Kirkcaldy to show the gentleman around. (Mum was at the Christian Aid lunch and then visiting with her friend Annie.)
Rachel and I loaded the dogs into her Berlingo and drove up to Duns Castle where we walked the dogs through the trees. We came across this stone:
This stone marks the site of the earlier town of Dunse
The inscription reads:
This stone marks the
site of the old town
of Dunse destroyed
in the border raids
To get my bearings I took a picture from the stone of Duns Castle:
Duns Castle in the trees from the Dunse Stone (also in the trees)
We stopped in at the Co-op on the way home to allow Rachel to buy some more items to make ice cream – her efforts are being appreciated.
We all dined together at seven after which we all went our separate ways, Rachel and I to the Granary were we relaxed in front of the television before it was time for bed. In fact we watched the first two parts of a film entitled 'Fleming' based, loosely I expect, upon the life of the creator of James Bond. It was fun.
Wednesday 14th. May, 2014 – A Curate’s Egg kind of a day
This afternoon Rachel and Tom went into housing development, erecting half a dozen new homes for swallows under the eaves of our buildings, four on the Granary and two on the farmhouse, to compensate for the fact that the barns are no longer available for nesting swallows. We have another four units in reserve. It is planned that two of these will go under the eaves on the summer house – but we will have to wait until the shingles have been fitted to the roof. There is a great deal of swallow activity at the present time and it will be interesting to see if these new homes are considered a good alternative to the swallow-made homes presently under construction
Got up an hour earlier than usual and walked Mix before going into Duns for an early morning appointment with my doctor for a consultation about my back which has been causing me problems (perhaps as a result of all of my new activity as an apprentice joiner, perhaps because of all the boxes I have been moving). My doctor took blood samples and sent me off for an x-ray.
Returned home and Rachel drove me to the Borders General Hospital at Melrose where I was x-rayed – all very efficient. Now I just have to wait for the results.
We popped in to see Tom and Dorothy on the way home. They are car-less because their vehicle is being serviced so I arranged to pick Tom up in the afternoon and take him to collect his car. Back home we all had coffee and then I came across to the summer house to prepare the music files for Arrochar for Sunday.
Then it was off to pick up Tom and take him to collect his car. I decided to leave my car at the garage so that it too could be serviced – I’ll get it back tomorrow evening. Tom drove me home and then he and Rachel erected homes for destitute swallows while I dealt with a couple of phone calls. When Tom set off for home, I cleared the tools out of the Stables which is now really taking shape. Then it was time to take Mix for a walk before Rachel and I set off for Berwick to attend the Maltings Theatre where the Royal Shakespeare Company’s production of Henry IV part one was being streamed.
Rachel and I had a meal in a little bistro very close to the theatre and then we joined the rest of the audience for an enthralling production of one of the plays which some folk claim is Shakespeare’s best. Well, it was superb. A wonderful company with several superb performances. Antony Cher was stupendous as Falstaff. All I can say is that if you ever get the opportunity to see him in the role, you should grab it with both hands. Truly wonderful.
But the two Hals were good as well, both very different, Alex Hassell as Prince Hal and Trevor White as Hotspur. Some might have raised an eyebrow at the direction which emphasised the excitability of Hotspur, but given that interpretation, the performance was great. And, of course, the sword fighting was immense. I also enjoyed Jasper Britton as Henry IV, a part which is often seen as a bit of a dead-end part but which I thought was made quite significant. And there were other great performances too many to mention, it was quite simply a terrific evening.
Back home we spoke with the family before walking the dogs and retiring to bed. How fortunate we are to have such opportunities on our doorstep.
Tuesday 13th. May, 2014 – The Dome is erected
A behind the scenes (or rather, below the stairs) shot of Mix ensuring that the dishwasher is operating satisfactorily and that nothing which shouldn’t has been put in the machine
I woke, walked Mix and breakfasted in the farmhouse. It was a glorious morning and, as Tom wasn’t coming to join us this morning, I suggested to Digger that we set to and erected his dome. We recruited Olive, Cathy and Rachel and the sequence of pictures below documents our morning activity.
In this first picture you can see quite clearly that there is nothing here -- no dome hidden behind a wall or hiding behind a hedge -- everything looks quite ordinary
Leaning against the Hen House are some panels which Digger had created earlier, some fifteen of them in all
The first panels are manhandled into place and fixed to bolts which Digger had earlier mounted in concrete to provide a firm foundation
Now Rachel can be seen using plastic ties to pull the panels together and hold them in place
The ground floor level has now been completed -- that panel to the right is clear because it will soon house a window (yes, I know you can see through every panel but windows are required for ventilation as well)
Work has now started on fitting the second floor level, or the roof section, in place. This is made up of five triangular sections
Everything is nearly done. Rachel looks out of the one roof section which still has to be fitted
It is completed! All of the panels have now been put in position and held with ties. Digger will have to tighten them all up but the donkey work has now been done -- and doesn't it look good?
With the job complete I went off to collect Mum from her hairdressing appointment (Rachel had run her there earlier in the morning). We all dined on left-overs in the farmhouse and then we set about our different activities: Tom, Rachel and I were working in the Stables, our bits are now all done, a little bit of painting remains and Rachel has that in hand. Digger was tightening up the straps in his dome, ensuring that everything was in the right place. Cathy went back to re-upholstering the chair she has been working on while Mum read a book which is to be discussed at her reading group on Friday. Olive was pottering, I think.
Later I went across to the summer house and witnessed a real thunder and lightning shower, (I had Mix with me but went and collected Rowan as she was worried about being on her own). I had hoped to listen to a bit of the cricket (Sussex against Durham) but it was raining at Hove as well.
However, I did take this picture (as the rain subsided) of the Dome which Digger has now got in use – it must have been quite spectacular in this during the thunder, the lightning and the hail.
We all ate together at seven and watched some television in the Granary afterwards (Happy Valley followed by the News). It has been another really good day.
And to round it off a picture taken this evening of a rainbow over Mount Pleasant.
Monday 12th. May, 2014 Work and Progress
Tuesday, May 13, 2014, 12:02 AM
The weather forecast was a bit ‘iffy’ but it turned out to be a lovely day and here, just before supper, are Digger, Mum, Cathy, Olive and Rachel all enjoying an aperitivo. It’s a wonderful life
Got up and walked Mix. Breakfasted in the farmhouse and soon afterwards Tom and Dorothy arrived with Spike. Spike and Rowan played in the garden while the rest of us set about getting as much done as possible in the Stables. In fact by the end of the day we had achieved great things – the Stables are almost all painted. The ramp wall has been constructed and fitted, the two holes in the walls have been covered, the big frame for winding thread has been mounted on the wall. It has been a good day.
Meanwhile Mum went off to see her friends in Galashiels (by bus), Cathy has stripped one of the old dining room chairs and is well through upholstering it. Digger has been busy with his allotment and Olive has been reorganising the farmhouse.
At lunchtime Cathy, Rachel, Dorothy, Tom and I dined at Pearsons, did some shopping and I went off to the Police Station to see how I would get to Gavinton Church on 1st. June (because it is the Jim Clark Rally and many roads will be closed). The lady on duty gave me the number of the Police Officer in charge in Edinburgh. I telephoned him and he told me that there would be no difficulty about driving straight from Mount Pleasant to Gavinton on the Sunday morning.
Before supper we gathered for a drink in the courtyard and after supper we went across to the Granary where we were joined by Cathy and Mum to watch a bit of the Ukulele Orchestra from Sydney Opera House, the News and Have I Got a Bit More News for You on television before bed.
Sunday 11th. May, 2014 – More Culture!
Taken at coffee after church this morning, the purpose of this picture is to show off Tom’s new jacket. He has become every inch the country gent and was being generally admired by all and sundry (even by Cathy who noticed the jacket as soon as she came into Gavinton Church this morning)
Up, showered, walked Mix and breakfasted before setting off with Mum, Cathy and Rachel for Church at Gavinton where Ann presented a service on the theme of the ‘I am’ sayings of John’s Gospel, rounding the service off with a Christian Aid prayer (there was a united Christian Aid Service at Duns this afternoon which we missed because of a prior arrangement to go to the Maltings).
Back home, after coffee, we all dined in the farmhouse – Olive, Digger, Veronica, Peter, Cathy, Mum, Rachel and I. Scott and Sue had popped in a little while before lunch to bring Mum her birthday present – a seat for outside her garden room. On the basis that one picture tells more than many words, here is Mum in her seat with Digger, Scott, Sue and Cathy.
After lunch Rachel and I drove to Berwick where we attended the third concert given by the Royal Northern Sinfonia. This time it was a programme of Wind Quintets. The programme started with six Bagatelles by Ligeta and then Francaix’s Wind Quintet number one. After a short interval (time for a drink in the bar) the programme continued with Klughardt’s Wind Quintet (opus 79) and ended with Nielson’s Wind Quintet (opus 43). It was an exciting programme presented by five talented musicians: Eilidh Gillespie (flute and piccolo), Steven Hudson (Oboe and cor anglais), Jessica Lee (clarinet), Stephen Reay (Bassoon) and Peter Francomb (French horn). I was sorry the studio theatre wasn’t full – it deserved to be. I love these music performances, they are of the very best.
Back home we all (Peter and Veronica had set off for home by this time) dined on the left-overs from last night. Then Rachel and I came back to the Granary, leaving Cathy happily dismantling a chair with Digger. We watched a fairly recently broadcast edition of Midsomer Murders. Mum and Cathy joined us just before it ended and we had coffee and snowballs before watching the News. We walked the dogs and went to bed.
Saturday 10th. March, 2014 – A fairly decadent day
Sunday, May 11, 2014, 12:16 AM
This is the Anglican Parish Church in Berwick to which Mum, Cathy and I came this evening to listen to Rachel singing with the Berwick Arts Choir. The Choir presented the Chichester Psalms and the Dorchester Canticles in a programme which also included Mozart, Bruckner, Grieg and Faure before concentrating in the second half on the music of Leonard Bernstein. We enjoyed our evening very much indeed
A real lazy day began with coffee in bed (brought by Rachel) and a gentle getting up around eleven.
I showered, walked Mix and read my book before setting off in the middle of the afternoon to collect Cathy who arrived in Berwick having caught a bus from Balloch. Back home we chatted and then dined with Rachel (who had been at a choir dress rehearsal), Mum, Olive and Digger as well as their friends Peter and Veronica.
Mum and Cathy outside the Parish Church at Berwick
Having dined we went our separate ways – Rachel, Mum, Cathy and I to the Parish Church at Berwick to listen to Rachel’s concert; Olive, Digger, Peter and Veronica to Berwick to the Maltings to a one man show called ‘Tea with the Old Queen’ which wasn’t particularly well attended but which they enjoyed (they were also quite taken with the bar)!
Rachel arriving at the Church to sing
A picture of the Choir just after the conductor left for the interval
Back home we discovered that our front door had broken and we had to employ no little force to gain entry to the house (so it really is quite secure). We had coffee with Mum and Cathy, walked the dogs and retired for the night leaving the rest playing a board game in the farm house.
Friday 9th. May, 2014 -- Lovely here but rain in Aberdeen
Friday, May 9, 2014, 11:06 PM
I’ve been waiting for these for a while but today they arrived. They are swallow nests and I will fit them up under the eaves of some of our buildings so that our swallows can find new homes to compensate them for the barns now being off-limits. They certainly look very comfortable
I woke, got up and walked Mix and then breakfasted in the farmhouse before wandering across to the summer house with Mix. Shortly afterwards Tom and Dorothy with their Border Collie, Spike, arrived. Spike played happily with Rowan in the garden while Tom and I discussed plans for the conversion of the bothy. Then we went across to the farmhouse where we all had coffee with Mum before having a look around the Stables (which we plan to have completed by next Wednesday).
I had a pizza for lunch (Rachel had been to Duns to have her hair cut and was then in Berwick collecting her glass tools which she had left at her class yesterday). I had intended to watch Scotland against England at cricket from Aberdeen but it rained. It rained so much that I anticipated that the game would be called off, but no, we got a start at 4 p.m. with the game eventually reduced to just twenty overs a side. England scored 167 (increased by Duckworth Lewis to 172) and Scotland were never really in the hunt reaching 133 for 9 wickets off their twenty overs. Before the game started Mix and I had a very pleasant walk in glorious sunshine. It was a bit of an odd kind of day, sunshine one moment and then rather dull for a while before the sun returned, but it was extremely warm in the summer house.
One our return from our afternoon walk I snapped this Lilac bush – I don’t think we knew there was Lilac in the garden until a few days ago and Mix certainly seems to appreciate it
On returning from Berwick, Rachel did a bit more painting in the stables:
We will all be joining in on Monday to get everything completed
Digger got Olive out to help him survey the final settings for his dome. Heidi, although with them, seemed rather less interested in the survey than in the rest of the allotment area
At seven we all met up in the farmhouse for our evening meal after which we relaxed in the Granary (watching a recent Lewis) before walking the dogs and retiring to bed. The evenings are stretching out and now that it is getting warmer we will be able to do more outdoor activities in the evenings.
Thursday 8th. May, 2014 We all go our separate ways
Thursday, May 8, 2014, 11:59 PM
Yesterday as I returned with Mix in the afternoon I took some pictures of flowers in the garden, today as I approached Mount Pleasant I snapped this bush which overhangs the fence. It is in full bloom and absolutely beautiful
Today was a day in which we all went our different ways. I had appointments this morning which prevented me from going to Arrochar as I would have like to have done. Mum set off for Edinburgh, taken by Rachel as far as Berwick and seen on to the train. Rachel went on to her stained glass day at Berwick, returning home about four-thirty in the afternoon. By this time Mum had completed her lunch at Edinburgh College and her tour of the former Royal Yacht Britannia and was waiting in vain for her sister and niece-in-law to pick her up and drive her to the station (they were both waiting for each other in different places .. now if they had each had the other’s mobile phone number there would have been no problem). In fact no harm was done as Mum got a taxi to the station and I met her at Berwick and brought her home. (She has had a busy time – yesterday morning her book group, yesterday evening a trip to Berwick for a meal with the Guild, today a trip to Edinburgh for lunch and a trip around the Royal Yacht with friends from Kirkcaldy.)
Digger spent some of the day in his allotment where he was delighted to see that the concrete he had poured yesterday was setting nicely. The picture below reveals the bolts onto which the dome will be attached sometime next week.
Olive too had an appointment with the garden. Digger has assembled a cold frame for her into which today she planted out some basil plants. She has instructed Digger to get a move on with his tomatoes and then we can look forward to some excellent soups.
Olive points out the cold frame (by now the sun has disappeared and the rain has come on)
Rachel when she returned brought with her two of her newly completed works of art which I have snapped and present below:
I think that they are rather beautiful
In between times I looked after the dogs, sorted out the spare room in the Granary, and worked through my finances thinking the while of everyone at Stella’s funeral and feeling for the first time that I really did miss not being the minister there today.
Later this afternoon Tom arrived and we discussed the next part of the project which is to re-roof the former bothy. Tomorrow we may purchase the wood and that will be another project underway.
I walked Mix, drove into Berwick to collect Mum, dined in the farmhouse and then spent the evening with both dogs in the summer house as Rachel had gone back to Berwick to take part in her final Thursday singing evening before the concert on Saturday evening.
Later on I walked Mix and went to bed. It seemed somehow appropriate that it was raining.
Wednesday 7th. May, 2014 – A beautiful day .. until the rains came
Thursday, May 8, 2014, 12:01 AM
Late this afternoon I went into Duns to post some letters which I hope will be delivered tomorrow. I paused by the post box and took this picture – the little square is really quite attractive
I rose and walked Mix and then breakfasted in the farmhouse. Tom texted me to say that he was going to complete the work on the shed at Clair’s house so I got in the car and drove across to help. We spent the whole of the morning manoeuvring the old shed into its new position and completing the construction of the new one but once it was done it looked really good.
Back home I set about working in the summer house with Mix and Rowan as my companions because Rachel was continuing with her painting in the Stables. I completed a number of important letters and prepared all of the music files for Arrochar for Sunday. Then I drove into Duns to post my letters and returned in time to take Mix for another walk (while Rachel did the same – in a different direction – with Rowan: it’s not that they, or we, were not speaking but rather that Rowan is not good at walking on the road, while Mix is quite good).
The sun was shining and the day was beautiful. On my return to Mount Pleasant I took some pictures of the flowers which have sprung into life:
Where just a week or two ago there were so many daffodils, now these lovely two-coloured tulips have appeared
This is the blossom on the apple tree given to us by the youngsters of Luss Sunday School
Nestling against the walls of the farmhouse are these bluebells
... and against the wall of one of the barns are these glorious all-red tulips
Rachel had spent the day painting. The walls are coming on and it is going to be a splendid weaving room in just a few days
Meanwhile, Mum had been at her Duns Reading Group, Digger had concreted in the bases for his soon-to-be-appearing dome, and Olive had had a leisurely day. In the evening Mum set off for a Duns Guild Outing to Berwick, so there were just the four of us for supper.
After supper Rachel and I tried to sort out our diaries so that we could take advantage of an opportunity to go to visit the Globe Theatre in London (it is a hard life being retired) and then we watched a fairly new episode of Midsomer Murders before I walked Mix and retired to bed. By now it was raining and the forecast is not great for the next few days ... but today has been good (and while I have been in the summer house I have been able to watch Durham against Yorkshire on my computer. It was a hard-fought game with Durham hanging on for a draw in the face of some really hostile fast bowling from Liam Plunkett who, until a couple of seasons ago, was himself a Durham player).
Tuesday 6th. May, 2014 -- I am admitted to the Presbytery of Duns
Tuesday, May 6, 2014, 10:45 PM
Mount Pleasant in the late afternoon sunshine, surrounded by trees and looking fabulous
I got up and walked Mix before breakfast. Tom arrived and we set out for Abbey St. Bathan’s to visit the saw mill there. Our purpose was to ascertain if we could buy seven metre lengths of six inch by 2 inch timber. We couldn’t, but it was a pleasant trip and I enjoyed listening to the owner reminiscing about the past.
Back home I contacted a firm in Berwick who can supply timber but only to six metres in length. I typed seven metre lengths into Google who came up with a firm which proudly announced that it kept longer lengths of timber and had both a national and regional branches, so I contacted them for a quotation. The reply came back saying that they didn’t deliver to Scotland – no wonder so many people want to be independent!
The reason for searching for large timber is because we wish to re-roof this barn so that we can store all of the boxes and furniture which is at present in the Hen House and is preventing us from getting on with the work on that building
I totally tidied up the summer house this afternoon after lunch – partly because it desperately needed it but also because Durham were playing Yorkshire at cricket. I should have been down at Chester-le-Street but watching it on Sky, first through my computer and then on the television, was a very good second best. Durham are fighting to save the game but are so far making a very good fist of it. Tomorrow will see the denouement.
In the evening I went to the Presbytery of Duns to be admitted as a member, having presented my presbytery certificate to the presbytery clerk. There was a very nice little ceremony which I found quite moving as I signed the formula and the Moderator led the Presbytery in prayer. I enjoyed the presbytery meeting – it was small (a few less than thirty-five people, I would guess) and extremely friendly. Some of its business was quite challenging – a report on how the Church was matching up to the requirement of serving people with learning disabilities, another on the work of the presbytery in organising a Berwickshire-wide food bank and the use which is being made of it, a challenge also to consider if there was a role for the Church in working with children on Friday afternoons now that schools in the area are to operate a four-and-a-half-day week. I suppose the opportunity is there for the Church because many parents will be working on Friday afternoons and this provides an opportunity for the Churches to ‘fill the gap’ and provide something good for children which also helps their parents. With closing libraries and other public buildings, presbytery was invited to consider setting up internet cafes (with Government funding support) because of the difficulties faced of accessing the internet by some folk in rural areas. I remembered that this is what we had done in Luss back in 2004 and that the Government had funded satellite broad-band for us because there was no other way of bringing the internet to the village.
I enjoyed the meeting.
After the Presbytery meeting I drove home with a sausage supper and watched the second episode of Happy Valley before walking Mix and retiring to bed.
Monday 5th. May, 2014 --- Tom doesn’t do Bank Holidays
Monday, May 5, 2014, 11:06 PM
Standing and putting the world to rights while the concrete mixer does its thing. Digger and Tom are discussing our next project which involves putting a roof on a barn that lost it some years ago
Got up and walked Mix before breakfast and then went across to the Barn and started sawing floorboards into size for the ramp which we completed today (yes, I have progressed to being allowed to operate a saw)!
Tom arrived and we quickly completed the ramp after a quick visit to Pearsons to buy some more plumbing materials as well as the sand, cement and gravel for concreting the base of the ramp and some beading to complete the floor (instead of a skirting board).
With the ramp complete, Tom went off for lunch and I enjoyed a pizza. Rachel had spent the morning starting to paint the Barn, Digger was working in his allotment, Olive had two students to prepare for an accountancy examination and Mum was doing a washing.
The walls are going to look really good once all of them have been painted – Rachel has started the painting. I think that it will take quite a while
In the afternoon Tom and I concreted the base of the ramp. I was surprised at just how much concrete we required for a relatively small task. Once this was completed, Tom went off home – it was a bank holiday after all. I retired to the summer house to do some other work and then I walked Mix before having a shower before supper.
Tom tells me that it will be the weekend before the concrete has set but it moves the Barn project forward – we will need to close off the under-floor area once everything else has been done
After we had eaten we watched another episode of Inspector De Luca set in Italy in the final days of the second world war. I enjoyed it but Rachel found it hard to stay awake. Walked Mix and went to bed. Yet another really good day.
Sunday 4th. May, 2014 – Back in Harness (on a day when harnesses were everywhere in evidence)!
Sunday, May 4, 2014, 10:03 PM
The exterior of Ladykirk which we visited with Tom and Dorothy this afternoon
Woke early and walked Mix before breakfast in the farmhouse. Then Rachel, Mum and I drove to Cranshaws where, in Ann’s absence, I conducted the service with help from Dorothy and Rachel on the theme of John’s Easter Message.
Back home I changed and then Tom and Dorothy collected us to go off to the Heavy Horse Show at Wooler. I was more than a little apprehensive about this because it had been raining hard all night and I have so many memories of wet show days in the west which were miserable in the mud.
We stopped off in Tweedmouth to visit HomeBase to buy the paint required to complete the loom room this week. We got a really good bargain: thirty litres of paint for the price of twenty litres and then a further 15% off. Not bad at all (and the reason we went to shop today). We also grabbed something to eat at Marks and Spencer.
We continued on to Wooler. I was convinced that I hadn’t been here before but Tom reminded me that I had accompanied him to a market here not all that long ago. Well, I had forgotten (it seems to happen more often now that I am retired).
There was a huge car park and we had no difficulty parking – the show had started at 9 o’clock this morning and was probably drawing to a close when we arrived, and many of the patrons had already gone home either having had a surfeit of heavy horses or having been defeated by the cold and wet (this morning it was extremely wet underfoot, we were told). However, we were fortunate, no sooner did we arrive than the sun came out and although many of the horses had left by this time, there was still plenty to see as we walked around the large ring in which the competitors performed. I took a number of photos which I have included below as a reminder of what we actually saw:
On the way in, Rachel met these dogs and just had to say 'hello'
We had wondered if we would see horses pulling a plough; we didn't, but we did see this horse gathering hay
There was quite a collection of old farm equipment -- all of it, I think, in full working order
When we arrived police horses were in the ring. They demonstrated crowd control and how the horses were able to isolate an individual and totally restrict his movemnt
This horse and carriage won the prize for best in its class. Both carriage and horses looked superb
This is the Co-operative funeral carriage with its horses. It too looked magnificent and the horses were glorious
I can't imagine that there is much demand for gun-carriages except, perhaps, for the film industry -- unless, of course, they are preparing for Scottish independence
A lovely pony which, I understand originates from Scandinavia
In the ring we were given a demonstration of the skills of this gun dog. He was beautifully trained and knew exactly what his master wanted him to do almost before he was told
We visited the craft tent which had several high quality exhibitors
There was a Birds of Prey section -- I admired this owl
We watched a parade of tractors -- some old, some extremely old, all in perfect working order and the pride and joy of those who owned and drove them
This stall advertised dog treats, so Rachel bought some to bring home for our dogs
As far as I could gather, this horse won the award for best decorated horse. Rather spectacular
This foal was not in the display ring, but doesn't it look good?
And finally, this horse and rider were waiting patiently for the final parade
I suppose that we spent an hour and a half at the Show and then we set off for home, but on the way Tom took us on a detour (no extra charge) to visit Ladykirk which is actually part of the same charge as Swinton just down the road from where we live. The complete charge is Fogo and Swinton, Ladykirk and Whitsome, and Leitholm and I understand that it is going to be part of a larger charge once the present minister retires! Tom explained that Ladykirk is a very historic building, important because it is almost on the border between Scotland and England and was the site of a number of important discussions between forces from the two countries over the years. I certainly hope to learn more about Ladykirk and its story.
It is a beautiful Church inside
We made our way home and Mix and I immediately went out for a walk. I got some of my pictures sorted out before supper in the farmhouse at seven after which we relaxed in front of the stove and watched some television – Happy Valley: it turned out to be a good story and really quite fun.
Watched a bit of the snooker and then walked Mix before bed. It has been another really good day.
Saturday 3rd. May, 2014 – Quite an uneventful day
Saturday, May 3, 2014, 10:42 PM
This afternoon Rachel cut the grass in the garden behind the Granary. It may not look much in the picture but it had got totally overgrown and after another cut it will be back to being really smart
I slept in – quite deliberately – and Rachel brought me coffee in bed after she had walked Rowan down through the woods.
I got up and then Mix and I walked to Fogo and from there down to the River Blackadder behind the Church. Only then did we turn and walk back to Mount Pleasant. I had some lunch and then spent the afternoon in the summer house catching up on some reading and enjoying not having too much to do. Rachel was the energetic one, cutting the grass in the garden behind the Granary. However, as she is unable to start a power lawnmower, she was constantly calling me to come and start it up for her – much to the disgust of Mix who on one occasion, sensing that we were all otherwise occupied, set off on a walk to Duns along the main road. I caught up with him quite quickly but not before he had stopped all of the traffic – people here are very good about animals.
Digger continued on his dome, Mum went for a drive with her friend Annie and Olive dismantled the contents of the big sideboard in the farmhouse lounge. Nothing of great moment, which is really rather nice.
We all dined together in the farmhouse kitchen and afterwards I dozed in front of a Midsomer Murder before walking Mix and going to bed. It has been a good day (and Dundee won the Scottish Football Championship, gaining promotion to the Premier League next season. I’m told that the cup with which they were presented was last presented to Dundee in 1962 after a 3 – 0 victory over St. Johnstone in Perth. I was at that game and I can remember it like yesterday.)
Friday 2nd. May, 2014 -- Stella
I heard today that one of the finest ladies I have ever met has died. Stella was an elder at Arrochar Church where I served for almost fifteen years. She became an elder soon after I arrived and she was still serving as a member of the Kirk Session when I left. During the whole of the time I knew her she served her Church diligently, compassionately and selflessly.
When times were hard and the Church was struggling to get going after losing the use of its building for a number of years, Stella was there. When things started to grow and develop once more, Stella was there. She was there at the Guild, a loyal and committed member; she was present at Church almost every single Sunday usually with her husband Alastair by her side. If there was a Church sale then she was there behind the cake and candy stall; if there was work to be done for the Church, Stella was there usually in the company of her great friend Anna.
As I got to know Stella, I learned that she was the rock on which her large family was built. She loved her children through illnesses and difficult times; she celebrated their successes and was always there for all of them. I learned of the strength of her faith, deep and straightforward, and of her confidence in God’s love for his people.
At Christmastime, Stella and Anna would arrive at the Manse with a pot plant and with biscuits to remember the manse family and encourage us at what was always a busy and a special time. We had hoped that she would come down and see us in our new home before too long passed by – Stella would have noticed the collection of tea towels we have, so many of them sent as gifts from her and Alastair when they went for days out. She was like that – always remembering others and thinking of ways to share her happiness with them.
Her family and particularly Alistair will miss her dreadfully, the Church in Arrochar will seem strange without her, but today I give thanks that I knew Stella and, like so many other people, that my life was touched and enriched by her life: she was a very fine lady.
Friday 2nd. May, 2014 – Still working on that floor
Taken on Mix and my walk late this afternoon – the sun was shining brightly and the fields are taking on their different colours. It is very beautiful
I got up, walked Mix, breakfasted in the farmhouse and then came and looked through some emails until Tom arrived. Our task was to complete the work on the floor in the barn. In fact we didn’t get the work completed but it wasn’t for the lack of trying. The floor is now complete but a bit of the ramp remains to be finished on Monday (and there is still a bit of beading to be done around the perimeter).
By the time that Tom went home, after five this afternoon, the back of the job had been broken and it will be a gentle task on Monday to put the finishing touches to what has been a major exercise for us.
A picture of Rachel admiring the floor in what is going to be her loom room. Once we complete our tasks the loom will be erected and then the walls will be painted. At that stage we’ll have a party and move on to the next project – we have several: there is plaster-boarding to be completed in the Hen House, a new roof to be installed on the bothy, shingles to be fitted to the summer house and ... well that’s enough to be going on with for just now
The dogs think that the new ramp is great for playing on
I walked Mix in the late afternoon sun – what a lovely day it has turned out to be. When I got back to the Granary I took this picture of the blossom on the tree given to us by the Sunday School children from Luss. It is blooming and extremely healthy:
Afterwards we had an early supper because Mum was going with friends to the hall in Duns to see a film – Philomena I think that it was. Rachel and I spent the evening in the Granary watching an episode of an Inspector De Luca mystery set in Bologna in 1945. It was good and, as I expect that I have said before, the Italian is so straightforward after the Sicilian of Montalbano (which I also love).
It was still light at 10 p.m. when Mix and I set out for our final walk of the day.
Thursday 1st. May, 2014 --- Happy Birthday Mix
Mix arrived with us when he was about eight and a half years old, having spent eight and a half months in the Dog’s Trust home near Glasgow and almost eight years in unhappy surroundings. Absolutely wild, no longer housetrained and distinctly neurotic when he arrived, he has turned into the ‘best friend kind-of-a-dog’ you could only dream about. Today, according to the papers we got from the Dog’s Trust, he is ten years old and his favourite place in the whole world is the summer house
Walked Mix – it was a very wet morning (in reality it was a very wet day) – and then breakfasted in the farmhouse before adjourning to the summer house with Mix and Rowan. Tom was not with us today as he and Dorothy were away south performing their Morris Dancing to celebrate May Day. I took the opportunity of catching up on some reading (and took delivery of our awaited wood from Pearsons). Rachel was away in Berwick at her stained glass class (which is why I had Rowan as well). So, safe from the rain, cosy in the summer house, I read and Mix dozed on his huge cushion. I had lots of treats for the dogs today and when Rachel returned she brought more.
When Rachel returned, we walked the dogs and then got ready to set off for Berwick where we went to see King Lear at the Maltings. Mix spent the evening with Olive and Digger – he likes that.
King Lear was superb – well, it was the National Theatre after all: one of these wonderful live streaming performances which made you feel as if you were there in London for the performance. The cast was magnificent. Simon Russell Beale as King Lear with Stanley Townsend (of the magnificent voice), Tom Brooke, Adrian Scarborough, Anna Maxwell Martin, Sam Troughton, Stephen Boxer and so many others. It was powerful and believable and the sets, lighting and sound effects were wondrous to behold. I loved it.
I walked Mix before bed. Here are the remainder of his birthday photographs:
Excuse me yawning, but it is very comfortable in front of this stove
Well, I'm getting on a bit and I do like this cushion
It's very comfortable -- even upside down
Now what are you up to? -- I'm watching you, you know
I think that this is probably my better side
I'll maybe just go to sleep ....
like my little sister who gets to share my cushion too
Wednesday 30th. April, 2014 – A change in the weather
Every evening everyone who is here eats together in the farmhouse. It keeps us all together and means that we all meet together at least once a day. We all do our own thing at lunch time. I normally eat in the summer house watching the news or a programme from i-player on my computer. This was my lunch today, a real Italian antipasto. Before I retired I rarely ate lunch, no wonder I am putting on weight
Rose, walked Mix, breakfasted in the farmhouse and, when Tom arrived, we went off to Pearsons to see about some more wood and some plumbing supplies. The wood will be delivered as soon as it arrives in the shop but until it does we are at a bit of a loose end. We went off to complete the work on the little hut we started on yesterday. Clare has decided that what she had is actually more suited for its use (for the dog as an attachment to the dog pound) than the new hut which will be perfect for logs, so we set about repairing it and then broke for coffee and a chat.
I dropped off Tom at his house and came home for lunch – Rachel was hard at work in the loom room, Digger and Olive were off to a craft show, Mum was in Duns with a friend – I had a splendid plate of antipasto in the summer house with Mix and watched the most recent episode of ‘Have I got News for You’.
Tom arrived and we returned to Clare’s home where we completed the repair of the old hut and treated it with wood preserver. The rain finally defeated us and we will complete things soon. The weather has been a bit odd. Yesterday we had fog which gave way to bright sunshine. Today we had fog which gave way to torrential rain. Ah, well. Rachel and I walked Mix and Rowan in rain which started off fairly gentle and turned into a downpour. I needed a shower before supper after which we watched some more of ‘The Killing’. We had intended to watch three episodes and leave the final one for Friday evening but it was just too exciting and we watched right to the end, completing our vigil at twenty past midnight. It has been an excellent series and kept me enthralled right to the end.
Walked Mix (on what is now his tenth birthday) in truly atrocious weather. Maybe it will be better in the morning.
Tuesday 29th. April, 2014 -- On Holiday!
Wednesday, April 30, 2014, 12:05 AM
Rachel worked today in the barn teak-oiling her spinning and weaving equipment prior to it being re-erected
Woke and walked Mix up the Swinton Road – my goodness, it was nostalgic as it was something I have rarely done since the road was closed but which I used to do every day before then. Several cars gave me great big waves as if to say, ‘Where have you been?’ The weather today was fascinating. We started in fog and we ended the day that way as well, but in between the sun shone and it was glorious.
No work today because we don’t get the wood from Pearsons until tomorrow and I can’t move things out of the Hen House because there is nowhere to put them until the loom room is completed and a space created in the carriage room by moving boxes to the loom room (if that all makes sense). So I enjoyed some time in the summer house reading, listening to music, preparing the music for Arrochar and so on. I read some of Williston Walker’s History of the Christian Church (about John Duns Scotus, about the rule of Benedict and about the church of Bede) and I read some of the Benedictine Book of Daily Prayer. I stopped for lunch and during lunch I watched the final episode of Rev (which must have been on television last night).
In the afternoon Tom called me up and I went off to help him erect a small garden hut for a lady who lives nearby. We did the first part of the work – we need to know a bit more information about where it is to go before we complete the task -- and perhaps we will get that done tomorrow.
Today Olive was up in Dundee (something to do with marking students’ examinations), Mum went to have her hair done in Duns, Rachel spent the day in the loom room (except when driving Mum to and from Duns), Digger was cutting the grass and working on his dome. The farmer was working in the field next to Mount Pleasant with a large tractor and a device which I think was spraying the crop. Mix and I relaxed – later in the afternoon we joined Rachel and Rowan for a walk through the jungle path and then into the woods opposite.
The farmer was busy here today as well. This huge device appeared to be spraying the crop so presumably we can look forward to a bumper harvest. The picture was taken late in the day and the fog is returning
We dined at seven and then relaxed in front of the television watching the final part of Endeavour and then the Easter Monday programme about the life of Tommy Cooper before walking the dogs and bed.
Monday 28th. April, 2014 – The Bridge re-opens
Monday, April 28, 2014, 11:16 PM
In the middle of this afternoon the bridge over the River Blackadder re-opened after being closed for reconstruction work for eight weeks and one day. For the next little while there will be traffic lights controlling the bridge while other necessary tasks are completed
Woke, walked Mix down to the bridge for the last time before the road re-opened. Breakfasted in the farmhouse and when Tom arrived we moved the loom into the new loom room so that it can be re-erected and be in operation again. It was a heavy job and once it was completed we were extremely glad to sit and have a coffee together in the Granary.
Digger continues to work on his dome
All the bits of the loom set out on the new floor (which we will complete on Wednesday when more wood arrives)
Tom went off with Dorothy, I had some lunch in the summer house and spent part of the afternoon reading and listening to music before walking Mix again. By now the road had reopened and so we walked down by the roadside but came back up through the woods. Rachel joined us and Mix and Rowan clearly enjoyed being back in the jungle!
Rowan leads Rachel through the woods
As Rachel was working in the sitting room and was watching a television programme I hadn’t seen but wanted to see from the start, I came out to the summer house for a while before supper.
In the evening we watched three more episodes of The Killing (that’s sixteen in all and only four more to go). It continues to hold all of our attention. It is quite extraordinary.
Sunday 27th. April, 2014 -- Sunday and back to normality
Sunday, April 27, 2014, 10:57 PM
It wasn't the nicest of days as far as weather goes, so Mum spent the afternoon in her garden room, reading, in front of the stove
After all of the excitements of the past few weeks (just last Sunday it was Easter) today everything is back to normal. Our service was in Gavinton Church so I walked Mix, had breakfast, and went with Mum and Rachel to Gavinton (driving the long way around by Fogo for the last time because the bridge is certain to open within the next couple of days).
The service was on the theme of the Emaus Road and ended with Ann inviting everyone to select one or more of three pieces of wool to mark commitments which we intended to made – to welcome a stranger, to comfort a sufferer, to share the Good News. After the service Dorothy and Rachel served tea and coffee (because Andrea was having a sleep-in after her exertions in preparing all of the food for the Greek Night last night) and I helped to wash the dishes.
Now that she has retired, Olive is swapping her accountant's study for the kitchen
Back home we dined in the farmhouse – vegetable soup and macaroni cheese and then retired to the Granary. I watched an episode of the Murdoch Mysteries in front of the fire and I guess I dozed off for most of the rest of the afternoon (well, why not)? I fed the dogs and gave them some exercise while Rachel went off to Berwick to Evensong. On her return Rachel, Olive, Mum and I watched another three episodes of The Killing – we have now watched thirteen episodes in all and feel that we have grown up with the characters, that some are our close friends and others, people to be avoided. Still, I suspect that the end is in sight! (And maybe we will discover that one of our friends is the guilty one.)
The bridge over the River Blackadder is almost complete. The road needs some repair work but I expect the bridge to be open by Tuesday at the latest
Walked Mix and went to bed. If this is retirement, I like it!
Saturday 26th. April, 2014 -- A Saturday relaxing
Saturday, April 26, 2014, 10:33 PM
The little former church dedicated to St. Aiden at Morebattle, now being restored as a holy space and a coffee shop
Up, walked Mix and breakfasted in the farmhouse before setting off with Rachel (and Rowan) to pick up Tom and Dorothy to drive to Morebattle, near Kelso. Two of the folk I met on Thursday, Margaret and Richard, have bought an old disused Church there (St. Aiden’s) because it is on the St. Cuthbert’s Way and they could see the potential of using it both to further their ministries (Richard is a Danish minister and his wife is presently completing her training) and as a service to pilgrims through creating a coffee shop and providing an outlet for local craft businesses.
We saw around the Church – they have done a huge amount, including putting on a new roof, and they have their hands full with all that still remains but they are getting the support of their local community. We popped in at a coffee morning in the village hall being run to support their work. It was absolutely full and there were many different craft stalls on show.
The coffee shop in Kelso
We set off for home and called in at Kelso where I had not just the coffee I intended but scrambled egg on toast. It was excellent. From there we went on to Hume Castle – or at least the ruins of the castle, set on a little hill. Others were there at the same time and it is obviously a bit of a tourist attraction.
The view of Hume Castle from the car park
From the viewing platform inside the castle I looked down on all around (including Rachel getting Rowan organised)
We dropped Tom and Dorothy off and came home. I set about preparing an Order of Service for next Sunday so that I could pass it on to Ann before tomorrow. Rachel varnished the new floor in the barn. Digger was working on the panels for his dome, Mum went off to the WRI with her friend Annie, and Olive worked on her final set of accounts.
Rachel varnished the new floor in the barn
Digger was hard at work on the panels for his dome
Later I had time to so some reading before walking Mix, changing and setting off for a meal with Tom and Dorothy. We ended up at an event in Gavinton – a Greek meal in the village hall. Tom had been contacted by Andrea who was looking for some additional folk to make up the numbers and we went along. It was really good and we had an excellent time and met Catherine and Jenny with whom we shared a table.
Enjoying Greek food, under a Greek flag, with good company (and a quiz about Greece to answer)
Back home we walked the dogs before bed. Every day just seems to be better than the day before it ... and tomorrow is Sunday.
Friday 25th. April, 2014 -- To market, to work and to Berwick
Friday, April 25, 2014, 11:34 PM
A picture of the crowd beginning to gather at the Kelso racecourse for the auction sale today. We visited briefly, but seeing nothing which took our fancy, we were soon on our way
Up and walked Mix before breakfast at the farmhouse during which Tom arrived to take me to the auction sale at Kelso Racecourse. There we met up with Dorothy, Catriona and Martin.
We looked around, enjoyed an excellent roll filled with sausages and then came home – there really wasn’t very much to buy and certainly nothing of which we were in need. Tom and I came back to Mount Pleasant where we continued work on flooring the barn, stopping for a brief lunch with Rachel at 1.30. By the middle of the afternoon we had done as much as we could. Not only we but also Pearson (our supplier) had run out of flooring. Our initial order still hasn’t been completed but Pearson’s say that we will have all of our order by next Wednesday. We will just have to be patient (a bit easier now we are retired).
Tom uses up the final bits of flooring we have. There is a bit to do – not much – but we are waiting for more wood
Rachel before the show began in the studio theatre
I came to the summer house and prepared the music for Arrochar’s service on Sunday and got it despatched to Jamie. Then there was time for a brief walk with Mix, a quick shower and a change of clothes before Rachel and I set out for the Maltings in Berwick where we dined in the restaurant (Cullen Skink followed by Scotch egg, salad and fried potatoes, followed by meringue, blue berries and ice-cream). It was lovely. Then we made our way into the studio theatre for the performance of La Mouche described as “1950s B-Movie madness”, as being in the “French farce tradition” and as a “charmingly dark, laugh a minute riot”.
Well, it was all of that, and more. The play’s name means ‘The Fly’ and it was filled with so many allusions (even to Taggart) many of them through the skilled mimickery skills of the three actors – Euan McIver, Holly Thomas and Mark Vevers. The music was great, the acting we excellent and it was an evening of enormous fun. The work was written, composed and directed by the director of the Maltings Theatre, Matthew Rooke. Over the months we have been here and have been going to the Maltings we have been impressed by the Theatre and the vigour with which it is run, tonight we saw different, but every bit as impressive, skills from the person at the helm. The proof of the pudding was that the audience (I think the theatre was full) thoroughly enjoyed their evening – you could tell that by the laughter and by the applause with which the work was received.
We drove home, watched Newsnight, walked the dogs and went to bed. What a good day it has been.
Thursday 24th. April, 2014 --- Rowan’s birthday
Thursday, April 24, 2014, 10:21 PM
Today Rowan is one year old – she has had treats all day (which Mix has enjoyed as well) and in the evening she came across with Mix and me to the summer house where I took this picture of her being coy
I was up very early this morning – as was Rachel as she ran me to the station to catch the train just after seven from Berwick to Glasgow (changing in Edinburgh).
As we left, and I was opening the gate, this sparrow sang us on our way. It was lovely
I arrived in Glasgow about quarter past nine and walked from the station to Glasgow Cathedral to attend the meeting of the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum which was being held at the St. Mungo’s Museum within the Cathedral complex.
I took this picture when I came out of the station:
It was good to be back in Glasgow but the wording on the banner really appealed to me, ‘People Make Glasgow’
The forum meeting started at ten and there was a very full programme in front of a large and appreciative audience.
After a welcome and an introduction, Catherine McMaster spoke of St. Mungo and Glasgow’s Pilgrimage Heritage. It was an interesting talk and I particularly noted two things. When she talked about Glasgow’s claim to be a pilgrimage city she based it on the twin pillars of faith community and secular authority working together which is of course exactly the same basis on which the Green Pilgrimage City network operates. Also she spoke about making something of St. Mungo in all of the places with which he was associated. That resonated with me – it might be a grand idea for Luss to do something similar with all of the Kessog places in Scotland: create a distinctive small interpretation for each place, have an event and in so doing create identity. It would be straightforward to raise the necessary funds for such a small project but it would be extremely effective.
Sylvia Jenks (with help from Susi Cormack Brown) then told the story of what had been known as the Ayrshire Pilgrims Trail – not a very good name as it started in Glasgow (or Paisley) and ended at Whithorn. To celebrate 850 years of Paisley Abbey, pilgrims had walked from Whithorn – and completed the walk this afternoon, arriving at Glasgow Cathedral while we were having our tour! Plans are afoot to involve Whithorn with the European programme, something which sounds exceptionally interesting as well.
The party of Paisley Pilgrims joined with some of the forum members for this picture to mark the completion of the walk from Whithorn to Glasgow Cathedral
John Henderson spoke about the route they are working on between St. Andrews and Iona. Progress is being made, not least now that a bridge has been built to replace a former railway bridge that had been removed. It’s not that they want to go on pilgrimage by train but that the disused track makes an excellent pathway.
Simon Hill with Neil Ramsay and Clive Willcocks spoke of the Fife Pilgrim Way – a walk from Dunfermline to St. Andrews, Simon concentrating on how things had been done, the comparative ease of raising funds to create something new compared with the difficulty of getting funding for the maintenance of what had been created. Neil spoke about an imaginative project to convert the Manse at Culross into a base for pilgrims to stay as they journeyed the pilgrim way, while Clive spoke of a plan to create something out of the remains of St. Catherine’s Chapel in Dunfermline. It is clear that when something happens, everyone gains: the churches and their congregations, the local communities, employment, pilgrims, tourists and so on.
At this point we had the formal business of the forum as we all agreed to move from our present unincorporated status to become a Scottish Charity. The decision has been taken and now the Management Committee has to work with OSCR to make this a reality.
It was time for lunch which I enjoyed with Robbie who was here representing Luss. I was delighted to see him and to spend some time with him – he was looking well and clearly noticed that much of what was being discussed reflected the things which we were doing in Luss over the last three or four years. I hope that at a meeting of the forum soon we will hear a report of exciting developments in his part of the world.
After lunch, and a brief report of an inter-faith music tour of Scotland to be held in September, we all went across to the Cathedral where we were given an excellent tour of the building, hearing again the story of St. Mungo and the building of his cathedral.
Our guide was excellent and made the stones live for us
As the tour ended, pilgrims from Paisley arrived, having completed the Whithorn to Glasgow Cathedral walk (not all at one go, but over several weeks, I understand). We had a group photo taken and they all joined us for the final discussions before the forum meeting ended. It had been an excellent get-together.
I walked back to the station with Robbie and met Laurence (the minister of the Cathedral) on the way. It was good to catch up with him, albeit briefly, before I caught my train and returned to Berwick, and from there to Mount Pleasant where Olive had a cheese and bean pie waiting for me (which I ate while watching the most recent episode of Rev).
Later, Rachel returned home and after a cup of coffee, we walked the dogs and went to bed.
I have two final pictures for today:
The Blackadder Aisle at the cathedral, named after the first Archbishop – I wonder if he had a connection with our river?
And Rowan:
Now so obedient and well-behaved, having achieved her first birthday
Wednesday 23rd. April, 2014 --- William Shakespeare’s 450th. birthday
Wednesday, April 23, 2014, 10:51 PM
At lunchtime Rachel and I planted the tree which we gave Mum for her birthday yesterday. It is a Flowering Cherry and it is positioned so that Mum can watch it from the window of her garden room
Up and walked Mix before breakfast in the farmhouse. Tom arrived and we set about the big barn, completing the setting out of the beams and spending most of the morning creating the ramp which will enable folk to get from the door up to the floor which is quite raised by the time it reaches the entrance end of the barn. We were extremely pleased with our morning’s work.
At lunchtime, while Tom was off home with Dorothy and Catriona, Rachel and I planted Mum’s tree. It looks good and Mum is pleased with it. I also listened to a bit of the Durham Somerset cricket match which unfortunately fizzled out into a draw – losing the whole of yesterday was just too much.
In the afternoon Tom and I laid floorboards in the big barn. It was quite fiddly and took a long time but the result is going to be worth it. Another afternoon should see the floor complete. With half of the floor completed, I drove Tom home and then returned to quickly change and set off with Rachel for Berwick.
This picture shows how high the floor is from the ground by the time it gets to the entrance end. In the far corner it is actually sitting on the floor – but it is going to make an excellent weaving, spinning and craft facility
In Berwick Rachel and I went for a walk before having a drink in the Maltings Theatre and attending a streaming of Romeo and Juliette from Broadway to celebrate Shakespeare’s birthday.
I took this picture of the Maltings from down below as we walked towards the bridge. It shows the old building from which the theatre was created
The play had been presented at the Richard Rogers Theatre in New York with an excellent cast. The ‘star’ – there to bring in the audiences I suspect – was Orlando Bloom but in many ways it was the rest of the cast who shone: Condola Rashad was magical as Juliette, Brent Carver (Friar Lawrence), Jayne Houdyshell (Nurse), Chuck Cooper (Capulet) and Geoffrey Owens (Escalus) were all outstanding – dominating the stage, drawing all eyes to their performances and making Shakespeare live. The audience in New York clearly enjoyed the production, I was so glad that we were able to share in it as well.
On the way home we stopped for (in my case) fishcakes and chips and once home it was time to get ready for my trip to Glasgow tomorrow, to walk Mix and to go to bed.
Tuesday 22nd. April, 2014 – Mum’s birthday
Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 11:29 PM
Birthday coffee with gingerbread – this afternoon I joined Olive and Digger for coffee with Mum on her birthday. We ate gingerbread sent to Mum through the post by a friend in Kirkaldy and made especially for Mum’s birthday
Up and set off with Rachel (and the dogs) for Pearson’s to collect a Flowering Cherry tree for Mum’s birthday. Discovered that although the trade area opened at 8 a.m. the garden centre didn’t open until nine. So we waited and returned with the tree for Mum.
