The Swiss have outlawed the building of any more minarets(not mosques) in a very bold move.
As a democratically elected government they certainly have the right to do so. It would be plain wrong to ban mosques and the freedom to follow the religion of your choice, but this is not what they have done. Although astoundingly boring, Switzerland is a very pretty country indeed, in fact that is its only redeeming feature- beautiful green rolling hills and mountains with quaint Germanic, Hansel and Gretel houses. Switzerland inspires images and memories of the Von Trapps, and Heidi(maybe that was Austria, same-same) frolicking happily in the meadows. Switzerland has never been known for embracing foreign culture, unless you are a rich Nazi escaping wartime Germany. Why change now?
As far as I know, minarets are not an integral part of a mosque. Visit any mosque inside airports in many middle eastern countries, and they don't have minarets. Although minarets are a common sight in the hills throughout the Balkans, they are a part of those countries' cultural heritage, not in inward looking Switzerland.
Personally I love minarets, just under 2 decades ago I slept on the roof of a hostel in the old city of Jerusalem for an extended period. I absolutely loved awaking to the sound of the call to prayer from hundreds of minarets in the hills below. I even bought a tape and harassed my neighbours for years with the sound of the Koran on full blast. I must buy another.
The case against minarets in the UK is far less clear, and I'm sure that Switzerland's move is only the first attempt within western Europe . In my opinion, the drab grey terraced towns and cities of Northern England are much more aesthetically pleasing with the addition of minarets and mosques-the more the merrier I say. As for Hong-Kong, anyone who has seen the mosque outside Kowloon park, has to agree that it is a very welcome oddity in an otherwise skyscraper obsessed (Buddhist) city.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Dubai-Liverpool of the East
The Dubai government today announced that they would not guarantee the country's debts. The effects are shaking markets throughout the world. As we all know the sheer scale of the developments that have been undertaken there have been staggering. We have watched as they embarked upon awe-inspiring building projects-and thought 'How do they do it?' The simple answer is-'on the never never' , 'on HP'. They were just doing the same as everyone else has been doing for the last 20 years-buying their sports cars, houses and huge TV's-amazed that the bank were foolish enough to give them the money, and knowing quite well that they would never-ever be able to pay it back, but pushing that knowledge right to the back of their minds. The only difference with Dubai is that they never pushed it to the back of their minds, they knew full well what they were doing the whole time, but thought ' lets see how much we can get'.
Dubai should be twinned with Liverpool, funny that they were interested in buying Liverpool football club until recently, great minds think alike. Simply put- if they are foolish enough to give it-take it.
I was in Dubai a few years ago as ever, on the cheap. I had 9 hours between flights, and decided to explore. I walked about 4 miles into the centre, past what seemed to me a huge building site in the desert. I took a few detours through new suburban areas, which were gated, immaculate and eerily deserted, apart from a few Filipino gardeners and maids. The city itself was vibrant and exciting. The docks full of junks, fishing boats and small freighters being loaded and unloaded by Sri-Lankans and Indians. It was starting to occur to me that I hadn't seen any locals working-what did they do all day?
It was only upon entering the bazaar that I saw locals(well Arabs, they could have been from any of the surrounding nations) working. They manned the spice stalls and the fur(!) and jewellery stalls. I liked Dubai, it felt safe, it was clean, but it still had a heart- in the bustling markets, and all along the harbour. Over the years I have travelled to numerous places in the Middle-East, but Dubai was the easiest. I sat on the beach yards from the markets, enjoying the warm winds blowing in from the Persian Gulf. I took a bus back to the airport content that I'd used my 9 hours to the full.
Dubai is not the first oil state to spend all of its money on massive projects that would never be sanctioned in the west(yet all these projects are cynically completed by western companies). Dubai at least appears to have spent the money on structures that have improved the overall infrastructure, who cares what they look like-skyscrapers can only be an improvement on all encompassing desert.
When the storm settles, Dubai will have the tallest building in the world, some amazing resorts, and a city full of modern houses, shopping malls etc. These things have already been built, and even if the bailiff comes knocking on the door-it's too late-the money has been spent.
Good luck to them!
Dubai should be twinned with Liverpool, funny that they were interested in buying Liverpool football club until recently, great minds think alike. Simply put- if they are foolish enough to give it-take it.
I was in Dubai a few years ago as ever, on the cheap. I had 9 hours between flights, and decided to explore. I walked about 4 miles into the centre, past what seemed to me a huge building site in the desert. I took a few detours through new suburban areas, which were gated, immaculate and eerily deserted, apart from a few Filipino gardeners and maids. The city itself was vibrant and exciting. The docks full of junks, fishing boats and small freighters being loaded and unloaded by Sri-Lankans and Indians. It was starting to occur to me that I hadn't seen any locals working-what did they do all day?
It was only upon entering the bazaar that I saw locals(well Arabs, they could have been from any of the surrounding nations) working. They manned the spice stalls and the fur(!) and jewellery stalls. I liked Dubai, it felt safe, it was clean, but it still had a heart- in the bustling markets, and all along the harbour. Over the years I have travelled to numerous places in the Middle-East, but Dubai was the easiest. I sat on the beach yards from the markets, enjoying the warm winds blowing in from the Persian Gulf. I took a bus back to the airport content that I'd used my 9 hours to the full.
Dubai is not the first oil state to spend all of its money on massive projects that would never be sanctioned in the west(yet all these projects are cynically completed by western companies). Dubai at least appears to have spent the money on structures that have improved the overall infrastructure, who cares what they look like-skyscrapers can only be an improvement on all encompassing desert.
When the storm settles, Dubai will have the tallest building in the world, some amazing resorts, and a city full of modern houses, shopping malls etc. These things have already been built, and even if the bailiff comes knocking on the door-it's too late-the money has been spent.
Good luck to them!
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Dead soldiers campaigning for the Tories
It seems to me that there is a different grieving mother paraded through the media everyday. The mothers are understandably grieving for their sons that have died in battle. These are the mothers of fallen soldiers. Soldiers that have given their lives in the service of their country. This is a fact regardless of the reasons for the wars they serve in.
This is a new phenomenon in this country-grieving mothers berating government policy in the names of their dead children. This has strangely coincided with The Sun's decision to back the Conservatives in the coming General Election. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp appears to be using these mothers for their own ends. Strange how an Australian has the power to try and affect British public opinion. Not that the British people have taken it at face value. Public opinion was firmly behind Gordon Brown, when The Sun launched a story about his untidy handwriting on condolence letters- most people thought the fact that he wrote them and his partial blindness to be a mitigating circumstance.
Growing up in a forces family with a father and two brothers in the army, I find complaining families a little disconcerting. The British army , is a volunteer army. A soldier is expected to follow the commands of his superiors, and the democratically elected government without question. This is a prerequisite, it is not a recent rule, it is an integral part of the job. Wanting to fight in a war, wanting to kill another human being isn't, but is not unknown.
Most young soldiers are quite keen to put all of their training into action and join their comrades in the battlefield, they are soldiers after all.
As civilians we find the idea of soldiers dying upsetting and hopefully war distasteful, but the reality is that soldiers understand that it is an inevitable part of what they do.
American soldiers may be another matter, as some would argue that the American military has a high percentage of recruits from socially disadvantaged groups-that is not the case here in the UK. Opportunities do exist in this country, and our ghettoes are actually not that bad-I've lived in them.
A British recruit enters the military with his eyes open about the benefits and the dangers.
These soldiers should be respected, they should earn more, they should have more help upon their return, and they must be remembered for the ultimate sacrifice that they have given for the rest of us, who cannot or will not do what they have done.
What mustn't be done though, is that the media(and political puppeteers) use their memory and speak for them against their wishes- a soldier may disagree with a war, but not disagree that he must fight in it.
Soldiers, soldiers mothers, and politics just do not mix. Object to the war, but don't object that soldiers fight in that war.
