Tag Archives: England

Thoughts

Mobile phone users should be more alert

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Mobile phone users should be more alert, that’s probably true in many cases (and I include myself here). But I don’t think in the sense as reported in Mobile phone users should be more alert, says ex-security chief.

We could and should all probably be more alert to our surroundings. To notice the little things, may be an animal, or a beautiful view, or a person in need of help. To enjoy life by enjoying the little pleasures of seeing or hearing or smelling what’s around us. To notice others and may be enjoy something with them or help them with something and make their day better.

But I very much doubt it needs to be out of paranoia about possible terrorist attacks. If you just walk around looking out for possible terrorist threats you’ll just make your life a misery.

Oh, and as far as the Munich events (or lack thereof) go, unless there are any confirmed arrests I don’t believe there was anything. If there were any terrorists with bombs ready to attack, surely closing the train stations wouldn’t have stopped them? I should think they would have just improvised and found another busy enough target?

Pictures

International Space Station and Startrails over Aldermaston Wharf

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The last pass of the International Space Station over the UK in 2015, on Christmas Eve (click on the picture for the full size):

It was a low pass (as you can see) and not as bright as previously, also it wasn’t as dark as I had hoped. Still, fairly happy with the picture (which is a composite of over 100 pictures). Oh, and the thick stripes are clouds.

Pictures, Thoughts

I’ve walked/driven over that bridge, now it’s gone

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If you actually know a place in the news it makes it much more real than if it’s a place you’ve never even heard of. I’ve been to Pooley Bridge twice, among other things to go on an Ullswater Steamer cruise. While there I crossed the bridge giving the village its name a couple of times, both in the car and on foot.

Picture of an old bridge over a river
Pooley Bridge in April 2012

Storm Desmond and the related rain has now destroyed the old bridge, built in 1764. Not to mention the flooding and misery it has brought to other parts of Cumbria. Carlisle (where I usually stay overnight on my journeys to Islay) has also been badly hit. I’m not sure of the exact area, but I believe one of the hotels where I sometimes stay is flooded as is the park where I go for my morning run.

As far as I know nobody has died and I hope it stays that way, at least people seem to be safe. Still, it will be a long hard slog for those impacted by the floods.

Video

Don’t mention the, erm,… Macbeth

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You started it…

Video

Jonathan Pie is the next big thing?

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I can’t remember how I came across him, but I first saw one of his videos a week or two ago. And was hooked. It seems his fame is spreading rapidly now, so you might want to check the Jonathan Pie YouTube Channel. His most famous video so far is probably this one (warning, some strong language if you have sensitive ears):