text:
Effort to bring NBA team to Louisville encouraged by TV ratings
Albrecht Stahmer grew up in Louisville, attending Ballard High School before he went on to graduate from the Universi...
Effort to bring NBA team to Louisville encouraged by TV ratings Albrecht Stahmer grew up in Louisville, attending Ballard High School before he went on to graduate from the Universi... Check out this story on courier-journal.com: http://cjky.it/1bsW1oA
By Jonathan Lintner;, The Courier-Journal; Published 2:54 p.m. ET Feb. 21, 2014
Television personality and comedian Kevin Hart (left) wrestles for the MVP trophy with radio personality Nick Cannon after the 2013 NBA All-Star Celebrity Game at the George R. Brown Convention Center. (Photo: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports )
Albrecht Stahmer grew up in Louisville, attending Ballard High School before he went on to graduate from the University of Kentucky. Even though Stahmer now lives in Asia, where he's worked for more than a decade, he continues focusing an hour or two of every day on his hometown.
Stahmer helps head up the "Bring the NBA to Louisville" movement that's gained more than 10,000 Facebook followers and a bit of momentum over the weekend.
Months after Louisville led all TV markets in NBA draft ratings, it topped the list again for the highest rating on the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game since ESPN started televising it in 2003. Louisville, with a 3.4 market share, outdrew Greensboro (3.1), New York and New Orleans (3.0) as well as Norfolk (2.8) during the Friday night broadcast.
"I think it's just further evidence of the latent support for pro basketball in the Louisville market," Stahmer said.
The local market didn't near the top for the actual All-Star game — there was, after all, a University of Louisville home game that night —but the Celebrity Game numbers left Stahmer and the "NBA to Louisville" supporters upbeat.
Stahmer said he talks daily about what needs to happen for Louisville to land its first major pro team since the ABA's Kentucky Colonels dissolved in 1976.
First, the group wants to see ground broken on a new arena in Sacramento, where the Kings have discussed that option or relocating. Then Seattle, where the Supersonics left for Oklahoma City in 2008, fits as an expansion market.
"Thirty-one (teams) would be a pretty awkward number, so that would open up the book for a second expansion team," Stahmer said. "We think, long term that 32 teams – 16 in each conference – makes great sense for scheduling, for playoffs, etc.
"Even the most ardent NBA-to-Louisville guy — and I'm one of them — can say we offer a better market than Seattle. However, I don't know outside of Seattle if there's a better second market than Louisville."
Really, though, is this all possible?
A team would need a place to play, an ownership group and, of course, desire by new NBA commissioner Adam Silver to expand.
"We don't think we're wasting our time," Stahmer said. "Adam Silver certainly knows who we are. He knows we're making noise.
"We have the fans. We have the support."
And plenty of eyeballs on basketball. Louisville is also college hoops' top-rated market.
Jonathan Lintner can be reached at (502) 582-4199; follow him on Twitter @JonathanLintner.
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Short-term missions trips can get a bad rap—and understandably so. But we think there's a way to redeem short-term missions trips for the glory of God. The key is approaching your trip with humility as the learner, not the leader.
If you take a short-term trip to partner with national believers (national partners as we call them) doing the Lord's work overseas, your primary role as a short-termer should be to listen and to learn.
The trip provides an opportunity to gain a new understanding of how God is already at work in different ways around the world. And maybe you will begin to think differently about how you fit into God's plan to redeem some from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation through Christ.
The short-term missionary should always yield to the national partners. They are the ones who know the language, culture, ministry climate, and so much more. They live and serve in their home context every day.
For the partners who are doing ministry in their own regions, it can sometimes be helpful to have a short-term team come complete a specific one-time task that will enable the long-term ministry to continue in this location.
The short-term missionary should also always seek to be an encouragement to the partners as well through prayer and fellowship. Often the relationships between the partners and the Americans formed on these short-term trips can last for many years and even result in long-term global partnerships to the praise of God's glory.
Wait to be invited to make a trip. You want to be sure you and your team are not a burden or hindrance to the partner and their ministry.
Before you recruit a team and buy plane tickets in response to the invitation you've received, pray for the Lord's wisdom. Ask Him and read His Word to learn whether God would have you take this short-term trip. Also, seek counsel from wise members of your church about this matter.
From time to time, the partner may have a specific, tangible need or desire that they cannot fulfill with the current resources they have. Maybe they need to reconstruct a building, run a children's camp over the summer, or do a medical outreach to a nearby village. These are great opportunities for a short-term team to help. Never assume that you know what their greatest need is.
The short-term traveler is not the leader on a short-term trip. The partner is. That's because the partner knows the culture, the language, the need, the ministry climate, and how their ministry normally operates. The short-term traveler is there to assist in the ways they're asked.
The most helpful thing for the partner is to have their needs met without incurring any additional expense. As a short-term traveler, you should pay or raise funds for your entire team to sleep, eat, and travel. You should pay for the project you are completing. And you should even leave behind more funding when you depart in case there were expenses you didn't know about that the partner will have to cover in your wake.
It's possible that between the time when your short-term team signed up for the trip and the time your plane lands in the destination, the need you were expecting to fill has changed. Maybe the original plan was to fix houses but now the partner's greatest need is for people to help deliver food to a nearby village. The partner's ministry is always moving forward and they are responding to the circumstances in their location. The short-term team needs to know ahead of time to expect changes in the itinerary and be okay with trusting the Lord that He has them there for the right purpose at the right time.
If you think you are ready to explore taking a short-term missions trip, take the first step by exploring possibilities at LiveGlobal.org. Read about national believers doing God's work in their own countries across the globe. Then, visit our Short-Term Trips page if you'd like to dialogue about how to get more involved.


I think some live tracks by the two-guitar lineup of BAD qualify for this thread now. E=MC2, Rewind, and Just Play Music particularly.
Kaleb wrote: I think some live tracks by the two-guitar lineup of BAD qualify for this thread now. E=MC2, Rewind, and Just Play Music particularly.
Bradford "Radio One live in Concert"
I like the Fallon version, but I think Lollapalooza caught the 2011 BAD at their best.
Oh, and I mean the 2011 reunion, not BAD II.
I've got a version of "(White Man) in Hammersmith Palais" wich I've managed to take from the dubbed version of the Rude Boy soundtrack. I've removed the live track from Glasgow Apollo - Tuesday 4 July 1978 just leaving the track the band dubbed on top in Basing Street Studios. This is a different version to the 7'' and the RAR alt. version. I like it at least as much as the official 7''.
Where would I find such a version?
In my music library. I will be sharing with all in time. I'm putting something together at the moment. If that doesn't work out then I will simply upload the track as a stand alone download. Patience my dear boy.


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The journey of a queer historian
Patrizia Gentile: Lifetime Achievement Award
By Noreen Fagan Mar 07, 2011, 7:00 PM EST
Patrizia Gentile, Lifetime Achievement Award. Credit: Ben Welland
It is easy to talk to Patrizia Gentile.
She is laid-back, has a wonderful sense of humour and is not afraid to talk about her life, her feelings and where she finds herself today. Our conversation starts with her laughing about being nominated as Xtra's Lifetime Achievement Hero.
"I was really shocked when I got the email. At first I thought it was a little bit of a joke. My friends often joke that I have too much of an ego," she says. "At the same time, once I realized that it wasn't a joke, I felt really humbled."
Like most of Xtra's heroes, Gentile is unwilling to take credit for what she has achieved. In her opinion, she is first and foremost a historian who spent 15 years digging up queer history in Canada.
In 2010, Gentile co-authored a book with Gary Kinsman, The Canadian War on Queers: National Security as Sexual Regulation. "Although the book I wrote with Gary feels like activism, to us it was more a labour of love," she says. "We felt it was important to get the voices of the people who had been silenced, that that's a very political thing to do."
Gentile's first foray into activism was during the '80s and '90s when she was a student at McGill University. It was not that she chose activism but more that she found a community that accepted her. It was also a community galvanized by fighting HIV/AIDS and, in her own words, the "stigmatization of HIV/AIDS as the way to solve the sin of being queer."
"That kind of activism really helped, not just for me to meet people socially and to find a community," she says. "At the same time, because it was around fighting against HIV/AIDS, it politicized me — it created that mark that took me to where I am today."
Gentile's journey has been a convoluted one. Her struggle to find a queer identity was exacerbated by the fact she came from an immigrant Sicilian family where homosexuality was not accepted. "It's not necessarily a choice to reject my culture. My culture is part of my identity, and I love my family even if there is a lot of homophobia. So, I think that for me, my journey as a queer person — which is continuing — I think has been a very difficult road," she says.
As a teenager in Montreal, Gentile used to escape from what she felt was the "tyranny of my community around homophobia" by catching the metro to Ste-Catherine St. She would stand in the crowds, soaking up the atmosphere before returning home. Each year she would also sneak off to the Pride parade. "When everything around me felt like I was always unsafe because I was queer," she says, "[Pride] created this one moment in time of safety and celebration and feeling okay."
When she went to McGill University, Gentile's struggle to balance her culture with her own identity continued. Although she found a community, she was unable to reconcile her sexuality with her family until she found her niche in history.
"Part of becoming a historian interested in queer history and the history of sexuality has been a way of me talking about it as a way of me trying to cope with a lot of epistemological violence that comes with being queer in an ultra-traditional religious context," she says.
Although Gentile says the fear that she has lived with all her life abated when she turned 40, the cultural stigma still resonates within her. "When I think about it, I still have a lot of fear. That's why this idea of being a hero also feels a little bit fraudulent to me because there's this sense that if you are a hero you're past it all, that you've somehow arrived," she says. "I still have residual fear about the culture I came from and being queer and having to find that point of balance."
In spite of her struggle, Gentile has published a book, is a full-time professor of sexuality studies at Carleton University, volunteers at the sexual assault centre and is a mentor to young activists in her classes.
It is these youth Gentile has the utmost respect for. "They really see themselves as something greater than just this one identity around being queer," she says. "When I think about queer youth, this generation of activists, of how they have integrated their queerness in a multiplicity of ways, not just marching in rallies, that actually they are really quite radical because they are changing discourses, actions and behaviours at every moment."
Gentile says being surrounded by a new generation of activists is a constant source of inspiration and energy that takes her out of her ivory tower of academia and keeps her plugged in.
Maintaining energy and keeping active in the community is what keeps her going. "Otherwise we just become complacent, and that allows for the silences in my mind. I don't want to wake up as an old lady and say, 'I wish I had done that thing, where there was that revolution happening, but I was too busy reading my book,'" she says. "I don't want to be that person. I think that volunteering and being part of something that is bigger than yourself keeps you grounded."
This story is filed under News & Ideas, Hate Watch, Coming Out, Queer, Human Interest, Sexual orientation, Ottawa, Gender, Human sexuality, LGBT, Queer theory, Gender studies, Homosexuality, News
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redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


The Board of Adjustment of the Town of Bethany Beach will hold a Public meeting on December 12, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Bethany Beach Town Hall, 214 Garfield Parkway in Bethany Beach, Delaware.
The purpose of the hearing is to consider the application for an Appeal of the Building Inspector's Decision, filed by Carl Tull, owner of 314 Second Street, for property identified as Block 20, Lot 8, at 314 Second Street, in the R-1 Residential District. The applicant is seeking an appeal of the Building Inspector's interpretation of the Zoning Code as it relates to accessory buildings as found in Chapter 425 Zoning, Section 425-2 Definitions and word usage, Section 425-10 Accessory buildings, and Appendix 3, Table of Dimensional Requirements, as it relates to a proposed new dwelling and garage.
The application may be inspected in the office of the Building Inspector, 214 Garfield Parkway, Bethany Beach, DE between the hours of 8:00 am - 3:30 pm, Monday through Friday, except scheduled Holidays.


