Xmas Presents for the Grandchildren? Problem Solved!

I don't think so! But isn't it amazing what you can buy over the internet these days?
(In case you are wondering, DUI = Driving under the influence).

The Oracle of Risca has spoken - be afraid, be very afraid.

My mother-in-law is fond of saying "things come in threes" and I'm wondering what she would make of the terrible trio now facing us.

#1: The global financial crisis and its various manifestations.
#2: Global warming and its implications.
#3: The increase in global population and what that means for future generations. Future generations? Actually, that sounds somewhat abstract - let's make it personal and use "my children and grandchildren". Take a look at this chart from Nature News (published online October 19th 2011 at http://www.nature.com/news/2011/111019/full/478300a/box/1.html)
Of course, there are many who will downplay each and everyone of the above (look out for vested interests who want to maintain the status quo - ask yourself "why?") and say that human ingenuity will triumph. I wish I could agree with that view but I can't. It's a mess and the worrying thing is that I detect no cogent arguments for the best way forward. No cogent arguments at the state level from the political classes, that is, but plenty of activity lower down the pecking order - witness what is happening outside of St Paul's and elsewhere. I'm not so naive to believe that such demonstrations will change the world but it is heartening to realise that there is an increasing level of discontent felt by many people. How can this all be channelled into making real changes for the better? I can offer no solutions apart from taking every opportunity to engage with the real world (and I don't mean the world of soporific celebrity and impoverishing consumerism) and not accepting that more of the same will pull us through. It won't....and on that cheerful note, I'm off to get my porridge!

In praise of Private Eye

I'm a huge fan of Private Eye. I like pretty much everything about it: its daring attitude, the way it puts two fingers up to the establishment, the cartoons and the fact that no one is sacred or untouchable (which sometimes makes for some uncomfortable reading). It's all still packaged in quite an old fashioned sort of way - not that far removed from cut and paste really. The covers are something else - always very funny or bluntly to the point but never too complicated or too clever for their own good.
It's been going since 1961 and I've been a regular reader since 1964 (I know I was certainly reading it when I was doing my GCE 'O' levels). Despite not always agreeing with what it contains or sometimes (but not that often) thinking that they've gone over the line of good taste, I've never been remotely tempted to give it up. If not Private Eye, what is there in the same category? Nothing at all and that, in a way, is a condemnation of the British press.
My favourite pieces? I've always had a soft-spot for The Cloggies, Barry McKenzie and the writings of Claud Cockburn and Paul Foot. Oh, and the various cartoonists.
How long can it continue? Let's hope that it does without changing too much. Its perspective is much needed.

In the midst of life, there is death!

It may seem premature but I've been thinking of my own mortality recently. As far as I know, I am not dying. I recently celebrated my 64th birthday and with the exception of a few aches and pains, I seem to be in reasonable shape for my age. Indeed, my latest annual medical check-up confirms this. If the actuarial survival tables are to be believed and my family history is any guide, I have many more years left on this planet to irritate friends and family. But life is uncertain and, for a while now, I've had this nagging feeling that I should plan for my death. What's brought this on? I really don't know as I'm having a very good time at the moment and enjoying being alive. Maybe it is because so many people I have known and cared about have died in the last few years? Maybe it's a reaction to my recent birthday? Maybe I'm turning into a miserable old git? Whatever the reason, what am I going to do?
Jan and I have been pretty good at keeping our wills up-to-date over the years and have signed advance directives and Powers of Attorney for medical and finance matters. So we've already taken care of these things. But there is a whole stack of other stuff I think could be problematical in the wake of some kind of unexpected or traumatic death that concerns me. Would my family know how to cash in my pension? Would they know where all the bank and building society accounts were located? And all the passwords and security hurdles for those on-line? What about the credit cards and subscriptions. The list goes on. What would happen with my blog. e-mail accounts and my Facebook page if I died?
There will be surprises (but hopefully no embarassments!) if I die suddenly as I won’t be able to foresee all the issues but I am going to make time to provide my family with a complete list of accounts, contact numbers, and instructions about what they need to do in the aftermath of my demise. I'm even thinking of setting out a basic set of instructions about the funeral - I feel an irrational desire to ensure that no one would decide to include a Graham Kendrick song [shudder] as a final practical joke on me! In a strange way, I'm quite looking forward to doing it. It could be a very cathartic experience, not sad or depressing at all. However it turns out, it will be an exercise well worth the effort if it makes the tasks of those remaining a little easier.

