David L. Atkinson's Blog, page 6
October 23, 2017
Tuesday Food Blog - From the back of the freezer
We've all been there. You are casting round for something with which to make a meal and come across something from the back of the freezer. Then it gives you the job of what to do.
Cod with egg fried rice
It really was a 'Mother Hubbard's cupboard' state of affairs when I made the above rather unphotogenic repast. You will see that from the list of ingredients.
Ingredients
A small onion, chopped3 tbsp rice, washed and boiled1 filet of cod in breadcrumbs, oven roasted125g drained baked beans1 dstsp Chinese 5 spice1 tbsp light soy sauce1 egg
Method
The fish was roasted in the oven and the rice washed to remove the starch. The rice was boiled and drained. While it was being cooked the onion was fried off in olive oil and the spices and soy sauce added. Drained the tomato sauce from the baked beans, add to the onions and then the rice. These ingredients were heated together and the egg cracked into the pan and stirred rapidly into the ingredients in the pan.Served with the cod fillet on top.
It actually turned out quite well.
God Bless
Cod with egg fried rice
It really was a 'Mother Hubbard's cupboard' state of affairs when I made the above rather unphotogenic repast. You will see that from the list of ingredients.
Ingredients
A small onion, chopped3 tbsp rice, washed and boiled1 filet of cod in breadcrumbs, oven roasted125g drained baked beans1 dstsp Chinese 5 spice1 tbsp light soy sauce1 egg
Method
The fish was roasted in the oven and the rice washed to remove the starch. The rice was boiled and drained. While it was being cooked the onion was fried off in olive oil and the spices and soy sauce added. Drained the tomato sauce from the baked beans, add to the onions and then the rice. These ingredients were heated together and the egg cracked into the pan and stirred rapidly into the ingredients in the pan.Served with the cod fillet on top.
It actually turned out quite well.
God Bless
October 20, 2017
Writing - Use of English
When I was growing up there were people who I went to school with who found English Language GCE (yes I remember that far back) too large a leap to achieve success. There was an alternative - Use of English. I have no information on the content of this course but it was for those just missing the level of attainment to achieve a certificate in the standard exam.
I was reminded of this while listening to government pronouncements on Brexit.
[image error]
I have no wish to bore the pants off my readers so a brief set of examples of what I heard.
On EU citizens in the UK
'We want them to be able to stay ... '
Let's just take that one example. The issue is what will happen to these people and of course UK citizens in the EU when the UK finally leaves the EU? Will they have to return home?Will we refuse their families entry to the UK?
Just 2 points up for discussion. I bring the use of English in at this point because the statement made sounds hopeful and optimistic but in fact says nothing. The operative word is 'want' which indicates a desire rather than an intention. So, although the sound bite appears positive it is actually quite meaningless.George Orwell sums it up pretty well.
[image error]
When writing our stories this type of language may well offer us the opportunity to deceive the reader into believing one thing when we really mean something else.
Of course this spills over into all flows of information which I believe is why my father always advised me not to believe a word I heard on the TV and saw in the press. The power of words is legion use them well.
God Bless
I was reminded of this while listening to government pronouncements on Brexit.
[image error]
I have no wish to bore the pants off my readers so a brief set of examples of what I heard.
On EU citizens in the UK
'We want them to be able to stay ... '
Let's just take that one example. The issue is what will happen to these people and of course UK citizens in the EU when the UK finally leaves the EU? Will they have to return home?Will we refuse their families entry to the UK?
Just 2 points up for discussion. I bring the use of English in at this point because the statement made sounds hopeful and optimistic but in fact says nothing. The operative word is 'want' which indicates a desire rather than an intention. So, although the sound bite appears positive it is actually quite meaningless.George Orwell sums it up pretty well.
[image error]
When writing our stories this type of language may well offer us the opportunity to deceive the reader into believing one thing when we really mean something else.
Of course this spills over into all flows of information which I believe is why my father always advised me not to believe a word I heard on the TV and saw in the press. The power of words is legion use them well.
God Bless
October 19, 2017
Writing - Sage advice
I am not normally a supporter of lists that will help writers to achieve success but when such an accomplished author as Philip Pullman pens such a list it is probably going to be useful.
[image error]Philip Pullman (1946 - )
It is also Pullman's birthday this week. So what does he think makes an author better?
1. Let characters show themselves
It's a mysterious process. Of course, part of me must be making them up. But it doesn't feel like making up - it feels like discovery.
I don't want to get all mystical about it, but it does feel like discovery rather than invention.