This is a new phenomenon in this country-grieving mothers berating government policy in the names of their dead children. This has strangely coincided with The Sun's decision to back the Conservatives in the coming General Election. Rupert Murdoch's News Corp appears to be using these mothers for their own ends. Strange how an Australian has the power to try and affect British public opinion. Not that the British people have taken it at face value. Public opinion was firmly behind Gordon Brown, when The Sun launched a story about his untidy handwriting on condolence letters- most people thought the fact that he wrote them and his partial blindness to be a mitigating circumstance.
Growing up in a forces family with a father and two brothers in the army, I find complaining families a little disconcerting. The British army , is a volunteer army. A soldier is expected to follow the commands of his superiors, and the democratically elected government without question. This is a prerequisite, it is not a recent rule, it is an integral part of the job. Wanting to fight in a war, wanting to kill another human being isn't, but is not unknown.
Most young soldiers are quite keen to put all of their training into action and join their comrades in the battlefield, they are soldiers after all.
As civilians we find the idea of soldiers dying upsetting and hopefully war distasteful, but the reality is that soldiers understand that it is an inevitable part of what they do.
American soldiers may be another matter, as some would argue that the American military has a high percentage of recruits from socially disadvantaged groups-that is not the case here in the UK. Opportunities do exist in this country, and our ghettoes are actually not that bad-I've lived in them.
A British recruit enters the military with his eyes open about the benefits and the dangers.
These soldiers should be respected, they should earn more, they should have more help upon their return, and they must be remembered for the ultimate sacrifice that they have given for the rest of us, who cannot or will not do what they have done.
What mustn't be done though, is that the media(and political puppeteers) use their memory and speak for them against their wishes- a soldier may disagree with a war, but not disagree that he must fight in it.
Soldiers, soldiers mothers, and politics just do not mix. Object to the war, but don't object that soldiers fight in that war.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
New home
We are now settling into our new home here in Southport. We are 2 minutes from the beach(not that we're planning on doing any swimming!),cinema, swimming pool, train station, and we are right in the middle of the town. Our living room window looks right over the main tree-lined thoroughfare and shopping area of the town. Southport is only 45 minutes away from Liverpool, and just over an hour to Manchester.
The kids will begin school here on Monday, they will need to take a 5 minute bus trip to school. We walked back from the school this Monday, it was a nice bright winter's day and we passed through a really nice park with a pond full of ducks,geese and seagulls. Kids seem to like it here, although Jack does miss Mui-Wo beach, well he was the self proclaimed 'King of the beach'!
Parents' evening was last night, Jack has caught up with his reading, after having no school for 7 months, and his teacher said he is 'happy-go-lucky' and 'not phased by anything' just like his brother( the same teacher taught Joseph 3 years ago). It was the same for Joseph, who has become football mad again, well not again but more so.
Teosdee, of course is happy here-it's not Hong Kong.
It's 3pm, the sky is clear, but the air is crisp. I can feel the day rolling to a close, the birds are preparing for the evening ahead.We have seagulls and pigeons on the roof, and they spend the day flying up and down the street. There is a robin living nearby, it sits on the garden fence and watches me having a smoke in the morning. I have not become a bird-enthuisiast, but I miss the tropical sound of cicadas, locusts and frogs and watching bats fly past at dusk, so I notice the different sounds here. It is time to put the heating on, I can see the people walking faster to get home, now with scarves and hats with hands deep in pockets ready for a night encased in front of the telly.
Give me a night on the beach anyday-screw the birds, seagulls, crisp air, it is too bloody cold-for me! TV is okay though.
The kids will begin school here on Monday, they will need to take a 5 minute bus trip to school. We walked back from the school this Monday, it was a nice bright winter's day and we passed through a really nice park with a pond full of ducks,geese and seagulls. Kids seem to like it here, although Jack does miss Mui-Wo beach, well he was the self proclaimed 'King of the beach'!
Parents' evening was last night, Jack has caught up with his reading, after having no school for 7 months, and his teacher said he is 'happy-go-lucky' and 'not phased by anything' just like his brother( the same teacher taught Joseph 3 years ago). It was the same for Joseph, who has become football mad again, well not again but more so.
Teosdee, of course is happy here-it's not Hong Kong.
It's 3pm, the sky is clear, but the air is crisp. I can feel the day rolling to a close, the birds are preparing for the evening ahead.We have seagulls and pigeons on the roof, and they spend the day flying up and down the street. There is a robin living nearby, it sits on the garden fence and watches me having a smoke in the morning. I have not become a bird-enthuisiast, but I miss the tropical sound of cicadas, locusts and frogs and watching bats fly past at dusk, so I notice the different sounds here. It is time to put the heating on, I can see the people walking faster to get home, now with scarves and hats with hands deep in pockets ready for a night encased in front of the telly.
Give me a night on the beach anyday-screw the birds, seagulls, crisp air, it is too bloody cold-for me! TV is okay though.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Friday, October 02, 2009
Autumn rain
Well, it's cold, rainy and windy, and the forecast is the same for the next few days. Why am I here again?
I keep on looking at flights to you know where, but the kids are happy in school. It is a very important year for Jack-his 1st year. I have not spoken to anyone apart from my immediate family (wife, kids, parents) for 7 weeks. It is hard to keep the strength to stay, but the thought of being away from the boys and Teosdee for an extended period is not welcoming.
I got a job with the civil service last week, but am not sure when I will start, like every arm of the government, things move at a snail's pace or maybe that is bit too fast.
Money is tight, but that's nothing new. Child benefit, Child tax credit have now been 2 months processing with no sign of getting done. Her Majesty's revenue and customs is staffed with muppets-maybe I should apply for a job!
Oh! To be on Mui-Wo beach getting laddered.
I keep on looking at flights to you know where, but the kids are happy in school. It is a very important year for Jack-his 1st year. I have not spoken to anyone apart from my immediate family (wife, kids, parents) for 7 weeks. It is hard to keep the strength to stay, but the thought of being away from the boys and Teosdee for an extended period is not welcoming.
I got a job with the civil service last week, but am not sure when I will start, like every arm of the government, things move at a snail's pace or maybe that is bit too fast.
Money is tight, but that's nothing new. Child benefit, Child tax credit have now been 2 months processing with no sign of getting done. Her Majesty's revenue and customs is staffed with muppets-maybe I should apply for a job!
Oh! To be on Mui-Wo beach getting laddered.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sunday, September 27, 2009
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Saturday, September 19, 2009
Friday, September 18, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Most whingeing hotel review of the year
Found this review of the silvermine hotel on tripadvisor. I would be surprised if this person has ever enjoyed staying in any hotel.
“Really NOT impressed. Never again!”
2 of 5 stars
LittleMissHolidayFan
London
I stayed for 3 nights and that was more that enough.
The service was just OK. I booked a room for 2 adults and 1 child. Age 5 (listed on booking) I was frustrated on arrival to have no bed in the room for my child. But they did sort in reasonble time. Breakfast was included, but not for the child. This was not listed when I booked so I was not happy at all. It cost £7 for child breakfast. Madness as all she ate was a slice of toast.
The hotel is located just minuites walk from the ferry pier and bus station. But when we arrived by taxi we had to walk down a dark alley at night as its not possible to drive up to the front or side of the hotel. Its not that great to go to disney from. its either a bus and MTR ( at least 1 hour) or a cab (£25-30) There is a mac donalds near by and all the other places to eat are not at all inviting. So the hotel have you trapped a little. But the evening buffet is reasonabley tasty.
The rooms and cleaniness are horid. We booked a room in the new wing...maybe new in 1960. The carpet was stained the wall paper was peeling. There was mould around the bath. The floor was dirty in the corners. Lighting was terrible. Fortunatly the bed sheets were very clean. The only saving grace. It is so dated and the aircon was noisey and the fridge kept making stange tick noises that woke us up each night. ( at least I hope it was the fridge)
Returning at the end of a day was no pleasure. But checking out felt good.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009
Sunday, September 06, 2009
Saturday, September 05, 2009
Friday, September 04, 2009
Thursday, September 03, 2009
Computers at the speed of light.
