ME and Ophelia
Friday, April 30, 2004
ATTACK OF THE GIANT SNAILS
And Organisational Story-Telling
People think in stories, talk in stories, communicate in stories, even dream in stories. If you want to understand what's going on in an organization, you need to listen to the stories. Moreover, if you want to get anything done in an organization, you need to know how to use to story to move people. Read more on Organisational Story-Telling...
- - -
These Giant African Land Snails are native to Africa and found in parts of Asia. They are known to consume as many as 500 different plants. Maybe people have tried to cook and eat them, like escargot in garlic butter. Interesting how its known that the mucous from these snails can transmit meningitis. Sadly, I once knew a 15-year-old girl who died from meningitis but no-one could say how she contracted the illness. Her name was Tammy and she was adorable.
- - -
POLITICAL ANIMAL
By Kevin Drum, formerly of Calpundit
Seems you can't say "suck" on the radio. As in, say, "Saddam Hussein sucks" (just to pull an example from a hat).
Some amusing comments - especially by Phil.
[via Richard Gayle]
And Organisational Story-Telling
People think in stories, talk in stories, communicate in stories, even dream in stories. If you want to understand what's going on in an organization, you need to listen to the stories. Moreover, if you want to get anything done in an organization, you need to know how to use to story to move people. Read more on Organisational Story-Telling...
- - -
These Giant African Land Snails are native to Africa and found in parts of Asia. They are known to consume as many as 500 different plants. Maybe people have tried to cook and eat them, like escargot in garlic butter. Interesting how its known that the mucous from these snails can transmit meningitis. Sadly, I once knew a 15-year-old girl who died from meningitis but no-one could say how she contracted the illness. Her name was Tammy and she was adorable.
- - -
POLITICAL ANIMAL
By Kevin Drum, formerly of Calpundit
Seems you can't say "suck" on the radio. As in, say, "Saddam Hussein sucks" (just to pull an example from a hat).
Some amusing comments - especially by Phil.
[via Richard Gayle]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/30/2004
0 comments
- - -
HOME TO A CUP OF TEA AND SLEEP -
Soyuz spacecraft makes flawless landing
Great news! All three astronauts are safely on Earth. "It was right on the money - an almost bull's-eye landing," NASA said.
Note these photos of the astronauts' landing. Their capsule looks tiny and Foale and Kaleri look poorly. Especially Michael Foale, he looks exhausted. Conditions up there in the International Space Station must have been awful. Six months ago, just before Michael Foale left Earth, his face was beaming with good health. Family and friends must be terribly worried.
Surely, living in space for six months will have had an adverse affect on their health. Weightlessness alone must do something to the bones and muscles. Here's hoping Foale and Kaleri will be feeling better soon. And that they got along together OK.
Imagine the way they lived, in such close quarters, for six whole months. Everyone has their funny little ways and annoying habits. I can't imagine what's worse, living for six months underwater in a nuclear submarine or far away in space on a dodgy platform.
Wish they'd give more interviews on what it's really like living up there for six months in that rustbucket, while taking advice from NASA and the Russians. Imagine the argy bargy, in times of stress and tension, between NASA and the Russians. The cultural barrier alone is mind boggling. Not to mention the bureacracy, egos and politics. It'd be great if the BBC did an in-depth documentary on the life of the astronauts' six month stint aboard the ageing ISS.
Here's the story of today's great landing:
An American who is really British, a Russian and a Dutchman came hurtling back to Earth today strapped tightly into a space capsule, touching down for a spot-on landing that capped a ride they described as beautiful but tiring.
The Soyuz TMA-3 capsule that brought them home, touched down flawlessly in the steppes of Kazakhstan. The bell-shaped descent module landed upright, on its bottom, and the astronauts, enfeebled by the speedy descent, were carried out. Crews rushed to bundle them in fleece-lined sleeping bags and serve hot tea to stave off the early-morning chill.
Nasa hailed the smooth operation as another sign of American-Russian cooperation more than a year after the shuttle programme was grounded because of the Columbia disaster. Columbia broke up as it re-entered the atmosphere over Texas in February 2003, killing all seven astronauts.
The landing of the space station's previous American-Russian crew in October went without a hitch — unlike the dramatic landing of the first American astronaut in a Russian Soyuz capsule in May 2003, when a computer error sent the crew on a wild descent 250 miles off course.
Today's landing was flawless. NASA said it was a testimonial to the depth of the partnership of the International Space Station. The European Space Agency congratulated the Russians "for such a beautiful and safe landing of the crew."
Yesterday, Foale, Kaleri and Kuipers entered the capsule, after formally handing control of the International Space Station to the new crew, Russian Gennady Padalka and American Michael Fincke, who had arrived nine days earlier. Strapped into their seats, they began their descent about 3 1/2 hours before landing near the town of Arkalyk in Russia.
Search and rescue helicopters glimpsed the space capsule as it neared the ground, and the space officials at mission control broke into applause. The bell-shaped descent module landed upright and the astronauts were carried out. "It was heavier, or more violent, than I thought. I braced myself but nevertheless my head went forward - but no wounds," Kuipers said. "But it is a nice feeling if the parachute goes open and, yes, it was a beautiful ride. Everything works fine. It's great!"
Foale said the three were tired. "We got up very early almost a day ago, just had a brief nap," Foale said as he sat outside the capsule, waiting to be carried to an orange medical tent for an initial checkup. “It feels like after a good party,” said Anglo-American astronaut Michael Foale, from Cambridge, who had spent six months circling the Earth on board the International Space Station with Russian cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri.
In Kostanai, a Kazakh town north of Arkalyk, where the Russian search and rescue operation had its headquarters, local officials gave the astronauts a red-carpet welcome. They were presented with traditional embroidered Kazakh robes and hats.
Kuipers was the second Dutchman to fly into space, and his return coincided with the Dutch national holiday Queen's Day. The Dutch ambassador to Kazakhstan, Peter van Leeuwen, gave each astronaut "a piece of the best Dutch product — cheese."
Still unsteady on their feet, each astronaut was walked by the arm and sat down on a chair for a press conference before being flown to Star City, Russia’s cosmonaut training centre near Moscow.
Asked if he wanted to go back to the space station, Foale, from Cambridge who became an American citizen so he could be a spaceman, said: “Not now.”
“I feel the nice smell of earth ... and you are the first people I see after six months away. It’s nice to be here,” he said in Russian.
[via Associated Press and Scotsman]
HOME TO A CUP OF TEA AND SLEEP -
Soyuz spacecraft makes flawless landing
Great news! All three astronauts are safely on Earth. "It was right on the money - an almost bull's-eye landing," NASA said.
Note these photos of the astronauts' landing. Their capsule looks tiny and Foale and Kaleri look poorly. Especially Michael Foale, he looks exhausted. Conditions up there in the International Space Station must have been awful. Six months ago, just before Michael Foale left Earth, his face was beaming with good health. Family and friends must be terribly worried.
Surely, living in space for six months will have had an adverse affect on their health. Weightlessness alone must do something to the bones and muscles. Here's hoping Foale and Kaleri will be feeling better soon. And that they got along together OK.
Imagine the way they lived, in such close quarters, for six whole months. Everyone has their funny little ways and annoying habits. I can't imagine what's worse, living for six months underwater in a nuclear submarine or far away in space on a dodgy platform.
Wish they'd give more interviews on what it's really like living up there for six months in that rustbucket, while taking advice from NASA and the Russians. Imagine the argy bargy, in times of stress and tension, between NASA and the Russians. The cultural barrier alone is mind boggling. Not to mention the bureacracy, egos and politics. It'd be great if the BBC did an in-depth documentary on the life of the astronauts' six month stint aboard the ageing ISS.
Here's the story of today's great landing:
An American who is really British, a Russian and a Dutchman came hurtling back to Earth today strapped tightly into a space capsule, touching down for a spot-on landing that capped a ride they described as beautiful but tiring.
The Soyuz TMA-3 capsule that brought them home, touched down flawlessly in the steppes of Kazakhstan. The bell-shaped descent module landed upright, on its bottom, and the astronauts, enfeebled by the speedy descent, were carried out. Crews rushed to bundle them in fleece-lined sleeping bags and serve hot tea to stave off the early-morning chill.
Nasa hailed the smooth operation as another sign of American-Russian cooperation more than a year after the shuttle programme was grounded because of the Columbia disaster. Columbia broke up as it re-entered the atmosphere over Texas in February 2003, killing all seven astronauts.
The landing of the space station's previous American-Russian crew in October went without a hitch — unlike the dramatic landing of the first American astronaut in a Russian Soyuz capsule in May 2003, when a computer error sent the crew on a wild descent 250 miles off course.
Today's landing was flawless. NASA said it was a testimonial to the depth of the partnership of the International Space Station. The European Space Agency congratulated the Russians "for such a beautiful and safe landing of the crew."
Yesterday, Foale, Kaleri and Kuipers entered the capsule, after formally handing control of the International Space Station to the new crew, Russian Gennady Padalka and American Michael Fincke, who had arrived nine days earlier. Strapped into their seats, they began their descent about 3 1/2 hours before landing near the town of Arkalyk in Russia.
Search and rescue helicopters glimpsed the space capsule as it neared the ground, and the space officials at mission control broke into applause. The bell-shaped descent module landed upright and the astronauts were carried out. "It was heavier, or more violent, than I thought. I braced myself but nevertheless my head went forward - but no wounds," Kuipers said. "But it is a nice feeling if the parachute goes open and, yes, it was a beautiful ride. Everything works fine. It's great!"
Foale said the three were tired. "We got up very early almost a day ago, just had a brief nap," Foale said as he sat outside the capsule, waiting to be carried to an orange medical tent for an initial checkup. “It feels like after a good party,” said Anglo-American astronaut Michael Foale, from Cambridge, who had spent six months circling the Earth on board the International Space Station with Russian cosmonaut Alexander Kaleri.
In Kostanai, a Kazakh town north of Arkalyk, where the Russian search and rescue operation had its headquarters, local officials gave the astronauts a red-carpet welcome. They were presented with traditional embroidered Kazakh robes and hats.
Kuipers was the second Dutchman to fly into space, and his return coincided with the Dutch national holiday Queen's Day. The Dutch ambassador to Kazakhstan, Peter van Leeuwen, gave each astronaut "a piece of the best Dutch product — cheese."
Still unsteady on their feet, each astronaut was walked by the arm and sat down on a chair for a press conference before being flown to Star City, Russia’s cosmonaut training centre near Moscow.
Asked if he wanted to go back to the space station, Foale, from Cambridge who became an American citizen so he could be a spaceman, said: “Not now.”
“I feel the nice smell of earth ... and you are the first people I see after six months away. It’s nice to be here,” he said in Russian.
[via Associated Press and Scotsman]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/30/2004
0 comments
Thursday, April 29, 2004
SPACE CREW GET READY FOR EARTH
It's a massive recovery operation
Six months ago, I blogged about British-born Michael Foale and Russian Alexander Kaleri's journey to the International Space Station. Now they are getting ready for their return to Earth. Dutchman Andre Kuipers returns with them from an 11-day stint.
It's a massive recovery operation. Ground teams are preparing to rescue the men from the Russian Soyuz capsule, set to land on Kazakhstan's grasslands. The operation to recover the capsule from its landing position would involve 160 people, as well as eight helicopters, two aircraft and two all-terrain vehicles.
They will be hoping to avoid a repeat of events last May, when the returning capsule had to be hunted for several hours after slipping off course on its way down...
God bless and good luck to all the astronauts and ground crew. Thinking of you.
It's a massive recovery operation
Six months ago, I blogged about British-born Michael Foale and Russian Alexander Kaleri's journey to the International Space Station. Now they are getting ready for their return to Earth. Dutchman Andre Kuipers returns with them from an 11-day stint.
It's a massive recovery operation. Ground teams are preparing to rescue the men from the Russian Soyuz capsule, set to land on Kazakhstan's grasslands. The operation to recover the capsule from its landing position would involve 160 people, as well as eight helicopters, two aircraft and two all-terrain vehicles.
They will be hoping to avoid a repeat of events last May, when the returning capsule had to be hunted for several hours after slipping off course on its way down...
God bless and good luck to all the astronauts and ground crew. Thinking of you.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/29/2004
0 comments
- - -
BLOGGERS HAVEN'T DONE A WHOLE LOT TO CHANGE THE WORLD -
Now seems like a hell of a time to try and start
Who says medicine isn't satisfying? asks blogging doctor Nicholas Genes. Here's what was overhead on the rounds last week:
Medical intern: "Any pain this morning, Mr. Jones?"
Mr. Jones: "Yeah, actually, I was getting this sharp pain in my back overnight."
Intern: "Can you sit up?"
Mr. Jones rises.
Intern: "Sir, you slept on your fork."
- - -
Nick, in his post entitled Do something, writes:
"It's an abrupt buzz-kill from this site's recent levity and nostalgia, but I just saw my name on Me and Ophelia's list of bloggers passionate about international justice. I'm surprised by the inclusion, and can't help but think she's politely, implicitly, challenging me to put my money where my mouth is.
Unlike the Amazon hoax I railed against last weekend, this crisis is real, and it's not getting the attention it deserves. James Moore has got the latest on the genocide in Sudan. Passion of the Present lists the ways readers can get involved.
For all our opinions and perceived influence, bloggers haven't done a whole lot to change the world. Now seems like a hell of a time to try and start. Pass it on."
- - -
Note: Like I said in Nick's comments, I knew he was a sweetie pie. For some reason, he sounds good looking - maybe because, like Madhu, (you two should meet!) he has a good and kind soul.
- - -
THANK YOU DEAR BLOGGERS
For doing something
This is to say a big 'thank you' to other bloggers who so kindly posted and linked to the Passion of the Present, namely:
Pauly, in New York City, who has just had a monster holiday in Vegas. Being a writer and expert poker player, Pauly can blog about anything - poker, hookers and genocide - in one seamless breath, and still make it read normal ;-)
British blogger John, a journalist who works in the UK but lives in Australia and also writes for pub quiz books. John and his English wife are soon-to-be Australian citizens. Here's wishing them the best.
Wendy, at Allseasons in Canada, who feels that the scale of suffering in Africa is mind boggling, writes this great line, quote: "But we all need to be aware and to do what we can. It is always better to at least do something, no matter how small it seems." (btw Wendy re the comment I left at your post: I should have typed that 30,000 (not 10,000) people have already died in the Sudan).
And thanks to Clive, affectionately known as Balders, who is best mates - since schooldays - with the much loved Scaryduck (who's suffering right now with flu and bereavement). Clive's working on a post re the Sudan - said he's doing some digging around, for posting by the end of this week to his blog The UK Today. We love Scaryduck. Get well soon Scary xx
- - -
HATAMARAN BLOG
Deals on craft and knitting books
Teresa at Hatamaran blogspot is mad keen on crafts and making hats, and loves her husband, family and pets even more.
Currently, Teresa's cleaning out her craft and knitting book shelves and putting them into her Ebay Store. Says she couldn't have done it without her loyal assistants Grayson and Atticus who were hard at work while she listed her books on Ebay.
Whoever said a dog can't smile, hasn't met Teresa's little fat dog Sadie...
Note to Teresa: Thanks also to you for blogging about the Sudan - and posting that neat (where did you get it!) icon in your sidebar linking to the Passion of the Present.
BLOGGERS HAVEN'T DONE A WHOLE LOT TO CHANGE THE WORLD -
Now seems like a hell of a time to try and start
Who says medicine isn't satisfying? asks blogging doctor Nicholas Genes. Here's what was overhead on the rounds last week:
Medical intern: "Any pain this morning, Mr. Jones?"
Mr. Jones: "Yeah, actually, I was getting this sharp pain in my back overnight."
Intern: "Can you sit up?"
Mr. Jones rises.
Intern: "Sir, you slept on your fork."
- - -
Nick, in his post entitled Do something, writes:
"It's an abrupt buzz-kill from this site's recent levity and nostalgia, but I just saw my name on Me and Ophelia's list of bloggers passionate about international justice. I'm surprised by the inclusion, and can't help but think she's politely, implicitly, challenging me to put my money where my mouth is.
Unlike the Amazon hoax I railed against last weekend, this crisis is real, and it's not getting the attention it deserves. James Moore has got the latest on the genocide in Sudan. Passion of the Present lists the ways readers can get involved.
For all our opinions and perceived influence, bloggers haven't done a whole lot to change the world. Now seems like a hell of a time to try and start. Pass it on."
- - -
Note: Like I said in Nick's comments, I knew he was a sweetie pie. For some reason, he sounds good looking - maybe because, like Madhu, (you two should meet!) he has a good and kind soul.
- - -
THANK YOU DEAR BLOGGERS
For doing something
This is to say a big 'thank you' to other bloggers who so kindly posted and linked to the Passion of the Present, namely:
Pauly, in New York City, who has just had a monster holiday in Vegas. Being a writer and expert poker player, Pauly can blog about anything - poker, hookers and genocide - in one seamless breath, and still make it read normal ;-)
British blogger John, a journalist who works in the UK but lives in Australia and also writes for pub quiz books. John and his English wife are soon-to-be Australian citizens. Here's wishing them the best.
Wendy, at Allseasons in Canada, who feels that the scale of suffering in Africa is mind boggling, writes this great line, quote: "But we all need to be aware and to do what we can. It is always better to at least do something, no matter how small it seems." (btw Wendy re the comment I left at your post: I should have typed that 30,000 (not 10,000) people have already died in the Sudan).