A Graham Kendrick free zone

It's with extreme pleasure that I am spending a week in a place when the name of Graham Kendrick does not cast a shadow over the music! Traditional evensong in the glorious setting of the choir stalls of St David's cathedral. I do like four-part harmony singing and, for me, this setting brings out the best in any choir. Last night I was perched on a miserichord carved around 1300, singing music derived directly from the plain chant that would have been sung at the time. Beat that, X-factor! Two more to go but with my favourite setting for canticles on the order of service for tonight - Brewer in D - a good opportunity to give it some 'welly'!

Annual sojourn in St David's

Back again in St David's for a week walking, singing and not doing much else. A time for rest and relaxation.
Yesterday we ventured a little further east than we normally go and took in a walk around Bosherston Lily Ponds and the coastal footpath, taking in Stackpole Head, Barafundle Bay and Stackpole Quay. Just under 7 miles in perfect weather - dry, good visibility and not too hot. On the way back, we had a quick trip around Pembroke Castle.
Today? It's pouring down with rain and we may very well be cottage-bound. But there are definately worst places to be on a day like this.

Who are you?

I checked the statistics for this blog for the first time in a LONG time just now. And I'm amazed that it gets hits every day - admittedly not that many but not zero.
Take a look at where the hits have come from since I've been posting:
United States 348
United Kingdom 201
South Korea 18
Japan 16
Brazil 14
India 9
Spain 8
Germany 6
Venezuela 6
China 4
Who are you? Search-engine users looking for "Higher Downgate+nothing+drivel"? Long lost fans? Cyber-stalkers? I'm curious but not that curious that I want you all (?!) to tell me. Let me believe that it's a guilty secret that you indulge but tell no-one about. Like smoking or having five extra chocolate covered hobnobs or liking Tony Blair. Whoever you are, and wherever you are, I salute you.
There is, of course, an even bigger question. Why?

Fuel on the Fire: Oil and Politics in Occupied Iraq

Just back from a public meeting arranged by the Tavistock Peace Action Group (a small but perfectly formed group of ordinary people concerned about peace). The speaker was Greg Muttit and his topic (and also the title of his recent book) was 'Fuel on the Fire: Oil and Politics in Occupied Iraq'. An excellent speaker and a fascinating, but disturbing, story he had to tell.
He dealt with the way the West, predominantly the UK and the USA, manipulated the war in Iraq, and the subsequent 'peace', to make sure that 'we' controlled the oil. Despite, of course, what Blair said at the time - didn't he claim that the "conspiracy theory of us going into Iraq for the oil was nonsensical"? And it's still going on as we continue to double deal to ensure that we get the prize. The parallels with what is going on in Libya are unsettling.
Putting the subject matter to one side, what really gets to me is the fact that this is being done in my name! I wonder if private and public state morality will ever coincide? Does realpolitik always mean that immoral acts are acceptable?

X-Factor and Strictly Come Dancing

Mediocre, nauseating rubbish.

11th September 2001

Jan and I were in Hawaii on this day and were woken up by Laura telling us to turn on the TV. Terrible images and a terrible aftermath. I'm not going to dwell on any aspect of it other than to acknowledge the anniversary.

From Neil Kinnock to the French Revolution via D.Ream

A strange title, perhaps, but bear with me as I string my thoughts together.
In my last blog, I mentioned Neil Kinnock. After I'd written that piece, I could not stop myself from whistling (both mentally and actual) that sublimely irritating song of D.Ream 'Things can only get better'. I think the connection with Neil Kinnock was themes used as political slogans. As any political pedant will know, the connection of that song with Neil Kinnock is spurious, as it was used in the 1997 General Election by Tony Blair and his cohorts.
Be that as it may, my mind wandered further and I started musing on a number of other political slogans. A few of the ones I could recall (in no particular order) are: 'You've never had it so good', 'Labour isn't working', 'Beef and Beer for all', 'Power to the People', 'Long live the Revolution', 'Better dead than red', 'Are you thinking what we're thinking?', 'Labour's tax bombshell'....and there are lots more. What struck me is how inane and empty they all are. Hardly battle cries that would inspire me to take to the metaphorical barricades.
That set me wondering whether there was any political slogan that did stand the test of time and actually meant something. Almost immediately, three words came to me: Liberty, Egality, Fraternity.
The demand for 'liberty, equality (egality) and fraternity' during the French Revolution resonates with many of the points I have previously alluded to. The more I pondered on this slogan, the more relevant it seemed. It strikes me that it focuses attention on dimensions of social relations which matter most if we are to see a better society and see a difference to the real quality of our lives.
At the time, 'Liberty' meant not being subvervient or beholden to the feudal nobility and landed aristocracy. We can bring this up-to-date and say that we don't want to be, and should not be, subservient or beholden to the interests of large corporations, banks or any institution motivated purely by profits.
'Fraternity' reflected a desire for greater mutuality and reciprocity in social relations. Nowadays we raise exactly the same issues when we talk about community, social cohesion and, how I hate to quote Posh-boy Dave, the Big Society. Time and time again, research shows the importance of community to many facets of human wellbeing.
'Equality' meant a levelling of the gross inequalities between those at the top and those at the bottom of pre-revolutionary France. Liberty and Fraternity cannot happen without 'Equality', which is prerequisite for getting them right. Not only do large inequalities produce many (all?) of the problems caused by social differences and the divisive class prejudices which go with them, they also weaken many aspects of community life. Against what is emerging under the Con-Lib Coalition, how hollow sounds the slogan 'we are all in this together'. How rich sounds the slogan ' Liberty, Fraternity and Equality'. Where is the politician who will take up the challenge and use this slogan as their rallying call? Answers on a postcard to.........