I told a group of computer nerds about this technology about a year ago- they all looked at me as if I was crazy.
Super Fast PCs Near As Chip Passes Maths
Test
Super-fast and ultra-small computers have been brought one
step closer to reality with the successful test of a new
penny-sized chip?
Traditional computer micro chips are as small as they are likely to get
The optical quantum chip does away with traditional circuitry and instead uses parti cles of "whizzing" light?
Scientists asked the "photonic" chip to find the prime factors of 15 and although it took longer to work it out than a
schoolchild could have it produced the answer - 3 x 5?
The test is a massive breakthrough because it is the first time the chip.s processin g power has been condensed into
such a small size?
Normally to store the same amount of processing power it would need a pack the size of a work bench sitting beside
it?
The chip could eventually pave the way for "super-powerful quantum computers"?
Cherry Lewisg spokeswoman for the team at Bristol Universityg explained why we need this technology?
"We are almost getting to the point now where conventional computers cannot go any smaller so we need to go
down a completely new route?
"We are talking nano-scale? Particles of light?"
Quantum technology aims to exploit the unique properties of quantum mechanics - the physics theory that explains
how the world works at microscopic levels?
The main advantage is that unlike transistors in a traditional computer quantum particles can be in two states at the
same time?
Also photons are relatively noise-free and can transmit information at the speed of light?
In the near future the technology could eventually be applied to making internet con nections secure and to
developing new materials and medicines?
PhD student Alberto Politig who performed the experiment with colleague Jonathan Matthews said: "Finding prime
factors may seem like a mathematical abstraction but the task lies at the heart of modern encryption schemes
including those used for secure internet communication?"
The results have been published in the magazine Science?
Tuesday, September 01, 2009
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Legal case against God dismissed
Legal case against God dismissed
God on a cloud in a 18th century depiction
The plaintiff argued an omniscient God would know of the lawsuit
A US judge has thrown out a case against God, ruling that because the defendant has no address, legal papers cannot be served.....
Story-continued
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7673591.stm
God on a cloud in a 18th century depiction
The plaintiff argued an omniscient God would know of the lawsuit
A US judge has thrown out a case against God, ruling that because the defendant has no address, legal papers cannot be served.....
Story-continued
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7673591.stm
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Are you having problems-starting smoking? Well worry no more, with this handy guide!
• How to start Smoking
• Step 1: Buy two packs of cigarettes and a bic lighter.
There are literally hundreds of brands and styles to choose from, each with its own taste and unique characteristics. To start, I recommend purchasing a pack of Marlboro Light 100s and Marlboro Red 100s (both in the box, not soft pack.) If you're not comfortable with these, then pick two that you are comfortable with, one light and one full flavor. Buy these from a store that sells a lot of cigarettes - you don't want to be stuck with an old pack for your first time out.
• Step 2: Get comfortable.
Sit down and relax.
• Step 3. Practice the act.
Open your pack of lights and pull a cigarette out. A cigarette is much like a straw insofar as you pull or suck something into you mouth with the straw and then swallow it. The difference with the cigarette, is that you will be inhaling rather than swallowing. Put the cigarette to your lips. Exhale out of your nose. Pull (suck) on the cigarette, open your mouth, moving the cigarette away, and inhale quickly, taking a full breath from your mouth. What's happening is that you're pulling the smoke into your mouth, then removing the cigarette, and inhaling the smoke into your lungs. It's as simple as that. Give it a few tries and get comfortable with it.
• Step 4. Light up and inhale.
Now it's time to really give it a shot. Since this is your first time and just like with coffee or alcohol, don't expect to fully enjoy the taste. That will come a little later, after just a few packs. Put the cigarette to you mouth, fully exhale, light the lighter, bring it to the tip of the cigarette, and then pull the smoke into your mouth. Remove the cigarette from your mouth and inhale quickly. Hold it in for a second and then fully exhale.
• Step 1: Buy two packs of cigarettes and a bic lighter.
There are literally hundreds of brands and styles to choose from, each with its own taste and unique characteristics. To start, I recommend purchasing a pack of Marlboro Light 100s and Marlboro Red 100s (both in the box, not soft pack.) If you're not comfortable with these, then pick two that you are comfortable with, one light and one full flavor. Buy these from a store that sells a lot of cigarettes - you don't want to be stuck with an old pack for your first time out.
• Step 2: Get comfortable.
Sit down and relax.
• Step 3. Practice the act.
Open your pack of lights and pull a cigarette out. A cigarette is much like a straw insofar as you pull or suck something into you mouth with the straw and then swallow it. The difference with the cigarette, is that you will be inhaling rather than swallowing. Put the cigarette to your lips. Exhale out of your nose. Pull (suck) on the cigarette, open your mouth, moving the cigarette away, and inhale quickly, taking a full breath from your mouth. What's happening is that you're pulling the smoke into your mouth, then removing the cigarette, and inhaling the smoke into your lungs. It's as simple as that. Give it a few tries and get comfortable with it.
• Step 4. Light up and inhale.
Now it's time to really give it a shot. Since this is your first time and just like with coffee or alcohol, don't expect to fully enjoy the taste. That will come a little later, after just a few packs. Put the cigarette to you mouth, fully exhale, light the lighter, bring it to the tip of the cigarette, and then pull the smoke into your mouth. Remove the cigarette from your mouth and inhale quickly. Hold it in for a second and then fully exhale.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
2 weeks-still smoking, but not drinking!
Update- Kids start school next week, and I start my 'real' interviews. The upshot of these interviews will be that the boys will only attend their new school for about 2 months, as we will have to relocate depending upon which job I get.
Weather is really crap here. Apart from the odd day when it doesn't feel too cold, it is generally shit. Getting used to continuous cold rainy and windy days is not easy-and it is summer!
Do I like being back? Simple answer is no. But I'm not here for me.
I think once we are settled in our home for the next 2/3 years, and I'm busy working and interacting with people, I will be more positive.The place where we live, and where I work is crucial. If we are in the right environment(better than last time) I will be able to deal with the 6 month winter that is coming.
I Already miss the beach and my friends, and would love nothing more than a long lazy afternoon having a few cans and a chat to whoever comes by.
I have started taking some tablets that will help me stop smoking-Champix. After 2 weeks I am still smoking, although much, much less!
I haven't had a drink for 2 weeks, I can't be arsed with the pubs around here, and I have never really enjoyed drinking at home. My brother did offer to take me out last weekend, but I can't stand the idea of Friday/Saturday night in the city. It's a f***ing jungle out there. They show nightlife on the streets of English cities on those reality cop shows, and it is not pretty. Gandhi was right when he was asked-What do you think of Western civilization? And he replied It would be a good idea.
I can't help but notice the dark side of this country, it does shout at you, from the newspapers, from the TV, and ultimately from the streets themselves. I have already been shouted at, seen arguments and I know more will come. I was expecting it, it's not a surprise. People in the UK may feel that I am exaggerating, but if you have lived somewhere else for a long period, then these things stick out . A woman on holiday from Sweden had her hair set alight by a 15 year old on a train last week!If only this was an isolated case, but it's not. Shit like this is happening everyday here. Everybody is outraged, the newspapers scream out their end of the world headlines, but still there seems to be nothing done to find out why these things are increasing, and what our country can do to fix it.
I'm ranting now. I must stop. Here is another quote from Gandhi about England;
This civilisation is irreligion, and it has taken such a hold on the people of Europe that those who are in it appear to be half mad. They lack real strength or courage. They keep their energy by intoxication. They can be hardly happy in solitude.
