The epic story of iSandlwana and Rorke's Drift is graphically described in the 2010 book 'Zulu Rising' by historian and author, Ian Knight. As proclaimed on the inside of the dust cover; "In the shadow of an imposing rocky outcrop called iSandlwana, a part-time army of African herdsmen brought to a halt (...) more than a century and a half of British Imperial expansion across southern Africa."
There was me writing about 'Boys Own' in a recent Blog Post, and on page 4 of what feels and looks like a 600 page book, Ian Knight, mentions that "uncomfortable truths are often buried uneasily beneath a veneer of Boy's Own derring-do." For me, it is also interesting to note the author referring to there being "enough contemporary parallels, in Iraq and elsewhere, to suggest that no one, least of all politicians, learns from history." These fine words are in many ways replicated through the various threads weaved through this Blog over the last few years.
Maybe the study of war and Imperial expansionism should be a pre-requisite of holding elected public office? I wonder as to how many scholars, who understand social and economic science, would push a country into conflict? Be it internal or external conflict; as the State can deploy its violence monopolies against its own people, or beyond its borders.
Quite a lot has been written and spoken about the link between Libya and the London School of Economics (LSE). I appreciate that in contemporary affairs (and for these purposes I include the Libyan Embassy murder and the Lockerbie murders, and the current situation), that the word 'Libya' has negative connotations. Without trying in any way to push the morality and wrongdoing aside, I am unable to fully sign up to 'the LSE were wrong because' argument.
I believe that the core idea behind the academic link was sound. Education increases understanding and greater understanding, must ultimately, lead towards greater tolerance. As the 'Civilizing Process' continues, it is inevitable that there will be less reliance on the use of 'Violence Monopolies' by heads of state and other power players. The reduction in the use of violence will occur for both in-house events, and for conflict between States. Education, especially that delivered by credible world class institutions, must assist that process. Therefore, even though there are sound reasons why the link should not have been established, the LSE should not beat itself up over the links that occurred.
Education may have offset the contemporary problem. We know in hindsight that it didn't, but no one knew of this outcome, when the relationship began.
Although State-formation is central to the Civilizing Process, there can be no doubt that the process is also wholly dependent on people and their actions towards and their interaction with others. Strategic and other direction may occur during war. These directions may determine the various tasks and acts that are required in order to execute the warring intention. There may also be an understanding, or a co-hesion of force, that brings large numbers of people together for a particular event or series of events. But the actual execution of the violence is down to the behaviours and interaction of individuals or small groups of people. These people may be part of a 'strategic whole', but they nevertheless operate in isolation.
Real people operating in what can best be described as surreal circumstances. African herdsmen against the might of the British Empire and its Colonial intent. Part-time warrior against semi-professional soldiers. They fight and some of them will undoubtedly die. A bit like the contemporary problem in Libya today. If you fire on your people then people get killed, if you take out a command and control centre then more people get killed. Anyone and everyone is at risk, there is no clean kill; simply death.
This aspect of war is eloquently portrayed in the opening pages of 'Zulu Rising'. The author brings us closer to the death of a warrior, and then links the battlefield with the acts undertaken by modern descendants who are coming to terms with the loss and the impact of that loss on their contemporary problems. It's strong stuff, and in a future Blog Post I shall try and relay the 'Spirit Catching' of a fallen warrior at iSandlwana, as witnessed by Ian Knight back in January 2007 and described in his 2010 book. Maybe, just maybe, I can link that description to my own experience of 'African spirits' as described in one of my older Blog posts.
26 March 2011
25 March 2011
Little Fishy's
I had intended to write about 'Zulu Rising' and have a few notes that I put together for that purpose this morning. However, my travels continue and this afternoon we stepped out towards Aberaeron and Lampeter. It was a lovely trip and some March Welsh culture with Cawl, Bread, and Cheese at one of my favourite old time haunts; Mark Lanes Cafe in the high street fifty or so yards from the fountain.
It was very nice of the chap that built the fountain for the folk in Lambedr Pont Steffan (Lampeter). I suppose that providing water for drinking and bathing is an important social contribution. Although it was also a tad pompous of him to emblazon his name for all and sundry to see on the side of the disproportionate stonework. Sometimes people just don't know when 'enough is enough'.
I think that applies to all of those that kept arriving at the swimming pool this morning. As well as the ticket collecting that could have stopped the stampede. I managed 41 lengths, but my 'o my it was a terrible struggle with this person or that moving across my lane, towards me, and sometimes underneath. They were all like little fishy's, and for once I came close to understanding how everyone feels like when stuck in an aquarium. It was mad, simply mad. Can you imagine it being like that every day?
It was very nice of the chap that built the fountain for the folk in Lambedr Pont Steffan (Lampeter). I suppose that providing water for drinking and bathing is an important social contribution. Although it was also a tad pompous of him to emblazon his name for all and sundry to see on the side of the disproportionate stonework. Sometimes people just don't know when 'enough is enough'.
I think that applies to all of those that kept arriving at the swimming pool this morning. As well as the ticket collecting that could have stopped the stampede. I managed 41 lengths, but my 'o my it was a terrible struggle with this person or that moving across my lane, towards me, and sometimes underneath. They were all like little fishy's, and for once I came close to understanding how everyone feels like when stuck in an aquarium. It was mad, simply mad. Can you imagine it being like that every day?
24 March 2011
Travel new and past
I have put in quite a few miles over the last few weeks. Which is simply astonishing given the 70,400 words that I have written. No, I don't type and drive. Mind you, if it was safe to do so, then that would be the perfect solution. Mainly because driving is mundane, and I'm not a mundane sort of person.
I have also managed to read two exceptionally good books. The latter one being "the Real Heroes of Telemark". An astonishingly good read, and one which I recommended to you before I reached the closing chapters. I knew parts of the story but I was unaware of "the Ferry of Death". War is about death, but fortunately not all conflict is war. There is conflict in relationships, conflict in employment, and conflict through religious or political differences. Sometimes something happens that transcends the differences, something that jells the actors and onlookers to work towards the common good. The true stories behind my recent reading are remarkable. Real 'Boys Own' sorts of stuff. A modern day hero, a soldier who fought 'for King and Country' and then went on to become active in clandestine activities which in many ways were also for the greater good. Hardship was portrayed in 'Rifleman', but probably not as much hardship as that which was endured in 'Hardanger' during that terrible winter. Both stories show how far man will got to hurt others, and how far man will go to try to right a wrong.