While we were having breakfast, Tom and Dorothy with Catriona and her friend Martin arrived. Catriona had helped us when we were building the summer house so she was pleased to see how well it had all turned out.
Everyone set about their daily business. Mum went to the hairdresser in Duns (taken by Digger) and then she and Olive and Digger went for lunch at the Black Bull, something they all enjoyed. Rachel set about gutting the Granary kitchen and fitting new boards from which to suspend the curtains (the dogs destroyed her previous efforts). Dorothy, Martin and Catriona set off to explore Berwick and to walk the ramparts. Tom and I went off to the Barn to fix the new beams for the second half of the floor there. We worked through the day and had the job just about done by the time that Dorothy returned to collect Tom and take him home so that he could be ready for the Morris dancing in the evening. (Tom and I had gone to Pearson’s for lunch in the middle of the day and had also taken delivery of another load of flooring – which I expect we shall use tomorrow.)
The new floor beams we installed today – took a picture because by tomorrow evening they may be forever under the floor and out of sight
I went across to the farmhouse for coffee with Mum and Olive and Digger. We enjoyed some of the Gingerbread which had been sent to Mum for her birthday. Olive had also received flowers from Burntisland Church to say thank you for all of the assistance which she had given them with their accounts. (Just for completeness Amazon also delivered a new potato peeler and for me a CD of Nashville).
I took Mix for a walk and then changed before our evening meal – a birthday meal in the farmhouse for Mum at which we were joined by Scott and Sue. It’s been a day full of activity for most of us – I didn’t get to the cricket but not going was a good decision as there wasn’t a ball bowled which is all rather unfortunate as I suspect that Durham would have won. Still there is always tomorrow and if the weather is good there is potential for a good game of cricket.
A picture of Mum with her birthday cake, with Olive, Sue and Digger looking on from behind. It was a lovely meal with lots of family chat and fun, all ending up with this super cake with 91 in candles which Mum blew out in one – according to family tradition, her wish will come true
Monday 21st. April, 2014 – Easter Monday
I spent today at Chester-le-Street watching cricket. It was a glorious day and my camera has a superb zoom. How is this for an action shot?
I woke and walked both dogs before setting off for Durham to watch the second day of the game between Durham and Somerset. I arrived just after the game had started – the roads were busy because of the Bank Holiday I expect, but parking was straight forward and it was good to be at the cricket ground.
I started with a hot dog and then settled down in the members’ stand to watch the morning session. It was a good session to watch as a Durham supporter as five Somerset wickets fell. As the sun was shining brightly I stayed in the stand during lunch time, having another hot dog (this time with chips) and washing it down with a large orange fruity ice-lolly – it really was that kind of a day.
This Durham huddle followed a Somerset wicket – folk are a clearly excited and things are going well
Mid-way through the afternoon Somerset were dismissed and Durham went back into bat with a first innings lead of 123 runs. As it turned out they are going to need those runs as Durham wickets fell cheaply with only Jennings and Richardson batting with any real backbone. By the end of the day Durham have a lead of 275 but have only three wickets in hand. Even with all the time that is left in the game I can’t see Somerset (even with Compton batting at number eight) making 300 so there is still work to do. Fortunately Paul Collingwood is still at the crease, so there is hope!
Activity on the pitch after the Somerset innings closed as the wicket is prepared for Durham’s turn to bat
I drove home – again the traffic was quite bad but mostly going the opposite way from me. We dined in the farmhouse and then resumed watching The Killing, the DVD given by Jeff to Olive. It is good but because it is in Danish with subtitles you really have to concentrate – you can’t watch with your eyes closed. We actually watched another three episodes which means that we have so far watched ten in total – I think that we are now exactly half-way through the film!
Walked the dogs and went to bed – it has been so good today, and to think that I will be able to watch so much more cricket this year ... (retirement really does have so much to recommend it).
Sunday 20th. April, 2014 – Easter Sunday
I took this picture of the advance guard as they arrived at the summit
Woke at 4.20 a.m. (Rachel had stayed up all night) and we were at Tom and Dorothy’s home just after five. We all went together in Rachel’s car to a large lay-by below Cockburn Hill on the road to Abbey St. Bathan’s. With a large crowd we climbed the hill and were all on the summit for sunrise at 5.55 a.m.
We enjoyed the short service – basically the singing of three Easter hymns accompanied by a small brass band made up of the children of one family, I understand. They were very good. Youngsters had carried a cross to the summit and there were also balloons and ribbons on sticks to add to the sense of celebration.
After the service we were taken to a farmhouse with everyone else for breakfast – there was everything: sausages and roils and bacon and shortbread, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Back home, having dropped off Tom and Dorothy, we walked the dogs and I had a shower before another breakfast in our farmhouse. Soon afterwards we set off with Mum for Gavinton Church where we heard the Easter story from Luke’s Gospel and sang Easter hymns. Again there was coffee after the service during which we helped Tom collect up the mile of pennies around the church.
There is a picture of the Good Friday garden on Friday’s entry. Today the stone has been rolled away and you can see the grave clothes lying inside the tomb
Back at the farmhouse we exchanged Easter eggs. Olive gave us all a bowl in which she has planted something (but won’t tell us what). I’ve put my bowl outside the summer house and, if I am asked to guess, I will suggest that my bowl probably contains nasturtiums – when I was a child I was given a packet of them every year on my birthday by an elderly ‘aunt’ and since then I have always been associated with these flowers (and I like them very much).
Singing gaily on this Easter morning, a welcome visitor who has built his nest on the gable wall of the Hen House
Just before lunch Alison arrived – the daughter of my very good friend from University days, Brian who lives with his wife Elizabeth in Germany. It was a pleasure to have Alison with us. I showed her around and enjoyed a lengthy chat before taking her with us to Scott and Sue’s for an evening Easter meal – the added bonus being the presence of my niece, Katy. It was a lovely meal and a superb evening and afterwards we returned home and walked the dogs before bed. It has been a long day, but a really good one.
Sunday 20th. April, 2014 --- Happy Easter
Sunday, April 20, 2014, 09:25 AM
Dawn as seen from the top of Cockburn Hill at 5.55 a.m. this morning
Rachel, Tom, Dorothy and I brought in Easter with folk from our Church and from Abbey St. Bathan's, the small village near to this hill
After a short service on the hilltop we all went to a farmhouse at Abbey St. Bathan's for breakfast. What a wonderful start to Easter, 2014.
Saturday 19th. April, 2014 -- Holy Saturday
Walking with Mix this morning I took this picture on my camera. It is an idyllic scene and reflects life in this beautiful place. As we walked alone in the perfect sunshine I spared a thought for Luss which must be heaving with people today if the weather is anything like it is here. Someone said that the Borders is still waiting to be discovered – I hope it waits awhile yet
Got up and breakfasted and then went and joined Rachel, Rowan and Mix who were already walking down by the little river. Mix joined me and we set off for home.
I spent the morning enjoying the weather, sitting in the summer house with the windows open, reading (and completing) my book. I have another one waiting to start: ‘By Its Cover’, the latest book by Donna Leon. It is set in Venice and I kind of regard these books as extra special. Sitting in the summer house enjoying reading it in the sunshine, I can think of no greater treat.
I lunched on pizza and then, after tidying the upstairs study, I took Mix for a lengthy walk to Gavinton – a real pleasure on such a glorious afternoon. As we walked down towards the bridge I saw this ewe and her lamb who had waded the river and were quite close to the fence. They looked at us and we lo0oked at them:
I also took this picture with a very obvious caption
Sheep may safely graze
Back home I fed Mix and soon it was time for us to set off for Berwick where we ate before attending the Maltings Theatre to see a production of David Copperfield. (We ate at the little fish and chip cafe next to the theatre – the theatre restaurant was closed for Easter this evening. I had sausage, egg and chips and enjoyed it very much. After eating we walked along Bank Street and discover a whole range of restaurants which we will try in the future.)
David Copperfield was presented by the Hotbuckle Theatre company and it was a real tour de force. Five actors, three male and two female presented all of the characters of Dickens work. One, Andrew Chevalier, played David Copperfield and was on stage for the whole of the two and a half hours of the production. The others (Fiona Leaning, Emily Lockwood, Adrian Preater and Peter Randall) presented a huge variety of characters ranging through Betsey Trotwood, Peggotty, Jane, Clara, Dora, Agnes, Emily, Mr. Murdstone, Dan Peggotty, Mr. Micawber, Ham, Barkis, Steerforth and Uriah Heep. It was all thoroughly well done. It was slick and it moved with pace. I found it to be totally captivating. It deserved a larger audience than the sixty to seventy who were present – but we all made our presence felt!
The set for tonight’s play was an excellent touring set as nearly everything would pack into the two trunks on stage. It was most effective and the various trunks and barrels were moved around by the characters to create different rooms and modes of transport as the show developed
Back home, we walked the dogs and I went to bed. Tomorrow is Easter and we have a very early start. Rachel's intention is to stay up all night, but we shall see ...
Friday 18th. April, 2014 – Good Friday
Digger standing in his allotment midway through the morning. It is such a glorious day – look at that sky: we could be in the Mediterranean
Arose – it is a marvellous day: the kind of day you dream about. I went for breakfast and afterwards walked Mix before going for a shower and dealing with some emails.
Then we loaded the dogs into my car and, along with Olive and Rachel, I set off for the coast, driving down to the Barn at Beal where we had lunch (for me a huge bowl of tomato soup followed by scampi and chips). I had been anxious to get there quickly because I had thought that with the weather as it was and with it being a Bank Holiday (and a school holiday) everywhere would have been crowded, but that was not the case. We got a table without any problem and outside we could see the ewes with their lambs:
What a lovely day to be a lamb and to be discovering and exploring in such a beautiful place
After lunch we drove across the causeway onto Holy Island where we parked the car among the sand-dunes and went for a walk with the dogs. The beach was glorious, quite quiet and expansive as the tide was out. The dogs loved their walk.
If we had weather like this all the time then no one would ever go abroad
A picture of Olive and Rachel setting off into the sand-dunes to find the car
Having walked the dogs, we drove back into Berwick and made for HomeBase and Marks and Spencer where we bought, respectively, Teak Oil to refurbish garden furniture and Easter eggs for Sunday morning. We drove home and I then spent the last of the afternoon in the summer house (with the windows open) reading my book.
Rachel spent the rest of the afternoon in the garden and Digger continued hard at work in his allotment. He is clearly over his operation and enjoying being back at work in his garden (although he tells me that digging is still quite hard).
Mum has been absent today because she attended her book group this afternoon, continuing her study of novels written in or about Africa. Today she was in Sierra Leone having read a book (The Memory of Love by Aminatta Forna) which I think she found quite harrowing. Amazon describes the book as ‘a heartbreaking story of ordinary people in extraordinary circumstances’.
We dined at six (as usual this week) so that we could go to the Good Friday Service at Gavinton.
At the front of the church there was this little Good Friday Garden with the sealed tomb – appropriate as we read the story of the Passion and sang some of the great Passiontide hymns
Later we watched some television (the most recent episode of Endeavour and an episode of Rev which I had missed) before walking the dogs and bed. We are told to expect more of the same glorious weather tomorrow. It will be wonderful if it happens.
Thursday 17th. April, 2014 -- Maundy Thursday
The cement mixer was back in action today as we set about building the second part of the floor in the big barn
I awoke, walked Mix and breakfasted (on porridge) in the farm house. Tom arrived and we set about the task for the day which was to build the dwarf walls in the barn to hold the beams, to hold the floorboards on the other half of the barn from the half we have already floored.
We spent the morning moving cement blocks into place. When they didn’t fit, Tom broke them into size. By the end of the morning everything was in place but not fixed. That was the task for the afternoon. Tom went off home for lunch, joining Rachel and Dorothy who were spending the morning working on their glass projects in Dorothy’s kitchen.
I had some rolls – salami and cheese with pickle – and by the time I was finished Tom had arrived and we set to work again. We loaded up the cement mixer and prepared cement and then went around cementing the dwarf walls into place. First time around we ran out of cement so we made another load and this time we had a huge amount left over so Rachel and I set about using the excess to point the walls of the Granary, taking in hand the one item which the surveyor’s report had indicated as something which should be done.
Then we walked the dogs and ended up speaking with Chris who is in charge of the work at the bridge which is being repaired between our house and Duns. He is clearly an expert on everything to do with stones and he recommended that we use a mixture of four parts sand to one part cement, that we use white sand and that we have a sponge in our hands at all times. We’ll take that advice next time.
We dined in the farmhouse at six before setting off for Cranshaws for the Maundy Thursday service at which Rachel was reading the Bible passages.
A picture of Cranshaws Kirk bathed in evening sunlight. I stopped to take the picture while Mum walked on towards the church
It was a lovely communion service and afterwards we drove back home through Duns, stopping at the Co-op to buy some Easter eggs. Back home Rachel and I watched the final part of 'Shetland', set partly in Fair Isle and partly in Luss Village Hall (masquerading as the Fair Isle Village Hall taken over as a police incident room).
On Newsnight I saw that there had been an official unveiling of the Kelpies – the two massive horses' heads on the Stirling to Edinburgh Road by the canal. It reminded me that I had seen them last week on my drive home from a meeting in Stirling. They looked stupendous.
Mix and I went for a late night walk and then retired to bed.
Wednesday 16th. April, 2014 – A day of bits and pieces
Spring has been heralded not only by the arrival of many birds but also by the appearance of more tractors than I have ever seen before. At one stage there were three working on this field just across the road from Mount Pleasant. I am looking forward to charting work on the fields around us during this year
Woke, walked Mix and had breakfast in the farmhouse. Started work in the summer house preparing the music for Arrochar this Sunday and then completed collecting together all of our tools and putting them in the tool chest in the Hen House. Digger borrowed the lawnmower and it wasn’t long before he was back to tell me that bolts had come loose and the lawnmower was disabled. In fact the bolt had got damaged by the cutter when it came out but I rescued it and Rachel took it with her when she went into Duns at lunch time and managed to get a duplicate which I fitted and Digger was able to continue with the grass cutting.
I lunched on rolls with cheese and pickled onions and then did a bit of sorting in the Hen House before spending some more time in the summer house (always having the radio on through the computer so that I could follow Durham’s cricket match against Northamptonshire, which turned into a real thriller, ending in a draw, with Durham requiring just one wicket to clinch victory.)
We dined at six and then Mum, Rachel and I went off to Berwick to attend the Holy Week Service which today was following the order used by the Anglican Church in Botswana. The service was led by an Anglican Vicar from Wearmouth who had superintended the diocesan link with Botswana over the last twelve years. The service was lively and the vicar was an able communicator. I loved being part of it and I loved the communion liturgy he presented to us.
We drove home and after watching a bit of television (another two episodes of the Killing – at this rate we will complete the film by Pentecost), we walked the dogs and retired to bed. (Should report that my parcel from Amazon eventually arrived today – I had complained to Amazon that it was two days late and Amazon have given me an extra month’s membership of Prime without charge: so it does pay to complain if service is not up to scratch.)
Should also report that after such beautiful weather yesterday, today was blustery and really quite cold and I was glad of my fleece when Rachel and I walked the dogs late in the afternoon. We saw that the work on the bridge is well up to schedule and, in fact, work has started on dismantling the scaffolding on the southern side of the bridge.
A picture of the bridge. It was after five but work is continuing and part of the scaffolding on this side of the bridge has already been taken down.
I handed Mix over to Rachel while I took the picture of the bridge. For some reason Mix took a dislike to being handed over to Rachel and she had a job holding on to him
It’s fun and every day is different here at Mount Pleasant.
Tuesday 15th. April, 2014 It feels like mid-summer
Not much of a picture, I know, but it reflects today. We have all been doing lots of odds and ends; the sun has been shining (look at that shadow), and the dogs have been looking on. In this picture Rachel is demolishing the bit of fence that still remains from the one which signally failed to survive the winds of autumn and winter – so that I can get into this area of the garden and cut the grass
Woke and got up in time for breakfast at nine. Rachel had already taken both dogs out for a walk. Tom arrived and in no time at all the edge of the new floor had been treated with silicone. We got out the lawn-mower and set it up (Tom making sure that there was exactly the right amount of oil in the machine). While Tom went off to pick up his grand-son, I drove Mum to Duns for her hairdressing appointment, picking up petrol for the mower on the way back.
I put the new tool-chest together and, with help from Rachel, moved it into the Hen House. Next we started the mower and used it until it jammed (just a simple mistake of thinking the highest setting was the lowest setting – Tom just shook his head and smiled).
I lunched while I watched the news while Rachel collected Mum from Duns; (Digger was away visiting the bank in Berwick and Olive worked on some Church accounts). Unfortunately a swallow had got into one of the barns while Digger was getting stuff out of it and so Tom had to read the riot act to the offending swallow (after which it meekly left the building). Rachel has now put up little notices on each barn advising swallows that there has been a change of policy and that while they are extremely welcome to nest in the exterior eaves of the barns, they should not venture inside. (The notices also serve to remind us to keep the doors closed.)
I spent a bit of time cutting grass around the summer house and then collecting tools for the tool chest, while Rachel varnished the floor in what will be her new loom room. And all the while the sun shone – it is a spectacular day; the kind of day which makes you glad to be alive (to be honest the kind of day which used to always happen when I had so much work to so and so I could never really enjoy. Well, now I can.)
Of course, we found time to walk the dogs and on the walk I took this picture of the white blossom which is all around us on the trees. Rachel tells me that it is crab apple. It may well be, but to me it is a sign that Spring is here and that Summer is on the way
We dined early and then Rachel, Mum and I went off to Berwick for the Holy Week service which today was based on the Scottish Episcopal Church’s Order. The lady priest stressed how different they were from their Presbyterian (and Anglican) colleagues and then started her service with a Metrical psalm – arguably one of Presbyterianism’s greatest gifts to the world church family – and ended her service with one of John Bell’s songs, perhaps a modern equivalent. Again, as with last night, I enjoyed the service based on John’s Gospel rather than the more traditional synoptic approach to Holy Week, and then we came back to Mount Pleasant where we watched some television (another two episodes of The Killing which is turning out to be another magnus opus) before it was time to walk the dogs and go to bed.
Monday 14th. April, 2014 – Monday in Holy Week and we make great progress
The afternoon has come to an end and the first half of the new floor in the barn has been installed. It may not look level but I promise you that it is and that everything else is off line! It is also exceedingly strong and will hold the loom with no problem at all. I think that it is a work of art
Up and walked Mix. The day dawned glorious – I have turned over in my mind whether that should be gloriously but have come to the conclusion that glorious is correct. If the day had dawned gloriously that would be a comment on how the day dawned but what I want to express is that when day dawned, the day that dawned was glorious. So now you know – and what is more important is that you catch an idea of how beautiful everything is today. The sun is shining the colours are bright, and Mum spent all morning outside either pottering in the garden or sitting in her seat.
Tom and I started work on fitting the flooring onto the beams in the big barn. We had done much of the basic work by lunch time when we went off to Pearson’s to collect some more supplies and to have lunch (leek and potato soup followed by Macaroni cheese, washed down with Ginger Beer). Working through the afternoon we got the floor totally completed by stopping time. Rachel, who had been out at Duns for much of the day, was going to varnish the floor but that has been put off until tomorrow because instead we had an early supper and then drove into Duns with Mum to attend a Monday in Holy Week Service (there isn’t one here).
I enjoyed the service (it was in the Anglican Parish Church but was based on a Norwegian Lutheran Communion Service), after which we came home and watched a bit of television (episodes two and three of The Killing with Mum and Olive) before walking Mix and retiring for the night. It has been a great day and the sunshine made it even greater.
(By the by, my Saturday order from Amazon arrived today – but the order I was expecting today didn’t arrive at all. I had Mum waiting for my Amazon order and a black gentleman arrived at the door. Mum went to speak to him and he said that he was making a delivery to Duns – he was clearly disconcerted because the road to Duns was closed and was looking for directions – ‘Are you from Amazon?’ asked Mum. ‘No,’ the gentleman replied, ‘I’m from Africa.’)
Sunday 13th. April, 2014 – Palm Sunday
At Church the fund-raising committee is plotting a circle of coins right around the building (a total of 255 feet). We have just begun
Today is Palm Sunday and, after showering, having breakfast and walking Mix, we set off for Gavinton Church (Rachel, Mum and I). At the door we received our Palm Cross, our Order of Service and our hymn book. The service consisted of two reflections and a litany (with, of course, prayers and appropriate Bible readings). The first reflection was on the theme of today, Palm Sunday, and contrasted the arrival of Jesus to Jerusalem with the almost simultaneous arrival of Pontius Pilate – the one to challenge and overthrow, the other to maintain and defend. Remembering that those who cried Hosanna later shouted Crucify, it was a challenge to remember where we stood. The litany, from a book by David Ogston, was a litany about people’s needs and the prayer to God to supply those needs – the idea of opening a window figured in the litany and this was picked up in the second reflection which invited us to meditate on three imaginary icons as windows into the events of Holy Week – Palm Sunday, the Crucifixion and the Harrowing of Hell – deliberately challenging us to think about these events because it is all too easy to go directly from Palm Sunday to Easter Day, missing out all that is in between.
After the service we joined the congregation for coffee and then, having dropped Mum off at home, we went off to Tweedmouth, to Halfords, to buy a tool chest in which to store all of the tools and equipment which we are accumulating. I had seen one at a bargain price on the internet and wanted to see what it looked like in reality. My surprise was that it was a half-again more expensive in the shop. I told the assistant that I thought I had seen it advertised so much cheaper on the internet web-site and he immediately said, ‘Let’s look and see’. It came up as I had thought and the assistant immediately said, ‘That's OK, you can have it for the internet price.’ Now that’s great, but what if I hadn’t looked at the internet last night? It’s like the railway ticket bought for me yesterday. If you don’t know what you are doing, you pay more. Surely that can’t be right. Anyway, now I have a tool chest which will fit under the stairs in the Hen House and will free the kitchen and the spare room from being tool depositories.
Sue’s birthday lunch
Back home, Sue and Scott came to join us all in the farmhouse for a lunch to celebrate Sue’s birthday. It was a lovely lunch, soup, ham with all the trimmings and birthday cake, washed down with wine and coffee. Afterwards we talked the afternoon away until it was time for Rachel to drive to Berwick for Evensong and Scott and Sue to return home. I took both dogs for a walk and at 7.30 p.m. we assembled in the Granary to watch Sunshine on Leith, a DVD which Scott had brought for Mum earlier in the afternoon. It was good and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I loved the final dance sequence on Princes Street but I did find myself wishing that some of the songs had a few more lyrics.
Later I walked Mix and retired to bed with my book. It is very light. I am fluctuating between the writings of the Venerable Bede and Edward Marston’s latest railway detective novel ‘A Ticket to Oblivion’. Tonight it is the latter (and I am enjoying it very much). Of course, I also kept my eye on the final round of the Augusta Masters (won in some style by Bubba Watson).
Saturday 12th. April, 2014 – Housework!
A view over the ploughed fields of Mount Pleasant in the distance, taken as I walked Mix this afternoon
Slept in until nine and then had a leisurely breakfast before starting work on the spare room in the Granary. I worked at it all day, stopping briefly for lunch, and then walked Mix along Bramble Avenue which is all green with Spring bursting out everywhere. I loved the yellow gorse and birds are singing from every tree.
I love the colour of the Gorse bushes – and they bring back so many memories. Perhaps the most vivid, and the least happy, is of the days when I was learning to play golf on the Alyth Golf Course. Every hole seemed to be lined with gorse, and every hole my ball seemed to end up in it – but it did look good
Back home, I fed Mix and then we welcomed Mum, Olive and Digger for a meal at the Granary to celebrate Olive’s retirement. We dined well – antipasto Italiano, spaghetti Bolognese, and some cheese and fruit to round everything off (well, we did follow that with coffee and grappa) – and then we watched the start of a DVD series which had been given to Olive by Jeff. It’s called The Killing and is in Danish with English subtitles. Already after just one episode, we are gripped.
We have reached the cheese stage in our meal in the Granary
After watching the conclusion of the third day of the Augusta Masters Golf, I walked Mix and went to bed. A good day.
I am to go to Glasgow to a meeting of the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum a week on Thursday. I asked Olive (who is an expert at these matters) to get me a cheap train ticket because a standard return from Berwick to Glasgow would cost me £70. She has got me a ticket to Glasgow for £5 and a return (during the rush hour) for £9 – but the £9 journey is first class! Not bad.
Less good was the service I received from DPD who deliver items for Amazon. They sent me a text to say that they would deliver a book between one and two pm. We waited but the delivery didn’t happen. Knowing the delivery was due I had Mum on stand-by looking out for the delivery but the time passed and eventually I got an email to say that they had tried to deliver the parcel and as no one was here they had left a card to say it couldn’t be delivered. No such card had been left, and no one had come to the farm house. I can be sure of that because there were five of us here all afternoon, and with three lively dogs on the premises it is just not possible for someone to come and us not to know about it. A couple of weeks ago, I came out to see a driver from DPD leaving the parcel by the gate and when I asked if I should sign for it he said it’s not necessary. Why did it become necessary on this occasion? No, the driver just didn’t come and has pretended we weren’t at home.
Now, I don’t really mind if a parcel can’t be delivered – it may be that the driver couldn’t find the way because one of the local roads is closed; or it may be that something else occurred. The company did contact us to say the parcel wasn’t being delivered. What I object to is getting an email saying the parcel couldn’t be delivered because there was no one here, and saying that a card had been left with us when that wasn’t true. Normally we get good service from delivery firms here in the Borders, I’m hoping that this is just a one off..... And that's Victor Meldrew signing off for tonight! (and I have emailed DPD to say how displeased I am.)
Friday 11th. April, 2014 Progress under attack!
Rachel unveils a new kilt in the Red Fraser tartan. For the past three days it has been under weights being pressed. Today it was revealed, packed and dispatched to its owner for whom it will provide three generations of wear
Up and walked Mix along with Rachel and Rowan. Enjoyed breakfast in the farmhouse with Mum. Digger was driving Olive to Berwick to catch a train to Burntisland where she was to help a congregation with their annual accounts. Rachel was getting ready to go to Duns to send off a kilt which she has just completed. It looks really smart.
Tom arrived and the first thing we saw was a swallow – we just got our defences completed in time and, in fact, all morning we were bombarded by swallows who were trying to fight their way into the barn on which we were working. It really was like being under attack.
Progress was good. We have half of the floor fitted with beams – this is a lengthy process as every beam has to be levelled both with itself and with all of the other beams. But by the end of the afternoon we had the first half completed and on Monday we shall start to put the floor down on this part of the barn.
The picture shows Digger giving us a line to enable us to position the first floor board so that it will run into the corner of the barn which we have not yet built up. Everything about the barn is off the square, so nothing is quite as easy as we had imagined. But, once it is finished, everything will look superb. The height of the beams from the floor at the middle of the barn shows the variations of floor level (the beams are sitting on the floor in the right hand corner of the barn)
I stopped at lunch time and made myself a pizza and, at the end of the afternoon, Mix and I went for a walk before supper. Rachel and Mum were off to Galashiels in the afternoon – they explored where we used to live and Rachel collected some travelling rugs which were being washed after coming off the loom.
When Mix and I walked down past the bridge this afternoon it was clear that the workers have made great progress with rebuilding the bridge. The other parapet was worked on first and now this northern parapet is all but complete and is looking really good. They have done well
In the evening we watched some television (the final episode of Silk – rather sad) before walking the dogs and retiring to bed.
We are making progress – and it is fun.
Thursday 10th. April, 2014 – A leisurely trip to Stirling
Friday, April 11, 2014, 12:02 AM
I took this picture of Stirling Castle from King’s Park in Stirling – the park is close to where my meeting was held this afternoon and as I arrived early I had time for a wander before the meeting began
There was a leisurely feel to everything today. I got up in a leisurely manner, I enjoyed a leisurely shower, I had a leisurely breakfast and I walked Rowan and Mix together – the two of them combining to ensure that the walk was extremely leisurely as they played and discovered and explored together.
Mid morning I set off for Stirling and, as I was in no hurry, I experimented by driving to Greenlaw and then up the A68 to Edinburgh, something I hadn’t done before. I was early when I arrived at the Laurelhill Business Park and so I went for a walk in the King’s Park – well equipped with tennis courts, a skateboarding arena, play-park and much more.
The meeting I was attending was the management committee of the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum and after a sandwich lunch we got down to business. Much of our discussion centred around the plans for the full forum meeting in Glasgow in a fortnight’s time and around the plans for the Scottish Pilgrimage Gathering in Fife later in the year but there are a great number of other things going on as well: the adoption of a new constitution, an examination of funding opportunities, pilgrim route development and so on. These are exciting times for pilgrimage in Scotland.
I drove home down the A1 and arrived just before seven thinking I had to drive Mum to a meeting of the WRI, but she had made other arrangements. I dined with Olive and Digger (Rachel was away singing in Berwick) and then I watched a bit of television (an old episode of Silk) before walking Mix and retiring to bed. Tomorrow it is back to work with Tom (I suspect that the cement will now have hardened and we can get on with flooring the barn). I also learned that the first swallow had been seen in Mount Pleasant today – the very day after we had completed our defences. We’ll see how they measure up.
It has been a happy day.
Wednesday 9th. April, 2014 – Olive’s last day at work
Wednesday, April 9, 2014, 11:36 PM
This morning over breakfast we were discussing Edrom. None of us knew where is was but its name had come up twice in recent weeks. Once we were told that we lived in the parish of Edrom and on a second occasion we were told that we came under the catchment area of the Edrom Community Council. So on our way for wood this morning Tom and I drove to Edrom which turns out to be a tiny village almost three miles from Duns along the Chirnside road and then off to the left. We saw the old Manse and visited the Church where we learned that the parish of Edrom was established in the early twelfth century and granted to St. Cuthbert’s monks based in Lindisfarne or Durham. This was confirmed by King David I in 1139 and the original church was built shortly afterwards.
By the end of the fourteenth century the church was controlled by Coldinham Priory. A new chapel (which still remains) was added in 1499 by Archbishop Blackadder.
Most of the present church was rebuilt in 1732 and in 1886. It was good to see it from the outside – sometime soon we hope to visit its interior.
Up early and drove Olive to Berwick to catch her train to Dundee for the last time (for her present employment at any rate). Back home, Mix and I went straight to the summer house where I completed the music for Arrochar and sent it off by email to Jamie. Then I finally completed captioning the photographs which I put on this blog on 2nd. April. They are the pictures which document my visit to Bede’s World last week – a visit which made a big impression me and have led to me spending quite a bit of time since then reading about the life and times of Bede.
These tasks completed there was still time for Mix and I to go for a long walk before breakfast in the farmhouse at nine.
Tom arrived and we completed our assessment of what required to be done to make the barns swallow-proof. (I like swallows but the damage they will do to our possessions if they are allowed to nest alongside them is unbelievable. I said to Tom that I was feeling guilty about it and he remarked that why didn’t I make a nice little nest in the house for the farmyard rats to set up home? I have ordered ten swallow-nesting-boxes which we will fit up under the eaves to make the swallows feel welcome after their long journey from southern climes.)
We went off to Pearsons to buy wood and screws (visiting Edrom on the way) and then we boxed in all of the barn ventilators to ensure their security. Finally we went around filling in any holes with plastic bubble-wrap which we will then cover over with cement when we have the cement mixer in operation in the next few days.
Everything was completed by around four at which point Tom went home to get ready for his bee keeper’s meeting this evening. I got washed and settled down in the summer house to get ready for the meeting I am attending tomorrow in Stirling -- it is a meeting of the executive of the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum.
Soon it was time to drive to Berwick and collect Olive who is now officially retired. We had a lovely meal in the farmhouse (preceded by Champaign in honour of the retirement) and then retired to the Granary. We will celebrate Olive’s retirement more fully at the weekend but this evening she is tired and anxious to catch up on her lost sleep!
Back in the Granary we watched an episode of Inspector Gently followed by the News. There is becoming more and more discussion about the Referendum – that’s good – but so much of it seems to be predicated on the assumption that were there to be a yes vote then somehow Scotland and the rest of the UK would become almost enemies. The thing which has struck me when I have visited Scandinavia, for example, is how countries work in partnership together. Whatever the result of the referendum I would hope that Scotland and the rest of the United Kingdom continue to work in partnership and regard each other as the friends we undoubtedly are. Wishing to work in partnership and wishing to have control of one’s own country to adopt one’s own policies on, for example, social provision and equality, do not seem to me to be mutually exclusive. We need to continue to have the debate but without the threats from either side – not least because such threats always seem to backfire against the party, whichever it is, that makes them.
I walked Mix and went to bed. I have really enjoyed today.
Tuesday 8th. April, 2014 – a change of plan
Tuesday, April 8, 2014, 10:56 PM
A picture of Tom on my new ladder fixing the ventilation shaft on the roof of one of the barns
I awoke this morning in the middle of a very confusing dream. I haven’t a clue what it was about (I couldn't even remember any of the details) but it felt as if it had been going on all night and didn’t seem to make much sense.
I got up and walked Mix before breakfast and then met with Tom. Our plan had been to start to fix the floor beams in the large barn but unfortunately the cement had not cured, so that will have to wait until later. This challenged us to think about our timetable. We were rushing on, in part, so that once the floor had been laid we could move everything from the other large barn into this one and so secure everything from the damage done by the swallows who are due to arrive before very long. We decided that instead of doing this we would try to make the other barn ‘swallow proof’. The first thing we did was to unpack my new ladder, discovering in the interim that the ladder was damaged (with a hole in the aluminium not far from the base). We telephoned the company who immediately agreed to collect it on Thursday and deliver another one in its place.
With the ladder we examined first the ventilation sections of the roof. At present these are protected (inadequately) with wire netting. We accessed the one ventilation area which could only be got at from the main road and, taking advantage of the fact that the road is closed at present, we boxed it in with wood. Tomorrow we will buy additional wood so that we can do the same things for the other side of that barn and for the other large barn.
Next we uncovered all of the pipe ventilators in the exterior walls of the barn and stuffed them with plastic bubble wrap. Next time we have the cement mixer in operation we will complete that task. We checked the windows and made a temporary closing for the door. Another task which will be completed tomorrow. Finally I went on line and ordered ten swallow nesting boxes so that we can fit these under the eaves of the different barns and provide accommodation for the birds we will have made homeless on their return from Africa. That seems fair to me.
Tom went off to collect a bit for his trailer and I welcomed Robin and Helen, my friends from Bishopbriggs days. We had a picnic lunch in the summer house, I showed them around our projects, and then we went for a walk across the bridge and down one of the local country lanes. The sun was shining brightly and it was a lovely walk. Back home we discovered that Jim, a friend of Mum’s (and of mine) from Dundee days, was visiting. We all had afternoon tea together in the Granary before first Jim and then Robin and Helen set off for home.
I came across to the summer house to start work on the music for Arrochar next Sunday and soon it was time for our evening meal after which Rachel and I retired to the Granary and relaxed in front of the stove (and the television. We watched Shetland, which included a scene filmed in the village hall at Luss -- although the village hall was masquerading as the village hall in Fair Isle). It has been another very good day.
Walked Mix and went to bed.
Monday 7th. April, 2014 – The work begins (and the cricket season begins at Durham)
Monday, April 7, 2014, 11:03 PM
My ‘new’ cement mixer (bought at a recent agricultural market) was in action for the first time today
I was up early today, leaving Mount Pleasant by six-thirty to get Olive to Berwick in time for her train. Still, this is her second last day at work.
Back home I walked Mix and then we went for breakfast in the farmhouse. Soon afterwards Tom arrived and we started work. The task for today was to build dwarf walls on which to set the beams on which will be laid the floor for the big barn. So I learned several new skills including how to operate a cement mixer, the quantities of sand and cement to use and how to tip it all into a wheel-barrow. I learned how to cement the cement blocks onto the floor against the wall and how to point the walls in the barn; and I learned how to clean the cement mixer when we were finished! All of this took most of the day – we did stop for coffee with Mum at the end of the morning shift and Rachel, Tom and I spent a wee while in the summer house at the end of the day, but otherwise we were hard at it. Now we have the beams all cut to size and, provided that the cement has set by tomorrow, we shall start the day by setting out the beams. It has been a satisfying day.
I had wondered about going down to Durham today to be present at the first day of the cricket season (Durham are playing the university) however I was glad I didn’t as the day’s play was washed out without a ball being bowled. Our season is one day old and we have already lost a whole day’s play! I hope that this isn’t an omen of all that is to come this summer.
I walked Mix and had a shower before supper and then I watched the final of University Challenge before setting off to Berwick to collect Olive and bring her home. (The train was late so I had a chance to watch the Panorama programme about bailiffs mistreating people with parking fine arrears. It was a horrifying programme.) Before bed I watched Rev on the television and I walked Mix. Another good day.
Sunday 6th. April, 2014 – The Fifth Sunday of Lent and we visit another church
Sunday, April 6, 2014, 10:37 PM
Here we are, Mum, Tom and Rachel, outside Cranshaws Kirk in the tiny and fairly remote village of that name
Up and showered before walking Mix and breakfasting in the farmhouse. We then set off for Cranshaws not really knowing how long it would take to get there. In fact we were in good time and we had a moment or two to have a look around before the service started.
The Church is an ancient building beside a tiny village which appeared to us to consist of a church, a village hall, the manse and just two or three houses. Everything seemed to be very old. I took some photographs:
This is a picture of the door through which we entered Church. If only it could speak it would have many a tale to tell
A view of the Church from the back. I was struck by how well cared-for the building is. I’m told that one of the local farmers makes sure that it is kept in really good condition
This royal crest is on the wall on the opposite side from the pulpit. I was told this morning that it is in the care of the Lord Lyon King of Arms and that it goes back to the visit of King James IV before Flodden. King James was taken aback that the minister neglected to pray for his royal personage and had this crest installed as a perpetual reminder of his (the preacher’s) responsibilities. (I noted that we did not pray for royalty in the service this morning)
An offering bag lying on the communion table – what’s special about this is that I was told that the offering bags in use here were donated by the Reverend George Matheson, the blind Church of Scotland minister who lived between 1842 and 1906 and who wrote ‘Make me a captive, Lord’ and ‘O Love that wilt not let me go’. I wonder what was his connection with Cranshaws?
There was a good attendance at the service. Up until now we have had a service at Gavinton and then, twice a month, there has been a service later on at Cranshaws. However, slipping attendances at Cranshaws had put the future of worship there at doubt. The solution agreed was to have only one service every Sunday: on the first Sunday at Cranshaws and on the second, third and fourth Sundays at Gavinton. If it keeps this little church alive I will be happy to make the journey here once a month.
In the old days this would have been Passion Sunday and Ann presented us with the traditional lectionary readings for today, including Ezekiel’s vision of the valley of dry bones and John’s account of the raising of Lazarus (on which she spoke, challenging us to respond to Jesus' question to Martha, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?’)
After the service we shared in coffee at the back of the Church – it was just like being back at Arrochar!
There is always a happy hubbub after a service when things have gone well and everyone is content
We drove home, visiting the Co-op on the way, and soon it was time to lunch in the farmhouse. Sundays are excellent!
In the afternoon, while Rachel worked on her kilt, I watched cricket in the summer house. The English women had already lost out to Australia in the women’s final of the T20 cup and in the men’s final between Sri Lanka and India, Sri Lanka deservedly came out on top – it was good because some of their best players were playing their final matches before retiring from this form of the game.
It was an afternoon of sport, Great Britain lost their quarter-final match in the Davis Cup (Andy Murray just wasn’t good enough on this occasion), Lewis Hamilton won the Malayan Grand Prix, Oxford won the boat race after a clash of oars which broke part of the rigging in the Cambridge boat, and (keeping the best until last) Raith Rovers won the Ramsden Cup defeating Rangers 1 – 0 in the final after extra time. It was all very exciting! (In the middle of it all, Peter and Veronica arrived on their motor bike to visit Digger and Olive.) Rachel and I enjoyed afternoon tea with cream cakes in the Granary.
Rachel went off to the evening service at the Anglican Church in Berwick and on her return we had supper together and watched a bit of television. (The latest episode of Endeavour which was genuinely intriguing and quite fun. I also watched the News both on ITV and on BBC. On neither did it mention either that the England women’s team had been runner up in the T20 world cup, nor that Sri Lanka had won the T20 world cup – strange.)
It has been a lovely day – a relaxing day, and a happy day. But this week is going to be a busy one and a hard-working one.
Saturday 5th. April, 2014 – A retirement kind of a day
Saturday, April 5, 2014, 11:37 PM
This afternoon we went for a walk along the disused railway line not far from where we live. We’d been here before but the dogs seem to enjoy it and I like to look over the surrounding fields, some with animals in them, some with crops
Slept in this morning – not at all by accident, I told the farmhouse folk not to expect me for breakfast before going to bed last night. I got up about ten-thirty and made my way to the summer house where I read a book and listened to some music, notably Mozart’s oboe quartet which I had so enjoyed last night.
I joined Rachel for a spot of lunch in the Granary (oatcakes and cheese) while Rachel was working on a couple of kilts which are nearing completion. Then it was back to the summer house to read and listen to music – it is my absolute idea of being retired and it is almost the first day I have had the opportunity to do it (and with the swallows forecast to arrive in a fortnight or so I really should have been working).
I met Olive’s friends, Simon and Peter, who had come to see her about their accountancy exams and I had coffee with Mum and the others in the farmhouse and then, later in the afternoon, Rachel and I packed the dogs into the car and drove up to the old railway line where we went for a wander before popping in to the Co-op on the way home and buying some bits and pieces for supper tomorrow.
We all dined together in the summer house and afterwards we watched last week’s episode of Endeavour so that we are all set for tomorrow’s instalment.
Afterwards I walked Mix and retired to bed. It has been a lovely day and I have enjoyed every moment of it. Unfortunately I haven’t yet been retired long enough not to feel just a tiny bit guilty at having a day of such self-centred relaxation and indulgence, but then, why else did I build my summer house? And this week is going to be a busy one.
I got this envelope enclose a guitar capo I ordered from Amazon a few days ago. It came all the way from China (I had no idea I was ordering from China) but it was the custom declaration that caught my eye. It declares to the customs officers that it is a gift – well, I certainly paid for it – and it declares that what is in the envelope is a Card Charger. It certainly isn’t. It was the guitar capo I ordered and paid for in the usual way. I might have expected this from ebay but I was surprised to discover this from Amazon.
Friday 4th. April, 2014 – A day of bits and pieces
Friday, April 4, 2014, 11:35 PM
The new (and first of many) floor-beam may not look horizontal – but it is absolutely so, as the spirit-level proves (it is just that everything else is off-line)!
Up and went to breakfast with Marie and Robbie in the farmhouse. Tom arrived to join us, as did Rachel. It was another rotten day with continuous rain during the morning. After breakfast Robbie and Marie set off for home, we had enjoyed having them with us enormously.
Soon afterwards the lorry arrived with our supplies from Pearsons. We got it unloaded and then spent some time getting things into the barn. By the time we got the first floor beam positioned (above) it was time to stop for lunch. Tom went off home as he had to change and go to an appointment in the afternoon. I joined Digger and Olive in the farmhouse and met their friends Alice and Susan who were visiting.
After some lunch in the Granary, ( the left-overs of a cheese and bean pie), I went out to the summer house and prepared the music files for the service at Arrochar this Sunday. I also got a file from Rachel to send to Luss.
As Tom was not coming back today, I walked Mix (with Rachel and Rowan) and went for a hot shower before changing and setting off for Berwick with Rachel to visit the Maltings where we had a drink in the bar. We were the first customers in the bar so I took a picture which catches something of the atmosphere of the place. It is very theatrical and quite cosy as well:
We made our way into the studio theatre where we listened to the Royal Northern Sinfonia present an excellent programme. It started with Purcell’s Fantasias for String Quartet and Mozart’s Oboe Quartet in F major, K370 and the second half consisted of Schubert’s String Quartet in D minor, ‘Death and Maiden’. It was an excellent programme, superbly performed and I loved it.
I took this picture before the performance began. The little theatre was full and the tabs had been drawn back so that there was quite a lot of natural light. We could see out of the windows to the right of the auditorium and it made everything a bit more airy
We drove home and Rachel made us some spaghetti which we ate while watching the most recent episode of Shetland. After the glories of the music I think that I dozed during the television programme but I woke up to walk Mix before making my way to bed. It has been a good day.
Thursday 3rd. April, 2014 – Poor weather, good company
Friday, April 4, 2014, 12:32 AM
I had never (to my knowledge) been to St. Abb’s Head before. Here I was looking down on the harbour. It was an enchanting little village
Rose and walked Mix before breakfast. Tom arrived and he and I set off for Pearson’s while Rachel and Dorothy set off for Berwick and a day in the glass studio. Tom and I bought more Calor gas, some sand and cement and ordered more wood beams, flooring and cement blocks which we will start to use tomorrow.
Tom set off for home and I loaded Mum, Robbie and Marie into my car and we set off for a day’s adventure. The weather was wet and, frankly, horrible, but we were determined not to let that discourage us. We drove first of all to Reston, a small village close to Berwick. It was here that Mum used to have a holiday home. We found the house which is now up for sale so we were able to peer into the windows and have a look around. It brought back happy memories to Mum which she shared with Marie and Robbie as I drove on.
As there was no-one about we crept into the garden of Mum’s old house and I took this picture of her
We came to Eyemouth, parked at the harbour and went for a walk along the front and then through the town, ending up back at the harbour where we enjoyed an excellent lunch in The Contented Sole. I had scampi (in batter) and chips, followed by black forest gateaux with ice cream and chocolate sauce. Wonderful. We left contented and drove on.
I suspect that this stall might have been open had the weather been a little better – but then I might not have had the opportunity of photographing Mum, Marie and Robbie with an Eyemouth prawn
We drove through Coldingham (site of an ancient Priory) and came to St. Abb’s. We visited the relatively new Visitor Centre (opened in 2011) and looked down at the little harbour and the seas all around.
Mum, Robbie and Marie above the little harbour at St. Abb’s
Getting back into the car we drove to Berwick where we made for a little cafe called Thistle Do Nicely. The reason for our visit is that it is run by the son of a friend of Marie’s. I dropped my three passengers at the door and went off to park the car. On my return I found them ensconced in the cafe. What I wasn’t aware of was that they had found the cafe closed but knocked on the window to gain admittance – the cafe had closed early because of the atrocious weather but was happy to open up again for Marie!
Robbie, Marie and Mum in the Thistle Do Nicely – clean plates and empty cups: we had done extremely nicely, thank you (you can tell that my photographic activity was beginning to wear everyone down)!
From here, with coffee and chocolate cake inside me, I drove on to Duns where we looked at our town and bought some wine before returning home via Gavinton so that we could visit Tom and Dorothy and meet their goats and hens. Robbie and Marie were delighted to see Tom and Dorothy’s home and were fascinated by all that they are doing. Finally we showed them our church at Gavinton before coming back home.
Dorothy feeding her goats
Dorothy showing off her first piece of glass art
I walked Mix, lit the fire, drove Mum into Duns to attend a performance of Me and My Gal in which her hairdresser was appearing, and then had supper with Marie, Robbie, Digger and Olive. (Rachel had returned from her glass-making day but was now back in Berwick singing in the choir). Afterwards I had a long chat with Robbie (putting the world to rights as we had always done in the past) and then we all watched Question Time together in the Granary before Rachel and I walked the dogs. It had been a superlative day.
Wednesday 2nd. April, 2014 – Another really lovely day
After my day at Bede’s World yesterday, perhaps it was overkill to spend part of today at the Lindisfarne Priory museum. Maybe so, but I thoroughly enjoyed it
Rose very early and Mix and I drove Olive into Berwick at 6.30 a.m. After today Olive will have only two further such journeys to make – next Monday and next Wednesday – and then she will be retired, like the rest of us.
Back home, I walked Mix with Rachel and Rowan; and then I started putting on to this blog some of the photos which I took yesterday. They are aid memoires for me rather than works of art and over the next few days, whenever I get the opportunity, I will add captions to the pictures.
We breakfasted at nine and soon afterwards Robbie, Marie, Rachel and I (with Rowan in the back and Mix staying at the farmhouse) set off by car for Lindisfarne. Mum stayed behind because she was going to her book club with Ann, our minister.
Rachel (and Rowan), Marie and Robbie enjoying a blustery day in the Priory on Lindisfarne
We enjoyed Lindisfarne, driving across the causeway, visiting the Church of St. Mary, the Priory and the Priory museum run by Historic Scotland. The museum and Priory had only opened for the season yesterday but already things were in full swing with lots of visitors on the island. I enjoyed the Priory – it must have been such an impressive building before it was destroyed – and I enjoyed the interpretation in the museum. There was a good little shop as well with some excellent books.
Marie and Robbie are caught up in the exhibition within the museum
We set off to look at one of the more touristy shops – a strange mixture of quality (pottery) and tat (plaques with messages on them and the usual things inscribed with your name); but it was clearly doing well and knew its market.
Back across the causeway we made our way to the Barn at Beal where we enjoyed a lovely lunch. The soup (sweet potato and pepper) was just what was required: warming, full of taste and with a real tang to it. The Haddock and chips was enormous.
From here we drove first to Bamburgh to look at the castle and from there through Seahouses to the farm of a very good friend of Marie and Robbie’s. Driving into the farm yard we saw Frazer’s son, Craig who recognised Marie and directed us to where his father was fixing a fence. We drove on up and left Marie and Robbie with their friend for an hour or so while we went off and walked Rowan and explored Seahouses (Rachel walked Rowan, I explored Seahouses). On our return Frazer insisted on welcoming us into his home and then to showing us his ancient Massie-Ferguson tractor, now totally restored and gleaming and, I would imagine, in better shape than when it was new. It was obviously his pride and joy.
While Rachel and I were entertaining Rowan we found this house by the sea in a little village just south of Seahouses. It seemed quite unusual, certainly worthy of a photograph
We drove home to Mount Pleasant in time for a late cup of tea before I had to set off for Berwick to collect Olive and bring her home in time for dinner – another super meal. Marie showed us a photo-book which their granddaughter had made showing pictures of their twenty-years of marriage. This was followed up by some pictures on her photo-frame of the party they had had to celebrate that event in the Lodge on Loch Lomond at the start of February. It was good to see so many faces we knew so well.
