tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-18513175760072956422024-03-21T06:50:53.104-07:00Improving with ageChris Traceyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07546235817896361386noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-78575252333055626712013-08-22T04:42:00.001-07:002013-08-22T04:42:03.355-07:00Different directions in one post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There hasn't been a lot of activity on this blog for several months.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Time for a re-think and new direction? </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1ymlrz5uzS2n6tutsJCyAoeHNzNQoTL-IywnfJeZa0UQBfOlkS-N1g4xEo6kAicUjPmtbkULud_zGwpZWToSEPV5X167NcJJxfyGXWpTnp8na-OIeC_AWyrEBtb1lZnqyS8g3oeiWdE/s1600/DSCN0331.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm1ymlrz5uzS2n6tutsJCyAoeHNzNQoTL-IywnfJeZa0UQBfOlkS-N1g4xEo6kAicUjPmtbkULud_zGwpZWToSEPV5X167NcJJxfyGXWpTnp8na-OIeC_AWyrEBtb1lZnqyS8g3oeiWdE/s400/DSCN0331.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks for landing here. Not quite sure if this is the end for this blog as I've been writing more frequently over at www.middlefocus.com and www.francofiled.org where you are welcome to join the conversations.<br />
What I'm after is some synergy across the blogs. A Venn segment where contents interact.<br />
Where different destinations come together in one post.<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-13220579968422970712012-09-04T16:42:00.001-07:002012-09-04T16:42:33.218-07:00The Writing was on the Wall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TCNkOMmxezo/UEaRimyXd1I/AAAAAAAAExo/uGxBuTakhjg/s960/Photo%2525204%252520Sep%2525202012%25252019%25253A43.jpg" target="_blank" style=""><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-TCNkOMmxezo/UEaRimyXd1I/AAAAAAAAExo/uGxBuTakhjg/s500/Photo%2525204%252520Sep%2525202012%25252019%25253A43.jpg" id="blogsy-1346802124743.7898" class="alignnone" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div> <br/><br/> Just finished a meeting with local community representatives. They had planned to stay an hour but remained for over twice that time. I'm glad they stayed. You see our normally very quiet neighbourhood has had a spate of ASB, anti-social behaviour and we want to snuff that out before it develops further. The reps who called to see us, have been through this many times before in other neighbourhoods. They came with sound, practical advice and brought hope that something could be done and done quickly.<br/><br/><strong>Warning signs</strong><br/><br/>Some properties nearby had become derelict and have been acting as a magnet for young people who apparently have nowhere else to go or things to do. We should have seen it coming; the writing was on the wall. A property starts to fall into disrepair; previously tended gardens become overgrown; the first grafitti appears: these are the warning signals to act quickly and get something done. And getting something done means speaking to community activists. They have the knowledge, understanding and skill sets to make sure that the right agencies are engaged from the word go. <br/><br/><strong>Write to them</strong><br/><br/>If you are troubled by something like this check out online services such as <a href="http://www.writetothem.com" target="_self" title="">www.writetothem.com</a> When you land on the web page you'll be asked to type your postcode and immediately you are provided with lists of your various representatives; Councillors, MPs, MLAs and MEPs. Rather than going it alone to wage a solitary campaign against the powers that be, it makes sense to enlist the support of public representatives who have greater clout in holding local government officials to account.<br/><br/>The reps this evening suggested drawing up a short action plan, first things first then others in time. That much maligned Health and Safety trumps ASB, so we will be making a start at securing problem buildings and grounds. We'll take things from there, bit by bit. <br/><br/>The writing's on the wall. Or rather it won't be.<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-18071796965639049192012-08-07T06:32:00.001-07:002012-08-07T06:32:39.275-07:00Railway crossing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yhKbm6OVbtc/UCEYiOYTuRI/AAAAAAAAEwo/MXRag5nwRHc/s1024/Photo%2525207%252520Aug%2525202012%25252012%25253A50.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-yhKbm6OVbtc/UCEYiOYTuRI/AAAAAAAAEwo/MXRag5nwRHc/s500/Photo%2525207%252520Aug%2525202012%25252012%25253A50.jpg" id="blogsy-1344346259199.489" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="369"></a></div> The railway crossing at the end of our street has had some improvement work done. The old zig-zag gate has gone, replaced by an automatic barrier on each side of the tracks. The crossing is now a lot easier to manage for elderly residents and pram-pushing parents who can now make their way straight across in much less time than before. <br/><br/>The zig-zag gate not only presented a mobility challenge for some users but was easier for the more foolhardy to cross the tracks against warning signals that a train was coming. I often wondered why they did that and apart from lack of care and attention, I think it may have had to do with impatience with the klaxon that would sound for the duration of the coming and passing of the train. On the new crossing, the physical barrier does away with the need for a continuous warning sound and the klaxon only operates for the few moments it takes for the barrier to descend. Great for nearby homeowners who will certainly notice the difference.<br/><br/>The engineers obviously had safety and security high in mind when they designed the new layout. Surveillance cameras, four, scan the crossing so if any mishap were to occur then appropriate action could be taken. And there are still rules. Cyclists for example are instructed to dismount before crossing. Several, perhaps enjoying their liberation from the zig-zag gate, ignore the warning and pedal on through; an inconsideration of elderly crossers who find it intimidating. <br/><br/>Crossers are all in agreement, the new layout is a great improvement as long as it is used properly. Used properly? There you have it. Another improvement idea: <strong><em>Train for railway crossing.</em></strong><br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-39744027504825824822012-07-27T03:52:00.001-07:002012-07-27T04:38:29.726-07:00Looking for the bird<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-64Ejar0ncMc/UBJ9kEahxrI/AAAAAAAAEv4/9JzMZg0khl8/s786/Photo%25252027%252520Jul%2525202012%25252012%25253A23.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-64Ejar0ncMc/UBJ9kEahxrI/AAAAAAAAEv4/9JzMZg0khl8/s500/Photo%25252027%252520Jul%2525202012%25252012%25253A23.jpg" id="blogsy-1343389078920.3237" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="373"></a></div> <br/><br/>There are lots of trees near our home and the morning air is filled with the sounds of birds that inhabit them. Many different varieties are regular visitors to our garden and bring with them their instinctive pecking order. Recently there have been some brightly coloured newcomers that we did not recognise and decided to look up in a reference book of birds.