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Spieth feeling relaxed as he chases history at Quail Hollow
Doug Ferguson | The Associated Press
Published on Aug. 10, 2017 | Updated 8:43 a. m.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Jordan Spieth already has shown a remarkable sense of the moment.
He earned his PGA Tour card by holing a bunker shot on the 18th hole and winning a playoff. In the final round before the Presidents Cup selections, he shot 62 while playing with Phil Mickelson, who told U.S. captain Fred Couples, "Dude, you've got to pick this guy." And right when it looked as though Spieth might throw away another major, he nearly made an ace and followed that with an eagle on his way to winning the British Open.
That was his third major, and it brought Spieth, newly 24, to the grandest moment of all.
No one has ever won the career Grand Slam at a younger age. No one has ever completed it at the PGA Championship.
Spieth has never appeared more relaxed.
"There will be pressure," he said. "This is a major championship. This is one of the four pivotal weeks of the year that we focus on. So there will certainly be pressure. I'm simply stating there won't be added expectations or pressure. It's not a burning desire to have to be the youngest to do something, and that would be the only reason there would be added expectations."
Spieth doesn't see his greatest challenge as the history at stake. He considers it the Quail Hollow Club course that he has played only one time, and the strongest field in golf that features a few major champions who are desperate to make sure the year doesn't end without them adding another major.
Rory McIlroy comes to mind.
So do Dustin Johnson and Jason Day.
McIlroy is a slight favorite, mainly because he has won two times at Quail Hollow — one year with a 62, the other with a 61 — and has finished out of the top 10 just one time in his seven appearances.
"If you're matched up on Sunday ... you obviously want to be able to play against somebody like Rory who has four major championships and is one of the top couple most accomplished players in this field," Spieth said. "But he is one to fear in that position because of what he's capable of doing and how he's going to do it."
Fear is not a word Spieth uses often.
This week at the PGA Championship is more about being free from the burden of trying to win a major this year. He says he hasn't felt this way since the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay, right after he won the Masters for his first major.
"Almost like I've accomplished something so great this year that anything else that happens, I can accept," he said. "That takes that pressure, that expectation away."
After winning at Chambers Bay to get halfway to the calendar Grand Slam, he felt slightly different at the British Open. There was added pressure — if only slightly — and more expectations when he considered the prospect of winning them all in the same year. Arnold Palmer, Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods never got that far.
Neither did Spieth. He missed a playoff by one shot.
But there was a moment he recalled that illustrates what it means to play freely.
He holed a 50-foot birdie putt to tie for the lead with two holes to go at St. Andrews. Instead of hitting his tee shot over the Old Course Hotel to have the best angle into the 17th green, he played down the left side — the safe side. The Road Hole Bunker in his way, he missed the green to the right and then missed a 5-foot par putt. A par on the final hole ended his dream of the Grand Slam.
Looking back, Spieth said he should have gone down the right side of the 17th hole.
"One of the bigger regrets that I've had in golf," Spieth said. "If I don't pull off the shot, I hit it out-of-bounds, big whup. But I didn't. I went down the left side that day. It was playing extremely tough. I didn't reach the green."
Was he affected by the added pressure? Spieth isn't sure.
"If I was truly free, I wouldn't have cared," he said. "I would have taken it down the right side. I thought I could make 4 from the left instead of thinking, 'This is my best chance to make the best score, even though it brings in a risk.' That's the way I feel now. Take the risks."
What does he have to lose?
He will be playing the opening two rounds with Masters champion Sergio Garcia and U.S. Open champion Brooks Koepka, who know the feeling.
"You do think whatever happens, I've already won the Masters and it's amazing," Garcia said. "But at the same time, it doesn't mean that you're not going to go out there and try as hard you can, because that's what we do. That's the only way we know how to play."
Spieth figures he has two decades or more playing the PGA Championship if he doesn't complete the slam this week. Only five other players have won all four modern majors — Gene Sarazen, Ben Hogan, Gary Player, Nicklaus and Woods.
Then again, none of the five went more than three years before adding the final leg to the Grand Slam. Palmer and Tom Watson spent their careers chasing it.
"The more years you go on playing PGAs, and if I don't win one in the next 10 years, then maybe there's added pressure," Spieth said. "And hopefully, we don't have to have this conversation in 10 years."
Spieth has ground to make up in quest for Grand Slam
British Open: Defending champ Jordan Spieth looking to find last year's form after recent struggles
Rory McIlroy favored to win PGA Championship? Of course he is, due to his domination of the golf course
British Open: Jordan Spieth fears and nears collapse, then has finish for the ages to claim 3rd leg of career Grand Slam before turning 24
Golf Commentary: Closing out victories is so special to Jordan Spieth because it's so difficult
Related Topics: Golf, PGA Tour Championship, PGA Tour, Jordan Spieth, Quail Hollow


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Carroll Electric's trustee candidates announced
Carroll Electric was built by the communities it serves. The cooperative's trustee election is Aug. 1-24.
Members may vote for one candidate to represent each district up for election; Districts 3, 5 and 6.
The candidates listed below were selected by a nominating committee in accordance with the cooperative's Code of Regulations.
Harold Barber – Fox Township, Carroll County
Daniel L. (Dan) Devitt – Lee Township, Carroll County
Kevin Tullis – Perry Township, Carroll County
Robert McCort – Union Township, Carroll County
Mark E. Brannon – Monroe Township, Carroll County
Complete election details, including candidate biographies, are included in the August issue of Ohio Cooperative Living magazine and on the cooperative's website: www.cecpower.coop.
Members may vote online at www.cecpower.coop, or via the SmartHub app on their mobile device. In addition, members may call 1-855-340-1786 to cast their vote via telephone or to request a paper ballot be mailed to their address on file with the cooperative. In-person voting will take place at the annual meeting of members slated for Aug. 24 at the Carroll County Fairgrounds, Carrollton. Only one ballot may be cast per membership. Members may vote for one trustee in each district.
Carroll Electric's service territory is divided into nine geographic districts, including portions of six counties. A consumer-member is elected from each district to serve a 3-year term on the Carroll Electric Board of Trustees, representing the district in which they reside. Trustee elections are staggered, so that no more than three new board members may be elected in any given year.
Carroll Electric Cooperative, Inc. is a community-focused organization who works to efficiently deliver affordable, reliable, and safe energy to our consumer members in portions of Carroll, Columbiana, Harrison, Jefferson, Stark and Tuscarawas counties.
For more information please contact Carroll Electric at 1-800-232-7967, visit our website at www.cecpower.coop or e-mail info@cecpower.coop.