Quotes from another Welshman

Neil Kinnock comes from the same part of the world as me, just up the valley in Bedwellty. As a past leader of the Labour party he was much maligned as a old-fashioned socialist and as a threat to the British way of life. Some of this antipathy was based purely on snobbery - he was from working class stock and he did not sound like someone who could be taken seriously as a senior politician. The perils of having a Welsh accent! Despite having a tendency to liking the sound of his own voice and never knowingly using one word when ten were available, he was an extremely good orator and, on his best days, could hold an audience in the palm of his hands. Here are a couple of quotes from him:

Relevant to my post of yesterday: "Do something that makes a difference - because, by God, there's a lot to make you angry".

As relevant to Cameron today as it was when he was talking about the Thatcher government: "I warn you not to be ordinary, I warn you not to be young, I warn you not to fall ill, and I warn you not to grow old.

Perhaps one day we'll come to appreciate the prescience of the man?

Rage, rage against the dying of the light

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

I've always thought that Dylan Thomas's poem was so expressive and nowadays the sentiments seem to be particularly apt. The older I get, the angrier I get and the more I rage. It's NOT GOOD because the list of targets for my rage seems to increase daily.

Mostly I am angry at injustice in its oh-so-many forms and at the people who perpetuate it.

I am angry at the willful ignorance that passes for politics these days. I am angry at a citizenry that won't do its homework, makes gods of lying "entertainers," and rewards politicians for negative and downright dishonest proclamations. (And on that last, I'm talking about ALL of them. Not just one party, even though there is a bunch that attracts especial venom from me). MAKE . IT. STOP.

I am angry about people who promise the moon and have absolutely no intention of delivering. I am particularly angry about people who do this while asking for my money, my time, my vote and my compassion.

I am angry about a society that puts profits before people, and actually rewards the robbers while it throws people out of their homes into the streets. I am angry at the selfishness of those who "have" and who seem determined to deny their fellow citizens a decent standard of living and some security because it might mean they have to give up some frills in their lives.

I am furious with people who have the power to help others--and refuse to do it.

I am angry with people who say "Have patience". People who don't have to worry about being homeless or having a job or going without medical care or being denied basic services. People who can afford to "wait" for justice for others because they already have all the "justice" they need.

I am angry with people who were born privileged but who have somehow convinced themselves that they have advanced on merit. Who believe that they have earned what they have, without ever once examining the unearned privilege of the socioeconomic status of their family and upbringing.

I'm angry about racism, sexism and homophobia. I'm angry at people who use these prejudices to oppose caring for the least among us and who bully, lie, and hate to oppress the weak and dispossessed.

I am angry about a society that celebrates vacuous celebrity and seems to be happy with a permeating meanness that impoverishes us all. A society that elevates the trivial and demotes the important.

Finally, I'm angry at myself. For not doing more. For allowing this impotent rage to bleed into my life and for allowing my rants to impact upon my relationships with the people I love.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Back in Cornwall

Here we are sunny Cornwall - not! More rain down here than in Scotland and it looks as if it's been that way all week.
Decided today to use Facebook to give some publicity to causes I support. If just one person is introduced to the issues, it will be worth it.

From Scotland #7:The wisdom of Groucho Marx

"Why should I care about future generations? What have they done for me?" And so said Groucho Marx. This just about sums up our attitude to the environmental mess we are leaving as an inheritance to our children and grandchildren. It's a pity that David Cameron and his cronies do not apply the same urgency to this as they do to reducing our debt deficit. Was it ever thus - chasing the money?

From Scotland #6: Blog Blitz!

