Red Writing

Red Writing

A Vortex of Emotion

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Comments by: YACCS

Tuesday, April 30

In the great scheme of things, I've realised that the hierarchy of transport is that all lorry drivers hate cars; car drivers hate cyclists; cyclists hate pedestrians and pedestrians hate all of the above. In the (relative) minority, I have to admit I have some empathy with the cyclists. So, when I read the following:

"This happened way back last year and is one of the reasons I set up the site. I was riding home and a woman turning left overtook me before the junction and then cut in and hit me. She didn't stop but I got up and ran in front of her (she had to stop at the junction). She hurled abuse at me for cycling 'on the road' ...I was probably doing around 20 mph when she hit me. Her classic line was 'You only ride a bike because you are poor' At that point I threw my bike at her car."

I was very sympathetic. Generally, I was really impressed with the raging bike site. Apart from the fact I liked the overall design of the site, there is lots of useful information for cyclists - and enlightened non-cyclists, not to mention amusing anecdotes, and a very interesting article on improving your sex life! Despite being a car driver, and occasional scooter rider, (almost as invisible as cyclists!) it makes me want to get back on my bike and show the rest the city that there are more than four wheels on the road. Raging bike was set up by a group of people who, as they say for themselves

"got tired of being treated like second class citizens by motorists, when travelling to work by bike."

I really like the incidents link as it somehow brings home how selfish road users can be. Even if you are not a cyclist, give the site a whirl. Definitely food for thought for everyone at all interested in their environment.
posted by Red Writer

A big thanks to the pal who finally managed to get my Archives working. Now you can all see any pages you have missed!!!
posted by Red Writer

Monday, April 29

I really like the Daily Motivator today - "The more completely you think you understand something, the less you'll be willing to learn about it. The path to wisdom is traveled by accepting what you do not know." I'm all for that....I have now finally accepted that I know very little and am content with that.....I am way way along that path now, there's no holding me back, look out wisdom here I come ...what was that annoying little sound road runner used to make.....beep beep.. But what happened to the phrase, "the more you know, the more you know you don't know" how is that linked to wisdom!!??? Oh well, I accept it anyway, such is my great leap towards wisdom.
posted by Red Writer

Sunday, April 28

I found this cute little puffin, courtesy of Pacarras and had to pinch it....it's so cute! Puffins are beginning to return to our coastline for the breeding season. I think they are fantastic but haven't seen any this year. I fell in love with them whilst on holiday in Mull, we took a boat trip to Staffa and I couldn't believe how beutiful, vibrant and entertaining they were. I could have stayed there all day to watch.

posted by Red Writer

Saturday, April 27

Thanks Sue for the link. It led me to the Femail ezine where I found this rather nice photo. Really must go to see "About a Boy". But maybe I should do the quiz I found first!! There were also good links to the anti-bullying site. The arts link was really good too because it led to anweb a resource site for artists, which kept me interested for ages.

There is even a link for gaelic speakers. I didn't find anything specific on stroppy teenagers but I did find a link which might entertain them for a while. Perhaps if I allow them on the pc to browse it might help! But would it be in my best interest to tell them about kickboxing? Mmmmm, where are my green wellies, sun is shining so it must be time to break some sweat as Don suggests.

posted by Red Writer

Friday, April 26

This being the start of the weekend let me remind those who are out to enjoy, if the prospect of looking after stropy teenagers hasn't put you off sex a cautionary tale to all virgins is available here. Yes it is true, once lost, everyone will notice the change in you!!!!

Weekend choices:

Music: For Wilco fans everywhere Yankee Hotel Foxtrot looks like it is a success.

Film: Might relent my parental anger and take them to About a Boy. I've seen a few clips and thought it looked quite good. Added bonus Hugh Grant

Books: If I get time, might dip into an old book. Blackberry Wine by Joanne Harris was lovely but it might be cheaper from amazon.co.uk where they have her new book Coastliners.

Garden: Working on how to reduce the rediculous £5000 estimate to landscape the garden and combine it with working on the pc.

That's a small overview of what I might be doing this weekend so whatever you are up to, I hope you all have fun doing it. Remember the best cure for hangovers is boring.
posted by Red Writer

Today in 1711 the philosopher David Hume was born in Edinburgh. One of the great thinkers of the Enlightenment, Hume became known as the "high priest of reason". But there are many more scottish thinkers who changed the world......and of course the most important ones haven't yet been discovered!