And thanks to Clive, affectionately known as Balders, who is best mates - since schooldays - with the much loved Scaryduck (who's suffering right now with flu and bereavement). Clive's working on a post re the Sudan - said he's doing some digging around, for posting by the end of this week to his blog The UK Today. We love Scaryduck. Get well soon Scary xx
- - -
HATAMARAN BLOG
Deals on craft and knitting books
Teresa at Hatamaran blogspot is mad keen on crafts and making hats, and loves her husband, family and pets even more.
Currently, Teresa's cleaning out her craft and knitting book shelves and putting them into her Ebay Store. Says she couldn't have done it without her loyal assistants Grayson and Atticus who were hard at work while she listed her books on Ebay.
Whoever said a dog can't smile, hasn't met Teresa's little fat dog Sadie...
Note to Teresa: Thanks also to you for blogging about the Sudan - and posting that neat (where did you get it!) icon in your sidebar linking to the Passion of the Present.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/29/2004
0 comments
Wednesday, April 28, 2004
How to erase data from Microsoft on Dell?
Using Data Removal Tool - or Reinstallation CD?
Not able to blog. Too much going on here. Dell India have arranged for their courier to pick up the Dell laptop within next 24 hours. I've just completed transferring emails from Outlook Express, on the Dell, to the Mac by (please don't laugh) emailing them to myself (an incredibly tedious process, taking days and weeks).
Now, I need to empty the Dell of my data before it goes back to the factory. Recently, a technician told me, if I inserted my OS Reinstallation CD (for Microsoft Windows XP Pro) into the Dell I could erase the data, making the computer go back to the way it was before I started using it.
Trouble is, these are the instructions he gave me: CD in, switch on, turn off, turn on. Maybe there's not enough instructions because it doesn't work: I clicked on "Reinstall Windows" to see if it would override my current set up - but a window prompted me for 16 or so digits. Does any reader know about this procedure? Are they the 16 digits I used when registering XP?
As an alternative, I visited ERASER and tried download their Secure Data Removal Tool but wasn't sure about the "mirror" business. And got cold feet when I saw, in capital letters, to use it with extreme caution as it erases all drives including the Operating System. Does any reader know if it'd be OK for me to go ahead with this - and erase the OS? I don't want any come-back from Dell, saying I've created problems for the machine. Here's a copy of ERASER's FAQ instructions. Does anyone know what's best to do? Advice would be greatly received, in comments or by email anytime. Thanks.
Question: I bought a new PC and I want to erase my entire hard drive(s) on my old PC so that I can give it away. The problem is that I cannot Install Eraser on the old PC because I cannot connect to the Internet from the PC and also, Eraser will not fit on a Floppy? How can I erase it's drive(s)?
Eraser's Answer: You don't need to install Eraser onto the PC where you are going to erase. Take the following steps:
1. Connect to the Internet using your new PC and download and install Eraser.
2. Place a floppy (or CD) in the a: drive of your new PC.
3. Click on the Start button and then choose Programs->Eraser->Create Boot Nuke Disk.
4. Ensure 'Writing on Floppy' is ticked. Tick 'Formatting' if your floppy needs to be formatted.
5. Click OK. Result: Your Boot Nuke Disk has now been created.
6. Bring this Boot floppy to your old PC and place it in the a: drive. Now reboot the old PC.
Result: All drives will now be erased (including the Operating System)
IMPORTANT: USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
Using Data Removal Tool - or Reinstallation CD?
Not able to blog. Too much going on here. Dell India have arranged for their courier to pick up the Dell laptop within next 24 hours. I've just completed transferring emails from Outlook Express, on the Dell, to the Mac by (please don't laugh) emailing them to myself (an incredibly tedious process, taking days and weeks).
Now, I need to empty the Dell of my data before it goes back to the factory. Recently, a technician told me, if I inserted my OS Reinstallation CD (for Microsoft Windows XP Pro) into the Dell I could erase the data, making the computer go back to the way it was before I started using it.
Trouble is, these are the instructions he gave me: CD in, switch on, turn off, turn on. Maybe there's not enough instructions because it doesn't work: I clicked on "Reinstall Windows" to see if it would override my current set up - but a window prompted me for 16 or so digits. Does any reader know about this procedure? Are they the 16 digits I used when registering XP?
As an alternative, I visited ERASER and tried download their Secure Data Removal Tool but wasn't sure about the "mirror" business. And got cold feet when I saw, in capital letters, to use it with extreme caution as it erases all drives including the Operating System. Does any reader know if it'd be OK for me to go ahead with this - and erase the OS? I don't want any come-back from Dell, saying I've created problems for the machine. Here's a copy of ERASER's FAQ instructions. Does anyone know what's best to do? Advice would be greatly received, in comments or by email anytime. Thanks.
Question: I bought a new PC and I want to erase my entire hard drive(s) on my old PC so that I can give it away. The problem is that I cannot Install Eraser on the old PC because I cannot connect to the Internet from the PC and also, Eraser will not fit on a Floppy? How can I erase it's drive(s)?
Eraser's Answer: You don't need to install Eraser onto the PC where you are going to erase. Take the following steps:
1. Connect to the Internet using your new PC and download and install Eraser.
2. Place a floppy (or CD) in the a: drive of your new PC.
3. Click on the Start button and then choose Programs->Eraser->Create Boot Nuke Disk.
4. Ensure 'Writing on Floppy' is ticked. Tick 'Formatting' if your floppy needs to be formatted.
5. Click OK. Result: Your Boot Nuke Disk has now been created.
6. Bring this Boot floppy to your old PC and place it in the a: drive. Now reboot the old PC.
Result: All drives will now be erased (including the Operating System)
IMPORTANT: USE WITH EXTREME CAUTION.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/28/2004
0 comments
Monday, April 26, 2004
WOMEN AROUND THE WORLD:
Stand and unite against mans inhumanity
Ethan Zuckerman, at Harvard in America, blogs about some of the most horrific aspects of the violence in Darfur. The gang rape of young girls. Rape as a tool of war. Families in Darfur face a terrible decision in choosing who goes to the well for water - men or boys who are shot by the Janjawid, or women or girls, who are raped by them.
The United Nations last month described war in Darfur as the "world's worst humanitarian crisis." There have been almost daily reports of atrocities against civilians. But it appears only a tiny minority of bloggers care deeply enough to do something about it.
Last November, I wrote several posts on the genocide in Bosnia. Not many bloggers cared to comment or pick up on the story - apart from Shelley Powers and Danah Boyd who kindly wrote posts and linked to the shocking Cradle of Inhumanity story.
The genocide and horrific mass rapes in Bosnia, had taken place some ten years before. Some bloggers commented here that there wasn't a lot they could say about it because they felt there was nothing they could do to help - apart from donating money to the women and children of Bosnia whose lives were devasted by rape.
Now, there is genocide happening in Sudan. And rape is being used as a tool of war. Today. Right at this very moment. And yet, still only a tiny minority of bloggers care enough to do something to try and help.
Here's some proof: I typed Sudan into Technorati and found less than three hundred posts. Mainly by male bloggers. What is it with females, do they not care or what? I wish someone could help me to understand. It's beyond my comprehension why so few post on such serious issues. Blogging is a tool with which to communicate, educate and inform. The indifference by bloggers - especially females - is shameful and depressing.
I recall one time when women did unite to make a stand against mans inhumanity. Can't recall the details. It was years ago. Maybe it was the women and mothers in Northern Ireland. Across the land, at a certain time and date, they made a stand and linked together by holding each others hands, united in a silent protest against the fighting. It made a strong impression. And spoke more powerfully than words.
With the internet and telcoms of today - and the countless number of womens organisations throughout the world - it could be possible for all the women in the world to pull together. Collective organisation. Every woman could have a voice by making a stand - uniting together and holding hands, at a certain time and date, in protest against mans inhumanity. A silent protest. No words needed. The message would reach every man on the planet. We have the technology to stage such a global event.
Bloggers who do not care to do anything about the Sudan (and there are simple things that can be done to help) ought to take a look at this cartoon - and think again.
For those following the events in Sudan, All Africa is an invaluable resource - their Sudan newswire gives an overview of some of the major stories coming out of the country.
In an effort to spread the word on Jim Moore's important posts, along with The Passion of the Present, I'm pinging here - via technorati - some female bloggers that I read:
Danah Boyd - USA
Shelley Powers - USA
Anita Rowland - USA
Jeneane Sessum - USA
Halley Suitt - USA
Tracy Kennedy - Canada
Wendy's Allseasons - Canada
Adagio - Wales
Wendy Callan - Scotland
Suw Charman - England
- - -
Update Monday 25 April:
Sudan: Should the world do more?
"The World can do something if it chose to. However we Sudanese have been left alone. Our hope is God not mankind. Kajobinyi, Egypt/Sudan"
Read other comments posted at BBCs Have Your Say re "Sudan: Should the world do more?"
Stand and unite against mans inhumanity
Ethan Zuckerman, at Harvard in America, blogs about some of the most horrific aspects of the violence in Darfur. The gang rape of young girls. Rape as a tool of war. Families in Darfur face a terrible decision in choosing who goes to the well for water - men or boys who are shot by the Janjawid, or women or girls, who are raped by them.
The United Nations last month described war in Darfur as the "world's worst humanitarian crisis." There have been almost daily reports of atrocities against civilians. But it appears only a tiny minority of bloggers care deeply enough to do something about it.
Last November, I wrote several posts on the genocide in Bosnia. Not many bloggers cared to comment or pick up on the story - apart from Shelley Powers and Danah Boyd who kindly wrote posts and linked to the shocking Cradle of Inhumanity story.
The genocide and horrific mass rapes in Bosnia, had taken place some ten years before. Some bloggers commented here that there wasn't a lot they could say about it because they felt there was nothing they could do to help - apart from donating money to the women and children of Bosnia whose lives were devasted by rape.
Now, there is genocide happening in Sudan. And rape is being used as a tool of war. Today. Right at this very moment. And yet, still only a tiny minority of bloggers care enough to do something to try and help.
Here's some proof: I typed Sudan into Technorati and found less than three hundred posts. Mainly by male bloggers. What is it with females, do they not care or what? I wish someone could help me to understand. It's beyond my comprehension why so few post on such serious issues. Blogging is a tool with which to communicate, educate and inform. The indifference by bloggers - especially females - is shameful and depressing.
I recall one time when women did unite to make a stand against mans inhumanity. Can't recall the details. It was years ago. Maybe it was the women and mothers in Northern Ireland. Across the land, at a certain time and date, they made a stand and linked together by holding each others hands, united in a silent protest against the fighting. It made a strong impression. And spoke more powerfully than words.
With the internet and telcoms of today - and the countless number of womens organisations throughout the world - it could be possible for all the women in the world to pull together. Collective organisation. Every woman could have a voice by making a stand - uniting together and holding hands, at a certain time and date, in protest against mans inhumanity. A silent protest. No words needed. The message would reach every man on the planet. We have the technology to stage such a global event.
Bloggers who do not care to do anything about the Sudan (and there are simple things that can be done to help) ought to take a look at this cartoon - and think again.
For those following the events in Sudan, All Africa is an invaluable resource - their Sudan newswire gives an overview of some of the major stories coming out of the country.
In an effort to spread the word on Jim Moore's important posts, along with The Passion of the Present, I'm pinging here - via technorati - some female bloggers that I read:
Danah Boyd - USA
Shelley Powers - USA
Anita Rowland - USA
Jeneane Sessum - USA
Halley Suitt - USA
Tracy Kennedy - Canada
Wendy's Allseasons - Canada
Adagio - Wales
Wendy Callan - Scotland
Suw Charman - England
- - -
Update Monday 25 April:
Sudan: Should the world do more?
"The World can do something if it chose to. However we Sudanese have been left alone. Our hope is God not mankind. Kajobinyi, Egypt/Sudan"
Read other comments posted at BBCs Have Your Say re "Sudan: Should the world do more?"
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/26/2004
0 comments
Sunday, April 25, 2004
Sunday Times says Wonkette reveals the steamy truth
And Nick Denton grinds out another gossip mill
On glancing through today's Sunday Times, I noticed an article entitled "Wonkette reveals the steamy truth". Wonkette.com is authored by Ana Marie Cox, a 31-year-old writer who writes salacious gossip (usually about prominent politicians in Washington DC) on the internet under the name of Wonkette. It is funded by Nick Denton, the British publisher behind Gawker e-zine and Kinja digest of weblogs.
The article, written by Sarah Baxter in New York, reveals that next week Nick Denton is launching a new gossip site about prominent people in Los Angeles. On Wonkette and Denton, Baxter writes:
The launch party for her site in March became a talked about event. "With her gossipy, raunchy, potty-mouthed blog, Cox, a self-described failed journalist, has grabbed the attention of staid Washington," The New York Times observed last week.
Cox has the rare distinction among bloggers of getting paid for her efforts. Her site, created in January, is funded by Nick Denton, a British publisher who is about to shake up Hollywood stars by launching a similarly irreverent Los Angeles blog next week.
Denton, 37, a former Financial Times journalist, made a fortune in the dotcom boom in the late 1990s. He lives in New York but says he misses the guts and humour of British newspapers. "You can stir up a lot of trouble for very little money with a blog," said Denton. "Washington and Los Angeles are the political and entertainment capitals of the world. The ratio of power to gossip is totally out of whack."
- - -
Note, this article appeared in the World News section, on page 29, of the Sunday Times. So far, I've not noticed any articles reporting on the genocide that is happening right now in the Sudan.
Makes one wonder about people's priorities. And why they expend precious time, energy and money on salacious gossip. What is it about such gossip that draws people like flies to a dung pile? Must be a weakness or flawed psyche.
Those who have no compunction about such gossip, and enjoy seeing it spread around like muck, must surely be shallow and not very nice. What decent character would even read such stuff. Words like sleazey, parasites and leeches spring to mind.
Maybe Nick Denton and Wonkette, and their readers, can find it in their hearts to contribute and do something creative about the news in Jim Moore's very important post on the genocide in Sudan.
And Nick Denton grinds out another gossip mill
On glancing through today's Sunday Times, I noticed an article entitled "Wonkette reveals the steamy truth". Wonkette.com is authored by Ana Marie Cox, a 31-year-old writer who writes salacious gossip (usually about prominent politicians in Washington DC) on the internet under the name of Wonkette. It is funded by Nick Denton, the British publisher behind Gawker e-zine and Kinja digest of weblogs.
The article, written by Sarah Baxter in New York, reveals that next week Nick Denton is launching a new gossip site about prominent people in Los Angeles. On Wonkette and Denton, Baxter writes:
The launch party for her site in March became a talked about event. "With her gossipy, raunchy, potty-mouthed blog, Cox, a self-described failed journalist, has grabbed the attention of staid Washington," The New York Times observed last week.
Cox has the rare distinction among bloggers of getting paid for her efforts. Her site, created in January, is funded by Nick Denton, a British publisher who is about to shake up Hollywood stars by launching a similarly irreverent Los Angeles blog next week.
Denton, 37, a former Financial Times journalist, made a fortune in the dotcom boom in the late 1990s. He lives in New York but says he misses the guts and humour of British newspapers. "You can stir up a lot of trouble for very little money with a blog," said Denton. "Washington and Los Angeles are the political and entertainment capitals of the world. The ratio of power to gossip is totally out of whack."
- - -
Note, this article appeared in the World News section, on page 29, of the Sunday Times. So far, I've not noticed any articles reporting on the genocide that is happening right now in the Sudan.
Makes one wonder about people's priorities. And why they expend precious time, energy and money on salacious gossip. What is it about such gossip that draws people like flies to a dung pile? Must be a weakness or flawed psyche.
Those who have no compunction about such gossip, and enjoy seeing it spread around like muck, must surely be shallow and not very nice. What decent character would even read such stuff. Words like sleazey, parasites and leeches spring to mind.
Maybe Nick Denton and Wonkette, and their readers, can find it in their hearts to contribute and do something creative about the news in Jim Moore's very important post on the genocide in Sudan.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/25/2004
0 comments
Saturday, April 24, 2004
IMPORTANT POST ON GENOCIDE IN SUDAN:
Time is critical and hours matter
I've been reading up on Jim Moore's very important post.
Jim is asking for us bloggers to help stop the genocide in Sudan.
Time is critical. Hours matter.
He is encouraging us to find a way to focus on the people of Sudan.
There are at least five things we bloggers can do to help:-
1) Read Jim's very important post.
2) Write to him or do something creative with our blogging friends.
3) Consider a prominent link to "The Passion of the Present." It has news links with pre-set searches for Sudan news, as well as links to continously updated pages from Human Rights Watch. The site also includes a long excerpt from the devastating NYT op-ed by Nicholas Kristof.
4) Forfeit non-essential stuff like going to the movies and use instead the cost of a movie ticket to contribute at least a fiver to any of the links provided at Jim's blog or The Passion of the Present.
5) Pray for the people in Sudan.
God bless the people in Sudan. I have been trying to donate some of my birthday money to Doctors Without Borders but the site is not showing up. I'll keep trying until I get through.