Eventually we made our way back to the Granary – Mum, Marie, Robbie, Rachel and I – and we continued to talk until it was time for bed. It has been such a good day. Just time to walk the dogs before bed.
Wednesday 2nd. April, 2014 --- Some of the photos I took yesterday in Jarrow
Wednesday, April 2, 2014, 08:40 AM
This fine sign welcomes the pilgrim to Bede's World and announces that this area, in the heart of one of England's poorest areas, was a candidate for World Heritage site status -- something it has not, as yet, achieved.
Bede's World museum was a millennium project and no expense was spared when, fourteen years ago, the centre was built and opened by the Queen.
This is the little shop for visitors. There is information about Bede and his world and some interesting craft kits encouraging the visitor to make a stained-glass window or engage in ecclesiastical tapestry.
The imposing reception area, made human by the friendliness of the staff.
This display case in inside Jarrow House, next door to the museum and used by the staff as office accommodation (and much more). Jarrow house was originally the home of the Temple family but at some stage in its later development the family who owned the house encouraged the manufacture of wooden toys to provide employment for those who otherwise wouldn't have had work. This case displays some of those toys.
Across the park from Bede's World is St. Paul's Church, the faith community part of the partnership celebrating the life and insights of the Venerable Bede. In this picture children spending a day at Bede's World are being shown around the remains of the monastery which was built on this site.
This is the Church of St. Paul founded by Benedict Biscop in AD 681 and home, for most of his life, to Bede.
A view of the little shop within St. Paul's Church. I bought two booklets about the life of Bede -- and the lady who served me was extremely helpful and welcoming.
This is looking across the modern chancel and altar into the oldest part of the Church where you can just see some of the young folk who are learning about life in a medieval monastery.
A carving of Bede which sits in St. Paul's Church.
The oldest part of St. Paul's Church going right the way back to the seventh century.
This is the entrance to Bede's World. The museum was created as a millennium project at the start of this century. It is a splendid building, purpose-built as a museum to tell both the story of Bede and to interpret his life for a modern audience.
The exterior of Jarrow House which sits right next to Bede's World and which is used as offices and to house some of the projects associated with Bede's World, including its café and radio station.
The house was built around 1785 and was the family home of the Temple family. Today it is owned by the local authority and is leased to Bede's World.
Bede's World is beautifully presented. An example of that presentation is this model setting out how everything might have looked in Bede's time.
The link with the local faith community is clearly important as this display telling the story of St. Paul's Church illustrates.
Blessed with a number of outbuildings, the staff of Bede's World have been able to provide much-needed facilities for the community. This building has been turned into an artists' studio which provides space for up to six artists and allows them to develop their talent and work through the stage from training to standing fully on their own feet. The artists using the space are obviously talented and in seeking to develop skills in this way the staff of Bede's World are both following in the tradition of Bede and the monastic world, and providing opportunities for people in an area of very high unemployment.
Another view of the same studio. I was struck by the diversity of the art which is being produced.
This is the shell of a hugely exciting project which is about to swing into action. This time next year it will house an Anglo-Saxon boat similar to those with which Bede was familiar. Jarrow is, of course, a port and boats have always played a part in its story. A year has been spent finding the right timber, a tradesman has been identified, commercial sponsorship has been found and work is about to start in earnest.
Part of Bede's World is this Anglo-Saxon village designed to give visitors a real idea and feel for what life was like in the time of Bede. So walking out the back of the museum I found myself transported back into the 8th. century. Staff wear the costume of the period and the animals in the farm which is part of the village are those which would have been here in those far off times.
What adds to the specialness of this site is that it is built on reclaimed land donated to the project by Shell. It is an excellent example of a conservation project.
From the fence to the animals themselves -- Bede would feel at home were he to walk around today. More importantly, school children on one of the many trips to Bede's World are immediately helped to understand what life was like in 8th. century England.
This is the equivalent, I suppose, of the village hall! There is a picture in yesterday's entry of the interior of this building which is used as a storytelling room. The walls are wattle and the roof is thatched and, I'm told, that it is right in period for Bede. Evidently it was built to the specifications provided by archaeologists who were quite keen that, once built, it was allowed just to fall down so that they could monitor its decay. I am so glad that the present management are continuing to restore all of these 'Anglo-Saxon' buildings so that we continue to have this window on how life used to be in Bede's time.
It was also archaeological investigations that discovered that there used to be an amphitheatre near to the monastery. As a result this amphitheatre was created with this little covered stage as part of it. All kinds of different performances are presented here some of which are totally different from anything Bede would have understood (electronic music not having been invented then)!
This cross was designed and carved by Keith Ashford in 1996-7 and was inspired by eighth century Northumbrian stone crosses such as those at Bewcastle and Ruthwell.
Behind the cross, which stands above the Anglo-Saxon village, you can see the modern-day docks of Newcastle and Jarrow.
I took this picture of Kathy and Mike while they were showing me around their Anglo-Saxon village. Mike is the director of Bede's World and together Mike and Cathy are responsible (with their large team of staff and volunteers) for making Bede's World the exciting and challenging place it is.
This picture catches two of the exciting things about Bede's World. The first is the scale of the exhibits that's self-evident from the picture) and the second is how hands-on everything is. The central display challenges children to make choices and to learn from their experience.
The two adult figures disappearing around the corner give a good idea of the scale of this figure from Anglo-Saxons times.
And again, this Northumbrian Cross is on a grand scale.
This is one of four alcoves devoted to Bede the Historian, Bede the Teacher, Bede the Poet and Bede the Scientist. Each allows the visitor to sit and listen to the writing of Bede and shows the huge breadth of his study over the years he was a monk in the monastery here.
Now we have moved into the conference room which today is being used by a school party to enjoy their packed lunches. Parties of children are a huge market for Bede's World and I was able to see at first hand the enjoyment that children gained from their time at the centre.
On the wall of the conference room I spotted this tapestry, one of many produced by a local group who come and meet in Bede's World. There is so much going on and so many skills are being taught, learned and shared.
Now we are in the radio studio -- Hive Radio -- and yes, I did see real bee-hives on site as well. The radio station is an internet radio station which broadcasts live for about twenty hours each week and has been running for fifteen months. Some of their programmes are music based, others talk about the work of Bede's World, perhaps about the charging points for electric cars in their car park, perhaps about their weaving, spinning and calligraphy groups, perhaps about the story of Bede, perhaps about their plans for the future. They have a wonderful story to tell.
The staff member responsible for the radio is completing a degree in broadcasting -- an example of the commitment of Bede's World to staff development. It is very much a people-centred place.
And finally, their café where people meet and talk over a cup of tea or coffee -- and again this provides employment and training in an area where both are certainly required.
Tuesday 1st. April, 2014 – An exciting visit
A picture of the exterior of Bede’s World in Jarrow where I spent the majority of today
Up early and walked the dog before Scott arrived to collect me at eight and drive me down to Jarrow (we arrived at about quarter to ten) where we visited Bede’s world. Bede is one of the most important scholars of his time, being born in 673 and living in Jarrow at the monastery of St. Peter and St. Paul until his death in 735. Most people remember him as a historian but he was much more than that as he was responsible for the encouragement of music, stained-glass and design during his time in the monastery, and his studies earned him recognition as a scientist as well.
The purpose of my visit was to speak with Mike and Kathy of Bede’s world and to meet with Sheila from the Church of St. Paul, and to talk to them about the Green Pilgrimage network.
I was shown around the facilities and all the while in my mind I was ticking boxes – in fact that’s not true at all because I was far too enthused and excited by all that I was shown to think about boxes but, reflecting on the day, there were so many to be ticked.
Bede’s World in its present form started as a millennium project with a massive injection of funding to create an appropriate centre to remember the world of Bede and to encourage people today to think about the values which he held dear so many centuries ago. In a sense, of course, the project is much, much older because the Church of St. Paul, built on the site of one of the former monasteries has been telling and celebrating the story for generations.
Today, both partners, secular and faith communities, work together and so it was appropriate that, after coffee and chat with Sheila, Mike and Kathy, we walked across the park to St. Paul’s Church where I was shown the ruins of the old monastery before being taken into the church where I met a whole class of youngsters dressed as medieval monks who were learning about life in a monastery. This was a group who were spending the day at Bede’s World and who were now in the ancient church as part of their experience. So partnership is clearly important.
In the oldest part of the ancient church (going right back to the time of Bede) a group of school children were enjoying learning something of the life of a medieval monk
Having visited the church we walked back to the museum where I was shown so many different things – the large ‘city’ farm built on land reclaimed from industrial use and donated by Shell (we are right next to the huge port of Newcastle) – this is all about conservation. But it wasn’t just a city farm, it was a farm designed to reflect farming in Anglo-Saxon times and there were other buildings as well, including the story telling hut and an amphitheatre, recently constructed to reflect what archaeologists had discovered of what was there in Bede’s time.
Inside the hut which is used by staff in costume to tell the ancient stories to the many people who come to visit
I went from there to the museum, a staggering collection of interpretation about an important time in the story of the United Kingdom and beautifully told. I am going to write in some depth about my visit and include many pictures but for today’s entry I want merely to highlight some of my initial observations.
Bede’s World doesn’t just talk the talk but it walks the way of Bede as well. You can’t visit the centre without coming away feeling that the values of Bede are being lived out by the community of twenty-five staff and their volunteers who make the centre buzz with activity and with concern for each other and for those who come to visit.
A central exhibit in the museum which gives some idea of the scale of what is on show. This is a life-size representation of monks working to build their monastery in the time of Bede – I love the wooden scaffolding
And this community does so much: there is a local radio station streamed through the internet and accessed through their web-site, they welcome groups of children from schools from all over the north east of England; they have groups for spinners and weavers, for calligraphers and artists and make space available for adult learning groups, they run a cafe and a shop. But there is much more, not least in the story they have to tell: In Bede’s time three massive copies of the Bible were hand-written by monks. One of these was taken to Italy, the intention being that it was given to the Pope. In fact it has ended up in a monastery near Florence and it is being returned to Jarrow this summer to be on show from May to September, the centre-piece for pilgrims who will make the journey to Bede’s world. By coincidence (if you are boring enough to believe in coincidence) the community in Italy is also a community which used to be a mining community (in their case mercury mining) and is sharing with Jarrow in celebrating their past as well as their working to build something new on the remains of what went before – it is all about conservation. A plan is in place to link several of these former mining areas throughout Europe and to create a St. Barbara’s pilgrimage route – St. Barbara being the patron saint of mining. There is already a Bede’s Way – a pilgrimage route which walks through the lands known to Bede and visits the places of importance to him.
Significantly, Bede’s World is working to become the first museum in the UK to be carbon neutral – they have their own market gardens which will soon assist their catering and plans are afoot to install solar panels to reduce power costs. In time they hope to become the first Green Museum under a programme launched by the Arts Council. There is so much more to record – about staff development (tomorrow eight of the staff are off to the British Museum in London to learn about the Pilgrim Badges which will be coming to the museum in Jarrow on loan); about the stories of the individuals who make up the project and the staff there. But the final thing I want to write tonight is that Museum is not the right word to use when talking of Bede’s World, or if it is, then my experience of museums is considerably out-dated (that is also probably true). This is a living vibrant community, working in partnership with the local faith community, with a story to tell and pilgrims and visitors to welcome, showing the story as it lives the values of Bede in a modern world – and in a very difficult community where poverty still remains part of most people’s lives. I was thoroughly impressed by all that I saw – and even more by those I met.
Scott and I drove home and I was in time to catch two friends of Digger’s (Liz and Ron -- Ron had been best man at Digger's brother's wedding, many years ago) who had been visiting. No sooner had they left than Marie and Robbie, our great friends, arrived from Luss. We shared coffee and a chat and then we showed them around our ‘estate’. We met for sherry in the lounge, dined in the farmhouse kitchen and then chatted in front of the stove in the Granary until after ten at which point our visitors retired to bed and we walked the dogs before making our own way to bed as well. What a wonderful day!
Monday 31st. March, 2014 – Back to the grind-stone
Monday, March 31, 2014, 10:49 PM
Most of the day was spent cleaning the inside of the roof of the barn – here Tom is on the scaffolding tower and Rachel is watching as he brushes the grime off the roof beams
I was up early today and set off for Berwick with Olive about twenty-five past six (concerned lest the fog of last night was still on the road). In fact there still was some fog but it wasn’t too bad as it began to get light. Having dropped Olive at the station (and checked that her train was running to time) I returned to Mount Pleasant where Mix and I set about the summer house before going for an early morning walk. Breakfast followed and then it was back to the summer house. (I suppose I need to explain why I seem to be always putting the summer house to rights. I get it sorted and then I bring another three or four boxes in and the process of absorbing what is in the boxes usually entails a total reorganisation. Maybe I am just not doing it right, but it seems to me to be worth the effort.)
Tom arrived mid-morning with his trailer filled with a scaffolding tower and with Dorothy. First of all Digger came and helped us by setting levels with his theodolite so that we can have a level floor in a very uneven building.
While Digger operates his theodolite Tom marks the levels on the walls. So long as we measure the same distance down from these marks around the barn, the new floor will be level
Once the levels had been marked we erected the scaffolding tower and tried to vacuum the roof space. Soon we gave up and attacked it instead with a brush on an extending pole. The roof beams are in very good condition and brushed off without too much problem. Several old bird’s nest had to be removed and bits of woodworm (very little) had to be treated but by the end of the afternoon it was all looking extremely good.
Tom is on the roof, all masked up, and Rachel is wielding her broom on the walls and on the floor. Now that everything is clean we shall start on building the new wooden floor
Tom and Dorothy went home for lunch and I dined on sausage and beans while I watched the conclusion of the debacle which was England’s defeat by the Netherlands in the T20 competition. England really did reach a new low today – and I know that it is only a game but six months ago we were the favourites to win the ashes in Australia and everything has fallen totally apart.
Tom, Rachel and I did more of the same this afternoon and, after Tom went home for tea, I completed the tidying of the summer house and went for dinner with Rachel, Digger and Mum in the farmhouse. Later in the evening I set off for Berwick and brought Olive home from her day of lecturing in Dundee. Once home I was glad to get to bed because I have another early start tomorrow, this time with Scott as we set off for Bede’s World, but that is tomorrow’s story.
Sunday 30th. March, 2014 – A Super day in every way
Sunday, March 30, 2014, 10:02 PM
A picture of the watering can filled with flowers which we gave to Mum for her garden room on mother’s day (Mix gave Mum some chocolate to make up for what he had earlier stolen)
Up at seven on my alarm clock (which was really six because of the hour change). I showered and then walked Mix down to the bridge and back before changing into something smart for Church which this morning (because it is the fifth Sunday of the month) was in the village hall at Longformacus. I was at Tom’s house by 8.40 and we were at the hall by nine – in plenty time to set up our music system and check that it was working well. Mum and Rachel arrived just before ten.
Before the service, after setting up the music, Tom and I wandered off to see the now disused Longformacus Church. Unfortunately the present owners of the estate in which it sits do not allow vehicular access to the Church, thus effectively strangling its use with the result that it has now been sold and services are held in the Village Hall
The congregation are assembling for the service in Longformacus Village Hall. It is an attractive hall and it is used by the Church occasionally on one of the months when there are five Sundays
There was a good congregation and the service was a meditation – using readings, words and music – based on five of the incidents in the Gospels in which Jesus met women. (The woman who touched Jesus’ cloak and was healed, the foreign woman who’s daughter was healed after she claimed Jesus’ attention on the basis that ‘even the dogs under the table eat the children’s leftovers’, the woman caught in adultery – ‘ let him who is without sin cast the first stone’, the widow who put her two coins into the Temple treasury, all that she had, and the woman who anointed Jesus’ head with precious ointment at Bethany during Holy Week.) The service then reached its climax with the admission of Tom to the Kirk Session of our Church. It was good.
After the service at which Tom was admitted to the Kirk Session. Tom is pictured with Dorothy, Rachel and Mum
After the service we were given coffee and cakes and then we stayed for the Stated Annual Meeting. There were several reports – finance, property, Session Clerk and Minister. The nub of the meeting is that we had a deficit last year and are projecting a similar one this year. In all we are expected to have a shortfall from income of £16,000 of which £12,000 will be able to be recouped from funds held in Edinburgh (after which the well will be dry but by which time we shall be linked with Duns).
Back home Olive had prepared an excellent meal – roast pork followed by rhubarb tart and custard. It was excellent (and the pork was covered with a superb rich pepper sauce). In the afternoon I worked away in the summer house dealing with the boxes which were transported here as a result of my clear-out of the lounge in the Granary yesterday. It is a constant battle but we make progress and there is still quite a lot to do in the summer house which I will complete early tomorrow. (Watched Australia being humbled by India in the T20 cricket – I was quite surprised.)
Dorothy, Rachel and Tom at the Lindisfarne Inn. Unfortunately by the time I remembered to take a photo we had eaten all of the food – but it was extremely good
We walked the dogs and then set off to collect Tom and Dorothy and drive them to the Lindisfarne Inn for a meal both to thank them for all of their help (particularly in emptying the large barn) and to celebrate Tom’s admission to the Kirk Session at Gavinton. We had an excellent meal, working our way through the menu, and then drove home in thick fog. It was good to be home where, after walking the dogs, we retired to bed. What a really good day!
Saturday 29th. March, 2014 – working – and on a Saturday too!
Saturday, March 29, 2014, 10:30 PM
It was misty when Mix and I had our late afternoon walk. During the day there had been sheep on the banks of the River Blackadder below out house but when we returned in the late afternoon all were heading off in the distance making their way home – and there didn’t appear to be anyone giving instructions, or even a sheep dog to be seen
Slept in until 8.30 at which time I got up and walked Rowan and Mix before breakfasting in the farmhouse. Immediately after breakfast Tom arrived and we had a gentle rehearsal of all of the music for the service tomorrow morning, after which we went off to the big barn to plan (again) what we were going to do with it and how we would go about it.
Then I ran Mum into Duns so that she could buy her paper (and some Easter cards – Duns is clearly not into Easter cards as there was little choice and what they had was difficult to find). I went to the Co-op to stock up on supplies and bumped into Digger who was making his first foray out of the house since his operation.
Back home I set about the task for today. The lounge had been filled with cardboard boxes. My task was quite simply to empty them and deal with their contents.
You can see many cardboard boxes – but many more are hiding under the piano
I worked at it all afternoon – it wasn’t all that unpleasant as I had a roaring fire in the stove and on the television I watched England against South Africa in the T20 competition. England came close – but they lost finally by just three runs.
There are still some items to deal with, but all of the ones for which I was responsible are now away from the lounge and sorted. That is quite a result.
Mix and I went for a walk. I was surprised to see that all of the sheep which were grazing along the banks of the Blackadder had turned and were together trooping off into the distance; presumably they were going home (perhaps they had heard the dinner gong) but it was a bit eerie to see so many animals all of one mind, making their way across the fields.
Up at the bridge Mix was extremely interested in the stones which have all been carefully set out before being built back into the bridge. The bridge was closed for eight weeks and we are now half-way through that period of time so I guess that they must be half-way through the work.
Back home we all dined together in the farmhouse. Afterwards Rachel and I returned to the Granary and watched a bit of television (Il Commissario De Luca on BBC 4 set in the late thirties in Rimini) before walking the dogs and retiring to bed – early tonight because we shall lose an hour as the clocks go forward an hour.
Friday 28th. march, 2014 – A really relaxed day
Friday, March 28, 2014, 11:11 PM
It is late in the afternoon and everyone is walking dogs. I am taking this picture with Mix by my side out of the picture; Mum has just returned with Heidi and Rachel is setting off with Rowan. Well, that’s country living
Up early and breakfasted in the farmhouse before Olive, Rachel and I (with Rowan for company) set out for Berwick to do some shopping. We went to Tesco where Olive completed a large shopping and I bought some bits and pieces for lunches and for the summer house. Meanwhile Rachel walked Rowan. We were assisted by a very chatty checkout assistant called Marty who made the whole exercise a happy one.
Next stop was HomeBase where we bought a rail for the wardrobe which Tom and I moved yesterday, followed by a visit to Halford’s where we failed to find the base for the SatNav for which Rachel was looking. We made our way home where we discovered that Mix was in disgrace because he had opened Olive's zipped bag, extracted a box of chocolates, and eaten them. I was angry with Mix but also rather concerned because chocolates are extremely bad for dogs – but as yet he has shown no ill-effects.
Having brought food home, I lunched on some of it in front of the television watching a bit of the cricket. Australia are all but out of the competition having lost to the West Indies, and India are now through to the semi-finals having beaten Bangladesh.
I sorted out my post, dealt again with the electricity company and was delighted to receive my cricket membership card and fixture list from Durham. What I enjoy best is attending the first day of a four-day match. This season there is only one of these all season which is not scheduled for a Sunday. That’s a shame but without a doubt I shall see more cricket this year than ever before and I can’t wait for it. Mum and then Olive arrived at the summer house and I served coffee and snowballs before we set out to walk the dogs (see picture at the head of this entry). Rachel had already cleaned out the chicken house so that now that Digger has taken over the caring for his hens after his recuperation the hens at least have a clean house to enjoy.
Even hens appreciate clean bedding and a fresh and bright home
Rachel was in great cleaning mood today and has totally ransacked (I am quite sure that is not the right word but it describes the fervour with which she approached her task) the kitchen, including confiscating the expanding foam I bought for the barn yesterday and using it to fill in any holes she could find in the kitchen to prevent mice from gaining access.
At seven we all ate in the farmhouse – fish-pie, one of my favourites -- after which we retired to the Granary (walking through the clean and tidy kitchen) to the lounge where the stove was firing on all cylinders to provide a really warm inside environment on an extremely cold evening. Mum and Olive joined us to watch Gravity in 3D. I understand that the film won seven Oscars. The effects were stupendous but there wasn’t a great deal of storyline. Still it was a good way to spend an evening and afterwards we walked the dogs before bed.
Thursday 27th. March, 2014 – Making progress
Thursday, March 27, 2014, 11:29 PM
The barn is empty – well actually not, as a load of wood has arrived to form the supports for the new floor which we hope to install very soon
Up and walked the dog before breakfast and then Tom and I had a run-through of the music for Sunday in Church. As this is the fifth Sunday of the month the service this week will be in the village hall at Longformacus. Ann, the minister, is planning a meditative service with a number of items of classical music interspersed with readings. Tom and I have prepared the music to be played (and at the end of the service Tom will be admitted as a new elder – he is already an elder, but a new elder here).
After sorting the music to our satisfaction we completed the clearing of the barn and then started measuring up for the wooden floor we will install. The floor will provide the base for the loom which we hope to have installed quite soon. But there is a lot to do – we shall build a scaffolding tower and clean the inside of the roof and all of the beams; we shall fill in all of the holes in the walls, we shall replace missing slates on the roof and rewire the roof-vents. Once completed it will be an excellent craft centre and will include spinning as well as weaving, and perhaps a small kilt-making unit which Rachel will run in conjunction with her friend Anne.
At this point Tom and I went off for lunch at Pearson’s – I had leek and potato soup, sausage and mash and coffee. Then we went off to discuss wood. We were promised that the wood would be delivered by next Wednesday (in fact it arrived about half-past two)! Back at Mount Pleasant, we ran Mum to the guild at Gavinton and then, once we had loaded the wood into the barn, we set about moving furniture around in the farmhouse so that it was all done for Olive by the time she got home. Tom went off home (a hard day’s work having been completed) and I set off to take Rowan and Mix for a walk. However, Rowan slipped her collar and ran on to the main road. My heart was in my mouth – but just at that moment Mum returned from the guild, brought by her friend Annie. Rowan ran up to Mum and she had the presence of mind to grab her. I have never been so relieved in my life and my heart was still pumping away half-an-hour later.
Earlier I had a good chat with Digger about the work in the barn and he has suggested that he will provide levels for us for the floor. Rachel was away in Berwick all day at her stained-glass workshop. She collected Olive from her train just after four and brought her home (I was ever so relieved that Rowan was here to welcome Rachel). Just as Olive and Rachel arrived, so did Sue who had brought flowers for Mum for Mother’s Day on Sunday as she and Scott will be away on London over the weekend enjoying a show (the Christmas present to them from Nicholas, Katie and Amy). I showed Sue what we had been doing in the barn and in the Hen House before she set off for home.
Caught the final four overs of the T20 international between England and Sri Lanka. For once, after a fairly disastrous start (dropped catches, early wickets), England played magnificently and, against all the odds, pulled off a superb victory which keeps them in the competition (just). Wonderful innings from Alex Hales and Eoin Morgan.
Joined everyone (except Rachel) in the farmhouse for supper, after which I spent the evening watching a bit of television (Rachel was away back to Berwick, this time to attend her choir practice.) The film I watched was the final part of a spy trilogy starring Bill Nighy – I hadn’t seen the first two segments but that didn’t spoil my enjoyment of the programme. On Rachel’s return we walked the dogs before bed. It has been a pretty spectacular day.
Wednesday 26th. March, 2014 – My goodness but it got cold today
Thursday, March 27, 2014, 09:58 AM
This afternoon, while I was working in the summer house, Mix just wanted to keep as close as possible to the heater
I was up extremely early and, after defrosting the car, was away to Berwick with Olive before six-thirty, returning to the summer house an hour later. First I walked both dogs and then settled in to prepare the music for Arrochar Church. Got that completed in time for breakfast at nine.
After breakfast I returned to the summer house where I worked on several emails which I had received and then did some more of the re-organisation which will be part of our plans for a few months yet. Rachel went off to get her hair cut and I set about gutting the spare room in the Granary, stopping to have some lunch – rolls and stilton – while I watched an old episode of Dad’s Army. I might claim that I hadn’t seen this episode before; more likely I saw it years ago and have forgotten all about it, but it was extremely good. (It was the episode where they have to guard a prisoner of war camp filled with sixty Italian prisoners.)
In the afternoon I tackled the boxes which had been brought into the kitchen when we had the big ‘un-load’ from the barn last week. I got them completed earlier than I thought – but there is also a pile of boxes in the lounge waiting my attention. Rachel had me put them in the lounge so that I could unpack them at my leisure, in the warm, while watching television. That will be a task for the next day or two.
That completed Mix and I went for a walk. One side of the bridge is now enveloped in a huge tent (last time it only had walls on one side, now it is complete – what fun they are having)!
Back at Mount Pleasant, after a short time doing more sorting out in the summer house (finding homes for bits and pieces I had uncovered in my gutting of the spare room in the Granary) it was time to take Mum to Dun’s Guild and afterwards, Rachel and I bought fish and chips for Digger and ourselves. Enjoyed them before returning to the Granary and watching an episode of Inspector Gently. It was good. Hasn’t the whole television experience changed? We are now always spoiled for choice. The sky box records programmes, the i-players offer you almost every programme that has been on any channel in the past month, Amazon provides even more. It is quite, quite incredible and gives us total freedom about watching what we want when we want to watch it and, as a result, I suspect that we watch less television but watch what we really want to see.
Rowan is extremely interested in the jigsaw which Rachel is about to start (Rachel can’t just watch television, she has to be doing something else as well: it is a woman thing.) In the background you can see tartan -- Rachel is in increasing demand to make kilts and has two to be completed this week
Tonight Rachel walked the dogs and I retired to bed to watch Newsnight and hear how the debate between Nick Clegg and Nigel Farage had gone – still don’t know because I fell asleep instantly. (I’ll pick it up on i-player later.)
Tuesday 25th. March, 2014 – The best-laid plans ...
Tuesday, March 25, 2014, 11:14 PM
Today’s picture comes from last night when I accompanied Rachel as she put the hens to bed. She has just provided them with their tea and so they are happy to be outside the their home eating the grain. Rachel will give them a few minutes and then come and shut them up safely in their home for the night
Up early (again before my alarm went off) and was out in the summer house before walking both dogs down the Duns road. Spent some time in the summer house before breakfast at nine. Tom arrived soon afterwards but we didn’t start work immediately on the final clearing of the barn because Ann, our minister, was coming to see us about the service this Sunday.
She and Jack (her husband) arrived and we put the world to rights before getting down to arranging how we would provide the music for Sunday. (It is to be a meditative service with seven items of classical music which we will fit in to the service.) It is also a special service because Tom is being admitted as an Elder, something about which I am absolutely delighted – both for the congregation and for Tom himself.
While Tom went through the service with Ann, I took Jack and showed him all that we were doing at Mount Pleasant – Olive showed him around the farm house and I did the rest (Mum was away at her weekly hair appointment). By the time that Ann and Jack left it was lunchtime so Tom also went off home. I started work on the music while I had my lunch. When Tom returned we got to blethering and sorting out music with the result that we didn’t complete the work on the barn – in fact we have postponed it until Thursday! (You are allowed to do things like that when you are retired.) I worked on in the summer house and by the end of the afternoon had all of the music arranged and also had explored some of the bits and pieces which I uncovered while searching for my tape recorder. By this time it was raining so Mix and I didn’t go out for a walk until the last moment – partly because of the rain and partly because I was waiting for a delivery of a ladder which I ordered to enable us to sort the roofs on the barns. I was told that it would arrive before six. (In fact it didn't arrive at all in spite of a text message telling me to wit in because it would definitely be here today.)
In the evening we dined in the farm house and then retired to the Granary where we relaxed in front of the stove and watched Shetland (partly because it is a good watch and partly because one of Rachel’s former students has a major part in it). Following the drama we watched the News and Newsnight before walking the dogs and retiring to bed – I have an early start tomorrow.
And after their evening meal the hens retired to bed!
Monday 24th. March, 2014 – Big steps forward!
This is what a barn looks like when it is almost empty – it would have been completely empty but I had to spend the rest of the day in the summer house (and Tom had to re-fence his goats)
Up extremely early and was in the summer house with Mix by six o’clock, moving boxes and sorting books. I took Olive to the railway station at 6.30 and was back in the summer house less than an hour later, working through until I stopped for my breakfast at nine (having walked Mix down to the bridge in between times).
Ate a quick breakfast and retired to the summer house, bringing in new books and removing old ones (which will find a place in the library in the Hen House in due course). Tom arrived and we went across to the barn and all but emptied it by lunch time – it will be a gentle task to complete tomorrow. While Tom was home for lunch I enjoyed a cheese and bean pie in the summer house while I watched the climax of a superb T20 match between South Africa and New Zealand (South Africa won but right up until the very last ball it could have gone either way).
In the afternoon I worked through the summer house and by the end of the afternoon. while not complete, it was at least tidy and fit for use.
A degree of order had been restored to the summer house – there is more to do but it can now wait and take its place in the queue behind dealing with the barns, the plaster-boarding in the Hen House and so on
Mix and I went for a walk to the bridge in the late afternoon. There is now a canopy over one of the gantries – there was bright sunshine today but I suspect that it is more about the rain which is forecast for later in the week.
We saw this roof over the bridge on our walk today – it looks very smart
Work is obviously progressing on the bridge as well:
Back at Mount Pleasant, I put the gas oven on for the casserole and then went back to complete the tidy-up of the summer house. We dined at seven and then I watched University Challenge, recording Silk as I had to go off to Berwick to collect Olive from her train. On my return Rachel and I watched Rev which had also been recorded, after which we walked the dogs and retired to bed. We have made progress.
Sunday 23rd. March, 2014 -- The Third Sunday in Lent
The sun was shining as we walked to the bridge this morning. Mix is always fascinated to see what has been going on
Rose early (before the alarm went off) and showered and dressed and then took Mix for a walk down to the bridge. The sun was shining and it was remarkably warm in the sunshine. I opened the blinds on the summer house so that it would warm up by the time I returned from Church. Breakfasted in the farmhouse and then set off for Church, leaving a bit early so that we could collect Digger’s Sunday papers from Duns on the way through.
The picture I forgot to take yesterday (it was the camera I forgot) showing that the parapet has been totally removed and will now be replaced
In the service we were introduced to Nicodemus, and Ann spoke about his visit to Jesus by night to discuss Jesus’ mission and ministry, leading to the great verse ‘For God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not die but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to be its judge, but to be its saviour.’
After the service we joined everyone for coffee, Tom had to hurry off to collect his daughter’s in-laws from the Roman Catholic service and we returned home for lunch (actually I did some work in the summer house before lunch as well). Lunch was grand – roast beef with all of the trimmings, followed by rhubarb pie and custard. Then it was back to the summer house and more sorting out, something I did until quarter to nine in the evening (apart from a brief walk in the afternoon with Rachel and the dogs. We visited an ex-railway line and wandered along it for a way before returning to the car.)
This former railway line is very close to our home but we only discovered it by driving along one of the detours made necessary by the closure of the road between Duns and Mount Pleasant to enable the bridge to be repaired
From the track we saw this highland cow enjoying the better weather (although presumably she doesn’t ever feel the cold with all of that hair)
In the summer house there is still much to do, but after I stopped we had some supper and watched Mr. Selfridge on the television (Rachel had been into Berwick to attend evensong). This is going to be a hard-working week!
Walked the dog before bed – it is getting very cold and I have to be on the road to drive Olive to Berwick by 6.30 tomorrow morning. (Olive is happy because she has completed all of her Church audits and now has just three weeks to go until her retirement from University.)
Saturday 22nd. March, 2014 – Working in the Summer House
Today was a day of emptying boxes
Slept in and by the time I awoke Rachel had taken both dogs out for a walk (last night's snow had disappeared). I got up and was across for breakfast at the farmhouse before Mum was collected for her day out at Paxton House at a women’s church do. I worked all day opening and sorting out boxes, mostly of books. Finding places for the books in the summer house and transporting into storage the books which were displaced by this exercise. Mix remained loyally with me throughout the day even although his bed was often overrun with boxes:
Even Mix’s bed became a depository for empty boxes
I stopped at lunch time to heat up a cheese and bean pie which Olive had made for me and I ate it in the summer house while I watched England’s first game in the T20 cricket competition (it was against New Zealand). When things are not going for you, they really do go against you: England posted a reasonably defendable total but were defeated early by the rain and the Duckworth Lewis calculation. It was bad luck and will be, I would imagine, very demoralising.
I worked through in the summer house until five when Rachel and I walked Rowan and Mix. Progress is really being made at the bridge – the whole of one side of the bridge has now been removed (I was vexed that I didn’t have my camera with me, but I’ll get a picture tomorrow).
Back in the summer house I got everything more or less back in order before dinner but, of course, it will all be disorganised tomorrow when I start opening still more boxes. But progress is definitely being made.
It may not look very different from before but progress is being made
We all dined together. Mum had a good day based on the story of Rahab (you'll find her story in the early part of the book of Joshua in the Old Testament), Olive has completed all of the Church accounts given to her so that everything is in order for all of her many churches (who have to have their accounts approved by the Church Trustees by the end of March), Rachel has made good progress on a kilt she is making, Digger is feeling much better, and the chickens produced two eggs today.
After dinner Rachel and I watched an old episode of Endeavour which was clearly screened because a new series is to start on ITV next Sunday. I'm looking forward to that. We walked the dogs and went to bed.
Friday 21st. March, 2014 – Our friends move on
I took this picture of the summer house from atop Ianthe in the courtyard of Mount Pleasant. There is still work to be done – not least the shingles, but these can’t be fitted until we get warmer weather and until the winds stop blowing
Up early and after sorting out some emails I took Mix and Rowan for a walk, meeting Bill, Cathy and Morag as they returned from their walk. It was still blowy and quite cold but as the sun came out it got gradually warmer.
We breakfasted in the farmhouse – Morag making the porridge while I kindled the fire – and soon afterwards our friends set off for home. I was sorry to see them go but they will be back soon. Before they left Tom arrived and we raised the mast on Ianthe so that we could close the hatch and remove the cover which has done well over the winter but which is no longer required. No sooner had our visitors left than Mum’s cousins, Linty and Meg arrived (with Linty’s husband, Keith). It was good to meet them and to show them around.
Tom on Ianthe, just about to raise the mast to allow me to slip in the hatch and close up the boat before the swallows arrive
After they left I retired to the summer house to prepare the music for Arrochar for Sunday and then to start on some more boxes. I’ve brought another table into the summer house. It would be very useful but I can’t work out whether it overpowers the place or whether it is a good addition; only time will tell.
Rachel and I walked the dogs and then I returned to the summer house. There is much to do and I hope to get everything sorted this weekend. I have nothing planned for the weekend so I should get quite a lot done: famous last words! Mum is away at her book club this afternoon, Olive is working on church accounts and Rachel is making kilts. Mix is sleeping on his cushion and Rowan is jumping up and down in the Granary. Heidi is sleeping in the farmhouse sitting room and Digger is resting in bed. Such is life this afternoon in Mount Pleasant.
We dined at seven, Rachel, Olive, Mum and I, and then Rachel and I repaired to the Granary where we caught up with two programmes we had missed during the week: Shetland and Mr. Selfridge. After the News, we walked the dogs ... and it was snowing! We’ll see what tomorrow brings.
Thursday 20th. March, 2014 – A windy day
In the afternoon we gathered around the stove in the farmhouse – Digger (recuperating from his operation), Sue (my sister-in-law, come to see how he was getting on), Olive, Morag, Cathy, Mum and Bill)
Up early – had I slept much? I’m not sure, it was so windy that I was concerned for the property, not least for the summerhouse, but all was well as Mix and I discovered when we checked.
Lots of chores this morning, fires to build in the lounge and in the farmhouse, porridge to make for everyone’s breakfast, litter to be collected from the wind blowing over our refuse bins.
Tom ‘phoned. He had taken his daughter to the airport really early this morning to catch a plane to New York where she is meeting her husband to celebrate her birthday (perhaps with some serious shopping)! It was a surprise that she had only been told of yesterday but she is very pleased.
Bill and I retired to the summer house where I showed him my books and told him of all of our plans for Mount Pleasant and learned something of his adventures. It wasn’t a day to be out and about as, in addition to the wind, the rain had now started. However, we all – Cathy, Morag, Bill, Mum and I – went up to Gavinton Church hall for the soup and sweet lunch. It was excellent and the conversation was good as well. It is a happy congregation and I hope that that survives the changes which ministerial shortages will bring on the retirement of Ann, our minister, next year. I know that imaginative plans are being worked out about how to cope with the situation which will occur then. Our congregation will become part of a linkage under one minister of five churches: Bonkyl, Cranshaws, Duns, Edrom, and Gavinton. I’m told that this will entail 176 morning services each year of which the parish minister intends to conduct 100 (leaving 76 to be conducted by a combination of parish teams and retired ministers). Meetings are being held this month to explore all of the options – it sounds exciting, not least because the folk are prepared to be imaginative, innovative and adventurous in their planning. Mind you, as part of a Church with two hundred and fifty vacancies nationally, this is what is clearly required.
After lunch we all returned to Mount Pleasant via Duns (where we returned Olive’s library books). Once home we joined Olive, Sue and Digger around the farmhouse stove – it was that kind of a day. Bill and Morag came and enjoyed the quiet of the summer house with me and then we retired to the Granary to watch the News before dinner.
We all (except Rachel who had gone to Berwick to sing in her choir – having been in Berwick earlier in the day to take part in her stained-glass class) dined in the farmhouse. It is good to have so many people around the table. We all enjoy having guests with us – and Cathy, Bill and Morag are special guests.
After our meal, Bill and I retired to the Granary where we watched golf from Orlando in Florida. The others joined us for tea and coffee. We watched the News – still taken up by the missing airliner, sanctions against Russia and the Government’s pension plans – before I walked Mix and went to bed. This has been a very enjoyable day (and the wind has finally dropped).
Wednesday 19th. March, 2014 – Jaunting around (as retired people do)
Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 11:44 PM
We visited Henderson Park in Coldstream this afternoon. It had recently been set out with new plants – and they looked great!
I was up early this morning and away from Mount Pleasant by 6.30 a.m. taking Olive to Berwick to catch a train (Mix came with me as always). We were back home by about seven-fifteen. I was across in the farmhouse to make the fire half-an-hour later and found that Cathy and Morag were already up and in the lounge, so they came with me as we walked the dogs on the road down to the bridge.
We breakfasted before nine – almost everyone had porridge – and then we were about to set off for Berwick when Tom and Dorothy arrived. I had tried to phone them earlier but evidently I had also phoned them by mistake and Tom had been whistling down my phone trying to catch my attention. I had mentioned to Morag that I thought I had heard someone whistling and calling to me but she told me that it was probably the birds which were in full morning chorus!
There was a great deal of traffic at the gate into Berwick
Morag, Bill, Cathy and Rachel on the walls around Berwick
After lots of catching up, we set off for Berwick where we walked around the town walls before journeying back along the ramparts. It was windy and at least one poor gentleman had his hat blown clean off his head. We explored Berwick and bought rolls to have with bacon for lunch when we returned to Mount Pleasant. Bill and I returned via Duns so that we could buy a steak pie for dinner.
Morag, Rachel, Bill Cathy and Mum at the lunch table (after all of the bacon rolls have disappeared)
Back home we dined on bacon rolls (and caramel doughnuts and yum-yums which we had also bought). In the afternoon Mum joined Morag, Cathy Bill and me as we drove to Coldstream. I learned that the figure on the pillar in the town is Charles Marjoriebanks who was a landowner, an MP and a generally good egg who treated his tenants benevolently (all of this told to us by the proprietor of the chemist in the town).
In Henderson Park I photographed Bill, Mum, Morag and Cathy against the backdrop of the River Tweed
We walked through the Henderson Park which is beautifully kept and which contains memorials of the activities of the Coldstream Guards (which, of course, were raised from here by general Monk). We then visited the little shop which contains a world war two museum and has many items of memorabilia for sale.
Back home we settled down to afternoon tea in the farmhouse lounge and then turned our thoughts to dinner. The steak-pie was delicious and we followed it up with pears and peaches and ice-cream. Bill and I retired to the Granary to watch Manchester United play the Greek champions. (They won 3 – 0 which meant that as the two-leg score was 3 – 2, Manchester United progressed to the next round.)
I went off to collect Olive from Berwick (my third foray into England today) and when we returned we joined everyone else for a late coffee before bed.
Today was budget day and it appears that I am in the group of people who have been smiled on by the chancellor. Flexibility with my pensions, increased personal allowance, special savings bonds for older people. I don’t yet know all of the details, nor what has been done to help other more deserving groups and business. I shall look forward to discovering all of that tomorrow.
It is ferociously windy and the final walk with the dogs was treacherous. Rachel and Rowan spent ages collecting all of the rubbish from the farmhouse bin as it had been blown over and distributed down the road towards Sinclairshill. It was good to get to bed at the end of a happy day.
Tuesday 18th. March, 2014 – Welcome Visitors from the West
The garden at Mount Pleasant is just beginning to come to life. Some of it is wild like this bit in front of the farmhouse, but now the daffodils are coming through
I got up this morning to a telephone call from Tom saying that his plans had changed and that he would be along early to help me do more unloading from the big barn. I grabbed some breakfast while Rachel walked both dogs. Almost at once Tom and I were at work moving furniture from the barn. Some of it – a bookcase/desk and a china cabinet came into the Granary – others (including my desk and bookcase, our leather sofa and a bed) were transferred to the stables.
Midmorning Tom had to go off on business of his own. I took Mum into Duns to her hairdressing appointment, refuelled my car and went into the garage to pay for the repairs to Rachel’s Bongo. Back home I loaded another couple of boxes into the summer house and sorted them out – Great fun as I found a large part of my classical music collection and found a home for it. Then it was time to go back to Duns to collect Mum and bring her home, taking Rachel along to collect and drive home her Bongo. (Rachel hadn’t been around in the morning because she and Olive had gone into Berwick to do the weekly shop).
Other bits of the garden are going to be more organised. This little area in front of Mum’s garden room is her project and she has great plans for it
After lunch Tom arrived and we did a bit more moving (including a very heavy oak side-board) and then made some plans about what we were going to do with the barn when it was empty. The plan is to level off the floor and then to fit a wooden floor over the concrete. We’d like to fit a ceiling to the beams and, after repairing the walls, to coat them with something akin to Artex, the idea being to create a weaving, spinning and craft centre facility (as if we didn’t have enough on our plate at the moment with the Hen House project and getting everything unpacked).
Tom returned home and it wasn’t long before Bill, Morag and Cathy arrived from Luss to spent some days with us. It was really lovely to see them. We had coffee and tea in the farmhouse before going on a bit of a tour of what we had been doing. Of course we climbed the new staircase in the Hen House and I showed off the plaster-boarding work that was in progress. Of, course we looked at the stables and at the big barn. And, of course, we ended up in the summer house where we chatted for a while before getting them moved into their rooms in the farm house before assembling for our evening meal with Mum, Olive and Digger.
This is a picture of one of the pots in Mum’s bit of the garden. I took the picture because I liked the bright colours (and also because I had a new mini point-and-shoot camera given to me by Mum, Olive, Digger and Rachel for my birthday last week and this is the first time I have used it – it only arrived yesterday)
In the evening we watched the Referendum Debate from Kirkcaldy which both Mum and Morag were anxious to see. It sparked off our own debate which continued through Newsnight until bed called. Rachel had already walked both dogs so I was able just to go upstairs and fall into bed.
I do think that my new camera is going to produce better pictures for my blog!
Monday 17th. March, 2014 – Saint Patrick’s Day
We were back at work today with a vengeance – here Tom is cutting sarking to make the Hen House swallow-proof
It was two in the morning before I was in bed and asleep last night and I was up at six to drive Olive to Berwick to catch a train to Dundee. Back home I walked the dogs and then had breakfast in the farmhouse with Mum.
Tom arrived and we moved the last of the boxes from the big barn into the stables – that’s right, there are no more boxes in the big barn. (However, there are boxes in the other large barn, in the Hen House, in the Granary and in the Summer House: but let’s celebrate with what we have achieved.)
At lunch-time, flushed with our success, Rachel, Tom and I went off to Pearson’s for lunch. It was extremely busy, but then we realised that almost everywhere else is closed on a Monday (that’s not a comment about Pearson’s: we love it there; just that we were surprised to find it so full.)
After lunch we started trying to swallow-proof the areas into which we have made big improvements – the stables and the Hen House. We built up the area around the temporary door in the Hen House and filled in some gaps in the walls of the stables – and by this time Dorothy arrived to take Tom home. Rachel collected Mum and set off for Kirkcaldy where she is to show someone around her flat. I went into the summer house and unpacked the boxes which we had deposited there this morning. Then it was time to feed the hens and put them to bed for the night, feed the dogs and light the stove for Rachel coming home. Things are gradually getting there and there is absolutely no doubt at all that we are making progress.
Rachel and Mum returned to Mount Pleasant and, almost immediately, I set off to Berwick to collect Olive. Her train was on time and we were back home a little after ten. Just time to have some fish pie before walking the dogs and bed. It was good to get to bed.
Sunday 16th. March, 2014 -- A Stupendous Day
Monday, March 17, 2014, 09:03 AM
I took this picture this afternoon while we were trying to discover where we were going to for the wedding reception
Up extremely early this morning, with both dogs walked by half-past seven and me in my kilt and wedding gear by eight. Spent an hour going over my wedding service (it’s amazing, only six months away from it and I had to ease myself into it all over again – but I really wanted it to be right for this afternoon). Breakfasted and set off for Church at Gavinton by quarter-past nine. The early start was partly because of the detour caused by the road closure, partly because we had to buy Digger’s papers in Duns, and mostly because Rachel was looking after the music at Gavinton Church.
The music sounded good to me and the service advanced us through Lent as Ann spoke about the need to spend time in the wilderness confronting the temptations which take us away from God and from the life to which we are called, and reminding us of the tradition of hermits in the early years of the Christian era.
Immediately after the service, Rachel and I set off for Perthshire. Mum hadn’t come to Church so there was no need to take her home (a little tummy bug, that’s all) but Tom brought the organ and the papers back to Mount Pleasant for us.
We arrived at Clunie Church in good time and the wedding was ;lovely – one of those weddings which you are really glad to have been part of. Bill and Peggy are both good friends of mine – Bill my colleague and friend during and since my years at Bishopbriggs, Peggy being the minister at one of the Clydebank Churches in the Presbytery of Dumbarton while I was also a member of that Presbytery. Both had been widowed and had now found happiness again. In an over-used but appropriate word: it was ‘special’.
After the wedding document was signed the wedding photographer normally takes a picture but the wedding photographer was nowhere to be seen so I took this snap which proves why I could never become a wedding photographer. The picture shows Bill’s daughter Alison, Bill, Peggy and Peggy’s daughter Jenny
After the service we all made our way to the Village Hall at Clunie where members of the congregation gave Bill and Peggy a real celebration tea. Bill had been minister of this church until he retired; Peggy is the current minister – hadn’t it worked out well?
Inside the village hall at Clunie with celebrations in full flow
The tea party over, we made our way to Dunkeld for the wedding reception at the Dunkeld Hilton – a glorious hotel, set in its own grounds. We were plied with drinks (Ginger beer, in my case) and then we shared in a magnificent wedding breakfast – haggis as a starter, followed by beef with potato and green beans, followed by cranachan, followed by coffee and wedding cake.
Cutting the wedding cake which Peggy had made herself
Another snap, this time of Bill making his speech. You can see what a lovely place we were in
There were a lot of speeches – and it was important that there were because members of Bill and Peggy’s families were anxious to share their welcome to their new family members – and my friend Robin, the Episcopal priest from those far off Bishopbriggs days spoke of Bill and of the times the three of us spent together (the Last of the Communion Wine – I don’t know which one I was meant to be). After the speeches, Bill’s son and Peggy’s son played some music; both are accomplished musicians and this rounded off the evening.
I had met many friends from times past, rekindled a number of friendships and had a thoroughly good day. It was left to Rachel to drive us home. We got back just after one in the morning to relieve Mum of the dogs and quickly get to bed. I have an early start in the morning.
Saturday 15th. March, 2014 – The Ides of March
This morning we were at Gavinton Church and Rachel – the figure in the distance – had a good look at the Church from a different angle
Up (not too early) and walked both dogs before returning to the Granary, lighting the stove (it is really cold today) and making Rachel a cup of tea to drink in bed. Went to the farmhouse for breakfast and then Rachel and I drove to Gavinton to set up our organ to provide the music for tomorrow when the organist is on holiday. Rachel had a complete play-through; so we know that everything is working satisfactorily.
