The wicked did lie in wait
Seeking death and Heavens Gate
Thinking that they would gain fame
With intent to kill or maim
Both were cowards through and through
Choosing for not one but two
To first strike down and then slay
The soldier that then did lay
Upon this ground of England
Close to his family band
The Corps of Drums will now sound
Drummer Rigby on the ground
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
May 2013
23 May 2013
Rest in Peace Drummer Lee Rigby
Drummer Lee Rigby
Corps of Drums
2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
1987 - 2013
You were 100 times the man compared to the cowards who murdered you. They used both greater numbers and weapons, while all you had was a t-shirt in support of a charity. You outwardly wore your compassion, and the tributes from your family and friends are testimony of your caring, loving, and compassionate nature.
Yet again it is the cowards who strike while the brave and gentle die. Rest in peace Drummer Lee Rigby for your name will live on, whereas their names and what they stood for have already been cast aside. I will order and wear my help the heroes t-shirt with pride, and I hope that many others will do likewise in recognition of your sacrifice.
Corps of Drums
2nd Battalion the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers
1987 - 2013
You were 100 times the man compared to the cowards who murdered you. They used both greater numbers and weapons, while all you had was a t-shirt in support of a charity. You outwardly wore your compassion, and the tributes from your family and friends are testimony of your caring, loving, and compassionate nature.
Yet again it is the cowards who strike while the brave and gentle die. Rest in peace Drummer Lee Rigby for your name will live on, whereas their names and what they stood for have already been cast aside. I will order and wear my help the heroes t-shirt with pride, and I hope that many others will do likewise in recognition of your sacrifice.
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure and Fuel Cap replacement
Having found limited resources online regarding this problem, I have held back on Blogging on other subjects in order to keep these sequence of posts together and thereby make it easier for the reader to find the detail and resolve their Clio problem. Previous Renault Clio Blog Posts in this sequence explain how to disengage the Clio locking mechanism with hopefully no damage to your car bodywork or the Clio fuel flap. But in all cases any actions taken are your sole responsibility and do not proceed unless you are confident with what you are undertaking as I am unable to accept any responsibility for errors or design differences.
To help you try to resolve the problem I have also posted photographs and a diagram showing which bits to disengage and when the Clio fuel flap is open how to secure the protrusion to prevent the tiny piston re-engaging the hole.
You now need to obtain a lockable fuel cap as the fuel flap on the Renault Clio should no longer operate if you have disabled it and plugged the hole. The lockable fuel cap should prevent your fuel from being siphoned off and stolen, but it also protects your car from vandalism as certain things poured into or deposited into the fuel system may cause catastrophic damage to the fuel lines and engine. So providing a lockable fuel cap seems to be an essential requirement.
If you take off and look at your existing fuel cap you will see that there are lugs on the underside that engage into the Renault Clio design locking thread. DO NOT take a photograph as you could cause an explosion when your non intrinsically safe camera sparks within the flammable range of petroleum. I emphasis this point, DO NOT photograph. Also ensure that you are not smoking or using an electronic cigarette. No naked flames, no lights switched on or off, no camera click, no phone call, nothing, nowt, nil. Petrol vapours move rapidly out of the fuel system and cover a vast area quickly, so please ensure that you exercise a degree of common sense.
The fuel cap design that appears specific to Renault means that you have to use a compatible fuel cap. The compatibility is relevant to the age of the car. I recommend a google web search followed by looking at auction sites and mainstream online sellers as well as car specific sellers. I cannot recommend buying a used item. You have to ask yourself why a used item is for sale.
I found Renault Clio lockable fuel caps with two keys in the price range £10 to £25 including delivery. In all instances I would recommend telephoning a seller where the details are shown and stating the year of registration for your Clio of emailing them with the same query where a telephone number is not provided. I think that it is important to check compatibility in this way as I found three different fuel caps, but only one will fit our specific Clio date.
Renault can also provide a key coded lock at a price. This system means that your engine key will unlock your new fuel cap. But a few words of caution with this idea at circa £54 (not sure if that's with or plus VAT). If the new fuel cap is not secured to your Clio like the existing non locking fuel cap, and you drive your Clio away from the petrol station with the fuel cap on the petrol pump, then that's a lot of money to throw away. If you opt for the key coded Clio fuel cap through a main dealer, then check that they can, and if yes, that they will secure the new fuel cap to the rubber link fixing inside the fuel flap free of charge. Otherwise, I can only recommend sticking with the cheaper two key option, as it will be relatively painless if you drive away and forget the fuel cap.
We could have done with some help when the problem occurred with 'Serena' and I hope that some of these comments and the photographs and the diagram help you in some way. Scroll down to the other Blog posts in this sequence that were uploaded on different dates in order to get the full picture and advice that is offered in good faith and which you are free to accept at your own liability or simply reject as you continue searching for a solution to a locked fuel flap on a Renault Clio.
Happy Driving!
To help you try to resolve the problem I have also posted photographs and a diagram showing which bits to disengage and when the Clio fuel flap is open how to secure the protrusion to prevent the tiny piston re-engaging the hole.
You now need to obtain a lockable fuel cap as the fuel flap on the Renault Clio should no longer operate if you have disabled it and plugged the hole. The lockable fuel cap should prevent your fuel from being siphoned off and stolen, but it also protects your car from vandalism as certain things poured into or deposited into the fuel system may cause catastrophic damage to the fuel lines and engine. So providing a lockable fuel cap seems to be an essential requirement.
If you take off and look at your existing fuel cap you will see that there are lugs on the underside that engage into the Renault Clio design locking thread. DO NOT take a photograph as you could cause an explosion when your non intrinsically safe camera sparks within the flammable range of petroleum. I emphasis this point, DO NOT photograph. Also ensure that you are not smoking or using an electronic cigarette. No naked flames, no lights switched on or off, no camera click, no phone call, nothing, nowt, nil. Petrol vapours move rapidly out of the fuel system and cover a vast area quickly, so please ensure that you exercise a degree of common sense.
The fuel cap design that appears specific to Renault means that you have to use a compatible fuel cap. The compatibility is relevant to the age of the car. I recommend a google web search followed by looking at auction sites and mainstream online sellers as well as car specific sellers. I cannot recommend buying a used item. You have to ask yourself why a used item is for sale.
I found Renault Clio lockable fuel caps with two keys in the price range £10 to £25 including delivery. In all instances I would recommend telephoning a seller where the details are shown and stating the year of registration for your Clio of emailing them with the same query where a telephone number is not provided. I think that it is important to check compatibility in this way as I found three different fuel caps, but only one will fit our specific Clio date.
Renault can also provide a key coded lock at a price. This system means that your engine key will unlock your new fuel cap. But a few words of caution with this idea at circa £54 (not sure if that's with or plus VAT). If the new fuel cap is not secured to your Clio like the existing non locking fuel cap, and you drive your Clio away from the petrol station with the fuel cap on the petrol pump, then that's a lot of money to throw away. If you opt for the key coded Clio fuel cap through a main dealer, then check that they can, and if yes, that they will secure the new fuel cap to the rubber link fixing inside the fuel flap free of charge. Otherwise, I can only recommend sticking with the cheaper two key option, as it will be relatively painless if you drive away and forget the fuel cap.
We could have done with some help when the problem occurred with 'Serena' and I hope that some of these comments and the photographs and the diagram help you in some way. Scroll down to the other Blog posts in this sequence that were uploaded on different dates in order to get the full picture and advice that is offered in good faith and which you are free to accept at your own liability or simply reject as you continue searching for a solution to a locked fuel flap on a Renault Clio.
Happy Driving!
17 May 2013
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure
Along with the previous photograph and diagram in earlier Blog posts. This is the locking device into which the protrusion with the hole sits. You can just make out the tiny piston that moves up and down in and out if the hoke in the protrusion in order to lock the fuel flap.
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure photographs
This photograph supports the diagram and explanation provided in an earlier Blog post. The photograph shows the masking tape used to protect the bodywork and the protrusion from the fuel cap into which the piston locks. The white bit at the top of the protrusion is 'blu tak' used to fill the hole after which electrical tape was wrapped around to prevent the piston slipping back into the hole when the car was locked and unlocked in the future. The hole goes all the way through the protrusion and therefore the piston can be accessed from below and pushed up with a long thin screwdriver to disengage the lock.