- - -
Jim's update: He has spoken to the director of Human Rights Watch who has posted the first documented information showing that government troops and militia are conspiring in the genocide in Sudan. Jim says, "this is very important because it will increase the rationale for the international community, including the United States, to act. President Bush has urged the government of Sudan to act to stop the militias, and has suggested that the Sudanese government is "complicit." But the depth of that complicity is now being documented by the few outside observers who have been able to get into Darfur."
- - -
In an effort to publicise Jim's post, I've submitted this news to The World Star Gazette - USA and pinging here - via Technorati - some of the bloggers that I read regularly and who I know care about genocide and world politics:
Clive Soley MP - London
Melanie Phillips - England
Scaryduck - England
Tom Watson MP - England
The UK Today - England
John Rowbottom - Australia
Jim O'Connell - Tokyo
Tantor - Washington DC
Paul McGuire - NYC
Jon Schanzer - USA
Madhu MD - USA
Nicholas Genes - USA
Daniel in Estonia
Interested-Participant - USA
Lisa Williams - Boston, MA
Teacher's Tales - England
- - -
Update Sunday April 25: Finally, I got through to the donation page at
Doctors without borders (MSF). After keying in my name, address and credit card details (they don't do PayPal) the site flagged up the UK London office of Médecins Sans Frontières - and asked if I wished to donate to the USA or UK. Because it wasn't PayPal, I selected UK so there'd be no problem with currency exchange. It was a simple process and took just one minute. Wish charities would get more organised though, and use facilities like PayPal. I believe there's now a PayPal Europe. Not keen on typing credit card and ID details on screen. Feel more comfortable paying via PayPal.
Médecins Sans Frontières UK (aka doctors without borders) is a part of the international network of volunteers, field projects and offices that make up MSF’s world-wide movement. They help it deliver vital and urgent medical care. Check out http://www.london.msf.org/ how to become a volunteer.
Time is critical and hours matter
I've been reading up on Jim Moore's very important post.
Jim is asking for us bloggers to help stop the genocide in Sudan.
Time is critical. Hours matter.
He is encouraging us to find a way to focus on the people of Sudan.
There are at least five things we bloggers can do to help:-
1) Read Jim's very important post.
2) Write to him or do something creative with our blogging friends.
3) Consider a prominent link to "The Passion of the Present." It has news links with pre-set searches for Sudan news, as well as links to continously updated pages from Human Rights Watch. The site also includes a long excerpt from the devastating NYT op-ed by Nicholas Kristof.
4) Forfeit non-essential stuff like going to the movies and use instead the cost of a movie ticket to contribute at least a fiver to any of the links provided at Jim's blog or The Passion of the Present.
5) Pray for the people in Sudan.
God bless the people in Sudan. I have been trying to donate some of my birthday money to Doctors Without Borders but the site is not showing up. I'll keep trying until I get through.
- - -
Jim's update: He has spoken to the director of Human Rights Watch who has posted the first documented information showing that government troops and militia are conspiring in the genocide in Sudan. Jim says, "this is very important because it will increase the rationale for the international community, including the United States, to act. President Bush has urged the government of Sudan to act to stop the militias, and has suggested that the Sudanese government is "complicit." But the depth of that complicity is now being documented by the few outside observers who have been able to get into Darfur."
- - -
In an effort to publicise Jim's post, I've submitted this news to The World Star Gazette - USA and pinging here - via Technorati - some of the bloggers that I read regularly and who I know care about genocide and world politics:
Clive Soley MP - London
Melanie Phillips - England
Scaryduck - England
Tom Watson MP - England
The UK Today - England
John Rowbottom - Australia
Jim O'Connell - Tokyo
Tantor - Washington DC
Paul McGuire - NYC
Jon Schanzer - USA
Madhu MD - USA
Nicholas Genes - USA
Daniel in Estonia
Interested-Participant - USA
Lisa Williams - Boston, MA
Teacher's Tales - England
- - -
Update Sunday April 25: Finally, I got through to the donation page at
Doctors without borders (MSF). After keying in my name, address and credit card details (they don't do PayPal) the site flagged up the UK London office of Médecins Sans Frontières - and asked if I wished to donate to the USA or UK. Because it wasn't PayPal, I selected UK so there'd be no problem with currency exchange. It was a simple process and took just one minute. Wish charities would get more organised though, and use facilities like PayPal. I believe there's now a PayPal Europe. Not keen on typing credit card and ID details on screen. Feel more comfortable paying via PayPal.
Médecins Sans Frontières UK (aka doctors without borders) is a part of the international network of volunteers, field projects and offices that make up MSF’s world-wide movement. They help it deliver vital and urgent medical care. Check out http://www.london.msf.org/ how to become a volunteer.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/24/2004
0 comments
- - -
Love thy neighbour
Love thy computer company
Perfect weather yesterday and today. Speedboats out and about. These four posts are notes to myself. A diary entry. A log for Spring of this year. I'm aware others are reading this. It's not to elicit sympathy. Or pity. I'm not whingeing or moaning. Simply cannot recall what's happened over my last four birthdays. I'm blogging what's happened this week. So, next year, God willing, I can look back on April 2004 and see what has changed.
Past few weeks have gone by in a blur. Just managing from minute to minute. Like a robot on remote control. Stress is so distressing and debilitating. Felt real low. It feels cruel when people like M-- cause stress over petty inconsequential things. It causes such pain, I'd feel less if they beat me black and blue with a stick.
When stress happens, it runs through my veins like battery acid. On top of the never ending daily exhaustion, flu like illness and burning muscle pain. Distress inflames my brain til I can't think straight. Hands and feet go clammy freezing cold. Toes on right foot tingle hot like chilblains. Gums ache and stir up a back tooth that starts throbbing like it wants out.
Concentration slows up but intellect is not impaired. Something physical occurs that assaults my body within seconds. Poisons my whole system within minutes. An overflow or underflow of adrenalin or cortisol - or the immune system attacking itself. Yes, that is a good description. It feels like the internal body is attacking itself. Red fire alarm bells loudly clanging and jangling every fibre of my being.
Makes me feel so wretchedly awful, it's hard to imagine death being less close. Base of spine becomes tingly and numb. Joints in knees and arms throb. Neck and shoulders feel like they've been stung by swarm of bees. Eyes dry and itchy. Eyeballs sting and burn with exhaustion. Head and face heat up with fever. Throat sore. Clogs with sheets of cellophane. Lips dry and peel.
My birthday on Tuesday lasted two days. People were very kind. The activity made me feel extra ill. Phone calls. Two sets of visitors PKTD. 27 cards - beautiful cats - one handmade KT. Opening gifts. Laugh over magnets. Beautiful tablecoth. Flowers. Bright red and yellow tulips. Blue irises. Yellow and green daisies. Home baked almond cake. Treats. Bath oils. Cat magazine. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Escape to River Cottage videos. Chocolates. Cheque. Cash. Conversation. Many thank you's. Organising cards etc., for three other birthdays. And supervising getting the guest bedroom in shape for Cs visit May 4th. Just wanted to cry. Not for sympathy or pity or anything like that. Something switches on the crying and irrational irritability. Body shrieks. Eyes blub. At the slightest extra demand on body and brain, ie sit up, stand up, answer phone, move laptop aside. Blub. Blub. Scream. Stress. Shout. Help. Want away from this living hell. It's worse than death. Blub.
Some days it feels like the world has gone mad. And that people don't really listen properly. In my little world, I try to warn that stress causes me great distress. But it doesn't mean much to some. Stress is an overused word. Most probably feel they have enough of it in their daily life to know what it is.
And what could I possibly be stressed over. Laying here all day like lady muck seemingly without anything to do or a care in the world. They probably think, if she got up off her backside and moved around more - or was out and about in the cut and thrust of life - doing a hard days work - she'd soon have something to moan about.
Last year, I quoted from a survey that the suffering and quality of life with severe M.E. is comparable to the last two months of end stage AIDS. People use the words stress and depression to describe when they are feeling under pressure or low. Most do not know the true meaning. Or have the faintest idea of what it means to be so chronically ill that one cannot even sit up in a wheelchair...hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year...
- - -
Neighbours from hell
Love thy neighbour
For the fourth year running, I'm having to deal with a neighbour abusing parking restrictions. Two years ago, because of all the parking trouble caused by this neighbour, the local Council kindly allocated me a temporary short term parking space - on Council land next to the neighbour's parking space - for visitors, deliveries, maintenance etc. Except for those two space, there's nowhere else for a car to park around here.
The neighbour appropriated the piece of "no-mans-land" land he parks on, by using it regularly for the past 30 years. It's not part of his property. He hasn't bought the land. In the past, I guess he was used to having his guest cars spill over onto the Council land - that is now the space allocated for my visitors, deliveries, maintenance etc.
Trouble is, the neighbour will not desist from allowing his visitors to park in *my* allocated space - for days and nights on end. He stands there in person, supervising his visitors into *my* allocated space. So it's not like he gets visitors turning up out of the blue that he cannot control. When he has no guest car, he parks his car half way in *his* space and half way onto *my* space.
Last weekend, his car and his guests' car were parked in the two spaces for three whole days and nights. I cancelled a visitor bringing shopping here by car. Couldn't stand the hassle and aggravation of asking the visitor to find him and ask him to move his second car. On Monday morning, I got all in a twist at having to phone the local Council yet again. And handling another visit from the manager. They'd sorted it out with the neighbour last year - and the year before. But the neighbour ignores everyone, including the Council, and does what he pleases.
This caused me stress and made me extra ill. My birthday visitors were due Tues and Wed bringing shopping and stuff. Even when he did listen to the Council and moved the second car, I didn't feel any better. Just knowing he'd be moaning about me to himself and his guests. Made me feel like I was a bad guy. Depriving him and his guests of a relaxing holiday. He lives elsewhere - in another town - and visits here for short holidays. Nine months of the year he keeps his car space empty by cordoning it off with metal poles, cemented into the ground, threaded with padlocked chains - so that no one can park there. Not coping very well. This is the best I can do right now. Be interesting to read this in a years time. To see what has changed.
- - -
Dell hell
Love thy computer company
Last Monday and weekend were very bad days and nights. Wrote today's posts over past week. Not up to blogging Tuesday. Not enough energy to fit in extras. It's been a major task getting emails from the Dell over to the Mac. I've resorted to emailing them over to the Mac. Thirty at a time. If I am not quick enough to disconnect the Dell, after pressing send, they tumble back into the inbox of the Dell. I'm deleting scores of other emails as I go along. A laborious energy sapping process. Don't think I can manage to continue this weekend. I'll have to wave goodbye to the ones that have not emailed.
This whole computer situation, going on for five months now, has taken its toll. Dell, Apple, TNT, Microsoft data, Apple data, computer engineers, credit card company. TNT carriers losing my first Apple order. Getting refunded from Apple. Ordering from Apple and paying again. Sorting credit card being charged twice GBP 2K for two PowerBooks without the refund from Dell.
Not hearing anything from Dell since Feb 26. No reply to my emails. Last Saturday, I sent them four. Each bounced back from Postmaster@Dell. Spent Monday and Tuesday gathering info for a friend to contact them again. He kindly emailed Dell on my behalf. The ordeal getting to that point was unbelievable. I've had to pay my credit card £550 this month out of my current account in order to avoid interest on the second PowerBook. I'll be charged interest on £1500.00 when I receive my next statement if I don't get refunded from Dell before then.
Over the past two days I've handled several calls from Dell. And relaying the calls to my kind friend. Finally, Dell have arranged for a courier to pick up the laptop and components on Wed or Thurs. And will then process the refund. Thursday, I spent putting together stuff for pick up: webcam, speakers, CD DVD player, mouse, carrying case and other stuff, along with ten CDs relating to XP Pro. Replied to two emails from Dell itemising the stuff for pick up. I am truly grateful it's finally being sorted.
Apple is a pleasure to use. Much more calm and easier to use. So quiet too. Must buy anti-virus to avoid any more computing stress.
- - -
My bed heaven
And hot water bottle hell
Over the years, my family and friends, have joked about how high my bed keeps on growing. It's a Victorian brass bedstead that I bought at auction 30 years ago. It has no springs or base. A king size divan-base sits on top and acts as a base frame. On top of that is a mattress. Covered by a mattress protector. And a layer of thick orthopaedic foam. Then a king size duck down feather topper. Covered with a natural cotton fleece (so I don't feel the feathers) and a king size Egyptian cotton bottom sheet.
That's just the bottom layer. On top, I have duck down feather pillows, an Egyptian linen top sheet, a king size duck feather duvet and cotton cover, a wool blanket, a cotton valance bedcover and a thick quilted king size top cover bedspread. I've always had a thing about sumptiously comfortable beds. Ophelia has to take a running jump - and flying leap - to get on my bed. Each night, I prepare a hot water bottle. It has a nice soft cover. Tuesday nights are extra bliss because my home helper changes the bed linen and fluffs up all the feather duvets. It takes 15 minutes to make. This year, I'm getting an electric blanket with a switch that just heats the foot end in the summer. Heh.
Thursday night at 10.30 pm my cosy bed was nicely warming with a hot water bottle that I'd prepared half an hour before. Exhausted, I clambered in. Shock. Horror. The bottle was hissing and fizzlng in the middle of my bed. Hauled it up and flung it out, dripping with water onto the carpet. I'd not screwed on the top tightly enough.
My back tooth had an abcess. Gum was throbbing. Too ill to go out to dentist. Arms hurt and ached. All I needed was rest. Instead, with burning arms and shoulders, I had to haul off each heavily tucked-in layer and hang it all on doors to dry. Even the top sheet and feather duvet was wet - right through down to the mattress protector. The heaviest to lift and hang was the duck down topper and king size duvet.
Ophelia sat in the hallway. And followed me from room to room. Trying to figure out what was going on. Bedtime routine was usually a tranquil affair. Thankfully there was a bed made up in the guest room. Slept badly. Ophelia was in and out. Wondering where she should sleep. She usually sleeps in the soft chair near my big bed. Last night she slept on the couch. This morning she awoke by my feet in the guest bed. It'll take days for the two feather duvets to dry out. I'll have to wait until Tuesday for my home helper to remake everything. I miss my great bed. Roll on Tuesday.
- - -
Roll on Tuesday
Just had a phone call from a super friend who is visiting me here on Tuesday afternoon. She's very intelligent and educated, has a cheery disposition and is a wonderful conversationalist - well travelled, has a wonderful husband and children and a beautiful home. I love to hear her talk. She's so engaging, enthusiastic, creative and artistic. Could listen to her for hours. Down to earth and worldly and can talk about anything. A great laugh too. Roll on Tuesday.
Last night I was reading famous Last Words and The Blog of Death. Noticed the causes of death. Cancer is still high up there. Surprised at the number suicides. It makes for sobering reading. I was 51 on Tuesday. Some of those listed in the obits were much younger. At a quick glance, mid 60's seems to be the age that many pop their clogs. Some others lived beyond 100. Makes one wonder what it is all about.
Love thy neighbour
Love thy computer company
Perfect weather yesterday and today. Speedboats out and about. These four posts are notes to myself. A diary entry. A log for Spring of this year. I'm aware others are reading this. It's not to elicit sympathy. Or pity. I'm not whingeing or moaning. Simply cannot recall what's happened over my last four birthdays. I'm blogging what's happened this week. So, next year, God willing, I can look back on April 2004 and see what has changed.
Past few weeks have gone by in a blur. Just managing from minute to minute. Like a robot on remote control. Stress is so distressing and debilitating. Felt real low. It feels cruel when people like M-- cause stress over petty inconsequential things. It causes such pain, I'd feel less if they beat me black and blue with a stick.
When stress happens, it runs through my veins like battery acid. On top of the never ending daily exhaustion, flu like illness and burning muscle pain. Distress inflames my brain til I can't think straight. Hands and feet go clammy freezing cold. Toes on right foot tingle hot like chilblains. Gums ache and stir up a back tooth that starts throbbing like it wants out.
Concentration slows up but intellect is not impaired. Something physical occurs that assaults my body within seconds. Poisons my whole system within minutes. An overflow or underflow of adrenalin or cortisol - or the immune system attacking itself. Yes, that is a good description. It feels like the internal body is attacking itself. Red fire alarm bells loudly clanging and jangling every fibre of my being.
Makes me feel so wretchedly awful, it's hard to imagine death being less close. Base of spine becomes tingly and numb. Joints in knees and arms throb. Neck and shoulders feel like they've been stung by swarm of bees. Eyes dry and itchy. Eyeballs sting and burn with exhaustion. Head and face heat up with fever. Throat sore. Clogs with sheets of cellophane. Lips dry and peel.
My birthday on Tuesday lasted two days. People were very kind. The activity made me feel extra ill. Phone calls. Two sets of visitors PKTD. 27 cards - beautiful cats - one handmade KT. Opening gifts. Laugh over magnets. Beautiful tablecoth. Flowers. Bright red and yellow tulips. Blue irises. Yellow and green daisies. Home baked almond cake. Treats. Bath oils. Cat magazine. Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's Escape to River Cottage videos. Chocolates. Cheque. Cash. Conversation. Many thank you's. Organising cards etc., for three other birthdays. And supervising getting the guest bedroom in shape for Cs visit May 4th. Just wanted to cry. Not for sympathy or pity or anything like that. Something switches on the crying and irrational irritability. Body shrieks. Eyes blub. At the slightest extra demand on body and brain, ie sit up, stand up, answer phone, move laptop aside. Blub. Blub. Scream. Stress. Shout. Help. Want away from this living hell. It's worse than death. Blub.
