For clarification purposes I'm the one on the left.
Thanks to the great skill of Tractor StatsMonday, 7 December 2009
The Toll Rises
The Ministry of Defence has just announced another soldier has been killed in Afghanistan. The soldier, from 1st Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment, died as a result of small arms fire in central Helmand Province today.
This year 100 of our military have lost their lives in this futile war and the death toll since 2001 is now 237. The number this year may have risen to 100 but tragically there will be more.
Gordon Brown's been orating his 'sympathies' and insisting we must continue to see this 'mission' to the end. The man has no shame or conscience. If he did he would refuse to have our military used as cannon fodder in the front line. Many countries have only provided troops with this condition attached.
Now another family has to suffer the pain of losing a young life and all because our politicians have a taste for war plus a misconceived idea of their own importance. The legacies of Blair and Brown will be recorded as warmongers not peacemakers.
Copenhagen Junket Week!
Another, Don't Dare Argue With Us Mob.
This bunch were behind the demos yesterday. No debate, no mention of hockey sticks or tree rings. Just pure, self-righteous, know all clap trap. Hand wringing over Siberia, we are all doomed at 2 degrees rise in temperature. Nowt about that these rises use city temps caused by overcrowding and human gas emissions. Still, with a noble cause to fight, let's go for doom and gloom. As childish as the "poll tax" demos. Grow up, stop agonising and admire the wonder of Nature. If she wishes us gone, gone we shall be!
Carbon in exile - Siberia melts away
-46 °C
Smoke
Siberian weather report for today, quick get over there and put out the smoke from wood burning fires.
Question is the planet better off without people? Probably. Would we save carbon emissions without these junkets? Certainly!
By Oldrightie.
Global Central Heating Conference
Hej Velkommen til Subrosa’s blog and no, I am not Subrosa on Carlsberg Specials.
I am Subrosa’s cousin from Kobnhavn and just filling the breeches for her as she takes a lille break. I speak, like all good Danes five languages but sometimes I get mange upside down and confused but I am sure we will find some sort of common language. Mange Tak!
Jeg hedder, Dansk Pastry (Mrs) and this is my photograph in case we should ever meet, if you come to Danmark, especially during The Global Central Heating Conference next week.
Some of you near non Nordic neighbours may be wondering just how Subrosa and I can be related and having seen her photograph on the blog I would be too?
It is all perfectly normal and a bit of a dark secret in our extended family. It involves Mor’s Far, who was a sailor, and some sort of knee trembling Scottish Highland dance behind Sweaty Bettie’s Bar in a high class area of Glasgow called The Broomielaw; where the lawyers “hing oot,” I am told, after a hard days lawyering. Anyway 2nd cousin Senga is Subrosa’s auntie or is it the other way round. As we say in Danish, bunden i vejret eller resten i håret, if we are inside out.
And now to business, please use the shower behind the curtain and I’ll be right with you. Oops sorry this is a blog, not my normal business as a seamstress.
Well, Kobenhavn is all a twitter as we wait for the foreigners to arrive for the Global Central Heating Conference. There have been many advance partys here already and boy, do these delegates like to party! All sorts of ages, shapes and hues are milling around our bars, up and down Stroget melting their United Nations IPCC Platinum cards. That alone must have added 2 Celsius degrees to the downtown night temperature. We love them all.
We love them all except our party pooper Kobnhavn Mayor, Ritt Bjerrgaard who has sent mange postcards to all the hotels asking the delegates “Be sustainable----don’t buy sex.”
He says, “Dear hotel owner, we would to urge you not to arrange contacts between hotel guests and prostitutes.”
The cheek of the little man, in more than one way, according to Jytte S. We may be very socialist in Danmark but we also embrace capitalist principals and this sort of Government intervention in the free market destroys our jobs and drives us into the hands of the wicked State social workers who, believe me, are really weird, in every possible way.
Anyway, the sisters are offering a free go to any delegate who turns up with his Conference accreditation and a copy of the Mayor’s letter. So far all the takers this last week have been men who speak Danish very well, except for a Mr Maddogs, from Scotland, who was a journalist for your Hootsmon newspaper. What a beard he has too. We like to do our best in Carbon offsetting.