Entries on 5 days out of 6; a first! When will I next do this?
Last day of the hols with a trip to Leith Hall gardens and woodland walks. A very nice garden - probably the best weeded garden we've ever seen - and an extremely pleasant shortish walk across fields and through mature pine woods. The rest of the day was spent reading and generally relaxing.
The situation in Libya continues to get worse. Yes, Gadaffi's regime is in terminal decline but he's still evading captivity and still acting as a focus for resistance. No doubt everyone would prefer that he's taken dead rather than alive but wouldn't it be great if, for once, a dictator was actually brought before the highest court in the world - the International Criminal Court? I don't think Hussein's trial and execution were particularly edifying, neither was the killing of Osama Bin Laden. Let him face his international accusers and let the world see how paper thin the man is. Perhaps if people could see how ordinary and insignificant these 'great' men are, they would be less in awe of them and less likely to be duped in future by similar despots? Pie in the sky, some will think, but it's got to be worth a go. What is the point of having an agreed legal process at that level if we are not going to use it? Would the fact that the USA is not a signatory hve something to do with it?
On a lighter note, Nick Clegg was paint bombed whilst on a visit further south in Scotland earlier today. Not that I condone violence, but I do approve of giving our politicians a hard time. The closer they get to the voters' anger, the greater the chance that they might actually get the message. What they, the ConLibs, are doing is not OK

From Scotland #5: Double figures reached for castles

Another two castles under our belt yesterday - Drum and Crathes. Both National Trust of Scotland properties and both still lived in until comparatively recently. Carthes Castle has a large estate associated with it and we had a very pleasant 4 mile work in the woodlands there. At Drum, we followed a 1 mile trail. In neither case did we see any red squirrels. Neither did we see Colonel Gadaffy.
Whilst I remember, I did see a Golden Eagle yesterday whilst we were driving along on a fairly secluded piece of road. Definately not a buzzard (nicknamed the 'tourist eagle') and there's no other bird of prey that big around these parts.

Why do I blog?

Here's my very first blog entry:

January 6th 2010. The first day of my entry into the blogosphere. Why a blog? Certainly not because I think I've got anything particularly erudite to say. Certainly not because I want to inflict my views upon the rest of the world, although I will probably have a rant about certain things every now and again. Why? Simply because I've wanted to keep a journal for a while and keeping a blog seems to be as good a way as any of doing this. How often will I make an entry? As often as makes sense and with no commitment to make an entry-a-day.

All of that still holds true. I've just looked back over my entries of the past 20 months and I'm surprised by the number of events I've forgotten the details of. It's been quite illuminating doing this and I'm glad that I made those entries. A good enough reason to keep plugging away at it. I did say that I did not want to inflict my views on the rest of the world and I've certainly succeeded in this. I've had all of 4, yes 4, comments in that time! Rather pathetic and maybe I'll put the address on my Facebook page.

From Scotland #4: A castling we will go!

We wake to glorious weather. Sunny and clear and, unbelievable though it is, absolutely no sign of midges or any other flying, biting thing!
For the record, here is a list of the castles we've visited so far:
Craigevar
Fraser
Kildrummy
Glenbuchat
Huntly
Balvenie
Auchendoul
Corgraff
They range from the fully restored and furnished to the ruinous. All interesting in their own ways and all a testament to the violent history of this part of the world.
A couple more today? Very probably. I'm sure we can reach double figures without too much effort.

Libya and tenuous connections to song lyrics

Walking anywhere (and we are presently in the Highlands of Aberdeen) is a good time to let the mind roam free. Yesterday on a fairly strenuous 7 miler, I was thinking about the current events in Libya. Specifically, I was hoping that those doing most of the fighting and bearing the brunt of the casualities would get their just rewards in the type of society that eventually emerges from the chaos. I don't know for certain but I would surmise that these people are predominantly from the lower/working classes. My problem is that my analysis of past 'revolutions' indicates that those who come out on top are the middle and upper classes and that, for Joe Ordinary, not a lot actually changes. Such thoughts brought two song lyrics to mind. The first comes from around the time of WW1 and was apparently very popular with the troops (you'll need to research some of the verses to understand why!)

It's the same the whole world over,
It's the poor what gets the blame.
It's the rich what gets the pleasure.
Ain't it all a bleedin' shame?

The second comes from The Who's 'Won't get fooled again'.

I'll tip my hat to the new constitution
Take a bow for the new revolution.....
Meet the new boss
Same as the old boss........
And I'll get on my knees and pray
We won't get fooled again.........

We won't get fooled again? We will; we will. 'Twas ever thus. And it will take a seismic shift in the political system to make it any different. Sadly, not in my lifetime - but I'll go down trying!

