No more Olympics, but there was football (of a sort last night), Manchester Unitied players appeared to forget why they were in Greece last night, so it was no surprise that after a very lacklustre performance they found themselves losing 2 - 0. BUT, must say that the last ten minutes of the game was a bit more exciting when the "Manager" eventually decided to bring in new feet. Rooney did his best, but with poor support from players who seemed to be returning from long term injury.
Bit nearer home, Celtic lost their much lauded unbeaten record at Aberdeen with a defeat, which on paper makes Rangers look a more successful team this season, even if there are a couple of Division's in between. Question, how can one of Rangers ex Directors suggest that he is still due a £500,000 bonus, from a team who are quite obviously skint.
So talking about nonsense, we hear that Edinburgh City Council are once again in the running for the Golden Bull Award, for producing paperwork which is no better than gobbledygook, and totally unintelligible even to the most educated of us. Perhaps it was the same person who drafted the initial report on the trams and the Councillors were too afraid to admit that they did not understand what was presented to them. In future the Council should send some of these memos to the local Primary children to be checked and rewritten.
Just thinking of that comment about reports being checked and rewritten, I once had a Boss who lived in Currie, he would take reports home to read and sign, but if he found a mistake or wanted to make a change a Patrol car was dispatched to his home, the reports taken to Headquarters for retyping and then taken back to his house - waste of time and manpower - just an ego trip.
Our legal system, the whole of the UK seems to be crumbling, with folks walking free after serious assaults, former IRA bombers getting off , fraud merchants screwing the country and the system, I see that a BitCom chappie has popped off with Hundreds of £££ millions of this strange currency.
Once again, and rightly, we are asking why the villains seem to get off and the victims are left to suffer. I did find a list of fees from one legal adviser who is charging about £400 per hour, which is just a bit more than Mercedes and BMW garages are charging.
On another tack, we are a nation of pet lovers, hence the idiotic pet challenge on Ch 4 each evening as a lead up to Crufts Dog Show. We see umpteen adverts and stories of pets with the " Ooo -Ah factor", and recently one of Simon Cowell's pet dog licking the face of the new baby, - but was it not only a couple of weeks ago that a pet chewed the face off a new born baby just arrived home!!! Will folks never learn.
Have been back to see the Doctor and pharmacist to get medications rejigged due to side effects, so it is stop this, start this, and I am left with boxes of new drugs to return to the Chemist, who I am led to believe cannot use them in case I may have tampered with the contents !! no wonder the cost of drugs / medicines is second only to the labour charges in the NHS.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
Sunday, 23 February 2014
Something to rejoice about.
Must say that I now join the ranks of " Oh Ye of little Faith" !! Yesterday I watched part of the Scotland v Italy rugby International, and at half time, having other things to do changed my priorities and departed. Thoughts at the time were "wooden spoon again" and "perhaps the Romanian Team with take Scotland's place in future Six Nation competitions". So I was seriously surprised when RGB, wide grin, told me they had won in the last minute - not that I disbelieved him, but I did go and check the results service before kicking myself.
The English - Irish game was certainly exciting throughout, so now the tournament is wide open and no one will win the Grand Slam this year.
My Welsh friend (Bertie Baa Baa) is still rejoicing following Wales rout of Italy on Friday night - leek soup, lamb and leek pie, and a large daffodil tied to his chimney pot. Good job that Scotland won or we would not have heard the end of it for at least a year. I appreciate that he scored a goal yesterday, but as my wife would say " all you have to do is kick the ball in the net" - women's logic - simple.
Earlier comment about Wayne Rooney's exorbitant salary in relation to the promotion of curling, the Scottish Curling Federation were given £1.5 m over a four year period. Did not realise that there are only two curling centres South of the Border, I am sure that will change.
Story of a coincidence - and how small this world is. Two Canadian police officers touring New Zealand at the moment with the NZIPA motor cycle group,became "geographically embarrassed" and had to stop at a house for directions. Turned out the owner of the house was the son of our local IPA Chairman and told his visitors this before they departed to find the rest of the group. They came back later to say that one of the group was from Scotland and a friend of his father - nice one. For years we used to comment on the graffiti "Kilroy was here" now, we in the IPA (Scottish Motorcycle Group) say that "Dougie was here".
Must send birthday greetings to my sister in law (21 again yesterday). Her husband, (known to have a heart of gold), in respect for her advancing years, bought her a smaller wheel barrow and a ladie's shovel !!! so she can continue to assist with his ongoing building works. Bit of a pity that I have been ill as we would normally have been off to sunnier climes to celebrate the event (birthday not building), just have to make up in the future.