It's a curious business and I'm not at all sure about it, but I don't want to be sure about it really. I like being in a state of doubt.
2. There are always more storiesAfter I'd finished His Dark Materials, I had a sense there were more stories there. Lyra's story that I tell in His Dark Materials, that's come to an end, that's finished.
But there are always other stories. At the end of His Dark Materials, Lyra is only 12 years old, and she's going to grow up and she's going to be an adult.
Things are going to happen to her and she's going to make things happen.
And I was curious about that. At the edge of my vision, so to speak, out of the corner of my eye, I could see other characters which I became interested in.
3. It's normal not to be confident - but don't listen to musicI never think it (my writing) is good. The most I think is, "Well, that will do".
When I'm writing, I'm more conscious of the sound, actually, than the meaning. I know what the rhythm of the sentence is going to be before I know what the words are going to be in it.
That's a very important factor in the way I write. That's why I can't write with music playing.
4. Tone is more important than structure I sort of know where things are going - but I don't know the way to get there.
As for not structuring - well, I do. But structure comes later. Structure is sometimes seen as being a fundamental thing. It isn't.
Structure is a superficial thing. What is fundamental in a book is tone, the tone of voice, and to change that is to change every single sentence.
But you can change the structure at the last minute. You can say: "I'll start in the middle", or whatever. The structure is there, but it comes later.
5. Choose a favourite pen I use a ballpoint pen and paper, initially. I do that because I know it works - and I've got a lucky pen. It's a Mont Blanc ballpoint. I use it because it's a perfect weight and a perfect size.
And it works. I've written several books with it. I couldn't do without it now. If I lost it, I don't know what I'd do.
So I do that first. Then every chapter or two I put on the computer, because that's the best editing tool ever invented.
6. Write for yourself When you're writing, you have to please yourself because there's no-one else there initially.
But the book doesn't fully exist until it's been read. The reader is a very important part of the transaction - and people have to read things they want to read.
I'm writing for me - I write for all the "me's" that have been.
From the first me I can remember, the me who first got interested in stories and loved listening to them; to the me who was here at Oxford 50 years ago; to the me who was a school teacher, telling stories to the class.
[image error]
The first book in a new new trilogy, The Book of Dust, was published at midnight. Volume 1 is called La Belle Sauvage. While Lyra, from His Dark Materials, is one of the key characters, the action takes place when she is six months old. She is being sheltered by nuns but then 11-year-old Malcolm Polstead steps in to protect her on his canoe, La Belle Sauvage.
If this new work is half as good as the last it will be excellent.
God Bless
[image error]Philip Pullman (1946 - )
It is also Pullman's birthday this week. So what does he think makes an author better?
1. Let characters show themselves
It's a mysterious process. Of course, part of me must be making them up. But it doesn't feel like making up - it feels like discovery.
I don't want to get all mystical about it, but it does feel like discovery rather than invention.
It's a curious business and I'm not at all sure about it, but I don't want to be sure about it really. I like being in a state of doubt.
2. There are always more storiesAfter I'd finished His Dark Materials, I had a sense there were more stories there. Lyra's story that I tell in His Dark Materials, that's come to an end, that's finished.
But there are always other stories. At the end of His Dark Materials, Lyra is only 12 years old, and she's going to grow up and she's going to be an adult.
Things are going to happen to her and she's going to make things happen.
And I was curious about that. At the edge of my vision, so to speak, out of the corner of my eye, I could see other characters which I became interested in.
3. It's normal not to be confident - but don't listen to musicI never think it (my writing) is good. The most I think is, "Well, that will do".
When I'm writing, I'm more conscious of the sound, actually, than the meaning. I know what the rhythm of the sentence is going to be before I know what the words are going to be in it.
That's a very important factor in the way I write. That's why I can't write with music playing.
4. Tone is more important than structure I sort of know where things are going - but I don't know the way to get there.
As for not structuring - well, I do. But structure comes later. Structure is sometimes seen as being a fundamental thing. It isn't.
Structure is a superficial thing. What is fundamental in a book is tone, the tone of voice, and to change that is to change every single sentence.
But you can change the structure at the last minute. You can say: "I'll start in the middle", or whatever. The structure is there, but it comes later.
5. Choose a favourite pen I use a ballpoint pen and paper, initially. I do that because I know it works - and I've got a lucky pen. It's a Mont Blanc ballpoint. I use it because it's a perfect weight and a perfect size.
And it works. I've written several books with it. I couldn't do without it now. If I lost it, I don't know what I'd do.
So I do that first. Then every chapter or two I put on the computer, because that's the best editing tool ever invented.