Renault Clio Fuel Flap Failure
The fuel flap on the Renault Clio belonging to one of our daughters failed in the locked shut position. A search of on-line forums provided a release method but no images or diagrams. So I have uploaded an explanation to assist anyone out there who is faced with a possible huge repair bill.
Repair methods
(1) If you model has a release cable inside the boot on the same side as the fuel flap then use the cable to release the fuel flap.
(2) If the piston or release mechanism is near an air-bag operating cylinder or air bag device as mentioned in some forums, please exercise common sense and stay well clear as you may inadvertently operate the airbag with catastrophic results and possible serious injury.
(3) If there is no release cable and you want to try to release the fuel flap to gain entry to the fuel cap then:
(A) use masking tape to cover and protect the area below the fuel flap and at the bottom of the fuel flap against damage,
(B) use a long thin screwdriver inserted from the bottom of the fuel flap and aimed at a small circle some 0.5 cm in diameter to press the centre of the circle and thereby push up a piston from the hole to disengage the lock
(C) when the fuel flap is open use electrical tape or similar to tape the piston into its housing and to wrap around the holed assembly attached to the fuel flap to prevent the piston re-engaging into the lock
Notes: you need to use masking tape to protect the bodywork and the lower part of the fuel flap or you will damage the paintwork. Do not try to prise the flap open fully without disengaging the piston as you will damage the mechanism. You can use a torch and by slightly prising the fuel flap from the left hand side you will see the piston. On our Clio it looked like a small black circle.
Repair methods
(1) If you model has a release cable inside the boot on the same side as the fuel flap then use the cable to release the fuel flap.
(2) If the piston or release mechanism is near an air-bag operating cylinder or air bag device as mentioned in some forums, please exercise common sense and stay well clear as you may inadvertently operate the airbag with catastrophic results and possible serious injury.
(3) If there is no release cable and you want to try to release the fuel flap to gain entry to the fuel cap then:
(A) use masking tape to cover and protect the area below the fuel flap and at the bottom of the fuel flap against damage,
(B) use a long thin screwdriver inserted from the bottom of the fuel flap and aimed at a small circle some 0.5 cm in diameter to press the centre of the circle and thereby push up a piston from the hole to disengage the lock
(C) when the fuel flap is open use electrical tape or similar to tape the piston into its housing and to wrap around the holed assembly attached to the fuel flap to prevent the piston re-engaging into the lock
Notes: you need to use masking tape to protect the bodywork and the lower part of the fuel flap or you will damage the paintwork. Do not try to prise the flap open fully without disengaging the piston as you will damage the mechanism. You can use a torch and by slightly prising the fuel flap from the left hand side you will see the piston. On our Clio it looked like a small black circle.
13 May 2013
Mikhail Tal
Following the 'Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament' where I scored for me a respectable 2.5/7 given my fifteen years absence from the chess scene; I'm now working my way through the complete games of Mikhail Tal; former World Chess Champion.
Tal is recognised as a dashing, imaginative and sacrificial player who acquired positional sense. If there is anyone who I should model myself on then it has to be Mikhail Tal. Simply because my previous play as a sacrificial player was all about the King hunt, whereas the new me has to adapt and develop if my chess re-birth is to be a success.
When I finish this book, I'm going to begin looking at ideas and themes and avoid getting bogged down in the quagmire of opening theory. I intend that the next chess publications that I study will be the ones recommended by my good friend Adam. From time to time I shall try to update the Blog with my chess progress. Meanwhile it's back to the coffee and the book and the pocket chess set that have dug out and dusted off. Today I looked at two games, tomorrow it will be a third.
Tal is recognised as a dashing, imaginative and sacrificial player who acquired positional sense. If there is anyone who I should model myself on then it has to be Mikhail Tal. Simply because my previous play as a sacrificial player was all about the King hunt, whereas the new me has to adapt and develop if my chess re-birth is to be a success.
When I finish this book, I'm going to begin looking at ideas and themes and avoid getting bogged down in the quagmire of opening theory. I intend that the next chess publications that I study will be the ones recommended by my good friend Adam. From time to time I shall try to update the Blog with my chess progress. Meanwhile it's back to the coffee and the book and the pocket chess set that have dug out and dusted off. Today I looked at two games, tomorrow it will be a third.
12 May 2013
A Tale of Two Hoppity's
I was allocated my FIDE Chess Player ID of 1803247 following the tournament in Tanygroes. I regard this FIDE ID as my first step towards achieving a good chess grade through enjoyable means.
I am now at home and reflecting on the Handicap Rapidplay tournament, along with the advice that I received from two good friends (who are also excellent chess players) prior to the tournament.
My Welsh FIDE Rated friend (rated that is if one of his opponents in a FIDE competition hadn't managed to score zero and mess it all up for everyone) suggested ideas and themes to avoid well studied openings, playing a particular chess App that is available for the iPad and future purchases of two books (in particular about strategies and things).
Whereas my German IM and Playmaten photographenfriend suggested reading a chess book after fifteen years absence, just in case the knight moves differently these days!
What was said in jest all too soon turned out to be true at the board.
I used ideas and themes to fill my opening void, and there I was in one of the rounds when to my surprise my opponent moved a Knight from g8 to f8, i.e. straight line and from one colour square to a same colour square. I stopped the clock and said "excuse me but I think that you have just made an illegal move". But being a gent, I also mentioned that it was ok to retake the move and to move any piece.
In another round my opponent stopped my clock and said something with the word "lose" in it. I was unsure what was said so I asked again several times. Each time the statement was repeated, but I was confused. Was my opponent trying to cast a spell, or had I really fallen foul of some obscure rule? So I called over the Arbiter. He questioned my opponent, who told the Arbiter that I had lost. I was worried that I had contravened some new rule whittled up during the last decade and a half of self induced chess exile. Further interrogation by the Arbiter concluded that my opponent was claiming that I had lost on time. "Don't be silly" said the Atbiter, looking at the clock carefully, "he still has two minutes left!".
I went on to deliver checkmate with a pawn, Rook and a Hoppity. So my reminiscence at the end of the day; is very much a tale of two hoppity's along with gratitude towards two friends.
And that would be that, if it wasn't for my honesty. You see folks I have to own up to my astonishing error in one of my won games. Striving to place a Rook on the 8th Rank I found that my arms had somehow shrunk and astonishing as it might seem, I let go of the Rook on the 7th. Where it was sat enprise and on the same rank as one of my opponents Rooks. Needless up say, he took it, and I was left thinking that I need to use the Rack the next time that I visit the gym.
I am now at home and reflecting on the Handicap Rapidplay tournament, along with the advice that I received from two good friends (who are also excellent chess players) prior to the tournament.
My Welsh FIDE Rated friend (rated that is if one of his opponents in a FIDE competition hadn't managed to score zero and mess it all up for everyone) suggested ideas and themes to avoid well studied openings, playing a particular chess App that is available for the iPad and future purchases of two books (in particular about strategies and things).
Whereas my German IM and Playmaten photographenfriend suggested reading a chess book after fifteen years absence, just in case the knight moves differently these days!
What was said in jest all too soon turned out to be true at the board.
I used ideas and themes to fill my opening void, and there I was in one of the rounds when to my surprise my opponent moved a Knight from g8 to f8, i.e. straight line and from one colour square to a same colour square. I stopped the clock and said "excuse me but I think that you have just made an illegal move". But being a gent, I also mentioned that it was ok to retake the move and to move any piece.
In another round my opponent stopped my clock and said something with the word "lose" in it. I was unsure what was said so I asked again several times. Each time the statement was repeated, but I was confused. Was my opponent trying to cast a spell, or had I really fallen foul of some obscure rule? So I called over the Arbiter. He questioned my opponent, who told the Arbiter that I had lost. I was worried that I had contravened some new rule whittled up during the last decade and a half of self induced chess exile. Further interrogation by the Arbiter concluded that my opponent was claiming that I had lost on time. "Don't be silly" said the Atbiter, looking at the clock carefully, "he still has two minutes left!".
I went on to deliver checkmate with a pawn, Rook and a Hoppity. So my reminiscence at the end of the day; is very much a tale of two hoppity's along with gratitude towards two friends.
And that would be that, if it wasn't for my honesty. You see folks I have to own up to my astonishing error in one of my won games. Striving to place a Rook on the 8th Rank I found that my arms had somehow shrunk and astonishing as it might seem, I let go of the Rook on the 7th. Where it was sat enprise and on the same rank as one of my opponents Rooks. Needless up say, he took it, and I was left thinking that I need to use the Rack the next time that I visit the gym.