My next read, sweeps away from 'Boys Own'; to Imperialism and Colonialism. The story of British Colonial Intentions in Black Africa. Readers of the Blog will know how the British were outwitted by the superior leadership skills of the Zulu nation. The highly drilled British Soldiers had embarked on what must have also been an adventure similar to 'Rifleman' and 'Telemark'. Facing an enemy and not knowing if you will win through.
I mentioned in a recent Blog Post about the process of state formation. In the previous paragraph I mentioned the 'Zulu Nation', unfortunately their state formation process was not far enough advanced. In-fighting and agricultural demands led to weaknesses. Colonial Britain got lucky and Africa bore the burden of that success. Maybe over the next few Blog Posts I can mention some of my favourite bits from one of my favourite stories. Ian Knight is a great author, and this being the third book of his that I have read, there is bound to be some replication. But if I come across a few gems, then you can certainly be assured of some replication in this Blog. Until then, if you live in the UK, enjoy the early Summer. It may be all that we have. Although unlike Africa and the Zulu society many decades before; the clouds that gather for us, will only bring rain, and not death and oppression.
I have also managed to read two exceptionally good books. The latter one being "the Real Heroes of Telemark". An astonishingly good read, and one which I recommended to you before I reached the closing chapters. I knew parts of the story but I was unaware of "the Ferry of Death". War is about death, but fortunately not all conflict is war. There is conflict in relationships, conflict in employment, and conflict through religious or political differences. Sometimes something happens that transcends the differences, something that jells the actors and onlookers to work towards the common good. The true stories behind my recent reading are remarkable. Real 'Boys Own' sorts of stuff. A modern day hero, a soldier who fought 'for King and Country' and then went on to become active in clandestine activities which in many ways were also for the greater good. Hardship was portrayed in 'Rifleman', but probably not as much hardship as that which was endured in 'Hardanger' during that terrible winter. Both stories show how far man will got to hurt others, and how far man will go to try to right a wrong.
My next read, sweeps away from 'Boys Own'; to Imperialism and Colonialism. The story of British Colonial Intentions in Black Africa. Readers of the Blog will know how the British were outwitted by the superior leadership skills of the Zulu nation. The highly drilled British Soldiers had embarked on what must have also been an adventure similar to 'Rifleman' and 'Telemark'. Facing an enemy and not knowing if you will win through.
I mentioned in a recent Blog Post about the process of state formation. In the previous paragraph I mentioned the 'Zulu Nation', unfortunately their state formation process was not far enough advanced. In-fighting and agricultural demands led to weaknesses. Colonial Britain got lucky and Africa bore the burden of that success. Maybe over the next few Blog Posts I can mention some of my favourite bits from one of my favourite stories. Ian Knight is a great author, and this being the third book of his that I have read, there is bound to be some replication. But if I come across a few gems, then you can certainly be assured of some replication in this Blog. Until then, if you live in the UK, enjoy the early Summer. It may be all that we have. Although unlike Africa and the Zulu society many decades before; the clouds that gather for us, will only bring rain, and not death and oppression.
22 March 2011
Reflection
For me, swimming is a reflective process. I always look back at the event and recall how enjoyable it all was, but I never look forward to getting up early and dragging myself to the Pool. This in some ways is a pity, as I do enjoy the swim.
I tend to average 150+ lengths a week, and a fair few Sauna's to boot. Popping into the Sauna is my way of adding some relaxation and further extending the workout period. The heat maintains the raised heartbeat from the exercise; well that's my theory anyway. Plus of course there's the Social Intercourse. Like many people, I enjoy a good chat, and popping to the Pool enables me to exchange a few words with some friends. Routine, motivation, dialogue, exercise, warmth, and reflection.
It's all very civilized. Elias mentioned that we are unable to understand the "civilizing of conduct" and the transformation of the structure of mental and emotional life without "tracing the process of state-formation" within the advancing centralization of society. Elias also mentioned that this "first found (...) visible expression in the absolutist form of rule." So our development links to those 'power chances' that were gifted to a central authority. Now we can trace this state formation back to the middle ages, and enforce our understanding of later events, by reviewing 15C records. But in many ways this 'central authority' mechanism operated throughout the 20C and is still visible today. This is evidence that the civilizing process is a continuum. What one person thinks is civilized is not, and what many believe to be civilized; is still subject to improvement as gradual changes are introduced. By inference, this latter model cannot be 'civilized' because if it were, then there could be no room for improvement. Better still, our understanding of the process is based on ‘reflection’ in that we have to look for evidence in order to determine if improvements or advances were made. I wonder what future historians will think of the current turmoil in Arab countries. Will they believe that UN intervention was correct? Will they regenerate the Crusader against Islam theory? Or will it all boil down to a mere side show. It is quite upsetting that conflict through choice, has displaced the Humanitarian disaster in Japan from the front pages. But this is all too often the case, a side show steps in and prevents us from executing our intention or necessary actions.
The problems always seem to happen through a craving for power. For these persons the money sector of the economy is all too often the driving influence, and this craving allows the actors to seize their ‘power chances’. Be it 'oil', 'Land', or other wealth; the names of the actors never matter. Yes they will be noted in history, but in real terms the names don't matter as the sequence seems to happen time and time again. Sometimes it all ends with a fight between ‘Good’ and ‘Evil’, conflict or force exercised by those that consider themselves to be ‘Civilized’ against those, who for no good reason, they consider to be ‘un-civilized’. I'm not saying that what we are doing in Libya is wrong, only that I truly believe that dialogue and negotiation is better than conflict. Mind you, that requires both parties to be listening, and all too often that is not the case. Then again, even when people appear to be listening and agreeing, we have to remember the farce that was the Munich Agreement.
