Tuesday, 15 September 2009
70 years since the start of WWII
I promise to write more interesting things in the near future, but my son has recently got married, and I've been very busy with organising it with him, and his new wife! However, I thought it was important that I mentioned this sad anniversary - 70 years since the start of WWII. My favourite blog has written about it, and so I thought I would let you go and have a look there....
Thursday, 21 May 2009
The Gurkhas win their rights to settle in the UK
I am very pleased with the news that the brave Gurkhas (pre 1997) who fought for our country are to be granted the opportunity to settle here. This started because Gordon Brown LOST a Commons vote on the matter (the first for a long time in Parliament) and has now finally granted them this wonderful justice.
The Government's response was as follows: "For many years, the Brigade of Gurkhas have shown bravery, commitment and dedication in serving this country, and continue to do so on operations today.
This Government has done more for Gurkhas than any other. It was the first Government to grant settlement to Gurkhas and the first to equalise pay and pensions, with over 6,000 former Gurkhas and their families already given the right to live in the UK. In April we took steps to increase the number of Gurkhas eligible to come to this country by 4,000 or, including families, 10,000 people.
The House of Commons has now expressed a clear view that all Gurkhas should be entitled to settle in the United Kingdom if that is what they wish.
This Government respects the will of the House of Commons and recognises the strong feeling and public support for this cause. Consequently, we have announced today that all former Gurkhas who served for longer than four years will be eligible to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom. They will also be entitled to bring their spouses and dependent minor children. There will be no time limit on applications.
This scheme recognises the unique nature of the service given to the UK by the Brigade of Gurkhas and is offered to them on an exceptional basis.
We believe that in announcing the new policy today, we have met their concerns and those of Parliament." See here.
Whether we can believe their statement about doing more for the Gurkhas than any other government or not, we know that common sense has finally prevailed.
The Government's response was as follows: "For many years, the Brigade of Gurkhas have shown bravery, commitment and dedication in serving this country, and continue to do so on operations today.
This Government has done more for Gurkhas than any other. It was the first Government to grant settlement to Gurkhas and the first to equalise pay and pensions, with over 6,000 former Gurkhas and their families already given the right to live in the UK. In April we took steps to increase the number of Gurkhas eligible to come to this country by 4,000 or, including families, 10,000 people.
The House of Commons has now expressed a clear view that all Gurkhas should be entitled to settle in the United Kingdom if that is what they wish.
This Government respects the will of the House of Commons and recognises the strong feeling and public support for this cause. Consequently, we have announced today that all former Gurkhas who served for longer than four years will be eligible to apply for settlement in the United Kingdom. They will also be entitled to bring their spouses and dependent minor children. There will be no time limit on applications.
This scheme recognises the unique nature of the service given to the UK by the Brigade of Gurkhas and is offered to them on an exceptional basis.
We believe that in announcing the new policy today, we have met their concerns and those of Parliament." See here.
Whether we can believe their statement about doing more for the Gurkhas than any other government or not, we know that common sense has finally prevailed.
Sunday, 10 May 2009
...by the way
...Family Grows on Trees who did some excellent genealogical research for me are still writing excellent blogs: http://familygrowsontrees.blogspot.com/
Do have a read of them!
Do have a read of them!
Thursday, 30 April 2009
Duke of Edinburgh
After proudly discussing our wonderful Queen in one of my Blogs, I hadn't realised that her Consort, the Duke of Edinburgh was nearing a record himself.
Prince Philip has become Britain's longest serving royal consort and has overtaken the record of 57 years and 70 days set by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.
Although she is a record breaker, poor Charlotte did not have a happy time as Consort, because she had to look after her husband. George suffered from “madness” for a long period of his life, which is now believed to be porphyria. She remained supportive of her husband until her death on 17 November 1818, though she feared him every time she visited. George died, blind, deaf, lame and insane, fourteen months later.
Their lives are certainly not similar, and Prince Philip has worked tirelessly with his wife for the benefit of the UK, and the Commonwealth, since 1947. And, they have clearly been in love for many years, see below.