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 7
Now safely back home and on the laptop I am able to update my Round 6 and 7 games. In the seventh round I yet again was given 5 minutes to my opponents 25 minutes in this inaugural Handicap Rapidplay tournament. I was quite happy going into the last Round with 1.5 points as that was 1.5 points more than I expected. An uneventful opening moved itself into a solid middle game whereupon I was able to swap off the major pieces and slowly move into a won Rook, Knight and Pawn endgame. I had the added satisfaction of finishing the tournament with my first checkmate of the day.
John Florence 1309 v RBA 0-1
2.5 / 7 and a very happy tournament experience indeed. The highlight must have been finding my Chess Mentor RG Taylor present and being able to reminisce with him and plan some ideas for the future. One of these may be about obtaining a FIDE Chess ID Number and taking a holiday to play in one or two Swiss Tournaments on mainland Europe. So seeing that meeting my old friend was the best part of the day for me, it is only fitting that I leave you with a chess photograph of the said friends:
Welsh Representative in the Commonwealth Championships held in India (albeit ill health prevented Bob from taking up the place when the Championships were held). Photograph taken with a Canon 600D and f/1.8 Prime Lens handheld indoors without flash.
John Florence 1309 v RBA 0-1
2.5 / 7 and a very happy tournament experience indeed. The highlight must have been finding my Chess Mentor RG Taylor present and being able to reminisce with him and plan some ideas for the future. One of these may be about obtaining a FIDE Chess ID Number and taking a holiday to play in one or two Swiss Tournaments on mainland Europe. So seeing that meeting my old friend was the best part of the day for me, it is only fitting that I leave you with a chess photograph of the said friends:
RG Taylor, 12 May 2013
Newport Chess Club
Former National Master Graded 200 (English System)
Welsh Representative in the Commonwealth Championships held in India (albeit ill health prevented Bob from taking up the place when the Championships were held). Photograph taken with a Canon 600D and f/1.8 Prime Lens handheld indoors without flash.
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 6
I became a tad tired and packed away the iPad for post my Round 6 and Round 7 games.
My time just slipped by against my Round 6 Opponent Awne Osinga. Five minutes simply isn't enough time when you are this much out pf practice. I cant tell you where my time went, as I moved swiftly every move, and was astonished when I noticed that my flag had fallen. I was equally astonished when my opponent noticed that it had gone some twenty moves later. Hey ho, happy days, as I thoroughly enjoyed the game up until Osinga noticed the win. It was a tight position, in which I had probably thrown away a few opportunities.
RBA v Awne Osinga 1468 0-1
1.5 / 6
My time just slipped by against my Round 6 Opponent Awne Osinga. Five minutes simply isn't enough time when you are this much out pf practice. I cant tell you where my time went, as I moved swiftly every move, and was astonished when I noticed that my flag had fallen. I was equally astonished when my opponent noticed that it had gone some twenty moves later. Hey ho, happy days, as I thoroughly enjoyed the game up until Osinga noticed the win. It was a tight position, in which I had probably thrown away a few opportunities.
RBA v Awne Osinga 1468 0-1
1.5 / 6
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 5
RBA Bennett, 12 May 2013
The problem with being addicted to caffeine is that while drinking your coffee the next round can start. White pieces and caffeine against a lower graded player made no difference as once more I lost. The opening and middle game was equal and then I managed to make it unequal. Unfortunately, not in my favour. Rook and minor pieces middle game became too complicated for yours truly who made an inaccurate King move and allowed my opponents white squared Bishop into too strong a position and my pieces fell one by one.
RBA v Julie van Komenade 1781 0-1
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay ChessTournament Round 4
The problem with being graded higher than most of the field, is that you always get the up float to the higher group if there is an odd number of players with the next highest score, but you never get the down float to the lower group. So there was me after three rounds and running third from last out of 24 players and expecting to be on board eleven, to find myself on board nine against a competent player.
The Kings pawn game started well for me and I was able to squeeze out if the opening and into the middle game with equality. My Bishops done a good job of controlling a few diagonals and with a central Knight I was able to go the exchange up for a Knight and pawn to Rook. With the added bonus of winning back the pawn quickly and being able to force the Queen and Bishops off the board. This let me into a won double Rook against Rook and Knight ending which cancelled down even better to a Rook v Knight ending. I kept my head in Round four, and even though I was stuffed after the lovely SUNDAY lunch in Tanygroes, I still managed to gobble up a few Kings side pawns and cancel out my Rook for his Knight to leave a won King and Pawn endgame.
Phew, thank you Colin, I needed that.
Colin Denham 1672 v RBA 0-1
1.5 / 4
The other news brought to me at lunch, is that my travelling companion James Cook managed a draw in Round 3 when his opponent failed to prosecute checkmate with a double Bishop and King v King endgame. So I suppose that the learning outcome after this Round and the Round 3 news; is that endgame knowledge is extremely important.
The Kings pawn game started well for me and I was able to squeeze out if the opening and into the middle game with equality. My Bishops done a good job of controlling a few diagonals and with a central Knight I was able to go the exchange up for a Knight and pawn to Rook. With the added bonus of winning back the pawn quickly and being able to force the Queen and Bishops off the board. This let me into a won double Rook against Rook and Knight ending which cancelled down even better to a Rook v Knight ending. I kept my head in Round four, and even though I was stuffed after the lovely SUNDAY lunch in Tanygroes, I still managed to gobble up a few Kings side pawns and cancel out my Rook for his Knight to leave a won King and Pawn endgame.
Phew, thank you Colin, I needed that.
Colin Denham 1672 v RBA 0-1
1.5 / 4
The other news brought to me at lunch, is that my travelling companion James Cook managed a draw in Round 3 when his opponent failed to prosecute checkmate with a double Bishop and King v King endgame. So I suppose that the learning outcome after this Round and the Round 3 news; is that endgame knowledge is extremely important.
James Cook, 12 May 2013
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament Round 3
My third game was an excellent example of the what the lack of opening preparation can do to you at club and tournament level.
Against 1. d4 I went for a Kings side fianchetto and sort of muddled my way along for the next thirty or so moves until my position collapsed as one of his hoppity's gained too many squares around my King. So it has to be back to the drawing board for me to ready myself for a proper tournament later this year or next. I need to prep some good opening material for both colours as well as gaining match fitness.
Tony Haigh 1959 v RBA 1-0
0.5 / 3
Against 1. d4 I went for a Kings side fianchetto and sort of muddled my way along for the next thirty or so moves until my position collapsed as one of his hoppity's gained too many squares around my King. So it has to be back to the drawing board for me to ready myself for a proper tournament later this year or next. I need to prep some good opening material for both colours as well as gaining match fitness.
Tony Haigh 1959 v RBA 1-0
0.5 / 3
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament Round 2
At least in this game I had the white pieces and 10 minutes compared to that of 20 for my opponent. 'Dim ots' as they say in Welsh; I still lost.
RBA v Howard Leah 1606 0-1
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. bc4
and a return to my childhood and the piano opening that was bashed out day after day especially at school and during my early club days. I had the better play in this game and when my opponent went pawn hunting with his Queen on my queenside, I went King hunting on the Kingside.
Unfortunately I cane close, but alas I did not break through and his pawn superiority won the one sided double and then single Rook ending. The highlight of this round being my discussions with two players about the strong Swiss tournaments in Gibraltar and Bulgaria and the ease with which a few of them enter these events annually. So the inspiration from my friend Adam a few days ago has now been fuelled by learning of the first hand experiences of others. Meanwhile I need to sharpen my play and learn what the top players are using these days. Gosh fifteen years is a long time, but with two rounds gone, I'm good to say that it's all very enjoyable and it does indeed stretch the mind.
0.5 / 2
RBA v Howard Leah 1606 0-1
1. e4 e5
2. Nf3 Nc6
3. bc4
and a return to my childhood and the piano opening that was bashed out day after day especially at school and during my early club days. I had the better play in this game and when my opponent went pawn hunting with his Queen on my queenside, I went King hunting on the Kingside.