Well, you'll never guess what I did in the past 24 hours. I participated in Chick-fil-A's First 100. What is that, you ask? I'll tell you. When Chick-fil-A opens a new store, they have this thing called the First 100. The First 100 get to celebrate the Grand Opening of a new Chick-fil-A by pressing their luck in a raffle that takes everyone who shows up 24 hours before the grand opening, selects 100 participants + 10 alternates, and then they camp out on the lot for 24 hours, get fed 3 meals throughout the 24 hours, and then if you stay on site for the WHOLE 24 hours; in the end you are rewarded with 52 free combo meals!!! Which equals to be one free combo meal a week for a whole year, total contest winnings equal approximately $250!!! Ummmm, heck yeah!
We showed up at around 5:20 am in Five Points, Birmingham, AL to see that there were already 50 people in front of us. What we has assumed is that they take the first 100 that show up… no, no, no. They take everyone that shows up (in our case we were lucky, there were only 124 people), and then line everyone up (see above) and then they give them all a ticket. Then the raffle begins. I was the 3rd person called!!
And then it was time to set up camp and get ready for our 24 hour stay. They set us up based on how many people we would be camping with. Some people had groups as large as 9. They tried to keep us within the parking lines; however, some people just have really big, ridiculous tents.
Yep, that's a really ridiculous tents. One tent was called the Vacation Home Tent… obviously these people have never been camping in the woods. Tents should not come with a case with wheels. But that's just my personal opinion.
So I'd be curious about what they feed people if they were to stay on site for a whole day — so I'll tell you.
People brought tons of junk with them. We just brought each other and the bare essentials: small tent, pillows, sleeping bag, book, iPod and iPad. That was it. We didn't brings food or board games (although, maybe we should have) but we also try to travel light.
Before we knew it, there was a DJ, a hula hoop contest, a dance contest, a Miss Chick-fil-A contest and many other fun games throughout the day. It was a good time to be had by all. And then it was time for bed. Now, something funny about camping out in the middle of downtown Birmingham is that there are a A LOT of bars in the area, so at 12, 1, 2 a.m. … etc. we heard them. There were also fire trucks, police cars, dump trucks… we heard those too. But oddly enough, I slept pretty well. It was probably because I was fed so well.
We had a 5 a.m. wake up call and then it was show time and the Grand Opening began and the ribbon was cut.
And finally, what we worked all night for, the 52 free meals. I can't thank Chick-fil-A, or CHICKY as we have all come to know it, enough. We had a really good time. And there really is something to be said about good people and good food. And it CAN be found in fast food. Standards can be set and followed when it comes to quality of food and Chicky follows great standards and excellence in customer service.
The First 100 has a bit of a following. One man in The Group; this was his 15th Grand Opening that he has attended! The couple in front of me, this was their 5th. A girl who knew me from high school told me that she had been to one other opening and people there recognized other contestants from past Grand Openings, "Oh, I remember you from the Dayton, Ohio opening" – "Weren't you at the Louisville opening?" Hilarious. Advice: DO IT. It's rare that you'll ever do something silly like this again.
And nothing beats a good sunrise.
Today I am thankful for: being apart of the FISRT 100.
I am a Cake Fairy, Dammit.
Once upon a time in fairy land, there was this little girl named Libby. Libby loved cake almost as much as the cake fairy. She had been working very hard helping out the elderly and writing a Big Bad Dissertation. On a cold winter day the fairy decided that she would visit this little girl and give her a gift–The Gift of Cake (see below).
This description made the fairy a little weary but she gave Mr. Harrison the charge of protecting the cake. Next thing the fairy knew, the little girl was crying over STOLEN CAKE (see below). Poor Mr. Harrison, I'm sure he did what he could.
The masked bandits made away with the precious spice cake with beautiful white whipped frosting. The fairy came up with a plan. She would construct a protective barrier around the cake (see below).
The cake had to remain protected (see below).
And she left the cake with a warning message (see below).
The protective barrier worked and the enchanted cake made it inside the little girl's home — safe and sound!! The towns people cried with joy–"YIPPEE" they said. The little girl could have her cake and eat it too! All rejoiced as the cake made it safely inside the little girls home (see below). The cake fairy did her job. And everyone lived happily ever after.
This is what happens what when people are used to an 18 hour schedule and then find themselves with nothing to do.
I'm off on a short Va-cay to the Farm (which we all know has my heart) and then off to the lovely state of Mississippi. I'll check in with y'all soon!
Can you believe it? SNOW… and it's in ALABAMA no less. Or at least the image above is what we call snow in Alabama. It uncharacteristically cold here in The South. I woke up this morning and the thermometer was reading a mere 19 degrees. Now, let's get something straight, the reason we Southerner's live in The South is so that we never ever have to see temperture below 32 degrees. It was miserably cold. Monster Dog was nipping at snow flakes.
So instead of staying inside and moping all day long — Mom and I decided to have a girls day and bare the wintery weather. We went and got a massage and then we had a lovely dinner at Whole Foods. I got their vegatable plate with Fried Green Tomatoes, Collards (yum!!), and Goat Cheese Grits. It was soooo yummy. We also got a Bottle of Bubbly.
I love the graphic that they have stamped onto their corks.


Alan Cerny (@nordlingCS on twitter) and host Craig Price got an early screening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. So what was there next move? They raced back to the studio to podcast about it of course! The two discuss the plot, the characters, the direction, everything! And when we say everything, that means SPOILERS. Be sure to go see Rogue One this weekend and then listen to the guys gush over the latest chapter to their favorite universe.
This also is a bit of a preview of their new spin-off podcast Matinee Heroes debuting in January. The new podcast will focus on past movies but occasionally new movies will be screened and shared in "INSTANT REACTION" episodes, like the one you'll hear on this podcast. Head over to join the facebook group or follow the new podcast @MatineeHeroes on twitter.
Enjoy this episode, the new podcast in January and Reality Check will return in February 2017!


We're not just sales agents, we're project marketers.
We have the largest inventory of off-the-plan properties in Melbourne, giving you access to a diverse portfolio of quality stock to market on our clients' behalf. We bring our passion, experience and superior knowledge to every project.
We work with clients at every stage in a project's life cycle, providing strategic advice and expert marketing services. Join us if you want to be part of a high-performing team that takes a personal interest in our clients and projects.


Energy rating certificates are generated by software that measures your home's thermal performance – the heating and cooling energy you are likely to need to make the home comfortable. An energy rating can be assessed by a building professional but is only accredited by an accredited assessor.
The NatHERS House Energy Rating Certificate.
A home energy rating measures a property's energy efficiency potential (thermal performance). Generally speaking (apart from in the ACT) the assessment of a building's thermal performance occurs at the design stage of a home. An energy rating can be assessed by a building professional but is only prepared by an trained assessor. To indicate how efficient the design of an existing or yet to be built home is, it is given a star rating between 0 and 10 stars.
Energy rating certificates (see image) are generated by software which looks at the heating and cooling energy you are likely to need to make the home comfortable. This is the thermal performance potential of the building.
There is a range of energy rating schemes in Australia. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is the most common national scheme.
NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme): Minimum energy star rating is required for new homes under the National Construction Code. This tool can measure the thermal performance of a home at the design stage and predict how much energy the home will use to maintain thermal comfort. Only an accredited NatHERS assessor can provide a credible rating. AccuRate, First Rate, BERS software are the three main software programs used by industry for a NatHERS rating.
BASIX (for NSW only): This is an online assessment tool to implement minimum sustainability targets for all new houses, home units and renovations. It can be accessed by home owners and building professionals. It sets compliance benchmarks for water, energy and thermal comfort of a home and when these are met you receive the BASIX certificate.
EER (for ACT only): Energy Efficiency Rating (EER) which uses the FirstRate 4 software. It has been mandatory since 1999 to provide a home energy rating for existing and new homes at the time of sale (see more information in Renovators Hub).
For new homes: 6 stars for all states except the Northern Territory which is 5 stars and NSW which uses BASIX (see question 1) rather than NatHERS.
For new apartments: 6 stars (average for all units) for all states except the Northern Territory which is 3.5 stars, Queensland which is 5 stars and NSW which uses BASIX (see question 1) rather than NatHERS.
The assessment is completed from a plan and the home is not reassessed once it is built. So if a property has received a rating it's important to actually see the certificate to understand if the design has changed since it was originally rated. In theory a robust home energy rating should enable a home owner to make a more informed decision when buying, selling, renting or investing in property. The assumptions are modelled on an idea of an "ideal user" so don't forget: how you use the home is important in realising the thermal performance of a high rated home.
The costs of running a home and the environmental impacts of heating and cooling can be reduced through good design and construction. Home owners can make use of home energy ratings to inform modifications to existing houses or in planning the designs for a new house so that many features included in the 17 Things™ are considered early and can be quantified at the planning stage through a scientifically based system.
A NatHERS star rating is calculated using software accredited for this purpose under NatHERS (this is the national ratingscheme for new homes). The software simulates expected conditions based on climate zone and other known factors about the location, occupancy and dimensions of the house. Allowances are made for different sized houses and different climates to ensure a fair comparison of buildings and consistent ratings across Australia. The higher the star rating score, the less energy required to maintain comfortable temperature within in your home – which means lower running costs for your home.
You should consult with an accredited building designer, architect or accredited thermal performance assessor before you talk with your builder. That way, vital decisions such as building orientation to the sun, building shading, capture of natural cooling breezes and other site-specific considerations can be taken into account well before building design decisions get locked in. This simple step could make all the difference when making the single biggest investment of a home owner's life.
Look for Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) or BDAV accredited assessors.
If you are buying, building or renovating a home and want to learn how to achieve better energy ratings, it's a good idea to visit check the Your Home: Australia's Guide to Environmentally Sustainable Homes. Understanding basic building sustainability and building energy efficiency concepts can make it much easier to discuss your needs with an accredited energy assessor.
The price depends on the type and complexity of the building being considered. An accredited assessor will help define the price involved for an energy rating of your property.
These professional service fees fade into insignificance when compared to construction costs of the building, and the savings that can be made from reduced energy and water costs over the life of the building. A small initial cost gives you peace of mind that you have a real building performance professional working with you to provide a building that will be comfortable and efficient to operate.
Download the free Liveability Easy Reference Table for a summary of the available home energy rating tools in Australia.
For all new homes: See NatHERS website for more information about NatHERS energy rating.
For NSW only: See the BASIX website for more information about BASIX energy rating.
For the ACT only: See the EER for more information about BASIX energy rating.
For information about accredited assessor: See the ABSA and BDAV websites.
Liveability offers a great introduction to energy rating with more detailed information on the ACT EER program.
If you're in the planning stage, consult with your architect, designer and builder to make sure the property is constructed to the thermal performance listed on your energy rating certificate. Understanding what features are built will also help you understand the energy and water efficiency benefits in your home.
The energy rating of a home can be highly rated, but if it's not built the way it is intended or the property features are not used correctly, you will not achieve the full potential for reduced running costs and increased comfort.
It is important to remember that an energy rating certificate is generated using information from a plan of the house not the actual final built home. Energy rating software uses detailed scientific calculations to arrive at how all the elements of a building work together to increase thermal performance. The program has been in use since 2006 so many of the homes which were originally energy rated may have changed hands a few times and may have undergone renovations or alterations which do not align with the original plan and the certificate.
Depending on the energy rating tool (software platform) used, the majority of the 17 Things™ will be found in a home with a high star rating. For instance: NatHERS (national) and EER (ACT) and the associated software focus on thermal performance of the plan stage of the house and encompass as the Liveability Features™ based on passive design principles such as No. 3 Orientation, No. 4 Cross-Ventilation, No. 6 Insulation, No. 7 Density of Building Materials, No. 8 Windows, No. 9 Shading or Sun Control. BASIX (NSW) encompasses the same features and adds water efficiency such as No. 15 Water Efficiency Devices and No. 16 Rainwater Tanks and the energy use of fixed appliances such as No. 10 Efficient Heating and Cooling Devices, No. 12 Hot Water Systems, and No. 11 Energy Efficient Lighting.
The 17 Things™ are not an energy rating but they do recognise them. They are individual features which are verified in property appraisal inspections of a built home by a real estate agent or a property manager who has undergone additional training as a Liveability Real Estate Specialist. These features offer the potential for reduced running costs and increased comfort if used correctly by the occupant.
Energy rating certificates are generated by software which looks at the thermal performance of the building. This is the heating and cooling energy you are likely to need to make the home comfortable. An energy rating can be assessed by a building professional but is only accredited by an accredited assessor.
In theory a robust home energy rating should enable a home owner to make a more informed decision when buying, selling, renting or investing in property. The assessment is completed from a plan and the home is not reassessed once it is built.
There is a range of energy rating software available in Australia. The Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme (NatHERS) is the most common and national software available.
State-specific mandatory assessments are: BASIX for NSW and EER rating for the ACT.
A home energy rating measures a property's energy efficiency potential (thermal performance).
Currently, all new homes and some renovations by law in Australia must be energy rated. Existing homes do not require a home energy rating unless you live in the ACT, where it has been mandatory since 1999 to provide a home energy rating at the time of sale (see more information in Renovators Hub).
NatHERS (Nationwide House Energy Rating Scheme) National scheme): This tool can measure the thermal performance of a home at the design stage and predict how much energy the home will use to maintain thermal comfort. Only an accredited NatHERS assessor can provide a credible rating.
A NatHERS star rating is calculated using software accredited for this purpose under NatHERS. The software simulates expected conditions based on climate zone and other known factors about the location, occupancy and dimensions of the house. Allowances are made for different sized houses and different climates to ensure a fair comparison of buildings and consistent ratings across Australia. The higher the star rating score, the less energy required to maintain comfortable temperature within in your home – which means lower running costs for your home.
Look for Association of Building Sustainability Assessors (ABSA) accredited assessors.
For an overview of home energy ratings, Liveability offers a great introduction to energy ratings. The Your Home: Australia's Guide to Environmentally Sustainable Homes is also great place to start.
For all new homes: See the NatHERS website for more information about NatHERS energy rating.
To find a local accredited assessor: See the ABSA website.
The energy rating of a home can be highly rated, but if it's not built the way it is intended or the property features are not used correctly, you will not achieve reduced running costs and increased comfort.
Depending on the energy rating tool (software platform) used, the majority of the 17 Things™ will be found in a home with a high star rating. For instance: NatHERS (national) and the associated software focus on thermal performance of the plan stage of the house will encompass the Liveability Features™ based on passive design principles such as No. 3 Orientation, No. 4 Cross-Ventilation, No. 6 Insulation, No. 7 Density of Building Materials, No. 8 Windows, No. 9 Shading or Sun Control.