6. Write for yourself When you're writing, you have to please yourself because there's no-one else there initially.
But the book doesn't fully exist until it's been read. The reader is a very important part of the transaction - and people have to read things they want to read.
I'm writing for me - I write for all the "me's" that have been.
From the first me I can remember, the me who first got interested in stories and loved listening to them; to the me who was here at Oxford 50 years ago; to the me who was a school teacher, telling stories to the class.
[image error]
The first book in a new new trilogy, The Book of Dust, was published at midnight. Volume 1 is called La Belle Sauvage. While Lyra, from His Dark Materials, is one of the key characters, the action takes place when she is six months old. She is being sheltered by nuns but then 11-year-old Malcolm Polstead steps in to protect her on his canoe, La Belle Sauvage.
If this new work is half as good as the last it will be excellent.
God Bless
October 18, 2017
Poetry Thursday 280 - The Visit
This week's title is a sample only of some of the visits in which I've been involved in the last seven days.
Big Coat
Travelling north in the car,prepared for the temperature to chill.One hundred miles, not so far,but having the ‘big coat’ fits the bill.
The spiky, tombstone filled cemetery,exposed to the biting northern gales,‘big coat’ cold comfort in reality,reminders of past family tales.
Standing, shivering under observation,from the ghosts of past times,stirs the memory and emotion,tied to the heritage of family pantomimes.©David L Atkinson October 2017
Autumn beach
The sun beats down without heat,on the deserted, pristine coast,herring gulls call as they search to eat,people hugging selves in their coats.
The sand drifts and waves splashharmlessly on this day,poised to attack under wind’s lash,driving all visitors away.
But for now an idyllic scene,devoid of human intervention,a reminder of what will have been,with summer’s weather more certain. ©David L Atkinson October 2017
God Bless
Big Coat
Travelling north in the car,prepared for the temperature to chill.One hundred miles, not so far,but having the ‘big coat’ fits the bill.
The spiky, tombstone filled cemetery,exposed to the biting northern gales,‘big coat’ cold comfort in reality,reminders of past family tales.
Standing, shivering under observation,from the ghosts of past times,stirs the memory and emotion,tied to the heritage of family pantomimes.©David L Atkinson October 2017
Autumn beach
The sun beats down without heat,on the deserted, pristine coast,herring gulls call as they search to eat,people hugging selves in their coats.
The sand drifts and waves splashharmlessly on this day,poised to attack under wind’s lash,driving all visitors away.
But for now an idyllic scene,devoid of human intervention,a reminder of what will have been,with summer’s weather more certain. ©David L Atkinson October 2017
God Bless
October 13, 2017
Writing - Scandal in high places
We are in an interesting period in world history yet again. I say that because nothing is new under the sun and history really does seem to cycle.
[image error]
A hundred years ago this month Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin overthrew the interim coalition government of Russia after years of growing unrest as a result of the nation's wealth being corralled by an elitist monarchy. Conditions for the ordinary people of Russia were appalling, food was not plentiful, conditions were dreadful and they could see the super rich enjoying their ill-gotten gains.
Does this sound familiar?
All around the world, particularly in westernised democracies, volatile groups are gaining a foothold and representation in the political make-up of their countries. In the UK UKIP gained popularity and were probably a key to the Brexit vote in June last year. Also the rise of Jeremy Corbyn to the top of the Labour Party who swung the voting public against the Tories and against all odds removed the Tories majority in parliament. His policies are certainly Marxist in nature as were those in Russia 100 years ago, but that is not necessarily a bad thing as it is necessary to re-balance the nature of our society.
The point is that those who are currently holding nations' purse strings need to beware. There was revolution in the UK in the 17th century because of the puritanical rule and cornering of wealth but in fact there doesn't always need to be overt beligerence to begin revolution. In Russia it was rather indifference to the plight of the Russian peasantry than any overtly cruel actions by Tsar Nicholas II, but it still led to his overthrow.
Thatcherism which rose in 1979 as a result of weak and ineffective Labour and Liberal parties blossomed under the 'Iron Lady' who released the banks from the constraints placed upon them by the Labour Party. She limited the power of the unions to the point where they almost disappeared, pushed hard the ideas that everyone should aspire to own their own homes and removed retail price maintenance. Sadly, even when Blair won for Labour in the nineties, his philosophy of 'we have to be like them to get elected' pulled the teeth of the party which was further compounded by the ineffective efforts of Milliband. It was only a sharp swing towards the needs of the people, seen as left wing Marxist ideals, that brought about the election of Mr Corbyn as leader and the surprising turn round in the 2017 election result.