<br/><br/>While the book might be a helpful reference for experienced bird watchers it's not so practical for us as the pictures are in black and white. More practical is a no longer updated reference point on a <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/nature/animals/wildbritain/look_around/birds/1b.shtml" target="_self" title="">BBC website page</a> It not only shows colour pictures but provides a sound recording of each bird.<br/><br/>Listening to those recordings brought to mind a piece of advice i was once given on how to slow down a busy lifestyle and be in the moment. The advice was simple: When you hear a bird, look for it.<br/><br/>Now that's easy for the large doves that think they own our property and for the magpies that cackle noisy warnings of approaching cats. It's a different matter for those smaller birds singing from those nearby trees. They are not that easy to find and it can take five minutes or so before eventually spotting one.<br/><br/>The advice is sound. The search is relaxing and takes your mind from everyday concerns for a while.<br/><br/>Got 5 minutes? Why not spend them in the "hear" and now?<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-633438684724093192012-07-19T07:56:00.001-07:002012-07-19T07:56:57.946-07:00Stepping up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HlHLQS6f1WQ/UAgfZAQs1OI/AAAAAAAAEvE/b260CURhUVM/s720/Photo%25252019%252520Jul%2525202012%25252015%25253A52.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-HlHLQS6f1WQ/UAgfZAQs1OI/AAAAAAAAEvE/b260CURhUVM/s500/Photo%25252019%252520Jul%2525202012%25252015%25253A52.jpg" id="blogsy-1342709610495.999" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="667"></a></div> Lack of exercise is the new smoking in health circles. Media coverage this week reports that for the good of our health we should reduce alcohol consumption and increase physical activity. I've no doubt that those glasses of wine add to the waistline and have made a determined effort to moderate things on that front. <br/><br/>It is relatively easy to take a glass or more relaxing in front of the TV but more difficult to exercise and get to that slightly out of breath stage for a half hour each day. The real gains probably involve reducing inputs and increasing outputs.<br/><br/>Why do we not know this? Or if we do why do we not take it into account and act accordingly? <br/><br/>I did one of those online surveys that reports biological age in relation to chronological age and found that I was two years out. On the wrong side of the equation. I decided that i needed to take action if I was to stay on this journey of improving with age. I've always liked gadgets and had a pedometer that I wore on my belt like a fashion accessory. I used to keep a weekly record of how many steps I'd taken. Locating the not-recently used device I discovered that it must have worn out as it was no longer working. Over-used maybe? Don't think so. <br/><br/>So I got this new one and liked it immediately. It has an interesting feature that resets itself to zero each midnight although you can click back to see previous daily totals. Each day is a fresh start and a new challenge to step things up a bit.<br/><br/>The online survey I mentioned encourages new eating, drinking and exercise habits and once these are formed they can begin to rebalance that chronological/biological age equation. It seems a couple of hours exercise on a regular basis can add many times that number in days to life expectancy.<br/><br/>It strikes me that is a more than fair exchange for the effort spent, and one totally in step with improving with age.<br/><br/> <br/><br/><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" alt="Posted with Blogsy" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" height="20" />Posted with Blogsy</a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-35282496972069366462012-07-01T01:08:00.001-07:002012-07-01T01:08:45.920-07:00Philadelphus: Mock orange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SowTvXmN8II/T_AFTtUbtJI/AAAAAAAAEuA/oLZVd_y2DUw/s960/Photo%2525201%252520Jul%2525202012%25252008%25253A51.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-SowTvXmN8II/T_AFTtUbtJI/AAAAAAAAEuA/oLZVd_y2DUw/s500/Photo%2525201%252520Jul%2525202012%25252008%25253A51.jpg" id="blogsy-1341130072112.1711" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>It's July and despite our mixed up weather the Philadelphus shrub just like clockwork has popped its blooms and scattered its scent over our garden wall.<br/><br/>Nicknamed Mock Orange it appears with lilies of the same colour and which will be much in evidence during the marches also associated with this month.<br/><br/>It has been rain, rain and more rain these past few weeks and while yet more is forecast, perhaps the Philadelphus heralds some warm sunny days ahead. It wouldn't put its head over the wall to mock us. Would it?<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-33085065236455486182012-06-21T05:49:00.001-07:002012-06-21T05:49:01.117-07:00Contaminated<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LvOB78Tt-gc/T-MJkFQPIII/AAAAAAAAEtg/NJMs16J_XCE/s960/Photo%25252021%252520Jun%2525202012%25252012%25253A40.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-LvOB78Tt-gc/T-MJkFQPIII/AAAAAAAAEtg/NJMs16J_XCE/s500/Photo%25252021%252520Jun%2525202012%25252012%25253A40.jpg" id="blogsy-1340280755274.1245" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>It was a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/One_Foot_in_the_Grave" target="_self" title="">Victor Meldrew</a> moment. At first I didn't believe I was seeing the yellow action tag attached to my green recycling bin. It couldn't be, as I'm careful about recycling items. I know about glass bottles, pizza cartons and other items. I check for recycling symbols and am not one of those who thinks I'm doing someone else's job on the cheap. But sure enough there was the yellow tag and my green bin was "contaminated". <br/><br/> I was away and missed the last collection a fortnight ago. That means the bin is full with a month's worth of packaging of some sort. The action involves going through the bin checking contents against a list of non-recyclable items and removing them. I can take those elsewhere for disposal and leave my bin out again in two weeks. What would Victor have done? Dump it in the black bin? Give off?<br/><br/>Now I'm improving with age so I want to learn the lesson from this. So I probably wil do some resorting over the days ahead. When I do that I'll be checking what it says on the packaging against my council's list of non-recyclables. And here's my suggestion for improvement. If a checklist is going to be tagged to a bin because a collector spotted something then help us to help you by ticking it so we know what the offending item is. Instead of a long list of exclusions why not simply say unless your item has a symbol don't recycle it? And tell the manufacturers! I've already identified one item that's in my bin, on the list and doesn't have a symbol. I'll be looking out for that in future.<br/><br/>If it is also the case that some items carry recycle symbols but cannot as yet be processed in our area then let us know which numbers can go in now and work as quickly as possible to extend the range.<br/><br/>Respecting the environment is everyone's business. Contamination? Not in my back yard.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-38712311751406977752012-05-24T07:19:00.001-07:002012-05-24T07:19:56.924-07:00Memory upgrade: computer style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7brh2a3Nx6o/T75BKGZ67NI/AAAAAAAAEsw/S78EYcstJHw/s960/Photo%25252024%252520May%2525202012%25252014%25253A27.