The English - Irish game was certainly exciting throughout, so now the tournament is wide open and no one will win the Grand Slam this year.
My Welsh friend (Bertie Baa Baa) is still rejoicing following Wales rout of Italy on Friday night - leek soup, lamb and leek pie, and a large daffodil tied to his chimney pot. Good job that Scotland won or we would not have heard the end of it for at least a year. I appreciate that he scored a goal yesterday, but as my wife would say " all you have to do is kick the ball in the net" - women's logic - simple.
Earlier comment about Wayne Rooney's exorbitant salary in relation to the promotion of curling, the Scottish Curling Federation were given £1.5 m over a four year period. Did not realise that there are only two curling centres South of the Border, I am sure that will change.
Story of a coincidence - and how small this world is. Two Canadian police officers touring New Zealand at the moment with the NZIPA motor cycle group,became "geographically embarrassed" and had to stop at a house for directions. Turned out the owner of the house was the son of our local IPA Chairman and told his visitors this before they departed to find the rest of the group. They came back later to say that one of the group was from Scotland and a friend of his father - nice one. For years we used to comment on the graffiti "Kilroy was here" now, we in the IPA (Scottish Motorcycle Group) say that "Dougie was here".
Must send birthday greetings to my sister in law (21 again yesterday). Her husband, (known to have a heart of gold), in respect for her advancing years, bought her a smaller wheel barrow and a ladie's shovel !!! so she can continue to assist with his ongoing building works. Bit of a pity that I have been ill as we would normally have been off to sunnier climes to celebrate the event (birthday not building), just have to make up in the future.
Friday, 21 February 2014
Tricky times to get our head around.
Well, we are renowned for coming off second best, and in this instance our curlers did just that - a bit of a pity our men were unable to make the Olympic Final as exciting as the morning match for the Bronze medal, which was enthralling. However, we cannot take away from their achievement, and also that of the ladies who won their Bronze after a nail biting game yesterday.
Lord knows what was going on with the speed skating, or who had our Elise upset, but to be disqualified in all three events beggars belief, especially when there is no right of appeal to the referees. No point in making a song and dance about about, and having watched with awe the mad competitors in the snow cross that has to be one of the most exciting spectator events, no messing about there and no need for timing into the 1000th's of a second. If you crash , you crash, and if can walk away well done. Seems that there is a free for all downhill race in Europe where 1500 competitors race each other - must be madness and fun.
Most obscene revelation of the day has been the announcement that Manchester United have agreed to pay Wayne Rooney £300,000 per week for the next three weeks, just to kick a ball about !! I bet our curlers would appreciate just one weeks wages from him to support the development of their game. Time someone drew the line under the sponsorship being paid to the Premier League. I am sure the Alex Salmond would make sure that no one in his nanny state would ever earn as much as him.
Kiev in the Ukraine, what's going on there, riots and mounting death toll, even photographs of Paramilitary snipers shooting into the crowd and killing demonstrators - looks another "president" has got his democratic notions in a twist.
Sad story about the three month baby from Pakistan who has been seriously injured in a fire which killed both his parents being flown to Scotland for medical treatment which will funded by our NHS, because there is no compatible means of treatment in Pakistan. Relatives here have had child flown here and raised some funds through a public appeal. Whilst I cannot be critical of such an act which will no doubt result in the child being permitted to remain in this country and get all the ongoing surgery required - the WHAT IF - if I was suffering from something serious which could not be treated here, and had to fly to Pakistan , India, Poland, the USA, etc for specialist treatment - first thing I would be asked for would be a credit card or cash (plus backhanders in some of those countries)!! Once again - welcome to "mugland".
Lord knows what was going on with the speed skating, or who had our Elise upset, but to be disqualified in all three events beggars belief, especially when there is no right of appeal to the referees. No point in making a song and dance about about, and having watched with awe the mad competitors in the snow cross that has to be one of the most exciting spectator events, no messing about there and no need for timing into the 1000th's of a second. If you crash , you crash, and if can walk away well done. Seems that there is a free for all downhill race in Europe where 1500 competitors race each other - must be madness and fun.
Most obscene revelation of the day has been the announcement that Manchester United have agreed to pay Wayne Rooney £300,000 per week for the next three weeks, just to kick a ball about !! I bet our curlers would appreciate just one weeks wages from him to support the development of their game. Time someone drew the line under the sponsorship being paid to the Premier League. I am sure the Alex Salmond would make sure that no one in his nanny state would ever earn as much as him.