From Scotland #3: Tilting at castles

Another clear day and one that we spent visiting a couple of castles - Craigevar and Castle Fraser. Both very good examples of a Scottish tower castle and both well worth a visit. We enjoyed going around them as we had not done 'castling' for quite a while. In fact, I can't remember the last castle we had visited.
All that after a very lazy start to the day.
Oh yes, we had a Skype call with Laura in late afternoon - it's amazing how quickly babies grow.
Haven't heard the news today; who can tell what is going on in the rest of the world.

From Scotland #2: tilting at windmills

Yesterday Jan and I went for a walk. We left directly from the cottage and traced a circular route taking in fields, open moorland and heather covered hills. An invigorating 6 miles and one that was tough on the calf muscles as walking across heather is not the easiest of paths. A couple of things on the walk stuck out:
1. How useful a GPS was. I'm still not used to the one I've just bought and it's still a novelty. To be honest, under most circumstances it's probably an affectation with little practical utility. But, yesterday, on featureless moorland (without a map), it was extremely useful to be able to track the direction of the walk against the satellite position. It certainly meant that we were able to know where we were and navigate correctly.
2. How many wind turbines there are in this part of the world. When we had a break, I surveyed the panorama and noted six separate clusters dotted around. What do I think of them? From a distance they are not too intrusive and blend into the scenery reasonably well. It's a different matter close up; as they are pretty big. And the noise! I've never been that close to one before and the constant hum and swish of the blades was annoying. A necessary evil? Yes, that's how I'd describe them. It's good that they are becoming greater in number, with the implication that more of our energy is being generated from renewable resources. It's a shame that they can't be made much smaller. Perhaps that will come.

From Scotland #1

I write this on the first full day of a week's break in Scotland. We've just had a rather hectic time - Joshua's birth (and all its sequelae), Ellen and Roo for a few days, the Palmers down with us etc - and we are intending to recharge our batteries by not doing a lot.
A flight from Exeter to Aberdeen, with a short stop in Leeds/Bradford, followed by a 45 minute drive took us to Mar Lodge. A cottage down a track in the middle of not a lot. Comfortably appointed. I think this will do us very nicely.
Lots of walking is on the cards but, conversely, so is taking it easy. Which will win?
I haven't blogged for a while (laziness), despite so much going on in the world. But nothing changes - it's still a mess. Here are just a few of the things which cause me to get hot under the colour:
* The machinations of our coalition government. How many people expected what we have got? How can the Lib Dems continue in government with them?
* The situation in Libya, Afghanistan etc etc.
* The same old/same old situation in Israel/Palestine. And no sign of any movement towards a settlement which is anyway favourable to the Palestinians. I'm just reading a book called 'The Blood Never Dried', subtitled 'A people's history of the British Empire', whch deals with our involvement in the establishment of Israel. Yet anothe shameful episode in our colonial past.
* Starvations and violence in Somalia.
* The seeming impotence of President Obama in the USA to get real change in that country. I suppose that the attention will now swing towards re-election, with various vote grabbing headlines.
There are so many other items and causes on this list but I won't go any further. Quite frankly, it's too depressing for the first day of our holiday.

A break in Devon

Off for a three day break in Devon. Saturday night at a rather nice B & B called Streamcoumbe, just outside outside of Dulverton. We are with Jan's cousins Anne and Roger and their spouses. A quiet day today, travelled here and had a short walk. This evening we are all looking forward to a home-cooked meal, which I can see being prepared throught the kitchen window as I type.
In the wider world, the death of Osama Bin Laden still reverberates. Personally, I feel very uncomfortable with the manner in which the man was despatched. He was, without doubt, a mass murderer and deserved the severest punishment. But I think that a summary execution/assassination does absolutely nothing for the moral standing of the USA, or the West generally. No matter how difficult the matter would have been, I do believe that a trial (at the International Criminal Court?) would have been the best way forward. One slight problem with this, however, is the fact that the USA does not recognise the ICC.
The results of the AV Referendum show that the majority (70:30) of those who voted (40% turnout) came down on the 'no' side. No surprise there but it does give Nick Clegg a big personal problem. How long will the coalition last? Not the full term is my prediction.

Where did the day go?

It's 9.15pm and I'm wondering where the day went. I've been busy but have not achieved anything tangible for my time. Maybe tomorrow will be different?

Royal Wedding - an observation

One thing struck me whilst watching reruns of the Royal Wedding and that is how short the Queen is. Is she getting shorter as she gets older? Will we soon have a royal midget on the throne? I think we should be told.