Some days it feels like the world has gone mad. And that people don't really listen properly. In my little world, I try to warn that stress causes me great distress. But it doesn't mean much to some. Stress is an overused word. Most probably feel they have enough of it in their daily life to know what it is.
And what could I possibly be stressed over. Laying here all day like lady muck seemingly without anything to do or a care in the world. They probably think, if she got up off her backside and moved around more - or was out and about in the cut and thrust of life - doing a hard days work - she'd soon have something to moan about.
Last year, I quoted from a survey that the suffering and quality of life with severe M.E. is comparable to the last two months of end stage AIDS. People use the words stress and depression to describe when they are feeling under pressure or low. Most do not know the true meaning. Or have the faintest idea of what it means to be so chronically ill that one cannot even sit up in a wheelchair...hour after hour, day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year...
- - -
Neighbours from hell
Love thy neighbour
For the fourth year running, I'm having to deal with a neighbour abusing parking restrictions. Two years ago, because of all the parking trouble caused by this neighbour, the local Council kindly allocated me a temporary short term parking space - on Council land next to the neighbour's parking space - for visitors, deliveries, maintenance etc. Except for those two space, there's nowhere else for a car to park around here.
The neighbour appropriated the piece of "no-mans-land" land he parks on, by using it regularly for the past 30 years. It's not part of his property. He hasn't bought the land. In the past, I guess he was used to having his guest cars spill over onto the Council land - that is now the space allocated for my visitors, deliveries, maintenance etc.
Trouble is, the neighbour will not desist from allowing his visitors to park in *my* allocated space - for days and nights on end. He stands there in person, supervising his visitors into *my* allocated space. So it's not like he gets visitors turning up out of the blue that he cannot control. When he has no guest car, he parks his car half way in *his* space and half way onto *my* space.
Last weekend, his car and his guests' car were parked in the two spaces for three whole days and nights. I cancelled a visitor bringing shopping here by car. Couldn't stand the hassle and aggravation of asking the visitor to find him and ask him to move his second car. On Monday morning, I got all in a twist at having to phone the local Council yet again. And handling another visit from the manager. They'd sorted it out with the neighbour last year - and the year before. But the neighbour ignores everyone, including the Council, and does what he pleases.
This caused me stress and made me extra ill. My birthday visitors were due Tues and Wed bringing shopping and stuff. Even when he did listen to the Council and moved the second car, I didn't feel any better. Just knowing he'd be moaning about me to himself and his guests. Made me feel like I was a bad guy. Depriving him and his guests of a relaxing holiday. He lives elsewhere - in another town - and visits here for short holidays. Nine months of the year he keeps his car space empty by cordoning it off with metal poles, cemented into the ground, threaded with padlocked chains - so that no one can park there. Not coping very well. This is the best I can do right now. Be interesting to read this in a years time. To see what has changed.
- - -
Dell hell
Love thy computer company
Last Monday and weekend were very bad days and nights. Wrote today's posts over past week. Not up to blogging Tuesday. Not enough energy to fit in extras. It's been a major task getting emails from the Dell over to the Mac. I've resorted to emailing them over to the Mac. Thirty at a time. If I am not quick enough to disconnect the Dell, after pressing send, they tumble back into the inbox of the Dell. I'm deleting scores of other emails as I go along. A laborious energy sapping process. Don't think I can manage to continue this weekend. I'll have to wave goodbye to the ones that have not emailed.
This whole computer situation, going on for five months now, has taken its toll. Dell, Apple, TNT, Microsoft data, Apple data, computer engineers, credit card company. TNT carriers losing my first Apple order. Getting refunded from Apple. Ordering from Apple and paying again. Sorting credit card being charged twice GBP 2K for two PowerBooks without the refund from Dell.
Not hearing anything from Dell since Feb 26. No reply to my emails. Last Saturday, I sent them four. Each bounced back from Postmaster@Dell. Spent Monday and Tuesday gathering info for a friend to contact them again. He kindly emailed Dell on my behalf. The ordeal getting to that point was unbelievable. I've had to pay my credit card £550 this month out of my current account in order to avoid interest on the second PowerBook. I'll be charged interest on £1500.00 when I receive my next statement if I don't get refunded from Dell before then.
Over the past two days I've handled several calls from Dell. And relaying the calls to my kind friend. Finally, Dell have arranged for a courier to pick up the laptop and components on Wed or Thurs. And will then process the refund. Thursday, I spent putting together stuff for pick up: webcam, speakers, CD DVD player, mouse, carrying case and other stuff, along with ten CDs relating to XP Pro. Replied to two emails from Dell itemising the stuff for pick up. I am truly grateful it's finally being sorted.
Apple is a pleasure to use. Much more calm and easier to use. So quiet too. Must buy anti-virus to avoid any more computing stress.
- - -
My bed heaven
And hot water bottle hell
Over the years, my family and friends, have joked about how high my bed keeps on growing. It's a Victorian brass bedstead that I bought at auction 30 years ago. It has no springs or base. A king size divan-base sits on top and acts as a base frame. On top of that is a mattress. Covered by a mattress protector. And a layer of thick orthopaedic foam. Then a king size duck down feather topper. Covered with a natural cotton fleece (so I don't feel the feathers) and a king size Egyptian cotton bottom sheet.
That's just the bottom layer. On top, I have duck down feather pillows, an Egyptian linen top sheet, a king size duck feather duvet and cotton cover, a wool blanket, a cotton valance bedcover and a thick quilted king size top cover bedspread. I've always had a thing about sumptiously comfortable beds. Ophelia has to take a running jump - and flying leap - to get on my bed. Each night, I prepare a hot water bottle. It has a nice soft cover. Tuesday nights are extra bliss because my home helper changes the bed linen and fluffs up all the feather duvets. It takes 15 minutes to make. This year, I'm getting an electric blanket with a switch that just heats the foot end in the summer. Heh.
Thursday night at 10.30 pm my cosy bed was nicely warming with a hot water bottle that I'd prepared half an hour before. Exhausted, I clambered in. Shock. Horror. The bottle was hissing and fizzlng in the middle of my bed. Hauled it up and flung it out, dripping with water onto the carpet. I'd not screwed on the top tightly enough.
My back tooth had an abcess. Gum was throbbing. Too ill to go out to dentist. Arms hurt and ached. All I needed was rest. Instead, with burning arms and shoulders, I had to haul off each heavily tucked-in layer and hang it all on doors to dry. Even the top sheet and feather duvet was wet - right through down to the mattress protector. The heaviest to lift and hang was the duck down topper and king size duvet.
Ophelia sat in the hallway. And followed me from room to room. Trying to figure out what was going on. Bedtime routine was usually a tranquil affair. Thankfully there was a bed made up in the guest room. Slept badly. Ophelia was in and out. Wondering where she should sleep. She usually sleeps in the soft chair near my big bed. Last night she slept on the couch. This morning she awoke by my feet in the guest bed. It'll take days for the two feather duvets to dry out. I'll have to wait until Tuesday for my home helper to remake everything. I miss my great bed. Roll on Tuesday.
- - -
Roll on Tuesday
Just had a phone call from a super friend who is visiting me here on Tuesday afternoon. She's very intelligent and educated, has a cheery disposition and is a wonderful conversationalist - well travelled, has a wonderful husband and children and a beautiful home. I love to hear her talk. She's so engaging, enthusiastic, creative and artistic. Could listen to her for hours. Down to earth and worldly and can talk about anything. A great laugh too. Roll on Tuesday.
Last night I was reading famous Last Words and The Blog of Death. Noticed the causes of death. Cancer is still high up there. Surprised at the number suicides. It makes for sobering reading. I was 51 on Tuesday. Some of those listed in the obits were much younger. At a quick glance, mid 60's seems to be the age that many pop their clogs. Some others lived beyond 100. Makes one wonder what it is all about.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/24/2004
0 comments
Friday, April 23, 2004
Adopt a cat even if you have allergies -
The cat with the coat from Baghdad
English blogger Hazel, who has just finished stitching cats chorus, and her husband Neil of Teacher's Tales blog (he's a teacher in a Catholic school) are looking forward to adopting a cat through the Cats Protection League (CPL). They've not seen one yet but have its bed ready :-) Naturally, they are excited because both are allergic to cats and thought they could never adopt. But they've tested being around cats and are working around the problem. Right now, they're awaiting word of a first visit from the CPL.
My nephew is allergic to Ophelia when he visits here. But at home he lives with a cat. I asked him why he had no problems at home. He said probably because he got used to the one cat. He's 14. On Tuesday he visited us again and had no allergic reaction. Here are some notes that I've written for anyone thinking of adopting a cat.
Before choosing a cat, CPL will first arrange to visit your home. To see what type of cat and temperament would be a good match for the prospective new home and environment. In some cases, if you agree to adopt an elderly cat, CPL will pay future vet bills under their goldie oldie scheme.
One lady I knew was refused a cat through the CPL because her home faced a road with heavy traffic. Another friend adopted a deaf elderly cat with kidney problems and the CPL honoured extra vet bills, over and above the normal costs of annual booster shots.
If the cat goes outdoors, one still needs to get a kitty litter tray - the bigger the better - and a bag of cat grit or sawdust pellets. I prefer the sawdust pellets because its better for the environment, easier and cleaner to handle and more lightweight. Litter can be purchased in 7kg bags - it's cheaper in bulk. Need to get a pooper scooper and roll of small bin liners for litter disposal.
And a drinking bowl that is wider than a cats whiskers end to end. Plus a food bowl. Brush and comb. And a special cats clean up liquid (sort of smells like marzipan) incase of accidents when they first arrive, and to ensure no accidents on the same spot, ie on carpets etc.
Ophelia came to me via the CPL. A £25 donation included the painless insertion of a microchip into the back of her neck, that was programmed with her name and address. If she goes astray, a scanner at any CPL or vets will identify her details. Ophelia's first set of vaccinations cost £25. All cats require booster shots each year which cost around £25.
If the cat goes outdoors it needs to be guarded against fleas. I use Frontline liquid pouches. Once a month in summer but less in winter. Costs around £2 something per pouch. Cats need some sort of scratching post if they stay indoors or they'll use the side of chairs and couch to do their manicures. Vets & CPL say most types of cat collar or flea collar are dangerous. Can cause serious harm if caught in something. Frontline is popular plus it's easy to use, harmless to the cat and very effective - within 24 hours and lasts for at least four weeks.
Ophelia's vet orders 7.5 kg of Technical dried food - chicken flavour for adult cats. He says Technical brand is the best and has all the nutrients a cat needs. Ophelia needs one bag every 6 months, which works out at around £1 per week. She always weighs 3 kg as I use a measuring cup for her food. She is perfectly fit and healthy, her teeth are very clean and her fur is shiny :-)
Cats ought not to drink milk. Only fresh water. There is no need to buy milk or heavy tins of expensive cat food that messes up their teeth. Oh and some toys. Cats love toys. Colourful ping pong balls are great. Not things with bells in them. Fabric mice stuffed with catnip on a string is good fun. One can make toys of strings tied to a cork or cotton reel. Cats love any dangly things, like ribbon.
Cats tend to choose their own beds. No good going to trouble of buying igloos at the outset. They seem to prefer finding their own spots and rotate every now and then. Ophelia has two special crocheted blankets for each of her arm chairs :-)
Cats recognise tender loving care. They really are very intelligent. And are highly individual. Their language does not consist of much vocabulary. I can see why. They manage to get you to do what they want and always get their own way without saying anything. You can be a dog owner. But not a cat owner. You become a cat lover. And are owned by the cat ;-)
The British Shorthair
"Hello! Can you help me? I'm looking for a tabby kitten. Like the ones in the adverts." A familiar request - and one that usually means the enquirer is searching for a Black Silver Classic Tabby British Shorthair.
The British Shorthair, probably the most popular of all shorthaired breeds in Europe, started off life as the ordinary house cat, gradually becoming more standarized as English 'fanciers' selected cats with cobby bodies and crossed them with Persians. Originally bred in England and known simply as 'shorthair', it took on the title of 'British' as other shorthaired breeds emerged. Here is a British Shorthair blue.
How the tabby got its name
Accounts vary but undoubtedly the word has its origin in 17th century Baghdad were there was a weaving district called ATTABIAH or ATTABIYA (the spelling varies and is often shortened to ATAB), known for the production of a type of silk taffeta with a watered effect pattern called ATABI. According to Harrison Wear, the original cat expert writing at the beginning of the last century, this type of ribbed silk was called 'tabby silk' and hence cats with lines or markings became known as tabby cats. [courtesy Cat World magazine Dec 2000]
The cat with the coat from Baghdad
English blogger Hazel, who has just finished stitching cats chorus, and her husband Neil of Teacher's Tales blog (he's a teacher in a Catholic school) are looking forward to adopting a cat through the Cats Protection League (CPL). They've not seen one yet but have its bed ready :-) Naturally, they are excited because both are allergic to cats and thought they could never adopt. But they've tested being around cats and are working around the problem. Right now, they're awaiting word of a first visit from the CPL.
My nephew is allergic to Ophelia when he visits here. But at home he lives with a cat. I asked him why he had no problems at home. He said probably because he got used to the one cat. He's 14. On Tuesday he visited us again and had no allergic reaction. Here are some notes that I've written for anyone thinking of adopting a cat.
Before choosing a cat, CPL will first arrange to visit your home. To see what type of cat and temperament would be a good match for the prospective new home and environment. In some cases, if you agree to adopt an elderly cat, CPL will pay future vet bills under their goldie oldie scheme.
One lady I knew was refused a cat through the CPL because her home faced a road with heavy traffic. Another friend adopted a deaf elderly cat with kidney problems and the CPL honoured extra vet bills, over and above the normal costs of annual booster shots.
If the cat goes outdoors, one still needs to get a kitty litter tray - the bigger the better - and a bag of cat grit or sawdust pellets. I prefer the sawdust pellets because its better for the environment, easier and cleaner to handle and more lightweight. Litter can be purchased in 7kg bags - it's cheaper in bulk. Need to get a pooper scooper and roll of small bin liners for litter disposal.
And a drinking bowl that is wider than a cats whiskers end to end. Plus a food bowl. Brush and comb. And a special cats clean up liquid (sort of smells like marzipan) incase of accidents when they first arrive, and to ensure no accidents on the same spot, ie on carpets etc.
Ophelia came to me via the CPL. A £25 donation included the painless insertion of a microchip into the back of her neck, that was programmed with her name and address. If she goes astray, a scanner at any CPL or vets will identify her details. Ophelia's first set of vaccinations cost £25. All cats require booster shots each year which cost around £25.
If the cat goes outdoors it needs to be guarded against fleas. I use Frontline liquid pouches. Once a month in summer but less in winter. Costs around £2 something per pouch. Cats need some sort of scratching post if they stay indoors or they'll use the side of chairs and couch to do their manicures. Vets & CPL say most types of cat collar or flea collar are dangerous. Can cause serious harm if caught in something. Frontline is popular plus it's easy to use, harmless to the cat and very effective - within 24 hours and lasts for at least four weeks.
Ophelia's vet orders 7.5 kg of Technical dried food - chicken flavour for adult cats. He says Technical brand is the best and has all the nutrients a cat needs. Ophelia needs one bag every 6 months, which works out at around £1 per week. She always weighs 3 kg as I use a measuring cup for her food. She is perfectly fit and healthy, her teeth are very clean and her fur is shiny :-)
Cats ought not to drink milk. Only fresh water. There is no need to buy milk or heavy tins of expensive cat food that messes up their teeth. Oh and some toys. Cats love toys. Colourful ping pong balls are great. Not things with bells in them. Fabric mice stuffed with catnip on a string is good fun. One can make toys of strings tied to a cork or cotton reel. Cats love any dangly things, like ribbon.
Cats tend to choose their own beds. No good going to trouble of buying igloos at the outset. They seem to prefer finding their own spots and rotate every now and then. Ophelia has two special crocheted blankets for each of her arm chairs :-)
Cats recognise tender loving care. They really are very intelligent. And are highly individual. Their language does not consist of much vocabulary. I can see why. They manage to get you to do what they want and always get their own way without saying anything. You can be a dog owner. But not a cat owner. You become a cat lover. And are owned by the cat ;-)
The British Shorthair
"Hello! Can you help me? I'm looking for a tabby kitten. Like the ones in the adverts." A familiar request - and one that usually means the enquirer is searching for a Black Silver Classic Tabby British Shorthair.
The British Shorthair, probably the most popular of all shorthaired breeds in Europe, started off life as the ordinary house cat, gradually becoming more standarized as English 'fanciers' selected cats with cobby bodies and crossed them with Persians. Originally bred in England and known simply as 'shorthair', it took on the title of 'British' as other shorthaired breeds emerged. Here is a British Shorthair blue.
How the tabby got its name
Accounts vary but undoubtedly the word has its origin in 17th century Baghdad were there was a weaving district called ATTABIAH or ATTABIYA (the spelling varies and is often shortened to ATAB), known for the production of a type of silk taffeta with a watered effect pattern called ATABI. According to Harrison Wear, the original cat expert writing at the beginning of the last century, this type of ribbed silk was called 'tabby silk' and hence cats with lines or markings became known as tabby cats. [courtesy Cat World magazine Dec 2000]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/23/2004
0 comments
- - -
England's National Day
St George's Day April 23
Happy St George's Day. Celebrate everything that is good and great about England. Hang out the flag. Love England. Best place on the planet to live. We should have organised St George's Day celebrations in London. Here's what others say.