Unfortunately I cane close, but alas I did not break through and his pawn superiority won the one sided double and then single Rook ending. The highlight of this round being my discussions with two players about the strong Swiss tournaments in Gibraltar and Bulgaria and the ease with which a few of them enter these events annually. So the inspiration from my friend Adam a few days ago has now been fuelled by learning of the first hand experiences of others. Meanwhile I need to sharpen my play and learn what the top players are using these days. Gosh fifteen years is a long time, but with two rounds gone, I'm good to say that it's all very enjoyable and it does indeed stretch the mind.
0.5 / 2
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament Round 1
Well the tournament organisers used my last published grade of 1875 which was a tad disappointing as I was hoping for a 200 to 300 drop for a handicap tournament when I haven't played for a decade and a half. Hey ho as wifey would say, and a disgruntled Roger sat down with 5 minutes on the clock and unfortunately the black pieces, compared to the 25 minutes allocated to my opponent Roland Spencer 1471
With the better game and only 10 seconds left on my clock I offered a draw that was duly and correctly accepted. Roland praised me as not being rusty so that sought of proves the comment made by my youngest, "playing chess is like riding a bike". Yeah ok, but it doesn't half hurt when you fall off.
0.5/1
With the better game and only 10 seconds left on my clock I offered a draw that was duly and correctly accepted. Roland praised me as not being rusty so that sought of proves the comment made by my youngest, "playing chess is like riding a bike". Yeah ok, but it doesn't half hurt when you fall off.
0.5/1
Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament
Here I am at the "Jan Sendall and Paul Clark inaugural Memorial Handicap Rapidplay Chess Tournament" held in Tanygroes Ceredigion on the 12 May 2013 and lo and behold I bump into my Chess Mentor RG Taylor of Newport Chess Club fame and the Welsh Representative in the Commonwealth Chess Championships held in India (albeit Bob ended up not playing on that occasion due to ask minute serious ill health). Bob was astonished to see my name on the list of competitors as he knew that I had not played chess for 15 years and I was astonished to see Bob as I had not seen him for a little longer than that.
My plan for today's competition was 0/7 providing that I enjoyed myself, and by meeting Bob the enjoyment criteria has already been met!
My plan for today's competition was 0/7 providing that I enjoyed myself, and by meeting Bob the enjoyment criteria has already been met!
4 May 2013
Yet another national disgrace
It's astonishing that a country that lingers with incompetence when failing to get rid of the bad, simultaneously fails to welcome with open arms the good.
The red carpet should be rolled out for Hashmat Nawabie and all others who risked their lives under fire and will continue to risk their lives as the coalition forces now withdraw. They each done what they believed was right, and to now deny them asylum, is a shocking stance for a democratic country to take. Freedom must also be about safety, as you cannot fight a war in the name of freedom; while denying a safe outcome for some. This is not about immigration, this is not about quota's, this is not about whether or not this was a 'just war' (are any wars truly just?), this is simply about doing the right thing.
There is no more to be said. Not welcoming Mr Nawabie and others like him is a disgrace.
The red carpet should be rolled out for Hashmat Nawabie and all others who risked their lives under fire and will continue to risk their lives as the coalition forces now withdraw. They each done what they believed was right, and to now deny them asylum, is a shocking stance for a democratic country to take. Freedom must also be about safety, as you cannot fight a war in the name of freedom; while denying a safe outcome for some. This is not about immigration, this is not about quota's, this is not about whether or not this was a 'just war' (are any wars truly just?), this is simply about doing the right thing.
There is no more to be said. Not welcoming Mr Nawabie and others like him is a disgrace.
2 May 2013
Lunar Sputnik Apollo N1 Vostok Saturn Soyuz Gemini
I now know why the United States of America had to place an astronaut on the moon.
The CCCP launched the first rocket into space and they were the first to orbit the earth. The CCCP put the first satellite into space and relayed the first radio signals from space back to earth. They were also the first to have a capsule return safely to earth and they brought back the first photographs from space of the earth. They were the first to put an animal in space, the first to put a human being in space, the first to put a woman in space, the first to put civilians in space. The CCCP were also the first to put two crewed rockets in orbit simultaneously, and the first to have one of their cosmonauts compete a space walk. The only thing left was for someone to safely land on the moon and get back.
Therefore Kennedy's rhetoric for a moon landing was a much needed statement at a time when Russia had consistently won hands down, time and time again.
The CCCP launched the first rocket into space and they were the first to orbit the earth. The CCCP put the first satellite into space and relayed the first radio signals from space back to earth. They were also the first to have a capsule return safely to earth and they brought back the first photographs from space of the earth. They were the first to put an animal in space, the first to put a human being in space, the first to put a woman in space, the first to put civilians in space. The CCCP were also the first to put two crewed rockets in orbit simultaneously, and the first to have one of their cosmonauts compete a space walk. The only thing left was for someone to safely land on the moon and get back.
Therefore Kennedy's rhetoric for a moon landing was a much needed statement at a time when Russia had consistently won hands down, time and time again.
Season 10
Thank you Bro for the Mountfield petrol engine lawn mower that I found in your skip when I visited you a decade ago. As an anniversary treat, I may strip it down and spray it this year. A fantastic machine that starts first time after each winter break, still put to use ten years after it was discarded.
26 April 2013
Well done
Well done Luis Suarez for accepting the punishment. Some commentators seem to think that the award was too harsh, and I for one agree with that view. Which is a bit strange seeing that I have never been a fan of Luis Suarez following the Ghanaian incident.
But fair play, accepting the award is a huge step up to the mark, and worthy of the support that Liverpool football club are giving the player.
I would share a drink with him anytime, which is something that I would never have thought myself saying during and following the World Cup. Luis Suarez, stay with Liverpool, because British football needs you. And I for one would pay to see you play, and I've never been to a Premiership game.
But fair play, accepting the award is a huge step up to the mark, and worthy of the support that Liverpool football club are giving the player.
I would share a drink with him anytime, which is something that I would never have thought myself saying during and following the World Cup. Luis Suarez, stay with Liverpool, because British football needs you. And I for one would pay to see you play, and I've never been to a Premiership game.
25 April 2013
Important numbers
Anyone in the U.K. Feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call CALM on 0800 58 58 58 or THE SAMARITANS on 08457 90 90 90
Now there's two numbers that are worth noting down and keeping safe. Please remember, you don't need to keep your problems bottled up. If you need help then seek it. I can't tell you the ins and outs of mental ill health as I'm not qualified to do so. I was touched by the news today regarding the need to treat 17 year olds as juveniles and not as adults if detained, and the story of two 17 year olds who committed suicide over what can only be described as trivia. And that's the real problem isn't it? The problems are not trivial for the person affected by whatever it is that is going on in their life. We are all different, and different things impact upon us in different ways.
So chin up and keep those numbers tucked away in case you, your loved one, or a friend ever need them.
Now there's two numbers that are worth noting down and keeping safe. Please remember, you don't need to keep your problems bottled up. If you need help then seek it. I can't tell you the ins and outs of mental ill health as I'm not qualified to do so. I was touched by the news today regarding the need to treat 17 year olds as juveniles and not as adults if detained, and the story of two 17 year olds who committed suicide over what can only be described as trivia. And that's the real problem isn't it? The problems are not trivial for the person affected by whatever it is that is going on in their life. We are all different, and different things impact upon us in different ways.
So chin up and keep those numbers tucked away in case you, your loved one, or a friend ever need them.
21 April 2013
Poem: Why?
Why?
You tried to spread your hate
What for?
As you are now no more
Planting bombs to kill and maim
Why then?
Like loser boys and not men
Causing death and injury to many
How come?
Were you devoid love from mum
This is not what she wanted
So why?
Did you cause many to die
As you spread your vile poison
For what?
We locked down you were caught
Your evil failing to break us
And why?
Because our resolve will never die
You tried to break our city
And now?
We wonder why what who how
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch, Wales 2013
All rights reserved
You tried to spread your hate
What for?
As you are now no more
Planting bombs to kill and maim
Why then?
Like loser boys and not men
Causing death and injury to many
How come?
Were you devoid love from mum
This is not what she wanted
So why?
Did you cause many to die
As you spread your vile poison
For what?
We locked down you were caught
Your evil failing to break us
And why?
Because our resolve will never die
You tried to break our city
And now?