I thought I had seen it all but that delegation of social workers from Dundee, last year, were way beyonf the Kattegat. The animals are OK now, but I am not so sure about the Scottish Social Work Director, not from Dundee but some place called Hameldaeme, who especially asked for a Great Dane and was given Rex. He seemed to like the bites, the Director that is.
To return to the fun and games here, The Speaker, no, not your John Jerkoff, our one, Thor Pedersen has nearly blown the fest out of the Skattegatt by saying that Global Warming is a dangerous unsubstantiated theory and it has entered the political arena without real scientific scrutiny. Another party pooper!
I am happy to say that this has not buggered the gravy ferry so far and, it seems that politicians, once they have made their minds up, are very reluctant to change money wells. Great, Champagne all-round or, as we say in Danish, “Det herre betaler for alt” Happy daze!
I have just read that Al Gore, Nobel Laureat and Order of The Whale, has cancelled his trip to The World Central Heating Warming Conference and has other things to do instead like inventing the Internet. I will miss Big Al very personally as we have been known to do a bit of exotic Carbon Offsetting before. He is getting bigger by the day and I wonder if it wouldn’t be better for him to get out of the Global Central Heating Warming business and get into saving the whale. It might be to his better advantage to do as he looks more like a beached whale every day. I think he is long in Carbon Credits but I am sure they could be converted into whale vouchers. If anyone can, Al can.
Cousin Lars, not the same side of the family as Subrosa, used to work in London and Paris selling carbon offsets for Big Al until he found a better way to make even more money! He has developed something he calls a Carbon Carousel. He just sells the credits round and round and round and round and round in the EU until he collects an enormous Moms cheque (Vat to you Anglophiles) and then disappears. He says he has skimmed over £20 billion just from this business strategy, just before his lille scheme was stopped by the British Customs and French Fisc., and has just bought Guatemala. No one bothered to tell the Danes about this and the business plan continued here in Danmark until the Dansk Skat closed the carousel doors down. Another 7 months of making of virtual herring fishing and only yesterday the Danish Skat c;losed down the fishing ground but Lars had looted another seven billion Dansk Kroener by then. Gordon and Nicolas S. will be getting the cold shoulder this week from the Danish Prime Minister I think. I wonder if Big Al was into this one too?
Anyway, cousin Lars is looking for agents in Europe for his next new business venture. He is long in something called white powder he tells me. I don’t know what he means.
Time to go Anglophiles, someone is knocking on the door and the rocking horse with nappies is not yet set up.
Mit luftpudefartøj er fyldt med ål
Danish kisses to all
(Mrs) Dansk Pastry
Sunday, 6 December 2009
Opening or is it Re-Opening?
After much talk and believe me much thought, I have decided to keep at this blogging business.
I will not be discussing any of the happenings of the past days if you don't mind, in fact the quicker I put them to the back of my mind the better for you and me or I'd bore you all to death! Suffice to say I now feel reasonably confident my safety is as assured as it can be.
Temporarily I have some willing helpers. I can't really refer to them as 'assistants' because their abilities are far above mine, but they have kindly offered their services and naturally, as any blogger would, I locked them up in a padded room complete with a luxury M & S hamper each, before they could change their minds.
For a few weeks my own posts will be reduced as I do need a rest, but I'm more than satisfied my stand-ins will delight, frustrated and perhaps even rile you. Do try to leave them a comment or two, it can get lonely in here sometimes.
On the subject of support may I thank the hundreds of you who sent messages. Your kind words and encouragement persuaded me there is a need for an older voice, particularly a female voice and no one should be silenced by threats from anyone.
Two bloggers in particular deserve a mention - the incomparable Anna Raccoon for her persuasion skills (plus top of the range hospitality) and the incredibly tenacious WhollyRude who, with her IT skills, has put her blog at risk to help with on-going investigations. They know without them I wouldn't have returned. My gratitude to both of you. Yes I know they are both female so that's another one for the l-ist and I'm not ignoring the contributions of top class English bloggers.
I'm ploughing my way through messages and I will reply. Should I omit you for any reason a reprimand will not offend - feel free.
Standards must be kept, mustn't they?
So sit back, who knows what's going to develop here? If nothing else I'll continue to state my opinion of any particular situation that develops throughout the UK and beyond. That is my right.
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Another Cheerio and a Reluctant One
My last post was one I was keeping for nearer Christmas but I did want to make you smile so published it early. This post may go someway to explaining why it was premature.