England's National Day
St George's Day April 23
Happy St George's Day. Celebrate everything that is good and great about England. Hang out the flag. Love England. Best place on the planet to live. We should have organised St George's Day celebrations in London. Here's what others say.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/23/2004
0 comments
Thursday, April 22, 2004
Scaryduck's blog -
Best of British humour
Scaryduck's blog makes me chuckle, chortle and giggle. Tickles the ribs and makes belly jiggle up and down. Even though Scary has an international audience, I still wonder if one has to be born and bred in England to fully appreciate the depth of thought and feeling that goes into such clever writing and English humour. Cheers and thanks to Scaryduck for a much needed laugh this morning.
Best of British humour
Scaryduck's blog makes me chuckle, chortle and giggle. Tickles the ribs and makes belly jiggle up and down. Even though Scary has an international audience, I still wonder if one has to be born and bred in England to fully appreciate the depth of thought and feeling that goes into such clever writing and English humour. Cheers and thanks to Scaryduck for a much needed laugh this morning.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/22/2004
0 comments
- - -
Beatles lyrics archive and tunes -
Sing along to Norwegian Wood
I've just received an email from a blogger in Norway. Don't know how he found my blog. His name is Sigbjørn (Sigge) Smelror Åmdal. He's 18 years of age and spends a lot of his time playing drums in his grungeband called Crescent. Copy of email:
Ay! :D
You ain't got no Norwegian blogs on your list..
well, I'm here to save you.
Sigg3net: Just another weblog
Love, Sigg3
- - -
Ay Sigge!
Thanks for your email. Made me think of the Beatles' song Norwegian Wood. Because you are a musician, I thought you might enjoy reading the Beatles Lyrics Archive where you can view any of the Beatles' lyrics - while listening to the tunes.
Here's Norwegian Wood, especially for you and all the other Norwegian bloggers out there :D
Re the meaning behind the song Norwegian Wood - John Lennon, in "Lennon Remembers", said: "Was trying to write about an affair without letting me wife know I was writing about an affair, so it was very goobledegook. I was sort of writing from my experiences, girls' flats, things like that..."
Love, Ingrid and Ophelia
Beatles lyrics archive and tunes -
Sing along to Norwegian Wood
I've just received an email from a blogger in Norway. Don't know how he found my blog. His name is Sigbjørn (Sigge) Smelror Åmdal. He's 18 years of age and spends a lot of his time playing drums in his grungeband called Crescent. Copy of email:
Ay! :D
You ain't got no Norwegian blogs on your list..
well, I'm here to save you.
Sigg3net: Just another weblog
Love, Sigg3
- - -
Ay Sigge!
Thanks for your email. Made me think of the Beatles' song Norwegian Wood. Because you are a musician, I thought you might enjoy reading the Beatles Lyrics Archive where you can view any of the Beatles' lyrics - while listening to the tunes.
Here's Norwegian Wood, especially for you and all the other Norwegian bloggers out there :D
Re the meaning behind the song Norwegian Wood - John Lennon, in "Lennon Remembers", said: "Was trying to write about an affair without letting me wife know I was writing about an affair, so it was very goobledegook. I was sort of writing from my experiences, girls' flats, things like that..."
Love, Ingrid and Ophelia
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/22/2004
0 comments
Wednesday, April 21, 2004
Thanks to Blogger
For enabling new freedom of expression
USA Today Iraqis enjoy new freedom of expression: "'We suffered for years under Saddam Hussein, not being able to speak out,' says Omar Fadhil, 24, a dentist. 'Now, you can make your voice heard around the world.'" You said it Omar. That's pretty much our whole thing. – Biz [4/20/2004]
For enabling new freedom of expression
USA Today Iraqis enjoy new freedom of expression: "'We suffered for years under Saddam Hussein, not being able to speak out,' says Omar Fadhil, 24, a dentist. 'Now, you can make your voice heard around the world.'" You said it Omar. That's pretty much our whole thing. – Biz [4/20/2004]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/21/2004
0 comments
- - -
Thousands of staff from BBC News
To attend “impartiality seminars”
"Potential expats said they would miss soaps, comedy and news, but a third of people said they would not mind leaving behind reality TV or the UK's obsession with celebrity. But they were happy to wave goodbye to the British weather, MPs and traffic congestion."
The above is an excerpt from today's BBC News online report about Sunday roasts topping the wish lists of expats. Note how MP's were slipped in to the last sentence at the end of the BBC's report.
Last weekend, the Sunday Times reported that BBC journalists are being sent on “impartiality seminars”. Not surprisingly, the BBC staff are cynical about the courses, viewing them with derision and saying that not much in their reporting will change. In my view, if they don't see the light soon, they'll be doing themselves out of their own jobs and will have only themselves to blame when the BBC is set free to create its own news - and fend for itself.
Compare the BBC's report on Abbey National's Offshore survey with that of the Move Channel's article: Expats feeling closer to home. Note, it's dated May 8th and therefore may be about a different Abbey National Offshore survey. The BBC did not make clear which survey they were reporting on. Whatever, the Move Channel provides far more interesting and useful information on expats. I'm searching for a copy of Abbey National's latest survey to see what the BBC were looking at that made them think their report was useful, interesting and in the public interest.
- - -
BBC and Abbey National
Offshoring jobs to India
Update re above post: On googling for the Abbey National Offshore survey - to find the information it contained and date it was produced - I came across this article entitled "Unsure offshore", published today in Computer Business Review.
It states: "In the past few months, Lloyds TSB, HSBC, Barclays, AXA, Prudential and Abbey National have all announced plans to send between 400 and 6,000 jobs to India, replacing operations currently based in the UK. Offshoring is growing rapidly in the UK and the scope for backlash is growing. National institutions such as National Rail, British Telecom, and directory enquiry services have already sent significant numbers of jobs to India. And that research studies estimate the number of jobs to be sent to India to rise to between 200,000 and 300,000 over the next five years."
Why does the BBC dumb down its reports? Is it so arrogant that it thinks all of its reports are in the public interest? The BBC could have taken much more in-depth data from Abbey National's Offshore survey: useful stuff - especially for expats and potential expats. Or, in relation to the survey, they could have reported on Abbey National's offshoring of jobs and the pros and cons of offshoring. To educate people and help stem unnecessary backlash. Inform the public with real news and issues. True facts and figures. And what offshoring means to people and this country.
BBC staff are paid to provide a public service - not to publish drivel that rubbishes MPs in the same sentence as the British weather and "traffic congestion". There's nothing unnatural about British weather. We enjoy spring, summer, autumn and winter. The whole of the UK is not congested with traffic. Sometimes, I wonder if the BBC is anti-everything (except themselves) or even anti-British. I say, send them to India and tell them to get on their bikes. See how they enjoy living far away from our democracy, MPs and weather.
- - -
Update: Scaryduck, who works for the BBC (and who I don't want offshored to India!) has just commented here that he has not been invited to attend lessons in balance. Which is very interesting. Perhaps the BBC are just selecting those who they think need lessons in balance ;-)
Apologies for publishing this post before I'd fully completed and captured links. Unfortunately, the Sunday Times does not enable direct linking to individual reports, so I hope they don't mind me copying and pasting their report, dated April 18, 2004, in full. Here's pinging a warm hello to two hard working blogging MP's Clive Soley and Tom Watson.
BBC reporters get lessons in balance
By David Cracknell and Richard Brooks
BBC journalists are being sent on “impartiality seminars” following criticism in Lord Hutton’s report into the death of Dr David Kelly.
Those who have attended say that the aim is to encourage reporters and producers to think outside the “left-leaning liberal” mentality with which many associate the corporation and to make sure a broader range of views is reflected.
BBC bosses want to reduce the risks of the corporation being embroiled in a political storm similar to the Kelly affair. Hutton criticised the corporation for its handling of a radio report on the government’s Iraq policy.
The seminars come as the BBC faces fresh criticism from Ofcom, the new broadcasting regulator, which has accused it of relying too much on poor-quality light entertainment.
The organisation is trying to find its way again after the departure of Gavyn Davies, its chairman, and Greg Dyke, its director-general, following Hutton’s report.
Thousands of staff from BBC News, the reporting arm of the corporation, are expected to attend the two-hour seminar before next year’s expected general election. Groups are shown footage from a fictional television station called Partial News to show how to avoid over-opinionated reporting.
Fiona Bruce, the news presenter, features in a mock report in which the argument that paedophiles should be castrated is aired. Another dummy programme discusses the pros and cons of hanging and of pulling out of the European Union.
Staff are also shown footage of Andrew Marr, the BBC political editor, and Jeff Randall, the business editor, and then encouraged to discuss the pitfalls of straying from neutrality. During the seminars so far, most have agreed that only journalists of the seniority of Marr and Randall should be allowed to express an opinion in their news coverage.
Having watched the videos, thoses attending the seminars have to split into smaller groups to discuss how to think differently. Using flip-charts, they discuss the question “What is impartiality?” and are then encouraged to come up with “action plans” to encourage it.
Staffers doubt that the seminars will have any effect. One who has recently been on the course said: “I seriously doubt it will change anyone’s behaviour. Most of the staff treated the whole exercise quite cynically.”
In an e-mail to staff, Richard Sambrook, director of BBC News, says: “I believe we (more than any other broadcaster) owe it to an increasingly sceptical audience to re- examine our core journalistic beliefs. Fewer people than ever understand, or say they appreciate, the value of independent news. The challenge is to re-state the case for our journalism and to articulate its value in a multi-channel world.”
Meanwhile, the BBC will come under fire this week in an Ofcom report for its over- reliance on poor light entertainment. BBC1 is expected to come in for particular criticism.
The report is the first of three by Ofcom into public service broadcasting (PSB). Entertainers who have come in for criticism recently include Jim Davidson, who presents Commercial Breakdown for BBC1. The long-running but recently relaunched Top of the Pops and quiz shows such as They Think It’s All Over have also struggled and BBC1 has failed to find new comedy hits in recent years.
The Ofcom research shows that the public thinks PSB programmes on all channels lack innovation and originality.
The good news for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five is that the 6,000 respondents to the Ofcom poll liked the mixture of programmes, placing “impartial and accurate” news at the top of their list. Drama and serious programmes such as Panorama and Question Time also fared well.
Soaps, too, were regarded as a vital part of PSB, mainly because they often depict social and health issues of current interest. The public also appreciate programmes in which they can take part, such as Restoration and The Big Read.
The research shows the public likes being brought together as a nation by big events such as the rugby World Cup final, shown on ITV. Several satellite channels, including Sky News, Discovery and the History Channel, with no official public service remit, are as admired as any of the terrestial stations.
Thousands of staff from BBC News
To attend “impartiality seminars”
"Potential expats said they would miss soaps, comedy and news, but a third of people said they would not mind leaving behind reality TV or the UK's obsession with celebrity. But they were happy to wave goodbye to the British weather, MPs and traffic congestion."
The above is an excerpt from today's BBC News online report about Sunday roasts topping the wish lists of expats. Note how MP's were slipped in to the last sentence at the end of the BBC's report.
Last weekend, the Sunday Times reported that BBC journalists are being sent on “impartiality seminars”. Not surprisingly, the BBC staff are cynical about the courses, viewing them with derision and saying that not much in their reporting will change. In my view, if they don't see the light soon, they'll be doing themselves out of their own jobs and will have only themselves to blame when the BBC is set free to create its own news - and fend for itself.
Compare the BBC's report on Abbey National's Offshore survey with that of the Move Channel's article: Expats feeling closer to home. Note, it's dated May 8th and therefore may be about a different Abbey National Offshore survey. The BBC did not make clear which survey they were reporting on. Whatever, the Move Channel provides far more interesting and useful information on expats. I'm searching for a copy of Abbey National's latest survey to see what the BBC were looking at that made them think their report was useful, interesting and in the public interest.
- - -
BBC and Abbey National
Offshoring jobs to India
Update re above post: On googling for the Abbey National Offshore survey - to find the information it contained and date it was produced - I came across this article entitled "Unsure offshore", published today in Computer Business Review.
It states: "In the past few months, Lloyds TSB, HSBC, Barclays, AXA, Prudential and Abbey National have all announced plans to send between 400 and 6,000 jobs to India, replacing operations currently based in the UK. Offshoring is growing rapidly in the UK and the scope for backlash is growing. National institutions such as National Rail, British Telecom, and directory enquiry services have already sent significant numbers of jobs to India. And that research studies estimate the number of jobs to be sent to India to rise to between 200,000 and 300,000 over the next five years."
Why does the BBC dumb down its reports? Is it so arrogant that it thinks all of its reports are in the public interest? The BBC could have taken much more in-depth data from Abbey National's Offshore survey: useful stuff - especially for expats and potential expats. Or, in relation to the survey, they could have reported on Abbey National's offshoring of jobs and the pros and cons of offshoring. To educate people and help stem unnecessary backlash. Inform the public with real news and issues. True facts and figures. And what offshoring means to people and this country.
BBC staff are paid to provide a public service - not to publish drivel that rubbishes MPs in the same sentence as the British weather and "traffic congestion". There's nothing unnatural about British weather. We enjoy spring, summer, autumn and winter. The whole of the UK is not congested with traffic. Sometimes, I wonder if the BBC is anti-everything (except themselves) or even anti-British. I say, send them to India and tell them to get on their bikes. See how they enjoy living far away from our democracy, MPs and weather.
- - -
Update: Scaryduck, who works for the BBC (and who I don't want offshored to India!) has just commented here that he has not been invited to attend lessons in balance. Which is very interesting. Perhaps the BBC are just selecting those who they think need lessons in balance ;-)
Apologies for publishing this post before I'd fully completed and captured links. Unfortunately, the Sunday Times does not enable direct linking to individual reports, so I hope they don't mind me copying and pasting their report, dated April 18, 2004, in full. Here's pinging a warm hello to two hard working blogging MP's Clive Soley and Tom Watson.
BBC reporters get lessons in balance
By David Cracknell and Richard Brooks
BBC journalists are being sent on “impartiality seminars” following criticism in Lord Hutton’s report into the death of Dr David Kelly.
Those who have attended say that the aim is to encourage reporters and producers to think outside the “left-leaning liberal” mentality with which many associate the corporation and to make sure a broader range of views is reflected.
BBC bosses want to reduce the risks of the corporation being embroiled in a political storm similar to the Kelly affair. Hutton criticised the corporation for its handling of a radio report on the government’s Iraq policy.
The seminars come as the BBC faces fresh criticism from Ofcom, the new broadcasting regulator, which has accused it of relying too much on poor-quality light entertainment.
The organisation is trying to find its way again after the departure of Gavyn Davies, its chairman, and Greg Dyke, its director-general, following Hutton’s report.
Thousands of staff from BBC News, the reporting arm of the corporation, are expected to attend the two-hour seminar before next year’s expected general election. Groups are shown footage from a fictional television station called Partial News to show how to avoid over-opinionated reporting.
Fiona Bruce, the news presenter, features in a mock report in which the argument that paedophiles should be castrated is aired. Another dummy programme discusses the pros and cons of hanging and of pulling out of the European Union.
Staff are also shown footage of Andrew Marr, the BBC political editor, and Jeff Randall, the business editor, and then encouraged to discuss the pitfalls of straying from neutrality. During the seminars so far, most have agreed that only journalists of the seniority of Marr and Randall should be allowed to express an opinion in their news coverage.
Having watched the videos, thoses attending the seminars have to split into smaller groups to discuss how to think differently. Using flip-charts, they discuss the question “What is impartiality?” and are then encouraged to come up with “action plans” to encourage it.
Staffers doubt that the seminars will have any effect. One who has recently been on the course said: “I seriously doubt it will change anyone’s behaviour. Most of the staff treated the whole exercise quite cynically.”
In an e-mail to staff, Richard Sambrook, director of BBC News, says: “I believe we (more than any other broadcaster) owe it to an increasingly sceptical audience to re- examine our core journalistic beliefs. Fewer people than ever understand, or say they appreciate, the value of independent news. The challenge is to re-state the case for our journalism and to articulate its value in a multi-channel world.”
Meanwhile, the BBC will come under fire this week in an Ofcom report for its over- reliance on poor light entertainment. BBC1 is expected to come in for particular criticism.
The report is the first of three by Ofcom into public service broadcasting (PSB). Entertainers who have come in for criticism recently include Jim Davidson, who presents Commercial Breakdown for BBC1. The long-running but recently relaunched Top of the Pops and quiz shows such as They Think It’s All Over have also struggled and BBC1 has failed to find new comedy hits in recent years.
The Ofcom research shows that the public thinks PSB programmes on all channels lack innovation and originality.
The good news for the BBC, ITV, Channel 4 and Five is that the 6,000 respondents to the Ofcom poll liked the mixture of programmes, placing “impartial and accurate” news at the top of their list. Drama and serious programmes such as Panorama and Question Time also fared well.
Soaps, too, were regarded as a vital part of PSB, mainly because they often depict social and health issues of current interest. The public also appreciate programmes in which they can take part, such as Restoration and The Big Read.