While Rachel went through the music I explored the Church, taking this picture of the rear of the church with the extremely fine organ loft and organ pipes.
Looking towards the rear from the front of Gavinton Church
I also took this picture of Rachel hunched over the organ reading what it said on the organ screen – she didn’t know I was taking the picture:
There is a screen on the organ which has a great deal of information. Rachel is reading what it has to say before starting her practice of the music for tomorrow
On the way home we called in at Duns to buy a paper for Mum and then, once home, we spent the rest of the day working through boxes: Rachel in the Granary, me in the summer house. I think that we are making quite good progress but it was very good to stop at five and walk the dogs. Rachel and I walked across the bridge and back again. Not only was it extremely cold but now the wind had blown up and it is very, very gusty.
We all dined together in the farmhouse (well, Digger ate in bed. He got up earlier for a little while but retired to bed after an hour or so feeling his operation wound to be quite sore.)
In the evening, I got a hair cut (I didn’t really need one but tomorrow we are off to a wedding) and we watched some television (Endeavor – to be honest I haven’t a clue who did the murder, but I had a very pleasant doze) before walking the dogs and retiring to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a busy day.
Friday 14th. March, 2014 – My Birthday Outing!
Today Rachel took me out for lunch (because both she and I were away yesterday). We ended up at Eyemouth and saw the boats in the harbour and in the Eye Water
Up early (because the ‘phone rang and I had to answer it). Breakfasted in the farm house using my new (birthday) porridge bowl which didn’t overflow when I heated the oats in the microwave. While I was eating, Tom and Dorothy arrived with a birthday present for me: a shiny, new wheel-barrow. “Well”, said Tom, “a cement-mixer is no use at all without a wheel-barrow.” It was very kind of them but I have visions of getting aches on top of my aches and bruises on top of my bruises before too many more days have gone by.
Rachel took me out for lunch today. We set off, not really knowing where we were going and saw a sign for Eyemouth, so we went there. Eyemouth has a place in my story because when I was based in Genoa our congregation was linked with Eyemouth, or at least, we were their missionary partner. So it was good to be back there.
We walked the dogs on the beach:
The lovely sandy beach which is quiet at this time of year but which must be very busy in the summer
Having walked the dogs and explored the town, we put the dogs back in the car and went for lunch at The Contented Sole:
The Contented Sole overlooks the harbour and served delicious bar meals. Being in a fishing port I started with a prawn cocktail and moved on to Haddock, chips and mushy peas – Rachel had pate and chicken with onion rings, mushrooms and chips. It was a real feast:
A thoroughly good meal I would recommend to anyone
On the way home we drove through Reston, of interest to us because Mum had a cottage there many years ago. It is up for sale and doesn’t appear to be selling not least, I suspect, because one hundred and ten new houses are about to be built almost next door to it.
Back home I prepared the music for Sunday at Gavinton (Gay, the organist, is on holiday) and prepared a wedding service for Sunday while Rachel struggled with some of the boxes which we brought into the Granary last week. She found my Russian hat – I was particularly delighted about this because I was worried that it might have deteriorated (or even been attacked by mice) in the barn. But it is absolutely perfect.
I dined with Olive and Mum at seven (Digger is still in bed feeling a bit sore and Rachel had too much to eat at lunch time). Then we settled down in front of the stove and watched some television (Jonathan Creek which, in truth, I thought had become more than a little unbelievable; but I like the characters, so who cares?) Isn’t life absolutely great?
Thursday 13th. March, 2014 – My Birthday
My birthday trifle (and yes, there were candles) – I love trifles and this one was made for me by my sister-in-law Sue
Up early, showered and walked Mix before breakfast at the farm house. Rachel joined us today because it was my birthday. Immediately afterwards, Dorothy arrived and she and Rachel set off for Berwick for their weekly stained-glass class.
I got my things together and then set off to drive to Perthshire where I met with my friends Peggy and Bill, and Ian whom I had met before a few years ago. We shared an excellent lunch in a farm centre called Gloagburn and then drove off to Clunie Kirk in the Presbytery of Dunkeld and Meigle for a rehearsal for a wedding in which I am participating on Sunday. Peggy and Bill’s service will be shared by Ian and me and the purpose of my trip was to have a run through of what will happen on the day. It is one of those weddings in which it is an absolute pleasure and privilege to share: Bill was my colleague in Bishopbriggs while Peggy was a minister in Clydebank while I was in the Presbytery of Dumbarton. Both lost their partners and have now met and fallen in love. I couldn’t be more pleased for them; they are lovely, lovely people.
A view of the interior of Clunie Church showing the baptismal bowl attached to the pulpit. Infants were passed to the minister in the pulpit to enable him to conduct the baptism without leaving the pulpit – the old Scottish way of doing things. Clunie Kirk was part of the linkage which made up my friend Bill’s last charge before retirement; Peggy has taken over from him and now they are to be married in front of their friends, family and members of their congregations here on Sunday.
I drove home in time to have a birthday meal prepared by Olive. Scott and Sue had come across to join in the celebrations and to gorge on the birthday trifle! We had a very happy evening. Digger shared some of the food – but from his bed. After his operation yesterday, today he is extremely sore (hardly surprising when you think that he has been cut open, reorganised and put back together again). While Digger is indisposed Rachel is on hen duty and Olive and Mum both took turns of walking Heidi. My body was delighted to have a day without heavy boxes to be moved – but we will be back to it all with a vengeance next week.
Wednesday 12th. March, 2014 – Looking back, it was a very good day
Berwick Station where I dropped off Olive at seven and picked her up again almost twelve hours later
We assembled in the courtyard at twenty-past six. I was to drive Olive to Berwick to catch an early train to Dundee, Sue (Scott’s wife) was to drive Digger to the hospital in Melrose where he was to be operated on for a hernia. We all set off on our allotted journeys, naturally everyone was a bit apprehensive for Digger.
I came back and heard from Sue that she had deposited Digger and that he was in good hands. I breakfasted with Mum in the farm house and then walked Mix with Rowan and Rachel. Because of the early start we were able to begin work on the barns early as well. So it was a back-breaking day as we slogged through boxes from morn until night (or at least late afternoon). In all we have now repacked and installed in the stables around two-hundred and fifty boxes (and everywhere else is filled with boxes awaiting a new home). There remain in the large barn twenty-one boxes and it wasn’t lack of time which led to their remaining there. Although I watched single removal men carrying each of these boxes, I find that these are too heavy for me to lift so I will need some help. Forty years ago I might have managed to move them, not now!
Almost all of our boxes now have a new home – next we shall start on furniture!
Only twenty-one boxes remain and I will need some help to get them next door
During the day, we had our coffee break in the farm house with Mum (who continued to potter in the garden clearing out flower beds), and we had a forty-five minute lunch break (during which I watched George and Mildred on television while eating beans and sausages). At five o’clock we walked Mix and Rowan and on our return, while Rachel fed the dogs, I walked Heidi (Digger’s dog). We had heard by this time that Digger was safely through his operation and that he would be back with us in time for dinner.
How’s that for scaffolding? This really is a major piece of work
I went off to collect Olive from the station in Berwick – her train was delayed. We picked up fish suppers (or fish and chips as it was in England) and arrived back just a little after Digger. It was good to see that he had suffered no ill-effects, quite the contrary, and will soon be on his feet and raring to go in this task of making Mount Pleasant into our vision of what it could be for our family.
Digger and Olive retired early. Rachel and I watched Law and Order UK, followed by the News, before walking the dogs – it was a lovely bright night with no need for torches at all – and getting to bed to rest weary bones. On every front – and from every angle – this has been a really good day. (And tomorrow there will be no more boxes.)
Tuesday 11th. March, 2014 -- More of the same
Walking the dogs in the sunshine this afternoon, a lovely blue sky and up there, smiling down on us, the moon
Woke early and was out in the summer house by seven trying to make some sense of all of the boxes with which it is filled. Didn’t have a great deal of success. I walked the dog (with Rachel and Rowan) and then breakfasted at nine before returning for another couple of hours in the summer house. Around eleven, Rachel returned from her physiotherapist and we started on more boxes. By the end of the day we had well in excess of one hundred and fifty boxes repacked and stacked in the stables and probably another fifty or sixty disposed of in some other way (the summer house for example). As with everything else this is proving to be a bigger job than I imagined but with a huge chunk of luck we may deal with all of the boxes by the end of tomorrow.
Apart from a lunch break from 1.45 p.m. to 2.30 p.m. we worked solidly until almost five in the afternoon. Then we walked the dogs (and saw the moon) after which I just wanted to sit with my feet up – boxes start off just heavy and end up enormously heavy by the end of the day.
These pictures are included as a record of how we have got on: (the before pictures, obviously, are the final pictures on yesterday’s entry).
There are now more than one hundred and fifty boxes packed in here but there is still loads of room for all the rest that is to come
There is still a lot to move but the boxes are certainly going down. The central area was stacked with boxes which all contained the heaviest books imaginable
Before we walked the dogs I went around to the front of the house where Mum had been doing her bit by tending the flower beds. She is delighted that daffodils are starting to grow. One of the excitements of being in a new home is that we have no idea what is going to pop up through the ground next!
Mum is looking her best as this morning she was at her hairdresser for her weekly session
Finally, while walking the dogs, we saw how well the workers had been getting on at the bridge – and why they required such strong scaffolding:
At seven we all dined together in the farm house. Tomorrow Digger goes into hospital for a hernia operation – my sister-in-law Sue will be driving him to hospital, I will be driving Olive to Berwick for her train to Dundee to lecture and Mum and Rachel will be looking after the farmstead. When I get back the menu will consist entirely of boxes – but we look forward to having Digger home tomorrow evening with the operation successfully behind him.
This evening we relaxed in front of the television, resting aching bones. (Watched Shetland, a new crime drama, of which, I think, a small part was filmed in Luss.) Walked Mix before bed. It is already very cold, the price we pay for the lovely sunshine this afternoon.
Monday 10th. March, 2014 – Saint Kessog's Day -- The big battle commences
This is a picture of the empty barn – we call it the stables for no other reason than it used to have half-doors when we arrived here. Those who have been following this blog will remember that Tom and I made new doors to secure this barn. This barn has been prepared to store all of the boxes and furniture which we can’t use at the present time, but for which we will have a use in the future
This is a picture of the barn into which we decanted all of our goods and chattels when we arrived in the Borders (or at least our removal men did). The aim of this week is to sort out what is here and leave this barn as empty as the one in the picture above it
I awoke early – this is going to be a very big day. The weather forecasters have promised us three days when it will be fair and Rachel and my aim is to sort out as much as possible of the things in the corner barn and move everything to a new location. Some things will come into the Granary – we have been without lots of things we need (including some clothes) ever since we arrived; other things will be moved to the summer house (most of my books are as still unaccounted for); and many things will be repacked and moved in boxes into the empty barn we call the stables.
I breakfasted and then walked Mix, catching up with Rachel who was walking Rowan. We came home and started work. Moving boxes out of the big barn – I provided the muscle and Rachel opened each box, put a number on it and recorded its contents in a book, as well as marking where the box had been put.
By the end of the day we had dealt with around one hundred and thirty boxes. A little over eighty of them had been repacked, numbered and placed in the stables, the rest had gone to the Granary, the Hen House, the Summer House or had been labelled to be thrown out. The good news is that, even with eighty boxes in it, the stables look almost as empty as when we started; the bad news is that the big barn looks almost as full as when we started:
Even with eighty boxes in it the stables has plenty of room for all the rest which will follow
If you look closely you will see that we have made quite a difference
We worked from around ten until half-past one (having one coffee break with Mum in her Garden Room), started again at half-past two and worked until half-past four. We then had to load all of the boxes destined for the Granary into the Granary, all of those for the Sumer House into the Summer House ... and so on. I worked in the Summer House until seven when I went for dinner in the Farm House. Afterwards I watched University Challenge and then Silk on the television, returning to the Summer House at ten and working for another couple of hours. There is still a great deal to do but I am not working on tonight because in the morning Rachel has to go to her physiotherapist and I will get caught up then.
At half past four, before we continued with other things, we walked the dogs to the bridge, in fact we walked the dogs over the bridge and I took a picture looking back. Like us, the bridge repairers are involved in what must seem to them to be a Herculean task – I hope that they are enjoying themselves as much as we are.
I think that there will soon we as massive scaffolding on the other side of the bridge – but progress is clearly being made
Mix and I had a final walk before bed. The moon is shining brightly and the only reason I carried a torch was in case a vehicle came so that I could ensure that it saw us. Went to bed, tired: my back will ache tomorrow!
Back in Luss I expect that folk will have been celebrating St. Kessog's Day. I'll tell his story on this blog one day soon. Suffice it to say for today that Kessog brought Christianity to Luss and Loch Lomond-side in the year 510 when he was already an elderly (for the time) man of sixty years. He worked in and from Luss for ten years before dying at the hands of Druids in 520, becoming Scotland's first Christian martyr and leading to Luss becoming an ancient place of pilgrimage.
Sunday 9th. March, 2014 – The First Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 9, 2014, 10:45 PM
I took this picture of the River Blackadder on our morning walk
Woke early and got up. Mix and I walked down to the bridge and back again before breakfast and then Mum, Rachel and I set off for Church. This is the first Sunday since the road was closed so we left in plenty of time to drive round to Gavinton via Fogo.
There were more people in Church than usual today and Ann spoke to us about the Temptations of Jesus, drawing a contrast between the ‘high experience’ of the disciples with Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration last week and Jesus alone in the desert this week. We went for coffee after the service and returned home in time to continue with the tidying-up programme before lunch in the farm house. Chicken with a peanut and lime and curry sauce (satay, I believe), followed by pork and apple en croute with fried potatoes and mushy peas. Another lovely meal!
A whole beach stretches ahead – we have just got out of the car and Rowan can’t wait to get to the beach
Rachel and Rowan have reached the beach and are waiting patiently for Mix and I to catch up
After lunch Rachel and I drove to Berwick to do some urgent shopping and then we walked the dogs on the beach at Spittal. It was almost half-past five by the time that we returned and while we had been out a lamp-bulb had blown and dislodged the fuse. So I had to restart the computer and other electrical equipment.
Berwick is just across the River Tweed from where we like to walk the dogs
Rachel and I had a snack (in truth it was a bit more than a snack: we started with mixed anti pasto, followed by penne with pesto sauce and rounded off with pancakes) while I watched England’s most recent humiliation on the cricket field (in the T20 at the hands of the West Indies). Later we watched Mr. Selfridge on the television before walking the dogs and retiring to bed. Not much to write about but a really splendid day. The good news is that the weather forecast for the next three days is fine and, as a result, Rachel and I are planning to start to empty the big barn. (However, it is actually raining at the moment, so we shall see.)
Saturday 8th. March, 2014 – A Total Tidy-up
Saturday, March 8, 2014, 11:32 PM
A view of the bridge from the bridge as we walked the dogs this afternoon
Slept in (quite deliberately) and by the time I woke, Rachel was up and about and had walked both dogs. Rachel brought me coffee in bed, I completed my book and it was after ten before I got up.
Spent the morning and first part of the afternoon tidying the summer house and taking more stuff from the Granary to store there. This work was relieved by a visit from two gentlemen of the constabulary who wanted to know if we had seen or heard a council vehicle being stolen from the bridge last night and driven past our home. As it happened, shortly before eleven last night, Rachel and I were walking the dogs and we saw a vehicle driving along the Mount Pleasant to Greenside Road and it had an orange light flashing on the top. It may well have been the vehicle which had been stolen. I gather the council have got the vehicle back but I hadn’t expected such crime in the Borders!
Olive and I watched Raith Rovers on television. Unfortunately they lost against St. Johnstone but they had done well to get to the quarter final of the Scottish Cup. Digger was up at Kirkcaldy to spur them on but to no avail. I completed my tidying of the summer house and then Rachel and I walked the dogs down to the bridge to see how work was progressing. There certainly seems to be something a little different every time we visit. On the way back a car came driving through obviously not believing that there was no way through but moments later they had had to turn and come back.
I spent the latter part of the afternoon tidying my upstairs room. It is a big job but I had got most of it done by supper time in the farm house. In the evening we (Rachel, Mum, Olive and I) watched 37 Days – a drama based on the lead up to the first world war. It was worth seeing and so much better, I think, for watching the whole thing in one go. The programme reminded me that it is individuals who shape events and sometimes just one person can change the shape of what happens – there were so many such ‘performances’ in the story we watched unfolding this evening.
All around there is a ferocious wind blowing which makes us glad to have such a strong house in which to live (and such a warm one as well). Rachel and I walked the dogs and went to bed. It has been another good day.
Friday 7th. March, 2014 St. Boswell’s Market and the World Day of Prayer
Friday, March 7, 2014, 11:42 PM
The view as we parked our car at St. Boswell’s this morning – a lovely sunny day and hundreds of people raking around through the items to be auctioned
I got up and walked Mix, grabbed some breakfast and was ready for Tom and Dorothy when they arrived at nine. Today was the day of the market at St. Boswell’s and we were off to search for bargains (with Tom’s trailer hitched behind the car to bring them home).
I was surprised when we arrived at St. Boswell’s to discover so many people – and so many different things for sale by auction. There were three separate auctions: the one at which we spent our time which was small items with everything from tools and animal feeding equipment, through children’s motor bikes, dog kennels, wooden posts (for fencing), wire, logs and so on; another with extremely large items of equipment, trailers, combine harvesters (or things on that scale) and a third area with tractors and vehicles.
Everyone browses until the auction starts – these strange looking objects are used to feed hens (Tom and Dorothy keep their own brood of hens).
Although the crowds were large, the prices seemed to be extremely reasonable although Tom was beaten in bids for fence posts and a storage container for animal feed. He did buy a jelly pan filled with tools for £15 and then promptly sold one of the tools (which he didn’t want) to a rival bidder for a fiver – it was that kind of occasion. I made my first purchase of the market auctions – a cement mixer – mine for just £30 (plus £1.50p buyer’s premium and 30p VAT).
Crowds of people follow the auctioneer as he walks through the hundreds of items – you have to battle through to get near the auctioneer as he approaches the item in which you are interested
We had a fabulous breakfast of coffee and roll filled with sausages (Tom had a roll with sausage and black-pudding) and, once all of our purchasing was complete, we returned home in the middle of the afternoon.
My new cement mixer in the courtyard at Mount Pleasant. I will use it to point the stonework in the Granary and for several other projects which we have in mind
Mix and I went for a walk (down to the bridge, of course) and there I took this photograph of the ever-growing scaffolding work at the bridge. There is obviously a lot to be done but you can see that the pillar nearest to the camera has already been re-pointed. (That is how the Granary will look after I have got my cement mixer into use!)
The bridge as it is today
Back home, I fed Mix and then had a shower before an early tea. Then Mum and I set out for Gavinton Church and the World Day of Prayer service prepared by women in Egypt. There was a good attendance of folk from Gavinton, Duns Church of Scotland, Duns Episcopal and Duns Roman Catholic congregations. Our minister, Ann, gave the address and members of different congregations presented the readings – as there was one person who was unable to be present, I was asked to stand-in and read the part of Jesus in the dramatised reading from John’s Gospel about Jesus and the woman at the well of Sychar.
After the service we all adjourned to the church hall for coffee and biscuits made to an Egyptian recipe for the occasion. We drove home and I joined Rachel in watching a new episode of Jonathan Creek but I am afraid that all of the fresh air of earlier in the day caught up with me and I think I slept through most of it, as I did with the News and Newsnight. Still tomorrow is Saturday and I can relax.
Mix and I went for a late night walk and then it was time to do my sleeping in bed.
Thursday 6th. March, 2014 – The staircase is completed
Thursday, March 6, 2014, 10:47 PM
It is quite difficult to photograph a staircase – but here it is: complete. Now we have access from the ground floor to the first floor and refurbishment can continue more easily than before
Woke and walked Mix with Rachel and Rowan. We made our way down to the bridge and back again. Breakfasted in the farm house and, around nine, Tom and Dorothy arrived; Dorothy to go with Rachel to Berwick for their stained glass class, me to accompany Tom to Duns where he was to leave his car and I was to drive him back to Mount Pleasant. While we were at the garage we learned that the Bongo needed a new radiator but that as Bongos are grey imports the garage didn’t know where to purchase a radiator. We asked them to remove the old radiator and to fit a new one once we had sourced it for them.
Back at Mount Pleasant nothing was going to stand in the way of our completing the staircase. There were risers to be screwed to the steps, and tidying up to be done at the top of the stairs. It took us a couple of hours but now we have a very fine staircase. We went for coffee with Mum to celebrate and then we came out to the summer house where we accessed a number of Bongo sites through which we succeeded in buying a new radiator for Rachel’s camper van.
Flushed with the success of our staircase, Tom and I went off to Pearson’s for lunch (vegetable soup followed by macaroni cheese). By the time we had completed lunch Tom’s car was ready so we returned to Mount Pleasant and spent a while in the hen house putting up plaster-board in the library. Then we gave everything up and had coffee in the Granary and put the world to rights, Tom sitting on a seat by the window and playing my accordion – a kind of tribute to our new staircase!
Tom sits by the window in the Granary and plays the curly-headed shepherd – perhaps it was relief that the staircase had been completed so successfully
Dorothy and Rachel returned and Tom and Dorothy set off for home. Rachel and I walked Mix and Rowan down to the bridge – we are going to make the most of this eight weeks during which the road has become our private dog-walking path – and we saw that progress is being made, not least because now a huge scaffold has been erected in front of the bridge.
A view of the scaffolding in front of the bridge – taken as we walked the dogs this afternoon
Back home I changed and Rachel, Mum, Digger and I set off for Berwick to attend War Horse at the Maltings. Mum, Rachel and I went for a meal in the theatre while Digger went to the station to collect Olive. (I ate Cullen Skink and Scotch egg salad with fried potatoes). The theatre production was a National Theatre production streamed throughout many theatre in the world. The puppetry was superb as were the production and the performances. The story contains an inevitable amount of sentimentality (we find ourselves lamenting the death of a horse while all around men are being mown down in their hundreds) but there are real morals in the story – it is the things which the hero did for Joey which saved his life (even the forcing him to pull the plough to win a bet) and the haunting song reminding us that we will be remembered for what we do. Life is full of coincidences (if you believe in them) and if you try to achieve the impossible, just sometimes you will achieve it. It was a good evening.
We drove home and were glad of the warm welcome waiting for us from Mix and Rowan (who have become such very good friends). We walked the dogs and retired to bed.
Wednesday 5th. March, 2014 – Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, March 5, 2014, 11:46 PM
This picture belongs with yesterday’s entry. Rachel took it on her telephone and it shows me tossing a pancake while Mum looks on.
Rachel emailed the picture to me but it didn’t arrive until today
Woke early (I was actually awoken by a text message from Amazon telling me at what time my delivery would arrive). I got up and Mix and I went for a walk down to the bridge. On our return we went into the summer house where I completed the music for the World Day of Prayer service for Arrochar and got this sent off to Jamie. I also started on the music for next Sunday at Arrochar.
Even although we were early at the bridge, work had already started and others were getting ready to start their day’s activity
Just as I was completing the music, Tom arrived so I missed out on breakfast and we started straight off on the staircase – taking it all apart and then putting it together carefully, gluing all of the joints and screwing the whole assembly into the walls. We got the basics done by lunchtime when Tom had to go off with Dorothy and his daughter to Berwick to do some shopping. I took the opportunity to have some lunch and then to complete the music for Arrochar and get it sent off. It was lovely to have a bit of time and I spent quite a while on music practice (well, it is practice in the sense that I am learning; it isn’t practice in the sense that it is a preparation for something special or for some event or other. This is purely for my own enjoyment.)
Tom returned and we all but completed the staircase. There is a bit to do tomorrow but it will be done by lunchtime (unless we decide to do something else instead). I drove Tom home and then came back and had a quick shower.
We dined early at 5.45 so that we could drop Mum in Duns for the Duns Guild and so that Rachel and I could go to Gavinton Church to the Ash Wednesday service to mark the start of Lent. It was a good service with members of the congregation reading – the theme being our need for forgiveness as we set out on the journey to Jerusalem with Jesus. Anne spoke about the alternative of ‘taking on’ rather than ‘giving up’ something during Lent (quoting from Matthew’s Gospel in her support).
Back home I subsided in front of the stove and dozed – Lewis was on the television (and the News and Newsnight) but to be honest I saw little television this evening.
Tuesday 4th. March, 2014 Pancake Tuesday
Tuesday, March 4, 2014, 11:35 PM
We used to catch sight of this doo cot as we drove into Duns – now the road is closed we can walk there with the dogs and have a proper look. It is rather smart
Woke and walked Mix down to the bridge – on the way we saw three deer. They weren’t in the least fazed by the bird-scarers which were sounding off but on seeing Mix they wandered off across the field and over the horizon.
Our staircase arrives, swathed in plastic, and almost the last delivery on this van which set out earlier in the day from Newcastle
Worked in the summer house for a while until it was breakfast time and then went to the farmhouse for my porridge. Tom and Dorothy arrived and we moved some plaster-board up to the first floor of the Hen House and then worked on the plaster-boarding of the library. While Tom and Dorothy were away for lunch the delivery van with our staircase arrived. Rachel and I helped the driver (from Newcastle) unpack the staircase bits and then, when Tom arrived, we had a dry run of erecting the staircase. We now know that it fits and tomorrow we will fit it together properly and fit it to the wall. We really are moving forward.
Tom and Rachel pose in the hole into which the staircase will fit (we hope)
Tom in action assembling the staircase
The staircase has been dry-assembled -- tomorrow we will disassemble it and fit it together properly with all of the fixings
Mix, Rowan, Rachel and I walked across the Blackadder Bridge to the doo cot and then returned to the Granary where we gave the dogs their evening meal. I came back to the summer house to look at the music for the World Day of Prayer service before dinner.
We ate in the farm house (a splendid meal which, appropriately, included pancakes) and then Rachel and I retired to the Granary for a leisurely evening watching Death in Paradise and sleeping through the News and Newsnight. I needed a leisurely evening because my body was aching after hauling the stairway into place and holding it up while the next bit was fitted. However, it seems to be a perfect fit – something we will know for certain tomorrow.
I walked Mix and retired to bed, to sleep, to dream of completed staircases and the next phase of our building projects and of my joinery apprenticeship!
Monday 3rd. March, 2014 – Our road is closed
Monday, March 3, 2014, 11:32 PM
Our road will remain closed for the next two months
Woke and got up, with walking Mix first on my agenda. Discovered that the road outside our house running from Duns to here was in the process of being closed. It will be closed for eight weeks or so and, far from this being a bad thing, it will give us a splendid road to walk down as our own private dog-walking area.
Mix and I walked down it this morning and then returned for breakfast in the farmhouse. As I made my way back to the Granary, Rachel was coming out with Rowan – so we went for another walk with them, again along our newly closed road. It is great!
Tom arrived and he and Rachel put up the curtain in Mum’s Garden Room while I made some phone calls (Including chasing up the hammer I had ordered two months ago from HomeBase and which had never arrived.) I discovered too that our staircase had been loaded on to a lorry in Leeds and would arrive here tomorrow morning. So we set about clearing a space in the Hen House for the staircase and discovered a power supply while we were doing that. I ‘phoned the electrician to see if he will be able to use this supply or whether we will require another one.
The sun was shining today – that’s why we set about the barn – and Mix enjoyed the sun pouring into the summer house through the blinds
We stopped for coffee and then had a look at Rachel’s Bongo which is again not starting. Tom and Rachel went off to Duns to speak to the garage while I started to look at the music which Arrochar require for the World Day of Prayer service on Friday. Tom ‘phoned and I went to collect him (coming via Fogo).
Back at Mount Pleasant, we started Rachel’s Bongo and then Rachel drove it to the Garage with Tom and I driving behind to collect her. We drove to Duns via Sinclair’s Hill and then, after visiting Pearson’s, we returned by the same route (meeting Dorothy returning from her spinning class on the way).
When we got home I discovered that there had been a parcel delivery – my hammer had arrived!
At the start of today this barn was full – now it is absolutely empty
Now we set about the task of the day. We gutted the barn behind the new wooden doors which we made in January. This is a totally secure barn, inaccessible to birds, and now that we have gutted it, we will wash it out tomorrow and then start to load in all of the things which we want to keep but don’t yet have a place for. It will be a long job because we’ll do it slowly, opening every box and keeping a record of where everything is so that we will know for the future. Well, that is the plan – of course, tomorrow our staircase arrives and we also have to plasterboard the upstairs of the Hen House, so there are many competing demands on our time, but it is exciting.
The Blackadder Bridge which will be completely rebuilt over the next two months
Gutting the barn exhausted me – things are so heavy – so after Rachel and I had taken the dogs on a walk all the way to Nisbet Hill along the closed road, I enjoyed a hot shower before dinner. Rachel is so bushed that she declined dinner and preferred to remain in front of the stove.
After dinner we settled down in front of the stove. It was a hard job to remain awake but I watched Silk followed by the News and Newsnight before walking both of the dogs – Rachel had retired to bed.
Sunday 2nd. March, 2014 – Transfiguration Sunday
These yellow roses with pussy-willows were in Church this morning making the Church very attractive (or even more attractive than it normally is)
Woke and walked Mix. The Swinton Road was very quiet but then it is Sunday. From tomorrow the road from our home to Duns is due to be closed for eight weeks to allow for repairs to the bridge over the River Blackadder. That will make that road, which at present is quite busy, a really enjoyable walk for Mix and me. I wonder if it will be closed by tomorrow first thing or whether we will have to wait until later in the day? Of course, we will have to find a new route to drive into Duns but there will be several to chose between.
Breakfasted and set off with Mum and Rachel for Church where the readings, meditations and prayers were on the theme of Transfiguration – of Moses at Mount Sinai, and of Peter, James and John with Jesus as he was transfigured with Moses and Elijah on (?) Mount Horeb. After the service we went to the church hall for coffee and chatted with Tom and Dorothy who were setting off for Kelso to the annual potato market. We told them to look out for Digger who had set off earlier for the same destination.
Back home we went for lunch at the farmhouse (carrot soup followed by chicken and potatoes and kale) at which we were joined by Scott and Sue. They left after lunch with Olive and Digger who went along to grab the best of some of the books which Scott was throwing out. I sorted out my finances in the summer house and then, when Rachel went off to evensong in Berwick, I moved back into the Granary so that Rowan was not on her own. There I did some music practice while I watched the cricket from the West Indies. What looked like a walk in the park for England after they dismissed West Indies very cheaply, turned into a real struggle and it required a good partnership from Ravi Bopara and Stewart Broad to see England home.
As soon as the game ended, Rachel and I had an evening meal around our table in the Granary and then we settled down to watch Mr. Selfridge and the News before walking the dogs and retiring to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a big day. We have to clear the space for the staircase to go in the Hen House. Then, once the bits arrive, we have to get them into position and build them into a staircase. And then we will have easy access to the top floor! Can’t wait.
Saturday 1st. March, 2014 – St. David’s Day
Sunday, March 2, 2014, 12:00 AM
This morning the sun was shining -- it was if Spring had arrived and I felt good
This morning I slept in. Well, it wasn’t really sleeping in because I didn’t set my alarm and I didn’t plan to wake at any particular time. (One can do that when one is retired.)
It was after ten when I awoke. I rose slowly and then Mix and I went for a walk. It was beautiful, the sun was shining and all was right with the world.
On returning to Mount Pleasant, Mix and I made our way to the summer house and there I prepared the music for Arrochar’s Service tomorrow and got it all sent off to Jamie. That done I stopped for a snack and then Mix and I returned to the summer house to try to catch up with my diary. I’d taken notes while I was away so that was no problem. What was a problem was that my camera had given out and I had had to use my telephone. The pictures were caught on a micro flash card within the telephone but to get them on to my computer required an adaptor. I didn’t have one. Amazon could (and will) deliver one to me on Monday but I didn’t want to leave my diary un-updated until them. There was nothing for it but that I would choose the pictures I wanted from the thumbnails on the camera and email them to myself. However, here I get almost no reception .... it would have made a good episode for a family comedy and it took me all afternoon (and a little of the evening) to get things up to date. But up to date I am, and that’s great.
When I get all of the pictures off my telephone I will find that I have some which I would have wished to have shown the world (or at least kept to remind myself of where I have been) so in all probability they will appear on the pages of my diary in the days to come.
Mix and I went for a walk this afternoon: the weather was still very good and because it was very dry underfoot we were able to walk along Bramble Avenue. Mix enjoyed it. Later we dined with Olive, Digger and Mum in the farmhouse – a sausage casserole with loads of carrots and potatoes, followed by trifle and ice-cream.
In the evening Rachel and I watched Endeavour on the television and then we walked the dogs before bed. I’m looking forward to tomorrow. Church for one thing and then I hope to get some sorting out done, and a little music practice as well, before the week starts and we continue with our building project. (This time next week I hope to have a staircase in the hen house and at least one room fully plaster-boarded: now there is a hostage to fortune.)
The good weather has disappeared – our final walk took place in heavy rain – and as I put these words into the computer the rain is getting heavier. And there was me thinking that Spring was just around the corner.
Vadstena sits on the bank of a beautiful lake
I was woken by my alarm at 6.30 a.m. I showered and dressed and then packed my bag, stripped my bed and went for breakfast at 7.30 a.m. so that I could join the others in Church for the service of Holy Communion at 8 a.m. As it was Friday a painted crucifix with icons of Bridget ( called Birgitta in Swedish) and Katarina on the arms, was in front of the altar and we gathered around this icon for the service which was conducted by the vicar in whose home we had dined last evening.
The crucifix around which we gathered
We all walked back to our base together and the morning’s programme began – a discussion about membership criteria and about funding and the different and considerable additional sources open to us. We broke for coffee (across the lawn in the students’ refectory) and then resumed our discussions, centering on future meetings and on their format.
We moved into groups – the British ‘chapter’: Caroline from Canterbury, Kevin from St. Albans, Peter from Norwich and me from Scotland – discussed our ‘to do’ list – the launch at Canterbury, the secular partnership at Norwich, the work in Wales (with Chris), in Scotland and in Ireland. New areas were targeted with me talking through the possibility of engaging with Jarrow, the World of Bede, Euromine and so on. At least we all know what we are meant to be doing over the coming months!
The minutes raced by and soon it was time to return to church for the noon service of prayer, followed by lunch in the refectory. I loved my stuffed tomato with a glorious salad and sautéed potatoes.
In the hour after lunch a number of smaller meetings took place – to arrange a European pilgrimage to Canterbury; to complete a funding application. As I wasn’t required I nipped out and walked around the town taking some photos; the sun came out and I was truly blessed.
I walked by the lake, visited the castle, popped into the old station (now closed) but with some rolling stock on the line. I looked at the old medieval streets and admired the buildings – and I was so glad to have had the opportunity of taking all of this in.
The Castle entrance
A view from the drawbridge over the moat as the water goes out to the lake
An old railway carriage
The white building is the original Town Hall
The first town chemist’s shop is still in business
These two buildings were built centuries apart. On the left a nineteenth century building, on the right a seventeenth century one
One of the little streets along which I wandered
and I walked across this square (which is under some degree of restoration)
This mark, made by Pilgrims over the centuries, is by the front door of the Abbey Church
I was back after an hour (having met up with Kevin who had also escaped for a moment or two. Back at base we had a round-up session where we were each reminded of our tasks. I have responsibilities in Scotland, northern England and Ireland as well as some research to complete and write up. Now I have my summer house it will be fun to get started on that.
At 2.45 p.m. – what a lot we had packed into today – we loaded ourselves into a minibus and set off for the airport. Kevin was staying on for an extra night in Linkoping, the rest of us got on the 5.10 flight for Amsterdam – and there we all separated and went our different ways: Alison and Berit (along with the vicar of Vadstena) to Bethlehem; Martin to Bristol; Peter to Norwich, Caroline to Heathrow and me to Edinburgh.
The flight was uneventful enough and Rachel was waiting for me at Edinburgh. I was glad to see her – I was delighted to be home. It has been a wonderful three days and I have learned a lot: but it is good to be home.
Thursday 27th. February, 2014 In Conference at Vadstena
Some of the folk gathered around the table as our talks began
Up at 6.30 a.m. to shower and have a short walk before breakfast at 7.30 a.m. (egg, cold meats, cheese, coffee) and then it was off to Church (Bridget’s Church and, after a fire at the original one, the parish church) for Holy Communion. It was, of course, all in Swedish but I followed it fine (because of my knowledge of the liturgy rather than of the language).
Inside the church it is really quite dark – so excuse the quality – but this little corner of the Church is where we gathered for morning prayers
Back in our centre we moved into the conference room and started our discussions. The morning was spent in catching up; in hearing how things were developing in India, in China and in Japan.
In India they are gearing up for the Hindu Environment Week during which plans to green Temples will be shared, with a big meeting planned for the end of this year.
Bethlehem is now linked with Trondheim and there will be a conference to discuss the greening of Bethlehem next week.
Santiago de Compostela’s plans to join the network are advancing and there will be a conference there, possibly in September in conjunction with the World Tourist Organisation, or possibly early next year.
Work is progressing on the Canterbury to Rome to Jerusalem pilgrimage way. Work in Jerusalem is refocusing on representation of the different faiths resident there.
In China work is moving forward quickly. Six new organic nurseries, a new Green Temple and three new places to come on line this year.
Confuscianism has adopted Green Pilgrimage and in Japan the Shinto are also developing their programmes.
Some of the folk at the other side of the table
We discussed Etchmiadzin, the Haj (to Mecca and to the Suffi Shrines to which pilgrims travel in huge numbers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Nigeria). And then we heard a little about Sweden’s tourist routes: Bridget’s and the longer (300 km) Cloister route. Routes are now built around Youth Hostels and sleeping places because so many of the smaller churches have been sold. Local people stressed the importance of a good experience for the hosts of the pilgrims to enable routes to develop and grow. What a lot is going on!
We looked at developments in Green Pilgrimage in Europe where there is a great deal of excitement and interest in Green Pilgrimage with denominations making staff available to take advantage of the new opportunities which are being presented. I was enormously encouraged by the investment by the churches in Norway and Sweden and in England too, in pilgrimage. The Pilgrimage Centre in Vadstena now has six ministerial staff provided by the Church and has seen its work develop exponentially over almost twenty years – there is a Pilgrim chaplain at the Abbey Church and services are held several times every day; Pilgrim ministers are available to lead people on pilgrimage because this is seen as both as part of the service of the church and as a great means of mission and outreach.
A picture of part of the interior of the Church
At lunchtime we went first to the Church for the mid-day prayer service (fifteen minutes including a song from Taize) – this was one of the services provided by the pilgrimage staff, in this case a volunteer – and then we went to the former monastery, now owned by the state and run as a hotel, for a magnificent lunch as guests of the Town Council.
I took this picture of the restaurant after our tour – it had been put back together again – but look at the vaulted ceilings under which the monks slept in time gone-by
Again we ate cod with salad and vegetables – we started with an onion soup. (Cod is a favourite we discovered. It is extremely tasty and I think that Swedish people live on fish.) We were taken on a tour of the former monastery and then into the former convent/palace by an enthusiastic guide who spoke as if the events of long ago had happened in his recent memory.
Some of us are listening intently as our guide describes the changes which have taken place to this former monastery
Back at base we started to make plans for the future: the visits which will have to be made to assist new groups to join the network; major conferences which are to happen over the next year; a task force to take forward new opportunities and so on. It was all good stuff. I was just a little sorry that I was no longer going to be able to help Argyll grasp the opportunities which other people were reaching out for with such enthusiasm – but other people will pick up that baton.
We broke in the middle of the afternoon to go to the official Pilgrimage Centre to see their coffee bar (and drink their coffee), to visit their bookshop (and buy some of the books) and to take some of the pictures I had missed last night because it had been dark.
The large Pilgrim Rosary on the wall of the Church
I was given a pilgrimage rosary with beads to wear around my wrist – each bead stands for a part of one’s prayer cycle and, if I remember, it goes something like this: the gold bead stands for God (where all our prayers begin), a little bead for silence is followed by a small white bead for me and a larger white bead for my Baptism which makes me what I am; a silence is followed by a brown bead to give me the opportunity of bringing my worries to God (and sometimes the desert place in which I find myself). A further silence is followed by a blue bead to challenge me to count my blessings and to recall my happy times; a silence is followed by two red beads: the first for all of the love given to me and the second for the love which I give to other people (we love because we are first loved). Three white beads follow: they are for my secrets – the special things about me which I wish to share with God. A black bead enables me to bring my losses to God, for those who have died whom I miss, and then a silence followed by a white bead for revelation: what God has said to me as I take part in the prayer exercise, because the aim of the cycle is to enable us to place ourselves before God and then to listen to him in the silence and in the prayer. A final silence brings one back to the gold bead, brings one back to God.
One of the ladies of Vadstena with a Pilgrim Rosary Bracelet
Well, my beads weren’t quite like that. The first of my secret beads had been replaced with a green bead – signifying life, service and pilgrimage. It was a lovely gift and it originated here in this diocese twenty years ago. (The green bead is a much more recent alteration.)
Back to work to round off plans for the major conference this time next year and by the time that was done it was time to have a quick break before going back to the Abbey Church, this time to be shown round by a guide.
Look closely at this model and you can see the platform where the nuns used to come into Church and worship
The Abbey Church is an enormous building – and by Bridget’s decree a very plain and austere building. Between the six front pillars had originally been a platform at first floor height with a surrounding fence. This was for the nuns who entered at first-floor level and were thus unseen by anyone in the church – pilgrims and monks – the townsfolk were not allowed to come in. This platform is now long gone. There are many treasures in the Church – ancient altar screens, fabulous altars and sculptures.
How is this for a vicarage? – quite the biggest manse I have ever seen
Our hour just flew by and we were a few minutes late when we arrived at the two-hundred-year-old vicarage for our evening meal. It is a huge vicarage and wonderfully furnished. Again we ate royally. The salmon was in huge chunks as if it were fresh – but it was smoked and served with salad, vegetables, potatoes and a sauce of crème fraiche, mayonnaise, and caviar! This was followed by a cheese cake with cream and strawberries. Wonderful.
The conversation flowed until it was time to come back to base, to unwind, and to reflect a little on an exceptional day, before bed.
Wednesday 26th. February, 2014 – Off on my travels
Taken in the gathering gloom, this is a picture of the Pilgrimage Centre in which we stayed. My room is the one in the middle of the first floor above the room with the light on it. It was lovely and everywhere was surrounded by trees
I was up at five so that I could shower, get ready and still be on the road by 6 a.m. Rachel drove me to Edinburgh airport (Rowan came with us while Mix moved into the farmhouse). Our journey took around ninety minutes.
I didn’t have to check in – I had done that on line – and because I only had hand baggage I only had to walk through security and wait until my gate number was announced. This turned out to be quite some wait. My plane had developed a fault in Amsterdam and had to be replaced. As a result we were an hour late in leaving, but fortunately I had time to spare in Amsterdam and could wander to my gate for Linkoping without any problem at all.
In the departure lounge there I met up with everyone who was coming to the get-together: Peter, Caroline, Kevin, Alison, Martin from England and Berit from Norway. We were met in Linkoping by Per who drove us in his minibus to Vadstena – an important pilgrimage centre in Sweden. (The airport at Linkoping was interesting. It was tiny, just the two gates, and when we arrived we were the only plane in the airport. It seems that the airport was built by Saab for their near-by factory but that they allow the community to use it and it has become a city-airport. It was certainly very friendly and welcoming and reminded me of Genoa airport back in the early seventies when I worked there.)
Our base in Vadstena was in a Pilgrim building which is part of the local church facilities which enable the church to provide education, accommodation, meals and conferences for students. It is extremely comfortable.
No sooner had we settled in than it was time to leave the building to be taken on a walking tour of the town. We learned of a very interesting history starting with the creation of a royal palace in the middle of the thirteenth century. One of the ladies in waiting to the queen was Briget, a wealthy woman born in 1303, married at the age of twelve and becoming the mother of eight children before she was widowed on the death of her husband (who was quite a lot older than she was).
It was getting quite dark but here you can see the church rising above the building which was the palace and became the convent
This model shows how the Church and convent relate to each other
Bridget decided to form a new religious order – named after herself. She persuaded the king and queen to give her the palace for her order and then set off for Rome to confront the Pope to ask for permission to set up her order.
Life was not without difficulties for her. First, she wished to create an order which included both men and women (60 nuns and 25 monks) and second, the Pope had moved from Rome to Avignon.
Bridget never returned to Sweden, spending the final twenty years of her long life (she died just before her 70th. birthday) in Rome, first communicating by letter with Avignon and finally face to face once the Pope returned and gave her permission for her order.
Initially this was the Palace of Vadstena. Then it was higher with larger windows and was hugely decorated and elaborate on the exterior. Bridget required it to be made into a building more appropriate for nuns and so the building was lowered and all of the decoration removed
Messages were sent to Sweden through her daughter – the palace was converted into a convent, a huge Church was built, a monastery was constructed and everything was enclosed by a wall (a further wall divided the monks from the nuns). We saw the joining wall through which monks and nuns (or at least the senior monk and the Abbess) could converse but not see each other – and a turning half-barrel which could enable letters to be transferred.
This is a fascinating picture – among the excavations behind the Church you can see the wall through which monks and nuns communicated: the section with holes so that one could hear but not see; the half-barrel into which something could be place and turned round so that it went through the wall; and the box which could be shuttled through the wall for bigger items
The next phase was the growth, not connected with the religious community, of care for mentally ill people – large facilities for both male and female were created by a sixteenth century benefactor, and continued until comparatively recently.
Vadstena remains predominantly a medieval town – not large: today there are about 5,500 people living here (and, according to the local newspaper, 500 dogs).
However, to return to what we were told by our guide, a later king built a fortress which later became a castle. It is a fine looking building which now houses municipal records and a museum and is still surrounded by a magnificent moat.
This is the fortress which then came a castle once the King was convinced that security was no longer his foremost concern
Originally, we were told, the whole town was protected by such a moat. In fact Vadstena sits on the shore of an enormous lake 140 km long by 40 km wide and over 100 metres deep. It is clean, pure water, used as drinking water for most people in this part of Sweden.
The light is going but this is the refectory just across from our accommodation (and opposite the convent building). Here meals and coffee were always available – not just for us but for the hundred or so students who attend the courses facilitated by the Church
Our guide for our tour was an ex Army Officer, now retired. He led us through the streets pointing out medieval buildings and brimming over with enthusiasm for his subject. He returned us to our base and immediately we went across to the refectory for dinner. We were served with with cod, potatoes and mixed vegetables, followed by a lovely desert. It was a splendid meal.
Not satisfactory as a photograph (my camera has no flash) but excellent as a reminder of a superb meal in great company in a place I never expected to be
After a walk we came back to the centre for cheese and fruit and then retired to bed. It had been a long day. My only disappointment had been that my small camera (which I have used for years) chose today to finally give up the ghost. As a result all of my photos for this trip have been taken on my mobile phone, (which unlike many people’s phones is primarily just that, a telephone).
Tuesday 25th. February, 2014 – Welcome visitors
Tuesday, February 25, 2014, 10:39 PM
Enjoying a chat with Lorraine and Cathy in the summer house
Up early to walk the dog and have breakfast before getting my things ready for my trip away tomorrow. I drove Mum to Duns for her hairdressing appointment and when I returned Cathy and Lorraine had arrived to visit us, all the way from Luss.
It was really good to see them both. We had coffee (actually most had tea) in the Granary before showing them around the barns and outhouses which make up Mount Pleasant, ending up in the summer house where we shared all of our news about our Borders Excitements.
Rachel went off to collect Mum and when she returned we all went across to the farmhouse where Mum showed them around her domain before Olive gave us all lunch. It was a lovely day – and a lovely meal – and afterwards we explored the gardens, ending up again in the summer house because Cathy had upholstered a chair for me and brought it down as a present for the summer house. It was the chair which we had brought to Luss for my father when he was ill and it is lovely to have it all refurbished and looking as if it were brand-new.
Digger returned from the dentist and, after tea in the Granary, he took Cathy to see the dome he is building to house vegetables in the garden. Before we knew it, it was getting dark and time for Lorraine and Cathy to set off for home. Their visit was a real treat for us and we hope to see them again before too long has passed.
Didn’t manage to get Olive in the picture – not that she’ll mind – but here we are all gathered around the farmhouse table at lunchtime
I packed my bags for tomorrow and we all gathered around the table in the farmhouse for our evening meal. In the evening we watched a bit of television (Death in Paradise); I got to bed early as tomorrow I go to Sweden where I will be until Friday, leaving Rachel, Mum, Digger and Olive (along with Mix, Rowan and Heidi) to hold the fort in my absence.
Because I am away my diary will not be brought up to date until Friday evening at which point normal service will be resumed. I have never been to Sweden before and hope to have lots to report. I am going to a meeting of the Green Pilgrimage Movement to continue our discussions about the creation of a European Chapter. It will be exciting.
Monday 24th. February, 2014 A relaxing day
Monday, February 24, 2014, 11:33 PM
It’s a dog’s life – and it is rather good!
Up and walked Mix on a fresh morning with just a smidgen of rain in the air. Breakfasted – I’m still on porridge -- and went back to the Granary to sort out some bits and pieces. Tom arrived and soon had our gas fire operational, making me feel a little foolish in the process.
I sorted out some of the paperwork which had built up over the last weeks and tried to pay some bills on-line.
Just before lunch time my friends Bill and Peggy arrived – I have known them both for many years and count them among my most special of friends – they are to be married soon and I am so share in their ceremony, something which I feel extremely honoured about. We went for lunch at Hugo’s – we were fed extremely well (and quite cheaply too). Back at Mount Pleasant I showed Peggy and Bill around and then we settled down in the summer house to talk about their wedding. I was sorry when it was time for them to set off for home.
I dined with Mum and Digger (Olive was en route from Dundee and Rachel was still full of lunch) and then I settled down in front of the television while a wave of contentment washed over me – friends, food, retirement: take your pick, but it has been a very happy day.
(I watched the tv debate about independence between Fiona Hislop and Annabel Goldie on an expanded Newsnight Scotland. I thought that this was much more informative than the usual television offerings because it was just two people having questions put to them by three questioners. As we have more of these debates the issues will become sharper because what people say will be analysed and examined and the starting point will move a bit forward with each successive debate.)