text:
"""Test the importprunedfunds and removeprunedfunds RPCs."""

from decimal import Decimal

from test_framework.address import key_to_p2pkh
from test_framework.key import ECKey
from test_framework.test_framework import BitcoinTestFramework
from test_framework.util import assert_equal, assert_raises_rpc_error
from test_framework.wallet_util import bytes_to_wif

class ImportPrunedFundsTest(BitcoinTestFramework):
    def set_test_params(self):
        self.setup_clean_chain = True
        self.num_nodes = 2

    def skip_test_if_missing_module(self):
        self.skip_if_no_wallet()

    def run_test(self):
        self.log.info("Mining blocks...")
        self.generate(self.nodes[0], 101)

        # address
        address1 = self.nodes[0].getnewaddress()
        # pubkey
        address2 = self.nodes[0].getnewaddress()
        # privkey
        eckey = ECKey()
        eckey.generate()
        address3_privkey = bytes_to_wif(eckey.get_bytes())
        address3 = key_to_p2pkh(eckey.get_pubkey().get_bytes())
        self.nodes[0].importprivkey(address3_privkey)

        # Check only one address
        address_info = self.nodes[0].getaddressinfo(address1)
        assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], True)

        self.sync_all()

        # Node 1 sync test
        assert_equal(self.nodes[1].getblockcount(), 101)

        # Address Test - before import
        address_info = self.nodes[1].getaddressinfo(address1)
        assert_equal(address_info['iswatchonly'], False)
        assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], False)

        address_info = self.nodes[1].getaddressinfo(address2)
        assert_equal(address_info['iswatchonly'], False)
        assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], False)

        address_info = self.nodes[1].getaddressinfo(address3)
        assert_equal(address_info['iswatchonly'], False)
        assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], False)

        # Send funds to self
        txnid1 = self.nodes[0].sendtoaddress(address1, 100000)
        self.generate(self.nodes[0], 1)
        rawtxn1 = self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txnid1)['hex']
        proof1 = self.nodes[0].gettxoutproof([txnid1])

        txnid2 = self.nodes[0].sendtoaddress(address2, 50000)
        self.generate(self.nodes[0], 1)
        rawtxn2 = self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txnid2)['hex']
        proof2 = self.nodes[0].gettxoutproof([txnid2])

        txnid3 = self.nodes[0].sendtoaddress(address3, 25000)
        self.generate(self.nodes[0], 1)
        rawtxn3 = self.nodes[0].gettransaction(txnid3)['hex']
        proof3 = self.nodes[0].gettxoutproof([txnid3])

        self.sync_all()

        # Import with no affiliated address
        assert_raises_rpc_error(
            -5, "No addresses", self.nodes[1].importprunedfunds, rawtxn1, proof1)

        balance1 = self.nodes[1].getbalance()
        assert_equal(balance1, Decimal(0))

        # Import with affiliated address with no rescan
        self.nodes[1].createwallet('wwatch', disable_private_keys=True)
        wwatch = self.nodes[1].get_wallet_rpc('wwatch')
        wwatch.importaddress(address=address2, rescan=False)
        wwatch.importprunedfunds(rawtransaction=rawtxn2, txoutproof=proof2)
        assert [tx for tx in wwatch.listtransactions(include_watchonly=True)
                if tx['txid'] == txnid2]

        # Import with private key with no rescan
        w1 = self.nodes[1].get_wallet_rpc(self.default_wallet_name)
        w1.importprivkey(privkey=address3_privkey, rescan=False)
        w1.importprunedfunds(rawtxn3, proof3)
        assert [tx for tx in w1.listtransactions() if tx['txid'] == txnid3]
        balance3 = w1.getbalance()
        assert_equal(balance3, Decimal('25000'))

        # Addresses Test - after import
        address_info = w1.getaddressinfo(address1)
        assert_equal(address_info['iswatchonly'], False)
        assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], False)
        address_info = wwatch.getaddressinfo(address2)
        if self.options.descriptors:
            assert_equal(address_info['iswatchonly'], False)
            assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], True)
        else:
            assert_equal(address_info['iswatchonly'], True)
            assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], False)
        address_info = w1.getaddressinfo(address3)
        assert_equal(address_info['iswatchonly'], False)
        assert_equal(address_info['ismine'], True)

        # Remove transactions
        assert_raises_rpc_error(
            -8, "Transaction does not exist in wallet.", w1.removeprunedfunds, txnid1)

        assert not [tx for tx in w1.listtransactions(
            include_watchonly=True) if tx['txid'] == txnid1]

        wwatch.removeprunedfunds(txnid2)
        assert not [tx for tx in wwatch.listtransactions(
            include_watchonly=True) if tx['txid'] == txnid2]

        w1.removeprunedfunds(txnid3)
        assert not [tx for tx in w1.listtransactions(
            include_watchonly=True) if tx['txid'] == txnid3]

if __name__ == '__main__':
    ImportPrunedFundsTest().main()

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Here, at Tiny Matter, we recognize how rapidly the global business marketplace is changing and evolving, creating new markets everywhere on the planet. Talk to us, and we will find for you, the right business partner in the right market within the right country.
Copyright © 2014 Tiny Matter, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Your Church Needs a website – Today, people are using the internet to search for everything … including where to worship. That is why your church needs a website.
Texas Church pays of lunch debts of the entire school district – One church in Texas decided to use its tithes to help out their local school district by paying the dept of the those students who owed money for the school lunch program.


This is the Michigan National Guard Lifesaving Medal Ribbon. Awarded to members of the Michigan National Guard who set themselves apart through heroic action. This act must be an attempt to save another's life and must be extraordinary and meritorious in nature. Additional awards are denoted by silver oak leaf clusters.


text:
Q: Personal Internet use monitoring How could a (Windows) desktop application be created to monitor the amount of time spent on a particular website?
My first idea was to play with the Host file to intercept requests, log, and proxy.  This feels a bit clunky; and I suspect my program would look like malware.
I feel like there is a smarter way? Any ideas?

A: There is a tool similar to what you are looking for called K-9 Web Protection. It is more used for parents to monitor what their kids are up to when hooked up to the internet. I have installed this for my niece's computer with good results and praises as it blocks, content filter, restrict internet times. This may be OTT for your needs but worth a shot as you can see what sites were visited.
The other, is to use a dedicated firewall monitoring solution such as IPCOP which is a Linux based distribution with a sole purpose in providing a proxy, stateful packet inspection (SPI) firewall, Intrusion Detection System (IDS).
Hope this helps,
Best regards,
Tom.

A: You could do this by monitoring active connections via netstat, or if you need more advanced data you can install The Windows Packet Capture Library and get any data about network use, and inside your desktop app, find network traffic that relates to 'spending time' on a website (which might just be GET requests for you, but I don't know), and record various statistics as required.

A: Route the traffic through a scriptable proxy and change the browser settings to point to that proxy.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Anne Enright, född 11 oktober 1962 i Dublin, är en irländsk författare.

Enright har publicerat essäer, noveller, en faktabok och fyra romaner. Innan hennes roman The Gathering vann Bookerpriset 2007, var Enright inte speciellt känd i Irland och Storbritannien trots att hennes böcker fick bra recensioner. Hennes författande utforskar teman som familjerelationer, kärlek och sex.

Biografi
Enright vann ett internationellt stipendium till Lester Pearson United World College of the Pacific  i Victoria, British Columbia, där hon studerade i två år. Hon tog examen i engelska och filosofi vid Trinity College Dublin. Hon började skriva på allvar när familjen gav henne en elektrisk skrivmaskin på hennes 21-årsdag. Hon fick ett stipendium till University of East Anglia's där hon studerade kreativt skrivande, några av hennes lärare var Angela Carter och Malcolm Bradbury.

Enright var TV-producent och chef för RTÉ i Dublin i sex år. Hon var producent för RTÉ:s program Nighthawks i fyra år. Sedan arbetade hon med barnprogram i två år och skrev på helgerna. The Portable Virgin, en novellsamling, gavs ut 1991. The Portable Virgin vann Rooney Prize for Irish Literature, 1991. Enright började skriva på heltid 1993.