We wonder why what who how
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch, Wales 2013
All rights reserved
Poem: Boston
BOSTON
Weaving your way through crowds that throng
Some of whom had been friends to you
Moving as one with hate and spite
Cowards plotting in place of love
And bringing shame to family
Failing to break us who are strong
You took limbs and souls of a few
While we only done what was right
Keeping one hand inside our glove
And responding with unity
Your shame will last for time so long
While remembering those we knew
We shall forget you more each night
The ones that lost the right to love
And now you mean nothing to me
For we Bostonians are strong
Your carnage will not cloud our hue
Nor diminish our strength and might
As we know the meaning of love
And you learnt that you could not flee
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch, Wales 2013
All rights reserved
Weaving your way through crowds that throng
Some of whom had been friends to you
Moving as one with hate and spite
Cowards plotting in place of love
And bringing shame to family
Failing to break us who are strong
You took limbs and souls of a few
While we only done what was right
Keeping one hand inside our glove
And responding with unity
Your shame will last for time so long
While remembering those we knew
We shall forget you more each night
The ones that lost the right to love
And now you mean nothing to me
For we Bostonians are strong
Your carnage will not cloud our hue
Nor diminish our strength and might
As we know the meaning of love
And you learnt that you could not flee
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch, Wales 2013
All rights reserved
Why?
It was inevitable given the trauma of the Boston Marathon attacks that I would turn yet again to poetry. Over the course of a few days I wrote two poems about the atrocity. They are titled 'Boston' and 'Why?'. I used a different style when writing each of the poems. 'Boston' was written on the afternoon following the capture of the second suspect. The poem is written with four feet per line, and five lines per stanza with the rhyming scheme ABCDE linking each stanza, with the word 'and' at the start of each fifth line.
The poem 'Why?' began with the opening stanza being jotted down as I thought of the words while getting changed to go out on the Saturday evening. The remainder of this second poem was written in a coffee shop on the Sunday afternoon . 'Why?' is written with six words in each of the first and third lines of each stanza. With two questioning words appearing in each second line. The second and third lines rhyme to provide the scheme ABB.
I suppose that writing poetry is my way of dealing with many of the things that happen, and which I find difficult to comprehend and thereby make sense of. It had been a difficult week emotionally, and for some people that will appear quite strange as I am neither American nor do I live in Boston. But I do have a good friend who lives in the city and two other friends who moved away to Florida. This association and the fragility of my mental health may go some way towards explaining the emotion that appears in my poetry and prose.
I intend to upload the poems 'Boston' and 'Why?' to the poetry page of this Blog, and as always all rights are reserved.
The poem 'Why?' began with the opening stanza being jotted down as I thought of the words while getting changed to go out on the Saturday evening. The remainder of this second poem was written in a coffee shop on the Sunday afternoon . 'Why?' is written with six words in each of the first and third lines of each stanza. With two questioning words appearing in each second line. The second and third lines rhyme to provide the scheme ABB.
I suppose that writing poetry is my way of dealing with many of the things that happen, and which I find difficult to comprehend and thereby make sense of. It had been a difficult week emotionally, and for some people that will appear quite strange as I am neither American nor do I live in Boston. But I do have a good friend who lives in the city and two other friends who moved away to Florida. This association and the fragility of my mental health may go some way towards explaining the emotion that appears in my poetry and prose.
I intend to upload the poems 'Boston' and 'Why?' to the poetry page of this Blog, and as always all rights are reserved.
20 April 2013
Hard fighting
It's great to see that Boston and the Federal authorities fought hard and tough and thereby swiftly brought the cowards to justice.
Well done to everyone involved in the successful investigation and the successful prosecution of the manhunt. I found the whole thing terribly upsetting and was frequently reduced to tears as the lockdown proceeded and was widely publicised on news channels, social media and news apps. I retired to bed last night disappointed that one of the alleged murderers had escaped, and woke up in the UK this morning to hear that joyful news that he had been apprehended. It was still upsetting to see and hear the news, but at least the emotions were balanced by the knowledge that the Lockdown had been a success and that he was unable to flee the scene.
Well done to one and all. I shall continue to say a prayer for those taken too young and for those injured during this murderous atrocity. But I shall also say a 'thank you' for the successful and astonishingly prompt outcome of the investigation. An outcome that reduced their potential to murder and maim numerous more Bostonians and visitors to the area.
God Bless America
Well done to everyone involved in the successful investigation and the successful prosecution of the manhunt. I found the whole thing terribly upsetting and was frequently reduced to tears as the lockdown proceeded and was widely publicised on news channels, social media and news apps. I retired to bed last night disappointed that one of the alleged murderers had escaped, and woke up in the UK this morning to hear that joyful news that he had been apprehended. It was still upsetting to see and hear the news, but at least the emotions were balanced by the knowledge that the Lockdown had been a success and that he was unable to flee the scene.
Well done to one and all. I shall continue to say a prayer for those taken too young and for those injured during this murderous atrocity. But I shall also say a 'thank you' for the successful and astonishingly prompt outcome of the investigation. An outcome that reduced their potential to murder and maim numerous more Bostonians and visitors to the area.
God Bless America
16 April 2013
Boston
My heart goes out to everyone involved in or affected by the dreadful murderous events at the Boston Marathon. I was reduced to tears watching the news as it unfolded and had to turn off the broadcast. Even today I have problems viewing or hearing about this particular news. Yet again a coward or cowards cause the harm.
Whether it's an IED hidden at the side of the road to kill, a car bomb to kill, someone with a gun in a cinema, or roaming on an island, or a gang kicking to death a defenceless vagrant; wherever you are, it's the same old story of the cowards inflicting the harm. A bomb amongst spectators, a gun when others don't have a gun, a knife when others don't have a knife, or group numbers to overwhelm the victim. It's rarely aggression on a level playing field. It's always an unbalanced equation where the perpetrator has a clear advantage. This is why we must never bend. We must also brush aside our sensibilities and do unto others that which they choose to do or try to do to us. I know that we should turn the other cheek, and that everyone should love their enemy. But when you cry while watching what should have been a happy event, you also start to understand that society needs to develop a different set of rules to deal with extremes. Whether its homeland homegrown silly reason terror, or what we tend to term international 'extremists'; the outcome is nevertheless extreme. The outcome is also not limited to geography, as history has shown that we have had our fair share of car bombs and nail bombs in the United Kingdom. Soft targets are soft, but we need to stop being soft with those who do this stuff.
Torture them by all means if it's going to help in gathering intelligence or assist our understanding of what drives them to extremes. Do not hesitate to extradite them to those countries who would like to house them in their systems and thereafter prosecute them. Stop treating them as equals, and instead begin to understand that those who engage in violence and murder, thereby relinquish their right to the systems that are in place to protect others. It's time to make sure that those who deal in violence, begin to understand that they and their families will pay big time. It's time for those who govern our countries to stop pussy footing around, and instead start fighting back hard.
Whether it's an IED hidden at the side of the road to kill, a car bomb to kill, someone with a gun in a cinema, or roaming on an island, or a gang kicking to death a defenceless vagrant; wherever you are, it's the same old story of the cowards inflicting the harm. A bomb amongst spectators, a gun when others don't have a gun, a knife when others don't have a knife, or group numbers to overwhelm the victim. It's rarely aggression on a level playing field. It's always an unbalanced equation where the perpetrator has a clear advantage. This is why we must never bend. We must also brush aside our sensibilities and do unto others that which they choose to do or try to do to us. I know that we should turn the other cheek, and that everyone should love their enemy. But when you cry while watching what should have been a happy event, you also start to understand that society needs to develop a different set of rules to deal with extremes. Whether its homeland homegrown silly reason terror, or what we tend to term international 'extremists'; the outcome is nevertheless extreme. The outcome is also not limited to geography, as history has shown that we have had our fair share of car bombs and nail bombs in the United Kingdom. Soft targets are soft, but we need to stop being soft with those who do this stuff.
Torture them by all means if it's going to help in gathering intelligence or assist our understanding of what drives them to extremes. Do not hesitate to extradite them to those countries who would like to house them in their systems and thereafter prosecute them. Stop treating them as equals, and instead begin to understand that those who engage in violence and murder, thereby relinquish their right to the systems that are in place to protect others. It's time to make sure that those who deal in violence, begin to understand that they and their families will pay big time. It's time for those who govern our countries to stop pussy footing around, and instead start fighting back hard.