I don't know much about what I have written, but I do know that in this 'civilized' (sic) era, it’s awfully civilized being able to pop along to the Swimming Pool most mornings.
I tend to average 150+ lengths a week, and a fair few Sauna's to boot. Popping into the Sauna is my way of adding some relaxation and further extending the workout period. The heat maintains the raised heartbeat from the exercise; well that's my theory anyway. Plus of course there's the Social Intercourse. Like many people, I enjoy a good chat, and popping to the Pool enables me to exchange a few words with some friends. Routine, motivation, dialogue, exercise, warmth, and reflection.
It's all very civilized. Elias mentioned that we are unable to understand the "civilizing of conduct" and the transformation of the structure of mental and emotional life without "tracing the process of state-formation" within the advancing centralization of society. Elias also mentioned that this "first found (...) visible expression in the absolutist form of rule." So our development links to those 'power chances' that were gifted to a central authority. Now we can trace this state formation back to the middle ages, and enforce our understanding of later events, by reviewing 15C records. But in many ways this 'central authority' mechanism operated throughout the 20C and is still visible today. This is evidence that the civilizing process is a continuum. What one person thinks is civilized is not, and what many believe to be civilized; is still subject to improvement as gradual changes are introduced. By inference, this latter model cannot be 'civilized' because if it were, then there could be no room for improvement. Better still, our understanding of the process is based on ‘reflection’ in that we have to look for evidence in order to determine if improvements or advances were made. I wonder what future historians will think of the current turmoil in Arab countries. Will they believe that UN intervention was correct? Will they regenerate the Crusader against Islam theory? Or will it all boil down to a mere side show. It is quite upsetting that conflict through choice, has displaced the Humanitarian disaster in Japan from the front pages. But this is all too often the case, a side show steps in and prevents us from executing our intention or necessary actions.
The problems always seem to happen through a craving for power. For these persons the money sector of the economy is all too often the driving influence, and this craving allows the actors to seize their ‘power chances’. Be it 'oil', 'Land', or other wealth; the names of the actors never matter. Yes they will be noted in history, but in real terms the names don't matter as the sequence seems to happen time and time again. Sometimes it all ends with a fight between ‘Good’ and ‘Evil’, conflict or force exercised by those that consider themselves to be ‘Civilized’ against those, who for no good reason, they consider to be ‘un-civilized’. I'm not saying that what we are doing in Libya is wrong, only that I truly believe that dialogue and negotiation is better than conflict. Mind you, that requires both parties to be listening, and all too often that is not the case. Then again, even when people appear to be listening and agreeing, we have to remember the farce that was the Munich Agreement.
I don't know much about what I have written, but I do know that in this 'civilized' (sic) era, it’s awfully civilized being able to pop along to the Swimming Pool most mornings.
21 March 2011
Telemark
I like a good film, and I pretty well warm to anything Military. I also enjoy a good book, and after finishing 'Rifleman' I struck out on a new read that can be best described as an Alpine Ski run. 110 pages on day one, and 102 pages on the second day. Well, it was only natural that I lagged behind given my exertions on the first day.
My current read is about Telemark, in Norway. As I come towards the end of the book, it is clear that 1965 Kirk Douglas, Richard Harris film is not true to the original story. The Ray Mears; 'The Heroes of Telemark' book is an astonishing read. Right up there with the Chris Ryan, 'the One that Got Away'. When you eventually understand what Ryan achieved, you start to comprehend man's ability to overcome difficult and somewhat daunting circumstances.
In 1942 the Norwegians camped out high on the Hardanger Vidda. I don't know what 'Hardanger' means in Norwegian, but simply break the words into two English words and it sort of sums up the environment HARD ANGER. Like Ryan, they seem to have coped with the impossible. It may be Spring in the UK, but back in Norway in 1942 the country was enjoying its harshest Winter in living memory. And there, high up on the plateau were a bunch of heroes doing their best as pathfinders for those that followed them into the inhospitable environment in order to destroy the supply of 'Heavy Water' held by the Germans. It is a tale of endurance, sacrifice and butchery. It is quite upsetting to read about the failed attempt and what happened to the captured British Commandos. It is heartwarming to read of the later audacious and successful attack. Unfortunately like all good books, this one will also come to an end, and then I have to seek out a new read. That is likely to be "Zulu Rising", I like Ian Knight and the book is a present. But I also have to re-read "The Germans" by Norbert Elias along with a few other academic books as I zero in my sights and slip from reading for enjoyment towards reading for publication. As it is time again to start typing with a view to having some more work put out there.
I have a shed load of material, and now I have to decide which direction it is all going to take me. Yep, downhill skiing, my favourite sport, but thankfully not in Norway where it's a tad too cold for this Tommy.
The Heroes of Telemark, I doff my cap to one and all.
My current read is about Telemark, in Norway. As I come towards the end of the book, it is clear that 1965 Kirk Douglas, Richard Harris film is not true to the original story. The Ray Mears; 'The Heroes of Telemark' book is an astonishing read. Right up there with the Chris Ryan, 'the One that Got Away'. When you eventually understand what Ryan achieved, you start to comprehend man's ability to overcome difficult and somewhat daunting circumstances.
In 1942 the Norwegians camped out high on the Hardanger Vidda. I don't know what 'Hardanger' means in Norwegian, but simply break the words into two English words and it sort of sums up the environment HARD ANGER. Like Ryan, they seem to have coped with the impossible. It may be Spring in the UK, but back in Norway in 1942 the country was enjoying its harshest Winter in living memory. And there, high up on the plateau were a bunch of heroes doing their best as pathfinders for those that followed them into the inhospitable environment in order to destroy the supply of 'Heavy Water' held by the Germans. It is a tale of endurance, sacrifice and butchery. It is quite upsetting to read about the failed attempt and what happened to the captured British Commandos. It is heartwarming to read of the later audacious and successful attack. Unfortunately like all good books, this one will also come to an end, and then I have to seek out a new read. That is likely to be "Zulu Rising", I like Ian Knight and the book is a present. But I also have to re-read "The Germans" by Norbert Elias along with a few other academic books as I zero in my sights and slip from reading for enjoyment towards reading for publication. As it is time again to start typing with a view to having some more work put out there.