The media also got it wrong. In fact they are controlled by huge corporate managers who believe that they can control the news that we are fed and so influence the actions of governments. Ironically, Trump's 'fake news' was not aimed at the elite at the top of society but at the people. This is now beginning to change.
[image error]'Ignorance and Want'
In Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol there are warnings about the way in which poor people were treated. In fact the book is a tirade against greed, selfishness, and neglect. When the ghost of Christmas present reveals the two ragged children from beneath his robes named Ignorance and Want he gives a warning.
“Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his forehead is written the word DOOM"
It is a brief moment in the story but surely a key moment - and a big part of why the story is still so relevant. Ignorance and Want remain the prime movers behind so many of the worlds ills. I'm sure that Dickens would be shaking his head at the way the warnings of his story of 1843 have been ignored.
In this current world of food banks, which were unheard of in this country 10 years ago, working people having to claim financial support, and the overt greed of huge corporations; the mass of disgruntled citizens will grow and may well reap the harvest of what they are sowing.
God Bless
[image error]
A hundred years ago this month Lenin, Trotsky and Stalin overthrew the interim coalition government of Russia after years of growing unrest as a result of the nation's wealth being corralled by an elitist monarchy. Conditions for the ordinary people of Russia were appalling, food was not plentiful, conditions were dreadful and they could see the super rich enjoying their ill-gotten gains.
Does this sound familiar?
All around the world, particularly in westernised democracies, volatile groups are gaining a foothold and representation in the political make-up of their countries. In the UK UKIP gained popularity and were probably a key to the Brexit vote in June last year. Also the rise of Jeremy Corbyn to the top of the Labour Party who swung the voting public against the Tories and against all odds removed the Tories majority in parliament. His policies are certainly Marxist in nature as were those in Russia 100 years ago, but that is not necessarily a bad thing as it is necessary to re-balance the nature of our society.
The point is that those who are currently holding nations' purse strings need to beware. There was revolution in the UK in the 17th century because of the puritanical rule and cornering of wealth but in fact there doesn't always need to be overt beligerence to begin revolution. In Russia it was rather indifference to the plight of the Russian peasantry than any overtly cruel actions by Tsar Nicholas II, but it still led to his overthrow.
Thatcherism which rose in 1979 as a result of weak and ineffective Labour and Liberal parties blossomed under the 'Iron Lady' who released the banks from the constraints placed upon them by the Labour Party. She limited the power of the unions to the point where they almost disappeared, pushed hard the ideas that everyone should aspire to own their own homes and removed retail price maintenance. Sadly, even when Blair won for Labour in the nineties, his philosophy of 'we have to be like them to get elected' pulled the teeth of the party which was further compounded by the ineffective efforts of Milliband. It was only a sharp swing towards the needs of the people, seen as left wing Marxist ideals, that brought about the election of Mr Corbyn as leader and the surprising turn round in the 2017 election result.
The media also got it wrong. In fact they are controlled by huge corporate managers who believe that they can control the news that we are fed and so influence the actions of governments. Ironically, Trump's 'fake news' was not aimed at the elite at the top of society but at the people. This is now beginning to change.
[image error]'Ignorance and Want'
In Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol there are warnings about the way in which poor people were treated. In fact the book is a tirade against greed, selfishness, and neglect. When the ghost of Christmas present reveals the two ragged children from beneath his robes named Ignorance and Want he gives a warning.
“Beware them both, and all of their degree, but most of all beware this boy for on his forehead is written the word DOOM"
It is a brief moment in the story but surely a key moment - and a big part of why the story is still so relevant. Ignorance and Want remain the prime movers behind so many of the worlds ills. I'm sure that Dickens would be shaking his head at the way the warnings of his story of 1843 have been ignored.
In this current world of food banks, which were unheard of in this country 10 years ago, working people having to claim financial support, and the overt greed of huge corporations; the mass of disgruntled citizens will grow and may well reap the harvest of what they are sowing.
God Bless
October 11, 2017
Poetry Thursday 279 - Next the End
It seems that dealing with ends is something we humans are loathe to tackle in the face. There have been endings as long as there have been people and there always will be, and yet in the 21st century we suddenly need psychological support when the end of someone we know arrives. It makes me wonder how people managed last century.
The End
Let’s talk of death and what comes next,of looking into an approaching light,breath slowing and shallower,petering out to nothing.The features increasingly untroubled,The need for Earth’s breath receding.