Kiev in the Ukraine, what's going on there, riots and mounting death toll, even photographs of Paramilitary snipers shooting into the crowd and killing demonstrators - looks another "president" has got his democratic notions in a twist.
Sad story about the three month baby from Pakistan who has been seriously injured in a fire which killed both his parents being flown to Scotland for medical treatment which will funded by our NHS, because there is no compatible means of treatment in Pakistan. Relatives here have had child flown here and raised some funds through a public appeal. Whilst I cannot be critical of such an act which will no doubt result in the child being permitted to remain in this country and get all the ongoing surgery required - the WHAT IF - if I was suffering from something serious which could not be treated here, and had to fly to Pakistan , India, Poland, the USA, etc for specialist treatment - first thing I would be asked for would be a credit card or cash (plus backhanders in some of those countries)!! Once again - welcome to "mugland".
Wednesday, 19 February 2014
Couch potato - not.
Well done our two curling teams in Russia, just a pity the ladies did not manage to get the same crack at the Gold and Silver as the men have - never mind both matches have been very exciting and tomorrow I will be back in the chair avidly biting my nails and cheering them on. Sort of double edged sword, I would have been bored without the Olympics, however, I end up sitting watching the TV when I should be getting exercise or rest.
While I was away our Xmas present, a "muckle bulb" in a pot having grown, eventually blossomed, thanks to Jock and Sheila for such a bonnie gift -
Lots of postulating going on by our beloved First Minister, Alex Salmond and members of his party regarding the Yes / No campaign, changing his mind from Plan A to Plan B and back again, etc, looks like he lives behind a permanent smoke screen which is also in this case, stopping folks from finding out what "slippery Eck" and his entourage did with the missing £50,000 from his extravagant trip to the USA. This thing with politicians, power and glory, even our City Lord Provost has managed to double his expenditure, wining, dining and even has two drivers now. Interesting to see that there are always a queue waiting to be nominated for posts as local authority councillors, M.P.'s, M.S.P.'s etc to join the gravy train.
While I was away our Xmas present, a "muckle bulb" in a pot having grown, eventually blossomed, thanks to Jock and Sheila for such a bonnie gift -
Tuesday, 18 February 2014
Missing Link no longer
Evening - kind of ducked under the radar rather quickly having been fired into the hospital once again by the Doctor following a recurrence of chest pains. So that was another week under the care of a number dedicated of Doctors and Nurses in the Royal Infirmary, Edinburgh. No computer so my contact with the outer world was kind of restricted, although I was supposed to be resting.
Did attempt to get some kind of Internet connection by paying for the ERI's totally exorbitant and useless TV rental system - but it is so archaic that it was impossible to get into any E mail system, , movie images were totally distorted, and even the reception on the hospital radio was crackly. The only consolation was that they were trying to promote the system so we had four hours free viewing daily from 8 a.m. to 12 md which let me in to see the winter Olympics - and out of desperation I signed up for three days over the weekend to stop being bored. That was how I discovered how crap the set up was !! Certainly would not recommend such an obsolete and expensive cash generator to anyone.
Did attempt to get some kind of Internet connection by paying for the ERI's totally exorbitant and useless TV rental system - but it is so archaic that it was impossible to get into any E mail system, , movie images were totally distorted, and even the reception on the hospital radio was crackly. The only consolation was that they were trying to promote the system so we had four hours free viewing daily from 8 a.m. to 12 md which let me in to see the winter Olympics - and out of desperation I signed up for three days over the weekend to stop being bored. That was how I discovered how crap the set up was !! Certainly would not recommend such an obsolete and expensive cash generator to anyone.
Monday, 10 February 2014
Enjoying the Olympics
Well done Jenny Jones, Bronze medal at the Olympics in the snowboarding competition, what a lovely young lady. I have obviously been quite engrossed in the games, being mainly confined to barracks, so it is the perfect opportunity for a bit of armchair exercise. However I will need to get out the chair if I intend to regain a figure anywhere near the likes of these athletes, all of them, and not end up like the ever growing numbers of jean clad individuals waddling along our High Streets, and sitting in McDonalds munching their calorie laden snacks !!
These athletes put us to shame with their dedication and fitness, I watched Eve Muirhead and the ladies curling team in the gym doing their training - fit as lops, as they say, big change from the old days, and curling is now one of the fastest growing of the winter sports.