Philip was made the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich by King George VI shortly before his marriage to Princess Elizabeth in 1947. The Queen made Corfu-born Philip a Prince of the United Kingdom 10 years later.
Even after so many years of service to the country, Prince Philip shows little sign of slowing down. He undertook more than 350 engagements in 2008, and is patron or president of some 800 organisations.
Well done, Philip. Keep up the good work.
How they got together:
Elizabeth—who was Philip's third cousin through Queen Victoria, and second cousin, once removed, through Christian IX of Denmark—fell in love with Philip and they began to exchange letters. Eventually, in the summer of 1946, Philip asked the King for his daughter's hand in marriage. The King granted his request providing any formal engagement was delayed until Elizabeth's twenty-first birthday the following April. The engagement was announced to the public in July 1947.
Louis Mountbatten urged Philip to renounce his Greek and Danish royal titles, as well as his allegiance to the Greek crown, convert from Greek Orthodoxy to the Church of England, and become a naturalised British subject, all of which was done by 18 March 1947. Philip adopted the surname Mountbatten from his mother's family. The day preceding his wedding, King George VI bestowed the style His Royal Highness on Philip, and on the morning of the wedding, 20 November 1947, he was made the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the County of London.
How complicated, but I suppose he did it for love (and safety!).
Prince Philip has become Britain's longest serving royal consort and has overtaken the record of 57 years and 70 days set by Queen Charlotte, wife of King George III.
Although she is a record breaker, poor Charlotte did not have a happy time as Consort, because she had to look after her husband. George suffered from “madness” for a long period of his life, which is now believed to be porphyria. She remained supportive of her husband until her death on 17 November 1818, though she feared him every time she visited. George died, blind, deaf, lame and insane, fourteen months later.
Their lives are certainly not similar, and Prince Philip has worked tirelessly with his wife for the benefit of the UK, and the Commonwealth, since 1947. And, they have clearly been in love for many years, see below.
Philip was made the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth and Baron Greenwich by King George VI shortly before his marriage to Princess Elizabeth in 1947. The Queen made Corfu-born Philip a Prince of the United Kingdom 10 years later.
Even after so many years of service to the country, Prince Philip shows little sign of slowing down. He undertook more than 350 engagements in 2008, and is patron or president of some 800 organisations.
Well done, Philip. Keep up the good work.
How they got together:
Elizabeth—who was Philip's third cousin through Queen Victoria, and second cousin, once removed, through Christian IX of Denmark—fell in love with Philip and they began to exchange letters. Eventually, in the summer of 1946, Philip asked the King for his daughter's hand in marriage. The King granted his request providing any formal engagement was delayed until Elizabeth's twenty-first birthday the following April. The engagement was announced to the public in July 1947.
Louis Mountbatten urged Philip to renounce his Greek and Danish royal titles, as well as his allegiance to the Greek crown, convert from Greek Orthodoxy to the Church of England, and become a naturalised British subject, all of which was done by 18 March 1947. Philip adopted the surname Mountbatten from his mother's family. The day preceding his wedding, King George VI bestowed the style His Royal Highness on Philip, and on the morning of the wedding, 20 November 1947, he was made the Duke of Edinburgh, Earl of Merioneth, and Baron Greenwich of Greenwich in the County of London.
How complicated, but I suppose he did it for love (and safety!).
Monday, 6 April 2009
Petition
Clubs and other are establishments are literally watching their money go down the drain as water companies start to bring through surface area-based charging. The Water Industry Act 1991 classes only two categories of customer – domestic and non-domestic. From 2010, all non-domestic customers will be charged according to the surface area of the site rather than through the rateable value of the property; this means that many of our clubs and other voluntary organisations will end up paying more than ten times their original rate.
CCPR has launched a petition to urge the Prime Minister to instruct utilities companies to charge community clubs affordable rates for services. Please support this by signing up on link below.
Sign Petition
CCPR has launched a petition to urge the Prime Minister to instruct utilities companies to charge community clubs affordable rates for services. Please support this by signing up on link below.