I have a shed load of material, and now I have to decide which direction it is all going to take me. Yep, downhill skiing, my favourite sport, but thankfully not in Norway where it's a tad too cold for this Tommy.
The Heroes of Telemark, I doff my cap to one and all.
20 March 2011
Spring and Clutch Head Slot Security
Today is the first day of Spring in the UK. It's got nothing to do with the date, nor the weather, or even the odd daffodil that has popped up. Apparently it has something to do with the Moon, but what exactly, I simply don't know. I do know that folklore regards the 21 March as the First Day of Spring, so maybe Mrs B has got her dates mixed up, when she assured old sleepy head that today was the day.
Well I certainly had a spring in my step upon hearing the news. Even on a dreary day like today. I managed to break into our shed. Not any old shed mind you, but the fortress that has stood in our garden for some nine years. Built by yours truly, from scratch, and not a window or weak point in sight. There are several advantages to not having a window; (i) you don't have to buy any glass, (ii) there's no need for putty, (iii) no need for tricky corner joints, and (iv) you can't simply tap the glass and break in. I had to break in you see, because the shed key came adrift from the key chain. I have scoured the garden and the tiny stones in the backyard for weeks now. But it was to no avail, the lost key could not be found and the spare keys had gone missing during the kitchen make-over.
I set aside several hours of this dreary First Day of Spring to complete the task. It took me 10 minutes including repairing the damage. Some fortress then, not a window in sight. A shed that was complete with a secure lock that had locking bolts and retainers, and are not simply screwed in. No, the locking mechanism on this hand crafted non shop bought shed, had devices that were bolted in place to stop Mr Thief unscrewing the fixings. This is not the first time in my life that I have secured something properly. I once used prison non reversible screws. The screw heads are chanfered in one direction so the flat screw driver will engage when turning clockwise (the direction of tightening) but slips when you try and turn the screwdriver anti-clockwise. These type of screws are also referred to as 'Jail Head' screws. You simply cannot apply torque in one direction but can use a normal screwdriver to insert a permanent installation. So I know my security stuff, and of course, I'm starting to learn my law stuff as well.
Ten minutes, that was all the time it took, to get in and out, and repair the damage. Even the community police officer who assessed our home a few months back missed that one. He was well impressed, like me, with the shed. But then again nothing is secure when someone is determined and opportunity exists. That also applies to arguments and positions and not only to physical structures. What we erect can be taken down, however good we think that the position or structure is. However good we think we are, there is always someone better, and there is usually someone who is at least worthy of the task.
Whether or not its the First Day of Spring didn't matter one little bit. Although there was an upside, I was able to make a coffee and then hide away in the garage tidying up several months worth of mess. It's messy in the garage because I am too busy fighting others to hold up high our family name and reputation, and fighting takes time, it takes energy, and it means that those tasks that you really need to do, simply get put to one side. I have to tidy up, just in case the Japanese Ambassador rings and takes me up on that offer. I mean, I can't have the place looking messy if we have a few guests over for a few months, can I?
Now where was that key? I know; it was inside the locked shed, lying in full view on the floor. Sods Law ain't it? And I know quite a bit about that. Indeed, I am learning quite a bit about quite a few Laws. Mind you, my all-time favourite is still 'Trial by Combat', make mine a Single Ball Mace complete with leather handle, any day.
Well I certainly had a spring in my step upon hearing the news. Even on a dreary day like today. I managed to break into our shed. Not any old shed mind you, but the fortress that has stood in our garden for some nine years. Built by yours truly, from scratch, and not a window or weak point in sight. There are several advantages to not having a window; (i) you don't have to buy any glass, (ii) there's no need for putty, (iii) no need for tricky corner joints, and (iv) you can't simply tap the glass and break in. I had to break in you see, because the shed key came adrift from the key chain. I have scoured the garden and the tiny stones in the backyard for weeks now. But it was to no avail, the lost key could not be found and the spare keys had gone missing during the kitchen make-over.
I set aside several hours of this dreary First Day of Spring to complete the task. It took me 10 minutes including repairing the damage. Some fortress then, not a window in sight. A shed that was complete with a secure lock that had locking bolts and retainers, and are not simply screwed in. No, the locking mechanism on this hand crafted non shop bought shed, had devices that were bolted in place to stop Mr Thief unscrewing the fixings. This is not the first time in my life that I have secured something properly. I once used prison non reversible screws. The screw heads are chanfered in one direction so the flat screw driver will engage when turning clockwise (the direction of tightening) but slips when you try and turn the screwdriver anti-clockwise. These type of screws are also referred to as 'Jail Head' screws. You simply cannot apply torque in one direction but can use a normal screwdriver to insert a permanent installation. So I know my security stuff, and of course, I'm starting to learn my law stuff as well.
Ten minutes, that was all the time it took, to get in and out, and repair the damage. Even the community police officer who assessed our home a few months back missed that one. He was well impressed, like me, with the shed. But then again nothing is secure when someone is determined and opportunity exists. That also applies to arguments and positions and not only to physical structures. What we erect can be taken down, however good we think that the position or structure is. However good we think we are, there is always someone better, and there is usually someone who is at least worthy of the task.
Whether or not its the First Day of Spring didn't matter one little bit. Although there was an upside, I was able to make a coffee and then hide away in the garage tidying up several months worth of mess. It's messy in the garage because I am too busy fighting others to hold up high our family name and reputation, and fighting takes time, it takes energy, and it means that those tasks that you really need to do, simply get put to one side. I have to tidy up, just in case the Japanese Ambassador rings and takes me up on that offer. I mean, I can't have the place looking messy if we have a few guests over for a few months, can I?
Now where was that key? I know; it was inside the locked shed, lying in full view on the floor. Sods Law ain't it? And I know quite a bit about that. Indeed, I am learning quite a bit about quite a few Laws. Mind you, my all-time favourite is still 'Trial by Combat', make mine a Single Ball Mace complete with leather handle, any day.