13 April 2013
Gwent Fire Brigade 30 Year Reunion
This is one of the Gwent Fire Brigade Young Firefighter 30 year Reunion photographs taken in Newport Gwent (Monmouthshire) in April 2013 in a pub at the Pill end of Commercial Street
11 April 2013
Poetry for a friend
Scottish
I am a Scot from the city of hills
That Burgh nestling amongst deep crevices
My anthem consists of the blowing wind
As my tartan flutters to form its liege
My Scotland is not just about the brave
It's also a place of art and culture
Popular plays draw the crowds and fill tills
With Cathedrals of song for services
And religion I shall never rescind
My strong castle you can but try to siege
For I am a true Scot and not a slave
With identity that shall never rupture
Roger Bennett, 2013
All rights reserved
This poem was written with a Scottish friend and actor in mind. The 'city of hills' refers to his hometown Edinburgh. The 'blowing wind' is of course the bagpipes. The reference to religion is deliberately neutral to cater for a diverse society and the many denominations that now exist beyond the main two. The line 'my strong castle' has nothing to do about structures, but instead refers to strength of character. This theme continues with the last two lines. The poem was written with five feet per line and two stanzas each consisting of six lines. The rhyming sequence ABCDEF applies to each of the stanzas rather than the lines within. The first four lines were written in March and the remainder of the poem completed in April. The gap between the two writing sessions occurred because I wanted to write a poem called 'O Benrhyncoch' about Matthew Wilson MC and another about James Ashworth VC, along with completing some artwork, and spending time with our grandchildren.
I am a Scot from the city of hills
That Burgh nestling amongst deep crevices
My anthem consists of the blowing wind
As my tartan flutters to form its liege
My Scotland is not just about the brave
It's also a place of art and culture
Popular plays draw the crowds and fill tills
With Cathedrals of song for services
And religion I shall never rescind
My strong castle you can but try to siege
For I am a true Scot and not a slave
With identity that shall never rupture
Roger Bennett, 2013
All rights reserved
This poem was written with a Scottish friend and actor in mind. The 'city of hills' refers to his hometown Edinburgh. The 'blowing wind' is of course the bagpipes. The reference to religion is deliberately neutral to cater for a diverse society and the many denominations that now exist beyond the main two. The line 'my strong castle' has nothing to do about structures, but instead refers to strength of character. This theme continues with the last two lines. The poem was written with five feet per line and two stanzas each consisting of six lines. The rhyming sequence ABCDEF applies to each of the stanzas rather than the lines within. The first four lines were written in March and the remainder of the poem completed in April. The gap between the two writing sessions occurred because I wanted to write a poem called 'O Benrhyncoch' about Matthew Wilson MC and another about James Ashworth VC, along with completing some artwork, and spending time with our grandchildren.
10 April 2013
Danny Nightingale
You can see from my last few posts that I hold our military in the highest regard. Brave young men and women who choose to serve Queen and Country. Check out the following link if you wish to support Sgt Danny Nightingale who has served his country well and has helped to preserve freedom for others. Having done his duty to the highest standard; Sgt Nightingale now faces financial hardship defending his freedom from the unnecessary and continual legal actions against him.
http://www.bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/
Simply copy and paste the link into your server, or do a web search for "big brother watch"
http://www.bigbrotherwatch.org.uk/
Simply copy and paste the link into your server, or do a web search for "big brother watch"
9 April 2013
More Poppy Fiels
My original sketches and ideas have now been outlined onto the watercolour paper ready for painting and this photograph shows the pencil construction lines. I opted for 7mm line spacing and large text for the poem as after all the words are the main part of the imagery. The intention is to paint the background and detailing and then paint in the poem rather than use an ink pen. I'm using A3 size 180 gsm acid free paper and Winsor Newton Artist quality water colour.
Poem and Artwork, All Rights Reserved R. Bennett, Penrhyncoch 2013
Poem and Artwork, All Rights Reserved R. Bennett, Penrhyncoch 2013
7 April 2013
Poppy Fields
This is very much looking as if it is the image that will form the basis of my watercolour painting that I intend to complete to showcase my four stanza five feet per line poem called; 'Poppy Fields'. The poem begins with the Great War and ends by reminding the reader that each year those poppy fields will return. The idea with the image is to have the poem on the left hand side upper third of the page, possibly with the text painted rather than using an ink pen, and the stretcher party moving towards the poem but set in the lower third on the right hand side. The uniforms used are deliberately different and span over a century. These variety of uniforms are brought together to demonstrate the continuation of conflict and suffering and the need to care for those who are injured or have lost loved ones during military campaigns. We usually read books and view art from left to right. Therefore the poem is on the left as it's the main theme, and the different uniforms begin with the earliest also from left to right. The draped Union Jack can be taken either way i.e. a flag instead of a neutral coloured blanket covering the injured, or a flag draped over the body of a fallen comrade. The imagery supports the poem rather than dictating how the words are to be interpreted.
3 April 2013
A Society
The Kenneth Burns work mentions the KKK. It's sad to note that the Ku Klux Klan was founded in the Confederacy in December 1865; although sources differ on it being the brainchild of six college students or six Confederate veterans. Or maybe they were students who fought for the Confederacy? Whoever were the founding fathers, it is disappointing to note that from the death throes of the Civil War came such a society. I never understood how the White Supremacists gained such a foothold in the States, but having watched the programme and learnt about the Civil War, it all starts to make sense. From Abraham Lincoln, through Nathan Bedford Forrest and onto to Jane Elliott. Civil liberties, enslavement, and racial segregation have been a hundred year plus struggle for the Union, and it has taken many strong characters to try to set the record straight each time parts of society ventures from the straight and narrow. I suspect that it is a struggle that will in many ways last another hundred years or more. Green eyed, blue eyed, brown eyed. The colour shouldn't matter, the simple fact is; they are all now Americans.
2 April 2013
The Civil War
I'm watching the Kenneth Lauren Burns 1989 epic; 'The Civil War' narrated by David McCullough . Having watched seven episodes so far, I can safely conclude that if you don't know that much about the United States of America, then this documentary is a great place to start. I now know why there is a Thanksgiving and why it's on the date that it is. I know why the national cemetery is where it is. And i know a bit more about our cousins from across The Pond. It's all moving stuff, made more moving by the haunting soundtrack. Miss it at your peril as it inform, as to why the United States is what it is.
1 April 2013
Jane Elliott
Social Media websites can be full of crap. There certainly seems to be an increase in spamming and re-posting of pointless statements and images. You know the kind of thing; "click 'like' if you can see the word"or "how many faces can you see?" And so on and of forth.
Indeed, much if not most of the re-posting is pretty pointless. I can handle pointless and stupid, but I can't help reacting to the gravely offensive. The one that I picked up on today emanated from across The Pond. It's geographical origins is relevant to this Blog post as the study that disproves the theory also originated from the United States. Cast your mind back to 1968 and the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Following the murder of Dr king Jr; Ms. Jane Elliott a teacher in all white and all Christian school located in Riceville, Iowa; taught her charges about discrimination using nothing more than eye colour and a reliance on the inherent bigotry and separation views of people and groups.
The lessons which the astute Ms. Elliott recorded for prosperity were an attempt to help the children understand the irrelevance of superficial racial differences and thereby assist the children to understand the then swelling equal rights movement. The thrust of the lessons was to suggest that people with certain eye colours are different from people with other eye colours. Of course we know that is untrue, but how else do you differentiate in an all Christian and all white group when trying to show differences that simply aren't there? It is easy to recognise the kind of suggestions that could be made to the children. It could be suggested that people with blue eyes are unreliable and arrive late. This could be supported by reference to someone who has blue eyes and meets the stated criteria, thereafter all blue eyed children in the class are tarnished by the same statement. You could say something about green eyed people and then suggest that they need to eat less food, thereafter depriving them of a certain treat. Or, keep the brown eyed children in-doors during playtime. The sad part being that any statement can be turned on its head, and whichever way the wind blows, the children as a group follow. Now this isn't a scientific nor detailed explanation of something which a lovely lady has spent her life studying, understanding, and teaching. But it should be enough data for you to understand the thrust of the subject.
So when someone re-posts a "blue eyed people are lovely" statement on a social media website, you can now understand why the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. No they are not, blue eyed people simply have blue eyes. Some are lovely, and some are little horrors. Others are both lovely and have moments of trouble. Some are hateful and some are caring. You see folks; we are all blue eyed, green eyed, brown eyed, whatever colour eyed people, and all of those colours don't bring about any distinction or differences whatsoever. If you don't believe me, then pop across The Pond and ask Ms. Elliott.