Have to say again how good the various venues are, just bringing out the best in the athletes. We are very fortunate here in Midlothian to have such a marvellous resource in the Hillend Ski Centre.
How galling it is to see such dedication and skill without the rewards that our so called football stars earn - there is no comparison whatsoever. Nuff said.
It was interesting on saturday night watching the Voice, where the young lad from Glasgow was appearing looking for a chance to make it big time as a singer. turns out he is a full time judo athlete, an Under 17 UK star, and training for a place in the British team again. His coaches were hoping that he would not do well as they wanted him to concentrate on his sport and represent his country, we will watch with interest to see which direction he takes in life.
These athletes put us to shame with their dedication and fitness, I watched Eve Muirhead and the ladies curling team in the gym doing their training - fit as lops, as they say, big change from the old days, and curling is now one of the fastest growing of the winter sports.
Have to say again how good the various venues are, just bringing out the best in the athletes. We are very fortunate here in Midlothian to have such a marvellous resource in the Hillend Ski Centre.
How galling it is to see such dedication and skill without the rewards that our so called football stars earn - there is no comparison whatsoever. Nuff said.
It was interesting on saturday night watching the Voice, where the young lad from Glasgow was appearing looking for a chance to make it big time as a singer. turns out he is a full time judo athlete, an Under 17 UK star, and training for a place in the British team again. His coaches were hoping that he would not do well as they wanted him to concentrate on his sport and represent his country, we will watch with interest to see which direction he takes in life.
Saturday, 8 February 2014
Winter olympics under way.
The Winter Olympics are now under way in Russia and I must admit that the opening ceremony last night was very spectacular, impressive indeed, just a shame that several of our World leaders did not attend due to the potential security problems. Just a pity that terrorists and dissenters are forever attempting to use these major events as a platform for their radical views. Lets hope that they just stay away and leave the athletes to perform in peace.
The various venues are certainly outstanding, just seems a shame that the Russians have spent such an incredible amount of money on the construction of the various arenas - if we are to believe what we have been told the cost is nearly one hundred times greater than the last winter Olympics. However, if comments are correct then a lot of people have made a vast amount of personal money as a result of winning these contracts, either through the old pals network, bribery, corruption, etc.
Certainly makes a change to see these talented sportsmen / women performing under difficult conditions, however, for many , snow and ice are natural elements to them. I look forward to some interesting viewing over the next two weeks.
The various venues are certainly outstanding, just seems a shame that the Russians have spent such an incredible amount of money on the construction of the various arenas - if we are to believe what we have been told the cost is nearly one hundred times greater than the last winter Olympics. However, if comments are correct then a lot of people have made a vast amount of personal money as a result of winning these contracts, either through the old pals network, bribery, corruption, etc.
Certainly makes a change to see these talented sportsmen / women performing under difficult conditions, however, for many , snow and ice are natural elements to them. I look forward to some interesting viewing over the next two weeks.
Andrew Stevens Mckeen, our new Provincial Grand Superintendent.
Congratulations to Andy who is now installed as the Grand Superintendent of the Provincial Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Mid and East Lothian for the next three years, having succeeded Alexander F Moonie.
I had been looking forward to attending the Installation, however, a slight glitch in the recovery process meant that it really was not sensible for me to attend, however, I am sure I will catch up with our new Grand Superintendent in the near future.
Friday, 7 February 2014
Abusing the NHS (National health Service)
Had a shocking night, did not fully appreciate how badly I had been affected by the death of my fellow patient.
He was very ill and really desperate for surgery, this was not helped when a foreign individual took ill outside the hospital, was admitted and had a similar operation to my friend - which really upset him.
This problem with "health tourists" is highlighted at the moment down South where an Asian lady arrived in London with her son and immediately headed for hospital to seek very specialist treatment for the boy, which is apparently not available in her home country!! There is now a real furore as she is demanding a visa, and claiming that the UK are breaching their Human Rights !! and they come from a country where people are stoned to death; women are raped as a punishment; and bombings and killings are common place.
No one is denying anyone the right to emergency treatment, but I am afraid our health tourists are just totally abusing our system to the detriment of our own residents. If I visit the USA I do not expect free medical treatment, that is why we have to have insurances, etc, so whats good for the goose is good for the gander.
Time our Government got their heads out their backsides and listened to what our own people really want - and before the infrastructure of the NHS totally disintegrates.
On the same subject, there should be some form of penalty for those who waste the valuable time of doctors and nurses by failing to turn up for appointments at hospital and local surgeries, and also the numbsculls who arrive drunk or with trivial ailments.