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-7brh2a3Nx6o/T75BKGZ67NI/AAAAAAAAEsw/S78EYcstJHw/s500/Photo%25252024%252520May%2525202012%25252014%25253A27.jpg" id="blogsy-1337869105429.3406" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div> My old computer has been shows signs of age for a while but rather than replace it I thought it would be a good idea to tweak its capabilities. I uninstalled no longer used and unwanted programs, removed several from the start menu and the system tray and sure enough, it operated much more quickly. <br/><br/>The insides of computers are uncharted terrain as far as I'm concerned but I figured why not upgrade some of the hardware? If something goes wrong, I reasoned, then I'll get a new computer. If it works then I'll have learned something new. The RAM was the place to start, and doubling the memory capacity the selected project.<br/><br/>A helpful computer magazine provided details of a website that could check the computer memory remotely and would also suggest components that would be compatible with the machine. Neat, service with a sale in mind. This was duly undertaken and a quick look at the instructions revealed that I had to be sure to work in a static-free environment, removing plastic bags and papers from around my desk top. To be on the safe side, I bought a computer toolkit. This comes with earthing devices and non magnetic screwdrivers so I felt well prepared for the job and proceeded with some confidence that I could follow the steps to a satisfactory conclusion.<br/><br/>For such a large box, the circuitry inside was very compact. I vacuumed out the accumulated dust and fluff of the past six years wondering how it had got there and in doing that found It easy to see where the new chip should be added. <br/><br/>I added the component, bolted everything back together and switched on. Sure enough it started okay but when I checked the properties @ My Computer the memory had not changed....not by as much as a kilobyte.<br/><br/>Now it had taken years for me to get to this technological first but only seconds to decide to unplug everything and reinstall the component. Minutes later, I switched on again only to find that this time the computer wouldn't boot at all. Helpfully the instructions suggested that if this happened I was to remove and install the component exerting more pressure until it clicked into place. Around 30 pounds of pressure. So, opened now for the third time - getting used to this - and with the mother board bending under the pressure it was a relief to hear the clicks that announced the additional RAM was securely in place.<br/><br/>Seconds later, the computer rebooted, came the reassuring confirmation that the memory capacity was now doubled. Simply by exerting more pressure.<br/><br/>Wouldn't it be great if we could simply exert more pressure to make things easier? Take a chance to get past those mental blocks and upgrade the circuitry of our lives? And isn't it helpful to know that others have been there before? Some have even written instructions.<br/><br/>I think I'll upgrade the disc drive next. The inner workings are much less of a mystery now and there are always how to guides.<br/><br/>But I'll still be mindful of that static!<br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-60220348288957896572012-05-08T16:59:00.001-07:002012-05-08T16:59:16.209-07:00Station house, Cultra<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_XFrEVsb3U/T6my4IAxi1I/AAAAAAAAEsY/SF9gPt-_GYE/s960/Photo%2525202%252520May%2525202012%25252011%25253A59.jpg" target="_blank" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/--_XFrEVsb3U/T6my4IAxi1I/AAAAAAAAEsY/SF9gPt-_GYE/s500/Photo%2525202%252520May%2525202012%25252011%25253A59.jpg" id="blogsy-1336521508201.5784" class="aligncenter" alt="" width="500" height="375"></a></div>The old station at Cultra has fallen into disrepair but remnants of its better times are still visible. Alone on the opposite platform I wondered about the generations of passengers who had used it, catching the steam train for work or pleasure in Belfast or Bangor. Who had been there at its opening? If speeches were made, what were the hopes and expectations shared on that celebratory day?<br/><br/>Modern, quiet trains have replaced steam and diesel. Glass and aluminium shelters now shield travellers from bad weather. And the walls of the station house echo with the loudspeaker announcements for the next train arriving at platform one or two.<br/><br/>A sign indicates that the building is for sale. Who will buy? A railway enthusiast? A busy commuter? An improver? Whoever it may be, it would be nice to see its facade returned to period splendour. <br/><br/>And if, on occasions, a steam train were to call I feel sure the remaining bricks and timbers would signal their appreciation.<br/><br/> <br/><br/>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-48187909239419861892012-02-27T15:43:00.000-08:002012-02-27T15:43:30.919-08:00When in Bath, do what the Romans did<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn3RrV-GLgecpcjm4c3s4NIojY-u_2jFJDBgxGoNrHxTp4AxcP_5qk5F77sMEP0lrDPIZ4lE5_WJddfgcd4_9U6woIQ6PHU6wmC9eniTiDomEgG8QCsEpaXEi24W99ngfPz6JSoLLtyI/s1600/DSCN1764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivn3RrV-GLgecpcjm4c3s4NIojY-u_2jFJDBgxGoNrHxTp4AxcP_5qk5F77sMEP0lrDPIZ4lE5_WJddfgcd4_9U6woIQ6PHU6wmC9eniTiDomEgG8QCsEpaXEi24W99ngfPz6JSoLLtyI/s320/DSCN1764.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>When in Bath do what the Romans do, or did, and head to the hot spring baths of Sulis Minerva. What an experience, to travel back in time, treading the steps of countless previous visitors over the past 2000 years!</div><div>If you get a chance, just go, it's worth it.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-16944550324925591602011-07-01T14:44:00.000-07:002011-07-01T14:47:27.363-07:00Smartpass<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIyrPWKvTOM/Tg4xvyBcDvI/AAAAAAAAEYc/3xM3RNB_h_A/s1600/DSCN1429.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tIyrPWKvTOM/Tg4xvyBcDvI/AAAAAAAAEYc/3xM3RNB_h_A/s200/DSCN1429.JPG" width="169" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just the ticket!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yes, I have got one! A senior citizen's travelcard. It's called a Smartpass and I am learning to be smart with it. It can be used on buses and trains and I have begun organising myself to synchronise with local timetables.<br />
You can apply for the pass when you reach a "certain age" and so it has its good and not so good points. Among the latter is the digital confirmation that you are getting on a bit. Each ticket shows the pass's expiry date. I hope for many renewals!<br />
When I decided to use it for the first time a couple of weeks ago, I made my way to the bus stop close to where I live. Waiting for the bus to arrive, I thought I'm too young for one of these. At that moment a lorry pulled up in front of a nearby undertakers. The driver was delivering coffins!! The lorry was full of them and I thought that a lot of smartpasses must have reached their expiry date!<br />
I presented the pass to the bus driver and asked for a ticket. That's not how it works. What you are supposed to do is to place your card on an electronic reader in front of the driver and say where you want to go. S/he then hits some keys, there's a "whirr" and you tear off a ticket. The more practised travellers don't bother to take their cards from their wallets or purses. The driver's device is sophisticated enough to be able to read the data through the holder and distinguish your eligibility from all the other cards you have. I haven't done that yet, preferring to show that I am new to all of this old stuff.<br />