It's less than 48 hours since I posted about the demise of young Spook's blog and the last thing on my mind then was that I would be writing this now.
I would like to say I was resigning from blogging to 'spend more time with my family', which will be true, but the honest reason is more serious.
I have to close. I have no real option. Closing my blog won't change my situation but I'm told it will ensure that it will help with the future professional surveillance of those involved.
My identity has been exposed. Not only do the person(s) know my name they also know my full address. Over the months I've tried to reason with some bloggers about using, on their own blogs and those of others, part of a comment I made on a forum long before I started blogging. For the sake of clarity and to avoid upset to many, the person(s) states he 'has absolutely no links to any political party' but is well known to be a great supporter of certain Scottish unionist bloggers or ex-bloggers. I will not name and shame. That would be giving the publicity these people crave from their perverted pleasure in manipulating the distress of others.
Having spoken to many internet experts yesterday my mind is still in turmoil and I'm tired, but they all agree the only way my address could have been found is through my ISP. The young individual who disclosed this information under pressure, insists he found my name and town on my blog and he simply googled it to find my exact address. Nigh on impossible say the IT boffins and I believe them.
Why would any person, particular a young man, go to the trouble of finding out my name and address for any other reason than malicious intent? He was 'just curious' he says. Investigations are ongoing therefore I can't say much more.
I started this blog on 13 January this year for three reasons. The first one was to cut down on my smoking habit. I innocently thought if I had something to do with my hands when cravings hit I would be 'cured'. The second and third reasons were to help promote interest in independence for Scotland and to keep the Westminster government's misuse of our armed forces in the public domain. I hope I managed to achieve part of these aims with my meagre contributions.
It has been a true delight to know that so many of you appreciated my efforts. Without your support I know I would have voluntarily given up long ago. When I was at a loss to know what to write about or was demotivated, at least one of you would email with information which pushed me into action. I don't think any blogger can claim a more loyal and informed readership. The quality of many of our debates has been the envy of many bloggers and that is completely due to you making the best use of the comment facility. You all deserve a standing ovation.
The world of blogging is fuelled by petty jealousies, vitriol and at times downright nastiness but I've been very fortunate in escaping much of that. The reason? You all kept at bay and played well within the 'rules'. It was you, not me, who made this blog the success it has become and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart.
I've made many friends and do intend to keep in touch with them one way or another. I trust they will forgive me for not giving them advanced warning of this, but it has been an emotional and exhausting 36 hours. I will get round to answering and writing emails, I promise.
I have some technical things to do over the next few days (yes I know I'm hopeless techy-wise but I'll try my best) and also I have legal matters which require my attention, but I'll continue to read my favourite blogs and no doubt be unable to restrain myself from making the odd comment or two.
That's enough from me. Please do take care in the cyber world. What has happened to me can presumably happen to anyone I'm reliably informed. That's the risk we take as bloggers and especially one who has strong political views. Who knows, perhaps when investigations are complete I may feel I can return, but I would have to be totally convinced the safety of my family and home were not at risk. It's a dirty, dirty world the world of politics right enough.
PS I've just noticed, yesterday I had the most visitors ever recorded to this blog - 1,258 people came to read it. I couldn't close on a higher note could I!
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
This Month's Preview of the Wikio Rankings
I'm privileged to have been given a preview of this month's top political blogs from Dan at Wikio. The full list will be published this Saturday 5th December. So without further ado here you are:
Congratulations to the Scottish based Tom Harris at 7 (and another thing), SNP Tactical Voting at 30 and the wifey at 40. If there are any blogs I've missed which you know are based in Scotland, please let me know.
Ranking by Wikio |
Congratulations to the Scottish based Tom Harris at 7 (and another thing), SNP Tactical Voting at 30 and the wifey at 40. If there are any blogs I've missed which you know are based in Scotland, please let me know.
Cheerio (I Hate Goodbyes)
I'm sad this morning even though I knew it was coming. Another blogger, who I consider a friend, has decided to put his keyboard in storage. Advanced Media Watch has decided, for the reasons he states, he has had enough.
He supports the SNP and independence for Scotland with a passion and I'm sure he will continue to do so. Once, only once, he made an error but was quickly forgiven for the mature way in which he handled it.
This young man has shown that blogs are not only personal writings but can be excellent for discussion and also fun. He was the first blogger ever to acknowledge a comment I made and from there on in I was a fan along with hundreds of others.