Indeed, much if not most of the re-posting is pretty pointless. I can handle pointless and stupid, but I can't help reacting to the gravely offensive. The one that I picked up on today emanated from across The Pond. It's geographical origins is relevant to this Blog post as the study that disproves the theory also originated from the United States. Cast your mind back to 1968 and the assassination of Dr Martin Luther King Jr. Following the murder of Dr king Jr; Ms. Jane Elliott a teacher in all white and all Christian school located in Riceville, Iowa; taught her charges about discrimination using nothing more than eye colour and a reliance on the inherent bigotry and separation views of people and groups.
The lessons which the astute Ms. Elliott recorded for prosperity were an attempt to help the children understand the irrelevance of superficial racial differences and thereby assist the children to understand the then swelling equal rights movement. The thrust of the lessons was to suggest that people with certain eye colours are different from people with other eye colours. Of course we know that is untrue, but how else do you differentiate in an all Christian and all white group when trying to show differences that simply aren't there? It is easy to recognise the kind of suggestions that could be made to the children. It could be suggested that people with blue eyes are unreliable and arrive late. This could be supported by reference to someone who has blue eyes and meets the stated criteria, thereafter all blue eyed children in the class are tarnished by the same statement. You could say something about green eyed people and then suggest that they need to eat less food, thereafter depriving them of a certain treat. Or, keep the brown eyed children in-doors during playtime. The sad part being that any statement can be turned on its head, and whichever way the wind blows, the children as a group follow. Now this isn't a scientific nor detailed explanation of something which a lovely lady has spent her life studying, understanding, and teaching. But it should be enough data for you to understand the thrust of the subject.
So when someone re-posts a "blue eyed people are lovely" statement on a social media website, you can now understand why the hairs on the back of my neck stood up. No they are not, blue eyed people simply have blue eyes. Some are lovely, and some are little horrors. Others are both lovely and have moments of trouble. Some are hateful and some are caring. You see folks; we are all blue eyed, green eyed, brown eyed, whatever colour eyed people, and all of those colours don't bring about any distinction or differences whatsoever. If you don't believe me, then pop across The Pond and ask Ms. Elliott.
27 March 2013
Published
I'm proud to announce the publication of one of my poems. Indeed, this is my first poem to be published outside of my Blog. There was of course no fee, but I am nevertheless proud of the fact that the Editor of the Cambrian News chose to publish the poem on page 18 of the Thursday 28 March 2013 Edition of the newspaper (it hits the streets before its publication date).
I would have suspected that my poem about the 1972 Munich massacre would have been the first one to have been published, but alas I have not yet heard from my friends who were submitting that piece to a Jewish Society magazine in their part of the United Kingdom. Todays published work is titled in Welsh 'O Benrhyncoch', which means 'from Penrhyncoch'. In the Welsh language the 'P' becomes a 'B' after the letter 'o'. The rest of the poem is in English.
The poem consists of three stanza's each of five lines. The rhyming scheme A,B,A,B,C is used, where 'c' does not rhyme throughout. The poem tells the story of Rifleman Matthew Wilson from our village of Penrhyncoch (often referred to as Penrhyn) who recently won the Military Cross and was also given the Freedom of the County of Ceredigion. My favourite line is; "of rotor blades whooshing in the sun". The poem was submitted to the Cambrian News on the advice of my eldest daughter. I hope that you enjoy reading the poem as much as I enjoyed constructing it;
O Benrhyncoch
The snipers bullet had struck his head,
Leading to a short dreamlike state,
With others thinking he might be dead,
A different shot had struck his mate,
The one he had run to protect.
Never reckless but always brave,
He then chose to move into open ground,
To draw attention and thereby save,
His injured comrade, upon hearing the sound,
Of rotor blades whooshing in the sun.
The Military Cross is the just reward,
For young Rifleman Matthew Wilson,
The granted freedom forms part of the hoard,
Bestowed upon our soldier son,
Of this lush valley which nestles Penrhyn.
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
March 2013
All rights reserved
I would have suspected that my poem about the 1972 Munich massacre would have been the first one to have been published, but alas I have not yet heard from my friends who were submitting that piece to a Jewish Society magazine in their part of the United Kingdom. Todays published work is titled in Welsh 'O Benrhyncoch', which means 'from Penrhyncoch'. In the Welsh language the 'P' becomes a 'B' after the letter 'o'. The rest of the poem is in English.
The poem consists of three stanza's each of five lines. The rhyming scheme A,B,A,B,C is used, where 'c' does not rhyme throughout. The poem tells the story of Rifleman Matthew Wilson from our village of Penrhyncoch (often referred to as Penrhyn) who recently won the Military Cross and was also given the Freedom of the County of Ceredigion. My favourite line is; "of rotor blades whooshing in the sun". The poem was submitted to the Cambrian News on the advice of my eldest daughter. I hope that you enjoy reading the poem as much as I enjoyed constructing it;
O Benrhyncoch
The snipers bullet had struck his head,
Leading to a short dreamlike state,
With others thinking he might be dead,
A different shot had struck his mate,
The one he had run to protect.
Never reckless but always brave,
He then chose to move into open ground,
To draw attention and thereby save,
His injured comrade, upon hearing the sound,
Of rotor blades whooshing in the sun.
The Military Cross is the just reward,
For young Rifleman Matthew Wilson,
The granted freedom forms part of the hoard,
Bestowed upon our soldier son,
Of this lush valley which nestles Penrhyn.
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
March 2013
All rights reserved
22 March 2013
Joss Stone
|
I wrote this Joss Stone poem way back in June 2011
Joss Stone
Rejoice to those who spotted the
duo,
And for making the emergency
call,
Praise the officers taking the
lead,
And to those who searched the
Punto.
Two now charged and unable to
blag,
Why they were there at all,
Banged to rights they will plead,
The reasons why a sword and
body-bag.
And when the jury find the guilt,
The two from Manchester shall
fall,
Locked away so that others heed,
What happens if blood would be
spilt.
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
All rights reserved
|
20 March 2013
Today is not about today; it's about your tomorrow
Here's wishing the PCS Union great success on today's DAY OF ACTION whereby they continue to strive to highlight Public Sector cuts, and the need to protect PAY and CONDITIONS and SERVICES. Today is not about today; it's about your tomorrow. The provision of services that are provided through our systems of taxation. It's our money, and it's your future, it does not belong to others to mess up.
A strong Trade Union is essential to balance the actions of over zealous poor managers who often have ill thought out plans that can be more about them and their perceived legacy than that which is needed for the greater good of the service that they should provide. Strong trade unionism is the natural outcome of a democracy that operates systems of paid employment instead of forced labour.
A strong trade union means more than protecting jobs, conditions, and levels of service provision. The Union is a collective, that provides support when others target you in the workplace. Don't think about how much it costs to join, but instead think about how much that it could cost you if you do not. You secure a knowledgeable friend who is there to help you when you are bullied. Someone to walk by your side when you take that long walk through the workplace while suffering from mental ill health and stress, but have been ordered in for some meeting or the other. A trained Union official who can put up his or her hand and say to a bullying manager "I'll stop you there, are you aware of rule so and so that prevents you asking, saying or doing what you are asking, saying, or doing to my member?" The Union is us, and we are the Union.
Don't cross the Picket Line and say "I can't lose a days pay", but instead realise that one days pay is small change compared to the rewards that Union membership brings with it. Better a day off now, than many days off scrambling for poorly paid temporary employment when you become unemployed as the cuts squeeze tighter. So join your Trade Union whoever they are, make an active contribution to their affairs, and of course if you drive past a PCS Picket Line today, toot your horn and voice your support.
A strong Trade Union is essential to balance the actions of over zealous poor managers who often have ill thought out plans that can be more about them and their perceived legacy than that which is needed for the greater good of the service that they should provide. Strong trade unionism is the natural outcome of a democracy that operates systems of paid employment instead of forced labour.
A strong trade union means more than protecting jobs, conditions, and levels of service provision. The Union is a collective, that provides support when others target you in the workplace. Don't think about how much it costs to join, but instead think about how much that it could cost you if you do not. You secure a knowledgeable friend who is there to help you when you are bullied. Someone to walk by your side when you take that long walk through the workplace while suffering from mental ill health and stress, but have been ordered in for some meeting or the other. A trained Union official who can put up his or her hand and say to a bullying manager "I'll stop you there, are you aware of rule so and so that prevents you asking, saying or doing what you are asking, saying, or doing to my member?" The Union is us, and we are the Union.