The research shows the public likes being brought together as a nation by big events such as the rugby World Cup final, shown on ITV. Several satellite channels, including Sky News, Discovery and the History Channel, with no official public service remit, are as admired as any of the terrestial stations.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/21/2004
0 comments
- - -
Lemon & anchovy chicken
With garlic pumpkin
Recipe using butternut squash via We might as well dance (thanks John) via Living in Australia:
800g piece of peeled butternut pumpkin
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
125ml chicken stock
fresh sage leaves
2 thick chicken breast fillets
40g butter
3 anchovy fillets, chopped very finely
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chop pumpkin into pieces (about 3/4 of an inch). Heat half the oil in a wok or large saucepan and add the pumpkin and garlic. Cook on medium-high, stirring until the pumpkin begins to brown. Add 2 tablespoonsful of stock, cover and steam for 5 minutes or so until the pumpkin is just tender. Stir in the sage leaves.
Meanwhile, cut chicken in half horizontally to make thinner pieces. Melt half of the butter and remaining oil in a large frying pan. Cook chicken until browned on both sides and just cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
Add rest of butter to same pan with anchovy. Cook, stirring until butter melts. Add lemon juice and rest of stock. Simmer uncovered for a minute or so until it reduces slightly.
Serve pumpkin topped with chicken and sauce. A side salad (on separate plate so it doesn't go soggy) is good, but other cooked veggies and potatoes may be OK, too.
Lemon & anchovy chicken
With garlic pumpkin
Recipe using butternut squash via We might as well dance (thanks John) via Living in Australia:
800g piece of peeled butternut pumpkin
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced
125ml chicken stock
fresh sage leaves
2 thick chicken breast fillets
40g butter
3 anchovy fillets, chopped very finely
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Chop pumpkin into pieces (about 3/4 of an inch). Heat half the oil in a wok or large saucepan and add the pumpkin and garlic. Cook on medium-high, stirring until the pumpkin begins to brown. Add 2 tablespoonsful of stock, cover and steam for 5 minutes or so until the pumpkin is just tender. Stir in the sage leaves.
Meanwhile, cut chicken in half horizontally to make thinner pieces. Melt half of the butter and remaining oil in a large frying pan. Cook chicken until browned on both sides and just cooked through. Remove chicken from pan and keep warm.
Add rest of butter to same pan with anchovy. Cook, stirring until butter melts. Add lemon juice and rest of stock. Simmer uncovered for a minute or so until it reduces slightly.
Serve pumpkin topped with chicken and sauce. A side salad (on separate plate so it doesn't go soggy) is good, but other cooked veggies and potatoes may be OK, too.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/21/2004
0 comments
Monday, April 19, 2004
Search on Sotheby's
Auction results
One can now search the Sotheby's sold lot archive. View lot details and prices realised from past sales at Sotheby's auction results. Some of the items have photos.
via Serene Koning's main blog Bloggzen.
- - -
Serena Konig's Molene blog
Technorati links for each post
I've spent a few hours clicking into the many layers of Serena Konig's BlogSpots. So far, I've found that Serena authors:
Bookzen on books. Newszen for news commentary. ZEN/\ERA website that aims to promote new and established businesses, globally and locally. ZENART features Serena's oil paintings of cows, horses, cats, dogs, birds and other species.
Also, there's Molene where Serena writes that she can now track who is linking to a particular post on her blog by clicking the Technorati (that she's renamed Linkorati) link next to the commenting facility beneath each of her posts.
Note to Serena: I too have a free BlogSpot and am interested in the way you have been able to set up various categories. You have two facilities beneath each of your posts, one for comments and the other for Linkorati. I clicked on Linkorati and got Technorati: Search for http://bloggzen.blogspot.com/blogger/<$BlogItemArchiveFileName$> but can't figure what to do next. Without permalinks or trackback, how exactly do I link this post - here in my blog - to an individual post of yours?
Auction results
One can now search the Sotheby's sold lot archive. View lot details and prices realised from past sales at Sotheby's auction results. Some of the items have photos.
via Serene Koning's main blog Bloggzen.
- - -
Serena Konig's Molene blog
Technorati links for each post
I've spent a few hours clicking into the many layers of Serena Konig's BlogSpots. So far, I've found that Serena authors:
Bookzen on books. Newszen for news commentary. ZEN/\ERA website that aims to promote new and established businesses, globally and locally. ZENART features Serena's oil paintings of cows, horses, cats, dogs, birds and other species.
Also, there's Molene where Serena writes that she can now track who is linking to a particular post on her blog by clicking the Technorati (that she's renamed Linkorati) link next to the commenting facility beneath each of her posts.
Note to Serena: I too have a free BlogSpot and am interested in the way you have been able to set up various categories. You have two facilities beneath each of your posts, one for comments and the other for Linkorati. I clicked on Linkorati and got Technorati: Search for http://bloggzen.blogspot.com/blogger/<$BlogItemArchiveFileName$> but can't figure what to do next. Without permalinks or trackback, how exactly do I link this post - here in my blog - to an individual post of yours?
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/19/2004
0 comments
- - -
Microchips on runners' shoelaces in London marathon
Sends data to mobile phones via Orange network
Serena Konig, in her Econzen blog about animals, writes about how one could keep track of friends running in yesterday's London marathon. And points to an article by David Adam in the Guardian:
"The future's bright, the future's having a little chip on runners' shoelaces that registers when they cross certain points and updates friends through their mobile phones. All courtesy of Orange, a sponsor of Sunday's London marathon.
The electronic shoelace chips have been around for about a decade and have been used in the London event since 2000. Designed to time people stuck at the back of the field when the official clock begins (and to allow event organisers to keep tabs on runners taking shortcuts or hopping on a bus), the silicon chips send a signal to a central computer when competitors cross special mats. Until now the timing data just sat on the organiser's system. This year it will be converted to text messages and sent to three pre-registered numbers.
The timing mats are placed at the start, finish and every 10km of the 40km race - meaning spectators now have more of a chance to spot their favourite marathon man or woman. But there is a catch. Amid the exhausted delirium of finishing the race, runners must remember to bend down and unhook the special chips. "They cost around £10 each so we want them back," says a marathon spokesman."
- - -
Update via Scotsman:
"The text messaging service that was supposed to give updates on the progress of competitors was hit by problems yesterday. The free service run by mobile phone firm Orange was designed to let family and friends know how their loved ones were doing as they trudged round the 26.2-mile route. But some runners have said their supporters received the texts at the wrong times and one message congratulating a competitor for finishing was received over an hour after they had ended the race. An Orange spokesman said: “We are very disappointed we weren’t able to send all text messages we had planned to. “However we have successfully sent a text apology to all runners and their supporters for any problems they have encountered today.”
Microchips on runners' shoelaces in London marathon
Sends data to mobile phones via Orange network
Serena Konig, in her Econzen blog about animals, writes about how one could keep track of friends running in yesterday's London marathon. And points to an article by David Adam in the Guardian:
"The future's bright, the future's having a little chip on runners' shoelaces that registers when they cross certain points and updates friends through their mobile phones. All courtesy of Orange, a sponsor of Sunday's London marathon.
The electronic shoelace chips have been around for about a decade and have been used in the London event since 2000. Designed to time people stuck at the back of the field when the official clock begins (and to allow event organisers to keep tabs on runners taking shortcuts or hopping on a bus), the silicon chips send a signal to a central computer when competitors cross special mats. Until now the timing data just sat on the organiser's system. This year it will be converted to text messages and sent to three pre-registered numbers.
The timing mats are placed at the start, finish and every 10km of the 40km race - meaning spectators now have more of a chance to spot their favourite marathon man or woman. But there is a catch. Amid the exhausted delirium of finishing the race, runners must remember to bend down and unhook the special chips. "They cost around £10 each so we want them back," says a marathon spokesman."
- - -
Update via Scotsman:
"The text messaging service that was supposed to give updates on the progress of competitors was hit by problems yesterday. The free service run by mobile phone firm Orange was designed to let family and friends know how their loved ones were doing as they trudged round the 26.2-mile route. But some runners have said their supporters received the texts at the wrong times and one message congratulating a competitor for finishing was received over an hour after they had ended the race. An Orange spokesman said: “We are very disappointed we weren’t able to send all text messages we had planned to. “However we have successfully sent a text apology to all runners and their supporters for any problems they have encountered today.”
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/19/2004
0 comments
- - -
Jim O'Connell's blog is ahead of the times
Plagiarism by widely linked bloggers
Yesterday, the Sunday Times printed this item: "Shipping news of the week - The Japanese navy has launched a controversial advertising campaign to publicise its work in Iraq and attract new recruits. Television ads show seven sailors dancing on the deck of a ship and singing a song called Nippon - Seaman - Ship. A voiceover then announces: "I love Japan. I love peace. The Maritime Self-Defence Force." A spokesman defended the campaign, saying: "There are a lot of young people and women who don't seem interested in the navy."
Last month, Jim O'Connell of Wirefarm in Tokyo blogged the same news. Jim's post, dated 9 March, "Come for the Seaman Stay for the ship" is much more enlightening as it provides a link to the controversial and amusing advert.
Who knows, one day professional journalists may take news from weblogs and attribute the source by publishing a URL. Somehow, I doubt it though. I've noticed how some bloggers (no names mentioned but let's just say they have hundreds of blogs linking to them) take stuff and ideas that originate from less linked blogs and use them without linking back to the source. I read a lot of blogs and have seen it several times with my own eyes. It's happened to half a dozen of my posts. I've not forgotten who the bloggers are either. I wonder if they do it thinking that nobody will notice - or they just don't care. Such behaviour is a good insight into a bloggers character. Sort of like cheating at exams or copying someone else's homework.
Jim O'Connell's blog is ahead of the times
Plagiarism by widely linked bloggers
Yesterday, the Sunday Times printed this item: "Shipping news of the week - The Japanese navy has launched a controversial advertising campaign to publicise its work in Iraq and attract new recruits. Television ads show seven sailors dancing on the deck of a ship and singing a song called Nippon - Seaman - Ship. A voiceover then announces: "I love Japan. I love peace. The Maritime Self-Defence Force." A spokesman defended the campaign, saying: "There are a lot of young people and women who don't seem interested in the navy."
Last month, Jim O'Connell of Wirefarm in Tokyo blogged the same news. Jim's post, dated 9 March, "Come for the Seaman Stay for the ship" is much more enlightening as it provides a link to the controversial and amusing advert.
Who knows, one day professional journalists may take news from weblogs and attribute the source by publishing a URL. Somehow, I doubt it though. I've noticed how some bloggers (no names mentioned but let's just say they have hundreds of blogs linking to them) take stuff and ideas that originate from less linked blogs and use them without linking back to the source. I read a lot of blogs and have seen it several times with my own eyes. It's happened to half a dozen of my posts. I've not forgotten who the bloggers are either. I wonder if they do it thinking that nobody will notice - or they just don't care. Such behaviour is a good insight into a bloggers character. Sort of like cheating at exams or copying someone else's homework.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/19/2004
0 comments
Sunday, April 18, 2004
Dig a grave and be buried in a cardboard box -
In your back garden, woodland, forest, meadow or orchard
Today, 18 April, is National Day of the Dead. Seems there are no laws to prevent you being buried in a cardboard box anywhere on private land - in your back garden, woodland, forest, meadow or orchard. All you need is to fill in a form from the Environment Agency.
Provided you own the land, it is easier to bury a relative in your garden than to extend your garage or undertake any other building work. You don't even need planning permission to dig a grave, although erecting a gravestone might stir the interest of the local council.
A garden grave must be situated more than 10 metres from standing water, at least 50 metres away from a drinking water source, and be deep enough to dissuade foxes from digging up the dearly departed. It's also necessary to record the whereabouts of the grave and include this in the deeds of the property.
"People are always surprised to hear that it is quite a simple matter to bury someone on private land," says Michael Jarvis of the Natural Death Centre - organisers of the National Day of the Dead.
You may even put something back into the environment if you are buried in a forest, under a meadowful of grazing sheep or even beneath an orchard of fruit trees.
Woodland burial sites have become popular with those wanting to carry through their environmental principles into the afterlife, since tradition plots are increasingly rare and cremation, Mr Jarvis says, contributes to air pollution.
If your garden isn't big enough to accommodate a coffin, or you fear that a burial plot will put off prospective buyers if you decide to move, there is an alternative to your local churchyard or council cemetery: Eco funerals.
- - -
Note: The above report makes no mention of burials at sea. I wonder if one needs to fill in a form from the fisheries and beach agency. Also, it states: "Graves can be sunk in any private land, although the landowner may need to seek permission to alter the use of the property". Here, in this small seaside town, one little dog doodoo creates a GBP 400 fine. And seagulls' biz makes front page news. I'd be surprised if a council did not find ways to refuse permission to "alter the use of property".
In your back garden, woodland, forest, meadow or orchard
Today, 18 April, is National Day of the Dead. Seems there are no laws to prevent you being buried in a cardboard box anywhere on private land - in your back garden, woodland, forest, meadow or orchard. All you need is to fill in a form from the Environment Agency.
Provided you own the land, it is easier to bury a relative in your garden than to extend your garage or undertake any other building work. You don't even need planning permission to dig a grave, although erecting a gravestone might stir the interest of the local council.
A garden grave must be situated more than 10 metres from standing water, at least 50 metres away from a drinking water source, and be deep enough to dissuade foxes from digging up the dearly departed. It's also necessary to record the whereabouts of the grave and include this in the deeds of the property.
"People are always surprised to hear that it is quite a simple matter to bury someone on private land," says Michael Jarvis of the Natural Death Centre - organisers of the National Day of the Dead.
You may even put something back into the environment if you are buried in a forest, under a meadowful of grazing sheep or even beneath an orchard of fruit trees.
Woodland burial sites have become popular with those wanting to carry through their environmental principles into the afterlife, since tradition plots are increasingly rare and cremation, Mr Jarvis says, contributes to air pollution.
If your garden isn't big enough to accommodate a coffin, or you fear that a burial plot will put off prospective buyers if you decide to move, there is an alternative to your local churchyard or council cemetery: Eco funerals.
- - -
Note: The above report makes no mention of burials at sea. I wonder if one needs to fill in a form from the fisheries and beach agency. Also, it states: "Graves can be sunk in any private land, although the landowner may need to seek permission to alter the use of the property". Here, in this small seaside town, one little dog doodoo creates a GBP 400 fine. And seagulls' biz makes front page news. I'd be surprised if a council did not find ways to refuse permission to "alter the use of property".
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/18/2004
0 comments
- - -
Computer Eraser
Free program deletes data
Question: We have a computer we would like to donate to charity. How can we wipe all the information?
Answer: Pop over to www.heidi.ie /eraser for the Secure Data Removal Tool and download the free Eraser program. Install, read the instructions very carefully and erase away. The software doesn't only delete data, but overwrites it 35 times to make it unrecoverable. [via dontpanic@sunday-times.co.uk]
Computer Eraser
Free program deletes data
Question: We have a computer we would like to donate to charity. How can we wipe all the information?
Answer: Pop over to www.heidi.ie /eraser for the Secure Data Removal Tool and download the free Eraser program. Install, read the instructions very carefully and erase away. The software doesn't only delete data, but overwrites it 35 times to make it unrecoverable. [via dontpanic@sunday-times.co.uk]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/18/2004
0 comments
- - -
We might as well dance
Australian walkabout and drinkies
Look what happens when an Englishman and his wife take their two Australian dogs on walkabout in Australia...
- - -
Don't forget Elevenses - a proper indulgence
Muesli Brownies
Makes 12:
100g bitter chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa solids, such as organic Green & Black's)
100g unsalted butter
2 eggs
75g caster sugar
100g self-raising flour
100g luxury muesli
Cocoa powder and icing sugar, to serve
Preheat the over to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
Melt the chocolate and butter in a bain-marie or a microwave.
Remove from the heat and, while it's still warm, beat in the eggs and sugar. Fold in the flour and the muesli.
Bake in a lined, 20cm-square baking tray for 30 minutes or until a thin crust has appeared on top (the centre should still feel a little soft). Cool in the tin, then cut into squares and dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar.
These are great with coffee as elevenses, but you could also serve them with ice cream as a dessert. [via Sunday Times Style]
We might as well dance
Australian walkabout and drinkies
Look what happens when an Englishman and his wife take their two Australian dogs on walkabout in Australia...
- - -
Don't forget Elevenses - a proper indulgence
Muesli Brownies
Makes 12:
100g bitter chocolate (with at least 70% cocoa solids, such as organic Green & Black's)
100g unsalted butter
2 eggs
75g caster sugar
100g self-raising flour
100g luxury muesli
Cocoa powder and icing sugar, to serve
Preheat the over to 180C/350F/Gas 4.
Melt the chocolate and butter in a bain-marie or a microwave.
Remove from the heat and, while it's still warm, beat in the eggs and sugar. Fold in the flour and the muesli.
Bake in a lined, 20cm-square baking tray for 30 minutes or until a thin crust has appeared on top (the centre should still feel a little soft). Cool in the tin, then cut into squares and dust with cocoa powder or icing sugar.