19 March 2011
Eating and Fighting
Well the last Blog Post weaved its way between eating and fighting. It tried to explain 'Trial by Combat' and mentioned the lovely food, surroundings and people at the astonishingly good 'Mumbai Lounge' in York.
I really don't know how to top that Blog Post, especially as I do like to try create some kind of link between Posts. I suppose that I will have to thrill you with the delights of our Second Christmas Day. I found out that one of my really good friends had not had a Christmas Dinner since 2003. Well that certainly threw the gauntlet down. I mean, Christmas Dinner; it's the highlight of the year, ain't it? So the two professional drinkers were invited over to yours truly. Good news for me and them of course, but not so good news for Mrs B. Mainly because it meant one thing and one thing only. Seriously hard work for Mrs B at the wrong time of the year. Now don't get me wrong, Mrs B was well up for it, but I still felt a tad guilty.
Mrs B went off on one of her hunting trips to the local supermarket and managed to catch herself a turkey! Wow, it's March, I was well impressed. But not half as impressed as I was when she rustled up home made mince pies with puff pastry. I mean, come on give me a break. This is Mrs B and not Nigella, and Mrs B doesn't do baking. It's not that she can't, it's simply that she doesn't. I was well impressed, nearly as impressive as the fine wine and cheeses from Ultracomida in Pier Street, Aberystwyth, that were bought to compliment the meal. I get the credit for that hunting trip, and you will get an awful lot of credit if you ever book a table for your lady and you to enjoy the fine evening dining at Ultracomida. A bit like a Christmas Dinner cooked by Mrs. B, a treat not to be missed.
So there we were post Christmas Dinner number 2, rolling around like a gaggle of stuffed turkeys, when out popped the presents. Now Mrs B and I thought that we had come up trumps buying our guests some nice treats for mid March. But what we didn't anticipate is that they would also buy me a gift.
Not any old gift mind you, but 'Rifleman - A Front Line Life' by Victor Gregg with Rick Stroud. Good effort, and a very good read. 100 pages in no time and the fight was in the dog. A truly remarkable tale of a life time of adventure. Not my usual 'heroics' book, but a book involving a hero nevertheless. I never knew that I was going to be happy (if that's the right word, but I hope that you know what I mean in the context of this Blog Post) one day that the Allies bombed Dresden. The bombing has always struck me as 'bad form' a bit like the incineration that went on in Japan before the two atomic bombs were dropped to show the Russians what the Allies had. But if we hadn't bombed Dresden, then Victor Gregg would have been shot by the Germans. You will have to read the book to find out the how and the why.
Meanwhile, Mrs. B Christmas Dinner. Twice a year, only very good friends can book. Astonishing food, astonishingly good service and great company.
Ultracomida, Aberystwyth is open most days and a few evenings a week. The communal tables may take a bit getting used to, but the food is lovely.
I really don't know how to top that Blog Post, especially as I do like to try create some kind of link between Posts. I suppose that I will have to thrill you with the delights of our Second Christmas Day. I found out that one of my really good friends had not had a Christmas Dinner since 2003. Well that certainly threw the gauntlet down. I mean, Christmas Dinner; it's the highlight of the year, ain't it? So the two professional drinkers were invited over to yours truly. Good news for me and them of course, but not so good news for Mrs B. Mainly because it meant one thing and one thing only. Seriously hard work for Mrs B at the wrong time of the year. Now don't get me wrong, Mrs B was well up for it, but I still felt a tad guilty.
Mrs B went off on one of her hunting trips to the local supermarket and managed to catch herself a turkey! Wow, it's March, I was well impressed. But not half as impressed as I was when she rustled up home made mince pies with puff pastry. I mean, come on give me a break. This is Mrs B and not Nigella, and Mrs B doesn't do baking. It's not that she can't, it's simply that she doesn't. I was well impressed, nearly as impressive as the fine wine and cheeses from Ultracomida in Pier Street, Aberystwyth, that were bought to compliment the meal. I get the credit for that hunting trip, and you will get an awful lot of credit if you ever book a table for your lady and you to enjoy the fine evening dining at Ultracomida. A bit like a Christmas Dinner cooked by Mrs. B, a treat not to be missed.
So there we were post Christmas Dinner number 2, rolling around like a gaggle of stuffed turkeys, when out popped the presents. Now Mrs B and I thought that we had come up trumps buying our guests some nice treats for mid March. But what we didn't anticipate is that they would also buy me a gift.
Not any old gift mind you, but 'Rifleman - A Front Line Life' by Victor Gregg with Rick Stroud. Good effort, and a very good read. 100 pages in no time and the fight was in the dog. A truly remarkable tale of a life time of adventure. Not my usual 'heroics' book, but a book involving a hero nevertheless. I never knew that I was going to be happy (if that's the right word, but I hope that you know what I mean in the context of this Blog Post) one day that the Allies bombed Dresden. The bombing has always struck me as 'bad form' a bit like the incineration that went on in Japan before the two atomic bombs were dropped to show the Russians what the Allies had. But if we hadn't bombed Dresden, then Victor Gregg would have been shot by the Germans. You will have to read the book to find out the how and the why.
Meanwhile, Mrs. B Christmas Dinner. Twice a year, only very good friends can book. Astonishing food, astonishingly good service and great company.
Ultracomida, Aberystwyth is open most days and a few evenings a week. The communal tables may take a bit getting used to, but the food is lovely.
18 March 2011
York
I had a good reason to go away for a few days and the upside of that as one of my daughters mentioned; was a well earned break from sitting in front of the laptop day after day. Now please don't get me wrong, I'm no nerd. No far from it, I'm a regular down to earth sort of guy. It's just that I have been extremely busy typing up stuff relevant to an ongoing problem faced by one of my family. The upside of that problem is that a good friend has recommended that I bang off 12,000 words for a certain must not be named academic journal. Well no problem says I "That's a breeze, I wrote 26,400 words last week". I don't know if that was bravado, or the affects of heat during my daily morning sauna. Nevertheless, the gauntlet has been thrown down, and those that know me will confirm, that I am one to pick up the gauntlet with gusto.