What strikes me most is the number of senior folks using the transport system. The faces and personalities are becoming familiar and I sense their looks of recognition. Like the sensor reading through wallets I have picked up on the details of overheard conversations - visits to doctors, health centres and hospitals. Stories of this and that ailment punctuated with coughs and sneezes and yes, the occasional funny stories and bursts of laughter. Characters.<br />
Some close friends from younger days have got the smarts and joined this senior travel set. We have plans to travel as a group to the furthest point on the rail network, get our lunch and return home. No doubt, other travellers will overhear a lot of sense. BUT, if talk turns to aches or pains and if anyone clears their throat, I'll be asking, "Is that you coffin?"Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-61673389316002614612011-05-13T16:56:00.000-07:002011-05-13T16:56:52.670-07:00Has it really been so long?It's been ages since I offered a blog post on Improving with Age. It's not that there is little happening. There has been plenty going on. A trip to Glenariff in the Glens of Antrim with friends, great evenings out with a good deal of wining and dining. This past week saw local Assembly and Council elections along with a referendum on an alternative voting system.<div>I'll press fingers to keypad to share some memorable moments over the days ahead. </div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-26238823081283584372010-09-01T16:33:00.000-07:002010-09-01T16:33:20.329-07:00Flexing mussels: Dundrum style<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYA9kJ3-ott6xh1FQ_imqPPuDsSlq1ePDPQPmwKPHNKBwW7Hi2DLNrbSAbErkuGqNhfmvBQOPszAmji3JoMUIImroxfDXJ8uZ5m9BlZKmdChCuryaqYpa4zhXnN0FMu4HR_oXyn01tMI/s1600/mussels.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYA9kJ3-ott6xh1FQ_imqPPuDsSlq1ePDPQPmwKPHNKBwW7Hi2DLNrbSAbErkuGqNhfmvBQOPszAmji3JoMUIImroxfDXJ8uZ5m9BlZKmdChCuryaqYpa4zhXnN0FMu4HR_oXyn01tMI/s320/mussels.JPG" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mussels - served with Lemon and Bay</td></tr>
</tbody></table>A day off and nice weather called for a short trip to the coast. It was a while since we had been down to Murlough Bay at Dundrum and so we set off. Apart from the Castle, Dundrum's other attraction is the Mourne Seafood Bar. I prefer this place to its Belfast counterpart, probably because of its proximity to the sea. I love its wooden floor and captain's chairs. Art reflecting coastal themes hangs all around from picture rails but today the menu was what we wanted to see. Plenty of choice but what we were really after this lunchtime were mussels. There were four different styles on offer: White wine, garlic and cream; Cider braised; Indian curry and Lemon and bay. There were three of us and we each had a different pot - the Indian curry version will live to fight another day.<br />
Mine was the Lemon and bay and as soon as the server lifted the lid of the black enamelled pot I leaned forward to catch the steamy aroma - a bit like a facial sauna.<br />
The lemon was sliced into julienne strips and the bay leaves were broken into fragrant fragments. I tucked in.<br />
I like to eat mussels by using an empty whole shell as a set of pincers; this I find much more effective than a fork. We had ordered some chips as a side. Moules frites. A family favourite, calling up memories of France. We know what we like.<br />
Inevitably we recounted the story of how a trendy Belfast restaurant had served up a pot of mussels with the chips on top - disguising the mussels, making the chips soggy and in the end effectively ruining the dish. "They're under the chips", was the response to "where are the mussels?" "That's how we do it here". No such nonsense at Mourne Seafood Bar. The mussels were visible and plump, the chips were lovely and so too were the accompanying breads which we used to soak up the cooking liquour.<br />
Murlough was calling and we headed on to the nearby National Trust property. A boardwalk winds its way through the sand dunes and down to a beach of pebbles and fine sand. It was almost deserted in the warm sunshine. We sat for a while, taking in the air and the rhythm of the waves.<br />
Nothing too energetic - we had already flexed our mussels.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-24492680533304998612010-08-20T15:57:00.000-07:002010-08-20T15:57:09.989-07:00Belfast Piano - Play me, I'm yours!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwQau2WYtLdqImNCIxNwQ6DeozKVu3USImZYMzpwnP7pptC1-9svzea4vk3el9J3gm-uF8RDM1hKh7NypsFXsHdTfsOyq0wHMAmhH2tCi2nYJEm3sjOQHc8tJezmIIPU7Qok5oYCJbH8/s1600/Belfast+pianos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvwQau2WYtLdqImNCIxNwQ6DeozKVu3USImZYMzpwnP7pptC1-9svzea4vk3el9J3gm-uF8RDM1hKh7NypsFXsHdTfsOyq0wHMAmhH2tCi2nYJEm3sjOQHc8tJezmIIPU7Qok5oYCJbH8/s320/Belfast+pianos.jpg" /></a>It's great to see the brightly painted pianos that have recently been positioned in various streets around Belfast. Old, upright instruments have been given a new lease of life and passers-by are encouraged to stop, play a tune or simply sound a few notes.<br />
<a href="http://www.lukejerram.com/">Luke Jerram</a> is the artist behind the Play Me - I'm Yours project and he has already installed pianos in several cities around the world. It's now the turn of <a href="http://www.streetpianos.com/belfast2010/">Belfast Pianos 2010</a> . The one, pictured, is located in Commercial Court which runs between Donegall Street and Hill Street in the Cathedral Quarter. I love this little street, home to Printers Cafe-Bar, the Duke of York Pub and The Dark Horse Coffee House. I featured the street, which has strong family connections, in an earlier post - <a href="http://improvingwithage.blogspot.com/2009/09/culture-night-belfast.html">Culture Night, Belfast</a> and I am grateful to the local businesses that are working so hard to revive this once vibrant area. Hanging baskets and Belfast sinks, full of plants, provide splashes of colour throughout the year and so the funky piano fitted in perfectly. There are two pianos in the Cathedral Quarter - they bring a sense of optimism and fun.<br />