This civilisation is eating into the vitals of the English nation. ……They [the English] are a shrewd nation and I therefore believe they will cast off the evil. They are enterprising and industrious, and their mode of thought is not inherently immoral. Neither are they bad at heart. I therefore respect them. Civilisation is not an incurable disease, but it should not be forgotten that the English people are affected by it.
Weather is really crap here. Apart from the odd day when it doesn't feel too cold, it is generally shit. Getting used to continuous cold rainy and windy days is not easy-and it is summer!
Do I like being back? Simple answer is no. But I'm not here for me.
I think once we are settled in our home for the next 2/3 years, and I'm busy working and interacting with people, I will be more positive.The place where we live, and where I work is crucial. If we are in the right environment(better than last time) I will be able to deal with the 6 month winter that is coming.
I Already miss the beach and my friends, and would love nothing more than a long lazy afternoon having a few cans and a chat to whoever comes by.
I have started taking some tablets that will help me stop smoking-Champix. After 2 weeks I am still smoking, although much, much less!
I haven't had a drink for 2 weeks, I can't be arsed with the pubs around here, and I have never really enjoyed drinking at home. My brother did offer to take me out last weekend, but I can't stand the idea of Friday/Saturday night in the city. It's a f***ing jungle out there. They show nightlife on the streets of English cities on those reality cop shows, and it is not pretty. Gandhi was right when he was asked-What do you think of Western civilization? And he replied It would be a good idea.
I can't help but notice the dark side of this country, it does shout at you, from the newspapers, from the TV, and ultimately from the streets themselves. I have already been shouted at, seen arguments and I know more will come. I was expecting it, it's not a surprise. People in the UK may feel that I am exaggerating, but if you have lived somewhere else for a long period, then these things stick out . A woman on holiday from Sweden had her hair set alight by a 15 year old on a train last week!If only this was an isolated case, but it's not. Shit like this is happening everyday here. Everybody is outraged, the newspapers scream out their end of the world headlines, but still there seems to be nothing done to find out why these things are increasing, and what our country can do to fix it.
I'm ranting now. I must stop. Here is another quote from Gandhi about England;
This civilisation is irreligion, and it has taken such a hold on the people of Europe that those who are in it appear to be half mad. They lack real strength or courage. They keep their energy by intoxication. They can be hardly happy in solitude.
This civilisation is eating into the vitals of the English nation. ……They [the English] are a shrewd nation and I therefore believe they will cast off the evil. They are enterprising and industrious, and their mode of thought is not inherently immoral. Neither are they bad at heart. I therefore respect them. Civilisation is not an incurable disease, but it should not be forgotten that the English people are affected by it.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
And so begins my love-hate relationship with this country, again-guess which this is?
Boys Try To Set Alight Girl Cancer Victim
Sunday, August 23 11:16 am
SkyNews © Sky News 2009
A five-year-old girl who is battling cancer is recovering after two boys sprayed her with deodorant and tried to set her alight.
Boys Try To Set Alight Girl Cancer Victim Enlarge photo
Scarlett Hellewell had to be rescued by neighbours when the pair pinned her down and attacked her with the aerosol can in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
She escaped with bruises when the deodorant did not catch fire.
The two young boys, believed to be only 10 and seven ran off.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "The girl was playing when she was approached by two young boys.
"(They) kicked and punched her before spraying an aerosol in her face and attempting to set her alight. The match did not ignite."
Scarlett is suffering from a tumour which has left her blind in one eye and with marginal sight in the other.
Her mother Paula, 38, a home support worker, said she was hoping to move away from the estate where they live.
She told the Yorkshire Post: "I was disgusted when I heard what these boys had done, though this is not the first time they have attacked her.
"Scarlett's brain tumour is getting bigger and this was the last thing we needed to happen."
Neighbour Adele Brearley, 30, said: "Scarlett was really upset and her eyes were sore where they had sprayed deodorant. If they had managed to light the matches it would have been a lot worse."
Police are appealing for witnesses.
Sunday, August 23 11:16 am
SkyNews © Sky News 2009
A five-year-old girl who is battling cancer is recovering after two boys sprayed her with deodorant and tried to set her alight.
Boys Try To Set Alight Girl Cancer Victim Enlarge photo
Scarlett Hellewell had to be rescued by neighbours when the pair pinned her down and attacked her with the aerosol can in Halifax, West Yorkshire.
She escaped with bruises when the deodorant did not catch fire.
The two young boys, believed to be only 10 and seven ran off.
A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "The girl was playing when she was approached by two young boys.
"(They) kicked and punched her before spraying an aerosol in her face and attempting to set her alight. The match did not ignite."
Scarlett is suffering from a tumour which has left her blind in one eye and with marginal sight in the other.
Her mother Paula, 38, a home support worker, said she was hoping to move away from the estate where they live.
She told the Yorkshire Post: "I was disgusted when I heard what these boys had done, though this is not the first time they have attacked her.
"Scarlett's brain tumour is getting bigger and this was the last thing we needed to happen."
Neighbour Adele Brearley, 30, said: "Scarlett was really upset and her eyes were sore where they had sprayed deodorant. If they had managed to light the matches it would have been a lot worse."
Police are appealing for witnesses.
Classic- from Daisy(pinched from Lantau Chat)
Jane88
Junior Member
can you tell me where are good places to hike in lantau or maybe some groups i could join?
27th November 2008, 09:12 AM
Dragon
Junior Member
going for hiking....
Hi, if you are going for a small hike, i would love to join.
I have never hiked before, so wana start from a smaller level.
Thnx
Imran
Daisy.
Junior Member
Asl long as you arn't the Phantom Gobbler of Pak Gnan Heung-a repeat performance would do for me-you can join me on a mini hike every morn from Ma Po Tseun. Sunset Peak next week.
Daisy.
Junior Member
Difficult finding bad places to hike to in lantau. Sorry. Of course there are. The trek, back and forth between Rosanna's and The Toilet Bar is definitely to be avoided. Head for the hills, young lady..plenty of water and keep to the straight and narrow at this time of year. Not that the snakes will have you-as much chance of getting a nip as winning the mark six. Getting lost in the undergrowth..in this heat would do for you. Well, it might if you were stupid. Stupid or not, avoid like the plague the first mentioned trek! If you did not lose yourself at some point, there is a 100% chance of someone putting the bite on you. Have fun in those hills!
Junior Member
can you tell me where are good places to hike in lantau or maybe some groups i could join?
27th November 2008, 09:12 AM
Dragon
Junior Member
going for hiking....
Hi, if you are going for a small hike, i would love to join.
I have never hiked before, so wana start from a smaller level.
Thnx
Imran
Daisy.
Junior Member
Asl long as you arn't the Phantom Gobbler of Pak Gnan Heung-a repeat performance would do for me-you can join me on a mini hike every morn from Ma Po Tseun. Sunset Peak next week.
Daisy.
Junior Member
Difficult finding bad places to hike to in lantau. Sorry. Of course there are. The trek, back and forth between Rosanna's and The Toilet Bar is definitely to be avoided. Head for the hills, young lady..plenty of water and keep to the straight and narrow at this time of year. Not that the snakes will have you-as much chance of getting a nip as winning the mark six. Getting lost in the undergrowth..in this heat would do for you. Well, it might if you were stupid. Stupid or not, avoid like the plague the first mentioned trek! If you did not lose yourself at some point, there is a 100% chance of someone putting the bite on you. Have fun in those hills!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
My view on Scottish justice
The director of the FBI may well feel angry(see link to story below) at the Scottish Govt's decision to release the Lockerbie Bomber, but surely he should do so as a private individual. What gives him the right, in his offical capacity to criticise the actions of a democratically elected government?
Have the Scots abused somebody's human rights? Have they denied somebody a fair trial?
An argument being commonly used at the moment, is that no mercy was given to the victims.This is absolutely correct, but unfortunately as my grandfather used to say- two wrongs don't make a right.