Don't cross the Picket Line and say "I can't lose a days pay", but instead realise that one days pay is small change compared to the rewards that Union membership brings with it. Better a day off now, than many days off scrambling for poorly paid temporary employment when you become unemployed as the cuts squeeze tighter. So join your Trade Union whoever they are, make an active contribution to their affairs, and of course if you drive past a PCS Picket Line today, toot your horn and voice your support.
19 March 2013
Art Teacher
A very BIG thank you to Eileen, my 'art teacher' from across The Pond for her wonderful comments regarding my Snow Leopard painting that is showcased in an earlier Blog post. If any of you ever have the good fortune to come across Eileen and Bob; then grab the opportunity with both hands, sit quietly, listen and learn. And if you are as lucky as me; then form a good friendship as well.
18 March 2013
James Ashworth VC
Ashworth
This cross of mine made of bronze,
Unlike my other, made for mother.
Is to honour those that do,
Rather than those that don't, and all other.
A soldier son of Kettering,
They named me James, one of the few names.
To whom this cross has been bestowed,
For deeds and acts, with bullets and flames.
But I would rather be there,
To touch and see, my loving family.
But then again those whom I saved,
Were also important people, close to me.
I chose to lead my fire team,
So don't feel bad, for this Grenadier Guard.
As this cross is not one to bear,
Instead it's there, to remind others of this lad.
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
March 17, 2013
All rights reserved
This cross of mine made of bronze,
Unlike my other, made for mother.
Is to honour those that do,
Rather than those that don't, and all other.
A soldier son of Kettering,
They named me James, one of the few names.
To whom this cross has been bestowed,
For deeds and acts, with bullets and flames.
But I would rather be there,
To touch and see, my loving family.
But then again those whom I saved,
Were also important people, close to me.
I chose to lead my fire team,
So don't feel bad, for this Grenadier Guard.
As this cross is not one to bear,
Instead it's there, to remind others of this lad.
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
March 17, 2013
All rights reserved
16 March 2013
Cymru am byth
"Thirty, three" said he,
"Nah, it couldn't be" said me,
"Surely not thirty, three?"
As that would be,
Too great a victory.
"Yes, it's true!" Said he,
"We got a try, you see",
'Two tries', thought me,
Knowing that he would agree,
It's 'Cymru am byth', for you and me.
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
March 16, 2013
"Nah, it couldn't be" said me,
"Surely not thirty, three?"
As that would be,
Too great a victory.
"Yes, it's true!" Said he,
"We got a try, you see",
'Two tries', thought me,
Knowing that he would agree,
It's 'Cymru am byth', for you and me.
Roger Bennett
Penrhyncoch
March 16, 2013
MP Fiona MacTaggart
Well done to Slough MP Fiona MacTaggart for her astonishingly generous Twitter pledge in aid of the Comic Relief charity :-)
14 March 2013
A Day in the City
Well here I am in the City and a tad disappointed. Now don't get me wrong; the prospect was daunting, and I accept that the execution would have been difficult. Nevertheless, having made it to the last three of the regional thingy to win a car; it would have been nice to have seen it all through to its natural conclusion.
You see, the lovely people running the competition are giving away £5,000 at each of several regional locations for each winner to have a great day. The competition that is still running, involves competitors writing down in 150 words or less, what they would do with the money on the day. The marketing people offer themes such as water skiing up the Thames, or scoring a penalty at a Premiership Club. Of course these are good ideas, but nevertheless such singular things are solely about the winner. So I proposed spending the lot, every penny, and anything else that I could squeeze out of the situation; on as many worthy causes that I could target in the Cardiff area in one day of defined and thereby limited duration. I mean; even camera crews, helpers, presenters, and marketing people have to go home and have dinner.
Sounds easy in theory, but like I mentioned earlier, it is quite daunting in execution. I know this because I spent a lovely day with my eldest in Cardiff yesterday, thinking and chatting and preparing in case I pulled it off and was selected. We realised that you need to source a roof box and bars, a bike rack and number plate, and so on and so forth. You need to do a trolley dash to load the car and the roof rack before heading off to the Food Bank and then offloading the stuff. It all takes time, and not all of it is great television. You need many hands as you pull up on Albany Road and remove several hundred books from a charity shop and then load them into the show case car. Being a city that is turned over in part to pedestrians; you need to have accessed a trolley that fits in the car, and can be used to transport the books to a different Charity shop for them to dispose of and thereby benefit. Then you need the same trolley to take some food parcels around the city and hand out to some of the Big Issue sellers, along with a hot drink each on what has turned out to be a bitterly cold morning.
Bikes, cycle helmets, and fluorescent stuff for the cycling charity. A camcorder for the hospice that sends families on holiday experiences, an iPad here, a food hamper there. Tickets for shows, and of course a manual wheelchair for a Day Centre as that often struggles through lack of equipment when taking folks out on treats.
So lots to do and not enough hours for filming, checking, shooting, moving, talking, giving, and listening. I don't blame the casting team, the organisers, or the manufacturer. Simply because I understand how these things work. The idea was daunting and not easy to pull off. My answers to the questions may have been the wrong answers, and me being me, may not be the kind of me that they wanted or even needed. But all of that to one side, I do pray that the winner does something worthy and doesn't blow £5k on themselves. I don't begrudge them doing that, but it does seem to me like a wasted opportunity. As that folks would cut across one of my main themes in life: 'we are only here for what we can do for others'.
So as I settle down to another lazy day of coffee, reading, writing, music, and poetry please don't feel for me. Disappointed yes, but its been a great 72 hours thinking of how to help others. Having read this Blog Post, why don't you settle down to a cuppa and spend some time thinking of all of the local charities and worthy causes that you could support, and thereafter work out what they truly need, and what you could do for them.
You see, the lovely people running the competition are giving away £5,000 at each of several regional locations for each winner to have a great day. The competition that is still running, involves competitors writing down in 150 words or less, what they would do with the money on the day. The marketing people offer themes such as water skiing up the Thames, or scoring a penalty at a Premiership Club. Of course these are good ideas, but nevertheless such singular things are solely about the winner. So I proposed spending the lot, every penny, and anything else that I could squeeze out of the situation; on as many worthy causes that I could target in the Cardiff area in one day of defined and thereby limited duration. I mean; even camera crews, helpers, presenters, and marketing people have to go home and have dinner.
Sounds easy in theory, but like I mentioned earlier, it is quite daunting in execution. I know this because I spent a lovely day with my eldest in Cardiff yesterday, thinking and chatting and preparing in case I pulled it off and was selected. We realised that you need to source a roof box and bars, a bike rack and number plate, and so on and so forth. You need to do a trolley dash to load the car and the roof rack before heading off to the Food Bank and then offloading the stuff. It all takes time, and not all of it is great television. You need many hands as you pull up on Albany Road and remove several hundred books from a charity shop and then load them into the show case car. Being a city that is turned over in part to pedestrians; you need to have accessed a trolley that fits in the car, and can be used to transport the books to a different Charity shop for them to dispose of and thereby benefit. Then you need the same trolley to take some food parcels around the city and hand out to some of the Big Issue sellers, along with a hot drink each on what has turned out to be a bitterly cold morning.
Bikes, cycle helmets, and fluorescent stuff for the cycling charity. A camcorder for the hospice that sends families on holiday experiences, an iPad here, a food hamper there. Tickets for shows, and of course a manual wheelchair for a Day Centre as that often struggles through lack of equipment when taking folks out on treats.
So lots to do and not enough hours for filming, checking, shooting, moving, talking, giving, and listening. I don't blame the casting team, the organisers, or the manufacturer. Simply because I understand how these things work. The idea was daunting and not easy to pull off. My answers to the questions may have been the wrong answers, and me being me, may not be the kind of me that they wanted or even needed. But all of that to one side, I do pray that the winner does something worthy and doesn't blow £5k on themselves. I don't begrudge them doing that, but it does seem to me like a wasted opportunity. As that folks would cut across one of my main themes in life: 'we are only here for what we can do for others'.
So as I settle down to another lazy day of coffee, reading, writing, music, and poetry please don't feel for me. Disappointed yes, but its been a great 72 hours thinking of how to help others. Having read this Blog Post, why don't you settle down to a cuppa and spend some time thinking of all of the local charities and worthy causes that you could support, and thereafter work out what they truly need, and what you could do for them.
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