Sign Petition
Friday, 3 April 2009
The Queen of England
I was watching repeats of "Monarchy" last week on the new channel, Blighty. Over the years, the Monarchy has had to change what it does and how it does it, to such an extent that it has survived. And isn't it wonderful! Not only that, this programme has served to remind me that our Monarchy, and our great Queen really does have a wonderfully important purpose. She is a unique and special ambassador to our country and works every day for the good of the UK and commonwealth. Also, there is no doubt in my mind that she loves her countries very much.
Yes, it's true - I am a Royalist and proud of it.
Did you know that our Queen has been on the throne for so long, that her reign surpassed those of her four immediate predecessors combined (Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, and George VI), after which she became the third longest reigning British or English monarch, the second-longest-serving current monarch of a sovereign state (after King Bhumibol of Thailand), and the oldest reigning British monarch.
So that she breaks records and becomes the longest-living British head of state, Elizabeth would have to live until 29 January 2012 when she would overtake Richard Cromwell.
To overtake Queen Victoria and become the longest reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth would have to live to 10 September 2015, when she would be 89. To surpass the reign of King Louis XIV of France, and become the longest reigning monarch in European history, Elizabeth would have to live until 26 May 2024, when she would be 98.
It's very possible too, after all, the Queen Mother lived to 102.
God Bless, the Queen. Thank you, Ma'am for everything you do for us.
You see, I don't need to be grumpy all the time. :O)
Yes, it's true - I am a Royalist and proud of it.
Did you know that our Queen has been on the throne for so long, that her reign surpassed those of her four immediate predecessors combined (Edward VII, George V, Edward VIII, and George VI), after which she became the third longest reigning British or English monarch, the second-longest-serving current monarch of a sovereign state (after King Bhumibol of Thailand), and the oldest reigning British monarch.
So that she breaks records and becomes the longest-living British head of state, Elizabeth would have to live until 29 January 2012 when she would overtake Richard Cromwell.
To overtake Queen Victoria and become the longest reigning monarch in British history, Elizabeth would have to live to 10 September 2015, when she would be 89. To surpass the reign of King Louis XIV of France, and become the longest reigning monarch in European history, Elizabeth would have to live until 26 May 2024, when she would be 98.
It's very possible too, after all, the Queen Mother lived to 102.
God Bless, the Queen. Thank you, Ma'am for everything you do for us.
You see, I don't need to be grumpy all the time. :O)
Wednesday, 25 February 2009
Straw targeted by online fraudsters
Sorry for not being around for a while, but I’m not sure anyone actually reads my blogs!
However in case someone does, I’ll return every two weeks or so (if not more), however I am finding my time is much more precious suddenly. I think my blog has become a place where I like to talk about the current news, and I especially like this idea because there’s so much interesting gossip out there.
This week, the Honourable Jack Straw is in the media – for the usual dodgy African scam. Justice Secretary Jack Straw has been targeted by Nigerian internet fraudsters. Requests for money were sent by email to hundreds of the Blackburn MP's contacts, claiming that he had lost his wallet while on charity work in Africa and needed 3,000 US dollars to get home.
No one falls for these kinds of scams any more. Or so I thought. A friend of a friend had and sent 500 Euro’s to some “princess” in Nigeria. Guess what? He never saw it again. MADNESS or DESPERATION.
Anyway, suffice it to say – no one fell for this scam, although Mr Straw received many phone calls: "I started getting phone calls from various constituents asking if I was really in Nigeria needing 3,000 dollars. It was an issue for constituents, not the Government. We are checking all that and I am assured there's no evidence that confidentiality of constituents was affected."
I bet that was annoying for him. :O)
However in case someone does, I’ll return every two weeks or so (if not more), however I am finding my time is much more precious suddenly. I think my blog has become a place where I like to talk about the current news, and I especially like this idea because there’s so much interesting gossip out there.