Under the Scottish justice system, everybody must be treated equally- without exception, a belief that I thought the US respected.
According to Scottish law- a prisoner with less than 3 months to live is eligible for release upon compassionate grounds. This decision is not made arbitrarily, it is not measured by the severity of a crime.
This law could be changed in the future, and possibly should have been earlier, but it wasn't, and therefore the rule of law must be followed.
All of our societies are built upon the fact that we follow the rule of law, this cannot be changed for angry US senators, politicians, or presidents. We can understand their feelings, but the law must be appied to all-without exception.
I am sure that in the US this week, numerous murderers, rapists, etc have escaped punishment although obviously guilty due to technicalities, or breaches of due process. This will have caused many victims and victims' families unbearable pain and suffering. Although morally distasteful the rules are there for all, when we begin to bend that law or ignore the law, we are no longer in a position to promote or uphold that law. Barack Obama has stated the same thing in his books, it is dissapointing that he seems to be backing away from that belief.
The Scottish people hold the independence of their government very dear indeed, and if (some)Americans want to boycott all Scottish goods, that is very sad indeed.
Back to the FBI director though- If this man runs such an important organisation then that fact alone is an indicator of the FBI's effectiveness.How such a STUPID man could run a federal agency is beyond me.
'In a letter, dated 21 August, Mr Mueller said the decision makes "a mockery of justice" and gives comfort to terrorists around the world.'
How can following the law make a mockery of justice? Is justice torturing suspects and holding them indefinitely without charge in inhumane conditions, how he envisages justice?
Fuck You Mr Mueller, keep your views to yourself
BBC NEWS
FBI boss attacks Megrahi release
FBI director Robert Mueller has launched a scathing attack on Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill over the release of the Lockerbie bomber.....
CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR STORY
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8216122.stm
Have the Scots abused somebody's human rights? Have they denied somebody a fair trial?
An argument being commonly used at the moment, is that no mercy was given to the victims.This is absolutely correct, but unfortunately as my grandfather used to say- two wrongs don't make a right.
Under the Scottish justice system, everybody must be treated equally- without exception, a belief that I thought the US respected.
According to Scottish law- a prisoner with less than 3 months to live is eligible for release upon compassionate grounds. This decision is not made arbitrarily, it is not measured by the severity of a crime.
This law could be changed in the future, and possibly should have been earlier, but it wasn't, and therefore the rule of law must be followed.
All of our societies are built upon the fact that we follow the rule of law, this cannot be changed for angry US senators, politicians, or presidents. We can understand their feelings, but the law must be appied to all-without exception.
I am sure that in the US this week, numerous murderers, rapists, etc have escaped punishment although obviously guilty due to technicalities, or breaches of due process. This will have caused many victims and victims' families unbearable pain and suffering. Although morally distasteful the rules are there for all, when we begin to bend that law or ignore the law, we are no longer in a position to promote or uphold that law. Barack Obama has stated the same thing in his books, it is dissapointing that he seems to be backing away from that belief.
The Scottish people hold the independence of their government very dear indeed, and if (some)Americans want to boycott all Scottish goods, that is very sad indeed.
Back to the FBI director though- If this man runs such an important organisation then that fact alone is an indicator of the FBI's effectiveness.How such a STUPID man could run a federal agency is beyond me.
'In a letter, dated 21 August, Mr Mueller said the decision makes "a mockery of justice" and gives comfort to terrorists around the world.'
How can following the law make a mockery of justice? Is justice torturing suspects and holding them indefinitely without charge in inhumane conditions, how he envisages justice?
Fuck You Mr Mueller, keep your views to yourself
BBC NEWS
FBI boss attacks Megrahi release
FBI director Robert Mueller has launched a scathing attack on Scottish Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill over the release of the Lockerbie bomber.....
CLICK ON LINK BELOW FOR STORY
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/8216122.stm
Monday, August 17, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Update
6th August- okay, i seem to have survived,just about without the family-although i do seem to have acquired bruised/broken ribs. I haven't moved off the island though,i must be getting old, apart from nearly having a barney-NEARLY. I fly... tomorrow. I've never been able to function without my family. Each time I try I always end up having to get back to them earlier than planned. UK here I come!
7th August-At the airport, didn't need to pay any excess-miraculously-feeling good!Looking forward to airplane food and beer-do they allow beer on Quata airways? Adios Amigos, will miss you all, and the weather, but I'll be back!!
7th August-In Doha airport-Qatar air is really quite good!The best selection of movies/tv and games I have ever come across,and beer!! I spent some time playing 'who wants to be a millionaire?' I won $250,000-if only it was real. Stuck here now for 7 ...hours, not sure whose connection I'm using though.
8th August-Okay, peeved off now! Smoking lounges are truly awful places-even for hardened smokers. This bloody airport is freezing and the announcements are very loud,intrusive and constant.Only another 4-5 hours!!!
8th August-Back in the bosom. long flight this time-9hrs in transit. Kids and my mum and Teosdee met me at the airport and we took the train home. Dad collected us at the station, me and teosdee walked home(20mins) and got a bag of chips from the Chinese Chippy...-who comes from Tai-Wai(Shatin). He was quite surprised to learn that i had just arrived from Hong Kong-probably thinks I'm a nutter!
Kids now upstairs watching Transformers.mum and Dad gone out, me and Teosdee watching the box-bliss! gotta get some deep heat on these ribs though!!
11th August.Busy couple of days, I've applied for work in Belgium, Libya(!), Burscough(!), Liverpool, Leeds, London, and Manchester-I have an interview in Manchester on Friday-for an English teaching job, my first teaching interview in the UK.Not sure where... I would prefer to teach-Manchester or Tripoli! Tripoli is probably safer, but the commute may be a drag.
7th August-At the airport, didn't need to pay any excess-miraculously-feeling good!Looking forward to airplane food and beer-do they allow beer on Quata airways? Adios Amigos, will miss you all, and the weather, but I'll be back!!
7th August-In Doha airport-Qatar air is really quite good!The best selection of movies/tv and games I have ever come across,and beer!! I spent some time playing 'who wants to be a millionaire?' I won $250,000-if only it was real. Stuck here now for 7 ...hours, not sure whose connection I'm using though.
8th August-Okay, peeved off now! Smoking lounges are truly awful places-even for hardened smokers. This bloody airport is freezing and the announcements are very loud,intrusive and constant.Only another 4-5 hours!!!
8th August-Back in the bosom. long flight this time-9hrs in transit. Kids and my mum and Teosdee met me at the airport and we took the train home. Dad collected us at the station, me and teosdee walked home(20mins) and got a bag of chips from the Chinese Chippy...-who comes from Tai-Wai(Shatin). He was quite surprised to learn that i had just arrived from Hong Kong-probably thinks I'm a nutter!
Kids now upstairs watching Transformers.mum and Dad gone out, me and Teosdee watching the box-bliss! gotta get some deep heat on these ribs though!!
11th August.Busy couple of days, I've applied for work in Belgium, Libya(!), Burscough(!), Liverpool, Leeds, London, and Manchester-I have an interview in Manchester on Friday-for an English teaching job, my first teaching interview in the UK.Not sure where... I would prefer to teach-Manchester or Tripoli! Tripoli is probably safer, but the commute may be a drag.
Wednesday, August 05, 2009
Slower Daddy
"Walk a little slower daddy" said a child so small
"I'm following your footsteps and I don't want to fall.
Sometimes you are very fast,
Sometimes you're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, daddy,
For you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I'll have a child who'll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true,
So walk a little slower, daddy
For I must follow you.
"I'm following your footsteps and I don't want to fall.
Sometimes you are very fast,
Sometimes you're hard to see;
So walk a little slower, daddy,
For you are leading me.
Someday when I'm all grown up,
You're what I want to be;
Then I'll have a child who'll want to follow me.