A busy weekend

It's Sunday evening and the end of a busy, but enjoyable, weekend. Friday was the day of our community Royal Wedding celebration. It was a very full day with something going on from 9am until 11pm (or 0.10am) if we include the time taken to clear up. Saturday was the day of the Church Fete, with accompanying Flower Festival. Today was the day of the special marriage service.
A good community weekend and, as many people have remarked, the "way things used to be". I'm doubtful that these halcyon days ever existed but it is pretty clear that the old fashioned sense of community still exists. It just takes certain events to make it more apparent.
Absolutely knackered and it will be nice to take it easy for a while. And next comes the June edition of the OSN and the bathroom!

Tosh continues

I've just caught a glimpse of some ice skating programme on the TV. Entertainment? Not to me, matey. Mindless, orchestrated drivel dressed up as reality. Aaarrrggghhhh! I'm normal (?), get me out of here!

More from Kent

Another day in Kent with Laura and Barry. To get Laura's wedding dress fitted, we visited a dress shop in Gillingham. What a mess the Medway towns are in. I can't recall ever visiting such a depressed and depressing area. I presume that once they were properous when the military was the major employer in the area. But now - a pretty miserable looking spectacle. It's a shame as there were pockets of interesting architectural features which gave glimpses of a past that was obvioulsy better than the present. If the residents are expecting an massive injection of redevelopment cash from this current government, I fear they are going to be disappointed.
In the afternoon we visited a town at the diametrically opposite end of the social scale, Tunbridge Wells. Here money dripped from the cars and the high-end shops! On the surface, a place that will weather the financial storms far better than the Medway towns. But neither of them are Cornwall and I'll be glad to be motoring down the A303 tomorrow.

Watchng a Zom Rom Com

Up in Pembury with Laura and Barry to watch the school production, Zombie Prom. Excellent again. What a talented daughter I have! Genes will out.

Heading East

Writing this from our bedroom at Sue and Dennis's in Nailsea. We are on our way to Laura's in Kent for our annual visit to see her school production.
The news is still dominated by the situation in Egypt. The rival fractions are still fighting and Mubarack is still clinging on to power. I think it is inconceivable that he will remain there for much longer but what or who comes next is still unknown. The West obviously wants an Egypt which is 'friendly' as does Israel. Thus far the Muslim fundamentalists do not seem to be taking the upper hand but who knows what may happen as the story continues to unfold. Of course, having a fairer system of elections might very well mean the people voting in exactly the way the West doesn't want!
I'm wondering how much money is leaving Egypt for the vaults of various Swiss banks? I'm pretty sure that the old regime is trying to extract as much out of the country as they can before they leave.

I'm a lumberjack and I'm OK...

Hardly a lumberjack but I am wielding the chainsaw and axe today to gather in our next supply of logs for the stove. A very satisfying task and one that I enjoy.
The big news on the international stage is the continued discontent in Egypt. A popular uprising ousted the president in Tunis a couple of weeks ago. Will the same thing happen to Mubarack? Lots of speculation about what this will mean. Replacement of Mubarack by a less secular government could have all sorts of implications.

A new start?

I am going to try really hard to make a few more entries into this blog, even if what I write is not too interesting. Perhaps the interest will come when I review what I've written in a few months? Perhaps not!
So, what has happened today?
* Pilates.
* Lunch at The Galleon in Fowey with Bin, Bob, Mike and Glynis.
* Morrisons in Liskeard.
* Heaps of recycling put out for collection tomorrow.
* Complete disaster when I attempted to make some biscuits for WOW this Wednesday.
* A more successful attempt to reload all my music files on my i-POD!

And that's about it for the day. No highbrow thoughts on anything.

Long time - no blog! Again!

I'm amazed that it's been almost six months since I last blogged. Obviously making entries is extremely high on my list of priorities. I really must try to inject a sense of discipline into this area of my life. Unfortunately, it's all so reminiscent of my juvenile approaches to keeping a diary. I'd do it religiously for a short while and then it would fall by the wayside. How I wish I had kept it up. At my advanced years, the musings of my younger self would make fascinating reading. Would I even recognise the author?

From Yorkshire: Part 2

Now based at our hotel , The Traddock, in Austwick, which is a few miles from Settle.
Yesterday after getting up we walked to Hardcastle Crags near Hebden Bridge, About 5 miles up a river valley and then back along a ridge - with a break at Gibson's Mill. We had a rather delicious Eccles Cake beween us.

Then on to the hotel to arrive late - too late for dinner.