This week, the Honourable Jack Straw is in the media – for the usual dodgy African scam. Justice Secretary Jack Straw has been targeted by Nigerian internet fraudsters. Requests for money were sent by email to hundreds of the Blackburn MP's contacts, claiming that he had lost his wallet while on charity work in Africa and needed 3,000 US dollars to get home.
No one falls for these kinds of scams any more. Or so I thought. A friend of a friend had and sent 500 Euro’s to some “princess” in Nigeria. Guess what? He never saw it again. MADNESS or DESPERATION.
Anyway, suffice it to say – no one fell for this scam, although Mr Straw received many phone calls: "I started getting phone calls from various constituents asking if I was really in Nigeria needing 3,000 dollars. It was an issue for constituents, not the Government. We are checking all that and I am assured there's no evidence that confidentiality of constituents was affected."
I bet that was annoying for him. :O)
Wednesday, 4 February 2009
Cold Case Probe - 1926
I have been talking about television too much recently, so I am going to discuss the gruesome crime, murder. Recently I saw on the news that an 83-year-old 'cold case' has been reopened after a dying man allegedly confessed to killing a missing teenage girl. Some people probably think this is a complete waste of police time. I don’t.
Apparently, Sussex police are not trying to find the murderer (it has been too long), but the poor girl who was murdered. So how can this be a waste of police time? I don't think so. A family needs to know and a family needs to bury their family.
No trace of her was ever found during the original search but the 2009 detective in charge, Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles said new information has led officers to believe she might have been murdered near her home and dumped in a nearby pond.
I hope they find her, so she can finally be at rest..
Apparently, Sussex police are not trying to find the murderer (it has been too long), but the poor girl who was murdered. So how can this be a waste of police time? I don't think so. A family needs to know and a family needs to bury their family.
No trace of her was ever found during the original search but the 2009 detective in charge, Detective Chief Inspector Trevor Bowles said new information has led officers to believe she might have been murdered near her home and dumped in a nearby pond.
I hope they find her, so she can finally be at rest..
Monday, 2 February 2009
Snow!
One thing that confirms that this country is full of lazy people is when it snows. We knew it was going to snow heavily about a week ago, but we are still unprepared and so in the South East, schools, transport and work stops. A useful excuse for a duvet day! Look here.
I remember being in New York in about 2003, when they had the worst snow on record. In the morning, everything was at a stand still, and the snow would have been up to my neck if I’d ventured out (I’m 5ft 11). Nothing worked and all planes were cancelled – including mine. However, by lunch time, New York’s gritters had gone out and done their work – and the roads and pavements were clear. The planes were still cancelled, but we had managed to get a flight the next day.
Now spot the difference.
We get a bit of snow – everything is cancelled. Most things are going to be cancelled until tomorrow, and if the snow continues to be heavy, probably another day.
What a crazy and pathetic country we live in. We’re no longer proud to go to work – we all try and find an excuse to have a duvet day. I love this country, but we all need to start pulling our socks up. Here are two thoughts to finish with:
(1) Many people get the day off, because they “can’t get in”. But, our essential services (nurses etc) will still need to make sure they get in. And they do.
(2) If any country wanted to invade us, they would need to invent a way of creating snow. All of us would be at home, whilst the enemy took over. Now there’s a thought.
I remember being in New York in about 2003, when they had the worst snow on record. In the morning, everything was at a stand still, and the snow would have been up to my neck if I’d ventured out (I’m 5ft 11). Nothing worked and all planes were cancelled – including mine. However, by lunch time, New York’s gritters had gone out and done their work – and the roads and pavements were clear. The planes were still cancelled, but we had managed to get a flight the next day.
Now spot the difference.
We get a bit of snow – everything is cancelled. Most things are going to be cancelled until tomorrow, and if the snow continues to be heavy, probably another day.
What a crazy and pathetic country we live in. We’re no longer proud to go to work – we all try and find an excuse to have a duvet day. I love this country, but we all need to start pulling our socks up. Here are two thoughts to finish with:
(1) Many people get the day off, because they “can’t get in”. But, our essential services (nurses etc) will still need to make sure they get in. And they do.