Sunday 23rd. February, 2014 – A Happy Sunday
Sunday, February 23, 2014, 11:18 PM
The flowers in Church this morning were given by my mother (today would have been my father’s ninety-third birthday)
Today must have been one of the most blustery days of the winter so far. Extremely windy, not a little rain and really quite cold. Mix and I walked and then I had breakfast before Mum, Rachel and I set off for Gavinton Church.
It was a special service today because, as visitors, we had Joan and Dawn from the Berwickshire Christian Youth Trust where both are members of the management committee. We learned that the Trust has two of a staff who work with young people (Mark and Stewart). They spend time in both primary and secondary schools in the area and arrange camps and other events to support young people who are trying to live out a life of faith in a secular world.
Joan and dawn used the initials of the trust to provide us with some insights into their thinking. B is for bread – a staple food throughout the world (life changing if you don’t have it) and faith is our staple food in a life of Christian pilgrimage – the trust exists to share faith. C is for candle. Even one candle in a dark room makes a difference. It gives hope of more light but a candle flame has to be protected else it will go out – the trust exists to protect the faith of young people who are learning to live a life of faith. Y is for yeast. Yeast makes flour and water grow into loaves of bread. Young people, properly supported, change their own communities. T is for torch – bring all the candles together and a great flame is produced. The trust exists to arrange events such as camps at which Christian youngsters can learn from each other and grow in faith.
Dawn spoke of the difference that the trust had made in the lives of young people over fifteen years – a boy had grown in faith and now works in forestry in India, helping the community there in a practical way and also sharing his faith; a girl had become a teacher and now runs a Sunday evening activity for young people at her church; another girl had trained and was now in Africa learning to be a missionary. Little things lead to greater things.
And how can we help? The trust needs people who are prepared to give their time, perhaps to go along to a Scripture Union event at a local school. It needs people who will bake cakes or donate tins of biscuits to be enjoyed at local events. It needs people to support its work in prayer; and it needs people to donate money as each year it costs something like £40,000 just to keep it going. Here in Gavinton Church there is a collection for the work of the BCYT on the final Sunday of each month.
After the service we joined everyone for tea of coffee in the Church hall
Our Bible readings were the Call of Samuel, the reading from the first letter of Peter about living stones, and the passage from the sermon on the mount about being salt and light to our generation. After the service we went for tea and coffee in the church hall and then we came back to Mount Pleasant where I did some accordion practice and watched the final of the Olympic ice-hockey (Canada 3 – Sweden 0) before lunch in the farm house. We ate well: tuna pate followed by chicken casserole and roast potatoes.
After lunch I settled down in front of the stove to watch some of the ice spectacular and then the closing ceremony of the Winter Olympics. It seems to me that it has been a superb Games. I was gobsmacked by the closing ceremony. I hadn’t known what to expect – I suppose something music-based like the London one – but, good as that was, this was superb. I loved the way that the Russians had handed the direction over to an Italian to look at their culture from the outside; I loved the themes which emerged – the sea, Russian music, Russian literature, Russian dance and, of course, the Russian circus. I loved the life and vigour and humour. I loved the use of the whole space (from massive floor to roof). I loved the huge cast and the involvement of children. I loved the giant puppets and the reference back to the last time that the Olympics had been celebrated in Russia. I loved the crowds and the enthusiasm of the chair of the organising committee and I really loved the appropriate words spoken by Mr. Bach of the Olympic Committee with his emphasis on peace and respect and tolerance – words which need to be heard world-wide because the picture of the athletes from all over sharing in an Olympic village is a powerful one for all of humanity.
Of course, it all cost a huge amount of money – but its legacy may be huge as well and I gather that the world cup will use some of the same facilities – but our Olympics cost a great deal of money as well and many people consider that that was money well spent. Still, all I started off to say was that I thought that the closing ceremony was immense and that all of the children who took part, and all of those who watched it in the arena and all of the competitors who were there, will have had an experience which they will never forget. Now bring on the Commonwealth Games!
In the evening Rachel and I had a snack together and watched Mr. Selfridge before walking the dogs and retiring to bed.
Saturday 22nd. February, 2014 – A day of some indolence
Saturday, February 22, 2014, 10:22 PM
I meant to include this picture yesterday. I took it when Mix and I were exploring our woodland walk. I forgot, so here it is today.
I have been lazy today. I didn’t get up for breakfast (I told everyone I wouldn’t yesterday). In fact I slept in until half-past eight and then read for an hour before getting up. I would have read longer but I finished my book. I did then go across to the farmhouse for a leisurely late breakfast.
Soon afterwards Olive, Rachel and Mum went off to Berwick to buy curtains. I stayed at home to look after the dogs. I spent the time practising my ukulele and repairing the key-pegs on my ukulele-banjo (oh and in having some excellent cheese rolls while I watched the Olympics on the television).
The travellers returned and I went out for a walk with Mix. We passed the entrance to Bramble Avenue. We didn’t go along it because it was very wet underfoot and I was in loafing-around-in-the-house clothes. I remembered that we had been told recently that the locals don’t call it Bramble Avenue but Coal Lane – because evidently in times past the cottars with their coal used this path as a short cut when they were delivering coal to Bogend Farm. To us it will always be Bramble Avenue because it was filled with Brambles when we first arrived.
Coal Lane or Bramble Avenue – take your pick
On returning with Mix I spent a couple of hours re-learning to play my accordion. I say ‘relearning’ but in case you imagine that now I can play it what I mean is re-learning what I am meant to do, I still have to learn how to do it!
By now it was time to station Mix with Olive and Digger so that Rachel and I could go off to Berwick to attend an illustrated talk by Jamie Bruce, the son of my next-room-to-me fellow student in Sallies (St. Salvator’s Hall) all those years ago. Jamie had been on a splendid adventure walking in the footsteps of David Livingstone from Blantyre to Malawi (and including the Camino (Compostela de Santiago for good measure). He showed excellent slides and provided us with a wealth of information not only about his adventures but also about the charity Mary’s Meals as well. The talk was in the St. Cuthbert’s Church Centre. I hadn’t realised that and so we went first to the Church which was an absolute blessing because we met a splendid lady who was coming out of the church and who walked with us to the centre. She had met her husband at St. Andrews University in the fifties and was now clearly enjoying her life in Berwick.
After the talk we had a fish supper in the car (well, we had missed tea) and then made our way home, just in time to catch a bit of tv, walk the dogs and retire to bed. Didn’t achieve a thing but it has been a very enjoyable day!
Friday 21st. February, 2014 – Delivery day
Friday, February 21, 2014, 11:31 PM
Bright and early the Pearson’s lorry arrived with all of our plasterboard
I was up early with Mix walked at the crack of dawn so that I was ready in case the plasterboard delivery arrived really early. In fact I had time for breakfast, after which Tom and I went into the Hen House to carry on with the plaster-boarding of the library. (Mix came too. He was so distressed at being left at the foot of the ladder that I put him in his harness and carried him up the ladder.) Tom started to cut some of the trickier pieces of plasterboard while I continued where Rachel had left off in filling in the insulation.
We hadn’t been at it very long when Digger arrived to say that the delivery lorry was in the driveway. Tom went off to see them while I carried Mix down the ladder and parked him with Olive in the farm house.
It took no time at all for the lorry to deliver the fifty sheets of plasterboard. It took a great while for us to carry the sheets into the Hen House and stack them ready for use. Once we had finished we were finished and retired to the farm house for coffee and chocolate biscuits (to replace our energy). A strange fact we discovered was that the further down the pile of plasterboard we went, the heavier the sheets became.
Finally, with a lot of help, we got the plasterboard into the Hen House – now all we have to do is to get it upstairs
At lunch time, when Tom had returned home to get something to eat and to see Dorothy, I dealt with our electricity tariff and spoke to the firm who have supplied us with plans for our staircase. There is a ten working days delivery but when I explained that we were two old codgers who were having to carry sheets of plasterboard up a ladder Paul, from the stair company, said that he would get the staircase to us even quicker. People are invariably helpful – I was glad in this instance as the firm comes from Yorkshire (where Rachel comes from) and we discovered in conversation that the firm is based just six miles from where Rachel went to school.
Tom and Rachel were by this time back at work in the Hen House. A parcel was delivered for Digger and I took it across to the farmhouse where I met Ray (one of our near neighbours) who was visiting Olive. I enjoyed meeting her very much indeed -- so much so that I had to make my apologies to Tom for being late on parade.
We worked through until it was time for Tom to go home. I did a bit of work in the summer house, walked Mix along the path to the River Blackadder, showered and then went for supper with everyone in the farm house. Afterwards we all, Mum, Olive, Digger, Rachel and I, adjourned to the Granary where we watched a recording of The Town which had been on tv comparatively recently. It was really good and I enjoyed it.
Finally I walked Mix around the policies – it is colder this evening, presumably because it is so clear – and then I went to bed.
Thursday 20th. February, 2014 – A day with a bit of everything in it
Thursday, February 20, 2014, 10:42 PM
A picture of the stage for Twelfth Night taken before the show began – it was superb
Set my alarm for seven and was on the go shortly afterwards, walking Mix and then meeting with Tom in time to be up at Pearson’s just as it opened at 8 o’clock. Pearson were having a 15% off day today – I suppose because they are stocktaking next week and want to get their stock down as low as possible. Anyway, there were things we were needing for our Hen House project and we were anxious to take advantage of their special offers. So we bought fifty sheets of plasterboard, a whole load of insulation material, a gas cylinder and some more tools and were back home before nine – we brought everything with us in Tom’s trailer except for the plasterboard which will be delivered tomorrow.
We breakfasted in the farmhouse, Olive and Mum were still not up and about, and then we set about making space in the Hen House for the plasterboard and for the creation of the staircase which is high on our list of priorities. We liberated three pine chests of drawers which we installed in Olive’s guest room and which will provide much needed storage space in the farmhouse.
Elevenses in the Granary
We stopped for elevenses in the Granary and then completed the work of getting ready for our delivery. While we drank coffee we watched some of the Olympics – the downhill skiing over jumps was incredibly exciting and led to a French one, two and three. Wonderful too to see the British women winning their curling bronze medal – the coolness of their final stone: amazing under such pressure. I hope that it bodes well for tomorrow when the men play in the final.
At lunchtime Tom, Mum and I went off and picked up Dorothy and then went to the Church hall at Gavinton for lunch – soup, and banana and apple cake. Delicious.
The tables are just beginning to fill up -- it was an excellent lunch
Back at Mount Pleasant we started trying to design our staircase, eventually discussing our plans with a professional company who have promised us more information. Tom and Rachel did some work on the Bongo which has a faulty fan, and I prepared the music for Arrochar for Sunday. I also walked Mix before showering, changing and setting off with Rachel for the Maltings in Berwick where first we dined – cullen skink followed by cheese soufflé with twice-fried chips and salad, washed down with ginger beer – and then we went to see Twelfth Night presented by the Filter Theatre Company in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company. This was a rock musical version of the famous play and it was absolutely superb, utterly brilliant and huge fun. In fact it lived up to all of the superlatives which theatre companies often use about their own productions for the purpose of drumming up ticket sales. The production was full of vitality, incredibly funny and intensely dramatic. It probably helped to have known the story of Twelfth Night but there were moments when I was helpless. The night of drunken revelry was done better than anything I have seen before. (And we were served with pizza during the party!) I loved the conversation with the radio (during the shipping forecast no less). I loved the music; I loved the use of the telephone and the security door phone; I loved the slapstick but there were powerful performances as well – and the rapport between Sir Andrew and Maria and the audience was fabulous. The production moved quickly, the dialogue was snappy and the doubling up was crisp and entertaining. The best show I’ve seen in years and when Feste/Maria ended the show by leading the company in song (The rain it raineth every day) I was so sorry that the performance had come to an end.
How good it was to see something of such quality (and of such a scale) on the stage of the Maltings. I hope that there is more to come.
We drove home and had coffee before walking the dogs and retiring to bed. What a wonderful day – and how many different things we have done in it.
Wednesday 19th. February, 2014 – All hands to the pumps
Wednesday, February 19, 2014, 11:30 PM
By the time I had the summer house in order it was already dark outside
Tom was already here when I returned from walking Mix so he joined me as I had breakfast in the farm house and then Digger and Rachel joined us in the Hen House to see if we could complete the ceiling in the library. Well, there was a lot of cutting to be done because the ceiling is quite irregular but, thanks to Tom’s skill, we got it done:
The ceiling is looking good
But the ceiling isn’t just looking good, it is going to keep us warm as well. I took this snap of the insulation which we had packed in between the beams:
While we were putting this insulation in place, Rachel was continuing to fit insulation in behind where the walls are to be. You can see her continuing to work away (even although the light is fading) in this picture:
If you look carefully you can see that the wall behind her has largely been plaster-boarded as well – Digger and I did that (to Tom’s instructions, of course).
We stopped at lunchtime – we are almost out of plasterboard and we all went about our different activities. Tom went off for lunch and then shopping with Dorothy to buy, among other things, feed for his hens; Digger had work to do on his dome; Rachel took Rowan into Berwick to do some shopping before walking on one of the beaches there; Mum went for an afternoon walk, Mix and I tidied the summer house, breaking off half way through the afternoon to go for a walk. All in all it has been a very satisfactory day. (I might have got the summer house tidied a little quicker had not the British men’s curling team kept me on tenterhooks as they eventually won through to the Olympic final – the women have also done well to be competing for third place tomorrow.)
Digger went off to collect Olive from the railway station, I drove Mum to the Duns Guild and then Olive, Digger, Rachel and I had a meal in the farmhouse before Rachel and I spent a happy evening in the Granary, relaxing in the warmth, doing nothing in front of the television – well, I did nothing: Rachel did some work on her stained glass project. There is no class tomorrow because it is half-term but Rachel has brought her work home to keep her hand in. (I watched an old film entitled Above the Law which was a kind of Dirty Harry film, quite unbelievable but quite fun with the Good Guys coming out on top against impossible odds.)
We walked the dogs and went to bed with our books.
Tuesday 18th. February, 2014 – In the Hen House
Today both Digger’s hens were walking around the allotment
Today it was fair when I awoke – the rains came later. Mix and I walked, I breakfasted, Tom arrived and we recruited Rachel, all going off to the Hen House to start work on the library there. In particular our task was to start to plasterboard the room – not as easy as we had imagined because none of the beams are level and the angles are all a little odd (well, it is an old building).
Mix went off to the farm house because it was too frustrating for him to be at the bottom of a ladder while we were on the first floor of a building to which he had no access. We collected the brooms we could find so that we could hold the plaster board in place while it was screwed on to the beams to make a ceiling – but brooms were not terribly satisfactory so we made our own plasterboard holding devices – bits of wood with a cross piece: the length was just a bit longer than the height of the room so that they could be used to wedge the ceiling in place until we screwed it on. (Now these are the kinds of thing I should be photographing but when we were fitting the ceiling it was all hands to the pumps and no time for photos.)
Rachel looks on while Tom works out where the first cuts in our plasterboard will be made
We had three sheets of plasterboard up by lunchtime and while the rest ate I went off to Pearsons to buy rolls of insulation to put above the ceilings. Then we got back to work and fitted another sheet – it was hard because nothing fitted quite as we had hoped but we spent a great deal of time on it and then gave up for the afternoon. We’ll start again tomorrow. Instead we settled down and watched some of the Olympics on the television while we drank coffee and ate snowballs and Tunnock’s Caramel Wafers – how good is it to be retired. (We watched some of the bobsleigh competition and some speed skating – as well as celebrating the British men’s victory in the curling.) We’ll complete our ceiling tomorrow and maybe get on to the walls as well (Rachel has been fitting insulation into the wall voids to enable us to get on quite quickly as our plaster-boarding skills develop.)
Tom has time to take a telephone call – the ceiling is taking shape
I spent a while in the summer house. I had intended to tidy but got waylaid into searching for staircase manufacturers. I may have found what we are looking for – but I will take advice from my journeyman tomorrow!
Rachel fits the wall insulation into place – all her jigsaw skills have finally found a practical use
We all ate together in the farmhouse in the evening – Mum had been out to have her hair done in the morning and had then been to lunch at our nearest neighbour’s home (Fiona, who lives in the Hermitage) where she also met Kay from Sinclair’s Hill (a tiny hamlet, a short walk away). Mum had had a great time and talked of nothing else for the rest of the day. Olive was off getting her hair done this afternoon while Rachel spent the late afternoon submerged in her bath. To complete the picture, Digger worked on building his dome and Rowan guarded the Granary.
In the evening we settled down in front of the stove and the television to watch the Referendum Debate from Kelso. Somehow the debate never really came alive for me. It was people sharing their entrenched positions even if the BBC had ensured that the entrenched positions were from both sides of the debate. What I mean is that people were making points instead of exploring the possible future inside or outside of the United Kingdom. I liked the lady who said that voting for independence was a leap of faith which if it came off would lead to a new kind of society, the inference being that it would be better and fairer. Of course the corollary of this is that the opposite could also be true. I would have liked to have heard more discussion around this premise: how could Scotland create a fairer society? And is there a will to do that? How could Scotland create more jobs by being independent? And why is that not happening under devolution? What is the alternative to independence ? because the status quo does not look to be very appealing? Maybe a debate is bound to be as this one was – what might be more enlightening might be a series of conversations – not arguments as normal interviews are, but conversations which enabled a number of people who had something to say to explain their own positions – we, the public, are capable of assessing what we are told for ourselves without the endless interruptions of a Newsnight-type presenter but helped along by an astute facilitator.
Still, it has been another good day.
Monday 17th. February, 2014 – The week takes off
In the midst of all the chaos, one of Digger’s hens (a Scottish Grey, I understand) walked serenely around the compost heap
Today began early with the arrival of the men to re-point the chimney on the farmhouse. That meant the erection of scaffolding, the starting up of the concrete mixer and then the pointing work on the roof itself. It was a full day’s work but I was pleased that they managed to get everything done in a day (including the dismantling of the scaffolding. By tea time one would never even know that they had been.
The scaffolding was erected
The concrete mixer was turned on
and the chimney was re-pointed
No sooner had the chimney pointing got underway than our electrician arrived to start work on wiring the Hen House. By lunch time the cables were all in place and it is now down to Tom, Rachel and me to ensure that the plaster board is put up so that the electricians can return and complete their work.
An electrician at work
I dropped Tom off at home for his lunch and then spent a bit of time researching stairs – Digger has devised a splendid plan but Tom also wanted me to look at spiral staircases. Unfortunately we don’t have room to install one which would comply with building regulations as our only staircase but our electrician suggested that there is a local tradesman who could build to our plans (and who might be quite reasonable – we’ll see!)
With Mum, I collected Tom and we drove off to pick up the slate which she had ordered to go underneath her stove. We collected it, brought it back to the farmhouse and installed it. It is just the finishing touch – the bee's knees:
Tom and I spent quite a while in Pearsons measuring up and pricing the plasterboard and insulation we will require for the next stage of our project. Our work starts tomorrow – look out for the photographs. I drove Tom home and then Rachel and I walked the dogs before I got ready and set off with Scott for a meal at the Lindisfarne Inn with Kathy and Mike. They run Bede’s World in Jarrow which sounds to be like a cross between a growingly successful museum celebrating the life, work and importance of a hugely important ninth century hero of our faith and a themed community centre carrying the insights and priorities of Bede forward into our modern world and acting them out for all to see. What we learn from the past matters and some of its insights, such as the fact that each of us is important and has something important to contribute, can all too easily be lost in contemporary society. I enjoyed meeting them enormously and was challenged by their commitment – they were also fun to meet. (Oh, and I had a very satisfactory gammon steak with two fried eggs and chips.)
Back home, Rachel and I watched an episode of Inspector Gently before walking the dogs and retiring to bed – there is much to do tomorrow.
Sunday 16th. February, 2014 – A Happy Sunday with Holy Communion
It was Communion Sunday at Gavinton Parish Church and the Ewer was sitting on the Communion Table when we arrived for the service
Got up, showered and walked Mix before breakfast. Then Mum, Rachel and I set off for church. It was communion Sunday and a happy service. Ann read from Deuteronomy and from the Sermon on the Mount. We were reminded that law is like a route map – Moses was anxious that his people understood what was required of them before they entered the promised land; but Jesus demanded so much more of his followers – the change of heart required by his sermon was beyond anything that anyone had ever suggested before; but then Jesus was leading his people into something quite different through his death and resurrection, nothing short of a new relationship with God and a totally new way of living.
After the service we joined the congregation for coffee and then came back home where I fixed up Rachel’s new computer printer while Rachel played patience on her i-pad and Rowan kept her company on the bed:
We all ate Sunday lunch together – fish pie followed by syrup sponge with custard and ice-cream – and afterwards Rachel and I took the dogs for a Sunday afternoon walk.
We looked down on this gateway to Duns Castle which is right by the site where Duns Scotus (a famous medieval theologian) is said to have been born
We drove up through Duns and then turned in towards the castle where we parked the car. Walking through an outer archway we set off up the hill and looked down on the Castle Gate where there is a monument to Duns Scotus who was born nearby. We climbed up through the woodlands until we came to a kissing gate which let us out on to some open moorland. Turning back towards the town we came to a vantage point from which we got a superb view of Duns (and we thought we could see our house in the distance).
The view of the town of Duns from the vantage point
Turning back on ourselves we walked north and came to the monument erected to mark the spot where the Covenanting army raised its standard in 1639. There is a lot of history which I have yet to learn (and which I will post on this blog as I learn it).
The Covenanters’ Monument
Retracing our steps, we came back down through the woods and noticed this signpost:
I was fascinated by the indication that the town was originally somewhere different from where it is today. I was reminded of Inveraray, moved by the Duke of Argyll in times past. I wonder what the story is here. As I have already written, there is much to discover. (You can see from the picture that we live in very beautiful surroundings.)
Back home, Rachel went off to Berwick to attend Evensong and Digger took Olive off to catch the train to Edinburgh for the start of her working week. I looked after the dogs and, on Rachel’s return, we had a snack meal before watching Mr. Selfridge. It was very much milder tonight and it is fair as well and it has been a thoroughly splendid day.
Saturday 15th. February, 2014 – A Saturday in Retirement
Mum and Rachel and finishing off their Parma ham and melon – Rachel's defence against my intrusive camera is to wave the wine bottle (a very pleasant sparkling white). The television is on in the background because we have become avid followers of the Winter Olympics
Slept in, quite deliberately and hugely pleasurably. Got up and walked Mix before immersing myself in the summer house where I spent most of the day – you wouldn’t know because it is much as it was when I started, just that I have moved everything around a bit.
Olive and Digger set off for Edinburgh at noon. They were joining friends to see the Buddy Holly Story at the Kings Theatre and then going for an after matinee meal at a nearby Thai restaurant.
Before they left, Digger took delivery of a large consignment of logs and Rachel went shopping in Duns. During the afternoon Mum went off with Scott to his home nearby, being returned at the end of the afternoon by Sue. My only time outside the summer house was spent walking dogs, Mix and Heidi. Soon it was time to light the stove and get ready for our evening.
In the evening Mum joined us for a meal in the Granary – Parma ham and melon, followed by penne in a cheese sauce and rounded off with tiramisu. Replete, we sat down in front of the television (armed with chocolates) and watched the film Hitchcock. It was absolutely excellent.
I feel relaxed. We walked the dogs and made our way early to bed, already looking forward to Sunday.
Friday 14th. February, 2014 – Saint Valentine’s Day
I am often asked where exactly we are. This sign is outside our home and contains all the information you need to find us
Up, showered and breakfasted and then met with Mike, our financial adviser who had come to sort out some remaining matters to do with my pension. As a result of his latest efforts I am now getting more money retired than when I was employed and evidently for the last couple of years it was actually costing me money to stay in employment. I say that as if I am aggrieved, nothing could be further from the truth because I enjoyed working enormously ... but retirement has its compensations.
After Mike left I started on a three-day programme to organise the summer house – over recent weeks it has become a dumping ground for anything for which there doesn’t appear to be anywhere else. Mind you, while I am doing this in the summer house, Rachel is doing something similar in the bedroom. We do seem to create chaos wherever we go.
This is the beautiful little road along which Mix and I walked this afternoon
Digger told me that it was going to start raining this afternoon at ten past two. By twenty to three it was still fair so Mix and I set off for a long walk along the Fogo road – it is lovely and quiet, rural and tranquil and very beautiful: or at least it was until ten past three when the heavens opened and we got soaked.
Bogend Farm is our nearest neighbour to the west of Mount Pleasant. We passed the sheep pens on our walk today
We got dried off in front of Mum’s fire and then returned to the Summer House to do some more reorganising – working through until supper time at 7 p.m. Everyone was present this evening, so that was rather fine. Olive and Digger’s adventure had been that the scaffolding was delivered this afternoon for the re-pointing of their chimney stacks; work which will be done next week.
As well as sheep, Bogend Farm clearly does a roaring trade in turnips
In the evening Rachel and I had a quiet time in front of the television (we watched an episode of New Tricks followed by more of the awful – in every sense – news about the flooding in the south) while all around us the gales of earlier had subsided and everything was very quiet. It has been extremely wet here today although the up-side is that it has become a great deal warmer.
Thursday 13th. February, 2010 – A Day of Comings and Goings
Friday, February 14, 2014, 12:32 AM
Mum in her new Garden Room – the plates are up and ornaments in place
Lots happened today: Rachel spent the day in Berwick at her stained glass class and then spent the evening in Berwick (again) this time singing with the Berwick choir. Mum was collected this evening by a new friend and taken to the meeting of the Women’s Rural Institute in the Village Hall at Gavinton. Digger went off in the late afternoon to collect Olive from the station at Berwick.
Alone, I spent the entire day here at Mount Pleasant. Started the day by walking Mix and, at the risk of being both boring and of repeating myself, it was extremely cold. I know that compared with many we are extremely fortunate to have avoided the flooding and the horrendous winds, but it is very cold.
I breakfasted on porridge and then Tom and I were at it once more. First we nipped into Pearson’s to buy some six inch nails and then we were up into the top floor of the Hen house to complete the task of stabilising the roof beams (we used a lot more than six-inch nails which were used as a temporary measure while we disconnected some previous remedial work).
Tom is checking that we have done everything properly
Once that task had been completed we abandoned the Hen house until next week when we will be joined on Monday by our electrical contractor. Things will start to move quickly then.
We moved across to the farmhouse where there were two tasks remaining. The first was to fit up a curtain rail to enable the washing machine and fridge to be screened off from the Garden Room. We had collected the rail from IKEA yesterday and this morning we fitted it. Secondly, Tom fitted a wooden angle -bar down each angle of the corridor leading from the Garden Room – just to hold it all together (aesthetically rather than physically).
Tom fits the curtain-rail into place on the ceiling
All that remains to be done is for curtains to be fitted and the door re-hung in its new position. What a transformation has been made and it hasn’t taken very long at all.
For the rest of the day I was largely left to my own devices and so the dogs and I camped out in the summer house where I did some ukulele practice, read my book and answered some emails. I dined with Olive and Digger (Mum and Rachel were both out) and I sorted out plans for tomorrow and the weekend.
I made a point of watching Newsnight and to try to understand what was happening with the debate about the future currency of an independent Scotland. I can see both sides of the argument. How can we be totally independent if we share a currency with England? Why should the rest of the UK guarantee our banks? But equally why wouldn’t the rest of the UK wish to have a system which prevented additional transaction costs between businesses both sides of the border? I also began to understand where Alec Salmond was coming from: of course, we must have our share of the assets and pay our share of the debts, but both do go together. It surely shouldn’t be beyond the wit of men and women to solve this particular conundrum but I suspect that it will only be after the referendum vote that minds will start to look for solutions to the problems which are being identified now.
I think that it is for this reason that Alec Salmond is wise not to allow himself to be forced into expressing alternative plans at this stage. His task is to articulate the plan which he and his campaign believe to be for the best; the task of the No campaign is to articulate the reasons why we are better off in the union as it stands and as it may develop in the future. Both sides need to be positive because the danger is that if they aren’t we will be pushed into voting against the negativity of one side rather than for the positive vision of the other.
Mix and I walked the policies and retired to bed
Wednesday 12th. February, 2014 – We move on to big boys’ joinery
Thursday, February 13, 2014, 12:00 AM
First thing this morning Mum was in her new Garden Room
Up extremely early and set off with Olive by 6.30 a.m. to take her to the railway station at Berwick. Again it is extremely cold and when I came back home I climbed back into bed just because it was so very warm and welcoming!
Breakfasted at nine in the farmhouse and then ran Digger to the garage to collect his car, now back on the road with an MOT certificate. By the time we returned Tom had arrived. He and I were soon upstairs in the Hen house looking at the beams – one of which was in need of repair. We cut the new beam to size and held it on with clamps while we drilled through and bolted the top of the beam in place. At this point we stopped for the morning – Tom had duties at home and I came across to the summerhouse to prepare the music for Arrochar Church. Back in the Granary I helped Rachel unblock the drain in her bathroom sink and then, once Tom arrived, Tom and Rachel got the Bongo going – it hasn’t been used for too long.
Rachel, Tom and I were soon back in the Hen house where Tom used a jack to lift the new beam into place and sort out a slight sag in the roof. More bolts were used to hold it in place.
Rachel looks on while Tom checks that the new beam is in the right place – the light streaming in the window makes it almost impossible to photograph
There is more to do but that will wait until tomorrow. Tom returned home; Rachel took the Bongo for a drive and I got ready to go with Rachel to Edinburgh to visit IKEA to buy a curtain track for the ceiling in the Garden Room. It was a long way to go but IKEA had exactly what we required and we arrived back at Mount Pleasant just before seven. There was only time to wash our hands and hurry across to the farmhouse for our haggis, neaps and tatties.
IKEA Edinburgh is easy to find and extremely well-stocked – and they sell hot dogs and chips!
With what was left of the evening Rachel and I watched the one-hundredth edition of Midsomer Murders – a rather special edition with co-operation with Denmark, including an appearance by Birgitte Hjort Sorensen ( a star of Borgen) whom I had watched in Coriolanus just a couple of weeks ago.
I watched the News and Newsnight both of which were overshadowed by the flooding disasters in the south of England (and Wales) and by the forecast that the three major Westminster parties would announce tomorrow that the pound cannot be shared with Scotland in the event of a yes vote later this year in the independence referendum. It will be interesting to see how this unfolds.
We walked the dogs and went to bed. It is again an extremely cold night.
Tuesday 11th. February, 2014 – Carpet laying
By the end of the afternoon the carpet had been laid and the former scullery had become a pleasant Garden Room
Up and walked the dog before breakfast. I had expected Rachel and Tom to join me at this point but both were waiting for me to call them (unbeknown to me). So I cleared the Garden Room, removed all of the masking tape and nailed down the gripper boards. By this time Rachel arrived and we put down the underfelt (Rachel breaking off to take Mum to her weekly appointment with the hairdresser).
A picture of Rachel cutting the underfelt to shape.
Tom arrived and we battled with the carpet
It was easy to get it into the room but because of its shape it took quite a time to get it sorted out. But soon (after Rachel had gone off to collect Mum) we got it all in order.
Rachel reprised her role as a carpet fitter – she had her first performance in the Summer House earlier in the year
Tom took Mum off to the quarry to choose a stone slab to go under her heater and so turn it into a feature. We hope to have it in the next few days. Rachel and I continued fitting the brass accessories, cleaning the carpet of fluff and debris and setting the room out as it ought to be.
The job done, Tom and I put the new beam delivered by Pearsons into the Hen house so that we can start work there tomorrow.
Rachel took Rowan off for a walk and Mix and I walked as well. Digger met with a roofer who is going to carry out a repair to the chimney stack – nothing serious, just some re-pointing. Olive got a lovely gift of flowers and chocolates from some of her students: for the second year running everyone of her students passed their accounting examinations (this against a national pass rate of 30%). Well done.
After a short while in the summer house, Mix and I joined the family for supper. Have seen a bit of the Olympics today, particularly enjoying a tense men’s curling match between Great Britain and Germany – we won on the final end; and a women’s match between Great Britain and the United States in which Great Britain scored seven points on a single end, an Olympic record.
After supper we watched a little television before walking the dogs in the Baltic conditions. It was good to get to the warmth of our beds.
Monday 10th. February, 2014 – A busy day
Duns Station – well, it was until the mid 1960s. This was the station building, now it is part of Thorburn and Sons where we shopped this afternoon
Up early and walked Mix before breakfast; even although it was Monday morning the road was extremely quiet. It is so cold that I can almost smell snow in the air.
The first task of the day was to fit Mum’s television to the aerial on the roof. Tom was up the ladder like a sprightly gazelle -- although he came down more like a frozen man of the north. But the television was working and that was the object of the exercise.
Tom on the roof crouched at the foot of the aerial (there are no limits to his talents)
While we were getting ready to climb on the roof, Digger suddenly remembered that he should have taken his car in for a service, so Tom and I followed him to the garage and then went with him to the Co-op for some shopping.
Meanwhile Rachel was completing the gloss painting in the Garden Room. There was a lot to do and Rachel worked steadily at it all morning:
Rachel has got the Garden room almost completed now
Next Tom and I went into the first floor of the Hen house to see what had to be done to get the project underway. First was a beam that will have to be replaced. We measured it up and then went into Duns to order a new beam from Pearsons (who will deliver it for us tomorrow). Then we crossed to Thorburn and Sons to buy huge bolts to bolt-through the beam. Finally we went looking, without success, for a curved curtain rail. We’ll get one at IKEA if all else fails.
Tom casts his expert eye over the beams in the Hen house
Back at Mount Pleasant we tacked up all of the television cable and then enjoyed coffee. Next Rachel, Mum and I went off to Tweedmouth where we chose and bought a carpet for the Garden Room. We brought it home with us and we’ll fit it tomorrow morning. Again we searched for a curved curtain rail without success – also looked for some reading spectacles, again without success.
When we arrived back at Mount Pleasant it was time for supper: mince and tatties followed by tart, custard and ice cream. Yummy! I worked for a short time in the summer house and then Mix and I set off for Berwick to collect Olive. Digger’s car has not as yet been released. Digger hopes to get it back tomorrow but until then I am the main form of family transport – which suits me fine.
So it has been a bitty day but we have achieved a lot – the hen house is underway, the Garden room is almost done and it is still only Monday. Did catch a bit of the Olympics -- it was mostly curling today and although the men beat Russia, both men and women lost to Sweden. Still at least in curling one gets a second chance.
It was even colder when I walked Mix this evening -- we were both glad to get to bed.
Sunday, February 9, 2014, 10:26 PM
On the way into Church I snap Rachel while she is in mid flow of ‘Oh, not again’
Up early and walked Mix in the freezing cold. Showered, breakfasted and Rachel and I went off to Church at Gavinton. Mum didn’t come today, being a bit out of sorts (put down to the fish suppers I bought last night).
The service was conducted by Ken and Veronica Walker because Ann is on holiday. Veronica lived in the St. David’s manse at Buckhaven where her father was the last minister before the union. She conducted the service while her husband preached on the visit of Jesus to Nazareth (during which I learned that Ken had had a summer job with the Edinburgh cleansing department while he was a student and that Ken admired Robert Burns having grown up just twenty miles south of Burns’ home). We also read the call of Isaiah and the beautiful chapter thirteen of Paul’s first letter to the Church at Corinth. I used to hear it several times a week when I was in Luss as it is quoted often during wedding ceremonies. I realised that I hadn’t heard it for at least three months.
My annoying camera tried to snap Tom and Rachel as they sat next to me in the pew. It didn’t really work very well other than to prove that we actually were there!
Back home, Rachel and I put a second coat of parchment on the walls of the Garden room and then joined the family for lunch – vegetable soup, chicken, roast potatoes and turnip: Mum remembering that her mother-in-law had come to their home in Scotland, been given turnips and remarked, ‘Oh, in England we give that to our animals.’ I enjoyed it.
After lunch Margaret and John, friends of all of ours, arrived – John to see Rachel, Margaret to see us all. It was good to catch up on Fife news. When they left I cleaned the paint brushes and rollers and then watched some of the winter Olympics – Britain’s first snow medal on the snowboarding, won by Jenny Jones; and the 'normal hill' ski jumping (it didn’t look very normal to me). I also watched the women’s 7.5 kilometre sprint in the biathlon – again it was very exciting.
Rachel went off to Berwick to attend Choral Evensong while I remained with the dogs. On her return we had a snack and then settled down to watch Mr. Selfridge. It has been a lovely Sunday – a harbinger, I hope, of all that lies ahead this week.
Watched the News and then walked the dogs before bed.
Saturday 8th. February, 2014 – Painting and decorating
Saturday, February 8, 2014, 11:17 PM
Mix is in his office in the car as we get ready to take Digger to Berwick this morning
Up early and walked Mix before driving Digger to Berwick so that he could catch a train to Edinburgh to join friends and watch Raith Rovers against Hibs in the Scottish Cup. Back home soon after nine for breakfast and then Rachel and I spent the bulk of the day painting the first coat of ‘parchment’ on the walls and ceiling of Mum’s Garden room. Stopped for coffee mid-morning and then for soup and cheese in the middle of the day. After the first coat had been put on, I washed all of the rollers and brushes and then Rachel and I walked the dogs. It was really very cold but fair.
Rachel starts work on Mum’s Garden room
Rachel is making progress as the day goes by
Back home from our walk, we fed the dogs, found some more boxes in the barn and took them to the summer house. I sorted them out and turned the summer house into chaos. I’ll get it sorted out in the next couple of days.
Watched some of the winter Olympics – skiing (men’s biathlon sprint, skating (team short dance) and luge – it was very exciting. Learned that Raith Rovers had defeated Hibs by three goals to two: a superb result. (Dundee also went to the top of the Championship which is also good news).
Abandoned the summer house and drove to Berwick to collect Digger and to bring in fish suppers for everyone. Digger was meant to get off the 7.11 train from Edinburgh but he didn’t appear. I discovered that the next train from Edinburgh arrived at 7.45 so I went and collected five fish suppers and returned to the station to meet that train. He wasn’t on that either. As the next train from Edinburgh wasn’t due in until about ten to nine, I drove home with everyone’s supper and learned that Digger had phoned Rachel from Newcastle. He had fallen asleep and woken in Newcastle. I enjoyed my fish supper and returned to Berwick to pick Digger up ... just as well Raith Rovers don’t win very often.
Rachel and I settled down to watch the third and final instalment of Sherlock, after which we walked the dogs and retired to bed. Tomorrow after church we’ll hope to do a bit more to the Garden room and then on Monday we shall start on the Hen house. It is going to be a busy week.
A view of the Hen house – the two windows on the left (to the right of our back door which is just in picture) are part of the Hen house which also includes the area with the red roof; once completed it will be quite a large home
A view of the Hen house from the courtyard -- the makeshift door will eventually be a large window over the kitchen sink
Friday 7th. February, 2014 – A visit to Wooler and the Winter Olympics begin
Friday, February 7, 2014, 11:52 PM
In the canteen at the Wooler auction mart – they serve excellent bacon rolls
I was up earlier than usual this morning so that I could shower, walk Mix and have my porridge before Tom and Dorothy arrived at nine. We set off for Wooler for the annual sale at the auction mart – there are regular sales but most are of livestock; this was a kind of a jumble sale day. Everyone brought what they had to sell and depending on its size they were either laid out in lines inside or else set out in the open ground beside the main mart. People appeared a little bit dispirited from which I gathered that there was not nearly so much to buy this year, and equally, there were apparently fewer people to do the buying. It was for this reason, I suppose, that the auctioneer started the sale by announcing that, in future, sales would revert to being held on Saturdays.
A view of people gathered around the auctioneer as he conducted the sale
The sale began inside. There were some items which were obviously of value and these were bought up for appropriate sums, but smaller less valuable items sold for almost nothing, several lots of things like two spades and a fork, or a set of quite smart flower pots, realised as little as a pound.
A one year old Border collie was one of the items on sale
I felt sorry for the little Border collie who was up to be auctioned. You can see her in the picture, the next lot after the concrete mixer (which sold for around one hundred and fifty pounds). The auctioneer told us that Floss was a year old and was half-trained, was happy to jump on the back of a four-by-four or ride in a land-rover. He told us that both the dog and the cage were to be auctioned and he proposed to start with the cage. The cage sold for £80 and he turned his attention to the dog. The highest bid was just £50 which was obviously below the reserve price. The auctioneer turned to the owner and asked if he wanted to accept £50, to be told, ‘You can’t even get a wife for £50.’ So poor dog, its cage was sold but she wasn’t. Still it was obvious that the owner, who I gather is a breeder, would take her home and look after her.
A view of the auction once it had reached the outside area
Tom made a couple of purchases – a gate and gate-posts for his estate in Gavinton and a couple of hay dispensers for Dorothy’s goats. I just enjoyed being with them. We loaded up Tom’s purchases and drove home to discover that while I had been away Mix had managed to unlatch the gate in the garden (Tom had moved the latch to the other side of the gate to make it impossible to do this) and had been picked up by a kindly motorist who met Mix while Mix was walking towards Duns. Rachel spent the afternoon going into Duns, buying wire mesh and reinforcing our defences. I was in the summer house where I got a ‘phone call from my friend Peter with whom I spent a happy hour blethering. Then, as the weather was beautiful, I went into the barn and found another three boxes to open. I had just started on that when Carol telephoned from Luss to tell me that she had a problem with the Allen Organ midi assistant. Fortunately I remembered that they had one at Bonhill Church (just down the road) and they were happy to lend their one to Carol. Panic over – but a worrying time for her.
At four, I gave up everything and went in and sat in front of our big tv to watch the opening of the winter Olympics from Russia. I thought the opening ceremony was splendid and the facilities look out of this world. I loved the fact that the athletes came in first and got a seat for the rest of the show. I loved the history of Russia presented in music, dance, drama, humour and spectacular effects. It was wonderfully done and it spoke to me of Russia and her culture.
Next we all got together in the farmhouse for dinner after which Rachel and I watched an episode of Sherlock on tv – the last episode we saw was in Barnoldswick on the boat, this episode was in the Granary; technology is wonderful. I’ve left the summerhouse in a bit of a mess but I’ve got the weekend coming up when I can put all that right.
Caught Newsnight and was quite taken aback by the attitude expressed by Kirsty Wark suggesting that Russia should in some sense be criticised for presenting a distorted, in her view, story of its history and also commenting on the one electrical effect which didn’t go quite right – it’s a wee bit like taking pleasure when something goes wrong for someone else (something which may actually be part of some parts of the Scottish psyche even if we usually see it in its corollary of not being too pleased when something goes exceptionally well for someone else) and, of course, we choose to present the view of ourselves which we want to present on such occasions. I don’t think that ordinary people watched the opening ceremony with political thoughts in their heads. I certainly marvelled at the spectacle, rejoiced in the dance (which I associate with Russia), recognised the allusions to War and Peace and hoped that this will be a really good games. It didn’t in any way remove the concerns which I have about some of Putin’s policies any more than enjoying the spectacle at our Olympics removed my concerns about the growing gap between those in our country who have and those who don’t, and the responsibility which our government has for allowing that gap to get ever wider. For now I am looking forward to the ski jumping and the skating and the bobsleigh events: and to seeing the heroes and the heroines who will emerge over the next few days. And wasn’t it good to see Valentina Tereshkova who, in 1967, became the first woman in space, escorting the Olympic flag into the stadium this afternoon? Now there is a real heroine.
Thursday 6th. February, 2014 – A day with the dogs
Thursday, February 6, 2014, 11:42 PM
Rowan isn’t used to spending time in the summer house but she made herself at home on this chair
Up and walked Mix. It is still very cold but at least it is fair. I breakfasted in the farmhouse and Rachel set off for Berwick to attend her stained-glass class. Digger set off for Edinburgh to visit the dentist (Tom and Dorothy were at the same dentist at the same time) but Digger had been to Kirkcaldy first to visit friends and to collect the post. Olive spent the day working on courses for next week and Mum read her book.
Mix prefers to spend the time on his cushion
I spent some of the time in the house and most of the time in the summer house, along with the dogs. Both quickly made themselves at home. I had paperwork to catch up on – bills to organise – and I had the music to do for the Arrochar Service on Sunday. I got that safely sent off to Jamie.
Rowan likes this chair too
Rachel returned just after four and we took the two dogs for a walk and then I came to look through the internet to try to discover more information about 3D films. Discovered that there really aren’t all that many. The reason for my search was that I watched ‘The Great Gatsby’ in 3D and it was amazing. I gather that the 3D experiment has not been a success; that’s a pity.
Took another picture of Mix but he was trying to pretend that he didn’t want to know
Rachel went off with Bridget to sing in Berwick while Mum, Olive, Digger and I dined in the farmhouse. Afterwards I settled down in front of the stove and spent a relaxing evening. I watched the new Inspector Gently (which I greatly enjoyed) and the News. Rachel returned home having had a good time and having spent a very profitable and busy day. I really haven’t done very much today at all – but I’m told that’s all right, occasionally, when one is retired.
Wednesday 5th. February, 2014 – The long trek home
Wednesday, February 5, 2014, 09:42 PM
Again – it almost goes without saying on the boat in wintertime – we slept late. It is so cold outside and so cosy inside. Even the dogs don’t want to move. It was nearer ten than nine when I got up and walked Mix along the tow path, admiring the boats, greeting fellow dog-walkers, watching school children running along the tow-path as part of their PE programme. I walked past the Silentnight factory on the banks of the canal (the largest manufacturer of beds and mattresses in the United Kingdom).
The Silentnight factory backs onto the canal
Back on board we got everything ready to leave. I dealt with the toilet cassette, Rachel turned off the water, the batteries, the gas, the mains power and she closed down the engine which had been charging the batteries so that everything would start on our return. At eleven o’clock the heavens opened and it poured down, soaking us as we did all of our last minute checks and loaded ourselves, the dogs and our baggage into the car.
Walking along the tow-path – Mix and I love this walk
We got away a little after mid-day and had an uneventful journey to Mount Pleasant, breaking our journey at Washington and arriving home around four in the afternoon. Delighted to find that my tools had arrived; and there is some post which I will deal with tomorrow. I’ll get the opportunity of doing that because Tom and Dorothy are away to the dentist and Rachel will be spending the day at her stained-glass class.
We dined early so that I could then drive Mum to Duns to attend the Guild. On my return I went into the Granary to check that the tv had recorded a programme called The Town which Olive wished to see. However, on entering the lounge I discovered that water was coming through the ceiling. Rachel was getting into a bath. So I stopped that, phoned Tom to give me another opinion and soon the problem was resolved. It was nothing serious at all: no pipes to be exposed, no bath to be opened up. Rachel had left the hair washing attachment running water onto the bath surround, and this water had found its way through the unit, through, the floor and through the ceiling. Fortunately, we caught it in time and no damage has been done but we have been very lucky!
Tom and I chewed the fat for a while over coffee and then I came out to the summer house to see how it had survived without Mix and me. After checking emails, I walked Mix and decided to go to bed early. Driving is quite tiring and I have a very good book to read on my Kindle – and going to bed early is a luxury I am learning to enjoy in these post-retirement days.
Should report that today Digger’s wood supplies arrived, all cut to size for his Dome. I gather that work on the dome has already started and perhaps results will be seen on the ground fairly soon. You will see the results here first! While we have been away Mum has been to her book reading group in Duns – the group seems to be expanding and now has fifteen members, almost too large for such a group and it may be that it will have to split into two. Olive is back home, her week’s work complete and with just nine weeks to go until her retirement. So our plans continue to move forward and each of us gets busier as the weeks go by. . I wonder what tomorrow will bring?
Tuesday 4th. February, 2014 – At Barnoldswick
The idyllic bit of the countryside The Young Rachel calls home – ours is the boat which still has its front cover on
Slept late – it is so comfortable in bed on the boat. Got up about half-past nine and took Mix for a walk along the tow path, looking at all of the boats as we walked. Have discovered that about fifty percent of the boats at our end of the marina are live-aboards and that all of the boats at the other end are live-aboards: that’s a much higher percentage than I had imagined. I also learned that our bit – the marina as it were- has been open since 2008 and is actually quite difficult to get a berth in, so we were very fortunate.
A view of the boats from the tow path
While Rachel did her boat chores – not a lot really because the purpose of our quick visit was just to check that everything was all right (and it is perfect) – I read my book and enjoyed being here. I then had a lovely hot shower: the facilities on the boat are second to none. Breakfast was boiled eggs and French bread and we ate it late before setting out for the afternoon programme of walking the dogs along the tow path to Salterforth, a small village to the west of Barnoldswick with a fabulous old pub which we got to know on our very first boating holiday in the 1990s with Jean and Anne and Sandy. On the way we popped in and saw Wayne at the marina office and shop (Wayne owns and runs the marina and looks after our boat for us) and after the walk we drove into Barnoldswick and spent some time walking round the town and buying some bits and pieces. On the way home we discovered parts of the town which we hadn’t seen before. It was, however, absolutely freezing.
A view of the marina office and store – on the left is the poly tunnel in which narrow boats are serviced and painted
Barnoldswick is a very beautiful town
Back in the boat we luxuriated in the warmth of the stove, in reading and listening to the radio, and in enjoying a glorious break from – well, from relaxing at Mount Pleasant! This retirement thing has to be experienced to be believed. Both dogs clearly love the boat. Rachel thinks that Rowan is better behaved than at home, perhaps because of the confined space.
We walked the dogs briefly before supper – prawn cocktail, chicken pie, potatoes, peas and carrots followed by trifle -- and then we settled down to watch a Sherlock film. Spoke to Mum and Olive on the ‘phone. No news except that my tools, ordered from HomeBase on 1st. January, finally arrived today. In contrast, a book I ordered from Amazon late on Sunday evening also arrived today – no wonder Amazon win so many awards for customer satisfaction.
Once we get everything organised at Mount Pleasant it will be grand to come down here for an extended period both to explore this area and to do a bit of cruising. We have always said that’s what we will do when I retire – and now that time has arrived. A really good summer with no water shortages is what we require – and after the rain and the flooding we have had it must be inconceivable that there will be water shortages this summer.
After a final walk of the dogs, it was time for bed.