And I would want to lead just right,
And know that I was true,
So walk a little slower, daddy
For I must follow you.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Monday, July 27, 2009
Empty
Teosdee and kids arrived safely in Lancashire. Had nice day at the beach yesterday.Resisted the lure of Wanchai!
Spent all day sorting out the flat and throwing bags of crap away.Bored now.Time for the beach I suppose.House feels empty with just me here, and no TV. May leave sooner rather than later-maybe early next week.
Spent all day sorting out the flat and throwing bags of crap away.Bored now.Time for the beach I suppose.House feels empty with just me here, and no TV. May leave sooner rather than later-maybe early next week.
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Marry a teacher
Three couples marry and stay at the same hotel for their honeymoons, where they are taken care of by Dave the bellboy.
The first man married a nurse. Dave thinks to himself, "Nurses are known to be hot to trot."
The second man married a telephone operator. Dave thinks to himself, "Telephone operators have sexy voices."
The third man married a school teacher. Dave thinks to himself, "Poor guy, teachers are frigid."
The next morning, Dave reports to work and gets a room service call from the nurse's husband. He sourly says, "Don't ever marry a nurse. All I heard last night was 'You're not sanitary, you're not sanitary.'"
Then, the telephone operator's husband calls and sourly says, "Don't ever marry a telephone operator. All I heard last night was 'Your three minutes are up, your three minutes are up.'"
Later that afternoon, the teacher's husband calls and happily says, "When you marry, be sure to marry a school teacher. All I heard last night was 'We are going to do this over and over until we get right.'"
The first man married a nurse. Dave thinks to himself, "Nurses are known to be hot to trot."
The second man married a telephone operator. Dave thinks to himself, "Telephone operators have sexy voices."
The third man married a school teacher. Dave thinks to himself, "Poor guy, teachers are frigid."
The next morning, Dave reports to work and gets a room service call from the nurse's husband. He sourly says, "Don't ever marry a nurse. All I heard last night was 'You're not sanitary, you're not sanitary.'"
Then, the telephone operator's husband calls and sourly says, "Don't ever marry a telephone operator. All I heard last night was 'Your three minutes are up, your three minutes are up.'"
Later that afternoon, the teacher's husband calls and happily says, "When you marry, be sure to marry a school teacher. All I heard last night was 'We are going to do this over and over until we get right.'"
Monday, July 13, 2009
Moving on
Well, it appears that we are on our way again. After 2 years back here in Hong Kong, we are once again heading back to Europe.
Jack will be attending Primary 1 in September, and we feel he could do with a couple of years back in an English speaking school.Joseph has just been informed that he 'passed' Primary 2 and can go onto Primary 3 and study p3 Chinese with his classmates.Not bad after just 1 year in Chinese school,but it is not to be.He will be able to go to P4 in the UK.
I think we may be away for longer this time. I also want to further my studies. The money here in Hong Kong has remained an all too important issue. Teosdee was only able to earn a very small amount-Filipinos are still discriminated against here, earning far less than locals. A minimum wage law is being drafted, and the situation should improve in a couple of years.
Of course, I will miss the beach and friends, but I do sometimes think there is more to life than great weather and bbqs. Swings and roundabouts really! I know that after a couple of winters back home, I'll be desperate to get back to the beach-and so will the kids.
Ultimately, we are fortunate to have the choice to live in both places.
Jack will be attending Primary 1 in September, and we feel he could do with a couple of years back in an English speaking school.Joseph has just been informed that he 'passed' Primary 2 and can go onto Primary 3 and study p3 Chinese with his classmates.Not bad after just 1 year in Chinese school,but it is not to be.He will be able to go to P4 in the UK.
I think we may be away for longer this time. I also want to further my studies. The money here in Hong Kong has remained an all too important issue. Teosdee was only able to earn a very small amount-Filipinos are still discriminated against here, earning far less than locals. A minimum wage law is being drafted, and the situation should improve in a couple of years.
Of course, I will miss the beach and friends, but I do sometimes think there is more to life than great weather and bbqs. Swings and roundabouts really! I know that after a couple of winters back home, I'll be desperate to get back to the beach-and so will the kids.
Ultimately, we are fortunate to have the choice to live in both places.
Wednesday, July 08, 2009
Tuesday, July 07, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Masks are a complete waste of time.
Doctors have consistently insisted that masks do nothing to prevent the spread of flu. Why is it that the Hong Kong Government ignores this advice and even threatens to jail people who don't wear them?
Here is an article from the BBC on the futile use of masks.
Can masks help stop flu spread?
By Nick Triggle
Health reporter, BBC News
One of the abiding images of the swine flu outbreak is the pictures from Mexico of people wandering the streets wearing masks.
And as the disease has spread from country to country, reports have emerged of people purchasing all sorts of products on the internet.
But while the scramble is understandable, experts are sceptical about just how useful they are.
Professor John Oxford, a virologist at leading London hospital, The Barts and the London, said: "Really, there is very little evidence that masks actually offer much protection against flu.
"I think handing them out to the public as has happened in Mexico just destroys confidence."
Health staff
It is these sorts of issues that has prompted officials from groups such as the World Health Organization and England's Health Protection Agency to steer clear of calling for them for general public use.
While Mexico has handed them out to members of the public, most other countries, including the UK, are just reserving them for health staff.
Others, such as Belgium, have bought some for flu patients, while several, including Spain, have handed them out to passengers on planes returning from affected areas.
It is believed there are enough masks for half the NHS workforce, but officials are already in discussion with suppliers about ordering another 30m to help cope if a pandemic develops.
Health workers have been told to wear them, along with special gloves, if they are in contact with potential victims.
“ The problem is that when someone sneezes they tend to take a mask off. I think masks give people a false sense of security ”
Dr Ronald Cutler, of the University of London
Professor Oxford believes this approach is right.
"They are the people who will be most likely to be coming into contact with the virus and the ones who could be passing it on."
The Department of Health has focused on getting what are known as respirator masks. These have filters, which stop a person breathing in some particles in the air.
They are much more effective than the standard surgical masks or dust masks that are sometimes used by builders.
However, none of the masks can stop 100% of the particles getting through and become less effective once they become moist.
Instead, they are better at stopping the virus getting out.
Spread
Dr Ronald Cutler, deputy director of biomedical science at the University of London, said: "If you sneeze with a mask the virus will be contained so from that point of view if everyone wore them it might stop the spread.
"Or you could get the people with flu wearing them, but by the time they are diagnosed it could be too late.
"And the problem is that when someone sneezes they tend to take a mask off. I think masks give people a false sense of security.
"They are not bio-chemical suits. Masks are obviously just covering one part of the body so your hands and clothes could all have the virus on and when you take them off you will infect yourself.
"However, because people are wearing a mask they will think they are protected and may go into crowded areas.
"The best advice is to wash your hands and cover your mouth when sneezing."
Gail Lusardi, an infection control specialist at Glamorgan University, agreed.
"Masks alone will not prevent spread of the influenza virus and basic hygiene measures like hand washing, safe use and disposal of tissues and cleaning of environmental surfaces are key to preventing infection transmission."
She also said it was important they were correctly fitted - some of the more expensive respirator masks are molded to fit the face unlike standard masks that can be bought on the high street.
And she added: "A mask can be worn continuously for up to eight to 10 hours, but must be replaced if it is taken off at any stage."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8024605.stm
Published: 2009/04/29 11:27:43 GMT
© BBC MMIX
Here is an article from the BBC on the futile use of masks.
Can masks help stop flu spread?
By Nick Triggle
Health reporter, BBC News
One of the abiding images of the swine flu outbreak is the pictures from Mexico of people wandering the streets wearing masks.
And as the disease has spread from country to country, reports have emerged of people purchasing all sorts of products on the internet.
But while the scramble is understandable, experts are sceptical about just how useful they are.
Professor John Oxford, a virologist at leading London hospital, The Barts and the London, said: "Really, there is very little evidence that masks actually offer much protection against flu.