This morning I would like to have some good advice on parenting please and how not to loose it with those you are meant to be responsible for.......all I ask for is a little respect, not too much is it!!!!??? Any good parenting tips welcome as long as they are borne from experience not the theoretical crap. Jim has some good advice in Raising Hell i.e. "don't kill the baby" but sadly his advice does not stretch quite far enough into the pre and teenage years.
posted by Red Writer

Thursday, April 25

I am prone to liking exageration in all forms so I was intrigued to find a site which combines this with a love of photography. American museum of photography has a link to William H. "Dad" Martin's work. Fascinating.

It would seem that all was not well in the land of Shakespeare. Perhaps the birthday celebrations were all too too much for some!
posted by Red Writer

Tuesday, April 23

Today is reputed to be the day of Shakespeare's birth but it is also the date of his death in 1616. To see how much you know about the bard try this quiz. Other noteable deaths today are: in 1850, William Wordsworth and in 1915, Rupert Brooke (whom Yeats called the most handsome man in England - I'm with you on that one Yeatsy- although alarmingly he looks a little like Hugh Grant!)
At least it has taken my mind off my tooth ache for a little while.

posted by Red Writer

Monday, April 22

This is another plea...........WILL SOMEONE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE HELP ME SORT MY ARCHIVES!
posted by Red Writer

Sunday, April 21

If you are one of over half of Britons who don't know that 12 national currencies have now been replaced for ever by the euro then perhaps you need some euro information. Did you know the euro is worth about 62p? Only Britain, Denmark and Sweden haven't yet decided whether to adopt the currency and will have to hold a referendum before making the decision. However, fear not, it's predicted that after we all fly off to warmer climates in Europe during the summer we will start using the euro and therefore will become more familiar with it and less scared? I wonder whether I could hold an unnoficial poll here? Q. Are you for or against the Euro? Please leave your comments.
World affairs which need urgent attention: Allegations of sex abuse by aid workers in Sierra Leon refugee camps. This is truly sickening. Young refugee girls (mainly), scared and alone in the world thinking they have found safety in refugee camps are withheld rations of food and clothing unless they have sex with the people who are supposedly there to help them. This has been kept quiet for months, even by the birth attendants within the camps who knew what was going on! The United Nations are investigating a report by the UNHCR and Save the Children which states that abuse is evident. The Guardian reports that this is just the tip of the iceberg and that "more than 40 NGOs (non-governmental organisations) and 67 individuals have been implicated in allegations that aid was withheld unless paid for by sex". What sort of a world do we live in?
posted by Red Writer

Saturday, April 20

We've been looking out for somewhere nice to go on holiday in the summer and browsing through holiday locations I was reminded of a great place we stayed in recently. If you are looking for quality accommodation in Scotland, try this great bed and breakfast in Inverfarigaig on the banks of Loch Ness. Evergreen offers you the opportunity to have a fantastic break on the unspoilt, south side of Loch Ness. So if you are thinking of visiting Scotland, look no further than here. The views are fantastic, lots of wildlife and the food is great.

posted by Red Writer

Just when I was feeling content with my lethargy I inadvertently clicked the link to the Daily Motivator. I swear that guy is keeping an eye on me..........ok, ok I'll go and try to achieve something. Yes, I'll do it today (that's if I can get up again, movement still very restricted and painful). Perhaps just a little trip to the shops would do, or maybe as far as the fridge. I could bake a cake, that wouldn't involve too much movement. Mmm good idea! Food. There, now I have achieved something. I've decided I'm going to have something to eat and that has made me very happy. Off I go.........ooooouuuuuucccccchhhhh!
posted by Red Writer

Friday, April 19

Will somebody PLEASE explain how to archive!!!
posted by Red Writer

Thanks to Andorus for this story. Just when I was beginning to feel a little sorry for myself I read this:

One day a farmer's donkey fell into an abandoned well. The animal cried piteously for hours as the farmer tried to figure out what to do. Finally, he decided the animal was old and the well needed to be covered up anyway; so it just wasn't worth it to him to try to retrieve the donkey.

He invited all his neighbours to come over and help him. They each grabbed a shovel and began to shovel dirt into the well. Realizing what was happening, the donkey at first cried and wailed horribly. Then, a few shovelfuls later, he quieted down completely.

The farmer peered down into the well, and was astounded by what he saw. With every shovelful of dirt that hit his back, the donkey was doing something amazing - he would shake it off and take a step up on the new layer of dirt.

As the farmer's neighbours continued to shovel dirt on top of the animal, he would shake it off and take a step up. Soon, the donkey stepped up over the edge of the well and trotted off, to the shock and astonishment of all the neighbours!

Moral: Life is going to shovel dirt on you, all kinds of dirt. The trick to getting out of the well is to not let it bury you, but to shake it off and take a step up. Each of our troubles is a stepping-stone. We can get out of the deepest wells just by not stopping, never giving up! Shake it off and take a step up! Persevere!