Monday 3rd. February, 2014 – Off on our adventures
Rachel and The Young Rachel – just we left her and looking really welcoming with smoke coming from her chimney
Slept in – that’s a good start – and just made it to breakfast: my but it is cold! Walked Mix and by half-past ten we were ready to set off for Rachel’s narrow boat.
We were half-way to Berwick when I casually remarked, ‘You have got your boat keys?’ We turned around, returned to Mount Pleasant and set off again just after eleven.
Last time we took the scenic route through the Borders, this time we went via Berwick and the A1. I timed both journeys to the Washington Service Station (turn off for Chester le-Street and the cricket). Both took exactly 90m minutes.
We journeyed on, arriving at the boat three hours and twenty-five minutes after setting off (for the second time). We had enjoyed two Father Baldi detective mysteries on the way down. Here in Barnoldswick it was, if anything, even colder than in Scotland. We got the stove going and the boat engine started on the first turn.
Rachel enjoys a cup of tea and a game of patience – we haven’t even got things sorted out yet!
We settled in, walked the dogs and I for one promptly fell asleep. I was woken just about seven by a knock on the door. It was Karen and Charlie from the two boats next to us (Hazel and The Falcon). Both live on their boats (Karen works locally as a paralegal secretary, Charlie is a retired naval engineering petty officer.) We spent a happy couple of hours with them and then walked the dogs before a late supper of pasta with pesto, French bread and chocolate pudding.
Just look at that stove
There was just time to walk the dogs again before climbing into our Emperor-sized bed and very quickly falling asleep in our cosy boat. We filled the stove up full and then damped it down in the hope that it would still be warm in the morning. What a life.
Monday 3rd. February, 2014 -- Early!
Monday, February 3, 2014, 09:46 AM
This is partly by way of apology and partly by way of explanation. Rachel and I are setting off this morning to check up on Rachel's narrow boat leaving Mount Pleasant in the capable hands of Digger, Olive and Mum. We'll only be away for three days but during that time I will not have access to the internet and so it is unlikely that this blog will be updated until Wednesday evening.
Of course, I will be writing my diary, but I will be using a pencil and paper (just like old times). I hope that you will join me again later in the week when I can share with you our adventures down south and the family's adventures here at Mount Pleasant while we are away.
Have a very good week!
Sunday 2nd. February, 2014 – Candlemas
I pass this field every day walking with Mix – it looks so fertile and I’m looking forward to seeing how it changes over the year
Woke – and it was a lovely fresh morning with the sun shining. Went out with Mix – and realised that it was an extremely cold day. Breakfasted and then Mum, Rachel and I went off to Gavinton Church where the minister told us that we were to have two addresses – a meditation on Cana and then a meditation on Candlemas. For the first Ann read to us the story of the widow at Zarepath (one of my favourites) who learned through Elijah of God’s care for the widow and the orphan. This was followed by the story of the wedding at Cana with its wonderful message that wherever Jesus is, there wonderful things happen; the first great sign of John’s Gospel.
Today (2nd. February) actually is Candlemas and to mark it the story of Jesus’ Dedication in the Temple as described by Saint Luke was read before Ann shared a meditation about Saint Brigit of Kildare (whose Saint’s day was actually yesterday). I like hearing about the lives of the Celtic Saints.
There were snowdrops outside the Church this morning
After Church we shared in coffee in the hall before dropping Mum off at Mount Pleasant and driving to Berwick to buy paint for the Garden Room. Back home we dined – Sunday lunch with all the family around the table – and then Rachel and I set about giving the Garden Room its second undercoat. It is looking quite smart. We put the room back together so that Mum can use it while we are away this week.
Next we loaded the dogs into the car and drove up to the school where we parked the car and went for a walk around Duns Castle. It was a lovely walk and the views were splendid as the sun began to set behind the trees.
On our late afternoon walk
On the way back to the car I came upon a field of snowdrops under the trees. Even although it was too dark I took this picture:
Snowdrops at dusk
Unfortunately, snowdrops don’t last long enough but it is a real sign that Spring will come when we see them on the ground. We fed the dogs and then Rachel set off for Berwick to attend Evensong, closely followed by Digger taking Olive to the railway station. The dogs and I came to the summerhouse. No sooner was Digger back from Berwick than he learned that Olive had left one of her bags on the platform. After several fruitless phone calls, Digger returned to Berwick and found the bag – so all is well that ends well and Olive will be reunited with her bag when she returns home tomorrow evening.
On Rachel’s return we dined in the Granary and watched Mr. Selfridge before bed. It has been a thoroughly good day – but then, when hasn’t it been? (My adventure this evening was that Rachel and I were demolishing a tin of Cadbury’s Roses which we had been given for Christmas (so we can’t be as greedy as you were imagining since we have kept it intact for all of this time). I placed my reading glasses on the tin lid because I was wearing my distance glasses for watching Mr. Selfridge. However we also put all of the used sweet papers on the same lid and at the end of the programme I opened the stove to empty the papers in and keep the place tidy. Of course, I emptied in my spectacles as well. I quickly fished them out with a poker and they don’t seem to be too much the worse for their adventure – but I’m sure there is a moral there somewhere, perhaps about the perils of trying to be too tidy (or perhaps not).
Saturday 1st. February, 2014 – Getting on with getting on
The beautiful view from the front drive of Mount Pleasant this morning
Slept in this morning – not hugely but by the time I emerged it was nine o’clock so Mix and I went across for my breakfast and it was only after I had enjoyed my porridge that I took him for a walk along the Swinton Road.
Back home I sanded down the Garden Room and then started to paint the walls with some paint which had been left over from a previous decorating project. Worked all morning until Scott and Sue arrived for late morning coffee and then, after a very welcome break, I returned to the fray.
Before too long I had run out of paint – well, that’s OK because I was only using up what was left over. Tomorrow, after church, I’ll pop into Berwick and replenish our supplies from HomeBase. Rachel – who had been out walking Mix – returned and took over the task of priming all of the woodwork in the Garden Room so between us we got a great deal done.
Just for the record I took this picture to record our progress
Back in the Granary (after taking Mix for another walk while the wind picked up and it looked as though the weather was going to take a definite turn for the worse) I had a welcome shower and read for a while.
We had an early tea this evening to enable Mum, Olive and I to attend the Gavinton Village Pantomime – Wind in the Willows. The hall is lovely and the show was a typical village show – with a thank you for the prompter from the stage at the end of the performance. I liked the imaginative animal costumes, some of which worked superbly; I liked the energy which a number of the characters brought to their performances, I liked the way that young and old were sharing on the stage and I liked the pleasure that the village audience got from watching their own in action. It was a happy evening (and Wind in the Willows is a lovely story).
A snap of the curtain call just before the final curtain came down
Back at home I watched a little television before retiring to bed with my book. It has got very stormy – wind and rain are rattling around the roofs, definitely not a night to be out and about. Even the dogs were happy to have the quickest of walks before bed. In fact Mix would probably have preferred to remain in the summer house relaxing on his big cushion.
Reflected on the different entertainments over the last three evenings: on Thursday we were at the Maltings for the streaming of the National Theatre production of Coriolanus; yesterday we were back at the Maltings this time for the film of The Railway Man; and tonight we were in the village hall at Gavinton for the annual village pantomime. We really are living the life of Reilly!
Friday 31st. January, 2014 – It has got extremely cold today
Friday, January 31, 2014, 11:47 PM
Not a very attractive picture – but it is where we are today
My goodness but it has got cold today, positively freezing in fact and during the day there have been flurries of snow. It seems inconceivable that there is not more to come.
Mix and I went for our morning walk before my regular porridge. Tom arrived and we started on our tasks for the day. First we fitted up the bracket for the television in the Garden Room and then we installed the new skirting board and sanded down all of the areas which we had plastered the day before yesterday. Next we went into Duns to buy cable for a television aerial link and some bits and pieces to treat wood and start the painting – we had intended to start on the painting in the afternoon but, after lunch at Pearson’s we gave some thought to how the aerial cable would reach the television and the upshot of that was that we decided to cut into the plaster-board, install the cable and then plaster over it. We will have to wait until tomorrow before we can do anything else.
I drove Tom home and then Mix and I adjourned to the summer house where I enjoyed a coffee and Mix ate some biscuits. I read of England’s continuing cricket disaster in Australia and telephoned HomeBase to discover what had happened to the tools I ordered. Everything has been delayed because a claw hammer hasn’t arrived in stock. However they have now promised me that everything that is in stock will be delivered on Tuesday or Wednesday. I have to say that the lady who took my call was extremely helpful and I am sure that my order will arrive.
Went out with Mix for an afternoon walk and then returned home to get warm! Rachel had been away for the day with Dorothy. They were buying glass for their new hobby of stained-glass window making. Rachel has come back with some superb pieces of glass. I am looking forward to seeing the finished articles.
Went for a shower – my hair was filled with dust from sanding down the plaster this morning – and then we dined early because we were going off to Berwick to see ‘The Railway Man’, a film which was being given extra screenings in Berwick because it was written by a Berwick man (Eric Lomax) and reflects his experiences during the war and his response to those experiences after the war. It is a lovely film, not always the easiest to watch but one which rejoices in the human spirit and which ultimately makes one glad to be part of the human race – that ‘ultimately’ is important because the horrors of war drive one in exactly the opposite direction. Colin Firth and Nicole Kidman were superb. It was a good family outing, all five of us off together, and that is always fun.
The Maltings makes a superb cinema – and you can book your seats online as well
Back home, we walked the dogs, who were delighted to see us, (the sky was superb – clear as anything and so many stars on view) but soon we were back inside where we climbed into our warm beds. We are very lucky!
Thursday 30th. January, 2014 – Rowan’s sister Daisy comes to visit
Thursday, January 30, 2014, 10:52 PM
Daisy in the farmhouse kitchen
Today was a red-letter day for Rowan because today her sister Daisy came to visit. Fiona, a friend of Mum, brought her down with Linda when they both came to see where Mum had settled. Mum was delighted to see Fiona and Linda – Rowan was more than pleased to spend time with her sister.
My day began as usual with a walk with Mix as my companion. We breakfasted early so that Mum and I could go into Duns to collect supplies of food for Mum’s visitors who were due to arrive about eleven. We patronised the Co-op and Trotter’s Bakery (in both we were extremely well looked after by very friendly staff) and then we made our way back to Mount Pleasant and set out everything so that it was ready for later in the day.
On cue, Mum’s friends arrived. Daisy seemed as pleased to see Rowan as Rowan clearly was to see Daisy.
They ran in the garden together:
And after a bit of running around, Rowan introduced Daisy to the dog which appeared to be digging his way out of the garden – strange to tell it has been in the same position ever since she arrived at the Granary – perhaps it is modern art:
Of course, Mix joined in and at times the welcome Daisy received must have been quite overwhelming:
It wasn’t long before Rowan and Mix had become the best of friends and spent several hours together in the garden, sometimes resting and spending time looking out on the rest of the world together.
By the time it was time to leave, Daisy was climbing in through the window to tell us how much she was enjoying it here:
Before Fiona left, we made her promise to bring Daisy back again. Rowan is looking forward to it already.
Soon after Daisy and her entourage drove into Mount Pleasant, Mike, my new financial advisor arrived. Olive and I had an extended discussion with him. I was delighted to hear all that he had to say, not least because it turns out that much of the information which I have been given so far turns out to be misinformation or, at the very least, partial information. I explained what I hoped to achieve with my pension funds and Mike has gone away to try to ensure that he can make it happen. I felt really buoyed up by his visit – and I enjoyed meeting him as well.
We all picnicked in the farmhouse – soup, sandwiches, sausage rolls and cake – and then we took Mum’s visitors on a tour of the estate before settling down for a while in the Granary (from where we could watch Rowan and Daisy having a ball in the garden). Shortly before they left, Rachel returned home from her stained-glass making course. She had had a grand time but was very pleased to be able to share doggy experiences with Fiona – I liked hearing about Buckhaven and Wemyss from Linda.
Soon after they all left, Rachel and I had to get ready to go to Berwick to the Maltings Theatre for a production of Coriolanus which was being streamed from the National Theatre in Covent Garden: the Donmar Warehouse which used to be a warehouse where bananas were ripened prior to sale but which is now used as an acting space by the National Theatre. It seats 251 people so it is quite an intimate space. We grabbed a snack in the little cafe beside the theatre – egg, sausage and chips – and then went into the theatre for the show. I was very keen to see Coriolanus again because many years ago I was involved in a production of it in the open air at St. Andrews Castle. Tonight’s production was powerful with some excellent performances but I missed the spectacle – it was done with a small cast and considerable doubling-up, and it was done in fairly nondescript costumes with almost no set. But the play won through – the story of the general who was a genius in military matters but who just didn’t have it when it came to political matters seemed quite modern; the Tribunes of the people might just as well have been labelled as trade-union leaders, and the crowd was as fickle as crowds ever are. It was a dark tragedy because Coriolanus was the best example of humanity on show (except perhaps for his mother? – a towering performance this by Deborah Findlay; but then perhaps not as she revelled in death or glory in the first part) but even he, Coriolanus (played well by Tom Hiddleston), was flawed and it was his flaws which brought him down (one of the recurring themes of Shakespeare). I thought the second part was better than the first, basically because I didn’t really like the use of all of the seats and the way that they constrained the actors in the first part. I am so glad that we went (not least for the performance of Mark Gatiss as Menenius) – we are fortunate to have such a resource on our doorstep and this relatively new system of streaming performances around the country -- and around the world -- makes so many of the best productions so very accessible.
Back home, we were welcomed by the dogs whom we then walked before bed. It has been an exciting day for Rowan!
Wednesday 29th. January, 2014 – Another great day
Wednesday, January 29, 2014, 11:28 PM
Rachel is installing her new printer – a wireless one which for now is sitting on top of Rowan’s home
My alarm went off at 5.45 a.m. and by half past six I had showered and, along with Mix, was sitting in my car ready to drive Olive to Berwick to catch an early morning train to Dundee. On our return Mix and I went for a walk. It was dry but everything underfoot was extremely wet. In fact I had lain awake during the night listening to the rain lashing our home and pondering on how fortunate we were to have a roof over our heads and to live somewhere warm and comfortable.
After breakfast Tom arrived. Dorothy had dropped him off on her way to see a spinning demonstration (she came back later in the day with sandwiches for lunch and a spinning wheel which she had borrowed to start to develop spinning skills of her own). Tom and I went off to Duns with a shopping list, dropping off Digger at the garage to collect his car which now is equipped with a new alternator.
Our purchases were all for Mum’s Garden Room: a skirting board (or rather wood to make into a skirting board, a light rose to drop through the ceiling into the middle of the room once we had removed the existing spotlight system, electrical bits and pieces so that we could move one of the power sockets down to ground level to serve the heater, plaster to fill in the holes and prepare the walls for what comes next and several tubes of ‘no more nails’.
Back home we enjoyed a coffee and a wagon wheel – you don’t take things too quickly when you are retired – and then we started to fit the lighting: removing the existing spotlights and creating a central light which will be grand once a lampshade has been found for it. Next we blanked off one of the power sockets and refitted it at ground level. We had to cut a channel through the plasterboard so it took a bit of time. Finally we filled in all the holes in the walls, the first stage of their preparation for painting and decorating (a task which is in the hands of Rachel and Digger). The boxing-in was given some more tender care and sanded down and everything was tidied up – tomorrow we only have to fit the skirting board and our part of the work is largely done. I’ve ordered a tv mounting bracket which we will fit on the wall and we shall try to get hold of a curved curtain rail to screen off the washing machine at the end of the room.
It was about this time that Dorothy arrived and we shared sandwiches and drank coffee for a while. Rachel was away to Berwick with Rowan who is learning to do as she is told (perhaps). Later in the afternoon Mix and I went for another walk and when I returned I helped Rachel (who had also returned) to access her new email address and to install her new printer. It is a wireless one and can sit on top of Rowan’s cage which is in the bedroom. Well, it started on Rowan’s cage but I gather it will move to one of the window seats (we have several in the bedroom. In fact you can see one of these seats at the far right of the picture. Having equipment which was controlled by wifi always seemed a bit hit and miss to me but now that we have these cables which allow us to access our hub through the house electric power points everything seems very reliable. I will even be able to access Rachel’s new printer from the summer house. It will be wonderful to have a working printer again.
Digger went off to collect Olive from Berwick in his newly repaired car and Mum was collected to be taken to the local history group. We dined with Olive and Digger when they returned from Berwick. It was a relaxing meal and, just as we were finishing, Mum returned from the history group. She had enjoyed the meeting which was all about Duns Castle.
Rachel and I went across to the Granary and there we watched an episode of Midsomer Murders in the warmth created by our stove – I mention this because the temperature outside has plummeted. It is extremely cold. Still we all walked around the policies, Mix, Rowan, Rachel and I, and then I suspect that we were all glad to get to bed.
Tuesday 28th. January, 2014 – A thoroughly good day
Tuesday, January 28, 2014, 11:13 PM
The boxing-in is now beginning to look very good indeed
I’m sitting writing this in my summerhouse. It is dark outside and I can hear the rain pelting down on the roof. It is all very cosy and beside me Mix is sound asleep on his huge new cushion.
The day started with Mix’s walk – it was blustery but not too wet and I love all the waves from the folk who have got to know me as they drive in and out to work each day. By half past eight I had breakfasted and was driving Olive into Berwick to the station. She has only one lecture today – to law students and later I drove back to Berwick just before supper time to pick her up again.
In between we were busy. After dropping Olive off I went to Halfords to buy a new lamp bulb for one of the front headlights; I also bought a little kit so that now I am equipped whenever a bulb blows (maybe a case of shutting the stable door or perhaps, better, learning from experience). Should say that in Halfords I met a man who was doing exactly what I was, buying a bulb because he had discovered last night that his had broken. The girl at the cash desk told me that every morning there are people in the store for exactly the same purpose and that bulbs were among their best selling items. From Halfords I went to HomeBase to purchase parana pine facings for the boxing-in of the water and waste pipes in Mum’s morning room – or Garden Room as she has now decreed that it is to be called. I also got some ‘no more nails’ and some blanking boxes for the electrics in the Garden Room.
Back home, Tom arrived. The light bulb was changed and the facings fitted to the boxed-in pipes. It all looks very good but we shall have to return to it once the glue has all set. We’ll need to have a bit of a sanding down and one or two other bits and pieces to make it all perfect. Tomorrow we start on the skirting boards and maybe look at the beams in the Hen House. It was a lovely gentle morning, we stopped for coffee and wagon wheels – still glorious but much smaller than I remember. Tom went home at lunch time, he has duties to perform at home and also Dorothy to collect from Berwick.
I had some lunch – rolls and cheese – and then I came across to the summer house and prepared the music for Arrochar and sent that and the music for Luss by email. By now the rain had started but Mix and I went out for our afternoon walk, each of us humouring the other (several folk wanted to know if the black and white dog was all right. I was able to tell them that she was. In fact she was away to Berwick (don’t we go to Berwick a lot?) to walk on the beach around the golf coursel. Rachel was a bit evasive when I asked if Rowan had behaved any better today. But she thought a little progress was being made.
I had intended to look for some more book boxes and to unpack them but the afternoon had run away with itself and in any case carrying cardboard boxes around in the rain is not best practice. So I puddled around in the summer house until it was time to drive to Berwick (again) to collect Olive (this time with a beautiful view of the road as it was illuminated by my new headlight).
Once we had returned to Mount Pleasant we all ate together and then, in front of our stove which I had lit for the evening as soon as I got home, we watched Death in Paradise and enjoyed the thought that there was nothing to do tomorrow but what we wanted to do. For me that’s continuing with the project to get Mount Pleasant into the place we want it to be, rehearsing my ukulele, revising my Italian and opening some more boxes. For Rachel it is continuing Rowan’s education process. I think I have the easier task.
When I retired I had planned to spend quite a bit of time in Italy and I still hope to do so but what has made it different is my dog, Mix. He has become such a super dog since I retired and have had time to spend with him (in fact he is with me every moment of the day) and I don’t think that it would be fair to leave him and go off abroad. However, nowadays dogs can have passports too and perhaps when Rowan has grown up a little we will see if we can drive to Italy and take them with us. The other part of my retirement plan was to spend time on Rachel’s canal boat. Other things being equal, we’ll travel down to see how it is on Monday – just a short visit this time in preparation for a longer cruise when the weather improves (and, of course, that this something in which the dogs can join as well).
It was already well past bed-time when Mix and I walked around the policies and made our way to bed. It has been a very good day.
Monday 27th. January, 2014 – Like the Curate’s Egg: good in parts
Monday, January 27, 2014, 11:34 PM
Dressed for the task in hand
With a lot to do this week I was up early, Mix was walked and I was breakfasted in time to drive behind Digger to the garage in Duns where his car is to repaired – broken alternator by all accounts. (Tom suggested that he could treble the value of his car by leaving a bottle of Lucozade on the back seat but them he is rude about my car too until he remembers that I got it from him.) I drove Digger to the Co-op to shop and then returned by Pearson’s to buy face masks for the cleaning-out of the top floor of the Hen House – our first task of the week. Digger, Rachel, Tom and I set about clearing it out (the masks were because there were some dead birds around and Tom thought that we ought to be careful). With so many willing hands the task didn’t take long -- much to Mix’s delight because he really disliked his inability to climb up a ladder.
It was at this point that the day took a turn for the worse – somehow the gate got left open and the dogs escaped. Mix returned when called but Rowan was off like a shot. In fact it took us half an hour to recapture her and without a doubt she owes her life to the kindness and consideration of the cars and lorries who use the road. Traffic ground to a halt and when we eventually caught her (halfway to Duns) a very kind lady called Ashley insisted on driving us back to the farm house. I shook for an hour afterwards at how it might have ended! She is a very lucky puppy.
Tom measures up in preparation for boxing in the pipes in the Morning Room
And so we started work on Mum’s Morning Room. The task for today was to start to box-in the pipes which became exposed when we removed the sink and moved the water supply to the other end of the room. For framing we cannibalised the wood which had supported the order of wood for the summer house. Then we used a sheet of marine-ply which was originally destined for Ianthe (our boat) – we shall buy more later.
Meanwhile, Rachel had gone off to Berwick where she took Rowan for a lengthy run on the beach and started again to try to teach her obedience. She thinks that it will be a long job; Rowan understands perfectly but prefers to do her own thing. I am so fortunate that Mix just wants to be where I am.
By the end of the afternoon we had got as far as we could with the boxing-in. Tomorrow we shall get facings and fit the whole thing together permanently. But things are already taking shape:
The boxing-in is now half-done
Just as were complimenting ourselves on a good day’s work, Digger arrived with an egg. For those who don’t know, with the farm house came two hens and when we first arrived there was a regular supply of eggs. However, recently the supply of eggs has dried up. For this reason today’s production of an egg marks the return, hopes Digger, to normal service.
Digger with the egg which provides hope for the future!
While I fed the dogs (having walked Mix again) Rachel tried to lodge her tax return. By mistake she had gone on to one of the sites which helps you in return for a fee. (Tax Return Gateway it is called.) As far as I can see, Tax Return Gateway is deliberately quite misleading. It has a Home Page which clearly states that it isn’t the Government but when you type in Tax Return on Google it is the Tax Return Gateway which comes up first on the list (and with a name deliberately similar to the Government Gateway) and, which is worse, you aren’t taken to the Home Page (with the declaimers) but to a page which invites you to submit your tax return and includes forms very similar to those on the Government web-site. Of course, Rachel should have read the small print – it is all there to be seen – but we have heard of many other people who have been taken-in by the way that it is set out. Rachel won’t be taken in a second time. It is good to hear that the MP David Davis is raising concerns about similar matters in the House of Commons.
Rachel was, of course, dismayed to find that she had been deceived into using the site, but was slightly mollified when she got a text from the company to say that her form had been lodged successfully with the Inland Revenue. Just to be sure, on Olive’s advice, today she telephoned the Inland Revenue to check that her form had indeed been submitted and they immediately told her that no, it hadn’t.
This afternoon Rachel started to prepare her tax return again but she couldn’t get in to the proper web-page. So she telephoned the help-line. Eventually she got through. Rachel was told that no, there was another number she had to telephone. After much delay she got through and started trying to explain her problems. It was at this point (or possibly a bit later after more confusion) that the person she was speaking to said, ‘Oh, but your form was lodged on Saturday’. So the Tax Return Gateway had, after all, submitted Rachel’s return and the Inland Revenue were wrong this morning when they said it hadn’t been lodged.
It has left me with bad feelings both for the Tax Return Gateway as a result of whose web-site Rachel paid a fee she didn’t need to pay because she believed that she was dealing with the Government, and for the Inland Revenue who, by giving wrong information to Rachel this morning, made today an even more worrying one than it would otherwise have been. But we’ll look on the upside: the tax return has been completed and Rowan is well and in the Granary causing her usual mischief. Some things are more important than others.
We dined in the Farm House and later in the evening I drove to Berwick to collect Olive (Digger’s car is off the road at least until tomorrow). Discovered that one of my front side lamps isn’t functioning – no matter, tomorrow morning when I drive Olive back to Duns to catch a train I will continue on to Halfords and buy a set of bulbs for the car.)
On my return I watched Bletchley Circle which I had recorded from earlier in the evening. With time marching on and a busy week ahead, I walked mix and retired to bed. All’s well that ends well but it has been a bit of a Curate’s egg of a day from which we have all learned lessons.
Sunday 26th. January, 2014 – Rachel looks after the music
Rachel has installed our organ and is providing the music for our service today
It is Sunday and we have to be at Church earlier than usual because Rachel is providing the music for the service (to allow Gay to welcome her brother home from Australia). Mix and I walk in the pouring rain before it is quite light – there didn’t seem to be a dawn this morning, it just went from dark to a little bit lighter. There was no sun appearing over the horizon; there was no dramatic lightening of the sky; no colour, no heavenly excitement. And as we walked, Mix kept turning and looking up to me as much as to say, ‘I’m only doing this to humour you. Back home I showered and changed and breakfasted and by 9.20 a.m. we were on the road to Gavinton where Rachel provided the music (and it sounded very good indeed).
Today was homelessness Sunday and Ann spoke quite passionately about the plight of those who were homeless and of those who were trapped in poverty, particularly highlighting the fact that so many of the most prosperous areas of our cities lie cheek-by-jowl with areas of severe poverty. From reading in Isaiah about ’the people who lived in darkness have seen a great light’ she moved to Matthew’s Gospel where the verse is picked up and referred to Jesus shortly before he started to gather his disciples. Together they set out to change the world. That task is as necessary today and the challenge remains for us – and, Ann reminded us, using Paul’s first letter to the Church at Corinth as her authority, that we are called to devote our lives to the important things (too often, she confided in an aside, it is the less important things which capture our attention). Appropriately, the money gathered at the morning coffee after Church went to help those working with homeless people in our country.
We returned home and shared in a communal lunch in the farmhouse (great, as usual – a fishcake starter followed by sausages with Yorkshire puddings, roast potatoes, parsnips, carrots and turnip: full of goodness and filling as well).
Afterwards I unloaded the organ and set it up in the summer house again before we set off to Duns to do a little shopping in the Co-op. Next stop was the Duns Scotus Way. We walked from the Gavinton end of Duns through to the park in the centre of Duns and back again. I just loved the boardwalk areas of the path:
A view of the board walk on the Duns Scotus Way
Conditions were not ideal but it was certainly a lot better than this morning. Mix enjoyed his trip this time, although it was cold and damp and very wet underfoot (hence my appreciation of the extended areas of boardwalk).
Rowan also enjoyed her walk although she wasn’t at her most obedient and Rachel had her hands full!
Back in the Granary we loaded all of our Christmas decorations into the small attic above the master bedroom and I continued with the task of washing all my clothes. Unfortunately the power of the spin-dryer dislodged a bottle which smashed. Rachel and I cleared up and wiped up and were happy that it was only a relatively cheap bottle of white wine and not the ten-year-old whisky bottle which had been sitting next to it.
Mix and I spent a little while in the summer house (Mix loves his giant cushion and would happily spend all day here). Then it was back to the Granary to light the stove and spend a relaxing evening – sparing a thought for Olive who had to travel up to Edinburgh to stay with her son Jeffrey so that she can get to Dundee early in the morning to deliver a lecture. Never mind, she finishes in April and we are all looking forward to that.
Our relaxing evening was just that – fabulous. No thought of work to come; no work to come. Just our own adventures and while these involve toil they are the greatest fun imaginable. We dined on antipasto followed by blue cheese and then we enjoyed the froth of Mr. Selfridge and the exciting denouement of The Tunnel. The final episode lived up to the standard set by the previous nine episodes and I was left feeling that it had been properly rounded off and that the cinematic journey had been thoroughly worthwhile. It was also very exciting.
By the time we had got to the end of our watching, the wind had blown up quite alarmingly and we were blown around the policies with the dogs. It was good to get to bed with a thoroughly good week ahead of us. On Thursday evening we are to go to see Coriolanus (the last time I was involved I was a member of his army in a production in Saint Andrews Castle some forty-six years ago). The rest of the week we shall be working on our projects – the top floor of the hen house to clean out, Mum’s morning room to take forward, more boxes of books to find and then unpack and, eventually, the stables to empty and then repack. Of course, we still have the shingles to put on the roof of the summer house and some treatment to carry out. Lots of toil but no work at all. How fortunate we are and what a good day today has been.
Saturday 25th. January, 2014 -- Burns Night
Saturday, January 25, 2014, 10:53 PM
Domestic bliss – Rachel, Rowan and Olive around the stove before dinner
Woke and walked Mix – the first of two walks for later in the afternoon Mix and I set out for a long walk along the road to Fogo. Saturday is a pleasant day to walk because there is very little traffic on the roads around Mount Pleasant. It was an extremely enjoyable walk – partly because Mix now walks so well and partly because although it was cold, it was clear and bright and the rain of the morning had passed right over us.
But back to this morning: I breakfasted and then Rachel and I loaded up my organ and we went off to Gavinton Church where we set it up so that we can provide the music tomorrow. The organist’s brother is arriving from Australia tomorrow morning and our providing the music will allow her to go off and meet her brother. Tom joined us at the Church and we spent quite a while trying to ensure that we got everything right. Then we made our way to Tom’s house where we introduced our dogs to Spike – an older border collie (and perfectly beautiful). Rowan and Spike got on extremely well: I kept a close watch on Mix who was a little bit jealous of Spike’s attentions to his ‘sister’.
Back home today was a day of cleaning and tidying. I gutted and cleaned my bathroom and then tidied up my study. I also put at least three loads of dirty clothes through the washing machine. This done Mix and I had our walk. Afterwards we went out to the summer house so that I could set up a new email address for Rachel. She has been without one for quite a while and is discovering that for some things (completing her tax assessment for one) you really need an email address.
We went across to the farmhouse for dinner. First there was sherry as we sat around the stove. As the picture shows, Rowan is now quite at home and settled down to sleep on the sofa between Rachel (who was engrossed in a magazine) and Olive who was keeping an eye on Rowan. It was another lovely meal and again I ate too much. A diet is moving further and further up the agenda but I’m still at that retirement phase where I feel as if I am on holiday and that soon it will end and I will have to go back to work.
After eating we went back to the Granary where we watched more of The Tunnel. There is only one more part to watch and I am looking forward to the denouement enormously. I have enjoyed the joint French/English language nature of the film and I have enjoyed some of the performances greatly but everything hinges always on how things work out. If there isn’t a satisfactory ending then somehow I feel as if I have wasted my time watching the film. I’ve no reason to suppose that there won’t be a satisfactory ending but whatever happens I will remember some of the beautiful touches brought to their performances by the leading actors.
With Rachel watching a comedy programme (Mrs. Brown’s Boys)., Mix and I came out to the summer house to tidy things up before tomorrow. Then we all walked the policies together before retiring to bed. My days seem so long now but, when I think about it, that’s something I remember from holidays. Long may it continue!
I recorded in my title that today is Burns' Night. I had my celebration of Robert Burns yesterday with the folk of Our Lady and St. Patrick's High School, but I expect that tonight in Luss they will be celebrating, the village hall will be full to capacity and they will all be enjoying a riotous evening. It's the first time for many years that I will not have chaired the event -- not that I'll be missed -- but I hope they are all having a grand old time.
Friday 24th. January, 2014 – We celebrate Burns with the young folk of Our Lady and St. Patrick’s High School
Some of the young folk and invited guests at this year’s celebration of Rabbie Burns at Our Lady and St. Patrick’s High School
Rose immediately the alarm went off and walked Mix, showered and changed into good clothes, breakfasted in the farmhouse and then set off with Rachel to drive to Dumbarton.
The purpose of our drive was to attend the annual Burns celebration at Our Lady and St. Patrick’s High School but on the way we stopped off at the home of Grace and Maisie and Nina to hand in an accordion from Tom and to collect another from them to bring back to Tom. It was good to see them and they had kindly made us a small picnic to eat in the car on the way home – how very thoughtful.
We arrived at the school and were welcomed by Hugh who was the mainstay of the visits which young folk (under his guidance) made to Luss over recent years. The purpose of their visits twice a year was to take part in their own leadership training course. We loved their visits, we loved having them staying in the Palace and eating in the Manse and, over the years, we got to know them very well. I will never forget the music evening which they arranged in Luss Church during our year of celebrations in 2010 (we celebrated 1500 years of continuous Christianity in Luss). The church has seats for 222 but that night there were 364 folk in the Church and the music which they provided was out of this world – a happy evening enjoyed by everyone.
Well, today was like that too. It was a Burns celebration for the first year students at the school. There was a lovely meal. The haggis was piped in and addressed and then the entertainment began – well, almost. Charlie Rooney started by explaining what today was all about. He also introduced students to an understanding of what it means to be born in the image of God. It is a very special school and its ‘specialness’ starts at the top and works its way through all of the staff.
The programme involved all of the disciplines in the school. The art and the technology departments presented two animations, one on Burns’ poem ‘John Barleycorn’ the other an imaginary ‘To the Devil’ (in which, as you would imagine, good triumphs over evil).
I snapped this shot during the animation presentation
Next came some recitations (including ‘To a Mouse’), some rap versions of Burns’ work, highland dancing and a voyage through some famous Scots who had made an important contribution to our country and to our world.
Finally, Charlie said some words of thanks, especially to his staff – he must have the best staff of any school in Scotland – and introduced one of the special guests: an older lady of one hundred and one years. She had enjoyed the afternoon and the pupils had enjoyed entertaining their guests.
It was a special afternoon for one lady of one hundred and one – here being introduced to the pupils by the head-teacher
It was time for us to set off for home. It was absolutely bucketing down; Rachel fell asleep and I had time to reflect on the visit. I always end up raving about this school and to those who don’t know it, or who don’t know me, it must sound very over the top. But it isn’t. It is quite simply an exceptional school doing exceptional things. Its ethos – it is a Christian, a Roman Catholic, School – and it is unashamedly open about the faith base on which everything else is constructed. There are so many extra opportunities on offer all the time. One teacher I talked with today was setting off at dawn tomorrow to take thirty youngsters skiing in Austria. The school has a partnership with a school in Africa and several staff have been out there to help – this year they are paying for the provision of toilets in their partner school but there is so much more to the partnership which clearly benefits both parties. And of course, it was great to see Hugh again and the team who work with him – good to learn too that the leadership course which they run (and in which we shared at Luss) is gaining recognition and will be presented to representatives from several education authorities next week. I made so many friends at Our Lady and St. Patrick’s and I was touched to be invited back from retirement to attend this special event today.
A picture from my archives of some of the youngsters from Our Lady and St. Patrick's High School around our meal table in the Manse at Luss
It was after six before we got home. Mix was glad to see me! We dined in the farmhouse (tomato soup and fish pie) and then, back in the Granary, Rachel and I watched a bit more of ‘The Tunnel’ before walking the dogs and retiring to bed. What a lovely day!
Thursday 23rd. January, 2014 – Working on Mum’s Morning Room
The Morning Room at the end of today’s work programme -- what an improvement, but you'll see there is still much to be done
After I woke I took Mix for a walk up the Swinton Road. It was fresh and a little warmer than yesterday, I think – although by the end of the day it was quite cold again. Breakfasted in the farmhouse (I am still on porridge) and while I was finishing Tom and Dorothy arrived: Dorothy to go off with Rachel to Berwick to their stained-glass class; Tom to work with me on the project of the day.
Our project for today was to start work on Mum’s Morning Room. For the folk who had the house before us, this was a utility room and one which housed the washing machine and the fridge. There was also a large sink and draining board along one of the walls. And yet, it was easy to see that this could be one of the nicest rooms in the whole house. It has windows on both the south and the east walls so that the room catches the early morning sun and the mid-day sun as well. In addition, the windows to the east look out over a huge expanse of garden: lawn first and then in the distance the little orchard and, off to the left, the place for bar-b-cues with the raised decking and the slabbed area around an outside table. The window to the south overlooks an area of rockery and plants growing among the stones with several bird facilities – so there is always something to watch.
Today Tom and I removed the sink, the draining board and the cupboards underneath. Then we set about moving the washing machine and the fridge to the wall just when one enters the farmhouse so that the morning room has much more room. It was quite a task as neither Tom nor I had done much plumbing before. But we got the bits from Pearson’s (who will be declaring record profits this year) and cut pipes and joined pipes and soon had the washing machine plumbed in to its new situation and the excess pipes removed. In fact the most difficult task was to find out where the water turned off. (It is outside the front gate at the side of the road. We’ll know next time.)
We’ll start on the next stage next week. We need to install a skirting board, build a shelf under the windows on the west wall and box in the pipes, we will move the light fitting to a more appropriate place, we’ll remove the wall tiles (appropriate for behind domestic equipment but now a bit unsightly), and then we shall decorate and put down a carpet. It will take a bit of time but it will be worth it.
This morning Scott (an electrician) came to visit and we went through our plans for the hen house and the barns with him. He has gone off to cost what we hope to have done and with a bit of luck we shall make a start there soon. Meanwhile we have to empty the stables and clean them out before using this secure building as a place to store everything, free from worry about whether things will be damaged by the birds when they return from their safari later in the year. It would be good to have the upstairs area of the hen house completed as part of our spring projects.
Tom and I visited Pearson’s twice during the day; on the second visit we stopped for lunch (soup followed by haggis, neaps and tatties – well, it is that time of the year). Mum had been driven to her Guild meeting at Gavinton by Digger.
Rachel and Dorothy came back from Berwick and I settled down to prepare music for Gavinton Church on Sunday. This took me until dinner (and a bit beyond). Rachel had missed dinner because she had gone off with a friend to sing with a choir in Berwick – she now has a very busy Thursday programme. With Rachel away this evening both dogs and I settled down in the summer house where I completed the music and sorted out some papers – got a letter from the Church of Scotland saying that my pension was to increase! Can’t be bad.
Rachel returned and we watched one episode of The Tunnel (which we started to watch last night). I guess we shall watch at least one episode each night until it is done. So one way and another, it has been a busy old day. I’ve started my antibiotics and already they are making a difference but most of all, I think this energetic life-style is suiting me: normally if it is daylight we are outside (or at least – as today – working manually). When it gets dark I am inside with lots of little projects to keep me busy: preparing music, revising my Italian, learning to play the ukulele and thinking about starting my book – all this and a pension increase as well.
We walked the dogs and retired to bed.
Wednesday 22nd. January, 2013 – A Visit to the Dentist (and the Doctor too)
Rachel at the dentists – she has just had a tooth out, hence the lopsided look
Woke and walked Mix. By breakfast time Digger had already taken Olive to the train at Berwick so that she could set off to lecture in Dundee. I showered and set off with Rachel for Edinburgh to visit Andrew, our dentist (Rachel had a tooth out, I escaped on this occasion). Rowan came with us in the car, Mix stayed with Mum (and was very well behaved).
Next door to the dentist’s surgery is a mini-market with a pet section. I bought the biggest cushion I have ever seen for Mix and when I got home I installed it in the summer house. It was an instant success.
Mix explores his new cushion for the first time
I’ve been bothered by pains in my chest for a day or two. I haven’t thought much about it putting it down to either the remains of a cold or else my unaccustomed energetic lifestyle. But as the pain hasn’t gone away I telephoned the doctor’s surgery to see if I could make an appointment for later in the week. The receptionist asked why I wanted an appointment and I told her. ‘In that case you must come here instantly’, she said. I drove to the surgery where I was examined by the hospital nurse – our practice is a shared one: two practices and a local hospital. The nurse (who was fabulous) told me I had a temperature, confirmed that my blood pressure was normal and completed an ECG examination, the results of which she passed to the doctor who then came and examined and interviewed me. The upshot of it all is that I seem to have (I’m sure a mild dose of) pleurisy. I must say the name pleurisy made me break out in a cold sweat and I asked what I would have to do to get rid of it. The doctor grinned and said, ‘Get a friendly doctor to give you some antibiotics and you will be fine.’ By now it was a quarter to five so, armed with my prescription, I drove into Duns and got my medicine and the cure has begun. Reflected that we are obviously fortunate in our local medical staff.
I drove Mum into Duns to attend a Burns evening at the Duns Guild and then Rachel and I dined together in the Granary – Digger had gone to Berwick to collect Olive and we thought that we would all do our own thing. So while we were eating we started to watch a thriller which we had recorded from the television. Called ‘The Tunnel’, it was recommended by my brother and is a French/British collaboration. The dialogue is in both languages with the French being subtitled – I expect there will be a mirror image for French audiences. We enjoyed it so much that we watched the first three (of ten) episodes and we will be continuing to watch over the next few evenings. I also prepared the music files for Arrochar and sent them off by email.
And finally – Mix and I walked the policies before retiring to bed (we don’t have any water. It was turned off at 8 p.m. and is due to come on again at 6 a.m. tomorrow morning. Evidently all of the pipes in the local area were replaced a year ago and this is some form of maintenance check. I say we don’t have any water but in fact we have a bath-full, several sinks-full, a bucket full, a kettle full and five dog-basins full. We probably have more water available to use than we have ever had before.) Rural living is such an adventure.
Tuesday 21st. January, 2014 – Another job done
Tom checks that the new doors do actually open
Up and walked Mix before breakfast. Only when I went across for breakfast the farm house door was locked – everyone was still asleep. Out in the courtyard Tom was already at work so I went and joined him. We fitted door facings at the barn and then hung the first door – the one we made yesterday.
At this point, feeling rather pleased with ourselves, we went off to the farmhouse for breakfast. After breakfast and before lunch we made the frame of the other door and started fitting the tongue and groove flooring to it – getting about half of it done before it was time to stop for lunch. We had, however, completed all of the housing joints which involved chiselling sixteen half-joints.
At lunch time I made myself a pizza and then it was time to start again. By the end of the afternoon the doors were completed and hung to Tom’s satisfaction; the ironmongery was fitted and the doors looked well.
Mum, Olive and Rachel came out to expect the completed job and weren’t pleased to be lined up for a photograph
We went into the farmhouse and had a look at what needs to be done in the Morning Room. We’ll make a start on that this week, not least because, according to the weather forecast, we will be looking for inside jobs.
During the rest of the afternoon I practiced my ukulele, read some Italian and enjoyed the summer house, relaxing in the knowledge that progress has been made. The plan is to strip everything out of the stables and then to load everything which won’t be required for a while back into the stables which is now wind and water tight as well as being bird-proof. This will enable us to start work on the rest of the barns, particularly the henhouse and the loom room. There is a huge amount to do but it is enormous fun.
By dinner time the promised rain had arrived – still that doesn’t affect us in the farm house. We dined excellently and then I returned to the summer house to post this diary entry. It is, I know, very early tonight but as soon as it is done I am going to retire to bed to watch Death in Paradise and fall gently asleep.
Monday 20th. January, 2014 – I learn new skills
Tom with the new door we made today
Woke early because Rachel had to get off to Glasgow where she was meeting Ann at the exhibition of crafts at the SECC. I walked Mix and then breakfasted in the farmhouse. Tom and Dorothy arrived and we set about our task for today which is to start on building two new doors for the former stables. We already had the materials, all we needed was some fine weather – and that is what we got.
The first task was to build the frame of the first door – the doorposts were measured out and the cross-members. It was then a case of cutting the wood to size and putting in half-housing joints at the end of each bit of wood. Tom showed me how to measure down half-way through the wood, put in a cut and then chisel of the top section. I watched Tom performing this feat, but by the end of the day I was doing it myself – I really don’t think that I had ever used a chisel before.
Tom demonstrating how to make a house joint
Once the joints were all made we joined the wood together to make up a frame. It was about this time that we stopped for lunch and during the lunch break I loaded several of the cases which I had found containing Rachel’s clothes into the Granary so that they would be there for her when she returned home.
Tom with the frame of the first stable door
After lunch we filled in the frame using some of the left over flooring from the summer house. There wasn’t sufficient so we picked up Tom’s trailer and bought some more wood from Pearson’s (whose profits have increased enormously since I came to the Borders). While Tom hitched up the trailer I took a snap of Dorothy’s hens:
Dorothy’s hens seem in fine fettle
Soon we got the door completed and, if the weather holds up we will make a second door tomorrow. It shouldn’t take as long as the first as I now know what to do and will be able to be useful from the start. But what an education I am getting!
After Tom went home I did my ukulele practice and then joined Mum and Digger for dinner – Rachel was late home from Glasgow (she had really enjoyed her day) and Olive doesn’t get into Berwick from teaching in Dundee until nearly ten.
I watched University Challenge and later on I caught up with Bletchley Circle which I thoroughly enjoyed. It is quite an unusual premise – girls who worked at Bletchley Park during the war, meeting after the war and solving problems by using the skills they developed while working at the code-breaking centre. Also caught up on the news and Newsnight – I realise that I don’t follow the news nearly as much as I did when I was working. Life has centred in around our adventures here and I am kept totally occupied with trying to develop all of the new skills required for my new way of life – learning to become practical and to work with my hands. In the tiniest possible way, I’m beginning to understand what it must have been like for those who forged out into the New World and built their own homes and established new places to live – I know that is clearly ridiculous, all I have done is helped to build a summer house and half a door for a stable, but it is a different mind-set and who knows where it is going to lead.
Mix and I wandered around the policies and hoped that it would remain fair until we had made the other door for the stable tomorrow.
Sunday 19th. January, 2014 A real Sunday – and with Sunday lunch as well!
Mum is clearly enjoying herself after Church in the hall over coffee at Gavinton
Woke to discover that it was raining hard, but that didn’t stop Mix and me from setting out on our early morning walk. Sunday’s walk is always special because there is nothing at all on the roads and we can daunder along as we wish without a care in the world. Got home in time to shower and change before breakfast and then we went off to Gavinton Church where Ann lead a service for the start of the week of prayer for Christian unity, reminding us that unity doesn’t mean that we all have to be the same (although our allegiances do). She spoke on Jesus’ prayer for his disciples and on the start of Paul’s correspondence with the Church at Corinth (as well as mentioning the letter to the Church at Colossae – one of my favourites as I can imagine Paul writing this letter with Onesimus by his side, encouraging him to stress the breakdown (in God’s eyes at least) of the division between slave and free. It was a good service and I was sorry that the inclement weather had kept some folk away (either that or the after effects of the local Burns’ Supper last night).
Back home, Digger had been off in his car to collect some manure! There is lots more on offer and we are going to try to get the little trailler into action to collect it, as well as finding an appropriate place to store it until it is ‘ready for use’ next Autumn.
We had a lovely Sunday lunch: chicken and all of the trimmings, followed by trifle. During lunch we had a chat about communications. It is no problem taking Mum places but we never know when to go and collect her. So she found her mobile phone and I put some credit on it (as well as our numbers) and I also put credit into Rachel’s phone so that now we should all be able to speak with each other, always supposing we can get a signal, of course.
Rachel and I loaded the dogs into the car and drove to near Gavinton where we went for a lovely walk in the gloaming.
The skyline near Gavinton where we walked this afternoon
It was a splendid walk – the rain had stopped and there was little on the road, a couple of dogs (with their owners), a couple of walkers (without dogs), a lady on horseback and a couple of cars. I loved this tree – Rachel and Rowan are also in the picture:
Back home, Rachel went off to Berwick to attend Evensong at the Parish Church. I would have liked to have gone as well, but as Digger was also out taking Olive to get a train – she starts work again tomorrow – I stayed to look after the dogs, both of whom came with me to the summer house where I read my book. What a wonderful life!
Rachel returned and we had some supper in the lounge. We had found the table during last week and tonight was our first meal on it. Rachel had gone to town with some smoked salmon to start, followed by antipasto Italiano, followed by penne with a Bolognaise sauce, followed by chocolate pudding. When Rachel said she had made some supper I had expected a sandwich, but it excellent and was our first proper meal in our own home after such a long time.
Rachel at our table
By the time we had eaten it was time to watch the first of a new series of Mr. Selfridge – fairly light and frothy and just right for a Sunday evening. We walked the dogs – it was very cold, everywhere was slippy but very bright and the moon was giving so much reflected light that we could see as if it was daylight. We continue to carry torches, even on nights as light these, so that an unexpected car can see us. Back to the Granary and off to bed. I have a new book on my Kindle and I’ll read for a bit in bed. Such decadence!
Saturday 18th. January, 2014 – A real Saturday at last!
Mum in the room that will soon be her morning room
I’ve never had Saturdays before. For all of the years of my working life they have been the day before Sunday and a really busy day. At Luss, for the last fifteen years, they have usually been wedding days. So while other people have been having a day which is different from the working week, I have been gearing up for my special day or else engaged in weddings. In a sense my weekend started once the services were completed on Sunday and Monday was my more relaxed day – except that it wasn’t because everyone else had started work and so I had to be available as well.
Since I have retired all days have become much the same as any other (except of course for Sunday which has remained special). But this week has been different. I have had a working week. Working with Tom on Monday, Thursday and Friday. Off to Luss on Tuesday and away to Stirling on Wednesday. Today I had nothing to do and I really enjoyed it.
The day started wet and I slept in. Then I started reorganising the house, gently and enjoying it. I had promised myself that we weren’t going to empty any more boxes today. I drove Digger up to Duns to collect his motor bike which was having a tyre repaired. Rachel and I drove to Berwick where we walked the dogs along the headlands outside the town walls, past the golf course, and the tennis courts and the cricket club nets. By now it was blowing a gale but there were several people walking dogs and, we could hardly believe it, there were people on the golf course and people knocking up on the tennis courts. The wind had stirred up the sea and huge waves were breaking over the harbour wall. I was kicking myself that I didn’t have my camera with me – it was still sitting on my desktop in the summer house.