Indeed, I have mentioned in a previous Blog the inherent problems when attacked from behind. Bullies come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they are an organisation and not a single person. When we are under attack, 'we' (that's you and I in everyday occurrence and not my current adversaries) refer to our opponents as 'they' or 'them'. And sometimes, like the wind, we can't always pin 'them' down. Those that you know and love and like, let you down. Sometimes your opponent is not who or what it seems. Never mind being struck from behind, sometimes you can get smacked squarely on the nose and not know who done it. But when it comes to picking up the gauntlet and fighting a known foe, then I'm an advocate of "Trial by Combat" introduced into English Law by that 1066 chap; William the Conqueror. I believe that in our current troubles "God shall give victory to the party that is right". You see, our opponents are paid to represent their Client, but I represent someone because I believe in truth and that "Right is Might". And I'm well up for a fight when I can see my opponent and they ain't attacking me when I am half asleep in my bed, or sat at my desk with my back turned towards them. So with all of this in mind, the York trip was business, but was also a well earned rest.
Of course this is where I "throw the gauntlet down" and challenge each and any one of you to resist visiting the astonishing "Mumbai Lounge" Indian Restaurant that we found at 47 Fossgate, York, Yo1 9TF.
We knew that we were on to a good thing when we spotted the restaurant in the afternoon and commented to one another as to its spotless appearance. The evening venture did not disappoint as we were welcomed by staff in traditional dress. They even took our coats, now that its a sign of an upmarket establishment. I like the 5* Hilton in Cardiff and go there quite a bit. All of these chaps could have been trained by the Manager in Cardiff. It was 5* at its best! The lovely tables with excellent cutlery were equalled with high quality food and service. My condiments were the finest ever, and is the first time in my life that I have ever indulged with the Chili Pickles with gusto. My Chicken Jalfrezy type dish was a tad hot for me, but that did not deflect from the quality of the cooking. It reminded me a lot of the Nepalese Restaurants that I have eaten at, good ingredients, cooked well. Flavours, textures and structure. It was all there, from my plain Nan Bread to the steamed rice. My youngest daughter like myself is an advocate of plain steamed rice with a curry. Why on earth would you eat anything that could deflect you from the true taste that you are trying to experience. You are there for the curry and not the onions or mushrooms in the rice. The Chicken Tikka Masala was served in the pan and placed on top of a heat tray, whereas my dish was sizzling and in its wooden base. Astonishing food, and they must have liked us as we were offered a complimentary drink each, that I of course declined.
I'm not surprised that we were liked, as we are honest working class folk who would do anything to help another human being. I care, to be quite truthful, I probably care too much about too many things. But I also care for my food, and the Mumbai Lounge in York is probably the best Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine that you will ever come across in the UK. But don't take my word for it, instead seek them out and if its a weekend then please have the common sense to book in advance.
01904 654 155
www.mubailoungeyork.co.uk
Please mention the chap from Wales accompanied by the beautiful dark head young girl when you book. They won't have a clue who you mean, but mention us anyway. Mr Lovely, Mrs Lovely and our children; Lovelier :-) Enjoy your food folks, and remember never be afraid to pick up the gauntlet as "Right is Might". Look at the Casey Heynes story, an example to us all to stand up against those who try to keep on bullying us.
Indeed, I have mentioned in a previous Blog the inherent problems when attacked from behind. Bullies come in all shapes and sizes, and sometimes they are an organisation and not a single person. When we are under attack, 'we' (that's you and I in everyday occurrence and not my current adversaries) refer to our opponents as 'they' or 'them'. And sometimes, like the wind, we can't always pin 'them' down. Those that you know and love and like, let you down. Sometimes your opponent is not who or what it seems. Never mind being struck from behind, sometimes you can get smacked squarely on the nose and not know who done it. But when it comes to picking up the gauntlet and fighting a known foe, then I'm an advocate of "Trial by Combat" introduced into English Law by that 1066 chap; William the Conqueror. I believe that in our current troubles "God shall give victory to the party that is right". You see, our opponents are paid to represent their Client, but I represent someone because I believe in truth and that "Right is Might". And I'm well up for a fight when I can see my opponent and they ain't attacking me when I am half asleep in my bed, or sat at my desk with my back turned towards them. So with all of this in mind, the York trip was business, but was also a well earned rest.
Of course this is where I "throw the gauntlet down" and challenge each and any one of you to resist visiting the astonishing "Mumbai Lounge" Indian Restaurant that we found at 47 Fossgate, York, Yo1 9TF.
We knew that we were on to a good thing when we spotted the restaurant in the afternoon and commented to one another as to its spotless appearance. The evening venture did not disappoint as we were welcomed by staff in traditional dress. They even took our coats, now that its a sign of an upmarket establishment. I like the 5* Hilton in Cardiff and go there quite a bit. All of these chaps could have been trained by the Manager in Cardiff. It was 5* at its best! The lovely tables with excellent cutlery were equalled with high quality food and service. My condiments were the finest ever, and is the first time in my life that I have ever indulged with the Chili Pickles with gusto. My Chicken Jalfrezy type dish was a tad hot for me, but that did not deflect from the quality of the cooking. It reminded me a lot of the Nepalese Restaurants that I have eaten at, good ingredients, cooked well. Flavours, textures and structure. It was all there, from my plain Nan Bread to the steamed rice. My youngest daughter like myself is an advocate of plain steamed rice with a curry. Why on earth would you eat anything that could deflect you from the true taste that you are trying to experience. You are there for the curry and not the onions or mushrooms in the rice. The Chicken Tikka Masala was served in the pan and placed on top of a heat tray, whereas my dish was sizzling and in its wooden base. Astonishing food, and they must have liked us as we were offered a complimentary drink each, that I of course declined.
I'm not surprised that we were liked, as we are honest working class folk who would do anything to help another human being. I care, to be quite truthful, I probably care too much about too many things. But I also care for my food, and the Mumbai Lounge in York is probably the best Indian and Bangladeshi Cuisine that you will ever come across in the UK. But don't take my word for it, instead seek them out and if its a weekend then please have the common sense to book in advance.