Enright bor i Bray, County Wicklow. Hon är gift med Martin Murphy, som är teaterdirektör för Pavilion Theatre i Dún Laoghaire. De har två barn.

Verk
Enrights första roman, The Wig My Father Wore, gavs ut 1995. Boken utforskar teman som kärlek, moderskap, religion och sexualitet. Berättaren i romanen är Grace, som lever i Dublin och arbetar för ett spelprogram. Hennes far bär peruk, något som man inte kan tala om när han är närvarande. En ängel vid namn Stephen som begick självmord 1934 och har kommit tillbaka till jorden för att vägleda förlorade själar flyttar in hos Grace och hon blir förälskad i honom.

Enrights nästa roman, What Are You Like?, (2000), handlar om ett par tvillingflickor, Marie och Maria som separerades vid födseln och har vuxit upp var för sig i Dublin och London. The Pleasure of Eliza Lynch, (2002) är en fiktiv berättelse om Eliza Lynch liv, en irländsk kvinna som var älskarinna till Paraguays president Francisco Solano López och som blev Paraguays mäktigaste kvinna under 1800-talet. Hennes bok Making Babies: Stumbling into Motherhood, (2004) är en samling av frispråkiga och humoristiska essäer om barnafödande och moderskap. Enrights fjärde roman, The Gathering, gavs ut 2007.

Enright har skrivit för tidningar som The New Yorker, The Paris Review, Granta, London Review of Books, Dublin Review och Irish Times.

Enright vann Davy Byrne's Irish Writing Award 2004. Hon vann också Royal Society of Authors Encore Prize. 16 oktober 2007 fick Enright ta emot Bookerpriset på 50 000 pund för The Gathering. Romanen vann även Irish Novel of the Year 2008.

Bibliografi
 The Portable Virgin (1991)
 The Wig My Father Wore (1995)
 What Are You Like? (2000)
 The Pleasure of Eliza Lynch (2002)
 Making Babies: Stumbling into Motherhood (2004)
 The Gathering (2007) (Sammankomsten, översättning Thomas Preis, Brombergs, 2008)
 Taking Pictures (2008)
 The forgotten waltz (Den glömda valsen, översättning Ulla Danielsson, Brombergs, 2012)
 The Green Road (Den gröna vägen, översättning Ulla Danielsson, Brombergs, 2016)
 The Actress (Aktrisen, översättning Peter Samuelsson, Brombergs, 2021)

Priser och utmärkelser
 Bookerpriset 2007 för The Gathering

Referenser

Irländska författare
Engelskspråkiga författare
Vinnare av Bookerpriset
Födda 1962
Kvinnor
Levande personer
Personer från Dublin
Alumner från University of East Anglia
Alumner från Trinity College, Dublin

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Welcome to Bits2Waves, a 1-day experience on building your own modern, digital radio. You will learn how modern radios work, from communication theory to fabricating microwave PCBS to measurements with our mini-VNA. At the end you will complete a 950 MHz QAM radio.
Below is the radio you will build.
A Bits2Waves transmitter. From left to right: 950 MHz Antenna (genetic designed single wire), power amplifier, Wilkinson combiner, two double-balanced mixers and a branchline coupler (for quadrature LO).
Below is a tutorial video on modern digital radios, modulation and this workshop. Please watch for an overview. You can continue to the Getting Started page and return later to watch.