It was a particular pleasure to be in the company of friend who seeing the piano, waited his turn, sat down and played a piece he had composed himself. People, locals and tourists, looked on and listened, joining in the bit of fun. Belfast, like the piano, also seemed to be saying - Play me, I'm yours!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-44491792396915626452010-08-18T16:19:00.000-07:002010-08-18T16:19:03.420-07:00Saint-Emilion - Message in a bottle<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-right: 1em; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwsb5dBDs0lC2FFZuOlxBDoucOB5_ucK-0Qy0i1SArBqdl3v32t7iea4BHlJGPnge7OU8oYXV9AsxUEwfWPIQXYKfA9HU396BuvP30-Fuqzy5sfCqubnZbWV2FrVTFBndX2cS7WspRgo/s1600/Saint+Emilion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwsb5dBDs0lC2FFZuOlxBDoucOB5_ucK-0Qy0i1SArBqdl3v32t7iea4BHlJGPnge7OU8oYXV9AsxUEwfWPIQXYKfA9HU396BuvP30-Fuqzy5sfCqubnZbWV2FrVTFBndX2cS7WspRgo/s320/Saint+Emilion.jpg" width="180" /></a></div></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Château Franc-Pourret, 1981</div></td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">News programmes these days seem to be full of claim and counter-claim about the budget deficit and the effect of cuts in public spending. Old certainties such as buying property seem no longer to apply as house prices fall, leaving some in the position of negative equity. Canny investors suggest putting money into art purchases and others into buying and cellaring fine wine.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Back in 2000, I invested in some wine. It was more of an emotional decision than a financial one because I only bought one bottle. Not any old bottle mind you! It was a Saint-Emilion Grand Cru from the <a href="http://en.likhom.com/site_adherent/Chateau-Franc-Pourret/saint-emilion">Château Franc-Pourret,</a> belonging to the Ouzoulias family. Its vintage is 1981.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Now 1981 is special because it was the year in which we got married.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">The wine was already 19 years old when we visited the lovely medieval town of Saint-Emilion. We had family lunch in the square and still had some hours to spend before continuing our homeward journey. I had visited the town before in the 1970s, when access to the monolithic church was much freer than now. I distinctly recall remaining inside at the end of a short tour and feeling very much at ease in the place. There was no visit to the church on this occasion but we did pay our respects to one of the many shops selling high-end wine from the appellation. The merchant, intent on selling the bottle, assured us that it was excellent value and would continue improving with age. He even offered to buy it back at some future date provided that we had kept it properly. I wonder how he would know. Well, we bought it.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I said it was an emotional investment and we felt confident that we could keep it until 2006 when it and our marriage would be twenty-five years old. It would, we thought, provide an appropriate focal point for an anniversary dinner.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">We didn't drink it and it is still there lying on its soft carton inlay in its stout wooden box. Somehow, it has managed to survive those stressful evenings when there was nothing else to pour into a relaxing glass.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Apparently it is still going strong. I looked it up on the internet and it scores16 out of 20. I don't know its current value as I would have to write to the château for a price but I figure I made a good investment.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Here's the funny thing, I have never tasted the wine! But by not opening it, I risk denying it its potential. It was made for drinking so we will just have to fix another date and keep to it next time. I have uncorked a plan!</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Surfing for details of the wine has revealed an interesting association. Catherine Ouzoulias provides luxury <a href="http://www.ouzoulias-vins.com/chambres/index_uk.html">accommodation at the Château-Franc Pourret</a> and offers tastings. It looks a very grand and elegant place and from the 5-star reviews she gets, sounds like a great place to stay. I wonder would she mind us bringing the wine back to its birthplace and letting us drink it there! We might just need a second bottle.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><i>post originally published in my <a href="http://francofiled.blogspot.com/">francofiled blog</a></i></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-80066128301570319442010-08-14T16:21:00.000-07:002010-08-14T16:28:22.795-07:00Writer's chair, Rathlin Island<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkMzF-2qaqSDVdR0vE6-tsJvGudD5uXIxPIeZ81_2_gyLW9E81llHRhhA_IgsYzbghZ7IRCD7lDseyd8VthZSDpeVTZuNL5Bm1CxS4RXDlJscXAZ5DfBP4l71TiEcpRXCNQd0Xj2U4PY/s1600/Writer's+Chair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwkMzF-2qaqSDVdR0vE6-tsJvGudD5uXIxPIeZ81_2_gyLW9E81llHRhhA_IgsYzbghZ7IRCD7lDseyd8VthZSDpeVTZuNL5Bm1CxS4RXDlJscXAZ5DfBP4l71TiEcpRXCNQd0Xj2U4PY/s320/Writer's+Chair.jpg" width="240" /></a>On a weekend break in Ballycastle, we thought it would be a good idea to spend sometime on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rathlin_Island">Rathlin Island</a>. So we parked the car at the Marconi memorial and went to get tickets for the fast ferry service. Others had the same idea and the fast boat was full. So an hour later than planned we crossed to Rathlin on the older, slower boat. That was a treat! There were only a couple of vehicles on board and on both sides of these the crew placed some rows of plastic chairs, tethered in line. <br />
On landing we headed straight for the hotel which was hosting an exhibition of local artists. I liked the paintings which seemed to me to portray the remoteness of the island through the seasons.<br />
We had only planned to stay a couple of hours and with our later than expected arrival decided it was time to get something to eat. We could see in the distance a brightly decorated house that seemed to have lots of tables and umbrellas out front. We were also attracted by its abundance of flowers and so, as it turned out, were the wasps we found there. The owner of the house was serving teas. Lunch in full sunshine, was large pots of tea, warm fruit scones and jam followed by shortbread.<br />
Moving further along the seafront we could see what looked like a memorial stone but as we got closer we realised it was a large stone chair. The writer's chair. Engraved into the back of the chair were the names of writers of different genres who had attended workshops and events on the island. Familiar names - wordsmiths - novelists, poets, singer songwriters. Did they each take their place in the chair and think about their craft? Like the wishing chair at the <a href="http://www.discovernorthernireland.com/Giants-Causeway-P15748">Giant's Causeway</a> did someone bring to mind a hope or an ambition for their writing?<br />
The thought occured that a blogger might take inspiration from such illustrious company - that the words of previous sitters might rub off and stick.<br />
On the way back, this time to the modern, sleek, fast ferry we passed a plaque celebrating the first radio broadcast in 1898 by Marconi. Rathlin should consider hosting a podcaster convention. The place has a connection with communication.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-85480003430373226592010-08-02T15:13:00.000-07:002010-08-02T15:13:06.910-07:00Bush radio<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugX-qSfrpIHB8MGsagR1fEMZCOdPDXHhL15-vKbbmsm3cbNqMdWvsdjn3vw_9hpL2phnnGQG9D63KIsT2l1yIcqnshdtRSL3PpmAjJ8bRVrXbIJN3lWLnXjrre15Qw2GArCHGznNm4Fc/s1600/Bush+Radio.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgugX-qSfrpIHB8MGsagR1fEMZCOdPDXHhL15-vKbbmsm3cbNqMdWvsdjn3vw_9hpL2phnnGQG9D63KIsT2l1yIcqnshdtRSL3PpmAjJ8bRVrXbIJN3lWLnXjrre15Qw2GArCHGznNm4Fc/s320/Bush+Radio.jpg" /></a></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 13px;">I have been getting a lot use use from my iPod Touch these past few months. Now with a new docking station and 100 watt speakers the sound has never been better. It's a far cry from the late 50s when the sound source in our living room was the brown bakelite Bush radio, with its fabric flex and 15 amp round-pin plug. </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 13px;">I saw one in a London pub recently, sitting high on a shelf, dusty, unused, a bric a brac oddity from a bygone age.