‘But what comes next?’ the big question.Heaven or hell, good or bad, light or dark,Or nothing.Peaceful existence in the arms of the Being.Stoking the flames of the Fallen One.The delicious attention of 72 virgins.Or nothing.©David L Atkinson October 2017
Deliverance Prayer
May we beg on bended knees,to relieve us of the leader please.Abhor the twisting and turning back,on policies, and give May the sack.
Hammond should have the sauce,to take a positive economic course.Please relieve him of his duties,return the country to fiscal bounties.
Rudd, a terrifying harridan,patrols government with damage done.Remove her from the Tory matrix,this controlling middle class dominatrix.
Rees-Mogg, Tory of a different world,pronounces with imagination unfurled.Please remove him to a site less cheery,that he gain a degree of social maturity.
As for Boris, where to place,he is a beast of a different race.The danger is that this bleached beaver,could well become Tory leader. ©David L Atkinson October 2017
God Bless
The End
Let’s talk of death and what comes next,of looking into an approaching light,breath slowing and shallower,petering out to nothing.The features increasingly untroubled,The need for Earth’s breath receding.
‘But what comes next?’ the big question.Heaven or hell, good or bad, light or dark,Or nothing.Peaceful existence in the arms of the Being.Stoking the flames of the Fallen One.The delicious attention of 72 virgins.Or nothing.©David L Atkinson October 2017
Deliverance Prayer
May we beg on bended knees,to relieve us of the leader please.Abhor the twisting and turning back,on policies, and give May the sack.
Hammond should have the sauce,to take a positive economic course.Please relieve him of his duties,return the country to fiscal bounties.
Rudd, a terrifying harridan,patrols government with damage done.Remove her from the Tory matrix,this controlling middle class dominatrix.
Rees-Mogg, Tory of a different world,pronounces with imagination unfurled.Please remove him to a site less cheery,that he gain a degree of social maturity.
As for Boris, where to place,he is a beast of a different race.The danger is that this bleached beaver,could well become Tory leader. ©David L Atkinson October 2017
God Bless
October 10, 2017
Writing - In the beginning was the word
No I'm not producing a blog on religion but on the first book what i wrote!!!!
I had a conversation on Sunday which I have thought about carefully since. A friend was pleased to announce that he'd read my first book. As an insecure author I then proceeded to belittle my efforts and highlight the errors contained therein. Sad I know. However, whether he realised what he was saying or not, he'd obviously taken in the events that occurred within the above's covers and was able to relate the stories path in some detail.
I hate being reviewed but as I said at the time this was the proverbial first bite in the eating of the elephant of writing my first book. I have read first books of other authors and they sometimes are not great. It isn't everyone who's first effort is a masterpiece.
The faults we discussed on Sunday have long been worked upon and 12 books later I believe that the quality of the language and presentation have evolved greatly. I am currently involved in a re-write of the above but it is a struggle because it was my first, and warts and all, it is what it is. If you wish to witness the development please feel free to purchase my books which are available on most platforms.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is an accountant with training for various physical skills. He has made himself a self-styled Robin Hood available to right the wrongs of society using his skills as an accountant and a man of violence.
The Gurentai, a sub-group of the Japanese Yakuza, employs him to prevent the incursion of the Mafia into England – specifically the northeast. The Mafia have blackmailed, or so it seems, a member of the local government planning committee to give contracts to a building firm under their control. That is James Thompson, but his wife Janice is hiding a secret!
The Gurentai set Steele up with a Swiss bank account with sufficient remuneration to purchase an empty factory unit and set it up as a training facility and garage for himself. He also is to follow Aikido training to hone his skills in hand-to-hand combat and to adopt the spiritual attitudes of the Gurentai.
The action begins near the Thompson household and at a building site operated by the Italian sponsored building firm. He indulges in some property sabotage and minor wounding of one of the hierarchy of the building firm. This does not have the desired effect however, and in an effort to discover the prime movers heads after the source of the funds, to The Marche, a region on Italy’s east coast.
God Bless
I had a conversation on Sunday which I have thought about carefully since. A friend was pleased to announce that he'd read my first book. As an insecure author I then proceeded to belittle my efforts and highlight the errors contained therein. Sad I know. However, whether he realised what he was saying or not, he'd obviously taken in the events that occurred within the above's covers and was able to relate the stories path in some detail.
I hate being reviewed but as I said at the time this was the proverbial first bite in the eating of the elephant of writing my first book. I have read first books of other authors and they sometimes are not great. It isn't everyone who's first effort is a masterpiece.