"I think handing them out to the public as has happened in Mexico just destroys confidence."
Health staff
It is these sorts of issues that has prompted officials from groups such as the World Health Organization and England's Health Protection Agency to steer clear of calling for them for general public use.
While Mexico has handed them out to members of the public, most other countries, including the UK, are just reserving them for health staff.
Others, such as Belgium, have bought some for flu patients, while several, including Spain, have handed them out to passengers on planes returning from affected areas.
It is believed there are enough masks for half the NHS workforce, but officials are already in discussion with suppliers about ordering another 30m to help cope if a pandemic develops.
Health workers have been told to wear them, along with special gloves, if they are in contact with potential victims.
“ The problem is that when someone sneezes they tend to take a mask off. I think masks give people a false sense of security ”
Dr Ronald Cutler, of the University of London
Professor Oxford believes this approach is right.
"They are the people who will be most likely to be coming into contact with the virus and the ones who could be passing it on."
The Department of Health has focused on getting what are known as respirator masks. These have filters, which stop a person breathing in some particles in the air.
They are much more effective than the standard surgical masks or dust masks that are sometimes used by builders.
However, none of the masks can stop 100% of the particles getting through and become less effective once they become moist.
Instead, they are better at stopping the virus getting out.
Spread
Dr Ronald Cutler, deputy director of biomedical science at the University of London, said: "If you sneeze with a mask the virus will be contained so from that point of view if everyone wore them it might stop the spread.
"Or you could get the people with flu wearing them, but by the time they are diagnosed it could be too late.
"And the problem is that when someone sneezes they tend to take a mask off. I think masks give people a false sense of security.
"They are not bio-chemical suits. Masks are obviously just covering one part of the body so your hands and clothes could all have the virus on and when you take them off you will infect yourself.
"However, because people are wearing a mask they will think they are protected and may go into crowded areas.
"The best advice is to wash your hands and cover your mouth when sneezing."
Gail Lusardi, an infection control specialist at Glamorgan University, agreed.
"Masks alone will not prevent spread of the influenza virus and basic hygiene measures like hand washing, safe use and disposal of tissues and cleaning of environmental surfaces are key to preventing infection transmission."
She also said it was important they were correctly fitted - some of the more expensive respirator masks are molded to fit the face unlike standard masks that can be bought on the high street.
And she added: "A mask can be worn continuously for up to eight to 10 hours, but must be replaced if it is taken off at any stage."
Story from BBC NEWS:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/health/8024605.stm
Published: 2009/04/29 11:27:43 GMT
© BBC MMIX
Monday, May 18, 2009
New job
Hi All just another quick note to let you all know that I have now changed job and will now be teaching adults instead of kids. It felt like time for a change. New job seems cool-more later.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Going to the dogs
Just thought I'd make a quick post.Not much happening here, except for 1 of my neighbours throwing dogs off the roof at 6am.Boys are fine, and enjoyed their Easter holiday.Teosdee is busy working.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Tuesday, February 03, 2009
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Gaza shame
A very sad start to the new year indeed. Israel has now killed over 1000 Palestinians, a third of them children. 13 Israelis have lost their lives, mostly soldiers. I heard it expressed it best the other day- If a criminal is holding children hostage, the police do not, and should not shoot the hostages and the criminal.
There can be no justification for the events of this month, and Israel certainly should feel the most shamed.
It is time for the UN to take action, and condemn and initiate punitive sanctions against Israel, and vigorously pursue those guilty of war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Both the Red Cross and various UN agencies have borne witness to these crimes, and only Israel denies them.
It truly is saddening that the agency, that was formed in part to ensure that the suffering of Jews in World War 2 would never happen again, finds itself appealing to Israel to stop its appalling treatment of innocent civilians. The Israeli government should hang its head in shame. China, Russia, France and Britain must act now through the United Nations, even if the US will not.
There can be no justification for the events of this month, and Israel certainly should feel the most shamed.
It is time for the UN to take action, and condemn and initiate punitive sanctions against Israel, and vigorously pursue those guilty of war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
Both the Red Cross and various UN agencies have borne witness to these crimes, and only Israel denies them.
It truly is saddening that the agency, that was formed in part to ensure that the suffering of Jews in World War 2 would never happen again, finds itself appealing to Israel to stop its appalling treatment of innocent civilians. The Israeli government should hang its head in shame. China, Russia, France and Britain must act now through the United Nations, even if the US will not.
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Stupid Bush
The 'misunderestimated' president?
All politicians are prone to make slips of the tongue in the heat of the moment - and President George W Bush has made more than most.
The word "Bushism" has been coined to label his occasional verbal lapses during eight years in office, which come to an end on 20 January.
Here are some of his most memorable pronouncements.
ON HIMSELF
"They misunderestimated me."
Bentonville, Arkansas, 6 November, 2000
"There's an old saying in Tennessee - I know it's in Texas, probably in Tennessee - that says, fool me once, shame on... shame on you. Fool me - you can't get fooled again."
Nashville, Tennessee, 17 September, 2002
"There's no question that the minute I got elected, the storm clouds on the horizon were getting nearly directly overhead."
Washington DC, 11 May, 2001
"I want to thank my friend, Senator Bill Frist, for joining us today. He married a Texas girl, I want you to know. Karyn is with us. A West Texas girl, just like me."
Nashville, Tennessee, 27 May, 2004
FOREIGN AFFAIRS
"For a century and a half now, America and Japan have formed one of the great and enduring alliances of modern times."
Tokyo, 18 February, 2002
"The war on terror involves Saddam Hussein because of the nature of Saddam Hussein, the history of Saddam Hussein, and his willingness to terrorise himself."
Grand Rapids, Michigan, 29 January, 2003
"I think war is a dangerous place." Washington DC, 7 May, 2003
"The ambassador and the general were briefing me on the - the vast majority of Iraqis want to live in a peaceful, free world. And we will find these people and we will bring them to justice."
Washington DC, 27 October, 2003
"Free societies are hopeful societies. And free societies will be allies against these hateful few who have no conscience, who kill at the whim of a hat."
Washington DC, 17 September, 2004
"You know, one of the hardest parts of my job is to connect Iraq to the war on terror."
CBS News, Washington DC, 6 September, 2006
EDUCATION
"Rarely is the question asked: Is our children learning?"
Florence, South Carolina, 11 January, 2000
"Reading is the basics for all learning."
Reston, Virginia, 28 March, 2000
"As governor of Texas, I have set high standards for our public schools, and I have met those standards."
CNN, 30 August, 2000
"You teach a child to read, and he or her will be able to pass a literacy test.''
Townsend, Tennessee, 21 February, 2001
ECONOMICS
"I understand small business growth. I was one."
New York Daily News, 19 February, 2000
"It's clearly a budget. It's got a lot of numbers in it."
Reuters, 5 May, 2000
"I do remain confident in Linda. She'll make a fine Labour Secretary. From what I've read in the press accounts, she's perfectly qualified."
Austin, Texas, 8 January, 2001
"First, let me make it very clear, poor people aren't necessarily killers. Just because you happen to be not rich doesn't mean you're willing to kill."
Washington DC, 19 May, 2003
HEALTHCARE
"I don't think we need to be subliminable about the differences between our views on prescription drugs."
Orlando, Florida, 12 September, 2000
"Too many good docs are getting out of the business. Too many OB/GYN's aren't able to practice their love with women all across the country."
Poplar Bluff, Missouri, 6 September, 2004
TECHNOLOGY
"Will the highways on the internet become more few?"
Concord, New Hampshire, 29 January, 2000
"It would be a mistake for the United States Senate to allow any kind of human cloning to come out of that chamber."
Washington DC, 10 April, 2002
"Information is moving. You know, nightly news is one way, of course, but it's also moving through the blogosphere and through the Internets."
Washington DC, 2 May, 2007
OUT OF LEFT FIELD
"I know the human being and fish can coexist peacefully."