01904 654 155
www.mubailoungeyork.co.uk
Please mention the chap from Wales accompanied by the beautiful dark head young girl when you book. They won't have a clue who you mean, but mention us anyway. Mr Lovely, Mrs Lovely and our children; Lovelier :-) Enjoy your food folks, and remember never be afraid to pick up the gauntlet as "Right is Might". Look at the Casey Heynes story, an example to us all to stand up against those who try to keep on bullying us.
16 March 2011
Japan Earthquake, Tsunami, and Nuclear Emergency
The story in Japan simply gets worse and worse. The death toll rises, the nuclear emergency increases and freezing temperatures hamper both aid relief and the rescue attempts. I have made a small offer to the Japanese Embassy and to the JAPANFoundation that I would willingly house, feed, and entertain a Japanese family of three or four displaced persons for the next several months. I mean, you can't look on at what is happening and not be moved by the circumstances facing the Japanese nation.
So what if I don't got on holiday this year, so what if I have to find a few hundred pounds extra for a few months. Compared to what is happening at the moment in Japan, anything anyone can do, should be done.
I very much doubt that my small gesture will be accepted. Especially with so much going on and the logistics of finding sufficient host families in the UK. But I tell you now, if they decide to find hosts for some of the people, and I do get a phone call, then Pauline and I will be off in the car in a flash to any UK Airport to pick up our guests and show them that there is a Global Community.
So what if I don't got on holiday this year, so what if I have to find a few hundred pounds extra for a few months. Compared to what is happening at the moment in Japan, anything anyone can do, should be done.
I very much doubt that my small gesture will be accepted. Especially with so much going on and the logistics of finding sufficient host families in the UK. But I tell you now, if they decide to find hosts for some of the people, and I do get a phone call, then Pauline and I will be off in the car in a flash to any UK Airport to pick up our guests and show them that there is a Global Community.
Casey Heynes Australia
Now don't get me wrong, I do not condone violence. Indeed, I am a gentle man and have walked away from many of a fight. Indeed, I did not hit back when I was twice assaulted in the workplace with my back turned to the assailant. Once on a night shift while in bed waiting for a 999 call turnout, and once while I was sat at my desk and my assailant walked behind me before hitting me from behind. Nope, I am not a violent man. And I have to contextualise the statement before I hit on the main theme of this Blog post.
Victims of the World unite and follow Casey Heynes. Always a constant victim, he stands while his assailant punches him full force in the face. He doesn't react as his assailant makes two blows to the stomach. No, Casey Heynes is a gentle guy. He doesn't react and there is no one there to help him. Well actually there is. There's the person holding the Happy Slapping Camera Phone, and someone who you may think was around because all of a sudden he steps in between the bully and the victim. Nope, not to help Casey but to try and stop Casey hurting the bully. Eh, like what? Casey was never going to hurt the Bully tough guy. No, Casey simply picked the Bully up and Body Slammed him into the concrete. Now why didn't I think of that on those occasions that I was attacked? I know, because I wasn't looking. You see that's the things with Bullies, they only do what they think that they can get away with. Now that's some real Social Science for you, and if you are instead into Film and Theatre; then check out the numerous Casey Heynes videos on the Web.
By the way, the victim actually got suspended from School. I read somewhere on the Web that the only time Casey should have been given off School was to go and collect the Keys to the Town. There's a lot of people out there who need to answer for this one, and Casey Heynes isn't one of those people. Where were those who have a duty of care to a child in a school to prevent constant bullying occuring, where were the parents of the assailant, where were the parents of the camera holder, and where were the parents of the tough guy with the rucksack. Shame on all of you, and well done Casey Heynes. Oh, and well done to the young girl who tries to step in at the end. Well done to everyone who supports Casey Heynes and please continue to support him when he is allowed back into School.
Victims of the World unite and follow Casey Heynes. Always a constant victim, he stands while his assailant punches him full force in the face. He doesn't react as his assailant makes two blows to the stomach. No, Casey Heynes is a gentle guy. He doesn't react and there is no one there to help him. Well actually there is. There's the person holding the Happy Slapping Camera Phone, and someone who you may think was around because all of a sudden he steps in between the bully and the victim. Nope, not to help Casey but to try and stop Casey hurting the bully. Eh, like what? Casey was never going to hurt the Bully tough guy. No, Casey simply picked the Bully up and Body Slammed him into the concrete. Now why didn't I think of that on those occasions that I was attacked? I know, because I wasn't looking. You see that's the things with Bullies, they only do what they think that they can get away with. Now that's some real Social Science for you, and if you are instead into Film and Theatre; then check out the numerous Casey Heynes videos on the Web.
By the way, the victim actually got suspended from School. I read somewhere on the Web that the only time Casey should have been given off School was to go and collect the Keys to the Town. There's a lot of people out there who need to answer for this one, and Casey Heynes isn't one of those people. Where were those who have a duty of care to a child in a school to prevent constant bullying occuring, where were the parents of the assailant, where were the parents of the camera holder, and where were the parents of the tough guy with the rucksack. Shame on all of you, and well done Casey Heynes. Oh, and well done to the young girl who tries to step in at the end. Well done to everyone who supports Casey Heynes and please continue to support him when he is allowed back into School.
12 March 2011
Japan Tsunami
I am just overwhelmed by events unfolding with the Tsunami and Earthquakes striking Japan. I think that everyone who has capacity, has a moral duty to offer assistance to the Japanese people in their time of dire need.
I'm am so proud to be British and to see our Government offer assistance to Japan and today's dispatch from Manchester Airport of our International Search and Rescue Team (ISAR) with its highly trained members, search dogs, and medical support. It's not just a case of what the UK ISAR team can do, but is also about showing that we care enough to assemble a team and then send it where and when it is needed. It's a moral and social obligation of a society that believes in supporting and helping others who are in need.
When you retire each night over the coming months, please say a pray for those that need our help and remember whatever your faith; we are not on this World for what we do for ourselves, but are instead here for what we can do for others.