text:
Sweeney's Bar
I went for my constitutional this morning after breakfast, walking past Sweeney's Bar which has been closed since early summer. It awaits a new licensee, if that's the right term.
I am reliably informed that this premises was formerly the coach-house and stabling for Seaport Lodge, once the Leslies' maritime residence (Leslie of Leslie Hill).
I haven't a clue about catering, though that shan't prevent Timothy Belmont from throwing his tuppence-worth in. Clearly whoever takes on Sweeney's will need to know their market well, because a former licensee now owns the local hotel in the village (which, incidentally, thrives).
If I were them, I shouldn't gut the place out - the owner most likely would forbid this at any rate. Personally I'd feel at home within the hallowed, rarefied ambiance and decor of a London club; and, stately homes excepted, the only place that springs to mind in the Province at present would be the Ulster Reform Club (thick carpeting, rich plasterwork, leather seating, opulence etc).
Realistically, though, the new licensee, or lessee, must know their target market very well indeed, including families with children; unless they believe they could survive and prosper without families.
At the risk of bias, I'd say that the Ramore at Portrush harbour must be one of the most successful of its kind on the Causeway Coast, so any new licensee would do well to study their techniques and form, even emulating them to an extent!
Labels: Food And Drink , Holidays
In the Bush
Well I decided to dine at the Ramore Wine Bar yesterday evening. I squeezed the baby two-seater into a slot almost beside the establishment, walked up the steps and entered. The place was buzzing, as they say. Very busy indeed; in fact I was given a ticket and waited for about 20 minutes, till they showed me to Table 35.
I ordered the fillet of beef Wellington, French-fried onions and coleslaw. Service here is very efficient and prompt. The beef Wellington was like a cross between an open Danish pastry-vol-au-vent: A thin, oval, open, puff pastry with a thick mushroom sauce and the lean beef on top. I have to say that it was very tasty. They know what their customers like at the Ramore.
I received a large portion of good coleslaw, too much really: It came in a type of dish and must have been about as much as you'd buy in a plastic, see-through carton from supermarkets. I couldn't finish it, sadly; though, nosebag firmly affixed, I devoured the steak with its pastry and the onion rings.
I washed it down with sparkling water. Bill came to about £22.
I've had meals at the Ramore for almost thirty years. In the eighties the wine bar was at ground level and there were big, fat cushy sofas and seating. One popular signature dish was the Garlic Chicken en croute which I invariably ordered; and it was utterly sumptuous. Do any readers remember this dish?
Later that evening I drove into Bushmills for a spot of karaoke. The public bar was tiny, the sort of place where everybody knows each other, so doubtless they'll remember his lordship! I must have stuck out like a proverbial sore thumb, wearing Cordings Tattersall shirt, heavy Barbour, dark green jumper, dark blue cords and brown suede shoes!
Nevertheless I ordered an orange juice, walked bravely inside to the back parlour where they all were and sat down beside 'em all! It was all very friendly and I was well received.
Good Lord, the volume of drink consumed by a few 'regulars' astounded me, pints and 'shorts' together. My renditions of popular numbers by Messrs Joel, Richie, Denvir and Sir E John got me a free drink (orange juice), so I remained till after midnight.
There was one pretty girl opposite me with her boy-friend; and about three married ladies along the way, though one of the heavy-drinking men sat in between.
No matter, it was another experience and I'm alive to tell the tale!
Back in Town
#The boys are back in town#: Ladies, lock up your daughters, because Timothy The Stud Belmont is back in town and on the rampage, at large and let loose once again.
Well, I'm in Portballintrae, County Antrim, at least.
I visited Coleraine this lunchtime and called at the Parish Church, St Patrick's. I photographed the 17th century memorial to Sir Tristram Beresford, Bt. in the nave.
In Bushmills, I have bought a paperback book entitled "Coleraine in By-Gone Centuries", by the Rev T H Mullin.
Passing a local hostelry in the village, I see that there is Karaoke this evening at 9pm; so we'll meet there, ladies!
Labels: Holidays , Humour
Retain BST!
Timothy Belmont is one of those who reckon that we ought to keep the clocks one hour forward. Of course the clocks revert back to Greenwich Mean Time tonight - or at 2am on Sunday - when most of us go to bed.
It would appear that Scotland may just be in favour of British Summer Time.
It has just struck me that I could get up at, say, seven o'clock tomorrow morning instead of eight o'clock (having moved the clock back an hour so, really, I would rise at the same time, in a sense!).
Not sure that this idea will catch on.
Labels: At Home
Broadband Blackout!
My broadband connection was inoperative yesterday evening. I switched the Home Hub on and off throughout the evening, to no avail.
Here is an article from the BBC about the situation:-
A technical fault that left tens of thousands of homes without internet broadband has been fixed, BT has said. The company said the problems affected a "significant part of the UK", including Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England, on Friday night.
Engineers worked through the night to correct the fault at an exchange in the Edinburgh area, BT said in a statement. A spokesman said the situation was being monitored and phone services had not been not affected.
"Following a technical fault at an exchange in the Edinburgh area last night which caused disruption to some broadband services, BT confirms that all services have been restored to customers," he said.
"BT's engineering teams worked throughout the night to resolve outstanding customer issues and to monitor the performance of the network."
Perhaps the weather had been the cause. I have never seen such a lengthy period of rain here for a long time. Indeed, it caused flooding in parts of east Belfast.
I'm glad to report that, having switched on this morning, normal service appears to have resumed.
Opera House Woes
I have read that Belfast's Grand Opera House has experienced "a difficult time" and suffered "a shortfall of 50% in sponsorship funding. We had to look at our internal costs and make really difficult decisions."
I haven't been to the opera house for almost six months, when there was a production of Gilbert and Sullivan.
If I indulge in a pre-theatre snifter, I invariably head to the Europa Hotel's Piano Bar which I find more conducive than the opera house extension.
There has been no grand opera in the theatre, to the best of my knowledge, since then.
I have had a look at their new website and, indeed, readers shall be unsurprised to learn that I preferred the previous one. Is this the result of another cost-cutting measure? How is the renovated website improved by trendier fonts and colours?
The Grand Opera House is essentially a Victorian theatre, with Victorian - and even Edwardian - décor and plasterwork. Any website and letter-heading ought to reflect and celebrate such sumptuous surroundings and grandeur, to my mind at least.
Timothy Belmont designed his own website - within limitations - making use of fonts and colours which reflect my ethos and beliefs; using the Edwardian Script sparingly. I hope that traditional fonts and quiet colours reflect traditional, classic values.
Blatant advertising is loud and vulgar, utterly inappropriate; however, I suppose we must accept it, given that the sponsors demand it.
I invite the Management of the theatre to respond.
Labels: Rants And Gripes , Reactionary , The Belmont Pronouncements
Poppy Code
Attending a funeral service yesterday, I encountered my old swimming pal Robert, and he gently reproached me for wearing my poppy prematurely, if that is the correct way of putting it.
I retorted by saying "not according to the BBC". I've noticed BBC presenters wearing them all week.
Robert would appear to be right, though. A member of Poppy Appeal staff was interviewed this morning and he said that, as far as the Legion was concerned, it's fine to wear a poppy now, though the Appeal doesn't officially begin till today.
Proper Pronunciation
I was listening to a piece on BBC Radio Four's Today Programme an hour ago about pronunciation and "how English has evolved", a subject fairly close to Timothy Belmont's heart. Perhaps I am being too pedantic and intolerant. They tell me that, in many cases, some pronunciation of certain words is neither correct nor incorrect. It is simply "old-fashioned" on one hand; trendy on the other.
Old-fashioned or traditional? I know a few of my strengths and many weaknesses. I reckon that I could safely be placed in the Traditional Category here.
Har-ass? No. Har-ass! Mischievous, as in miss-chiv-us? Yes. Mis-cheev-i-us? Absolutely not, at least according to Nuttall's Standard English Dictionary.
Heaven knows what our children are being taught. And, indeed, there is a difference between our Classic English and American English.
Labels: At Home , The Belmont Pronouncements
State Banquet
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh gave a State Banquet at Windsor Castle on Tuesday evening in honour of The Emir of the State of Qatar and Sheikha Moz ah Bint Nasser Al-Missned, at which The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, The Duke of York, The Earl and Countess of Wessex, The Princess Royal and Vice-Admiral Timothy Laurence, The Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, The Duke of Kent, and Princess Michael of Kent were present.
Her Majesty presented The Emir of the State of Qatar with the Insignia of an Honorary Knight Grand Cross of the Civil Division of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath.
The breast star of the Order is pictured to the right.
Three TA Units
In 1958 eight independent units of the Territorial Army operated in Northern Ireland.
HEADQUARTERS 11 (ULSTER) SIGNAL SQUADRON
Honorary Colonel, Colonel CFC Lindsay
Commanding Officer, Major JFH Pearcey TD
On the reorganisation of Anti Aircraft Command in 1955, all signal units of 51 (Ulster) Anti Aircraft Brigade were amalgamated to form the present unit.
931 (ULSTER) COMPANY, ROYAL ARMY SERVICE CORPS
Commanding Officer, Major CW Bamford
Second-in-Command, Captain KS Thornton
The unit was raised in 1947 as a Mixed Anti Aircraft Company forming part of 112 Transport Column RASC. In 1952, the unit became part of 3 Anti Aircraft Group which consisted of one NI and three Scottish Companies.
On reorganisation of Anti Aircraft Command in 1955, the unit was reformed as an Independent General Transport Company and was the only RASC Company to have a Pipe Band.
NORTHERN IRELAND DISTRICT INTELLIGENCE UNIT
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant-Colonel TC Teuton
Second-in-Command, Major DL Stanley
The NI District Intelligence Unit was formed in 1957 and had its GHQ and two sections in Belfast and one section in Londonderry. The Sections were raised in 1947.
Labels: Territorial Army in Northern Ireland
ISM Appointments
The Queen has been graciously pleased to award the Imperial Service Medal to the following Officers on their retirement:-
NORTHERN IRELAND PRISON SERVICE
Allison, Mr Thomas Michael, Officer
Graham, Mr Brian John, Officer
Hardy, Mr Bernard Ernest, Officer
Hutchinson, Mr William Joseph, Officer
Leatham, Mr David, Officer
Lyness, Mr William Leslie, Officer
NORTHERN IRELAND DEPARTMENT FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
Brown, Mrs Ellen, SSO2
Hanna, Mr John Francis, SSO2
McBride, Mrs Rachel Mary, SSO2
McGown, Miss Elizabeth Marion, SSO2
Nulty, Miss Marie Celine, SSO2
Labels: Honours
Henderson Funeral
Oscar William James (Bill) OBE, DL. On 22nd October 2010. Much loved husband of Primrose and beloved father of Gail, Jackie and Penny.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday 27th October 2010 at 1 p.m. in St. Marks Parish Church, Holywood Road, Belfast. Family flowers only please.
Donations in lieu, if desired, to Help for Heroes, Unit 6, Aspire Business Centre (CC), Ordnance Road, Tidworth, Wiltshire, SP9 7QD. Sadly missed by grandchildren Michael, Rory, Rachael, Rebecca, Ivan, Clare, Alexander, and great grandson Harry.
Well I was at the Dirty Duck Ale House last night. They hadn't any Tanqueray; no matter, I drank Bombay instead. The scampi and chips was excellent, as usual. It was busy inside, owing to the colder weather, since those patrons who'd frequent the outside of the bar obviously remained indoors.
The last train from Holywood departs at ten forty-five. Ideally there'd be one an hour or so later, because the live music at the pub doesn't begin till after ten thirty!
Today I drove to Ballymacormick Point at Groomsport in County Down. The path (above) has been steadily improved, with gullies constructed to improve drainage.
His lordship donned the nose-bag once again for lunch at Donaghadee Garden Centre (sister to Bushmills). I thoroughly enjoy the nosh here. I devoured the daily special, stuffed steak with champ, roasted parsnip and shredded cabbage (£7.70).
Motoring homewards via Jollye's in order to procure a sack of black sunflower seeds for my wild birds, I have lit a fire for this evening.
Labels: At Home , Motoring
The radio alarm woke me up, as usual, this morning and, after the review of the morning newspapers, it was announced that the Morning Service would be from the Priory Church in Great Malvern, Worcestershire, taken by the vicar, the Rev John Barr.
John Boy! Good Lord, that woke me all right. John and I were pals at the old school; the Barrs lived very close to us, in fact. Lovely family, including his parents, Jay and Betty, and his brother Stephen.
As sixth-formers at school, we often shared lifts and a crowd of us spent Saturday evenings upstairs at the George Inn, Clandeboye (now part of a hotel). John was very clever (unlike Timothy Belmont!), passing his exams with flying colours and moving up to Oxford for an MA.
O W J Henderson 1924-2010
I am sorry to learn that Captain Bill Henderson has died, following a short illness.
Captain Oscar William James "Bill" Henderson OBE DL served in the Irish Guards achieving the honorary rank of captain in 1949.
His family owned the Belfast Newsletter from 1844 until 1991 when he was the final member of the Henderson family to be in control between 1964-91; he was, by his retirement, the only member of a three person Board with Executive responsibilities.
Century Newspapers, the holding company, sold the title to Thompson Regional Newspapers in 1991 as the family could no longer guarantee the viability of the paper following Bill Henderson's retirement despite attempts to hire suitably qualified management.
In 1953 Henderson became Ulster Unionist MP for the safe Victoria seat. In 1958 he became a director of Ulster Television before taking up the post of managing director of the Newsletter, moving to Chairman of Century in 1964.
Between 2005-10 he was a trustee of the Ulster Reform Club. Between 1970-81 he was President of Knock Motor Cycle & Car Club in Belfast.
The Henderson family residence used to be Norwood Tower, a mansion in east Belfast set in about 50 acres with two gate lodges, thus the connection with St Mark's parish church and east Belfast generally.
Labels: Obituaries
Glastry Reserve
I dropped a Malteser chocolate down the sofa last night and the ruddy thing melted, causing a mess. I didn't know it was there until I got up! I got the worst of it tidied up; however I've tackled the stain this afternoon and it seems to be all right.
Yet another day of toil; a labour of love. We - the NT Volunteers - met at Glastry today. Glastry is about a mile from the fishing village of Ballyhalbert in County Down.
The National Trust owns the land which was once the old brick-works at Glastry. It closed a long time ago, in 1872. The former clay pits filled naturally with rain-water; and now form a series of ponds surrounded by a lovely nature reserve. I think it once formed part of the 2nd World War air base, RAF Ballyhalbert.
The weather was fairly rotten today, the rain relentless for most of the day. Still, we managed to get a substantial amount of gorse cleared, lighting a bonfire to burn it.
Glastry Nature Reserve project involves the regeneration of a former waste tip site, into a wild life promoting habitat and green area for use by local residents near the 35 acre site. Formerly the site of Glastry Brickworks at the turn of the 19th century, the area now benefits from several small ponds created by clay mining for the production of bricks used in many of Belfast's buildings.
The land was presented to the National Trust in 1978 but was left wild, grazed by local cattle, for a few years before being used as a council waste tip in the early 1980s. The tip was capped in the late 1980s and once again the land was left to return to open grassland. There are two sections to the site with the Glastry road separating them.
Currently funding is being sought to support this initiative from the Rural Development Programme, National Lottery, and the Arts Council.
Some of the plans for the area, including tree planting, picnic tables, car parking facilities, and fencing. It is also hoped to attract local artists to create woodland themed art installations in the area, including sculptures of wildlife, and popular fictional themes such as 'The Ents' the guardians of Fangorn Forest from the Lord of the Rings stories.
Labels: At Home , National Trust
The Loaded Footballer
Every time I've switched on the television set recently one name has inevitably cropped up: Dwayne Rooney (if I have the name correct).
For the benefit of overseas readers, Dwayne kicks a football around a pitch for Manchester United Football Club.
Undoubtedly Dwayne, like many of his peers, has his principal prowess and talent around the vicinity of his feet at the expense of other organs the good Lord has blessed him with.
There must be many, including self, with the utmost respect, who are inestimably uninterested in Dwayne and his career. Might one suggest that he removes himself indefinitely about ten thousand miles from these shores?
Pop Ferguson, at any rate, seems glad that Dwayne remains at his football club.
Labels: Humour , Rants And Gripes
The Queen: Day Two
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh are on the second day of their visit to Northern Ireland.
This morning, Her Majesty and His Royal Highness attended a reception at Hillsborough Castle to celebrate 150 years of cadet forces. They met cadets aged between 14 and 17 years old with their leaders, before being joined by around 180 guests in the throne room of the castle.
The Queen's next engagement was in Lisburn, where HM officially opened a new visitors' centre at the Coca-Cola bottling plant. Her Majesty toured the factory at Knockmore Hill, meeting staff and watching the bottle blowing process take place.
Her Majesty, Patron, and His Royal Highness on Thursday attended a Reception at Hillsborough Castle to mark the Tenth Anniversary of Action for Children and were received by Mrs. Fionnuala Cook (Vice Lord-Lieutenant of County Down) and Ms. Pam Chesters (Chairman, Action for Children).
The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh on Thursday evening attended a Dinner given by the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland at Hillsborough Castle.The Queen also met with Secretary of State for Northern Ireland and the First Minister of Northern Ireland.
The Secretary of State for Northern Ireland was received in audience by The Queen at Hillsborough Castle. The Rt. Hon. Peter Robinson MLA (First Minister of Northern Ireland) was received by Her Majesty.
The final engagement of the two day visit was at Belfast International Airport, for the completion of a major £10m refurbishment to the terminal, which has been in development since last year.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were greeted by Mrs Joan Christie OBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim and went on to meet Mr John Doran, Managing Director, Belfast International Airport and Mr Alan Whiteside, Operations Director, Belfast International Airport.