There are five simple rules to happiness:

Free your heart from hatred.
Free your mind from worries.
Live simply.
Give more.
Expect less.

The story doesn't quite finish there though.......once out of the well, the donkey kicked the **** out of the farmer that tried to bury him. .. moral of that is, if you try to cover your ass, it always comes back and gets you.

The main reason for the blue mood is that I have been trying to get some exercise over the past few days. It started with a few walks, nothing strenuous.. three 45 min brisk walks but unfortunately always in the wrong shoes. Consequence of that was that this morning I could hardly walk but being a glutton for punishment I booked into a calanetics class for 5pm this evening. First one and I really am unfit.....one hour later my legs felt like something you'd find on the floor after a kids party and can barely support me without uncontrolable spasms shooting through them if I put any weight on them at all. Hot bath has not helped. Wine is beginning to, either that or its making my head as wobbly as my legs and counteracting the effect. I hope I don't start to sway the wrong way, or it could be disasterous.

Anyway, aches and pains have reminded me that age does not come alone and that exercise is b***** hard work. Is it worth it? Well, I'll tell you once I've been to a few classes. My trainer measured me!!!! and will do so again after about 4 classes to see how toned I have become ..........will I make it back to class 2 I ask myself? (I say measure but I use the term very loosely, as apparently the measuring tape was! But then all exercise is a necessary result of denial of hard facts) Anyway, that's where the donkey story came in......although the story can be read on many levels and my despair is not mental, just physical (at the moment), I guess I have to start to shake myself and take one step at a time. Which is good really, since anything more than an extension of either leg more than about 6" at a time, results in much pain and deepens the resolution that I hate exercise. Ho hum, perhaps after many little steps I will overcome the pain barrier, either that or I will imagine my instructor is the farmer!
posted by Red Writer

Tuesday, April 16

I think I must have missed somthing when I went to see "Gosford Park" the Robert Altman, Bob Balaban and David Levy film, because it didn't strike me as an oscar award winning film. Yes it had an impressive cast but I couldn't help feeling the film was riding on the fame of the actors involved, rather than on its own merit. I was a little disappointed in the story-line which I felt was weak but perhaps I just wasn't in the right mood. I'd love to hear other's views on this one. However, on searching through different movie sites I did come across a good link to best picture posters which dates back to 1928. My particular favourite is the poster for Schindler's List - but can you believe that was out 9 years ago in 1993! On the other hand I loved "Iris" and thought Judy Dench and Jim Broadbent were superb. Mmmmmm but I did cry most of the way through it, so perhaps I am not cut out to be a film critic.
posted by Red Writer

Sunday, April 14

Congratulations!!!! to Paula for winning the Women's race in the London Marathon. In her debut appearance, Paula ran a time of 2:18.57, making her the second fastest woman in history to complete a marathon. Also to Khalid Khannouchi who won the men's race breaking his own world record in the process, finishing with a time of 2:05:38. I'm a real sucker for witnessing sporting achievements and have to admit to wiping a tear from my eye as Paula crossed the finishing line. It was inspirational to watch - especially for someone who can't even run around the block without expiring. Every year I say I will take up running, now I have bought the shoes, who knows....watch this space. So, congratulations again to all who took part and who have raised so much money for charity through their hard work.
posted by Red Writer

Saturday, April 13

George Mackay Brown, 1981 Stromness, Orkney Start of the Marathon

Today in 1996 George Mackay Brown, Orcadian poet and story-teller, died. Here is a link to a short video clip of an interview of George. Inspiration to all erstwhile writers.

And from one end of the country to the other, good luck to Paula Radcliffe at tomorrows London Marathon.

posted by Red Writer

Friday, April 12

Many have asked, nae persuaded and cajoled me into disclosing my true identity. Due to my unabashed modesty, I have frequently, previously declined and even tried to explain that normal cameras do not copy my image and still you insist. I realise I should not be unfair to my public any longer and have at last relented. Luckily, after much searching, I managed to find a rare photo, taken with a very special and complicated method to capture me. I have to say, loath though I am to admit, it is indeed, quite a good likeness.

posted by Red Writer

This one for Jeff Tweedy fans - His new album Yankee Hotel Foxtrot will be released on 22nd April.