The faults we discussed on Sunday have long been worked upon and 12 books later I believe that the quality of the language and presentation have evolved greatly. I am currently involved in a re-write of the above but it is a struggle because it was my first, and warts and all, it is what it is. If you wish to witness the development please feel free to purchase my books which are available on most platforms.
Synopsis
Patrick Steele is an accountant with training for various physical skills. He has made himself a self-styled Robin Hood available to right the wrongs of society using his skills as an accountant and a man of violence.
The Gurentai, a sub-group of the Japanese Yakuza, employs him to prevent the incursion of the Mafia into England – specifically the northeast. The Mafia have blackmailed, or so it seems, a member of the local government planning committee to give contracts to a building firm under their control. That is James Thompson, but his wife Janice is hiding a secret!
The Gurentai set Steele up with a Swiss bank account with sufficient remuneration to purchase an empty factory unit and set it up as a training facility and garage for himself. He also is to follow Aikido training to hone his skills in hand-to-hand combat and to adopt the spiritual attitudes of the Gurentai.
The action begins near the Thompson household and at a building site operated by the Italian sponsored building firm. He indulges in some property sabotage and minor wounding of one of the hierarchy of the building firm. This does not have the desired effect however, and in an effort to discover the prime movers heads after the source of the funds, to The Marche, a region on Italy’s east coast.
God Bless
October 9, 2017
Writing - Talking of passing
It seems that in the 21st century nobody dies! Sorry I used the 'd' word. People 'pass', 'pass over' or journey to the other side!
[image error]
It also seems that our culture is becoming more neurotic about the subject of death.
Consider medicine and the subject of health.
The NHS was introduced 70 years ago to give everyone the opportunity to free health care. Nowadays, thanks to 7 years of Tory money grabbing, this is one of the services that is failing, but there are side issues linked with capitalism that has brought about this situation. These issues are partly the result of the anti-ageing, anti-dying attitude that has developed in our culture.
It all began with cosmetic surgery. Initially, of course, this was the prerogative of the rich as it was only available to private patients, but now ordinary folk claiming mental traumas as a result of their nose having a rather Romanesque quality, or too small, too big or too saggy boobs, bottoms etc, can access physical alterations. The side effect - doctors were being paid for these procedures but now they are done on the NHS and therefore that time and money is not available for ordinary ailments that require doctors' attention.
[image error]
Then in South Africa in 1967 at the Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, Dr Christiaan Barnard carried out a heart transplant successfully. This week it was announced that England are preparing an opt out organ donor system where it is assumed you are prepared to donate your organs after death unless you choose otherwise. I have a problem with the whole spare part surgery system.(I must say at this point that if my offspring etc needed an organ and I was compatible I wouldn't hesitate.)However, it is my belief that the practice should be scaled back and the energy and money placed into curing or better managing serious long term illnesses such as cancers, Motor neurone disease, Alzheimer's and the like. I know there will be huge moaning about this but it is dead end surgery. The people receiving organs will die at some point and in some cases the replacement organs don't last anyway. All this takes money and staff time out of the NHS.
[image error]Nanny State
Finally, there is health care by the 'nanny state'. A decision is spreading across the country regarding operations for smokers or obese people. Health Care trusts are opting to refuse certain types of treatment if you smoke or are obese. Of course it is being introduced to save money and shorten waiting time lists, but I would argue that it is discriminatory. I am obese and if I needed a hip or knee replacement operation I would have to lose weight first. It seems reasonable on the surface but individual circumstances can bring about anomalies. I'm sure the powers that be would say they would be treated as individual cases but some would suffer as a result. The other detracting factor is the measure of obesity. BMI has been largely discredited as an accurate indicator. When I was in my early thirties I was a runner, covering 25 miles every week and taking part in many long distance races. The lightest I ever achieved was 12.5stone at a height of 5' 6.5''. On the BMI graph I was classed as well into the overweight category while running eight minute miles, but should still be down at 11 stone in weight. I would have to cut off a leg to get into the normal BMI category.
Irrespective of my problems the nanny state is trying to help prevent death by demonising smoking and drinking. My message is that the only thing that is certain in life is death. None of us are immune and we need to stop wasting money on the above and concentrate on the care of the unhealthy not extending the lives of the rich and healthy!
God Bless
[image error]
It also seems that our culture is becoming more neurotic about the subject of death.
Consider medicine and the subject of health.
The NHS was introduced 70 years ago to give everyone the opportunity to free health care. Nowadays, thanks to 7 years of Tory money grabbing, this is one of the services that is failing, but there are side issues linked with capitalism that has brought about this situation. These issues are partly the result of the anti-ageing, anti-dying attitude that has developed in our culture.