In the Business Lounge HM The Queen and HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, accompanied by Mr Doran and Mr Whiteside, met around 70 guests from the Airport Senior Management Team, Airport Fire Service, Air Traffic Control, Airport Constabulary, Emergency and Support Staff and Airport Administration.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness also met representatives from organisations associated with the Airport, including UK Border Agency, Portal Policing, Airline Representatives and Handling Agents and local Business representatives.
Following a few words of thanks Mr Doran invited Her Majesty and His Royal Highness to unveil a plaque to commemorate the visit before then signing the visitors book.
Mrs Patricia McDonagh , who has worked at the Airport for over 25 years, presented Her Majesty with a gift of a posy of flowers, bringing the visit to a close.
Malvern Water
It is disappointing to learn that Malvern Water is to cease production. I have occasionally sought it in supermarkets and restaurants in Northern Ireland, mostly to no avail.
For a history of the brand, here is an article. I wonder which mineral water the Queen shall now consume abroad.
Labels: At Home , Shopping
The Queen Visits NI
The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh have arrived in the Province for an official visit. They will carry out a number of engagements in Belfast over the course of their stay.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness arrived at Belfast City Airport this morning. Dame Mary Peters DBE, HM Lord-Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, and the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland greeted them on arrival.
The first engagement was to the studios of Ulster Television on the Ormeau Road in Belfast. The royal visit marks the company's 50th year of broadcasting and its switchover to high definition transmissions. They were welcomed by its chairman, Mr John McGuckian, and were taken on a tour of the building.
Dearer Petrol
Beware! The cost of fuel at the pumps to predicted to rise imminently, according to Peter Hutchison in the Daily Telegraph.
Oil prices have soared by $10 a barrel in the past month and the escalation in fuel duty at the beginning of October adding 1p a litre has already pushed prices to near record levels.
Now the blockade of oil refineries in France by protesters striking against government plans to increase the pensionable age is set to bring further misery to British motorists.
With fuel duty set to rise again by 0.76p on 1 January and the standard VAT rate to rise from 17.5% to 20% from 4 January the immediate outlook is bleak and expensive for motorists.
If record petrol prices are not reached before Christmas, motoring groups have said it is certain that the tax rises in the new year will ensure that it does then.
Labels: Motoring
National Trust Pink
I was motoring into Belfast this morning and a deep pink National Trust bill-board advertisement caught my eye. Dark green (above) is the natural colour, indeed the most appropriate colour, for the National Trust.
The contemporary administration of the National Trust - and I deliberately include the definite article - would do well to remember their benefactors and those who choose to leave them legacies, bequests and estates.
The National Trust is expending a fortune on lining the pockets of public relations gurus who advise them that the colour pink will attract more visitors. They consider that they are seen as being old-fashioned. What of it?
The National Trust is wrong to change its image in this way. I reject any perceived change of ethos and will continue to support the Trust's traditional image.
Labels: Rants And Gripes , The Belmont Pronouncements , The National Trust
Royal Wedding Fever
Eager speculation, not to say excitement, continues regarding the matrimonial plans of Prince William. Even the Daily Telegraph mentions HRH and his girlfriend, Miss Kate Middleton.
One newspaper suggests that the royal dukedom of Cambridge could be conferred. I have already written about royal dukedoms and other possibilities include the dukedoms of Sussex or Clarence:-
"Other royal dukedoms include the Dukedom of Clarence, derived from the Honour of Clare in Suffolk; the Dukedoms of Cumberland and Albany; the Dukedom of Kendal; the Dukedom of Sussex; the Dukedom of Connaught; and the Dukedom of Cambridge.
Since the Dukedoms of Albany and Connaught no longer pertain to the Realm, they may be considered virtually extinct. The Dukedom of Windsor was created especially for HM King Edward VIII following his abdication; so, though technically vacant, it is unlikely that this title shall be revived.
The Dukedom of Cambridge was re-conferred as a marquesssate in the 20th century which has since become extinct; so it is possible that this royal dukedom could be revived one day.
The Duchy of Lancaster has been merged with the Crown; and the dukedoms of Cornwall and Rothesay are used by the Heir Apparent.
It has been proclaimed that, following the deaths of his parents, HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex shall become The Duke of Edinburgh.
Whilst it cannot be discounted that a new royal dukedom could be created, the most likely dukedoms to be re-conferred in future are those of Sussex, Clarence or Cambridge. There has, indeed, been some speculation that, on the day of Prince William's marriage, such a title may be conferred".
Labels: At Home , Royalty
What Ho, Jeeves!
Now that I have the new DVD hard disc drive recorder, there's no stopping me! I shall record Jeeves and Wooster on ITV 3 this evening because it invariably clashes with University Challenge on BBC Two. I'm presently reading Jeeves in the Offing, by Sir P G Wodehouse.
Labels: At Home , Television
The Reunion Dinner
I jumped out of bed an hour later this morning, suffering from a slight hangover. The Class of '78 Reunion Dinner had taken place at the Strangford Arms Hotel in Newtownards, County Down, on Saturday night.
It was great to see so many old faces, including about eight teachers.
At six-thirty we were all welcomed with a Champagne reception accompanied by delicious canapés; welcome introductions began an hour or so later; while at eight forty-five there was a humorous Mastermind-story-telling game on the stage.
The buffet-style dinner was held in a function room upstairs, with a choice of chicken curry or beef stroganoff and rice. Garlic bread was available, too. Dessert was a sumptuous kind of Pavlova affair with strawberries and whipped cream. Coffee and wine were also served.
As far as I remember we all generally behaved fairly well! The guest speakers were Billy Gray (former Head Boy) and John Knox (former master). It was really a very memorable occasion.
The Maxwell Remedy
Anyone remember that naughty old egg, pop Maxwell? The press baron found floating motionless near his gin palace off the Canaries?
Well I recall that old pop Maxwell always swore by a kind of remedy for the consumption of liquor: Yoghurt.
Seemingly he believed that it lined the stomach prior to a heavy night on the tiles or whatever.
I have some of the stuff in my fridge and I am minded to consume some of it instanter.
Labels: At Home , Humour
Dressed for Dinner
Never let it be said that Timothy Belmont does not like to dress for the occasion. The old school's Class of '78 Re-Union bash takes place in County Down this evening and the revered 1933 dinner jacket, matching trousers, white piqué dress shirt, bow-tie, cummerbund and black Oxford calf leather shoes are all ready to see the light of day once again. The bow-tie is ancient, too. Only the shirt is relatively new.
All moths of discerning taste have flown off till its reappearance. Now that I think of it, this must be somewhat akin to the Chilean Thirty-three.
Note the detail in the old jacket, no longer standard issue nowadays lest one forks out a ruddy fortune. The non-cloth buttons, very wide, ribbed silk lapel; functional cuffs. In 1933 Bertie Wooster and Hercule Poirot must have worn something along these lines.
Labels: Lord Belmont's Wardrobe
Rotten Lemon!
Reckoning that T Belmont was due a modest restorative, following the travails of the past few days, I poured myself a standard issue gin, opened the fridge door and brought out the container with the lemon therein.
The confounded lemon had gone off. It was mouldy and rotten! Damned nuisance.
Nevertheless, it didn't prevent me from the main purpose.
I must add a lemon or lime to the shopping-list.
The Oxford Shoes
It is almost thirty years since I bought my first pair of Oxford calf leather shoes by Church and Company. They are called Consul. I acquired them at Harrod's in the early eighties (part of the House of Fraser in those days). I considered them costly enough then, at about £60 as far as I remember.
They are among the most comfortable items in my wardrobe.
I shall be wearing them at a dinner in County Down tomorrow evening, Saturday, October 16th, 2010.
Labels: At Home , Lord Belmont's Wardrobe
The Ambani Residence
The Daily Telegraph has a rivetting article about one of the world's wealthiest men and his new pied-à-terre.
Mukesh Ambani, his wife and three children have moved into the building which is named Antilia, after a mythical Island. It contains a health club with a gym and dance studio, at least one studio, a ballroom, guestrooms and a range of lounges and a 50 seater cinema.
The 53 year-old tycoon is not only the richest man in India but the fourth richest man in the world. In total there is reported to be 37,000 square metres of space, which is more than the Palace of Versailles.
To keep it running smoothly requires 600 staff.
Ugly, isn't it? If I were so filthy rich I think I'd prefer to buy Versailles!
I was quite astonished by the amount of large hand baggage on the flight home yesterday. Despite its size, it presumably fell within the 55cm x 40cm x 20cm limit and weight limit, too.
In my experience, cabin trolley cases can still weigh five or more kilograms before any items are packed.
I have a very light and robust holdall which measures about 46cm x 32cm x 20cm. It is very light indeed and could take a lot of clothing.
It was as cheap as chips at the time. Trolley cabin luggage with bells and whistles can be expensive and weigh almost as much as their contents.
I am minded to use the holdall the next time I holiday abroad.
Paper-Clip Alert
I was going through the security screening scanner at Fuerteventura Airport yesterday and the warning buzzer sounded. Now I had taken everything off, including belt, coins etc, so I simply couldn't fathom the cause of this.
The attendant checked me in a few seconds and waved me through.
On the flight I pondered what could have caused the machine to sound and now I know. The cause was a paper-clip which I used on my euros inside a money-belt type of thing!
One little paper-clip! There you have it.
Corralejo: Finale
By this time tomorrow Timothy Belmont shall, God willing, be home and normal service shall resume to faithful readers. Indeed I have a fair number of articles already drafted on Ulster's country houses and gentry for future perusal, concentrating presently on the county of Tyrone.
My flight departs from Fuerteventura at 20:25 hours, or so I am led to believe.
Today would seem to be a national holiday in Spain and its off-shore islands.
Corralejo: X
It rained this morning for the first time! Of course the sun came out afterwards, drying everything up. I'm presently enjoying a Tanqueray gin - does the Strangford Arms Hotel in County Down have this brand? - and may well begin packing my case tonight. The flight tomorrow evening is scheduled to depart at 20:25 hours.
I have heard on Sky News that Sir Philip Green has exposed the scandalous wastage occuring within the Civil Service regarding mobile phone contracts, flights etc. How astonishing, though unsurprising.
Sir Philip deserves a life peerage for this exposure, thereby saving the Taxpayer many millions of pounds; in contrast to fuzzy-bearded, socialist, little Hitlers who are swanned around in stately Rolls-Royces, thinking they are God-knows-who.
Bizarre Administration
The observation of an apparent row - or spat - between Messrs Robinson and McGuinness, First and Deputy First Ministers of Northern Ireland, seems bizarre from 2,400 miles away, though unsurprising given what must be the most complicated, rigged system of government in the western world.
Such is the nature of Northern Ireland and the 'divided society' John Hume always liked to refer to. To coin another memorable phrase - this time from Sir Winston Churchill - "jaw-jaw is better than war-war", or words to that effect.
Several messages sent to me may have inadvertently ended up in the Spam Folder, so would anyone who suspects this re-send their message. I received one message regarding the the Kilmorey Estates which has disappeared.
Corralejo: IX
Well, the hols are nearing their conclusion and I have moderated my alcohol consumption so, cognizant of this fact, readers shan't be at all surprised that I have a glass of lemonade beside the Dell Mini 9 presently. Please do not be too alarmed, though, because I had a few little Tanqueray restoratives in my room earlier.
I had lasagne and salad garnish at Michael's place, the Casbah, last night and drifted into the adjoining bar, the Blue Rock - for a few more teetotal beverages, viz. Fanta Orange. This little bar is popular with British clientele (which suits Timothy Belmont well since I generally shun Irish bars like the Bubonic Plague). Last night there was a couple from north Devon who owned an apartment in the resort and stay for 8-12 weeks annually.
Another couple hailed from Torquay and the woman asked me if I'd heard of it. Self replied: "The English Riviera, home to Basil Fawlty and I have his entire DVD box-set!"
Nothing more to report presently, so I shall sign off.
Corralejo: VIII
There has been an exceptionally high tide at Cotillo beach today. As it happened, I parked myself inland because my usual spot had been occupied; though this decision proved to be correct since many visitors had to remove themselves! The tide was so high that the little lagoon became filled swiftly and, for a while, the main beach itself succumbed to sea-water.
A few intrepid - or foolhardy - souls tried to remain in situ by digging trenches and acting like King Canute. This folly was futile, of course, because the sea-water enveloped them in a pincer movement. It was amusing to watch the spectacle from the side-lines.
I haven't really been imbibing at Torino's Bar this year. I drink enough back at base and must endeavour to restrict myself. The bottle of Tanqueray is fast becoming depleted! I initially purchased a large bottle of Canada Dry tonic-water - owing to no Schweppes - and it was utterly rotten, so much so that I poured it down the sink!
Corralejo: VII
I enjoyed a very good meal at a little restaurant I occasionally frequent whilst in the resort of Corralejo, La Taberna, Hernan Cortes Street, run by Mine Host, Juan, ably assisted in the kitchen by his diligent wife, Ana.
Juan happens to be a passionate fan of the major Spanish football club, Real Madrid. He is also a follower of the jazz musician, - if that is the correct terminolgy - Jamie Cullum.
La Taberna operates a unique formula which works admirably, whereby the fillet steak meals are accompanied by a moderate portion of crisp and dry saute potatoes and a small remekin of coleslaw. I ordered the steak - medium done - with a Roquefort cheese sauce. it was simply sumptuous. There was no fat at all and it was so juicy, too.
Juan also brings diners his lovely fresh crusty rolls with his signature alioli garlic mayonnaise, the best alioli in Corralejo to my mind! I shouldn't wish for any finer.
I prefer to sit outside La Taberna at a pavement table, though none were available last night so I sat just inside the restaurant. Juan and Ana know me now and he always admires my watch!
The bill came to €22 including the tip. La Taberna is seriously underrated in my opinion, which is, perhaps, apt since I shouldn't wish it to be too busy.
Today I spotted a pair of hoopoes, quite unmistakable with their Mohican-style tufts; as distinctive in their livery as our goldfinches really.
Labels: Food And Drink , Food Heroes , Holidays
Norman Wisdom 1915-2010
SIR NORMAN JOSEPH WISDOM OBE
I've received a timely reminder about a great comedy hero of my childhood who passed away peacefully, the entertainer Norman Wisdom.
Sir Norman was married twice and is survived by his son and daughter.
I relished watching his films as a boy in short trousers. I'm uncertain whether my parents enjoyed his childish sense of humour so much, in retrospect.
Sir Norman's obituary is published in the Daily Telegraph.
Corralejo: VI
There remains quite a surfing set on Fuerteventura. There is even a surfing hotel in the middle of El Cotillo, called the Marea Viva Hotel. I needed to use a loo several days ago, so I called with them and there was no problem. I asked the 'receptionist' - who looked more akin to a surfing youth - for the tariff and he quoted me €240 for one week's bed and breakfast at this time of year. That figure is for single occupancy. Judging by first impressions, it would appear to be a Bohemian type of place.
En route to El Cotillo, you pass through a village called Lajares, which also has a surfing community - or commune!
I ought to give surfing a try. I might actually enjoy it!
Corralejo: V
Guess where Timothy Belmont has been spending the day? All right, lazing on the beach, building up the old tan to sustain self over those dreadful winter months in Northern Ireland.
The good news today has been a remarkable performance by our two worthy Ulstermen, viz. Messrs McDowell and McIlroy, predominating an intrepid British team of golfers playing for Europe. I groan whenever I see them all flying those silly European flags. What ever did they fly for the Continent prior to the star-spangled blue duster?
Cordial congratulations to The Province's golfing duo.
Corralejo: IV
I went to see a Barbra Streisand tribute act at an establishment called Castaways last night. The singer, Lisa Faye, certainly had a powerful voice and could easily belt out all the popular numbers. She told us that she'd been performing at the Edinburgh Festival and was returning to the UK on Sunday. Two couples from the north of England came and sat down at my table, so I chatted with them till the interval when I made my departure.
This morning I fried a few rashers of that good bacon by Oscar Mayer in the microwave oven, and ate them with buttered toast. Very tasty. I've spent the day at El Cotillo again.
Corralejo: III
I've been reading an old favourite while I'm on holiday, Jeeves in the Offing, by Sir P G Wodehouse. I cannot resist quoting from the end of Chapter Three, a paragraph about the "loony doctor", Sir Roderick Glossop:
"We seated ourselves and had just started sipping, when the butler came out of the house bearing a bowl of fruit and hove to beside the table with it.
Well, when I say the term 'butler', I use the term loosely. He was dressed like a butler and he behaved like a butler, but in the deepest and truest sense of the word he was not a butler.
Reading from left to right, he was Sir Roderick Glossop ... there could not be two men with that vast bald head and those bushy eyebrows, and it would be deceiving the customer to say that I remained unshaken".
Classic Wodehouse. The Master of the English Language. Ever notice how sparingly he uses colons and semi-colons? There's a lesson for us today indeed.
The 3D Phenomenon
Sky News isn't half promoting their new "3D" channel on the box. You can't blame them, of course, though the quality would need to be superior to that on the Big Screen.
I have been to several so-called 3D movies and, to date, have been somewhat non-plussed be the experience. The special spectacles seem to subdue to picture, making it appear duller.
No, Timothy Belmont is more than happy with the current High Definition Experience on our screens. Let us leave it at that, in the interim. I shan't be buying a 3D telly in the near future, at any rate.
Labels: Holidays , The Belmont Pronouncements