And for those of you who visit occassionally but who are not convinced about the reasons for blogger's existance, read this interview with one of the co-founders Evan Williams.
posted by Red Writer

Today in 1606 the Union Flag, consisting of the cross of St George overlaid on the cross of St Andrew, was adopted as the flag of England, Wales and Scotland. The red & white saltire representing Ireland was not added until 1801. It just goes to prove the Scots are truly a race to build a good foundation on - some might say the English have been trying to keep us down since then!
posted by Red Writer

Thursday, April 11

I really must take heed of the daily motivator today!!! Also thanks to Will for finding this good quote.
"If imagination is not set to the task of building a creative life, it busies itself with weaving a web of inner fears and doubts, blame and excuse."
-Laurence G. Boldt

Today in 1914 Norman McLaren, the "poet of animation", was born in Stirling. He emigrated to the USA and then Canada, where he joined the National Film Board. He won over 200 prizes for his short films - more than any other film maker - including an Oscar in 1952 and the Palme d'Or in 1955.

If you are in need of some nice words to read try this link

posted by Red Writer

Wednesday, April 10

For those of you keen on puzzles try this word link site. What I want is a site which gives you all the answers!
posted by Red Writer

The exercise classes I intend to go to are not on this week *smile* so I have been forced into thinking about trying other methods of keeping the extra pounds undercontrol, i.e. eating less! Generallly I hate diets and don't really "do" them having been on a permanent one since I was about 15 - failing miserably during my late teens! I thought things were going ok weight wise, but I seem to have reached an age where gravity seems to be winning and (I hasten to add) I'm not THAT old, so something has to be done. I found the calorie control council's site which has a great toy for those who are happier at their computer thinking about how many calories you are burning on your next bout of exercise. Lots of other fun links too. I'm just really really pleased that I can use up lots of calories surfing. It's truly amazing, I never could have imagined that searching through endless websites could loose me so many calories. Just goes to prove that I must remain a computer nerd for a lot longer. Mmm perhaps lack of food is distorting my reasoning skills.
posted by Red Writer

Today in 1840 Alexander Nasmyth, the Edinburgh-born artist, died. A painter of Scottish landscapes, he is also famed for his portraits of Robert Burns.

posted by Red Writer

Tuesday, April 9

Last respects to the Queen Mother
posted by Red Writer

Some days you just wake up and feel good....despite the continuing annoying cold today is one of those days. I occassionally suffer from bouts of slight insomnia and last night was not one of them - 7 hours of pure, wonderful, uninterrupted sleep. Only took 6 minutes to get to work because of little traffic. Even managed to get washing out and have planned so many things I need to do today. List is made and I have officially 10 minutes to do this before I start working. Sheryl Crow CD has arrived and her new feel-good single "Soak up the Sun" and the fact that the sun is shining may have something to do with my uncharacteristic burst of energy. Here are a few words from the track.

My friend the communist Holds meetings in his RV
I can't afford his gas So I'm stuck here watching TV
I don't have digital I don't have diddly squat
It's not having what you want It's wanting what you've got

I'm gonna soak up the sun Gonna tell everyone
To lighten up (I'm gonna tell'em that) I've got no one to blame for every time I feel lame
I'm looking up I'm gonna soak up the sun
I'm gonna soak up the sun I've got a crummy job It don't pay near enough
To buy the things it takes To win me some of your love
Everytime I turn around I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you That makes you act the way you do

I'm gonna soak up the sun While it's still free
I'm gonna soak up the sun Before it goes out on me
Don't have no master suite I'm still king of me
You have a fancy ride, but baby I'm the one who has the key
Every time I turn aroun I'm looking up, you're looking down
Maybe something's wrong with you That makes you act the way you do
Maybe I am crazy too

I'm gonna soak up the sun Got my 45 on So I can rock on.

Some really good, feel-good, identifyable lyrics in there "It's not having what you want, Its wanting what you have" "....I've got no one to blame for every time I feel lame", "....I've got a crummy job It don't pay near enough", " ....I'm gonna soak up the sun Before it goes out on me" "...I'm still the king of me". Might entertain you all with some more lyrics soon.

Phew, finished with 4 mins to spare!!!! *grin*

posted by Red Writer

Monday, April 8

Why on earth would someone want to pay so much to live in a confined space which makes you sea-sick? Individuals fed-up with Terra firma can now buy appartments on "The World" sadly I couldnt find a link to any websites on it yet, so if you find one, please let me know.
posted by Red Writer

Having watched the news and decided that the rearing of pigs on one Scottish pig farm was enough to put you off farmed meat for ever (unless you like your pork with added rat!) I decided to look for alternative energy sources. I came across an article on Eels. My only knowledge of these are from visits to sea-life centers, a close encounter on a lakeland walk, (but I think that one must have seriously lost its way) and a distant memory (or was that a distant horror) of swimming amongst them. But wait, I hear you shreik, eels are a great source of all things good for you according to this article. And did you know eels live so long? After the excesses of last weeks chocofest I think I have found something to put me off eating for a while!
posted by Red Writer

There are some truly useless things on the web and then there are the things you are looking for kind of useless things, like grid paper
posted by Red Writer