Saginaw, Michigan, 29 September, 2000
"Families is where our nation finds hope, where wings take dream."
LaCrosse, Wisconsin, 18 October, 2000
"Those who enter the country illegally violate the law."
Tucson, Arizona, 28 November, 2005
"That's George Washington, the first president, of course. The interesting thing about him is that I read three - three or four books about him last year. Isn't that interesting?"
Speaking to reporter Kai Diekmann, Washington DC, 5 May, 2006
ON GOVERNING
"I have a different vision of leadership. A leadership is someone who brings people together."
Bartlett, Tennessee, 18 August, 2000
"I'm the decider, and I decide what is best."
Washington DC, 18 April, 2006
"And truth of the matter is, a lot of reports in Washington are never read by anybody. To show you how important this one is, I read it, and [Tony Blair] read it."
On the publication of the Baker-Hamilton Report, Washington DC, 7 December, 2006
"All I can tell you is when the governor calls, I answer his phone."
San Diego, California, 25 October, 2007
"I'll be long gone before some smart person ever figures out what happened inside this Oval Office."
Washington DC, 12 May, 2008
Friday, December 05, 2008
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Monday, November 10, 2008
Thursday, November 06, 2008
The worst boyfriend in the world- Tycoon Joseph Lau Luen-hung
This was published by the Hong Kong Standard yesterday. it is about one of Hong Kong's richest men-Tycoon Joseph Lau Luen-hung. I hope his girlfriend has the guts to drop him like a stone, and take him to court for every penny he has, to pay for child support(they have one child together). His family should also ostricise him until he starts to behave like a real man.Joseph Lau Luen-hung is my 'wanker of the week'.
Lau chastises `brainless, foolish' girlfriend
Adele Wong
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tycoon Joseph Lau Luen-hung ridiculed his longtime girlfriend Yvonne Lui Lai- kwan, calling her both "brainless" and "foolish" for issuing a public statement claiming neither she nor Lau knows who the father of his assistant Chan Ho-wan's baby girl is.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Casino mogul Stanley Ho Hung-sun must have been joking when he said Joseph Lau Luen-hung was the father of Chan Ho-wan's newborn daughter, Lau said.
Lau chastises `brainless, foolish' girlfriend
Adele Wong
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Tycoon Joseph Lau Luen-hung ridiculed his longtime girlfriend Yvonne Lui Lai- kwan, calling her both "brainless" and "foolish" for issuing a public statement claiming neither she nor Lau knows who the father of his assistant Chan Ho-wan's baby girl is.
There has been feverish speculation since the baby was born at Matilda International Hospital two weeks ago, with numerous reports alleging Lau, 57, to be the father.
Lui issued the statement on Friday, saying the father was unknown, but that both she and Lau would do all they can to help the 28-year-old Chan.
"She has studied so much, but still doesn't have a brain," Lau said in an exclusive interview with Eastweek magazine, a sister publication of The Standard. "But sometimes, those who study a lot don't think about the consequences when they do things."
Lui, 32, a former beauty pageant finalist, holds a doctorate in chemistry.
"She must've thought there wasn't a downside [to doing this]," Lau said. "But in actual fact, the damage caused by this incident cannot be reversed, cannot be salvaged. Even if she were to kneel [and apologize] a hundred times, it would be useless."
Lau said Lui has made him look like a clown in public.
Although Lau did not confirm or deny the paternity of Chan's daughter, he said the child's birth is a private matter. "Whether or not this girl is mine is a personal issue. I do not have to announce it to the public. There is no need in the first place to let people know. What's the big deal?" he asked.
Lau said there is also no need for Lui to discuss private matters in the public arena.
"These things should have been dealt with behind closed doors. Even if they can't be resolved, or even if [Lui] doesn't agree, [she] can leave anytime!"
To add to the drama, Lui was recently spotted at a brand-name shop with all her credit cards canceled.
When prompted by the Eastweek reporter on whether this was his doing, Lau retorted: "As a man, if you were me, would you do the same?"
Lau said he is always wary of women.
"There was a time that I was very sick, in serious condition, and fearing for the worst, I gave the woman [Lui] a large sum of money," Lau confessed.
"Some women itch [to cause trouble] when they have money in their hands. The less money they have, the less itchy they will become."
Nevertheless, Lau has faith that matters between him and Lui will improve and that she has simply listened to the wrong advice.
"After the wind and the rain, the family will be reunited, the moon will be full again," he said.
Lau said he also has reasons to suspect the actions of the media and the way they behave toward him and those around him. There have been two major clashes to date: one when Lau was hit in the face by a reporter's microphone, and another where photographers claimed they were hurt by an unidentified man outside Lui's mother's home.
"Some of [the media] might have been intentionally wanting to make news," he said.
Lau complained his cars have been scratched by photographers who got too close when trying to take his picture.
Yesterday, Lui was spotted by photographers in Lau's plated "I Love U" Mercedes between their home and her mother's residence.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Casino mogul Stanley Ho Hung-sun must have been joking when he said Joseph Lau Luen-hung was the father of Chan Ho-wan's newborn daughter, Lau said.
"He normally likes to joke. He always has a sense of humor and loves to joke with reporters," Lau said.
This is the reason, Lau believes, Ho said Lau had admitted the baby girl was his.
"I have never admitted it to his face that the baby was mine, nor did I say it wasn't, so I'm very confused why he said the baby was mine," Lau added.
At an Italian restaurant in Causeway Bay on Saturday, Ho and his family bumped into Lau and the casino king congratulated Lau on "getting a precious jewel of a daughter."
After leaving the restaurant, Ho told reporters that Lau had been sitting at a table behind him and he turned around to congratulate the fellow tycoon.
"Lau admitted out of his own mouth, `the girl is mine!"' Ho told reporters without prompting.
Lau has a daughter, born in 2002, with girlfriend Yvonne Lui Lai-kwan.
Chan was a newspaper entertainment reporter before she quit to become Lau's assistant about six years ago.
Wednesday, November 05, 2008
Goodbye and good riddance
Who would you invite for dinner?
To have a more humane 'real' person at the helm of the most powerful nation, must be a good thing. Miracles don't happen overnight, but let's hope after 4/8 years of Obama, he will be remembered in the same esteem and respect as other great leaders throughout history.Those same leaders that strove to improve the lives of all men, and left a legacy of peace such as..(insert the name of great leaders you admire).
Chinese people are too stupid for democracy!
Chinese people are too stupid for democracy!
Well, that is what the Chinese government says. Here in Hong Kong, according to the basic law that came into effect in 1997, Hong Kong should have a directly elected government.
That is not the case, China said that Hong Kong people ae not mature enough!
Today, the day that we witnessed U.S. democracy at its best, I was approached on the streets of Central, Hong KONG by a French couple. The guy told me that he was a photographer, and that he had a photo of me at the march for universal suffrage 5 years ago.
That march was the biggest in Hong Kong's history. I joined the same march every July 1st, but to no avail!
China believes its people are still too stupid to choose their leaders,and until the people here refuse to accept that, it will continue.
Congratulations to Obama and the U.S.A, but don't forget, we don't all have the right to self determination.
Well, that is what the Chinese government says. Here in Hong Kong, according to the basic law that came into effect in 1997, Hong Kong should have a directly elected government.
That is not the case, China said that Hong Kong people ae not mature enough!
Today, the day that we witnessed U.S. democracy at its best, I was approached on the streets of Central, Hong KONG by a French couple. The guy told me that he was a photographer, and that he had a photo of me at the march for universal suffrage 5 years ago.
That march was the biggest in Hong Kong's history. I joined the same march every July 1st, but to no avail!
China believes its people are still too stupid to choose their leaders,and until the people here refuse to accept that, it will continue.
Congratulations to Obama and the U.S.A, but don't forget, we don't all have the right to self determination.
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