It all began with cosmetic surgery. Initially, of course, this was the prerogative of the rich as it was only available to private patients, but now ordinary folk claiming mental traumas as a result of their nose having a rather Romanesque quality, or too small, too big or too saggy boobs, bottoms etc, can access physical alterations. The side effect - doctors were being paid for these procedures but now they are done on the NHS and therefore that time and money is not available for ordinary ailments that require doctors' attention.
[image error]
Then in South Africa in 1967 at the Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, Dr Christiaan Barnard carried out a heart transplant successfully. This week it was announced that England are preparing an opt out organ donor system where it is assumed you are prepared to donate your organs after death unless you choose otherwise. I have a problem with the whole spare part surgery system.(I must say at this point that if my offspring etc needed an organ and I was compatible I wouldn't hesitate.)However, it is my belief that the practice should be scaled back and the energy and money placed into curing or better managing serious long term illnesses such as cancers, Motor neurone disease, Alzheimer's and the like. I know there will be huge moaning about this but it is dead end surgery. The people receiving organs will die at some point and in some cases the replacement organs don't last anyway. All this takes money and staff time out of the NHS.
[image error]Nanny State
Finally, there is health care by the 'nanny state'. A decision is spreading across the country regarding operations for smokers or obese people. Health Care trusts are opting to refuse certain types of treatment if you smoke or are obese. Of course it is being introduced to save money and shorten waiting time lists, but I would argue that it is discriminatory. I am obese and if I needed a hip or knee replacement operation I would have to lose weight first. It seems reasonable on the surface but individual circumstances can bring about anomalies. I'm sure the powers that be would say they would be treated as individual cases but some would suffer as a result. The other detracting factor is the measure of obesity. BMI has been largely discredited as an accurate indicator. When I was in my early thirties I was a runner, covering 25 miles every week and taking part in many long distance races. The lightest I ever achieved was 12.5stone at a height of 5' 6.5''. On the BMI graph I was classed as well into the overweight category while running eight minute miles, but should still be down at 11 stone in weight. I would have to cut off a leg to get into the normal BMI category.
Irrespective of my problems the nanny state is trying to help prevent death by demonising smoking and drinking. My message is that the only thing that is certain in life is death. None of us are immune and we need to stop wasting money on the above and concentrate on the care of the unhealthy not extending the lives of the rich and healthy!
God Bless
October 5, 2017
Writing - Word power
I'm sure I've written blogs on similar topics before but as it is political party conference season in the UK it has to be mentioned.
It has to be said that my heart goes out to the families of those killed and injured in Las Vegas on Sunday. There have been many words thrown about the reasons why a man, a millionaire, would take such actions, but surely many more questions should have been asked about why one man needs to purchase 42 weapons including assault rifles along with thousands of rounds of ammunition?
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On to the party shenanigans. In one sense it is the opportunity for people not renowned for their upfront honesty, MPs, to writhe and twist their words in the full glare of the media. My impression was that such conferences were to see through party business but they have become political, end of pier, vaudeville shows of little or no real value. That may sound somewhat cynical but I have been subjected to 67 years of lies, ignorance and backbiting that is British politics. Now of course, in addition, the EU parliament is publicly ridiculing the performance of our Brexit negotiators and even sniping at the infighting going on in the Tory party. The cameras have kept tight on the Tory stars being interviewed and that seems to be a bit of a Trumpism (is that a new word?). Cast your mind back to his railing at the media over the numbers of people seen at his inauguration in comparison to Mr Obama's. There are very few people following the Tories while they claim to be the party of the people.
In comparison the Labour Party were having a party a few days ago. Amazing sessions with thousands of Corbynites baying for their darling and standing ovations for one of the oldest MPs
[image error]Dennis Skinner MP
The 79 year old Beast of Bolsover was in fine fettle, nailing capitalist economies failings in just a few minutes at the party conference. If you add to that the words of the manifesto that crushed Tory support last June and it raises the question why on God's Earth does anyone vote for the Conservatives. Those who do are voting for continued serfdom and for continuing vain hopes of crumbs dropping from the tables of the super rich. They are voting for cruelty and the spreading degradation of the ordinary people, and from a religious aspect it is a party founded on anti-Christian ideals. Yet if challenged you will find many Tories hypocritically on bended knee of a Sunday! I'm amazed that there are so few bolts of lightning.
The bottom line of course is that none of these conferences or occurrences would be of any interest if folk didn't perform the gymnastics with words. Writers do it all of the time. They lead the reader along paths that may seem slightly familiar even though they are not. They do the impossible for the reader and all with the vehicle of words.