</span></div><div>As a child, I loved tuning that radio's dials to pick up long wave stations with exotic names, Warsaw, Oslo, Moscow and Allouis - (I got to Allouis, many years later when I lived near Bourges in central France). There was better reception on the medium wave band, where we got to listen to Luxemb'g and Radio Eireann, along with those old BBC stations, the Light programme and the Home Service. Inevitably, the fixed bakelite radio gave way to the transistor and portability. I still loved it though and when a college friend suggested he replace the valves with transistors I jumped at the chance and handed the radio over for an upgrade. I never saw it again. Perhaps it made its way to a shelf in a London pub.</div><div>I have vivid recollections of the BBC programmes from back then: Children's Favourites, Mrs Dale's Diary and of course, the Archers. Old Walter Gabriel's voice fairly boomed out of and seemed to suit the bakelite.</div><div>I learned recently of a company that overhauls and sells these old radios. It has some handsome models on its <a href="http://www.pasttimesradio.co.uk/resradio/restored.html">website</a>. I will be checking, for much as I love my new iPod, I still hanker after a bakelite Bush.</div><div>They'll be close to 60 years old now. I wonder if they still pick up Workers' Playtime.</div><div><br />
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-23644711851499458432010-05-04T16:06:00.000-07:002010-05-04T17:16:01.347-07:00The Wallace Collection, Hertford House<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lY7QDmqb15Z9ig5svujwTmPVYSGJ8DH_5rfKUrNJGk9oETM763LoAQTgW-diTVnFh5HYaMJskHmeCbZFcOLnluIOEt3gqx4SPePR4GdKDaO863qvfibauoY2cXdgvBVTvv7z2eP4C1M/s1600/DSCN0151.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lY7QDmqb15Z9ig5svujwTmPVYSGJ8DH_5rfKUrNJGk9oETM763LoAQTgW-diTVnFh5HYaMJskHmeCbZFcOLnluIOEt3gqx4SPePR4GdKDaO863qvfibauoY2cXdgvBVTvv7z2eP4C1M/s320/DSCN0151.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467571246115623314" /></a>A light rain made us hurry our steps up Bond Street, past the tempting array of small restaurants and into Manchester Square to Hertford House, home of <a href="http://www.wallacecollection.org/">the Wallace Collection</a>.<div>We had learned much about Sir Richard, son of the fourth Marquess of Hertford at various events organised by the <a href="http://www.richardwallacetrust.com/index.html">Richard Wallace Trust (Lisburn)</a> and this was our first time at his London home. We recognised the building immediately as it bears very close resemblance to his home, Castle House in Lisburn, now occupied by the South Eastern Regional College. <div>Another clear sign was the presence of a <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wallace_fountain">Wallace Fountain</a> to the right of the entrance. We had arrived. Inside, what struck most was the sumptuous elegance of the place. A gorgeous red carpeted staircase with marble columns on each side. We went upstairs leaving the armoury collection for another time. There were several galleries. Art everywhere. And left to us as a philanthropic legacy. Wow!</div><div><div><div>Boucher's The Rising of the Sun (1753) caught my attention and kept it! Then I discovered the treasure of Ruben's Rainbow Landscape (1635). The Laughing Cavalier (1624) by Franz Hals had been the subject of a hugely expensive bidding war between Sir Richard and the Rothchilds. We won!</div><div>The Wallace Collection is a very visit-able gallery. Compact enough for a short tour but large enough for sustained and lengthy inspection. We only had a couple of hours and had promised ourselves a visit to the <a href="http://www.thewallacerestaurant.co.uk/">courtyard restaurant and cafe</a> for a pot of tea. It was an elegant and leisurely affair. Indulgent? Sure, but not extravagant. We had refreshed our imagination in the galleries and now it was time to satisfy the sense of taste. We left reluctantly. </div><div>It was a long overdue first visit.</div><div>We will go again soon and stay longer next time.</div><div><div><br /></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-4806052409348018872010-05-03T03:43:00.000-07:002010-05-04T17:23:12.335-07:00Palmes Académiques: French Ambassador's Residence<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWDqc5BCEht0IXm2h6teLJm_yAdLaqmpFZn52LWm2bx0yOU417HOlvSKLOUjwR3E6HfMN3Q9pjLPnCh8vbsZ8vcGML4wEZYqiedWdWM78J30wVumf49cgOqeJsvxvik3RPjsKDr2qyQM/s1600/DSCN0089.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 234px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrWDqc5BCEht0IXm2h6teLJm_yAdLaqmpFZn52LWm2bx0yOU417HOlvSKLOUjwR3E6HfMN3Q9pjLPnCh8vbsZ8vcGML4wEZYqiedWdWM78J30wVumf49cgOqeJsvxvik3RPjsKDr2qyQM/s320/DSCN0089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466993474628466066" /></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">Kensington Palace Gardens, backing on to the grounds of the Palace itself, is an impressive avenue of varied architecture, the London homes of many of the world’s ambassadors.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I had come, on Monday 29 March 2010, with my family and some friends to the French Ambassador’s Residence for a ceremony in which, along with a dozen others, I was to be decorated as a Chevalier in the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ordre_des_Palmes_Acad%C3%A9miques">Ordre des Palmes Académiques</a> for services rendered to French culture.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">We were made to feel very much at home, although I was a bit anxious as I knew that I had to make a short speech to the gathering later on.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The welcome glass of a crisp white wine helped to steady the nerves and I was able to relax into the occasion.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">The Residence is a beautiful, elegant home embellished with marble busts and tapestry.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The salon being used for the ceremony was infused with a soft purple light accentuating the colour of the palme’s ribbon.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Ambassador, a charming man, immaculately dressed, introduced himself and welcomed us to his home.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">The moment had arrived.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>A gendarme picked up a cushion on which the palmes were resting and took up a stage right position.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The recipients were also invited to take their place on the left and the ceremony began.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">The ambassador spoke first in English, explaining the history of the palmes.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then, he called forward each person in turn to be decorated.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Speaking in French this time he addressed the recipient directly summarising the contribution the person had made.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Then picking up a palme from the cushion he presented it in the name of the French Minister of Education, pinned it on and following the formal embrace invited each to speak.