I shall miss his relaxed, chatty style and I wish him all the luck in the world in his future endeavours.
May the sun always shine for you Spook x.
Tuesday, 1 December 2009
Scottish Government mini-Reshuffle
Unexpectedly, but not unsurprisingly, Alex Salmond moved Fiona Hyslop from Education to Culture and External Affairs today. She will take over the remit of Mike Russell but without the constitutional element and Mike Russell has moved to Education.
Mr Salmond will take personal responsibility for constitutional matters.
Fiona Hyslop has had a difficult time in the post of Education Secretary especially recently when some councils refused to reduce class sizes and employ more teachers. This was part of the 'concordat' the SNP agreed with COSLA and the SNP government insist councils were given the money to take the appropriate action. We have yet to be told by councils where the money was spent if not on education.
Alex Salmond said :
Schools policy has reached a difficult period with our disagreement with many local authorities about their failure to reduce class sizes by sustaining teacher numbers, while we have achieved a new record low in primary school class sizes.
“It is appropriate that a fresh look is taken at this and other schooling issues to break the impasse for the benefit of parents, teachers and children. I believe that Michael Russell can bring new thinking to this tough task.
A smart move at the right time. The problem with councils unable to adhere to agreements needs fresh thinking. This mini-shuffle has probably been on the cards for some time. After all, yesterday Mike Russell fulfilled his remit to deliver the Bill on Scotland's constitutional future.
Copenhagen - It's All Just An Act
Courtesy of G.O.T.
Energy experts and politicians are focusing on this month's climate change summit in Copenhagen. Much attention will be paid to the opinions of the US and Chinese governments, which between them account for 40% of global greenhouse gasses.
In the case of the US, any agreement to bring about major emission reductions would need Senate approval.
Meanwhile McIntyre and others continue to analyse the Climategate letters with precision. The scrutiny and debate will take some time, maybe years. As I always try to be balanced in my opinions and here are a few tips for the scientists at UEA.
The politicians can't afford to lose face in Copenhagen, but they all know that recent events have seriously dented the prospects of new nuclear-build projects, including the present weakness of world gas prices. In the nuclear sector there has been a raft of bad news, including cost and time overruns, along with technical concerns about the new designs.
Will Copenhagen produce anything more than superficial agreements? The key decisions have already been made says Global Researcher (a very interesting read). After the celebrity bash is over and they're taken home in their private jets, they'll rub their hands with glee at the prospect of managing to grab our hard earned cash so easily.
Along with other doubters, I'm pleased that Copenhagen may not produce everything many politicians desire. We need as much time as possible for the sceptical scientists to see the figures which have been hidden for so long and to make their comparisons.
Grumpy Old Twat has re-designed the picture and the banner below. He has a selection on his site and is happy to give them away free. Now you don't get much for free in this country these days so go and help yourself!
Afghanistan and Another Loss to our Country
Yesterday Gordon Brown announced he had ordered 500 further troops to be sent to Afghanistan.
The same day the 99th soldier was killed in Helmand. He was from the lst Battalion, Coldstream Guards and died after a blast in the Babaji area. His death takes the toll to 236.
I can do nothing more than offer my sincere condolences to his family.
Including special forces this will mean the UK has in excess of 10,000 troops in Afghanistan. Gordon Brown said he would not send them unless three conditions were met. These were: they would be properly equipped, that coalition partners would also put in extra troops and that the Afghan Government would boost its own security effort. According to Gordon Brown the conditions have all been met.
Why then does he refuse to name the countries which are also providing extra troops? I listened to Bob Ainsworth huffing and puffing on Channel 4 News saying it was nothing to do with Britain. If it was nothing to do with Britain why did Gordon Brown make the conditions in the first place?
Are we being deceived? Of course we are. This is nothing to do with the coalition partners, it's to do with what President Obama wishes. We don't have a Prime Minister who is capable of standing up to the domination of the US and putting Britain first. He continues to lose respect from the people because of this and other weaknesses and until the troops are brought home from this unjustified war, the respect will continue to trickle away.
He has no one to blame but himself.
PS Have you noticed the word war is no longer used in the context of Afghanistan? The latest title is 'a humanitarian operation directed against terrorists and rogue states'. Call it what they will to me it's a war when an enemy is involved and hundreds of our troops are coming home in coffins.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