He was very ill and really desperate for surgery, this was not helped when a foreign individual took ill outside the hospital, was admitted and had a similar operation to my friend - which really upset him.
This problem with "health tourists" is highlighted at the moment down South where an Asian lady arrived in London with her son and immediately headed for hospital to seek very specialist treatment for the boy, which is apparently not available in her home country!! There is now a real furore as she is demanding a visa, and claiming that the UK are breaching their Human Rights !! and they come from a country where people are stoned to death; women are raped as a punishment; and bombings and killings are common place.
No one is denying anyone the right to emergency treatment, but I am afraid our health tourists are just totally abusing our system to the detriment of our own residents. If I visit the USA I do not expect free medical treatment, that is why we have to have insurances, etc, so whats good for the goose is good for the gander.
Time our Government got their heads out their backsides and listened to what our own people really want - and before the infrastructure of the NHS totally disintegrates.
On the same subject, there should be some form of penalty for those who waste the valuable time of doctors and nurses by failing to turn up for appointments at hospital and local surgeries, and also the numbsculls who arrive drunk or with trivial ailments.
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Serious Reality Check
So I was just dotting along feeling a bit fed up when I learned that one of my fellow patients in hospital had just passed away a few days after my discharge. He was a really nice gentleman, larger than life, had a vast knowledge, lots of acquaintences - and we had fascinating conversations late into the night (when we should have been sleeping).
Sadly his illness was such that his surgery was extremely high risk, and I would suspect just too much.
My thoughts are with the family, RIP.
Sadly his illness was such that his surgery was extremely high risk, and I would suspect just too much.
My thoughts are with the family, RIP.
Sunday, 2 February 2014
Tough luck for some.
Well, we actually had a dry day here today, wee bit sunshine - bit of a pity though for the young lady we met yesterday who was having a rehearsal for her photo shoot at Penicuik House , poured buckets and blew a gale, with some sleet to spice things up. BUT nothing compared to what other parts of the country are having to contend with, and according to the forecast no sign of any respite.
Lovely day in Dublin today where the Scots unfortunately came in 2nd !!!! (again) outclassed by a rampant Irish team - certainly did not make good viewing, unlike the two games yesterday which kept us on the edge of the seat right up to the final whistle. Anyway, will not have to worry about next weeks match as I have a R A Provincial Installation of the new Grand Superintendent to attend.
Back to sports, Heart of Midlothian, fell at the final hurdle this afternoon, playing a nine man Inverness Caley Thistle, who won on a penalty shoot out for a place in the Final against Aberdeen.
Not sure how Andy Murray will do tonight, playing for the GB team against the USA, however, following a comment by a commentator this afternoon who had the cheek to say that "England" would win tournament if Murray was successful this evening. Bit of a slip of the tongue I think.
For me, another week of enforced rest, although I have managed to get to the swimming pool for three short sessions, a bit of walking, all which should help get the blood circulating a bit. Managed to catch up on some outstanding reading and a few odd jobs which were put on the back burner months ago. Another ten days before I can drive again, all being well.
Doing some map reading relating to the IPA No. 1 Region Scottish Motor Cycling Group's planned trip to Europe from 31st May route looks good, and the proposed two days of trips in the Dolomites will certainly bring up the heart rate somewhat!!!
Lovely day in Dublin today where the Scots unfortunately came in 2nd !!!! (again) outclassed by a rampant Irish team - certainly did not make good viewing, unlike the two games yesterday which kept us on the edge of the seat right up to the final whistle. Anyway, will not have to worry about next weeks match as I have a R A Provincial Installation of the new Grand Superintendent to attend.
Back to sports, Heart of Midlothian, fell at the final hurdle this afternoon, playing a nine man Inverness Caley Thistle, who won on a penalty shoot out for a place in the Final against Aberdeen.
Not sure how Andy Murray will do tonight, playing for the GB team against the USA, however, following a comment by a commentator this afternoon who had the cheek to say that "England" would win tournament if Murray was successful this evening. Bit of a slip of the tongue I think.
For me, another week of enforced rest, although I have managed to get to the swimming pool for three short sessions, a bit of walking, all which should help get the blood circulating a bit. Managed to catch up on some outstanding reading and a few odd jobs which were put on the back burner months ago. Another ten days before I can drive again, all being well.
Doing some map reading relating to the IPA No. 1 Region Scottish Motor Cycling Group's planned trip to Europe from 31st May route looks good, and the proposed two days of trips in the Dolomites will certainly bring up the heart rate somewhat!!!
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