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">I spoke of the honour France had bestowed on me and through me on my family, colleagues, teachers and students who share a love of all things French.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">The Champagne was opened and as canapés were served, the buzz of conversation increased.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The Ambassador joined each group in turn and happily posed for pictures.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>We talked about him coming to Belfast... and then gradually and gently it was over.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">It is an evening that I will always remember and an honour that I will always cherish.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">I see it not as a culmination of my work but as an invitation to do even more.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="CY" style="mso-ansi-language:CY">It is a pleasure to accept.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-79645188328947023582010-04-27T15:52:00.000-07:002010-05-04T17:22:00.228-07:00Bloglag<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd4XRyMDoR0012dD3iM9QSyDinKF8KTyWn8yob1FkyClzd_1ptxAkWphzER5zfx1ng1te7ZyeTkPV05kuoMQxuVl2pLhwZpPJqki1yoCvzq7Di2ant0WOvCEMNUbD4IiQoIJfQyPqlVY/s1600/Keyboard.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTd4XRyMDoR0012dD3iM9QSyDinKF8KTyWn8yob1FkyClzd_1ptxAkWphzER5zfx1ng1te7ZyeTkPV05kuoMQxuVl2pLhwZpPJqki1yoCvzq7Di2ant0WOvCEMNUbD4IiQoIJfQyPqlVY/s320/Keyboard.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467574456589477570" /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); -webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; ">So much for the good intentions to keep my blog up-to-date.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>When I started, I aimed to free the time and clear the space but I have been busy being busy.</span></a><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IE" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IE">Although the dust has settled on our recent air travel disruption, I now find myself sitting in <st1:city st="on">Edinburgh</st1:city> airport. My flight to Belfast has been delayed. What better time and place to deal with the bloglag and get up to date?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IE" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IE">Much has happened since my last post, including a visit to the French Ambassador’s Residence in London for an award ceremony; a long overdue first visit to the Wallace Collection in Hertford House, Sir Richard's London home; afternoon tea in the Merchant Hotel, Belfast; a sumptuous dinner in the Signet Library in Parliament Square, Edinburgh and a visit to the National Gallery of Scotland to take in its impressionist and dance exhibitions.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IE" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IE">Listing the experiences doesn’t get me off my self-imposed hook though and so the sequence above is a declaration of blog intent to write and post material in that order.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-IE" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-IE">I give myself a week.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>If I run I might just stand still.</span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-80438451427177988942010-04-07T17:02:00.000-07:002010-04-07T17:04:08.097-07:00Humanity in the frame<p class="MsoNormal">When I was asked recently to attend a seminar in <st1:place st="on"><st1:placename st="on">Warwick</st1:placename> <st1:placetype st="on">University</st1:placetype></st1:place> I agreed readily.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I knew the venue, the <a href="http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/conferences/scarman/">Scarman Conference Centre</a>, having been there once before.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I recalled a picture I had seen on my first visit.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>It had made an impression on me then that has stayed with me ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I hoped that there would be space in the day to see it again.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>I was pleased to see that it was still there, displayed in the main hospitality area.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">It is a study for a final portrait of Lord Scarman painted by the artist <a href="http://www.tomphillips.co.uk/">Tom Phillips</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB"><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article401283.ece">Lord Scarman</a> died in 2004 at the age of 93.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>He is remembered for presiding over the enquiry into the Brixton Riots of 1981 but I recall his earlier visit to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Belfast</st1:place></st1:city> in 1969 when he had conducted an enquiry into an aspect of our own “Troubles”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">The study for the portrait – I have not yet seen the final - conveys to me a sense of: Sharpness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span><st1:place st="on"><st1:city st="on">Flint</st1:city></st1:place>.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Alertness.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Decision.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Around the perimeter framing the image is a set of words, quoted from <a href="http://books.google.com/books?id=ECK6_GPg9EUC&dq=Thomas+Paine%E2%80%99s+On+the+Rights+of+Man.&printsec=frontcover&source=bn&hl=en&ei=IBa9S7T0MpH20gTShej8Bg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=5&ved=0CCQQ6AEwBA#v=onepage&q=Thomas%20Paine%E2%80%99s%20On%20t">Thomas Paine’s <i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal">On the Rights of Man.</i></a><i style="mso-bidi-font-style:normal"><span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span></i>I think these must have been a motto for Scarman and they certainly speak to today when some legal decisions are openly criticised as out of touch, mistaken or misunderstood.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Paine wrote, “I had rather record a thousand errors inspired by humanity than one dictated by a justice too severe”.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">I like that humanity motive.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">I like the idea of taking the time to get things right.<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>The artist completed a study for his final portrait - thinking about it?<span style="mso-spacerun:yes"> </span>Getting it right?<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">I like considered, reflective and wise judgements and get worried when I hear or read opinion formers calling for retribution in response to some high profile crime.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span lang="EN-GB" style="mso-ansi-language:EN-GB">Cool heads are needed, not knee-jerk reactions that could lead to a justice too severe.<o:p></o:p></span></p>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-42271862014544722932010-02-18T16:34:00.001-08:002010-02-18T16:46:00.917-08:00Found in translation<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP6JlBDIrCaW8UvrOuXO3xoFZSfpG3-uo5ZQDfKQb961izwU_A4RwxQOeBZZMI2bLo9esiCaVNoH_YvN3zT5IaYfhdsJNXxCa-8TmCcaYm3-YqC7y89V4bZklpIcLJ988JGQYZBsHtV0/s1600-h/Translation+book.