These are great with coffee as elevenses, but you could also serve them with ice cream as a dessert. [via Sunday Times Style]
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/18/2004
0 comments
- - -
Sunday breakfast or brunch
Cheat's Kedgeree - a classic Anglo-Indian dish
This classic Anglo-Indian dish was not always an indulgence for toffs. It was originally made with rice and lentils - and its old Bengali name is kichiri. It was the Brits who first added smoked fish and eggs, for some mysterious reason. It may not be the most obvious candidate for a breakfast dish, but historically, kedgeree was served in the wee hours after long decadent parties in officers' messes or colonial clubs.
The Sunday Times' recipe involves cooking the fish and rice separately. The first part could be done in advance and kept in the fridge overnight:
3 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 level tablespoon mild curry powder
500g smoked haddock (about 1 large fillet), skinned and boned
100g peas (frozen are great, but thaw first)
1 level teaspoon salt
300g (uncooked weight) basmati rice
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Handful of parsley, chopped
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a wide pan and when it's hot, throw in the onion.
Fry fairly gently for a good 5-10 minutes. It should be soft but not browned.
Add the curry powder, fish, peas and salt.
Lower the heat to a gentle flame and cover the pan with a lid.
Let the ingredients sweat for at least another 10 minutes and then set them aside in a bowl.
(You could store this mix if making it in advance.)
If not making in advance:
Add the rice to the pan you cooked the fish in, plus 400ml cold water.
Stir just once and raise the heat.
As soon as the water starts to fizz against the side of the pan, reduce the heat, cover and simmer very gently.
It should cook, undisturbed, for 15 minutes.
Check it after that time.
All the liquid should have gone and the rice will be cooked.
If not, just cover it and leave for another few minutes - it will happen.
When the rice is cooked, stir in the fish, pea and onion mix. Use a fork so that you don't smash up the rice.
Add the remaining butter last and check the seasoning again before serving garnished with the egg and plenty of parsley.
- - -
Note to self: Must remember to have this made and frozen into portions for breakfast or lunch. After defrosting, I'd just need to add freshly boiled eggs - which I often keep to hand in the fridge anyway. Tip: older eggs boil better than newly laid eggs.
I've enjoyed a great Kedgeree over at friend's house at a sit-down luncheon party. For starters we were served fresh half of a grapefruit, hot toast and a selection of jams with plenty of good tea to drink. Followed by kedgeree served with glasses of Indian beer. And a great dessert (see above recipe for Muesli Brownies + ice cream) with fresh coffee and biscuits.
Sunday breakfast or brunch
Cheat's Kedgeree - a classic Anglo-Indian dish
This classic Anglo-Indian dish was not always an indulgence for toffs. It was originally made with rice and lentils - and its old Bengali name is kichiri. It was the Brits who first added smoked fish and eggs, for some mysterious reason. It may not be the most obvious candidate for a breakfast dish, but historically, kedgeree was served in the wee hours after long decadent parties in officers' messes or colonial clubs.
The Sunday Times' recipe involves cooking the fish and rice separately. The first part could be done in advance and kept in the fridge overnight:
3 tablespoon butter
1 large onion, finely chopped
1 level tablespoon mild curry powder
500g smoked haddock (about 1 large fillet), skinned and boned
100g peas (frozen are great, but thaw first)
1 level teaspoon salt
300g (uncooked weight) basmati rice
3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
Handful of parsley, chopped
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a wide pan and when it's hot, throw in the onion.
Fry fairly gently for a good 5-10 minutes. It should be soft but not browned.
Add the curry powder, fish, peas and salt.
Lower the heat to a gentle flame and cover the pan with a lid.
Let the ingredients sweat for at least another 10 minutes and then set them aside in a bowl.
(You could store this mix if making it in advance.)
If not making in advance:
Add the rice to the pan you cooked the fish in, plus 400ml cold water.
Stir just once and raise the heat.
As soon as the water starts to fizz against the side of the pan, reduce the heat, cover and simmer very gently.
It should cook, undisturbed, for 15 minutes.
Check it after that time.
All the liquid should have gone and the rice will be cooked.
If not, just cover it and leave for another few minutes - it will happen.
When the rice is cooked, stir in the fish, pea and onion mix. Use a fork so that you don't smash up the rice.
Add the remaining butter last and check the seasoning again before serving garnished with the egg and plenty of parsley.
- - -
Note to self: Must remember to have this made and frozen into portions for breakfast or lunch. After defrosting, I'd just need to add freshly boiled eggs - which I often keep to hand in the fridge anyway. Tip: older eggs boil better than newly laid eggs.
I've enjoyed a great Kedgeree over at friend's house at a sit-down luncheon party. For starters we were served fresh half of a grapefruit, hot toast and a selection of jams with plenty of good tea to drink. Followed by kedgeree served with glasses of Indian beer. And a great dessert (see above recipe for Muesli Brownies + ice cream) with fresh coffee and biscuits.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/18/2004
0 comments
Saturday, April 17, 2004
Unclaimed millions could be yours:
Look for your tickets and check behind the sofa
Wednesday's huge jackpot - one of the biggest prizes ever - has not yet been claimed. All players are urged to check if they are the single ticket holder with the winning numbers - 1, 3, 22, 32, 38 and 44 - for 14 April's main Lotto draw. The ticket holders have 180 days to claim GBP 14,262,549. The area cannot be identified until 25 days after the draw.
Winnings expire. Among the winnings never claimed, the biggest was a £3,011,065 jackpot. Unclaimed prizes go to the lottery's Good Causes fund, which goes into arts, sports, charities, heritage, and millennium projects and education, health and the environment.
- - -
Greetings to:
Wendy and Gordon + fellow Scottish bloggers: One ticket holder from Scotland has until 21 June to claim £1m won in the Christmas draw.
Scaryduck + spicy brains, and Clive + Tom's constituents in London: The biggest prize that can still be claimed is £1,458,411, which is waiting for a jackpot winner who bought their ticket in Ealing, West London.
- - -
Worthwhile'a Work Wit
Office Etiquette
This cartoon reminds me of someone I know - who'd agreed with his workmates - that if their joint lotto ticket won the jackpot - they'd do the same thing, waving goodbye with two fingers in the air - while dancing the conga - out of the door at work BEFORE they collected their winnings. There were twelve of them. I did the sums and said they'd be better off not conga-ring anywhere near the exit door at work :-)
Look for your tickets and check behind the sofa
Wednesday's huge jackpot - one of the biggest prizes ever - has not yet been claimed. All players are urged to check if they are the single ticket holder with the winning numbers - 1, 3, 22, 32, 38 and 44 - for 14 April's main Lotto draw. The ticket holders have 180 days to claim GBP 14,262,549. The area cannot be identified until 25 days after the draw.
Winnings expire. Among the winnings never claimed, the biggest was a £3,011,065 jackpot. Unclaimed prizes go to the lottery's Good Causes fund, which goes into arts, sports, charities, heritage, and millennium projects and education, health and the environment.
- - -
Greetings to:
Wendy and Gordon + fellow Scottish bloggers: One ticket holder from Scotland has until 21 June to claim £1m won in the Christmas draw.
Scaryduck + spicy brains, and Clive + Tom's constituents in London: The biggest prize that can still be claimed is £1,458,411, which is waiting for a jackpot winner who bought their ticket in Ealing, West London.
- - -
Worthwhile'a Work Wit
Office Etiquette
This cartoon reminds me of someone I know - who'd agreed with his workmates - that if their joint lotto ticket won the jackpot - they'd do the same thing, waving goodbye with two fingers in the air - while dancing the conga - out of the door at work BEFORE they collected their winnings. There were twelve of them. I did the sums and said they'd be better off not conga-ring anywhere near the exit door at work :-)
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/17/2004
0 comments
- - -
The British Library releases audio archives:
Live sound recordings of Paul Robeson and Florence Nightingale
The British Library is releasing a ton of audio archive to educational institutions in the UK.
Examples of the library's site include a live recording of Paul Robeson in Othello, Florence Nightingale speaking in one of the earliest sound recordings, as well as the genesis of Sherlock Holmes.
These historic recordings will be made freely available to further and higher education institutions and will include a wide range of materials, including classical and popular music, broadcast radio, oral history, and field and location recordings of traditional music.
via Cory via Patricio
The British Library releases audio archives:
Live sound recordings of Paul Robeson and Florence Nightingale
The British Library is releasing a ton of audio archive to educational institutions in the UK.
Examples of the library's site include a live recording of Paul Robeson in Othello, Florence Nightingale speaking in one of the earliest sound recordings, as well as the genesis of Sherlock Holmes.
These historic recordings will be made freely available to further and higher education institutions and will include a wide range of materials, including classical and popular music, broadcast radio, oral history, and field and location recordings of traditional music.
via Cory via Patricio
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/17/2004
0 comments
- - -
The British Library holds 51 million printed journals:
Everything published in the UK since 1911
Last October, I blogged about a new law, proposed in a Private Member's Bill, that allows the British Library to store web pages and emails in its archive. Under this new law, future mediums will also be able to be stored as they are developed.
The library had pushed for electronic items to be included because of the rise in web-based publishing. "This new legislation will now mean that a vital part of the nation's published heritage will be safe," said MP Chris Mole, who supported the move.
The archive will comprise selective "harvesting" from the 2.9 million sites that have "uk" suffixes. The new publishing formats - which also include CD-Roms - will join these archives, and be available for future study.
The British Library already holds 51 million printed journals. It is one of six legal deposit archives which hold a copy of everything published in the UK since 1911. Other archives are held at the national libraries of Scotland and Wales and libraries at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Trinity, Dublin.
The British Library holds 51 million printed journals:
Everything published in the UK since 1911
Last October, I blogged about a new law, proposed in a Private Member's Bill, that allows the British Library to store web pages and emails in its archive. Under this new law, future mediums will also be able to be stored as they are developed.
The library had pushed for electronic items to be included because of the rise in web-based publishing. "This new legislation will now mean that a vital part of the nation's published heritage will be safe," said MP Chris Mole, who supported the move.
The archive will comprise selective "harvesting" from the 2.9 million sites that have "uk" suffixes. The new publishing formats - which also include CD-Roms - will join these archives, and be available for future study.
The British Library already holds 51 million printed journals. It is one of six legal deposit archives which hold a copy of everything published in the UK since 1911. Other archives are held at the national libraries of Scotland and Wales and libraries at the universities of Oxford, Cambridge and Trinity, Dublin.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/17/2004
0 comments
Friday, April 16, 2004
Chicken Paprikash, Hungarian Goulash and Spaetzle -
Infrastructure Session at BloggerCon
Andrew Grumet's recipe for Chicken Paprikash, sounds like a sort of goulash, using chicken instead of beef shin. In my view, authentic Hungarian paprika (King Red) is key to a great goulash.
According to an experienced Hungarian chef, born and bred in Hungary, there are certain unchangeable rules for making goulash, (1) no flour, (2) no tomatoes. Real Hungarian Goulash, gets its savour and colour from paprika - Hungarian Pepper from Szeged in Southern Hungary - in generous amounts, and is thickened only by the potatoes cooked with the meat. Note this other recipe for spaetzle.
Andrew Grumet works at MIT and is leading the Infrastructure Session at BloggerCon. Here's the registrant list. Everyone with an asterisk (*) next to their name has RSVP'd for the Dutch treat BloggerCon dinner being held 7pm tonight at Durgin Park in Boston, USA.
Infrastructure Session at BloggerCon
Andrew Grumet's recipe for Chicken Paprikash, sounds like a sort of goulash, using chicken instead of beef shin. In my view, authentic Hungarian paprika (King Red) is key to a great goulash.
According to an experienced Hungarian chef, born and bred in Hungary, there are certain unchangeable rules for making goulash, (1) no flour, (2) no tomatoes. Real Hungarian Goulash, gets its savour and colour from paprika - Hungarian Pepper from Szeged in Southern Hungary - in generous amounts, and is thickened only by the potatoes cooked with the meat. Note this other recipe for spaetzle.
Andrew Grumet works at MIT and is leading the Infrastructure Session at BloggerCon. Here's the registrant list. Everyone with an asterisk (*) next to their name has RSVP'd for the Dutch treat BloggerCon dinner being held 7pm tonight at Durgin Park in Boston, USA.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/16/2004
0 comments
Thursday, April 15, 2004
HotBot's New Desktop Search Toolbar
Searches web, indexes files and email
For PCs only via David Galbraith via Kinja weblog digest.
Searches web, indexes files and email
For PCs only via David Galbraith via Kinja weblog digest.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/15/2004
0 comments
- - -
New honour for the web's inventor
British physicist Sir Tim Berners-Lee
The inventor of the world wide web, Tim Berners-Lee, has won a prestigious award which comes with a prize bag of one million euros (£671,000). The "Father of the Web" was named as the first winner of the Millennium Technology Prize by the Finnish Technology Award Foundation.
In 1991, he came up with a system to organise, link and browse net pages which revolutionised the internet. The British scientist was knighted for his pioneering work in 2003. Sir Tim created his hypertext program while he was at the particle physics institute, Cern, in Geneva.
Born in London in 1955. Read physics at Queen's College, Oxford. Banned from using university PC for hacking. Built own computer with old TV, a Motorola microprocessor and soldering iron. Created web in late 1980s and early 1990s at Cern. Offered it free on the net. Founded World Wide Web Consortium at MIT in 1994. Named by Time magazine as one of the top 20 thinkers of the 20th century. Knighted in 2003.
The computer code he came up with let scientists easily share research findings across a computer network. In the early 1990s, it was dubbed the "world wide web", and is still the basis of the web as we know it. The famously modest man never went on to commercialise his work. Instead he worked on expanding the use of the net as a channel for free expression and collaboration.
"The web has significantly enhanced many people's ability to obtain information central to their lives," said Pekka Tarjanne, chairman of the Millennium Technology Prize award committee. "The web is encouraging new types of social networks, supporting transparency and democracy, and opening up novel avenues for information management and business development."
Sir Tim currently heads up the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, where he is now based as an academic.
New honour for the web's inventor
British physicist Sir Tim Berners-Lee
The inventor of the world wide web, Tim Berners-Lee, has won a prestigious award which comes with a prize bag of one million euros (£671,000). The "Father of the Web" was named as the first winner of the Millennium Technology Prize by the Finnish Technology Award Foundation.
In 1991, he came up with a system to organise, link and browse net pages which revolutionised the internet. The British scientist was knighted for his pioneering work in 2003. Sir Tim created his hypertext program while he was at the particle physics institute, Cern, in Geneva.
Born in London in 1955. Read physics at Queen's College, Oxford. Banned from using university PC for hacking. Built own computer with old TV, a Motorola microprocessor and soldering iron. Created web in late 1980s and early 1990s at Cern. Offered it free on the net. Founded World Wide Web Consortium at MIT in 1994. Named by Time magazine as one of the top 20 thinkers of the 20th century. Knighted in 2003.
The computer code he came up with let scientists easily share research findings across a computer network. In the early 1990s, it was dubbed the "world wide web", and is still the basis of the web as we know it. The famously modest man never went on to commercialise his work. Instead he worked on expanding the use of the net as a channel for free expression and collaboration.
"The web has significantly enhanced many people's ability to obtain information central to their lives," said Pekka Tarjanne, chairman of the Millennium Technology Prize award committee. "The web is encouraging new types of social networks, supporting transparency and democracy, and opening up novel avenues for information management and business development."
Sir Tim currently heads up the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, where he is now based as an academic.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/15/2004
0 comments
- - -
Harvard's Conference on Blogging
Webcast Saturday April 27, 2004
BloggerCon starts this Saturday. Webcasts are live out of Harvard in Boston, MA - so UK needs to add five hours.
Harvard's Conference on Blogging
Webcast Saturday April 27, 2004
BloggerCon starts this Saturday. Webcasts are live out of Harvard in Boston, MA - so UK needs to add five hours.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/15/2004
0 comments
- - -
British Airways - Concorde Enthusiasts' Auction
150,000 pieces of Concorde Memorabilia
Auction items from the famous aircraft will include a Nosecone, Cockpit Instrumentation, On-board Computers, Seats, Galley Equipment, Engines and Their Components, Lights, Sensors, Crockery and Cutlery.
via NewYorkish via Kinja
British Airways - Concorde Enthusiasts' Auction
150,000 pieces of Concorde Memorabilia
Auction items from the famous aircraft will include a Nosecone, Cockpit Instrumentation, On-board Computers, Seats, Galley Equipment, Engines and Their Components, Lights, Sensors, Crockery and Cutlery.
via NewYorkish via Kinja
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/15/2004
0 comments
- - -
Chocolate & Zucchini blog in Paris
Talented food writer and great links
Chocolate & Zucchini is the best food blog that I've found so far - thanks to Meg Hourihan's love Paris, great food and links.
Clotilde, the author, shares my passion for all things food related and focuses on fresh produce with as little processed food as possible. 24-year old Clotilde is French and lives in Montmartre, Paris with her boyfriend Maxence. She works as a computer engineer and authors another website (in French) that tells a little about their experience of living and working in the Silicon Valley.
Pleased to read such a neat young talent has aspirations to become a food writer and open a cosy little coffee shop-restaurant. Hope her career change happens asap. Good food we can't get enough of. Clotilde deserves the best of luck and backing on her ventures.
Chocolate & Zucchini blog in Paris
Talented food writer and great links
Chocolate & Zucchini is the best food blog that I've found so far - thanks to Meg Hourihan's love Paris, great food and links.