First of all… It works, and it works well! The only minor thing: The "When spam comment has been blocked" display message can not be changed. The plug-in saves the changes, but the screen message remains the default message.
The topic '[Plugin: Invisible Captcha] Display message can not be edited' is closed to new replies.


Bellastagia's Olde Tyme Lunar Carnival and Midnight Circus!
The faded yellow paint of the words peeled in some places on the sign post and showed its age. It sunk one inch after another into the soft wet earth of Brakmar's Mourning Wood as a shirtless Strong-man swung his mallet into the head of the sign over and over again until it was firmly set into the ground. He wore striped trousers of an off blue and white reminiscent of the same fabric of the tents set up behind him. The sun was setting and little fairy bottles began to shimmer as their inhabitants, strung up as decorative lanterns on streamers overhead, began to awaken for another night of wonderment.
Swinging the mallet up over his shoulder he turned his bare upper half, covered in a multitude of tattooed eyes from his fingertips to the top of his bald head to note a giggling dark brown furred Ecaflip sitting in a ticket booth. He'd give a small bow to her and heft his mallet up to his shoulder. In turn, She produced a small violent lace fan and began flittering it at herself and hiding the lower portion of her painted ruby red lips in mock embarrassment. There was an almost...unsettling lack of emotion between this exchange as if they too were but players in the shows taking place under the big tops further down the midway. Carnival barkers and painted faces came out of the growing twilight smiling just a little too wide to be natural and the shades of orange, purple, and green emanating from the lanterns above put an aetherial pall over the whole of this so called 'Midnight Circus.' Trool faire this was not, Art Nouveau posters of corset and petticoat wearing girls and tall angular men were pasted on every stall and tent flap, promising ones hearts desire.
There was certainly magic in the air for all that found themselves in the foggy moors of the Mourning Wood that night. No one had announced their coming, nor had seen this magnificent menagerie of the macabre even begin setting up their wares. It was simply there as if it had always been there and perhaps it may even leave as though it had never been there at all.
A Cheshire grin and bright yellow eyes would greet all comers, The Ecaflip waiting patiently at her post ready to grant entry to those seeking out secrets, unspeakable delights, shocking performance, or perhaps just some place to keep warm out in the cold of the wood that night.