This weekend was the last weekend of the sales. We wandered around Currys (as you do at the weekend) and went into HomeBase. It was there that we saw the little stove in the picture at the head of this entry. As I described yesterday, we have started work on turning the little utility room in the farm house into a morning room. We had wondered about a log-burning stove but there just isn’t room – if we installed such a stove there would be no room for anything or anyone else. We saw this little electric stove which looks warm and friendly and which gives off quite a heat. As it was sale-time we bought the stove and installed it – and Mum approved. It was a good Saturday afternoon.
We all dined together in the farm house kitchen – it was a left-overs day. Olive had made a huge potato-cake with the ham and peas and everything ‘left over’ in it and we had baked potatoes with lots of toppings, and a stew as well. It was excellent. Then we made our way back to the Granary where we settled down to watch an old Taggart, an old Taggart with Taggart in it, not realising before we started to watch that, being an old Taggart, it lasted for three hours. Still it was warm and we were relaxed. How better to spend a Saturday evening in the middle of winter?
Finally we walked the dogs before bed. It has been a really excellent Saturday – and there is a fine Sunday to come.
Friday 17th. January, 2014 – What a lot we got done
I took this picture of Tom and Dorothy’s goats when we stopped at their house to pick up the trailer
The alarm went off and I lept out of bed ready to walk Mix and start the day. I breakfasted on porridge and retired to the Granary, to the summer house, to complete the tidy-up which had started yesterday. All the rubbish was removed, the books which are not to find a place on the shelves were packed up and removed to the hen house and everything was tidied -- I even cleaned the carpet.
No sooner had I completed this than Tom arrived with the plan that the first task we ought to tackle was to fit a full-sized door on to the stable so that we could make it secure, wind and water-tight and even swallow-resistant as well. The measuring-up was done and then we set off for Pearson's where we bought the timber, the hinges and the padlock-hasp. We stopped off, on the way, to collect Tom’s trailer and while he was rooting about in his shed, I went and spoke to the goats (and, on my telephone, took the picture at the head of this entry.) We also bought a large masonry drill bit for use in the farmhouse.
Back at the farmhouse our first task was to drill through from Mum’s morning room to the boot room so that we could fit a lead for the freezer in the boot room. This needs a bit of explanation. The little utility room is being made into a morning room for Mum. It has windows which point south and east and so gets all of the morning sun but at present it houses the freezer and other domestic appliances. As part of making the conversion from utility room to morning room, we are moving the appliances to other situations. Today we moved the freezer to the boot room and the tumble drier to one of the barns. This is a work in progress and I will report on that progress.
While Tom went off for lunch, Rachel and I rescued our table from the hen house (it had surfaced once the book boxes had been emptied from the hen house) and I carried five boxes of crystal and crockery from the hen house – emptying these boxes became Rachel’s task for the rest of the day. Tom returned and soon afterwards Ann, our minister, arrived to visit. We all had tea and coffee in the Granary – Ann, Mum, Tom, Rachel, Olive and I – and afterwards Mum showed Ann the farmhouse before she and I had a chat with Ann in the summerhouse (what a good job I had tidied it up). Ann was generous with her time and after she left I did some paperwork at my desk before dinner.
Should record that Rachel had got the glass for the stove from Pearson’s this morning and so the stove was working well this afternoon. I really do feel that we are making progress – and I love my summer house.
We all dined together in the farmhouse – another excellent meal – after which Rachel and I retired to the Granary where we watched a film called The Ghost starring Ewan McGregor. It was quite unusual and really rather good. When we walked the dogs the moon was out and it was quite light. Of course, there are no street lights for miles around so it is quite different from anywhere I have ever lived before but already I feel so at home. This has been another very good day.
Thursday 16th. January, 2014 – Chaos
I woke early and was out on the road walking Mix earlier than usual. In part this was because I had to ensure that Rachel was up in time to breakfast and walk Rowan before meeting Dorothy at nine o’clock when they both set off together for Berwick to attend a stained-glass-making class. They were away all day and had a splendid time.
Dorothy dropped Tom off with me and he and I had a hard working day. First we completed the skirting on the summer house – Tom did most of that, and while he did I carried box after box of books into the summer house. Next we climbed into the first floor of the hen house to see what kind of a state it was in. Our next project is to start work on this. We went into one of the barns and found the box with all of the plans and discovered the building warrant plans which have been used to do all that has so far been done. In fact a great deal of the work is already complete, the walls have all been partitioned off and the first floor, obviously, has been formed. The drains appear to have been put in and some of the electrics as well. I telephoned the electrician to get advice from him about all that has been done before we start to clear out the hen house.
Then we did an inspection of all of the other barns. One has no roof and we will have to replace that. Another seems in good repair and for now all that we will have to do is to make a new door. Then we will be able to seal this barn off and use it to store everything in – keeping it all safe from the swallows who will soon return and take up residence with us.
At lunchtime, Tom, Mum and I went up to Gavinton Church were we shared in the soup and sweet lunch. There was a good number of folk there; the soup and the crumble were excellent and I enjoyed the company.
Rachel and Dorothy returned and Dorothy and Tom went off to prepare tea for their family. I retired to the summer house to start on all of those boxes of books. It was absolute chaos and, in fact, I laboured right through the evening trying to create a little order out of the situation. (Rachel was away in Berwick singing with the choir there – what a gallivanting life she is leading!) I dined with Mum and Olive and Digger – a plate was kept for Rachel when she returned. She got back just before ten and had had a great evening.
With most of the books sorted out (most of the books which I have so far unpacked, that is – there are many hundred still to unearth) I gave up and prepared the music for Arrochar, sent the files to Jamie and then Mix and I went out for another walk (our third of the day) and both of us were pleased to get to bed.
Wednesday 15th. January, 2014 – A Good Day
Springfield House in Stirling where I attended a meeting of the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum today
Today has been a good day – that’s not just a platitude, it’s what my father used to say at the end of almost every day, and I remember him when I say it. It is amazing that one can say this almost every day, and it reminds me of how fortunate we are.
I got up early and Mix and I walked along the Swinton Road, happily waving to all the motorists and lorry drivers who share our morning ritual. Back in the farmhouse I breakfasted for the second day running on porridge and then went back to the Granary to print out the papers for the meeting I was to attend today. Washed and changed and discovered that, even in spite of two days of porridge, I have continued to put on weight . I will soon be on a no-food-at-all diet.
I set off for Stirling and had a very pleasant drive guided by my trusty Tom-tom, arriving in plenty of time at Springfield House for the management meeting of the Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum. In fact, Luss was a founder member of the forum but now I attend as an associate (individual) member and in particular I am there to act as a link between the forum and the Green Pilgrimage Network.
I enjoyed the meeting enormously, from the sandwich lunch to meeting the members (all of whom I already knew) and working through the business. (I was very abstemious at lunch time, I promise.)
The forum is tackling some interesting projects – thinking through some form of accreditation for Pilgrim Paths, planning a road show to advertise its work, working with other bodies to establish new Pilgrim Paths and to support existing paths. Thought was also given to the second Pilgrim Gathering which will be held later in the year. It was good stuff and I enjoyed it enormously.
The meeting ended before four so I was able to drive back home in a leisurely fashion – just as well because the traffic on the Edinburgh ring road was really quite severe (in total contrast to my journey north this morning). What wonderful roads we have – I started thinking about the roads when I first learned to drive. I remember setting off from Dundee and driving to Southport to visit my Godmother (I was in an old Morris 8 which my father and I had constructed from three old cars. The roads were small and narrow but also there weren’t very many cars around, quite unlike today. I remember being stopped by a policeman who told me that my off-side brake light wasn’t functioning. ‘It was when I left home’, I told him – and it was too, because this was such an adventure that I had checked everything before setting off. The policeman’s response was to offer to have a look at it for me. Out came a screwdriver, the lamp cover was removed. The policeman smiled, removed an old-style three-penny-bit from his pocket and forced it between the bulb and the lamp spring. Immediately the lamp started to function again. ‘There you are,’ he said. ‘Take care’ and off he went and didn’t even ask for thruppence from me. Those were the days.
Back home, I got myself organised and chatted to the dog before dinner. My sister and Digger seemed to have spent the day doing a jigsaw and Rachel had been up to collect the glass for the front of the stove only to discover that the wrong size had been ordered. Never mind we will have it operational by the weekend.
Dined – it was good to be home after two days away, and then spent the evening in the Granary watching television and, as an old assistant of mine used to say, ‘chilling out’. We watched the final film of the Montalbano series (set in Sicily). It was very, very good. Once it was over there was just time to walk the dogs before bed. It has been a good day.
Tuesday 14th. January, 2014 – And it’s back to where I started!
Wednesday, January 15, 2014, 01:12 AM
Some of the folk in the Pilgrimage Centre at Luss this evening
Woke and started on the new regime to lose weight by having porridge for breakfast instead of egg and bacon. Then tried to walk that little bit faster with Mix (who seemed to quite enjoy it).
Back at the Granary, Mix and I loaded several more boxes of books into the summerhouse and then started to unpack and sort them. This is a fabulous task as I get to meet so many old and much loved friends and every so often come up against a book I bought ages ago and never quite got round to reading. Unfortunately the shelves are beginning to fill up and I have hardly scratched the surface of the book-box mountain.
Showered and changed and then took Mix for another walk before handing him over into the care of Olive and Digger while Rachel and I (with Rowan – nobody wants to look after Rowan!) set off for Bill and Morag’s home in Kirkintilloch where we were given a great welcome and a wonderful tea. We set off together for Luss for the Guild meeting there and, although we set off in very good time, we only just made it because of delays on the Erskine Bridge.
It had been arranged months ago that Rachel would show our holiday pictures ‘Prague to Prague in Five Years’. I had assumed that when we left, the invitation would have lapsed, but last week we got a lovely letter reminding us that we were expected. Well, we had a very pleasant evening with old friends and I was so glad that we were there, even if it did remind me of how much I miss them all. And the Guild supper was bigger and better than ever.
It was about twenty to ten before we set off for home and almost half past midnight when we got home. Mix was delighted to see us. We walked around the policies and were glad to get to bed.
Monday 13th. January, 2014 – Cold, and frosty as well
Mix has found a way to keep warm
It was another cold and frosty morning. I got up and walked Mix before returning to the Granary – no breakfast at the farmhouse today because Olive and Digger were away in Dundee for the day. My task was to go into the farmhouse every hour or so and ensure that the stove was stocked up with wood to keep Mum warm.
My task for the day was to start unearthing books from the barns and bring them into the summerhouse. I searched for the missing table without success but then unearthed a whole lot of boxes of books in the Hen House. I spent the rest of the day bringing boxes into the summer house and unpacking them, trying to dispose of some where possible. (There is something really unnatural about getting rid of a book – I have started a store of those I know I will not require and they will go back into the barn until I can find someone who might want them. I hope that it is not because I am a hoarder, rather that I appreciate the value and importance of books and want to treat them with respect.)
There was a major distraction in the middle of the afternoon when Rowan escaped through the gate when Rachel was letting Mix out to come and join me. Rachel and I went running down the road, waving down cars and, of course, with our hearts in our mouths but, fortunately, all ended well and we will be even more vigilant about the gate from now on.
I had ordered two new sets of 3-D glasses so that Mum and Olive could come and see our 3-D film. Amazon emailed me at 8 a.m. to say they would be delivered between ten past three and ten past four this afternoon. They arrived at 3.15 precisely – no wonder that Amazon are putting so many people out of business. They are just so efficient. (I'm not supporting them, merely stating the obvious.)
A Wintery View -- the Farmhouse from Bramble Avenue this afternoon
Stopped work in the afternoon to walk Mix along Bramble Avenue and took this picture of the farmhouse from the ‘avenue’. It really is becoming quite wintery. I also took this picture of the sky – although it was not yet four in the afternoon, the moon is clearly visible:
I also took a picture looking south-west from Bramble Avenue. I am so taken with how different it is here from anywhere I have lived before. I love the rolling fields, the hedgerows and the trees separating the fields. I love the colours and the silhouettes. I love the smell and the huge openness which is the Borders – no hills towering over us just quite distant horizons and a sense that everything is so fertile and that the fields are just waiting for the chance to help some crop grow as soon as it is planted.
Looking south west from Bramble Avenue
Back at the Granary I sorted another couple of boxes of books and then went across to the farmhouse for another excellent meal. Then it was quickly back to the summer house to unpack a final box before returning to the Granary to relax for a little while before bed. We watched the second part of the thriller based in the aftermath of Bletchley Park and caught up with the News and Newsnight. Then I walked Mix around the policies (Rachel had already walked Rowan and retired to bed) before getting to bed myself. It is still an extremely cold night – the sky is clear and there is no need for a torch, such is the brightness of the reflected light from the moon.
Sunday 12th. January, 2014 – It’s cold!
Just before the sun came up on the Swinton Road
I awoke and was out on the road with Mix before the sun rose. The sky was spectacular and I took a number of pictures as we walked. I rather liked this one – we are deep in the countryside but power cables are passing overhead carrying electricity to nearby towns. The trees are bare but are none the less beautiful and the colours in the sky even on a foggy, misty morning like today are wonderful.
Mix was cold and was glad to get home! I showered and breakfasted and before long we were setting off for Gavinton Church for an Epiphany Service on the theme of Jesus’ baptism as recorded by Saint Matthew. The very significant moment which Ann concentrated on was the moment after Jesus’ baptism when ‘the heavens opened’, the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus and he heard God’s voice ‘This is my son whom I love, and with whom I am pleased’. It was this affirmation of Jesus which led to the start of his ministry and began the journey which was to lead to his death and his resurrection. It’s an affirmation which others felt too – we looked at Peter’s discovery that God has no favourites and loves all people; we were reminded that the Suffering Servant Songs in Isaiah were taken by some to refer directly to Jesus and by others to the whole servant people. We are certainly called to be a servant people, following the one affirmed by God as his son and sharing in the affirmation that each of us is loved by him. As always, I enjoyed being part of the congregation at Gavinton.
Back home, I grabbed something to eat and then worked in the summerhouse getting my new printer set up before Rachel and I took the dogs into Duns and went on one of the beautiful walks which have been created there. Rowan thought that a stream was actually firm grass (there was grass in the stream) and jumped on to it, only to discover that she had jumped into it. She got quite a surprise and it must have been very cold. She didn’t learn, as a couple of minutes later she wanted to come back to where we were and did the same thing all over again. Fortunately we were almost back at the car by this time so we towelled her down and brought her home where she soon got heated up in front of the stove.
I continued working in the summerhouse – Sundays are so wonderfully long – until it was time to join everyone else for dinner in the farmhouse. We enjoyed a lovely meal (my favourite cheese and bean pie dispelled all of my resolutions to eat less and try to lose the weight I have gained since retiring) and then retired to the Granary where we spent the evening relaxing in front of the stove and watching a bit of television. It may be cold outside but inside our little house it is very comfortable indeed.
We had intended to watch a film but when I tried to access it my application was denied. I think it is because we don’t have a telephone line attached to the Sky box, but we do have an internet connection. I will telephone tomorrow and find out what went wrong. Instead we watched an episode of New Tricks which we hadn’t seen before and I continued on to watch an episode of Miss Fisher Investigates (from Australia). The only event during the evening was when Rachel attempted to alter the settings on the stove with the poker and ended up dropping the poker which fell and smashed the glass front. No harm was done and we had plenty of heat for the whole evening but tomorrow we will need to find a replacement glass (and discover how to fit it). Country life is really rather exciting.
Saturday 11th. January, 2014 -- Spring Cleaning has begun
Mix loves his new home
Slept in today and only just managed to get across to the farmhouse for breakfast at nine. Then I lingered long over breakfast and it was half-past ten before I had walked Mix and returned to the Granary – and this was to be such a hard working day. Well, in fact, it was.
Mix and I carried much stuff across to the summer house. Unfortunately for me, Mix saw his role as being a supervisory one. Having delivered a deal of bits and pieces, I then set about making order out of the chaos of the former study. By dinner time I had succeeded. Clothes had been given a home, tools had been tidied away, papers had been sorted and letters put in order to start to reply to at the start of the week.
So, all in all, a lot was achieved today but there is little to record which is why, perhaps, Rachel asks me if I really should continue to record my life on a blog. I told her I did it really for my own benefit; her response was to wonder why I put it on my web-site. It has certainly started me thinking. Initially I did it when I was working so that the people for whom I worked could know what I was doing and equally, why I was doing it. There is not the same need for that now, of course, but I know that lots of people do follow our adventures. But, says, Rachel, you don’t know who these people are, do you really want them knowing all your business? I’d never really thought about it, I suppose. Perhaps I shall.
I do know that some people were very upset to discover my blog. They had enjoyed a lovely holiday in the Granary when it was a holiday let and had decided that they would like to return here for another break. They put Mount Pleasant Granary into Google and came up with my blog through which they realised that the holiday let was no more and that it was now a private home. After good experiences for them when it was a holiday cottage, no wonder they were disappointed.
Hearing this led me to go on line and look at the web-site through which the Granary was marketed. I read through the reviews by those who had come to stay. They are incredibly good – this must have been a really wonderful holiday venue. I just hope that those who come to visit us (as guests, I hasten to add) have as good an experience. Reading the web-site also made us realise how fortunate we are to have the Granary as our home.
We dined in the farmhouse – another lovely meal and then, back in the Granary, we watched a Blue-Ray 3-D movie, the first I have ever seen. It was the Great Gatsby; the performances were superb and the effects absolutely spectacular. I don’t suppose that the overall impression is more real than traditional filming but it is certainly more spectacular. The 3-D effects add an enormous depth but it is a depth a little bit like the addition of more and more wings in a theatre set. In real life we see depth, in 3-D we see several layers, is what I think I am saying. To start with I found myself revelling in the 3-D; by the end of the film I was just revelling in the film. It was superb and I can’t wait to find both another 3-D film and also a film which is as good as this one was.
Time had flown by and it was now late. We walked the dogs – the moon is getting bigger and reflecting a lot of light on us so it really wasn’t very dark at all. It is, however, quite cold and crisp: just as it should be at the start of January.
Friday 10th. January, 2014 – An evening of wonderful music
A view of the early morning sun as Mix and I walked the Swinton Road this morning
Got up and walked Mix. It was crisp and clear and the sun was just beginning to shine through the trees in that wintery, watery way which is so unique to this time of year – turning so many trees into silhouettes because the sun is so low in the sky.
Invigorated, I breakfasted in the farmhouse. Tom arrived. I hadn’t expected that, but in fact he had come to collect his tools because he was going to make a new gate, the previous one having been vandalised by his goats who have come into season and as a result are particularly frisky.
I worked on organising (or rather continuing to organise – it will be a long job) the summer house and, in parallel, to tidy my former study. I got on well and now, indeed, have a coffee machine installed. Got involved in a number of phone calls, mostly sorting out orders and things of that nature. In the middle of the afternoon Mix and I went for our afternoon perambulation and when I returned I got ready to go to Berwick with Rachel. I got photos taken in a machine in ASDA so that I could send one to have my driving licence renewed. It seems that after a number of years one’s picture has to be replaced. I must say that I think the picture on my licence looks more like me than the one I had taken today. Still, they say the camera cannot lie.
After a visit to Curry’s to buy a computer printer and some ink, Rachel and I had something to eat at Marks and Spencer before making our way to the Maltings in Berwick. This is our local theatre and it is really doing rather well. We arrived at six for a seven o’clock performance to discover the place awash with young people who had come to see a Disney film called Frozen. I gathered that the performance was a sell-out. We went to the bar for a drink before making our way to the studio theatre. This, too, was a sell-out and was, we were told by the Director, the first time there had been classical music played at the Maltings for seven years. It was absolutely excellent, The Royal Northern Sinfonia have the only salaried Chamber Orchestra in Britain and they did not disappoint. The group who entertained us played three of Dvorak’s Cypresses (love songs) and followed this with Mozart’s quartet in Bb major – The Hunt.
During the interval the ‘cellist came out and chatted with the audience (he actually came to take a picture of the venue – so I thought I could do the same)
The second half was taken up with Dvorak’s string quintet in G major. The acoustics of the studio are marvellous and the playing of the quintet superb. I was taken with the clarity of each of the instruments and the ease with which the different parts came soaring through. There is a beauty in the form and order of a quintet as well as the opportunity for virtuosity which is different from full orchestral pieces and this was a superlative performance. I loved it.
As we drove home from Berwick there just happened to be a ‘Points of View’ essay in words by John Gray. His thesis was that it’s not the things that we don’t know we don’t know that harm us so much as the things we do know but choose not to know. He built his argument from the invasion of Iraq and the ‘decision’ not to know about what would happen after the invasion, through the collapse of Wall Street to our present failure to face up to the changing financial situation in which we live today. It was well reasoned and argued and really quite compelling. As we drove through the gate at Mount Pleasant a Professor from Princeton (which made my ears prick up) starting a series on the similarities and differences between the peoples of the United Kingdom. I heard only the opening moments of the programme but I heard enough to think that tomorrow when I am having lunch I might try to catch it on the BBC I-player – isn’t technology wonderful?
I watched Newsnight which was a real reflection of the world's woes as it concentrated first on the police admission that some of the evidence against Andrew Mitchell in the Plebgate row had been fabricated. That's a shorthand summary and some would argue with it but it is a bad day for the Police and regardless of what people say it must undermine confidence in the Police. That is nothing short of tragic. Then we were taken to Paris and an alleged affair involving the President, and a magazine editor's decision to publicise it in spite of the rigid privacy laws in that country. I walked Mix before retiring to bed – the music of Dvorak (rather than the frailties of human nature) ringing in my head. What a wonderful day.
Thursday 9th. January, 2014 – Success!
Thursday, January 9, 2014, 10:13 PM
Lunch time at Pearson’s
I’m writing this entry, as planned, from the summerhouse. That doesn’t mean to say that the summer house has been completed, far from it, there are still a number of tasks to complete: but I have moved in. My desk is here, my armchairs are in place and just a few books grace the bookshelves. Tom spent much of the morning fitting the window furniture while I acted as his assistant.
Having completed the task by lunchtime, Rachel, Tom and I went off to Pearson’s to buy some bits and pieces we required and while we were there we stopped for lunch. It was good: cauliflower and cheese soup, followed by macaroni and cheese with salad.
Back at the summerhouse we sorted out the door (which needed re-hung) and then installed beading to cover the electric cables which have been put in. We also now have both telephone and an internet connection. So we are ready to go. As the afternoon wore on and our tasks had been completed, Tom returned home to feed the goats and check on the chickens. I went into the barns and found a little table which is just right for the corner of the summerhouse. By tomorrow it will have the coffee machine Rachel bought me sitting on it and we will have advanced another step towards civilization. I spent the rest of the afternoon (and into the evening) installing the computer and now you are seeing the results. I can communicate again.
I dined with Olive, Digger and Mum in the farmhouse (this too was excellent -- sausage and potato wedges followed by winter fruit crumble with custard and ice cream); Rachel missed out as she had gone off to Berwick with Bridget (a lady from Gavinton) to join a choir who are, if I have got this right, going to sing the Chichester Psalms. Rachel enjoyed her evening and is already missing the Festival Chorus of which she was a member for very many years. She made up for missing supper with two baked potatoes and a panettone for desert. I had spent the evening starting on reorganising the study in the granary (which will soon not be the study). It will be a long job. Then I came back over to the summerhouse to prepare this entry before walking Mix around the estate and retiring to bed. There is much to do and, even in retirement, the days are too short! Now who would have thought that. I haven’t a clue what is on the agenda for tomorrow but it will be fun.
Wednesday 8th. January, 2014 – Rolling along
Wednesday, January 8, 2014, 10:30 PM
We gathered around the farm table for an early tea this evening
Woke early and went out with the dog. After two weeks when there has been no traffic at all on the roads, things are now quite busy between 8.30 and a quarter to nine: I suppose that it is people driving into Duns for work or for school. Discovered today that quite soon all traffic down the Duns road will stop for eight weeks because repair work is to be carried out on the bridge over the river Blackadder. We will have to find alternative ways of getting to Duns and to Gavinton. We’ll do some experimenting this week so that we are prepared.
I was just finishing breakfast when Tom arrived and we spent a chunk of the day fitting the catches and so on (it’s called window furniture, I’m told) to the summer house windows. There are so many windows that there will be more to do later in the week but we stopped at lunchtime because Tom was taking Dorothy into Berwick to catch a train to visit her folks.
I started work in one of the barns, identifying boxes with books in them and taking them to the summer house and putting the books on the shelves. This is going to be a really long job as I am trying to sort them all out as I go, but once it is done it will be superb. Carried on by torchlight once it got dark and then found a table to bring up to my study so that I can clear the desk before taking it out to the summerhouse tomorrow. It was tiring stuff and I was ready for our early tea at the farmhouse. Tomato and coriander soup, followed by fishcakes (with Thai chilli sauce) and then apple strudel with custard (and ice cream for those who wanted it – Digger and me).
After tea I ran Mum into Duns to attend the Duns Church Guild – it was her second trip of the day as earlier she had been to the local reading group at the Duns Library. Mum’s good news is that she has sold her flat in Kirkcaldy so that everything that we set out to do in terms of moving here has now been achieved.
Back in the Granary I started work on dismantling the study. Heavens, I’ve only been here for a couple of months, how can it be such a big job? And why is it that everything today has wires attached? After I post this entry I shall be disconnecting my computer. I hope that it will be working again by tomorrow – I have taken the precaution of doing the music for Arrochar this evening and sending it off already. But with a bit of luck I will be operational by tomorrow night.
Once all that was done, and feeling as if it has been a very long day, I walked Mix before bed. He has become such a very good dog, happily sitting for hours while I sorted out books; equally happily making the most of it as I dismantled the study around him and as I write, lying sound asleep on his cushion under the table I have brought in to store everything that was on my desk. If only the Dog’s Trust could see him now.
Tuesday 7th, January, 2014 – Life resumes after a wonderful Christmas holiday
Tuesday, January 7, 2014, 11:31 PM
Relaxing in a fully carpeted summerhouse
The title of this entry is, I suppose, accurate, except for the fact that now I seem to be on holiday for always. Certainly it feels like holiday and, not only that, but a really good holiday as well.
Today the task was to turn the summer house from a project into a building which could be used. We met at nine – by that time I had walked Mix and declined breakfast on the basis that I seem to have put on a stone and a half since retiring. By the middle of the afternoon we had laid a carpet with underfelt and a lovely chocolate top covering and we had installed the bookcases and fitted them to the walls and to each other. We had found two armchairs in the barns, excavated for a small octagonal table and also located the small library steps which were part of my study at Wemyss. Rachel did a great job of restoring the furniture and just as darkness was falling I was able to get a picture of Tom and Rachel sitting in the summer house with a carpet on the floor (and a glimpse of bookcases behind). Rachel is clutching triumphantly the carpet fitting tool which I bought off the internet last week and which proved to be a wonderful addition to our collection of tools. It really made stretching the carpet so much easier than would otherwise have been possible. So if you know of someone who needs a carpet fitted, I know of a team who could do it for you!
As darkness fell I came back into the Granary and showered before spending some time on my Italian revision and some in learning to play my Christmas ukulele. We all dined together in the farmhouse: fish-pie with broccoli, followed by apple pie with custard and ice cream. Very Yummy.
Back in the Granary I spent a bit more time with my ukulele before joining Rachel to watch Murder at 1600, an American thriller, filmed in 1997, which was really rather good. We walked the dogs – it is fair, not too much wind and just a small moon meaning that the night sky was really quite dark. It has been a fabulous day.
Monday 6th. January, 2014 – The Twelfth Day of Christmas and the decorations have to come down
Monday, January 6, 2014, 10:55 PM
Mum and Rachel
Mum and Rachel have gathered before dinner for a preprandial sherry. Of course, as it is Twelfth Night all of the Christmas decorations have had to come down and Mum is sitting re-reading her collection of Christmas Cards. Every year she seems to send more than ever before but it is something she really enjoys doing. Today was also the anniversary of her wedding to my father sixty-nine years ago. They were married in Glasgow and travelled by train to Skipton for an onward journey, the following day, to Ilkley Moor.
Today was the day of the deliveries here in Mount Pleasant in 2014. The carpet for the summer house was delivered in the afternoon and the furniture for the summerhouse windows arrived in the same van. A small start to my collection of tools also arrived as did another book from Amazon, so we are keeping the van delivery system busy. Everything is now ready in the summer house for an early start to carpet-laying tomorrow morning. Rachel and Tom are on stand-by and I am really quite excited.
Today we worked on the electrics and also on some of the finishes. I learned how to use a saw. That’s true. I’ve had a saw in my hands many times in the past fifty years but I have never really known what I was doing with it. Today Tom taught me and I’ve got quite a sense of achievement in my little steps forward. I got quite cross that my own saw hasn’t yet arrived!
After dark I spent some time practising my ukulele and then in revising some of my Italian grammar (my two frivolous resolutions for this year). In the overall world view they are frivolous, but for me, newly retired, they are anything but and I am enjoying having time to devote to such things more than I can express. I have also decided to relearn the different parts I have sung in Gilbert and Sullivan – now I am really going back to far off days -- but singing is good for you, and I used to get so much pleasure from taking part in shows in our local theatre. It is easy to see why for so many people once they retire there is no time to do all that they want to do. It is quite easy for me just now because I get outside ‘to work’ in the daylight and then come in when it get dark and have a couple of hours before dinner to enjoy these new hobbies. What it will be like in the summer when the nights are light and the pull of cricket draws me down to Chester le Street I really don’t know; and there will be boats and barges to be sailed and dogs to be walked. Retirement has so much to recommend it!
After supper at the farmhouse Rachel and I watched Bletchley Circle – a mini-series set in London in the 1950s and based on a group of former code-breakers who have got together to try to save a colleague before she is executed – yes, we used to do things like that in our country too. The programme was very good.
Afterwards I walked the dog and was glad to get to bed.
Sunday 5th. January, 2013 – Epiphany, the eleventh day of Christmas and a day of working in the summer house
Sunday, January 5, 2014, 10:59 PM
Mum visits the workers at the summerhouse – it was cold as evidenced by Mum’s woolly hat (look carefully and you will see my reflection in the window)
Rose and walked Mix before showering and enjoying breakfast in the farmhouse. Mum, Rachel and I drove to Gavinton to attend morning service. Today was Epiphany Sunday (Epiphany itself is tomorrow) and Ann presented her final service in three parts (during Advent and the Christmas season every Sunday service has been in three sections). Her themes this morning were entitled ‘The dawning of a new day (or year)”, ‘the light of God’s justice’ and ‘the light of the new baby’. During her first meditation Ann read from the prophet Isaiah reminding us that he was the first prophet to look forward to God intervening personally in the story of the world – a prophecy which was eventually fulfilled in the person of Jesus, the light of the world. We too are called to be light to the world and are challenged today to reach out to others using our gifts to share in the ‘showing forth of who God is’ which is the meaning of this season of Epiphany. In her second thought Ann reminded us that there is a difference between power and justice. When we pray for our political leaders, our prayer is that they will use their power justly and for the benefit of those who stand in need of that justice. The Magi were non-Jews from a far country -- God's love is for everyone, our faith is a universal one. Finally Ann read a meditation on the Magi and their gifts – quite inappropriate gifts for a young child were it not that they pointed forward to all that he was: a king whose sacrificial death would destroy death itself. We sang Christmas carols for what I suspect will be the final time this season and the young student playing the organ, Valerie, played a lovely Irish folksong as the offering was being gathered.
Following the service we went for coffee in the Church hall and then returned to Mount Pleasant. My first task was to collect some of the bits and pieces from the summerhouse in preparation for all that was planned for this week. Tom arrived and we fitted the skirting board and then, having visited Pearson’s to buy some more bits and bobs, we started to fit the main light. Meanwhile Rachel was fixing the final positions of the blinds and filling any small holes which remained.
We were finally defeated by the dark with the wiring not completed. We’ll pick that up tomorrow when we also hope to take delivery of the carpet and the fixings for some of the windows. I’m excited already!
In Church this morning, Ann spoke briefly about resolutions for the New Year. I have never made many resolutions, probably because I have always been too busy and I’ve known that I would be too busy all year. But this year is different. I have decided that during this year I would like to rediscover my Italian language. Once upon a time I was proficient, but that was many years ago. I thought I would like to attend a course in one of the Borders Colleges but I can’t find a course in Italian anywhere – Polish, French, Chinese, German and many others, but not Italian. I explored the idea of an internet course but I can’t really find anything I like. Rachel thinks that I should order a regular Italian magazine and read it from cover to cover. I’ll work on it and see what I can come up with.
I have also resolved to learn to play my new ukulele with some degree of proficiency – that will take practice, so I’ll need to devote a bit of time each day to that. And I am going to learn my building skills. The summer house will soon be completed and then we shall move on to the Hen House which will involve real building skills. I’m collecting the tools, I’ve got Tom as my instructor and I’ll record my progress on these pages: retirement really is great fun!
Rachel went off to the evening service at the Anglican Church in Berwick while I looked after the dogs and got things in order for tomorrow. On her return we dined in the farmhouse and then Olive and Mum joined us in the Granary for the second part of Death Comes to Pemberley. We all enjoyed it so much that we sat tight and watched the final part as well. It was a pleasant way to spend the first Sunday evening of a New Year.
Unfortunately, I must also record that England lost the final Test match in Australia today and that even although Ben Stokes did well and Scott Borthwick didn’t do too badly for his first Test, the series has been a disaster for England. And all this just when I finally have time to watch the matches on television and spend time at the cricket down at Chester le Street. Ah well.
We walked the dogs; by now there was snow blowing through the wind. I don’t expect that it will come to anything but we are certainly aware of the elements down here. I’m getting to bed early again tonight – tomorrow will be a big day.
Saturday 4th. January, 2013 – The Tenth Day of Christmas
Saturday, January 4, 2014, 10:35 PM
Four generations of the Whiteman family who worked Mount Pleasant Farm and lived in the farmhouse a long time ago (pictured at the then front-door of the farmhouse)
It is in the Pirate of Penzance by WS Gilbert that the Major General comes to humble himself before the tombs of his ancestors for the crime of having told lies to escape the clutches of the Pirates. It is pointed out to him that as he has only bought the property a year before, these ancestors can hardly be his. His response is that as he had bought the property he had inherited the ancestors with it. He was, in a lovely turn of phrase, their ‘descendent by purchase’.
In as much as there is any truth in that nonsense, the family at the head of this entry are our ‘ancestors by purchase’. All I know is that they are described as being four generations of the Whiteman family and that they farmed and lived here in times gone by. I would love to know more about them.
Back to the present day. I rose and breakfasted and then Mix and I walked before moving to the summer house where my task for today was to fit blinds in all the windows. The first one took me ages, largely because I hadn’t a clue what I was doing. But I worked it out and eventually became quite proficient at it. Practice and experience, it seems, are everything.
Digger arrived to say that his motor bike wouldn’t start. As if summoned like the genie from a magic lamp Tom and Dorothy arrived and it wasn’t long before Tom had the bike started and Rachel had pumped up the tyre which was flat and off Digger went, only to return quite quickly because it seems that the tyre has a puncture.
I returned to blind-fitting and soon had the task completed. Rachel joined me and did some filling in of tiny imperfections with wood filler. Everything is starting to look very good.
Mix and I went for another walk and soon afterwards we set off, Rachel and I, to join Olive, Digger and Mum at Scott and Sue’s home where we ate extremely well. The others stayed on for a game but Rachel and I returned home to see that the dogs were all right. Rowan had attempted to do a jigsaw and had emptied an old cushion, but otherwise things were fine (which is more than can be said for the English cricket team – today was another day of disasters, the only ray of sunshine was the 47 runs scored by Durham’s Ben Stokes who also took another wicket to raise his match tally to seven so far).
I haven’t mentioned the weather which is because the wind has, temporarily at least, dropped. We had some rain (but no snow). More gales are forecast but we shall enjoy the respite while we have it.
Read my book (on my new Kindle – a retirement gift from my Godmother), walked the dogs and retired to bed early. My goodness, it has been another lovely day.
Friday 3rd. January, 2014 – The Ninth Day of Christmas and a very windy one
Friday, January 3, 2014, 10:59 PM
When I awoke our fence had all but disappeared
I was awake from early this morning – not because I wanted to follow the cricket but because of the wind which was whistling around the Granary. (The cricket was a bit of a parson’s egg: Durham players took seven of the Australian wickets with Ben Stokes claiming six of them, but Australia have a healthy first innings score.) The wind was the loudest I have ever heard. I had no concerns for the house and I wasn’t concerned about the fence because I knew it would go, but how would the summer house fare? In the event it was perfect and, as I expected, the fence was blown away.
Tom and Rachel supply the finishing touches to the library shelves
After breakfast Tom and I started work on the completion of the bookcases in the summerhouse. Rachel came and joined in and the task was completed in time for a late lunch. In the afternoon we set about sorting the fence. Well, that’s not really true. We decided to abandon the existing fence we have repaired several times in the last three or four weeks. Instead we built a new fence using posts and wire designed to keep in sheep. We built it in a new direction so that it was no longer face-on to the prevailing westerly wind. How it will survive we shall have to see.
After a bit of time learning to play my ukulele, Rachel and I went across to the farmhouse for dinner and following dinner, Mum and Olive came back with us to the Granary to watch the first part of Death Comes to Pemberley. We’ll watch the second part tomorrow evening but by that time I hope to have fixed and hung all of the blinds in the summer house.
We walked the dogs. It is still extremely windy but evidently the winds will ease before returning in force next week. It is also extremely dark with no moon and few stars on view but it has been another satisfying and fun-filled day.
Thursday 2nd. January, 2014 – The Eighth Day of Christmas and the fun just goes on
Friday, January 3, 2014, 12:06 AM
How things used to be
When we came to Mount Pleasant, the Websters had left us a number of old photographs. This is one of them. It shows the farmhouse before the extension at the side (to the right in the photograph) had been built. The doorway is right in the centre, quite different from how it is today. No one is quite sure when this picture was taken – is it Victorian or Edwardian? And I wonder who are the people in the picture. From what we can gather Mount Pleasant has had an exciting past. It has been a changing post where carriages refreshed their horses on the journey from Kelso to Berwick (and vice versa). That’s why there are stables, I suppose, and it is also why the building became a place where travellers stayed and were given hospitality (Robert Burns twice, by all accounts). Later it became a farm with the Granary equipped with a ‘modern’ steam engine to drive the milling equipment. More recently the lands were sold off and Mount Pleasant became what it is today: a farmhouse with a steading including the Granary now converted into a home and with endless scope for other development.
This morning we rose and walked the dogs and were ready for Tom and Dorothy when they arrived at nine. In Tom’s car, with the trailer behind, we made our way to Edinburgh to visit IKEA. Rachel and I bought some more bookcases, Tom and Dorothy were into storage equipment. Once we had completed our purchases and loaded up the trailer we went back into the store for a late brunch. It was good. Then we drove to the nearby retail park so that Rachel could buy some dog supplies and Dorothy could discuss clipping her goats – both of these at a thoroughly excellent pet supply shop.
Dorothy and Tom checking that our purchases are safely in the trailer on the way back home to the Borders
We made our way home and loaded one of our spare washing machines onto Tom’s trailer. His family washing machine has packed up and by taking one of ours he has helped us to create a bit of space in the barn. I took Mix for a walk and then relaxed in front of the stove until it was time for dinner in the farmhouse, after which everyone came back to the Granary to watch the DVD of Lincoln and his fight to pass the thirteenth amendment putting an end to slavery.
It was an engrossing film, beautifully filmed, which brought out the political machinations and intrigue of the time, all against the background of the horrendous civil war. I realised that there was much in the film that I hadn’t known and I am really glad to have seen it. If only someone would now fight as hard to pass a further amendment banning the taking of life by judicial means or a still further amendment to restrict the owning of firearms by all and sundry, the United States could really claim to have come of age. That’s not a clever comment, but grows out of the film because if there is one thing that came across to me more strongly than anything else it was that one man fought to introduce the thirteenth amendment and it was because he was so absolutely resolute, determined and politically savvy that slavery was brought to an end. All of us went away from the film thinking about what we had seen – you can’t ask for much more than that.
Rachel and I walked the dogs and came to bed. England have won the toss in Australia (there’s a first) and have chosen two Durham players in their eleven: Ben Stokes and Scott Borthwick. Already an Australian wicket has fallen but what will be the picture when I tune in tomorrow morning?
Wednesday 1st. January, 2014 – New Year’s day and the seventh day of Christmas
Thursday, January 2, 2014, 12:32 AM
For the first time we are gathered around the table in the lounge at the farmhouse
Happy New Year! If every day this year is as good as today then we are going to have a really wonderful year. I went back across to the farmhouse last night – everyone was playing a card game which I enjoyed as a spectator for quite a while before retiring to my bed.
Rachel got up early and set off for Bamburgh where she walked Rowan – a tradition for Rachel (setting off early with the dog on New Year’s day) which has been going for many years. I got up and joined the clan in the farmhouse for a hearty breakfast and no sooner had I finished eating than Tom and Dorothy arrived to wish us a Happy New Year. I showed Jeffrey around, even climbing into the first floor of the Hen House, and shared our plans for this year. Later his friends all came on a tour as well. Tom and Dorothy and I made our own plans as well. We’ll meet tomorrow morning at nine and the work will start again! I went out with Mix for a lengthy walk.
After an early lunch Jeffrey and his friends set off back to Edinburgh; it had been good to meet them all. By now Peter and Veronica, old established friends of Olive and Digger, had arrived. They went for a walk in the afternoon and then settled down in the lounge. It was good to see them both again. Scott and Sue also arrived to wish us a Happy New Year – the place was a-buzz with folks coming and going. I came back to the Granary and watched The Plank – I did see it all, it was a very short film, but no sooner had it ended than I fell asleep in front of the stove; well, it was New Year’s Day.
By the back of six we were all together again for a drink in the farmhouse and then we sat down for the first time around the table in the dining room – Olive, Digger, Rachel, Mum and Veronica and Peter. It was good to be around the table which had been in Luss for a while when we first went there and was afterwards in Wemyss. It’s been part of our household for many a long year.
Later in the evening, leaving everyone else to have some peace in the farmhouse, and to play a game of Trivial Pursuit, Rachel and I came back to the Granary to watch another Montalbano film (Italian detective film set in Sicily – fabulous, atmospheric and totally catching the spirit of the country). I should have gone to bed when it ended but instead I got caught up in a Law and Order UK programme before walking the dogs and coming to bed. New Year’s Day has long passed – but it was a good one and, even if the alarm clock is already warning of stormy weather, my own internal clock tells me that this is going to be a wonderful year! I hope it is for you as well.
Tuesday 31st. December, 2013 – Hogmanay and the Sixth Day of Christmas
Wednesday, January 1, 2014, 12:44 AM
Tom and Rachel at work
Woke for the last time in 2013 – a year which has been supremely eventful for me. I started the year in work with two parishes to look after and ended it retired and with only myself and my family to look to. I’ve always had projects – doing things with the boat or whatever – but the wonder of being retired is that I can now devote myself to the things I want to do. I don’t have to grab time from something else to do what I want to do. I don’t have to do what I want to do with one ear for a telephone which may call me to something more important. And so today I always knew that I would be working on the summer house – and that’s how it turned out.
I got up and walked the dog, breakfasted in the farmhouse (a leisurely breakfast is something I was never able to experience pre-retirement, now I almost take it for granted) and then Tom and Dorothy arrived and together with Rachel we set about building bookcases in the summer house. We were at it all day, or at ;least all the day-light hours (Rachel broke off to drive Mum to the hairdresser and also to collect her; Tom and Dorothy went off for lunch) but by the end of the day we had achieved a great deal with two large bookcases, one in each of the two back corners of the building.
Dorothy, Tom and Rachel (with Mix wandering into shot) in front of one of the new bookcases
Back in the house I prepared the music for Arrochar for next Sunday and spoke to Cathy on the phone before wandering over to the farmhouse where Olive’s son Jeffrey had arrived with several of his friends to celebrate Hogmanay. We enjoyed a drink with them, and then an excellent buffet meal, before I returned to the Granary to have a shower (must go into the New Year clean) and tidy up my study (must go into the New Year tidy) and make sure all of the bills are paid (must go into the New Year owing nothing). As if the change from one year to another makes any real difference – yet still doing these things is engrained in me. I must say, that with more time, it is much less of a frenetic rush than it usually is and I am looking forward to next year enormously.
Some of Jeff’s friends counting down the minutes to 2014
Back in the farmhouse we joined everyone for a drink before the Bells, another drink afterwards (and some shortbread) and then Rachel and I set off to walk the dogs. We’re back in the Granary now. It is 2014. Rachel is off to bed and I think that I will go back and join the party.
If you are reading this, I wish you a very peaceful New Year. May all your desires be fulfilled and all your wishes come true. Most of all may this be a year of peace and one in which we learn to share with those who are less fortunate than we are; a year in which the hungry are fed, the homeless are housed, refugees are welcomed and all are made to feel that they matter. It's in our hands.
Tuesday, December 31, 2013, 12:02 AM
A picture of our family
This picture was taken just over a year ago at the wedding of Nick (my nephew) and Amy. But I only saw the picture for the first time when we all got together for Christmas on the 27th. of December. I thought it would be good to put it up here because it allows me to introduce everyone in the family: from the left Devon (Jeffrey’s partner), Mum, Rachel (my wife), Jeffrey (my nephew and Olive’s son), Digger (Olive’s husband), Nick (the bridegroom, my nephew and Scott’s son), Amy (Nick’s Australian bride), me, Olive (my sister), Sue (Scott’s wife), Scott (my brother) and Katie (my niece and Scott’s daughter). Now I hope that is all very clear! I’m in my clerical collar in the picture because I conducted the wedding ceremony. It was a happy occasion.
Today I got up and breakfasted before walking Mix. Then I spent all day – or at least all of the daylight hours of the day – varnishing the inside of the summerhouse (particularly the roof – which I suppose becomes a ceiling when it is inside). It was fairly unpleasant as tasks go, the varnish running back down my hand and dripping onto my hair and into my eyes. But now that it is done, it is done and the rest of the tasks will be far more fun.
I walked Mix in the twilight and then had a pleasant shower to try to become human again before relaxing in front of a screen and watching the Titfield Thunderbolt, an old 1953 comedy from the Ealing Studios: extremely gentle and a product of its time.
We all dined together in the farmhouse and then, in front of a warm stove in our lovely front room, Rachel and I watched an episode of Montalbano. I really enjoyed it and would love to be out in Italy again. In total contrast, we walked the dogs in the icy cold, admiring a clear, clear sky and all of the stars, before coming back home and going to bed. I feel that I have achieved a great deal today.
Sunday, December 29, 2013, 11:57 PM
Dorothy, Tom and Mum outside Abbey St. Bathan’s Church
Today was another great day – but it didn’t turn out exactly as planned. I got up and walked the dog. After all of the winds and bad weather it was as if spring was just around the corner, not at all cold, no wind and the sun was out – a thoroughly beautiful day. I breakfasted in the farmhouse and then we set off early (9.20 a.m.) for Abbey St. Bathans, a small village to the north-east of Duns perhaps eleven or twelve miles from our house. There used to be a Church of Scotland Church here but it was sold off and a member of the community bought it and did it up. The congregation of Gavinton, in whose parish it now is, holds services here occasionally and as this was a fifth Sunday of the month the service was held here. Almost the whole worshipping congregation had come along from Gavinton for the service and a large number of folk from Abbey St. Bathans, local folk and visitors, attended. In all there were fifty-eight of us which made this comfortably the largest congregation I have been part of since I came south.
Ann, our minister, continued her programme of three-themed services, our themes for today being St. Stephen, the flight into Egypt and the massacre of the innocents. Ann sketched out Stephen’s life, reminding us that he was a Greek-speaking Jewish Christian, one of the seven deacons chosen to organise the care of the widows, orphans and the poor of the early Church community. But he was much more than that – a powerful preacher and debater who fell foul of the religious authorities, was tried and stoned to death – the first Christian martyr whose saint’s day falling immediately after Christmas day points forward to all that is to happen to God’s son. He was not only born into our world to live our life, but to die our death as well.
The second theme picked up Joseph’s dream which led to the holy family’s flight to Egypt. Jesus’ family was poor – they were also refugees. Ann read a meditation of Mary’s thoughts as she struggled to come to terms with the turn her life was taking. She had expected to give birth to God’s son, something which would be celebrated and would lead to great things. Instead she is now fleeing the country under the blanket of darkness.
Her third theme really ran in parallel with this as we were presented with the story of the massacre of the innocents, both through Bible reading and a meditation in which the wife of an innkeeper (not the one who welcomed in the weary couple) told the story of the massacre from her perspective. The arrival of the couple from Nazareth and the birth of their baby was not good news for the innkeeper's family nor their community. Instead of celebration and happiness, it led to the death of their children and the destruction of their community.
It all gave me food for thought because I have come to understand the flight to Egypt and the slaughter of the innocents as being a device of Matthew to tell his Gospel as a parallel of the Old Testament Moses story of redemption. But it is a reminder of how horrific humanity can be and a reminder that that cruelty is not something which is only a part of ancient history. Perhaps even a reminder that challenging evil can have difficult consequences for the good and the bystanders as well as for those, like Stephen, who put their heads above the parapet.
Forty-four years ago today: Rachel and I climb into a car to be driven to our reception
We didn’t stay for coffee this morning because we had to get back to Mount Pleasant. At noon Aunt Agnes (my God-mother), Martin, Jill and Eric (Jill’s Dad) arrived at Mount Pleasant. It was really good to see my cousin and his wife again. We drank coffee in the farmhouse and then toured the ‘estate’ before coming to the Granary for lunch. It was a happy time and the afternoon just flew by.