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBP6JlBDIrCaW8UvrOuXO3xoFZSfpG3-uo5ZQDfKQb961izwU_A4RwxQOeBZZMI2bLo9esiCaVNoH_YvN3zT5IaYfhdsJNXxCa-8TmCcaYm3-YqC7y89V4bZklpIcLJ988JGQYZBsHtV0/s320/Translation+book.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5439746602287811282" /></a>I find it hard to part with books and have several old texts from my school days. One such is a book of French Translation Passages. It dates from the late 1960s and when I found it again recently I flicked through to an extract that has come to mind several times over the years since.<br />I have the book beside me now, open at Passage #42, relating to the writer, <a href="http://nobelprize.org/nobel_prizes/literature/laureates/1921/france-bio.html">Anatole France</a>.<br />The extract appeals to me. In summary it refers to a charming, greying man, nearly 70 but with a young disposition. Someone whose age suited him and who in the salon preferred to give way rather than argue.<br />Described as a seductive speaker, drawing on literary references, he disliked stubborn, argumentative people, saying about them : - They think it is important to be right!<br />That sounds to me now like good role model behaviour. I wonder if I also thought that as the 17-year old translating the piece for the first time.<br />As I engaged in the lengthy, technical process of translation back then I wonder if those descriptions of Anatole France slipped under the radar to find a home in my unconscious mind where they continue to play their part in formulating my present day values and beliefs. A one time learning that has lasted for life.<div>The material for translation was selected from Rosny, JH. (1927) Mémoires de la Vie Littéraire, Crès, Paris. It has a new lease of life with an electronic makeover. My search engine has just turned it up as an e-book and I had no difficulty locating the extract on Anatole France!<br />The translation book, on the other hand, is showing signs of age now.</div><div>Its age suits it.</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-59140704329437892392010-02-02T16:12:00.000-08:002010-02-02T17:13:42.645-08:00Living the 80:20 Thanks ParetoIt has been a hectic period these past weeks. Plenty to do and not much time to do it. That goes for both my working and personal life and so my mind has turned to how to get more done in less time. Taking the time to think about what needs to get done; planning and organising it; linking it with other tasks to create some synergy, is proving to be highly productive. And fun. Being selective and concentrating on the essential is clearly the skill to acquire and I have been learning how to do that from some of my favourite radio broadcasters. Two of these provide podcast versions of their weekly programmes. Each podcast is an edited, highlighted version of their main programme. In one case a typical 45 minute programme is 10 minutes shorter while the other 100 minute show is halved to 50. Since it's a download I get to listen when I want and that's usually when driving. Time-shifting and gear-shifting; learning in the traffic queue - that's synergy in the downtime. Pareto, who is credited with formulating the 80:20 rule might have approved.<div>He might also have liked one of those hard-disc TV recorders. We have one and it's great for watching those programmes with commercial breaks that we have recorded. Come the ad break, I fast forward at 30X speed and zap through the commercials.</div><div>Remote control - now there's a metaphor for deleting the dross, fast-forwarding the trivial and selecting the essential.</div><div><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-3770186410822610752009-12-31T10:52:00.000-08:002009-12-31T12:00:31.703-08:00Blue Moon at New Year's Eve<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3KZMA9d1fNhHRWMufTB-5MY_ts_xFtJTNVKa6whyphenhyphenBGiLAOFLZ-0jWeEza833GfIBZepYYaMU8IwVpRNbbwnueJjWbWqp8-4Id6GDcMnOwixklqMoKu7c-sgp6LX9gNp5JVhyphenhyphenu4yh4qM/s1600-h/Blue+Moon+New+Years+Eve+Belfast.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY3KZMA9d1fNhHRWMufTB-5MY_ts_xFtJTNVKa6whyphenhyphenBGiLAOFLZ-0jWeEza833GfIBZepYYaMU8IwVpRNbbwnueJjWbWqp8-4Id6GDcMnOwixklqMoKu7c-sgp6LX9gNp5JVhyphenhyphenu4yh4qM/s320/Blue+Moon+New+Years+Eve+Belfast.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5421492608932397954" /></a><br />I remember as a child wondering what the year 2000 would be like. I think I expected to be still around but figured I would be very old. Well its 10 years further on from the millennium and I'm still hanging in there - Improving with age ;-) <div>It's New Year's Eve and the noughties are about to give way to a new decade. News programmes have reviewed the past ten years and we carry forward the legacies, good and bad, of the decade. Tens(e) years ahead then as we sort those out.<div>It's clear and very cold this evening. There's a blue moon - that's two full moons in one month. Although blue moons happen every couple of years, the next New Year's Eve blue moon won't happen until 2028. I hope to be around but just in case I'll be raising a glass of champagne to this one at midnight. I hope it's an auspicious start to 2010. We have a lot to put right this decade.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1851317576007295642.post-40330514895112213162009-12-12T01:08:00.000-08:002009-12-12T02:05:48.211-08:00Care, Courtesy and Consideration<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5Eo-KerWNdZ3VbJSkcUmKsgHwQhR3he2cz_tLMlfWsI9hM8aJAaEaN3ltFNVlov9hyphenhyphenzWwRyJfoCRHpUH-SeL0YmrdhaAwuFFfihAt_4xcUUXf1c3tbLwTHKB_wLDcz06X53tagENjH8/s1600-h/Driving+Licence.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 238px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf5Eo-KerWNdZ3VbJSkcUmKsgHwQhR3he2cz_tLMlfWsI9hM8aJAaEaN3ltFNVlov9hyphenhyphenzWwRyJfoCRHpUH-SeL0YmrdhaAwuFFfihAt_4xcUUXf1c3tbLwTHKB_wLDcz06X53tagENjH8/s320/Driving+Licence.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5414287766617635474" /></a><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While clearing out some papers, I found my old driving licence. It goes back nearly 40 years so that's a long time driving. On the back of those old licences was some advice for the holder. The message reads: "Care, Courtesy, Consideration on the roads Saves Lives".</div><div>Christmas shopping trips are now under way and it seems that lots of motorists are in a hurry - weaving in and out, racing to overtake and braking hard at the next red light. Traffic reports frequently warn of delays associated with accidents and breakdowns. </div><div>For all our sakes, we just need to take extra care. And in the spirit of Christmas wouldn't it be courteous to acknowledge those drivers who show us consideration by signalling their intentions, leaving space or slowing up to let us join the traffic ahead of them? Wouldn't it be considerate of us to do that for others? I sometimes get annoyed when others fail to acknowledge my light flashing moments of courtesy. Perhaps though their heads were so full they genuinely didn't notice. That's a signal to be even more considerate and patient. Have you ever noticed that when we use care, courtesy and consideration on the roads the drive is a little easier and smoother? I may have been driving for nearly 40 years but I know that there is still room for improvement with those three values. "C" you on the road!</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com