Today we were out and about. A drive over the hills to Hawes, a wander around and then a 5 miler based on Aysgarth. A good walk but we were both knackered at the end of it, not through the exertion but because of life. Off then to Castle Bolton, where Mary, Queen of Scots was imprisoned. A gem of a castle. I don't think we've seen a castle with the rooms quite so complete. The drive back to the hotel took us via Malham through some beautifully wild country.

A great place to spend time. And an excellent dinner to look forward to!

From Yorkshire: Part 1

It's 9.20am and we are still in bed! We are at Malcolm and Jan's for a couple of nights before heading a little further north for 4 nights. Yesterday was blighted by my having a bout of food poisoning which resulted in my staying in bed most of the day. Not very pleasant. Must remember to always wash grapes before I eat them!

Long time no blog!

It's been a long while since I put anything on this blog. I really ought to decide whether or not it is worth continuing with it. Is tonight the night that I will add something? 'Fraid not.

Time for a catch up #1

No blog for a couple of weeks so I thought it was time for a catch up. What's been occurring?
Well, the LibDemCon coalition is bedding in. All noise and not too much action at the moment but, I don't think anybody is in any doubt that there will be pain to come. Micheal Gove has announced the formation of school academies - doesn't sound like a particularly good idea to me but I don't know the details of what is planned. More to come.

Have been on a couple of good walks recently. The first was with Richard's Ramblers, a circular route from Bickleigh along the Plym Valley Trail down to Plym Bridge and then back along the river. Great weather and a great walk. The second walk was along the Tamar from New Bridge in Gunnislake down to Morwellham Quay and back. Much to my surprise, the tea shop at the Quay was open! A delightful walk and one well worth doing again.

Off to South Wales to drop Ellen off, quick birthday party and then back home to expect Laura and Barry for a few days. Busy, busy, busy.

A walk along the Dart Estuary

A good day today with a walk along the Dart Estuary. Started at Dartmouth, boat trip to Greenaway (home of Agatha Christie - not very interesting), a walk back to Kingsweir and then a boat back to Dartmouth. With John, Rosy and Lol. A good time was had by all. And Rosy bought us all an ice cream at Dartmouth when we finished!

Tears before bedtime?

The deal has been done and today was the first day of the new Conservative/Liberal Democratic Coalition government. At the moment all is sweetness and light, as it should be. The new policies they have negotiated have been announced and clearly show the compromises that both sides have had to make to reach agreement. The devil is in the detail and it will be interesting to see how words are translated into action. There are a few things that immediately struck me. The first was the scrapping of the ID Card proposal: hooray. The second was stopping the children of immigrants under investigation being detained in Yarlswood Prison: hooray. The third was the absence of any commitment to remove the ban on fox hunting: hooray. There seems to be some substance in the areas of civil liberties and the environment. Of course, the whole agreement is riddled with ambiguous and essentially meaningless statements. As I said earlier, the devil is in the detail. My opinion? I'll reserve my judgement and give them all a chance to show what they can do. But I can't help remembering what my grandmother used to say: "there'll be tears before bedtime".

Turning now to the losers, today the first candidate in the leadership contest threw his hat into the ring. David Milliband has said that he would stand. It will be interesting to see how he intends to take the Labour party forward. I have a feeling that he is not going to take the party in the direction I would like. Will someone more to the left of the party emerge as a runner? John Cruddas, for example? It's obvious that the coalition occupies the middle ground and Labour (is it still New Labour?) will have to think very carefully about where it positions itself. How about to the left? Now there's a novel thought for a so-called socialist party!

PS: Excellent leaving speech given by Gordon Brown yesterday. If only he had shown this side of his character more often.

And so it continues!

What a day! It started out with the deal between Tory Dave and Libbo Clegg looking as if it was going to go ahead and then Gordon announces two things. Firstly, that he was taking the early bath and, secondly, that Libbo Clegg had asked that formal talks between them started. Where will it all end? As I right both Labour and the Tories are increasing what they are prepared to offer the Lib Dems for their hand. A veritable bidding war. Perhaps Libbo Clegg is playing one side against the other. Perhaps he's not. As I read it at the moment, anything could happen. I find it hard to believe that Tory Dave would allow the glittering prize to slip from his grasp easily. Equally, I find it hard to believe that Laboutr will not go down fighting. Watching the news channels is quite amusing. It is clear that nobody knows what is going on and nobody knows how it will end. All descends to speculation and clutching at whatever straws of information are blowing in the wind. I don't think that this horse trading can last much longer or else it will become farcical. I think that by the end of tomorrow it will all be much clearer.

Bah, humbug - that'll larn me!

