From the cartoonist's pen

Sometimes cartoonists can capture the essence of an argument in a minimalist way. Here are three cartoons that caught my eye today.
The first encapsulates the general quality of the debate of the issues in the UK. For heavens sake, when the views of Melanie Phillips and Nigel Lawson on global warming are taken seriously by many, what hope is there for the rest of us who want to know the truth?

The second seems to be the prevailing attitude of most people in this country. A simplification? An overstatement? I don't believe so. If you disagree, show me where I'm wrong.

The third follows from the second and shows the rather touching faith that the general public seems to have in the ability of scientists and technology to sort the problem out. It just ain't going to happen, folks, unless WE do something about it directly.

Authoritative reports on Global Warming: Part 1

A good friend from North Carolina (thank you, Carl) sent me a link to an important and authoritative report entitled 'Global climate change impacts in the United States'. The examples it gives, as the title implies, are USA-related but, given the very nature of global warming, there is much in the report of direct relevance to us in the UK. I've abstracted the main points of the summary to the report and given these below. I think two of them sum up the situation very succinctly.
Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced and Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today.
The report (linked through the graphic) does not make for cheerful reading but its conclusions can neither be ignored or minimised. Coincidentally another report on the same issue came out this week and I shall refer to that, and make some general observations, in my next posting.

1. Global warming is unequivocal and primarily human-induced. Global temperature has increased over the past 50 years. This observed increase is due primarily to human-induced emissions of heat-trapping gases.

2. Climate changes are underway in the United States and are projected to grow. Climate-related changes are already observed in the United States and its coastal waters. These include increases in heavy downpours, rising temperature and sea level, rapidly retreating glaciers, thawing permafrost, lengthening growing seasons, lengthening ice-free seasons in the ocean and on lakes and rivers, earlier snowmelt, and alterations in river flows. These changes are projected to grow.

3. Widespread climate-related impacts are occurring now and are expected to increase. Climate changes are already affecting water, energy, transportation, agriculture, ecosystems, and health. These impacts are different from region to region and will grow under projected climate change.

4. Climate change will stress water resources. Water is an issue in every region, but the nature of the potential impacts varies. Drought, related to reduced precipitation, increased evaporation, and increased water loss from plants, is an important issue in many regions, especially in the West. Floods and water quality problems are likely to be amplified by climate change in most regions. Declines in mountain snowpack are important in the West and Alaska where snowpack provides vital natural water storage.

5. Crop and livestock production will be increasingly challenged. Many crops show positive responses to elevated responses to carbon dioxide. However, increased heat, pests, water stress, diseases, and weather extremes will pose adaptation challenges for crop and livestock production.

6. Coastal areas are at increasing risk from sea-level rise and storm surge. Sea-level rise and storm surge place many U.S. coastal areas at increasing risk of erosion and flooding, especially along the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts, Pacific Islands, and parts of Alaska. Energy and transportation infrastructure and other property in coastal areas are very likely to be adversely affected.

7. Risks to human health will increase. Health impacts of climate change are related to heat stress, waterborne diseases, poor air quality, extreme weather events, and diseases transmitted by insects and rodents. Robust public health infrastructure can reduce the potential for negative impacts.

8. Climate change will interact with many social and environmental stresses. Climate change will combine with pollution, population growth, overuse of resources, urbanization, and other social, economic, and environmental stresses to create larger impacts than from any of these factors alone.

9. Thresholds will be crossed, leading to large changes in climate and ecosystems. There are a variety of thresholds in the climate system and ecosystems. These thresholds determine, for example, the presence of sea ice and permafrost, and the survival of species, from fish to insect pests, with implications for society. With further climate change, the crossing of additional thresholds is expected.

10. Future climate change and its impacts depend on choices made today. The amount and rate of future climate change depend primarily on current and future human-caused emissions of heat-trapping gases and airborne particles. Responses involve reducing emissions to limit future warming, and adapting to the changes that are unavoidable.

How to save £3,100,000,000

I have been a supporter of the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) for more years than I care to remember (I've got happy memories of various 'Ban the Bomb' activities at Aberystwyth University in the '60s!). To me it is a matter of principle as I believe strongly that we should be working to rid the globe of all nuclear weapons, so that we can make the World a safer and more secure place.
I find it indefensible that while our beloved (but not by me!) coalition government is forcing through swingeing cuts to vital public services, it is continuing to spend billions of pounds on nuclear weapons. How can any government justify spending £3.1 billion of taxpayers’ money on the Trident nuclear missile system each year? That's £3,100,000,000; yes, £3,100,000,000. Just think what that amount could do if it was spent on social housing, job creation, education, health, policing, community groups, etc! Or, perish the thought, used to reduce the oft-mentioned debt mountain.
The Government has also authorised the expenditure of billions of pounds on its scheme to replace the Trident nuclear submarines / weapons system, even though the decision on whether to press ahead with the replacement will not even be taken until 2016. The original estimate for the new submarines was a massive £11-14 billion, but recently the government has published a progress report which shows that the actual costs are likely to be in the region of £25-26 billion. It has also been acknowledged that the total cost of the whole programme, including lifetime costs, will probably exceed £100 billion. And let's not forget that runaway increases in costs have blighted almost every major defence project in recent years. With that in mind, perhaps £100 billion is an underestimate.
What a waste of our money. David Cameron and his acolytes repeatedly say that they are prepared to take the tough decisions. I bet they don't have the bottle to take this one on.

Correction to my last post.

Looks like the spin doctors were quick off the mark.

A recommendation from No 10

Who would have thought that my fame would spread that far?

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!