Clotilde, the author, shares my passion for all things food related and focuses on fresh produce with as little processed food as possible. 24-year old Clotilde is French and lives in Montmartre, Paris with her boyfriend Maxence. She works as a computer engineer and authors another website (in French) that tells a little about their experience of living and working in the Silicon Valley.
Pleased to read such a neat young talent has aspirations to become a food writer and open a cosy little coffee shop-restaurant. Hope her career change happens asap. Good food we can't get enough of. Clotilde deserves the best of luck and backing on her ventures.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/15/2004
0 comments
- - -
Bloggers' Pyra in 1999
Archives still online
"It's funny to see the kind of stuff we used to write about" - Megnut, co-founder of Pyra - the company that led to Blogger.com.
Bloggers' Pyra in 1999
Archives still online
"It's funny to see the kind of stuff we used to write about" - Megnut, co-founder of Pyra - the company that led to Blogger.com.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/15/2004
0 comments
Wednesday, April 14, 2004
BARCLAYS SCAM EMAIL
Exploits new IE flaw
Here's a copy of a Barclays scam email just received. I've forwarded a copy to the real Barclays. Found their email address in an article at zdnet news that explains how the scam email exploits new IE flaw - and what to do if you receive one of the emails.
From: internet.security@barclays.co.uk
Date: 14 April 2004 22:10:03 BST
To: ingrid.jones at --
Subject: Administration Barclays
Reply-To: internet.security@barclays.co.uk
Hello dear client Barclays Bank.
Today our system of safety at night has been cracked!!!
It not a joke!!! It is the truth!!!
We ask you, in order to prevent problems, to repeat
registration of your data. Make it very quickly!
Administration Barclays Bank.
http://ibank.barclays.co.uk
- - -
Update, I've just received this email reply from Barclays. I did not open the links in the scam email and have not given out details.
From: internetsecurity@barclays.co.uk
Subject: RE: Administration Barclays
Date: 14 April 2004 10:05:09 BST
To: ingrid.jones@ --
Thank you for your email. We will not respond to emails sent to this address unless we specifically need to. We are aware of a number of email scams that are currently operating. We will review the one you have sent us and take appropriate action. In the meantime please follow our security advice below:
- Do not respond to emails asking for your security details.
- If you receive such an email delete it and do not open any attachments.
- Ensure you are running up to date anti-virus software and a personal firewall on your PC. Barclays customers can purchase discounted anti-virus software from the Barclays website by clicking on the Security tab at the top of the pages within Online Banking. Alternatively you can get a free virus security check of your PC from www.symantec.co.uk
- For further advice on security please click on the Security tab at the top of the pages within Online Banking.
- If you think you may have given away your security details, please contact the Online Banking Helpdesk immediately on 0845 600 2323 (outside the UK dial +44 247 684 2063)*.
*The Online Banking Helpdesk is open 7 days a week, from 7am to 11pm. To maintain a quality service, we may monitor or record phone calls."
Barclays Online Banking Helpdesk
Internet communications are not secure and therefore the Barclays Group does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Although the Barclays Group operates anti-virus programmes, it does not accept responsibility for any damage whatsoever that is caused by viruses being passed. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Barclays Group. Replies to this email may be monitored by the Barclays Group for operational or business reasons. Barclays Bank PLC. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
Exploits new IE flaw
Here's a copy of a Barclays scam email just received. I've forwarded a copy to the real Barclays. Found their email address in an article at zdnet news that explains how the scam email exploits new IE flaw - and what to do if you receive one of the emails.
From: internet.security@barclays.co.uk
Date: 14 April 2004 22:10:03 BST
To: ingrid.jones at --
Subject: Administration Barclays
Reply-To: internet.security@barclays.co.uk
Hello dear client Barclays Bank.
Today our system of safety at night has been cracked!!!
It not a joke!!! It is the truth!!!
We ask you, in order to prevent problems, to repeat
registration of your data. Make it very quickly!
Administration Barclays Bank.
http://ibank.barclays.co.uk
- - -
Update, I've just received this email reply from Barclays. I did not open the links in the scam email and have not given out details.
From: internetsecurity@barclays.co.uk
Subject: RE: Administration Barclays
Date: 14 April 2004 10:05:09 BST
To: ingrid.jones@ --
Thank you for your email. We will not respond to emails sent to this address unless we specifically need to. We are aware of a number of email scams that are currently operating. We will review the one you have sent us and take appropriate action. In the meantime please follow our security advice below:
- Do not respond to emails asking for your security details.
- If you receive such an email delete it and do not open any attachments.
- Ensure you are running up to date anti-virus software and a personal firewall on your PC. Barclays customers can purchase discounted anti-virus software from the Barclays website by clicking on the Security tab at the top of the pages within Online Banking. Alternatively you can get a free virus security check of your PC from www.symantec.co.uk
- For further advice on security please click on the Security tab at the top of the pages within Online Banking.
- If you think you may have given away your security details, please contact the Online Banking Helpdesk immediately on 0845 600 2323 (outside the UK dial +44 247 684 2063)*.
*The Online Banking Helpdesk is open 7 days a week, from 7am to 11pm. To maintain a quality service, we may monitor or record phone calls."
Barclays Online Banking Helpdesk
Internet communications are not secure and therefore the Barclays Group does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message. Although the Barclays Group operates anti-virus programmes, it does not accept responsibility for any damage whatsoever that is caused by viruses being passed. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Barclays Group. Replies to this email may be monitored by the Barclays Group for operational or business reasons. Barclays Bank PLC. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/14/2004
0 comments
- - -
OPHELIA EATS OUT
Bella gives her sister Lulu a bath
Ophelia never brings me any presents. Her vet said it means she "eats out". Well she must have eaten out yesterday because last night she awoke me at 1am, crying to go out. Highly unusual. Must have had tummy upset. Come to think of it, she was out for longer than usual yesterday morning. And I did notice a strange scent around her face when I welcomed her home with a kiss and cuddle...
On May 4th, a dear friend will be visiting here for a few days. She has a great new digital camera and will take pictures of Ophelia. Maybe I'll manage to post one here. Meantime, here's Bella giving her sister Lulu a bath in Wales.
Bella and Lulu, along with Kano (the magnificent cat belonging to Instapundit's brother) ought to link up with Carnival of the Cats blog for others to enjoy.
Sounds like the splendid Ted eats out too :-)
OPHELIA EATS OUT
Bella gives her sister Lulu a bath
Ophelia never brings me any presents. Her vet said it means she "eats out". Well she must have eaten out yesterday because last night she awoke me at 1am, crying to go out. Highly unusual. Must have had tummy upset. Come to think of it, she was out for longer than usual yesterday morning. And I did notice a strange scent around her face when I welcomed her home with a kiss and cuddle...
On May 4th, a dear friend will be visiting here for a few days. She has a great new digital camera and will take pictures of Ophelia. Maybe I'll manage to post one here. Meantime, here's Bella giving her sister Lulu a bath in Wales.
Bella and Lulu, along with Kano (the magnificent cat belonging to Instapundit's brother) ought to link up with Carnival of the Cats blog for others to enjoy.
Sounds like the splendid Ted eats out too :-)
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/14/2004
0 comments
Tuesday, April 13, 2004
HIGHGATE CEMETERY
Always needs a helping hand
Cory Doctorow of Boing Boing's Wonderful Things, recently visited Highgate Cemetery in North London, England, and took these photos. For unknown reasons, I found this interesting. Pondering over the photos, I wondered about the point of people's petty day-to-day troubles and woes. And thought of what Jesus said, to love one another and leave the worries of tomorrow because today's troubles are enough. I Googled the names engraved on two headstones, looking for something on how they lived. But found nothing.
In future, it could be quite usual to post pictures on the Internet of the graves of our dearly departed. I wouldn't mind paying a virtual visit to the graves of my relatives and friends who died in far away places. To see where they are at rest. Pay respects. Write a note of farewell in a virtual visitors book. See who else has visited - maybe someone I might know - and read what they have written. Perhaps contact them by email. Share thoughts and memories. By then, many more people may have weblogs, that'd enable us to connect, read their writings, picture their lives, and learn how they arrived at - and see - their final resting place.
Highgate Cemetery in Highgate, London, England is listed of "outstanding historical and architectural interest". The landscape has been so developed that it is now listed as a Grade II Park. They are always on the look-out for new helpers, particularly as part of a landscape working party; to welcome visitors to the East Cemetery; to train as a guide; to become a Friend of Highgate Cemetery; to be a benefactor. Read more...
- - -
Update 15 April 2004: Note Tom's fabulous weblog and 9 March 2004 post on Highgate Cemetery - the resting place of Karl Marx.
Always needs a helping hand
Cory Doctorow of Boing Boing's Wonderful Things, recently visited Highgate Cemetery in North London, England, and took these photos. For unknown reasons, I found this interesting. Pondering over the photos, I wondered about the point of people's petty day-to-day troubles and woes. And thought of what Jesus said, to love one another and leave the worries of tomorrow because today's troubles are enough. I Googled the names engraved on two headstones, looking for something on how they lived. But found nothing.
In future, it could be quite usual to post pictures on the Internet of the graves of our dearly departed. I wouldn't mind paying a virtual visit to the graves of my relatives and friends who died in far away places. To see where they are at rest. Pay respects. Write a note of farewell in a virtual visitors book. See who else has visited - maybe someone I might know - and read what they have written. Perhaps contact them by email. Share thoughts and memories. By then, many more people may have weblogs, that'd enable us to connect, read their writings, picture their lives, and learn how they arrived at - and see - their final resting place.
Highgate Cemetery in Highgate, London, England is listed of "outstanding historical and architectural interest". The landscape has been so developed that it is now listed as a Grade II Park. They are always on the look-out for new helpers, particularly as part of a landscape working party; to welcome visitors to the East Cemetery; to train as a guide; to become a Friend of Highgate Cemetery; to be a benefactor. Read more...
- - -
Update 15 April 2004: Note Tom's fabulous weblog and 9 March 2004 post on Highgate Cemetery - the resting place of Karl Marx.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/13/2004
0 comments
- - -
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD
Father, Son and Holy Spirit - three in one
Easter Monday, yesterday, I watched a stirring film on TV: The Greatest Story Every Told. And took some notes. Judas knew Jesus for three years and said he's the purest, kindest man he'd ever known, that his heart's so gentle old people worship him and children adore him. Jesus was finally charged with sedition, sorcery, blasphemy and open rebellion. Here's what Jesus said:
The Kingdom of God is here within you.
Love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rebuke your brother if he sins - forgive if he repents.
A grain of wheat is just a grain of wheat but if it goes into the ground many will be born and many will live.
A new commandment: love one another even as I have loved you.
Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
When questioned by a Roman, "are you the Son of God?" Jesus answered, "I am".
And when asked which god? Jesus answered "the Lord our God is One. All nations shall be gathered before him".
When asked [by the Roman] "why don't I know him [God]?" Jesus answered, "you have not looked for him".
Do unto your neighbour as you would have them do unto you.
No-one comes to the Father except by me.
Faith, hope and love. The greatest of all is love.
Every man who loves the truth, listens to me.
Forgive them for they know not what they do.
My kingdom is not of this world.
Do not weep for me, weep for yourselves and your children.
On the cross, Jesus answered the thief on his right: "today you shall be with me in paradise" [after the thief admitted his own guilt and said Jesus had done nothing]
My God My God why hast thou forsaken me. Thirst. It is finished. Father unto thy hand I commit my spirit.
Go now and teach all nations. Make it your case to love one another - leave worries of tomorrow - today's troubles are enough.
I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD
Father, Son and Holy Spirit - three in one
Easter Monday, yesterday, I watched a stirring film on TV: The Greatest Story Every Told. And took some notes. Judas knew Jesus for three years and said he's the purest, kindest man he'd ever known, that his heart's so gentle old people worship him and children adore him. Jesus was finally charged with sedition, sorcery, blasphemy and open rebellion. Here's what Jesus said:
The Kingdom of God is here within you.
Love thy neighbour as thyself.
Rebuke your brother if he sins - forgive if he repents.
A grain of wheat is just a grain of wheat but if it goes into the ground many will be born and many will live.
A new commandment: love one another even as I have loved you.
Spirit is willing but the flesh is weak.
When questioned by a Roman, "are you the Son of God?" Jesus answered, "I am".
And when asked which god? Jesus answered "the Lord our God is One. All nations shall be gathered before him".
When asked [by the Roman] "why don't I know him [God]?" Jesus answered, "you have not looked for him".
Do unto your neighbour as you would have them do unto you.
No-one comes to the Father except by me.
Faith, hope and love. The greatest of all is love.
Every man who loves the truth, listens to me.
Forgive them for they know not what they do.
My kingdom is not of this world.
Do not weep for me, weep for yourselves and your children.
On the cross, Jesus answered the thief on his right: "today you shall be with me in paradise" [after the thief admitted his own guilt and said Jesus had done nothing]
My God My God why hast thou forsaken me. Thirst. It is finished. Father unto thy hand I commit my spirit.
Go now and teach all nations. Make it your case to love one another - leave worries of tomorrow - today's troubles are enough.
I am with you always, even until the end of the world.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/13/2004
0 comments
Monday, April 12, 2004
580 TONNES MONSTER MACHINE
Sold on eBay
Online at eBay, there were 65 bids for a huge boring machine used to build the Channel Tunnel that links the south of England and France. Item description of the Eurotunnel TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine):
"This 580 tonnes monster machine is a prized relic from the greatest construction achievement of the 20th century, the Channel Tunnel. With 227 double-headed rock picks tipped with tungsten carbide and a top revolving speed of 2.38 rev/min, this TBM removed a half million cubic meters of chalk and soil in creating the Eurotunnel route."
Today, it sold for GBP 39,999. The money is being donated to three charities. Buyer needs to collect from the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. Wonder who bought it - how much it will cost to pick up - where they will be going with it - and what they are going to do with it. Must have cost a lot more to build. What a bargain. Hope it does not end up being melted down as scrap. It'd make an interesting museum piece.
Sold on eBay
Online at eBay, there were 65 bids for a huge boring machine used to build the Channel Tunnel that links the south of England and France. Item description of the Eurotunnel TBM (Tunnel Boring Machine):
"This 580 tonnes monster machine is a prized relic from the greatest construction achievement of the 20th century, the Channel Tunnel. With 227 double-headed rock picks tipped with tungsten carbide and a top revolving speed of 2.38 rev/min, this TBM removed a half million cubic meters of chalk and soil in creating the Eurotunnel route."
Today, it sold for GBP 39,999. The money is being donated to three charities. Buyer needs to collect from the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone. Wonder who bought it - how much it will cost to pick up - where they will be going with it - and what they are going to do with it. Must have cost a lot more to build. What a bargain. Hope it does not end up being melted down as scrap. It'd make an interesting museum piece.
# posted by Ingrid J. Jones @ 4/12/2004
0 comments
HOMEPAGE
July 2003
August 2003
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Thank you to Blogger for this weblog - you can start yours for free now at:
Please contact me anytime
Email: Ingrid Jones
- - -
LAURA'S "CHRIS ROCK THING"
You reap what you sow
Thinking about Laura's "Chris Rock Thing" made me recall Aesop's Fables. At a young age, my favourite book, apart from the Holy Bible, was Aesop's Fables, the Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Couldn't get enough of the same stories over and over. They got me thinking differently each time. Loved learning to look at the truth of matters from different angles and points of view. And wished for Santa to bring a larger collection of Aesop's Fables. I still like stories that have a moral, something to think about and learn from.
Laura lives in New York City and her entertainingly written true story (well, I believe it anyway) is a fascinating account of her relationship with a new cell phone. Laura would not have much of a story to tell if she had not used her imagination so creatively or if she had gone against her kindly honest nature and not followed her own hunches. Also, she sensibly took no heed of some of the suggestions at Meta Filter. Well done to Laura for listening to her conscience, following her own instincts and writing "Chris Rock Thing" and Update.
Perhaps the moral of Laura's story is this: you reap what you sow.
[via Mark Cuban via the weblog guide Kinja]
LAURA'S "CHRIS ROCK THING"
You reap what you sow
Thinking about Laura's "Chris Rock Thing" made me recall Aesop's Fables. At a young age, my favourite book, apart from the Holy Bible, was Aesop's Fables, the Fairy Tales by Hans Christian Andersen. Couldn't get enough of the same stories over and over. They got me thinking differently each time. Loved learning to look at the truth of matters from different angles and points of view. And wished for Santa to bring a larger collection of Aesop's Fables. I still like stories that have a moral, something to think about and learn from.
Laura lives in New York City and her entertainingly written true story (well, I believe it anyway) is a fascinating account of her relationship with a new cell phone. Laura would not have much of a story to tell if she had not used her imagination so creatively or if she had gone against her kindly honest nature and not followed her own hunches. Also, she sensibly took no heed of some of the suggestions at Meta Filter. Well done to Laura for listening to her conscience, following her own instincts and writing "Chris Rock Thing" and Update.
Perhaps the moral of Laura's story is this: you reap what you sow.
[via Mark Cuban via the weblog guide Kinja]
ME and Ophelia
is the personal blog of Ingrid J. Jones
I live by the sea in England, United Kingdom
Here on my laptop I communicate to my friends
About things in general and my life with M.E. and cat Ophelia
Home user technology and business services
Food and household management
How it all impacts on my *lifestyle management programme*
And my battle for more energy.
My Blogger Profile
My other blogs:
Archive:
HOMEPAGE
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