I'm am so proud to be British and to see our Government offer assistance to Japan and today's dispatch from Manchester Airport of our International Search and Rescue Team (ISAR) with its highly trained members, search dogs, and medical support. It's not just a case of what the UK ISAR team can do, but is also about showing that we care enough to assemble a team and then send it where and when it is needed. It's a moral and social obligation of a society that believes in supporting and helping others who are in need.
When you retire each night over the coming months, please say a pray for those that need our help and remember whatever your faith; we are not on this World for what we do for ourselves, but are instead here for what we can do for others.
Language
I'm currently faced with a bit of a problem. I have a letter from the Presidencia in the Republica De Chile, but I am unable to read it, because quite rightly, it is not written in English or Welsh.
That's a typical problem with communication, both parties have to interact, understand the matter, and actually listen. I recently wrote to someone that it don't matter how much you shake the tree, if you ain't listening - then you ain't listening and that is that.
Sometimes those barriers that interfere with effective listening aren't always of our own making. Sometimes something is said in mother tongue; but you simply do not understand. That doesn't necessarily mean that either party is speaking or writing a different language. No, far from it. Instead all too often people use words or phrases that simply don't make any sense. It could be that the receptor suffers from Dyslexia and the words move or are jumbled up. Or the receptor is a tad deaf. Or maybe the intended receiver doesn't exactly understand the words that are used. The words and the context don't add up, or the vocabulary simply isn't there. There is no understanding however much you move your hands or increase the volume at which you are speaking, or point at a phrase or a particular word on a page, or underline or over score the same or other words or phrases with a marker pen.
Although sometimes it is simply a case of; if you ain't listening - then you ain't listening and that is that.
No where was I, yes, the letter from the President of Chile. I want to read it, I really do. I am listening honest, but what on earth does it say. Maybe it is giving me a richly deserved humanitarian award. Or maybe recognising my services to community, my services to safety, and my services to International Relations. Or is it a tax bill, which would be strange as I pay far too much tax in the UK. Indeed from April I will be a 40% tax payer on my pension. No, I'm confident that the President wants to invite me on an all expenses paid trip to his lovely country, or maybe not. I simply do not know, and that is also a good point in respect of many things. All too often we really don't know until someone impartial points out the evidence or their impartial opinion of the matter under consideration. We think that we are getting an all expenses paid trip, when in fact it is a tax bill.
Meanwhile, lets hope that I bump into someone in Costa that can read the letter addressed to Senor Roger Bennett (with the required squiggly bit over the small letter 'n'). I want to listen, I really do. And I hope many others out there learn how to improve their listening skills. As this Blogger intends to keep shaking the tree.
That's a typical problem with communication, both parties have to interact, understand the matter, and actually listen. I recently wrote to someone that it don't matter how much you shake the tree, if you ain't listening - then you ain't listening and that is that.
Sometimes those barriers that interfere with effective listening aren't always of our own making. Sometimes something is said in mother tongue; but you simply do not understand. That doesn't necessarily mean that either party is speaking or writing a different language. No, far from it. Instead all too often people use words or phrases that simply don't make any sense. It could be that the receptor suffers from Dyslexia and the words move or are jumbled up. Or the receptor is a tad deaf. Or maybe the intended receiver doesn't exactly understand the words that are used. The words and the context don't add up, or the vocabulary simply isn't there. There is no understanding however much you move your hands or increase the volume at which you are speaking, or point at a phrase or a particular word on a page, or underline or over score the same or other words or phrases with a marker pen.
Although sometimes it is simply a case of; if you ain't listening - then you ain't listening and that is that.
No where was I, yes, the letter from the President of Chile. I want to read it, I really do. I am listening honest, but what on earth does it say. Maybe it is giving me a richly deserved humanitarian award. Or maybe recognising my services to community, my services to safety, and my services to International Relations. Or is it a tax bill, which would be strange as I pay far too much tax in the UK. Indeed from April I will be a 40% tax payer on my pension. No, I'm confident that the President wants to invite me on an all expenses paid trip to his lovely country, or maybe not. I simply do not know, and that is also a good point in respect of many things. All too often we really don't know until someone impartial points out the evidence or their impartial opinion of the matter under consideration. We think that we are getting an all expenses paid trip, when in fact it is a tax bill.
Meanwhile, lets hope that I bump into someone in Costa that can read the letter addressed to Senor Roger Bennett (with the required squiggly bit over the small letter 'n'). I want to listen, I really do. And I hope many others out there learn how to improve their listening skills. As this Blogger intends to keep shaking the tree.
11 March 2011
Break
My Blogging output has deteriorated of late. That has happened through no fault of my own. I am still as prolific as ever with my writing, I think that it's nearly 80,000 words in the last 28 days, notwithstanding two days in Cardiff to meet some extremely important people for a 5 hour meeting, and another two days, again in Cardiff to meet someone else that is becoming a bit more important in our lives.
No, the impulse to write is still there. Well it has to be really, as I now have three books on the go.
Meanwhile, a warm hello to friends in Pelotas and Sao Paulo. Thank you for hanging in there, and for visiting the Blog even though I am more absent than present. All I can say to the both of you, and the many Blog visitors from the UK at the moment, is a cheeky chappy who can write 80,000 words of sense in 24 days and consume to understand a shed load of material, should, with luck, be around to Blog for some time.
I wonder if I have written a million words, surely the answer is 'yes' with the two degrees, the published stuff, my former role, the Blog, and my current activities?
Gwela i chi pawb amser nesaf.
No, the impulse to write is still there. Well it has to be really, as I now have three books on the go.
Meanwhile, a warm hello to friends in Pelotas and Sao Paulo. Thank you for hanging in there, and for visiting the Blog even though I am more absent than present. All I can say to the both of you, and the many Blog visitors from the UK at the moment, is a cheeky chappy who can write 80,000 words of sense in 24 days and consume to understand a shed load of material, should, with luck, be around to Blog for some time.
I wonder if I have written a million words, surely the answer is 'yes' with the two degrees, the published stuff, my former role, the Blog, and my current activities?
Gwela i chi pawb amser nesaf.
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