(2) If any country wanted to invade us, they would need to invent a way of creating snow. All of us would be at home, whilst the enemy took over. Now there’s a thought.
Wednesday, 28 January 2009
Virgin: the world's best passenger complaint letter?
The Telegraph has reproduced this wonderful complaint letter. Have a look here, and let me know what you think. Genius. I am also impressed to know that Mr Branson called up the customer. Good business sense.
Hearbeat is axed
I was a fan of Hearbeat when it first began, but I have not been for the last few years, because it's tired itself out! One of the things that always bugged me was the show's chronology. When the programme began, it was set in 1964. The setting then moved on, approximately in "real time", until it reached early 1969, where – apart from the Christmas episodes – it has now remained for some years. However, the show's chronology has been seen to be quite flexible: the inhabitants of Ashfordly and Aidensfield have certainly celebrated more than four Christmases between 1965 and 1969. What?! I just can't handle that, especially as they should be somewhere in the mid 70's by now!
All's well that ends well though, as ITV have announced they are axing it. It was on the news media today, please see here. I am pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed adding this fact on the Wikipedia page for Heartbeat.
Until next time!
All's well that ends well though, as ITV have announced they are axing it. It was on the news media today, please see here. I am pleased to say I thoroughly enjoyed adding this fact on the Wikipedia page for Heartbeat.
Until next time!
Tuesday, 27 January 2009
Doctor Who and Martin Clunes
I can only apologise for writing another blog, but I still appear to want to, so I may as well carry on! I can see in the future that these will become less frequent, but for now, I hope someone out there in the wilderness of the internet is looking and enjoying my blog!
I am a Doctor Who fan, and I particularly like the old stuff - William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton, although a lot of their stuff is now lost by the BBC, see here. It's a shame that we can't watch classics like "Evil of the Daleks" and "The Highlanders", but sometimes it's a relief that we can't watch some obviously dire stories!!
Although I like the old stuff, I have enjoyed the new stuff (and still do)! I really liked how David Tennant played the Doctor - with characteristics of previous Doctor's within, and so I think it's a shame that he has decided to hand over the Tardis keys. The BBC recently announced that an unknown actor, Matt Smith, would be taking over - fair enough! I'll trust them, and if they honestly believe he is the guy, then fine. However, I recently saw this news item about Martin Clunes - apparently he was offered the part, but was too expensive! How much has probably changed since Mr Clunes was last in Doctor Who, wearing a very garish costume!! See below!
I am a Doctor Who fan, and I particularly like the old stuff - William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton, although a lot of their stuff is now lost by the BBC, see here. It's a shame that we can't watch classics like "Evil of the Daleks" and "The Highlanders", but sometimes it's a relief that we can't watch some obviously dire stories!!
Although I like the old stuff, I have enjoyed the new stuff (and still do)! I really liked how David Tennant played the Doctor - with characteristics of previous Doctor's within, and so I think it's a shame that he has decided to hand over the Tardis keys. The BBC recently announced that an unknown actor, Matt Smith, would be taking over - fair enough! I'll trust them, and if they honestly believe he is the guy, then fine. However, I recently saw this news item about Martin Clunes - apparently he was offered the part, but was too expensive! How much has probably changed since Mr Clunes was last in Doctor Who, wearing a very garish costume!! See below!
Monday, 26 January 2009
Sky
Since I wrote my last message about the BBC's decision NOT to show the emergency appeal, Sky has now confirmed they will not either. Have a look here. Why is this seen as being "inpartial", when both channels look like they are siding with Israel by not showing the appeal...
Why is it that so many real "bad guys" in the world are so easily ignored?
Why is it that so many real "bad guys" in the world are so easily ignored?
Sunday, 25 January 2009
Gaza and the BBC
I might be quite Victorian in a lot of my attitudes, but the BBC has angered me this week for not being forward thinking:
The recent conflict in Gaza has been distressing for all observers. Over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed and many thousands injured. The destruction has left people without homes, schooling, power, food and water supplies. The United Nations has highlighted the plight of the ordinary people of Gaza (as reported on the Middle East pages of its website http://www.un.org/).