Forty-four years ago today: a family group outside St. Mary’s Church in Beverly
The plan had been that we would have a family meal this evening to celebrate Rachel and my wedding anniversary, but a phone call from the estate agent put paid to that. Someone wanted to see around Mum’s Kirkcaldy flat; Digger and Mum set off for Kirkcaldy and Rachel and I went into Berwick where we attended Evensong at Berwick Parish Church. The Church here is without a vicar (Dennis Handley will be inducted on 19th. March) but there seems to be no shortage of substitutes. The service this evening was led by Canon John Ward who spoke from the second chapter of Paul’s letter to the Church at Philippi, reminding us that in arguments and debates about important things we can never be sure that we are right (the Church condoned slavery for many years). Debates must be conducted in love and with respect. I guess this was an apt message for the Church which has a number of important internal debates going on at present. It could equally be applied to the referendum debate on this side of the border. It is an important message because all too often disagreement leads to walls being built, so the emphasis has to be on the learning to love each other, because each of us is one of God’s children. The Christmas message just goes on and on.
The crib in Berwick Parish Church
On the way home we stopped and enjoyed fish suppers (well, actually I had a two-sausage supper) and on our return we watched a 1992 film ‘A Few Just Men’ – a court case film involving marines from Guantanamo Bay. I enjoyed it very much indeed. Mum and Digger returned from Kirkcaldy. They had liked the gentleman who came to view the flat – now all we can do is hope that he liked the flat! Rachel and I walked the dogs (the wind is beginning to get up again) and came to bed. What a fabulous day!
Saturday, December 28, 2013, 11:07 PM
Enjoying a pre-panto drink in the theatre bar
Up and breakfasted in the farmhouse before walking Mix on largely deserted roads – the local area is clearly still on holiday. Back home I started to learn how to play my ukulele. Tom arrived and I switched role to that of apprentice joiner as we set about rebuilding the fences which had fallen down during the most recent storm. Tom was in fine form for this as he had done the same at his own home before coming to see me.
After lunch we set about hanging the door in its final position in the summer house and also experimented with a blind on one of the windows there as an alternative to curtains. It looks super. We can’t deal with the other windows as we are still awaiting the ironmongery for six of the windows which didn’t arrive with the windows.
We had an early tea at the farmhouse, eating up the leftovers from yesterday and then we all (Mum, Olive, Digger, Rachel and I) went off to Berwick to attend the pantomime Cinderella at the Maltings. I really enjoyed it. It was a real family pantomime, fresh and clever, with imaginative performances obscuring any deficiencies in the script. I missed the professional dancing chorus (such a part of the pantomimes at the Pavilion which we used to attend with the young folk form Arrochar) but the individual performances of Buttons and the Fairy Godmother, to say nothing of the other characters who were all good, more than made up for that. It goes without saying that the theatre was filled to capacity and we enjoyed a drink before the performance in the friendly theatre bar.
Olive and Mum had clearly enjoyed the show
Came back home and caught up with some bits and pieces before walking Mix and going to bed. Yet another lovely Christmassy day.
Friday, December 27, 2013, 11:55 PM
Exchanging presents in the farmhouse
What winds we had overnight! I awoke to discover that one of our fences had been blown totally over and another had a section missing from it. The wind was so strong that there was nothing we could do about it – so there was no garden for the dogs today.
In fact they didn’t miss it. We took them for a walk down towards the River Blackadder through the trees and when we returned they accompanied us to the summer house where Rachel and I spent the morning and early part of the afternoon varnishing the inside of the summer house. We completed the interior walls and the plan is to tackle the inside of the roof tomorrow. It is all great fun, especially with the wind rattling around outside.
Came inside and showered and then went across to the farmhouse where Scott and Sue, Nick, Amy and Katie had arrived laden down with Christmas gifts. It was so good to see them. Christmas toasts were drunk in champagne, gifts were exchanged, a lovely buffet meal was enjoyed by all, and there was much exchanging of news and the occasional debate (about whether Scotland should seek independence – every possible view is represented within our family) and family fun. I did rather well out of the generosity of my brother and his family returning to the Granary quite late on (the wind was still howling) with tickets for the athletics at the Commonwealth Games and a big black hat!
Back home I dealt with the music for Arrochar on Sunday and forwarded it to Neil and Jamie and then caught just a little of the cricket before bed. I could scarcely believe it when I got up this morning to discover that England had had such a good day in the field. I look forward to seeing how they get on today.
Friday, December 27, 2013, 12:22 AM
Christmas sunrise – taken yesterday but I forgot to put it up
This morning I slept in. Rachel got up a little after eight and even invited Mix to go out to the garden with Rowan but Mix is his master’s dog and preferred to sleep on at the foot of the bed until about ten. By that time Rachel was in Berwick for the communion service in the Anglican Church.
I got up in a leisurely fashion – it was my first really long-lie since retiring and, truth to tell, I did very little except make the fire up, fill the coal bunker and bring in logs and just potter about in a happy dwam. (I don’t care if the spell-check doesn’t recognise it: it is a perfectly good word.) In the afternoon Rachel and I set off for our Boxing Day walk. It was back to Berwick for Rachel and we wandered along the beach at Spittal. We had expected the beach to be busy but it was really quite quiet.
Rachel and Rowan on the beach at Spittal – the tide is right out
We went from Spittal to the retail park at Tweedmouth where we visited first HomeBase and then Curry’s. At HomeBase we got some bits and pieces to enable us to start on varnishing the summer house (perhaps tomorrow); at Curry’s we bought a new printer for the computer – we seem to go through printers at a tremendous rate; but once they go wrong no repair seems to last any time at all.
Back home I decided to check on the carpet that I intended to buy for the summer house with a view to popping into Duns to see if it was available at the local shop (it’s good to buy locally) but when I went on line I saw that if I bought the carpet on-line today there would be an additional twenty percent discount (off already extremely reasonable prices). I ordered the carpet and it will be delivered in a couple of days time.
Candles in the Granary lounge
Rachel lit the candles and Mum, Olive and Digger arrived to spend the late afternoon and evening with us. We exchanged presents and I was thrilled to be given a set of cricket stumps with a difference. Made by Digger, they are designed as a bathroom fitment to ensure that we never run out of toilet tissue. I also received a miniature camping gas stove (we are all electric in the Granary) to enable us to cook when the power cuts come. (Almost on cue the barometer began to drop and our clocks started ringing out storm warnings.)
The Granary is looking extremely Christmassy
Rachel had prepared all kinds of party food and we spent a long time eating and drinking. I was able to enjoy some champagne, some Madeira, some wine and some grappa without any fear of the telephone ringing to say I was required. It was such a relaxing evening. To round it all off we watched the Christmas Downton Abbey (recorded yesterday) and then, after Olive and Digger had gone off to bed, Rachel, Mum and I rounded the day off by watching the reprise of ‘Open All Hours’ which really was a tribute to Ronny Barker, and quite nostalgic.
We walked the dogs – it has got very cold – and went to bed. What a fabulous day.
Thursday, December 26, 2013, 12:52 AM
Guess what I got for Christmas
Woke and it was still very windy – we had been promised that the wind would drop overnight but here it was still exceedingly blowy and I was relieved that we still had all of our slates, the boat was still covered by its tarpaulin, the roof was on the summerhouse and the fence was still more or less in place. I showered and then walked Mix with Rachel and Rowan – everywhere was deserted and it was very quiet. Came home and changed and we set off for church.
It was a good service and the folk who were there seemed to be in families, as if parents had brought those staying with them for Christmas along to church for the service. Ann retold the manger story from the standpoint of the baby – the purpose being to underline the wonder of God choosing to be born into our world as one of us. Of course we sang all the old favourites and came out of church feeling that Christmas had arrived and that the world was a better place as a result.
A view of Holyrood Palace from Carlton Hill
Back home, Rachel and I had a snack and opened our Christmas presents. Rachel gave me a ukulele (a retired person should take up a new interest and what better than learning to play a new instrument); Tom and Dorothy gave me a tool bag (clearly they foresee a more useful outlet for my new energies)! I gave Rachel a jacket which she really fancied from the awfully posh Tweedside Tackle (which we had visited in Kelso last week). Presents opened – the dogs had their own gifts, as well – we set off in the car for Edinburgh to join the family at Jeffrey and Devon’s home.
Jeffery is my nephew. He met us when we arrived and to settle the dogs we walked up Carlton Hill which is just minutes away from his home. It was busy, lots of folk were out for a Christmas walk. We overlooked Holyrood Palace and at the other side of the hill got a grand view of Edinburgh and the Forth behind.
Custer and Jeff -- a dog and his man
In Jeff’s home we were treated to a feast – turkey, goose, roast potatoes, brussel sprouts, sausages wrapped in bacon, cranberry sauce, bread sauce, two kinds of stuffing, gravy and all in such huge quantities. Afterwards there was an extended break – we needed it – while presents were exchanged and then we started again with a huge Christmas pudding which flamed for fully three or four minutes before the brandy was consumed, and a glorious trifle (my favourite and made with me in mind). It was wonderful. It was also wonderful to meet Steve (Devon’s Dad) and Nicole and Nicole’s daughter Torri, as well as Jeff’s special friends Keith and Lee – along with Mum, Olive and Digger that provides a complete rundown of everyone present.
Looking north from Carlton Hill
We set off home just after eight. Rachel had undertaken to put the chickens to bed to allow Digger and Olive to stay overnight in Edinburgh. It was a good journey home, eighty minutes door to door. I lit the stove and we watched Mrs. Brown’s Christmas on tv and a bit of Michael MacIntyre whose discussion of a visit to the dentist made me laugh out loud so much that I still have a sore chest more than two hours afterwards – I laughed, I wept, I rolled on the floor. It was so funny – the humour turning on his inability to speak properly with his mouth numbed by a dentist’s injection.
We had intended to watch the news and come to bed but before we knew it we got caught up in the Vicar of Dibley. The writers have a wonderful knack of presenting ridiculous humour but bringing it all around to something quite profound and I went to bed, having walked the dogs (the wind has now dropped), feeling that I had got a lot out of today. It has been quite, quite special and everything has contributed to that: the service in Church, the family celebration in Edinburgh, the television we watched when we came home (there was a lovely five minute slot on the BBC where the Gospel was read and ‘On Christmas night’ was sung), and the texts I received during the day from important friends. And to add to it all, Mix was on his best behaviour everywhere we went. He has become a real star.
I hope that all those who read this diary have had a really special day. Don’t let Christmas stop when the clock strikes midnight. Let’s keep it going as long as we can! I also hope that the message of the need to make our society a fairer one -- both in terms of our own country and the world as a whole -- a message proclaimed by the new Archbishop of Canterbury and also by the Archbishop of York is not lost amongst all of the celebrations. Mary's song, which we read in the lead up to Christmas, presents a vision of the world as it is meant to be and we can't welcome the baby without working for the dream.
Now the Christmas Tree in the farmhouse has baubles as well as lights
It is Christmas Eve and, for the first time since I retired, I feel a little strange, a little bit like a spare part. Last year I was up early with shopping to do and then so many services to get just right. I would conduct the Christmas Eve Service at half past eleven in Arrochar and a huge number of the village would come. The Church would be lit entirely by candle-light and there was a lovely feeling in the Church enhanced by the mulled wine served at the door! I would ensure that everything was ready for the Luss service as well, although it would be conducted by Bill and Rachel and I would get back from Arrochar just in time to greet some of the folk from Luss (their service lasts longer than Arrochar’s because of the Guild Choir items just after midnight). There would be no time to relax for on Christmas morning there were services at Arrochar and Luss – in Arrochar this was the best attended service of the year with few from Arrochar but loads of predominantly English folk staying in the local hotels. At the Luss the service would also be made up predominantly of visitors as the tradition there as well was to attend on Christmas Eve – but how can Christians not want to mark Jesus’ birth in their congregational family home? It has always been important to me to be in Church on Christmas morning.
The crib is out in the farmhouse lounge as well
Well, this morning I got up and walked Mix – there was snow in the air and it was quite chilly. The wind was also starting to blow. I breakfasted on bacon and egg and then went out to Duns to do some last minute shopping. To be honest I really didn’t need to, but it is what I have always done, and I’m a creature of habit particularly at this time of the year. I also had to go to Duns to pick Mum up from her hairdresser – before I set off, Tom and Dorothy popped in to see how we were. We’ll join them later in the evening for the Watch Night Service.
Back at Mount Pleasant, Scott arrived with Nick and Amy. It was a flying visit and by a little after three we had the whole complex to ourselves: Mum, Olive, Digger and Heidi the dog having left for Edinburgh to Christmas with Jeff and Devon. We will drive there tomorrow after Church.
A lovely Christmas tree – but not too many people
I visited Duns again just after three. The place looked beautiful but it was practically deserted. Normally on Christmas Eve I am jostling with last minute Christmas shoppers, or with those who are looking for last-minute bargains. I feel so sorry for shopkeepers this Christmas, the weather, the internet, the shopping malls and the recent recession have all conspired to hit them really hard.
Normally there isn’t a parking space to be had
Back home I wrapped up all of my presents – the Lessons and Carols from King’s College was on the radio. Rachel preferred to watch on television later in the afternoon. I spent the time tidying my study and wondering when I had ever had time to do something like that on Christmas Eve before. Don’t get me wrong, I am enjoying this year enormously: it just doesn’t feel real. At any moment I expect the telephone to ring and tell me to get back to work. Mind you, with gales roaring all around us – the wind picked up dramatically over the course of the afternoon – it is very pleasant to be able to stay indoors.
Gavinton Church by candle-light before the service began
We dined in the Granary and watched a bit of Morecombe and Wise, followed by a new Midsomer Murder and then we cleared the kitchen as best we could so that we could leave the dogs while we went to Church. Walked them, left them comfortable and set off for the Church. The wind was howling but still there were twenty-one of us in Church for a lovely carol service during which Ann spoke of the reality and humanity of Jesus’ birth. It was really God born into our world -- a fact which was ‘as much about midwifery as it was about theology’. It was good to be with members of the congregation as we moved into Christmas 2013 – although I have to confess that my mind did drift off to Arrochar and Luss as I wondered how they were getting on and hoping that they were having as good a celebration as we were down here.
Wished Tom and Dorothy good night and wished them well on their drive south to Dorothy’s folks tomorrow (well, later on today). Drove home and discovered that the dogs had been very good indeed – things are looking up! Well, it is Christmas.
If you are reading this, I hope that you have a very happy Christmas and may God bless us all.
Monday, December 23, 2013, 11:58 PM
It is mid-day on the day before Christmas Eve and Berwick in the rain is almost deserted
Got up and pushed the dogs into the garden. I wasn’t going to the farmhouse for breakfast this morning because Olive and Digger were setting off early to do their shopping. And I wasn’t walking the dog because the plan was to take both dogs off in the car for a walk before we did our shopping. In the event the dogs and I were ready but Rachel slept in. However, we got on the road and drove first to Duns for Rachel to complete some medical and financial transactions and then we drove to Spittal where we walked the dogs on the beach. Today the beach was huge (because the tide was out); it was also very cold and with a driving wind and pouring rain (so we had the beach to ourselves). Mix was very glad to get back into the car.
We drove to Berwick to complete our Christmas shopping. Berwick was deserted so we had the pick of the shops. I spoke to several shopkeepers who felt that the weather had affected them badly. Last week it had rained and so people took to the internet to do their shopping; this week in the final run up to Christmas the rain had struck again and people were going to shopping malls or retail parks where they could shop without walking down the street and getting wet and where they could park right next to the shops. To be fair the council in Berwick had lifted all parking charges in an attempt to lure the shoppers, but it was largely in vain. One shopkeeper said to me – "I wouldn’t mind if it was because people had decided to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas but I suspect that it is just the weather". I’m sure that she was right.
We went to the Town House for brunch (remember I missed breakfast). Normally it is hard to get a table but there was plenty of room today. I enjoyed 'pigs in a blanket' and a glorious hot chocolate. Afterwards we continued with our shopping and then it was back to the car and a drive to the retail park because Rachel wanted to buy food at Marks and Spencer. Here, right enough, at the retail park the shop was crowded and we had to queue.
We drove home and Rachel set off at once to Duns to buy our ‘ordinary food’ while I talked to Mum, Olive and Digger. I discovered that my Godmother had sent me a present and, as I prepared to put it to one side to open on Christmas Day, I was told that it wasn’t a Christmas present but was a retirement gift. So I could open it! It was a Kindle – what a delightful present. I got it up and running and linked it to our broadband with the result that I can now read any book I want. Some I can buy from Amazon and with a single click they appear on the Kindle; others I can ‘borrow’ for nothing because I am a member of Amazon Prime. What a kind present and what a super present.
Rachel returned and I set off to buy some last minute things – we hadn’t gone together because someone had to look after the dogs. Again there was this Marie Celeste feeling – the Co-op was deserted, the town square was empty, it was really hard to believe that this was the day before Christmas Eve.
The farmhouse tree is up and has lights on it – the other decorations will follow tomorrow
Back home I sorted out my finances and reconciled all that I had spent and then we went across to the farmhouse for supper.
Afterwards, back in our lounge we watched an old Inspector Gently which neither of us had seen before. It was good. Then it was time to walk the dogs – the wind had blown up again and there was snow in the air. Part of our fence is down again – we’ll fix it tomorrow. It was good to get back inside. England appears to be suffering terribly from wind and storms with many trains cancelled and those that are running, are compelled to keep below fifty miles an hour. We are to share some of the bad weather tomorrow, if the forecasters are to be believed. I was glad to go to bed and read a chapter on my Kindle.
During the service this morning the fourth candle of Advent was lit
It was really cold when I got up this morning and, walking the dog, I saw lots of snow by the roadside and flooding in the fields. After breakfast, Rachel, Mum and I set off for Gavinton Church – there was more snow in Gavinton and the minister spoke of real snow and icy conditions on her way to Church.
The service was well attended (thirty-four folk, I think, which is one or two more than normal) and it was a good service. The theme, continuing on the triple theme of previous advent Sundays, was Magnificat, Joseph and Immanuel. We looked at Mary’s Song of Praise having been confronted with the angel and his message about her impending pregnancy and her willingness to respond to God’s will (a model for our own response) which in turn leads to a changed world – for it is as we respond to God’s will that the world becomes a different place. Ann read the scripture about Joseph’s dream and a meditation about his experience – the Christmas story is also a story about Joseph’s response to God’s challenge. Finally we looked at the passage from Isaiah where the birth of a child will foreshadow the salvation of his people, Ann set this passage in its historical context and explained how the mystery of the virgin birth had been created in part as the story made its way from Hebrew through Greek to the people of New Testament times. We sang some good carols and afterwards joined everyone else for coffee in the Church Hall.
There were beautiful flowers in Church this morning
Back home we set about moving furniture in the farmhouse, most notably taking a sofa from the lounge into one of the barns to make room for the dining table to be used in comfort and to make way for the Christmas Tree which Digger was to buy later in the day. I went off with Mum to a ‘cheerful Carol Singalong’ in Gavinton Village Hall. There must have been about forty-five of us, congregation and village folk (including quite a few children) in the hall and we sang carols (the words projected on the wall), watched a short nativity film from New Zealand, and enjoyed mulled wine and mince-meat pies. Later in the afternoon, after some games, Santa visited the hall with a present for each child.
Back in the Granary, I responded to an email from Neil from Arrochar and prepared additional midi files for some extra carols which they will sing on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Rachel went off to Berwick to Choral Evensong and on her return we all ate in the farmhouse. Back in the Granary we dozed in front of the stove (our home is so very warm) and then, after walking the dogs in the freezing cold, it was time for bed. It has been a lovely weekend.
Rachel and Rowan on St. Cuthbert’s Way at Newtown St. Boswell’s
Woke this morning and felt sorry for all shopkeepers. The wind had dropped but it was raining hard and it was a thoroughly nasty day on this one of the most important shopping days for those with shops on the high streets up and down the country. Mix and I went for a short walk – it was much too wet for a longer trek. I breakfasted and then Rachel and I set out to do some Christmas shopping. We had heard that there was a fine bookshop in St. Boswell’s but of course we went to Newtown St. Boswell’s, not the same place at all. However, our loss was the dogs gain. (Should report that I unloaded Mix from the back of the car and went to get his lead. Rachel volunteered to hold on to Mix while I sorted out the lead. The next thing I saw was Rachel flat out on the ground as something nearby had attracted Mix’s attention – but Rachel hadn’t let go!) Even so we took the dogs for a decent walk down to the river and across the bridge until we found ourselves on St. Cuthbert’s Way. We will certainly return on a better day to do more of the walk.
We made our way to St. Boswell’s and found the bookshop. There it was on the little Main Street complete with parking behind. It was an excellent shop, a little independent bookseller, with loads of choice, and an excellent display to suit all tastes. We spent ages in the shop and enjoyed it immensely.
Refuelled in the village Garage (and bought a couple of sandwiches) before continuing to Kelso where we did a bit more shopping and also found time to have a look at the Abbey – another place to return to when shopping is not so high on the agenda and more time can be spent on more important matters.
We were able to have the quickest of looks at the Abbey in Kelso.
Having visited some very interesting shops including Tweedside Tackle (a fishing shop, I understand, of some considerable renown) and a lovely little jeweller called Bridget of Edinburgh where the lady made everything herself on the premises, mostly out of silver, we set off for home allowing the TomTom to devise an extremely interesting scenic route which took us down several unmarked minor roads on our way to Mount Pleasant.
Back home we unloaded Rachel’s car of yesterday's purchases (all of the book-shelves and so on) and Scott and Sue arrived to steal some ivy for their Christmas decorations. We sat over coffee with them and Mum in the Granary, and longer with Mum after Scott and Sue set off for home. The rain continued to pour down but we are snug as bugs in our little house and couldn’t be happier or more content if we tried.
Joined the family for a lovely evening meal of ham and roast potatoes with carrots, followed by apple pie, custard and ice-cream. Back in the Granary, Rachel wrapped presents while we watched the second part of the Train Robbers film: A Copper’s Tale. It was very good: no, it was excellent, made so by good writing, a wonderful cast and an exciting tale to tell. While we were watching the drama our first snows arrived; nothing too serious but, as Google reported on its front page, winter has now arrived!
There was a warm glow from the summer house as we walked the dogs last thing at night
Coincidences. I tend not to believe in them as they effect daily life, affirming the belief of the late George MacLeod that if you believe in coincidence you will have a very boring life. But some things are strange. A couple of nights ago we were talking around the table about music and old songs and someone mentioned ‘Right said Fred’ as an example of an old song which they had enjoyed. I had forgotten all about it but back in my study the next day (yesterday) I typed ‘Right said Fred’ into Spotify on the computer and up came the song, along with the information that it had been sung by Bernard Cribbins. As soon as I was reminded of the fact, I realised that I knew it (if you know what I mean). But it was such a long time ago and I hadn’t heard of Bernard Cribbins for years and years and years. Later in the afternoon while I was having something to eat, and having no book to read, I turned on the BBC i-player and accessed the most recent episode of ‘Have I got news for you’ and who should be a guest on the programme? Bernard Cribbins. Strange: what a coincidence!
Walked the dog and breakfasted in the farmhouse and then Rachel and I set off for IKEA in Edinburgh leaving Mix in the farmhouse with Olive and Digger. I was amazed at how busy the roads were, although IKEA itself wasn’t overly busy. I bought some bookshelves – the heartbreak of having to leave my wonderful library shelves behind at Wemyss – and we also bought some blinds for the windows of the summer house and then we set off for home. Rachel driving and Rowan and I cramped into half a seat: the rest taken over by shelving. We had gaily bought quite a lot because we had determined that it would fit into the Berlingo, forgetting totally about the accumulated weight of so many shelves. We drove home slowly, stopping at Asda at Dunbar so that Rowan could be walked and I could buy a sandwich for Rachel and myself.
By the time we got home it was already dark and the day was almost over. I had an email with the hymns for Arrochar for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day so I spent the time before dinner preparing the music for those services and sending them off to Jamie by email. Then we ate in the farmhouse – another lovely meal – and by the time the meal was over and we returned to the Granary it was blowing a gale, again!
We watched the first part of the dramatisation of the Train Robbers tonight – it was good, well written and tightly acted. Tomorrow we plan to watch the Policeman’s Tale and see how it all unfolds. Memory plays tricks over the years and it is good to be reminded of what actually happened. Tomorrow I gather that we are going Christmas shopping – I hope that the weather has died down.
It is getting close to Christmas -- I have never looked forward to a Christmas as much as I am looking forward to this one. In the past I have been 'in charge'. It has been my responsibility to ensure that all the services and activities happen and happen as they should. I have taken that responsibility very seriously and I have felt the weight of it on my shoulders. (I do understand that God is in charge but I am sure you know what I mean: God entrusts these responsibilities to us.) This year that is gone. I am a member of a congregation and am enjoying taking part in what others have prepared. That's not to say that I don't have responsibilities, but my responsibilities now are different from before. I have made my Christmas plans so that I can be in the little Church here for the Watchnight Service and for Christmas Day -- because being a member of a congregation brings responsibilities as well. In a small congregation just a few people missing makes such a difference and I want to be part of the celebrations here. There has been a lovely lead up to Christmas -- the actual celebrations will be wonderful.
Carol singing at Longformacus – lousy photo of a grand occasion
I think it was in ‘As Time Goes By’ that we were for ever being given the weather forecast (or rather the shipping forecast) in the English Chanel by Geoffrey Palmer’s housekeeper. I seem to have become her spiritual successor. The storm of last night has all passed by. It is bright and cold and calm and everything in our estate has survived – but the wind was really noisy during the night and I see from the BBC website that many people are without power this morning.
As I lay in bed listening to the wind I found myself thinking about what I had (or hadn’t) written in my diary. As I waited last evening for Lucan to start there was a rather sentimental programme called Surprise on the channel I was waiting for. The reason for commenting on it was that two of the guests were Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean. I remember so vividly when they won their Olympic medal in 1984, twenty-nine years ago, and they really didn’t look old enough on the programme yesterday to have been champions so long ago. Skating must be good for you! It was good to watch them again.
The other thought was about the difference between crime and white-collar crime. Train robbers, rightly, get bundled into jail for lengthy periods, but those who run institutions which arguably cause far more misery through corporately doing bad things seem to survive. Can’t be right.
Walked Mix but didn’t go across for breakfast because Olive and Digger had set off early for Dundee where Olive is to pick up some examination scripts to be marked. Tom arrived and announced that the task for today was to lay the floor and that I would be doing my fair share of the work. Trembled as I have never laid a floor before but Tom is a good teacher and showed me how to hammer the boards together, nail through the tongue of the plank and then hit the nail with a nail punch to push it into the wood. It was a long, but an enormously satisfying job.
The task for today was to lay a floor
By lunch time it was almost completed so we adjourned for lunch and returned after lunch to do the final stretch – I learned a great deal more. There was still a bit of time in hand so we installed the electrics and when Rachel came home from having had her hair done, there was a lovely glow coming from the summer house. There was also a real glow of achievement coming from me!
Haven’t we done well?
Yesterday Rachel went to Dun s five times, today she only made the return journey four times. First following me as I took my car to the garage to have a new seat belt fitted, second to take Mum to the Gavinton Guild Christmas party, third to get her hair done, ands fourth to take me to collect my car. She is becoming quite a taxi service! As you’ll have gathered I got my car back with its new seat belt (£156 caused by Mix). Once I got the car back I was able to pack away all of the excess wood from the summer house into the hen house by the light from the summer house. We will not get anything major done to the summer house now until after the Christmas festivities. But what progress has been made.
After an early tea I drove up to Longformacus for the street carol singing (Tom provided the music on his squeeze-box). Longformacus is one of the congregations within our parish linking. Until very recently there were services in the church here but those have now come to an end so it was good to have carol singing around the doors here. After the carols we all went off to the Village Hall where we enjoyed mincemeat pies and cake.
The Village Hall at Longformacus
As well as congregational and village members there were several folk from a Christian Centre which works with young men who have been disadvantaged or suffer from an addiction. I enjoyed speaking both to them and to some of the staff from the centre.
Longformacus struck me as being a very odd name. It is a tiny little village six miles or so north of Duns, along a windy and lonely road. The name comes from the gaelic Longphort Mhacais and the village’s main claim to fame is that Donizetti’s opera Lucia di Lammermoor is set here. Two walks – the Southern Upland Way and the Sir Walter Scott Way – both pass through Longformacus.
Back home, Rachel and I watched Where Eagles Dare. It is an old film but special to us because on the evening of our wedding, after we had set off on honeymoon, many of our guests went off to see this new film at the local cinema. (I was married in England where the celebrations were at lunch time and we left by the early evening – I dare say it is different now.) Enjoyed the film (although I was a bit taken aback at the indiscriminate killing -- were we more violent back in the 60s?, and walked the dogs before bed. Am I stiff after all that kneeling and hammering? I expect to be sore in the morning.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013, 10:49 PM
And now the door is hung: Digger and Tom at work
Awoke and thought how good the weather looked – the forecaster last night had said that it was all downhill for the rest of the week, with today as the worst of all. Well, it was really rather pleasant (a little bit cold, perhaps) as I walked Mix. Came home and breakfasted at the farmhouse and as I was drinking my coffee (having scoffed the bacon, egg and fried bread) Tom arrived and demanded that I went back to work on the summer house. ‘There’s lots to do, and the weather is OK.’ So we set about fitting all of the windows (albeit in a temporary fashion because the ironmongery for six of them was missing. I’ve reported it and am waiting for it to arrive.) We also hung the door and did all that was necessary to ensure that everything was plumb. Actually that short sentence took a long time to achieve. It was mid afternoon, with darkness already beginning to fall before we had everything done. All that remains (apart from the window fittings) it to fit the shingles on the roof (no hurry now that we have it all covered with roofing felt), the laying of the floor, the electrics and the varnishing. It will be done by the end of the year.
Looking back over my diary entries for the last few days I realise how fixated I have become on this summerhouse. I suppose that is a real novelty for me. I've never had the time to become totally engrossed in something like putting up a small building; of working away at something which in itself is quite trivial, which isn't part of work but which is just absolutely great fun -- and as Tom said today, we're getting quite a sense of achievement as we see the little building taking shape.
Came back in and found an email with the list of music for Arrochar’s Sunday service. Got it all prepared and emailed to Jamie so that he has time to test it all before Sunday. Then I drove Mum into Duns where she is attending the Dun’s Guild Christmas party which she will enjoy. Back at the farmhouse, I enjoyed sausages, broccoli and roast potatoes followed by rhubarb tart and custard with ice-cream. I think that I probably over ate. Came back home in time to watch the second part of ‘Lucan’ – the events surrounding the disappearance of Lord Lucan in 1974 – events which I missed because I was working in Italy at the time.
The weather is starting to turn nasty after all – a wind has blown up and there is rain in the air but not nearly as bad, so far, as I had been expecting. Found the second part of the play about Lord Lucan quite disappointing except for the fact that one of the minor characters in it was played by one of Rachel’s former students from Fife College. All the play said was he could have committed suicide, he could still be free or perhaps he was murdered – well, even I could have worked that out; but perhaps there was nothing else that could have been said.
I recorded the first part of the Great Train Robbery play in two parts – The Robber’s Tale tonight and tomorrow the Policeman’s Tale. What a strange coincidence that Ronnie Briggs should die today. Of course, as Tom reminded me today, Ronnie Biggs had a very minor role in the Train Robbery. I know that some people admired the audacity of the train robbers, I find it hard to have any sympathy for them because of the what they did to the guard on the train, hitting him so hard that his life was destroyed – still the jokes have already started: In those days people stole from the banks, now the banks steal from us! Which leads me to my final musing, why do authorities fine banks for doing wrong? And who benefits from the fines which are collected? Surely it would be better if the money confiscated was distributed to those who have been harmed by the wrong-doing, but in fact if our bank treats us badly and is fined, then we are affected for a second time by banking with a bank which now has less resources and so can provide us with less services. The world has become a strange place.
We walked the dogs and by now the weather had turned really stormy. It was still dry but the winds are very strong. The promised horrendous weather looks as if it is arriving – hope the summerhouse is still there in the morning!
Tuesday, December 17, 2013, 10:55 PM
Men at work on the Summerhouse roof
Woke early because I had to get Rachel off to the doctor (although the new pills she got last night mean that she is in good spirits this morning). I walked both dogs and breakfasted in the farmhouse and was ready for Tom when he arrived about 9 a.m. The task identified by him for today was to put the roof shingles on the summerhouse. However we weren’t quite sure how to do this so I was despatched to look up the maker’s instructions (rather than the summerhouse manufacturer’s instructions). The first thing I discovered was that the shingle-maker felt that it was essential that shingles were fitted on a bed of mineral felt, something the summerhouse manufacturer did not think was necessary. So I went off to Pearson’s (who are now making record profits since my arrival in Duns) to buy thirty square metres of best mineral felt and some roofing nails. Soon we were hard at work installing the roofing felt and although we worked exceedingly hard it took most of the daylight hours – we did stop for coffee and a roll – and Tom and Digger did manage to fit two of the windows while I was left hammering in nails on the roof. We discovered that although the summerhouse has eight windows, we had only been sent ironmongery for two of them; so six will have to wait until the missing bits arrive.
Digger and Tom on the roof – Digger sits and contemplates the universe while Tom deals with the affairs of the day on his telephone
In fact Rachel ended up making no fewer than five separate journeys to Duns today – to visit the doctor, to take Mum to her hairdresser, to Pearson’s to buy another ten metres of roofing felt (yes, we miscalculated), to return a damaged roll of felt to Pearson’s and get a replacement, and to collect Mum from her hairdressing appointment. As darkness fell I came back into the Granary to get warm and was caught by a number of phone calls.
The first windows have been fitted
Soon it was time for fish-pie and rice pudding (with pineapple) and afterwards a family discussion before returning to the Granary just in time to walk the dogs under a full moon before bed.
And I have to report that today we lost the ashes. It has been a series in which almost everything went wrong which possibly could. Does this mean the end of England being one of the best teams in the world? Of course not. It is a setback but England have the players to bounce back and already Ben Stokes (of Durham, of course) has started to emerge as a player to watch for the future.
Berwick High Street: not as busy as I expected in the run up to Christmas
Got up and walked both dogs as Rachel is not feeling very well. Enjoyed a hearty breakfast and then spent some time in the Granary expecting a phone call which never came (when one is retired that really doesn’t matter). Went across to the farmhouse to meet some friends of Mum who had come to take her away for a day out (they went to Eyemouth and lunched at the Golf Club there). We also had to deal with our balloon booking with Virgin Balloons. Rachel was really keen to go for a balloon flight and so, way back in 2008, I ordered and paid for a balloon trip. We duly arranged the day and the site from which we would fly but then, when the day came, the weather was unsuitable and our voucher was extended for a further six months. Well, we have been making bookings which the weather has cancelled and having our voucher extended now for more than five years. Having had more than five cancellations we could have our money refunded and walk away from it but that seems like giving up. So today we discussed with Virgin a trip from either Kelso or Selkirk sometime early in 2014. We hope to have a definite date by tomorrow evening. Incidentally, Rachel has now flown in a balloon – we flew over the Valley of the Kings in Egypt almost five years ago. It was such a good experience that Rachel can’t wait to do it all again.
Balloons below us -- from our balloon in Egypt
Rachel and I loaded the dogs into the car and went off to Spittal again to run the dogs by the sea. We now have a cage for Mix in the boot and he is very happy in it because he is with us in the car. We have gone through two dog guards (or rather, he has gone through two dog guards – straight through); and he has destroyed one seat belt (which is being replaced on Thursday by the local garage). So we had little choice. But it is a big cage and Mix is only in it when he is in the car.
Mix travels in style
At Spittal Rowan loves to race alongside the sea, charging the waves as they break on the sea shore and loving it when she gets taken by surprise and ends up extremely wet. Mix prefers to walk more sedately, attached to me, but exploring everything. It is a lovely place to walk the dogs and not many people will nip across to another country just to walk their dogs!
Rowan charges the waves
From Spittal we drove into Berwick and visited the shops there on the look-out for Christmas presents. I was surprised how quiet the town was, and how empty the shops were in this the week before Christmas. Yes, it had been extremely wet overnight but today was beautiful, with the sun shining, although it was getting much colder as the day went on. We didn’t stay too long because Rachel wasn’t feeling at her best and instead we drove on to Duns where Rachel had medicine to pick up. It wasn’t ready so we drove back to Mount Pleasant and had something to eat (I used my new microwave) before Rachel popped back into Duns to get her medicine. It still wasn’t there but the chemist phoned the doctor, the doctor spoke to Rachel over the telephone and five minutes later Rachel left the shop with her medicine. Pretty good service!
Dined in the farmhouse – celery soup, chicken and roast potatoes, rhubarb pie, custard and ice-cream: no wonder I have put on six kilos since retiring. Then came across to the Granary to watch the first-quarter final of University Challenge before starting work on finding addresses so that we can send some Christmas cards. Watched the News, walked Mix and came to bed. Tomorrow we are promised a little window of good weather and I hope that we shall roof the summer house and maybe even install some windows and a door – we’ll need all the daylight we can get. But that would be progress.
The Christmas Tree looks good in Gavinton Church
Got up as soon as the alarm went off. I had two dogs to walk as Rachel wasn’t feeling well and had wisely decided to spend the morning in bed. Back from the dog walking I showered, breakfasted and went off to church at Gavinton with Mum. Our minister, Ann, had intended to be on holiday today but family illnesses had prevented that and she was in control of the service. Over the Sundays of Advent she has been presenting us with three-stranded Sunday addresses or rather, three small addresses throughout the service. Today continued that pattern.
We started with John the Baptist and his question, sent by his disciples to Jesus, ‘Are you the one we have been waiting for?’ Jesus response was to point at what he had been doing and to put the onus back on John to make up his own mind. As followers of the one for whom the world had been waiting, the onus is on us to ensure that what people see when they look at us, reflects the Lord we follow.
From Isaiah chapter thirty five, Ann spoke of the wilderness turned into a place of plenty and the road to holiness running through it. Sometimes we are frightened of having too expansive dreams for fear that we will be let down. This passage is an antidote to those feelings – dream big, Jesus is coming, God’s Son is about to be born into our world and now all things are possible.
Finally we thought about waiting – and about how we wait – the passage used was from the letter of James, and the two classes of people used as role models were farmers and prophets. Farmers plant the seeds and they then have to wait for the harvest. But they don’t sit idly by; they tend the ground, water it and weed it and in good time the crop appears. Prophets have a message to share but they too have to work on their ‘crop’. We are waiting for the promised return of our Lord – how we wait matters. Wait with expectation and wait sharing that expectation with others. That’s one of the important themes of Christmas and one not to be missed this year. I came away with a lot to think about.
Back home I was delighted to find that Rachel was feeling much better. So much better in fact that we went out and filled in some of the little holes in the summer house with wood filler before loading the dogs into the car and setting of for Spittal near Berwick where we walked the dogs on the beach. The sea was quite wild and Rowan loved attacking the waves and cavorting in the shallow water at the edge. From Spittal we drove to Tweedmouth where we visited first HomeBase (Rachel bought a scorpion power saw with a thirty percent discount) and then Curry’s (where I bought a small microwave for just £39. We do already own more than one microwave but although we have been searching for them for close on two months we still have not identified where they are (that is the scale of the problem our removal has set us). But this little ultra basic machine will do the job until we successfully locate our own ones.
Rachel made us afternoon tea and then she set off for Berwick to attend choral evensong while I rearranged everything to find a place for the microwave and I looked after the dogs, both now wonderfully docile after their long run on the beach. On Rachel’s return we joined the rest of the family for our evening meal – and chatted a long time around the table. Coming back to the Granary, we watched an old episode of New Tricks and the news before bed – taking in Andy Murray’s appropriate accolade (after winning Wimbledon) of Sports Personality of the Year. As we walked the dogs it was almost light, such was the illumination coming from the moon. The wind is breezy (there is more to come) and there is rain in the air, but just now it is a lovely light, fresh night. It may seem a strange observation but the hours of daylight seem very short now that I am retired. I suppose that I was always so busy at this time of year that it didn’t really matter whether it was light or dark but, now that I have time to go for walks and to work on building projects and want to be out and about, darkness falling at 4 p.m. is a bit of a nuisance.
It’s only 9 a.m. but fear of the weather to come has got us started
Woke early and for the first time found the overnight cricket score heartening rather than disappointing, just one wicket down with 85 runs on the board. Walked Mix and got ready for a nine o’clock start on the summer house with Neil, Tom, Digger, Catriona and Dorothy. There was a window before the storm of about four hours and much to do. As the wind began to blow, we completed the bodywork of the summer house, got the roof joists installed and even managed to completed the cladding of the roof. Everything is now packed inside and we shall resume operations on Tuesday.
It is all beginning to take shape
Interested observers – Rowan and Mix look on from behind their gate
We did get a coffee break – to warm our hands really
So it was real progress and I was pleased we achieved so much because, as forecast, the storm arrived and it was ferocious. Neil and Catriona left at lunch time to drive back to Yorkshire. But after work was completed around 2 p.m. those of us who were left gathered in the farmhouse for a hot drink, a filled roll and a cake. There was a real sense of achievement in the air.
The roof joists are fitted
By the time the storm arrived, progress had been made
Back in the Granary as the storm began to reach its height: would the summerhouse be OK? Yes, of course it was, but the fence behind wasn’t and we will have to rebuild part of it after Church tomorrow. Dined with Olive, Mum, Digger and Rachel in the farmhouse and chatted for ages so that by the time we returned to the Granary there was only time to catch an old ‘New Tricks’ before walking the dogs and bed. By now the storm had totally blown itself out, but the weather forecasters tell us to expect more very strong winds over the next few days and it will get very cold. Well, what do you expect? We’re building a summer house!
The lorry carrying our summer house
Arose early to walk Mix and to be ready for the delivery of our summer house. Went across for breakfast and enjoyed a hearty one with an ear cocked for a phone call to say that the summer house was approaching Duns. In fact Tom had phoned to say that he was having lunch before the lorry finally arrived; the driver’s mate arriving at the front door of the farmhouse and asking my sister if she was expecting a shed. A shed indeed! This is our summer house, bought with the gift given to us on our retirement by the folk of Arrochar and Luss – the place in which I am going to write my book, the place to where Rachel and I will escape to raise a champagne glass when the sun is shining down on the Borders.
Tom, the Clerk of Works, discusses part of the delivery with Neil
Dorothy and Catriona assume I must be photographing them rather than the materials
The driver’s mate was a real Glasgow gentleman who knew Bowling well and shared my interest in boats, so we got on like a house on fire. It wasn’t long before everything was unloaded, the lorry had left and work started on building the summer house. I had a great team: Tom, Digger, Neil, Rachel, Catriona and Dorothy. First the floorboard joists went down and then the building began to rise around them. I do believe that if we had had a full day at it then we could have completed the building but days here are very short at this time of the year and we didn’t get started until the afternoon. So I was delighted with the progress we have made. However, the forecast for tomorrow is not great: we have been promised a window without rain between about nine and one in the afternoon and then, not only will the rains come down but the winds will rise. I am hoping that we might have the walls completed and the roof on before that happens. We shall see. But what fun it all was and how clever the kit is – each of the pieces fits together like a jig-saw puzzle and, while I am helped by having some real tradesmen here, it would be possible for people without their skill levels to build the summer house: at least that’s how it looks so far, but then we haven’t reached head-height yet.
Work starts
Catriona has a thing for picture frame windows – much to Digger’s amusement
In the evening we all dined in the farmhouse before retiring to the Granary. Mum produced an article written by a former minister of Glamis recounting the story of the Kirk there. I am going to try to type it out, it's a rather faded carbon copy, because these things are too important to be allowed to disappear. Congregations are the sum total of their story, their story shapes their future and folk need to have access to that story. I suspect that is true of families as well.
Darkness falls – we will return tomorrow
Watched an episode of Rebus before bed and walked both dogs because Rachel was already in bed. I should have recorded that this morning she went off and bought chicken-wire to secure the garden (I had to stay in case the lorry arrived) and then completed the wiring up of our fences. We are secure once more.
My team (Tom and Neil) are hard at work installing services for the summer house
Today did not work out as planned. Not in any way at all! I had expected to be in Sweden taking part in a Green Pilgrimage Planning meeting – and the added joy of being in Sweden today was that I was to stay over for tomorrow and take part in the celebrations for Saint Lucia (Saint Lucy) – a festival of light and a preparation for Christmas. However, the diary commitments of other people led to the urgent business being dealt with by a conference call and the meeting itself has been put back until the New Year – which will be fine (but just a pity to have missed Saint Lucia and all the girls with garlands with lighted candles in their hair. I’ve seen so many pictures but have never seen it for myself.
All over Sweden, Norway and in some parts of Finland and Italy St. Lucia’s Day will be celebrated tomorrow. There will be processions led by one girl with a wreath of candles on her head and followed by other girls each carrying a single candle. In part it all goes back to the days when we used the Julian Calendar which had 13th. December as the day of the winter solstice – the shortest day of the year. There are several stories about St, Lucia. In one she is a Sicilian Saint who was executed around 310. In another she was a kind woman who helped Christians hiding in the catacombs during the persecution under the Roman Emperor Diocletian – in order to carry as much food as possible to the Christians she wore candles on her head so that both of her hands would be free. I suppose she was the patron saint of all those who wear torches fitted to their heads so that they can work in the dark with their hands free -- when we are down at the narrow boat we see lots of runners pounding the tow path at night all with their head torches looking like disciples of Saint Lucia. Clearly the festival predates Christianity in Scandinavia and centred around the winter solstice, but the story of St. Lucia has been a way of Christianising the tradition and using it to bolster the new faith in those far off days.
However, not having to make the trip enabled me to be on site for the delivery of the summer house for which we have been waiting for several weeks. Early this morning, after Mix had been walked, Tom and Neil arrived to start getting things ready for the delivery, particularly to prepare for the installation of the services. All went well and we were congratulating ourselves on the excellent day – dry and warm. However, while we were sitting having coffee the phone rang – the delivery van had broken down (its diesel tank had split) and the delivery would be delayed until tomorrow.
Workers’ Playtime
So that was a second disappointment; but I was able to do other things working around telephone calls. I went into Duns and ordered a new seat-belt to replace the one vandalised by Mix before we got him his secure cage to transport him at the back of the car and I took Tom to collect his chain-saw which had been professionally sharpened.
Mum had three friends from Galashiels to visit. They all went off to a lunch at Gavinton Church and when they returned they saw round the farm steading before setting off for home as it got dark. With unexpected time on my hands I went into the barn and found some of the furniture which Rachel had been looking for – two small desks (and the inserts for the table which Olive was wanting).
We dined together as a family in the early evening, enjoying a sherry as we gathered in the farmhouse family room and then back in the Granary I watched Question Time from Johannesburg in the wake of Nelson Mandela’s death. It was interesting and reflected both the enormous distance which South Africa has travelled since Mandela became President and the enormous distance which South Africa still has to travel in the years to come.
We got a fright during the evening as Rowan escaped from the garden. Fortunately her joy was in completing the escape and having succeeded she just sat on the other side of the gate wanting to be back with us. I was surprised most of all that it was Rowan and not Mix who had identified the weakness in our defences – it was a little bit of fence which had been covered by foliage which has now died off, exposing a tiny way out of the garden. Tomorrow it will be secured!
There were crowds of people at the farm sale I attended today
Got up and walked Mix and then came back to the Granary for a shower to ensure that I was read for Tom when he called to collect me at 9.45 a.m. In the event he arrived with Dorothy and a couple of friends from Yorkshire who are staying with them for a few days. Together we all set off for the farm sale which was being held not far from here. We drove up to the farm and the first thing we saw was a field set out with items to be auctioned. There were piles of fence posts, feeding troughs, equipment for use on the farm and several tractors and other vehicles, including a very smart Landrover and a combine harvester. The auction, however, started in a huge barn in which were piles of smaller items including chain saws and lawnmowers and many items which I haven’t a clue what they were. The auctioneer moved quickly through the items getting them sold and moving on.
I liked the picture – it seemed to me to evoke Thomas Hardy
In the barn next to the auction barn there was a coffee stall where we enjoyed excellent coffee and glorious sausages in rolls. And, of course, we sat on bales of hay. I caught Dorothy and her pals enjoying the seat:
We came home, dropped Dorothy at home while Tom, Neil and I went into Duns to buy electrical cable for the summerhouse which will arrive tomorrow. I returned to the Granary where Rachel was preparing to go to Duns. So we loaded the dogs into the car, drove to Duns and visited the post office and the chemist before driving down to the town park and walking the dogs. It is an excellent park, lots of walks – some of them leaving from the park for quite long distance ambles – three tennis courts, a bowling green and as well as the war memorial, a memorial to twenty seven Polish servicemen who trained in Duns and lost their lives during the second world war. I suspect that this is why Duns is linked with a city in Poland. I will have to find out more about this. There is also a statue of Duns Scotus erected by the Francescan Order in 1966 on the seven hundredth anniversary of his birth here. John Duns Scotus was one of the great thinkers of his time. I will return to the park with my camera and at that time will write more about his life and thought. So quite a bit of homework to be done!
We went from the park to Pearsons where Rachel selected a Christmas tree. Then it was back home and on with the putting up of the Christmas decorations. Rachel always likes to ensure that our home is filled with decorations and the fact that we are not yet fully moved in has not stopped her this year. It is little short of miraculous that, unable as we are to find clothes and other important items to make ourselves at home, Rachel has succeeded in laying her hands on our Christmas decorations.
Rachel has been busy with decorations
We dined with Olive, Digger and Mum in the farmhouse and then came back to complete the decorations and tidy up the mess which putting them up creates (more so this year with Rowan anxious to lend a hand by chewing up any left over Christmas tree branch which was going a-begging). We watched the first part of a film about Lord Lucan. It presented pretty unsavoury times: I was only vaguely aware of the Lord Lucan story because in 1974 Rachel and I were living in Italy, working at the Sailor’s Rest.
Finally we walked the dogs – the lights in the windows reminded me that it will soon be Christmas and that this is going to be a very special Christmas for us all down at Mount Pleasant.
A Welcoming Window
Must just say that Robbie had an excellent evening in the chair. He was superb, and along with Jamie, who surpassed himself in his carefully crafted speech, and with the care of the staff of the Lodge on Loch Lomond, and by some great singing from Beth Street with music provided by the organist from the United Reformed Church in Helensburgh, ensured
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