I've yet to make any comments about the aftermath of the General Election and do not intend devoting much time to it now. The deliberations/horse trading are still going on between the Tories and the Lib Dems. The way it looks now is that they will come to some sort of accommodation and I suppose the only surprise will lie in what the details are. Poor old Gordon looks on the way out. There's no chance that he'll end up negotiating with Clegg as I'm sure that he (Clegg) is too far on the hook with Posh Dave. I don't think Gordon will last until the end of the month before he resigns or is 'encouraged' to leave.
At one level, a very interesting time for those who like politics. And I'd count myself in this group but my over-riding emotion is one of disappointment. Disappointed that the one time I vote Lib Dem (to keep the Tories out), I find that I've probably helped to get the Tories in! Woe is me and that will teach me to vote with my head rather than my heart.

Yet more drivel!

Britain's Got Talent. More tosh but tosh with a cruel edge to it. Putting no hopers on TV really is the pits. Why I am watching it? 'Cos I'm at my mum's and she has the remote control!

Drivel drivel, drivel!

Have caught a few minutes of an awful programme - Over the Rainbow. What absolute tosh. No more on it from me.

We live in interesting times...........if you support the Lib Dems!

Both the TV news and the paper press are full of the way in which the fortunes of the Lib Dems have changed in the aftermath of the first debate. Nick Clegg is the new political pin-up boy, with poor old Gordon being relegated to third position. The polls are fairly variable but the trend is clear - Lib Dem gain at the expense of Labour. What will it mean for the rest of the campaigning? Clearly both Labour and the Tories will take the Lib Dem threat more seriously and will start shooting at them with whatever ammunition they will be able to trawl up. There's a long time to go to May 6th and if Nick Clegg performs less well in the remaining debates, all of this excitement might very well make no discernible difference when voters are in the booth. Which other party stands to lose the most from the Lib Dem 'bounce'? If I were David Cameron, I'd be concerned that the floating voters might see the Lib Dems as a reasonable home for their votes and cause me problems in the marginals. If I were Gordon Brown, I'd be thinking the same. There's no question that Labour are not popular, but then neither are the Tories. Perhaps those who would have put a peg on their nose Eand voted Tory will now feel that they can vote Lib Dem peg-free!

Election Debate #1

I managed to watch most of the first debate between the leaders of the three main parties last night. Political history was being made, or so we were told. Unfortunately, although it may have met this criterion, it was not a vehicle for incisive presentation of policies or for finding out anything really new. Upon reflection, that is a very personal view and probably does not apply to everyone who watched it. I regard myself as reasonably politically informed and, perhaps, the less informed would have learnt something about Nick Clegg. Given his normally low profile, it may have come as a surprise to many that he was quite sensible. The common wisdom seems to be that Clegg 'won' the debate. I agree with that and, although Gordon didn't do too badly, his seriousness is a definate handicap. It will be interesting to see how he performs in the rest of the series.

Amnesty AGM 2010

A very full and very interesting day at the Amnesty 2010 AGM. Wide ranging sessions with good debate - all conducted in a spirit of cooperation. It really is good to see so many young people, not just university students but also pupils from Years 10 -13. And they weren't just listening, they were taking a full part in all the activities. Too much detail to go into here and it's sufficient to say that the Amnesty candle is burning bright.

The day finished with an activity outdoors (and the weather was kind) protesting against Shell's activities in the Niger Delta. Accompanied by Nigerian drummers and a display of torches. I found it all rather poignant - 600 people in the middle of the UK united in solidarity trying to help fellow human beings in another continent.

Two posts on one day!

Another post on April 9th but this time from Warwick University. Typical student accommodation but not too bad. The AI conference really starts in ernest tomorrow. Today's events were really just for information rather than knowledge.
A different crowd to the Spring Harvest attendees at Minehead. The AI lot are, in the main, a lot more casual and there are no families around. Human Rights activism is definately an adult pastime. There is a very good spread of ages, with many students from school groups. It's great to see them getting involved. More on the AGM in later posts but now I'm going to read the formal papers for tomorrow's sessions.

Nothing to report.......

...............but trying to get back into the habit of posting to the blog more regularly. Still at Spring Harvest in Minehead but due to depart for the Amnesty AGM at Warwick University soon. Should be a 3 hour drive and I'll have my i-pod to keep me company on the way!
Electioneering is well underway and I really will have to mention this at some stage. But not today.
The sun is shining and I think we can safely assume that winter is behind us.

Who'd have thought it? Me at Spring Harvest!

Gosh, has it really been almost 6 weeks since I posted a blog? Double gosh, am I really sending this post from Butlin's at Minehead? Jan and I are attending Spring Harvest - me physically rather than spiritually. Jan both! It will be interesting to observe what happens.