Charities around the world have sought to respond to the plight of Gazans. In such times of crisis a number of British charities work together as one umbrella organisation to raise funds for aid; known collectively as the Disasters Emergency Committee or DEC (http://www.dec.org.uk/), the organisation comprises charities such as CAFOD, the Red Cross, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Save the Children, Christian Aid, Action Aid, Help the Aged, and others.
The DEC has produced a television appeal asking for donations to help relieve the crisis. Since 1963 the major broadcasters in Britain have given free airtime to DEC appeals, which highlight only the greatest disasters needing aid. Amazingly, and in contrast to other UK broadcasters, the BBC has decided not to screen the appeal. They claim that it would ‘compromise its impartiality’, even though the DEC has stressed that its relief-work is non-political. The DEC Chief Executive has stated that its work is to relieve short-term needs; it does not comment on the longer-term situation in Israel-Palestine.
Rather than preserving its impartiality the BBC’s decision not to broadcast the appeal arguably highlights political bias within the Corporation. As many commentators and politicians (including members of the Cabinet) have stated today: How can anyone be impartial to human suffering? You can read the BBC’s own account of the dispute on its website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7848673.stm. The Guardian also reports the incident: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jan/23/bbc-refuses-gaza-appeal
I would like to ask you to consider supporting charities work now by complaining to the BBC about its decision. You can do so by telephoning 03700 100 222, via the BBC website http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/, or writing to: BBC Complaints, PO Box 1922, Glasgow, G2 3WT.
You might consider donating: https://www.donate.bt.com/bt_form_gaza.html
If you feel able to, please:
- complain to the BBC about its decision
- donate to help the people of Gaza via the DEC
- pass the news on to others so that action can be taken
- pray for the people of Gaza and of Israel, that peace will flourish in this land
The recent conflict in Gaza has been distressing for all observers. Over 1,300 Palestinians have been killed and many thousands injured. The destruction has left people without homes, schooling, power, food and water supplies. The United Nations has highlighted the plight of the ordinary people of Gaza (as reported on the Middle East pages of its website http://www.un.org/).
Charities around the world have sought to respond to the plight of Gazans. In such times of crisis a number of British charities work together as one umbrella organisation to raise funds for aid; known collectively as the Disasters Emergency Committee or DEC (http://www.dec.org.uk/), the organisation comprises charities such as CAFOD, the Red Cross, Islamic Relief, Oxfam, Save the Children, Christian Aid, Action Aid, Help the Aged, and others.
The DEC has produced a television appeal asking for donations to help relieve the crisis. Since 1963 the major broadcasters in Britain have given free airtime to DEC appeals, which highlight only the greatest disasters needing aid. Amazingly, and in contrast to other UK broadcasters, the BBC has decided not to screen the appeal. They claim that it would ‘compromise its impartiality’, even though the DEC has stressed that its relief-work is non-political. The DEC Chief Executive has stated that its work is to relieve short-term needs; it does not comment on the longer-term situation in Israel-Palestine.
Rather than preserving its impartiality the BBC’s decision not to broadcast the appeal arguably highlights political bias within the Corporation. As many commentators and politicians (including members of the Cabinet) have stated today: How can anyone be impartial to human suffering? You can read the BBC’s own account of the dispute on its website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/7848673.stm. The Guardian also reports the incident: http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/jan/23/bbc-refuses-gaza-appeal
I would like to ask you to consider supporting charities work now by complaining to the BBC about its decision. You can do so by telephoning 03700 100 222, via the BBC website http://www.bbc.co.uk/complaints/, or writing to: BBC Complaints, PO Box 1922, Glasgow, G2 3WT.