God Bless
It has to be said that my heart goes out to the families of those killed and injured in Las Vegas on Sunday. There have been many words thrown about the reasons why a man, a millionaire, would take such actions, but surely many more questions should have been asked about why one man needs to purchase 42 weapons including assault rifles along with thousands of rounds of ammunition?
[image error]
On to the party shenanigans. In one sense it is the opportunity for people not renowned for their upfront honesty, MPs, to writhe and twist their words in the full glare of the media. My impression was that such conferences were to see through party business but they have become political, end of pier, vaudeville shows of little or no real value. That may sound somewhat cynical but I have been subjected to 67 years of lies, ignorance and backbiting that is British politics. Now of course, in addition, the EU parliament is publicly ridiculing the performance of our Brexit negotiators and even sniping at the infighting going on in the Tory party. The cameras have kept tight on the Tory stars being interviewed and that seems to be a bit of a Trumpism (is that a new word?). Cast your mind back to his railing at the media over the numbers of people seen at his inauguration in comparison to Mr Obama's. There are very few people following the Tories while they claim to be the party of the people.
In comparison the Labour Party were having a party a few days ago. Amazing sessions with thousands of Corbynites baying for their darling and standing ovations for one of the oldest MPs
[image error]Dennis Skinner MP
The 79 year old Beast of Bolsover was in fine fettle, nailing capitalist economies failings in just a few minutes at the party conference. If you add to that the words of the manifesto that crushed Tory support last June and it raises the question why on God's Earth does anyone vote for the Conservatives. Those who do are voting for continued serfdom and for continuing vain hopes of crumbs dropping from the tables of the super rich. They are voting for cruelty and the spreading degradation of the ordinary people, and from a religious aspect it is a party founded on anti-Christian ideals. Yet if challenged you will find many Tories hypocritically on bended knee of a Sunday! I'm amazed that there are so few bolts of lightning.
The bottom line of course is that none of these conferences or occurrences would be of any interest if folk didn't perform the gymnastics with words. Writers do it all of the time. They lead the reader along paths that may seem slightly familiar even though they are not. They do the impossible for the reader and all with the vehicle of words.
God Bless
October 2, 2017
Tuesday Food Blog - Creative cooking
The title may seem a little grand when one sees the outcome of my creativity!
Looks rather like a vinyl floor tile. Could there be something lurking beneath the surface waiting to burst forth and seize you by the throat. In fact it is a pretty poor pic of the casserole as it cools down in the pot but I felt like doing something different from the brilliant glossy pics of food that we are presented with in recipe books and on TV.
Nevertheless this is a creation from no printed book or website.
Beef Casserole
Ingredients
400g lean beefseveral small onions, quartereda couple of handfuls of baby carrotscherry tomatoes, quarteredgarlic saltparsley100g butter2 tbsp olive oil1 sweet potatogarden peas, 1 cannew potatoes, bite size2 tbsp Henderson's relish1/2 litre of beef gravy1 bottle of ruby craft ale1 courgette, sliced
Method
Melt the butter in a pan with the olive oil and add the cubed beef. Brown on all sides on a high heat and then add the onions and tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, parsley and season with salt and pepper, Pour in the beer and the Henderson's relish, bring to the boil and stir then pour in the gravy. Add the remainder of the ingredients, bring back to the boil, cover and simmer for a couple of hours.Serve with crusty bread.
God Bless
Looks rather like a vinyl floor tile. Could there be something lurking beneath the surface waiting to burst forth and seize you by the throat. In fact it is a pretty poor pic of the casserole as it cools down in the pot but I felt like doing something different from the brilliant glossy pics of food that we are presented with in recipe books and on TV.
Nevertheless this is a creation from no printed book or website.
Beef Casserole
Ingredients
400g lean beefseveral small onions, quartereda couple of handfuls of baby carrotscherry tomatoes, quarteredgarlic saltparsley100g butter2 tbsp olive oil1 sweet potatogarden peas, 1 cannew potatoes, bite size2 tbsp Henderson's relish1/2 litre of beef gravy1 bottle of ruby craft ale1 courgette, sliced
Method
Melt the butter in a pan with the olive oil and add the cubed beef. Brown on all sides on a high heat and then add the onions and tomatoes, cook for 5 minutes. Add the garlic, parsley and season with salt and pepper, Pour in the beer and the Henderson's relish, bring to the boil and stir then pour in the gravy. Add the remainder of the ingredients, bring back to the boil, cover and simmer for a couple of hours.Serve with crusty bread.
God Bless