You might consider donating: https://www.donate.bt.com/bt_form_gaza.html
If you feel able to, please:
- complain to the BBC about its decision
- donate to help the people of Gaza via the DEC
- pass the news on to others so that action can be taken
- pray for the people of Gaza and of Israel, that peace will flourish in this land
Wednesday, 14 January 2009
Census 1911
I live in a very nice area of London, but sometimes I get annoyed by "youths" who are clearly up to trouble. Near my house there's a small, but picturesque pond, which is full of ducks. In amongst the noise of the planes going to Heathrow, I can often hear the ducks minding their own business, quacking away. HOWEVER, as many of you probably experienced, the first full week of January was freezing and below 0 degrees in lots of areas. We were the same. This meant, of course, that the pond froze over and the poor ducks couldn’t swim anywhere.
However, some “youths” thought it would be really cool to throw rocks at these poor ducks and dance on the ice too. What could I do about this? Well, as usual I got involved, but for once I decided against shouting at them. Instead I told the “youths” that they should get off the ice immediately, as I’d seen a crack on the other side of the pond. Well, it worked. The “youths” moved sharpish and have yet to return. I really don’t understand what goes through peoples heads to think it’s OK to throw stones at innocent and defenceless ducks?
OK, rant over. And now for something completely different.
I am loving being a blogger. OK, I know I've only just started, but I have already become fascinated by it all by looking at other peoples blogs. One blog has taken my interest the most. I have been interested in my family tree for a number of years, and was most excited by the news that the 1911 Census is now LIVE! I had a look at some blogs on the 1911 Census, and found just one: http://familygrowsontrees.blogspot.com/2009/01/1911-census.html
It’s an extremely interesting blog, and includes a link to an excellent article by the BBC. I may even consider asking these people to do some research for me. I know a lot about my family, but there's still so much for me to find out. Well done to them for creating the blog!
The weather is still cold in Britain and I’m looking forward to spring – my favourite period! In my next blog, I’ll try not to moan so much, but it really is hard not to!
Until next time!
However, some “youths” thought it would be really cool to throw rocks at these poor ducks and dance on the ice too. What could I do about this? Well, as usual I got involved, but for once I decided against shouting at them. Instead I told the “youths” that they should get off the ice immediately, as I’d seen a crack on the other side of the pond. Well, it worked. The “youths” moved sharpish and have yet to return. I really don’t understand what goes through peoples heads to think it’s OK to throw stones at innocent and defenceless ducks?
OK, rant over. And now for something completely different.
I am loving being a blogger. OK, I know I've only just started, but I have already become fascinated by it all by looking at other peoples blogs. One blog has taken my interest the most. I have been interested in my family tree for a number of years, and was most excited by the news that the 1911 Census is now LIVE! I had a look at some blogs on the 1911 Census, and found just one: http://familygrowsontrees.blogspot.com/2009/01/1911-census.html
It’s an extremely interesting blog, and includes a link to an excellent article by the BBC. I may even consider asking these people to do some research for me. I know a lot about my family, but there's still so much for me to find out. Well done to them for creating the blog!
The weather is still cold in Britain and I’m looking forward to spring – my favourite period! In my next blog, I’ll try not to moan so much, but it really is hard not to!
Until next time!
Monday, 12 January 2009
My favourite game - Sudoku
Sudoku is my favourite game and I love it. It's such a challenge and always throws up new things to annoy me - especially when they take me a while to complete. I am not going to rabbit on too much about the intricacies of the game, but I recommend you give it a go: http://www.websudoku.com/
Thursday, 1 January 2009
Introduction to me...
Why the Victorian Gentleman? Well, because I like to see myself as a bit of an old fuddy duddy and there were lots of them in Victorian society! I also admire the Victorian period greatly, and we should always remember how much we have to thank them for many of societies creature comforts!
So that’s sort of me. In this blog, I’ll talk about many random things and I hope someone enjoys reading about it.
PS I am a miserable person, but I hope I am not too annoying. More of a Victor Meldrew kind of character.
Until the next time.
So that’s sort of me. In this blog, I’ll talk about many random things and I hope someone enjoys reading about it.
PS I am a miserable person, but I hope I am not too annoying. More of a Victor Meldrew kind of character.
Until the next time.
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