I woke to ponder the fact that, were they alive, my parents would have celebrated their golden wedding anniversary today.
I recall well that my ickle bruvver and I would always make a fuss of the folks on their day. It was a splendid way to say thank you for all the many things they did for us and of course the presents we had received just two days previous. It helped to make for an extended Xmas period and a true family time. I miss them both, but especially today, when the memories flood back.
It was with great sadness then that I read of the untimely death of PC Chris Roberts, who didn't even get to see his own 50th. It reminds me of our own mortality and that we really do not know what is around the corner in our jobs and life in general. My parent's deaths were far too early, but nothing to compare with what has befallen Chris's three kids. My prayers tonight are with them and his kith and kin. Oh, and with Mum & Dad too.
I may be approaching the half-century, but I have a passion for this guy's trance music. If things are a bit hectic this Xmas day, chill with this amazing video.... my pressie to you.
Regular readers know I'm really a fan of the Blues, but I was there at Pittodrie in 1983 when the Dons, en route to winning the European Cup Winners Cup, embarrassed the German Meisters. Wonder if I will be working on Valentine's Day?
Secondly, I'm about to delve into the myriad of mumbo jumbo and mystification over the Xmas celebrations.
Many have posted over the place of a Christian celebration in our diverse and multi-cultural society. Let's get one thing straight. Xmas has little to do with Christ and let's stop pretending otherwise. In other words, why do we insist on the use of His name in the moniker for what is essentially a pagan winter holiday aggravated by the pavlovian devotion to greed and excess typified by modern secular society.
In my brave new world we would continue to recognise the birth of Christ by maintaining the education and interaction children get at skool with nativity shows and the like, but we would weigh this against the need to celebrate Easter as the truly significant time for Christians.
I could ask you to consider the devout and essentially pure stance taken by some of our local Presbyterians at this time. Surprised? Personally, I prefer this tale. It about sums up my view perfectly. So go on enjoy the festivities! Only spare some time and contemplation for your Maker. If you don't, this could happen to your weans.
Meanwhile, at your local Primary Skool, it's just as well the new security system doesn't listen in as well as talk to the kidz.
Did I mention I was now on my Yuletide / Festive / Seasonal / Winter Holiday (a.k.a. Annual Leave) till the third day of next year and that I have got my SPP and full 2.5%?
I'm off to drink mucho whisky and beer. Will think of you as I do.
Thank you for supporting our think differently about autism campaign. Together we will improve the lives of the 1 in 100 people in the UK with autism by creating a better understanding of autism in society.
Today we launched the final two parts of our campaign filmwhich highlights some the challenges a person with autism can face everyday. Though the film only shows one of the many ways autism can affect an individual, it is a vital tool to help increase understanding of autism.
Let’s ensure as many people as possible see these films!
Please forward on this email to all your contacts asking them to watch all four parts of the campaign film and then forwarding them to their own contacts.
Together we can use the internet to help people think differently about autism!
On 5 February 2008 the next stage of the campaign will launch focusing specifically on the desperate lack of services and support available to adults with autism across the spectrum. We will be demanding the UK Government takes action to address this issue and will need your support to make this happen. We will be in touch in January 2008 to explain how you can get involved. For more information about the campaign please email us at thinkdifferently@nas.org.uk or call and leave a message on 020 7923 5788.
Thank you for your ongoing support!
Benet Middleton Director of Communications
The National Autistic Society 393 City Road, London, EC1V 1NG, United Kingdom.Tel: +44(0)20 7833 2299, Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9666, Email: nas@nas.org.ukVAT registration number: 653370050; Registered charity number: 269425
It’s Xmas, so in the spirit of the season, here’s some festive cheer ‘cos I know you southerners need a little cheering up what with H.M. Government’s Scrooge-like behaviour over pay.
(p.s. Click on the pic to enlarge a representation of a modern day Glesga nativity)
A teenage girl phones her dad at midnight and says, "Can you come and get me? I've missed the last bus and it's pouring with rain." "Okay," says her dad. "Where are you ringing from?" The girl replies, "From the top of my head right down to my knickers."
A Glasgow woman goes to the dentist and settles down in the chair. "Comfy?" asks the dentist. "Govan" she replies.
What did the Siamese twins from Glasgow call their autobiography? ‘Oor Wullie.’
Did you hear about the lonely prisoner? He was in his cell.
A guy walks into an antiques shop and says, "How much for the set of antlers?" "Two hundred quid," says the bloke behind the counter. "That's affa dear," says the guy.
Did you hear about the fella who liked eating bricks and cement? He's awa' noo.
After announcing he's getting married, a boy tells his pal he'll be wearing the kilt. "And what's the tartan?" asks his mate. "Oh, she'll be wearing a white dress," he replies.
Ten cows in a field. Which one is closest to Iraq? Coo eight.
Three wee jobbies sitting on the pavement. Which one's a Musketeer? The dark tan yin.
A Scotsman in London is having trouble phoning his sister from a telephone box so he calls the operator who asks in a plummy voice, "Is there money in the box?" "Naw, it's just me," he replies.
While getting ready to go out, a wee wifie says to her husband, "Shug, do you think I'm getting a wee bit pigeon chested?" And he says, "Aye, but that's why I love you like a doo."
What do you call a pigeon that goes to Aviemore for its holidays? A skean dhu.
How many Spanish guys does it take to change a lightbulb? Just Juan.
A man takes a pair of shoes back to the shop and complains that there is a lace missing. "No," argues the assistant, "look at the label - it says Taiwan."
What's the difference between The Rolling Stones and an Aberdeen sheep farmer? The Rolling Stones say, "Hey you, get off of my cloud." And an Aberdeen sheep farmer says, "Hey McLeod, get off of ma ewe."
What do you call an illegitimate Scottish insect? A wee fly b*****d.
Did you hear about the BBC Scotland series that features the queue for the toilets at Waverley Station? It's called The Aw' Needin' Line.
What about the Scotsman who lost his testicles in a motorcycle accident? The surgeon re-attached them with Bostik.
Why was the Chinese restaurant so bad? Because the chef was Low Ping.
This year, as every year, the country's Police Officers patiently, nay excitably, await the Home Secretary's seasonal message and veritable morale booster.
Meanwhile, my good friend Noddy has also read the letter from Ms Spliff to Alistair Dearest and is a tad scunnered on behalf of his friends down south and not exactly full of seasonal goodwill towards double-dealing politicians exhibiting crass double standards.
On a positive note, Mr Plod reports that he has the entire Festive Season off on leave and he WILL be in receipt of the massive pay rise!
So from Toy Town™ at least it's Nollaig Cridheal 's Bliadhna Mhath ùr to you and yours.
Just a few days ago I welcomed you all to our wee nation.
Well I have the feeling a few of my colleagues down south might just be thinking of coming up to these pairts permanently!
Strictly speaking I'm prohibited from espousing any Political views, but there's nothing wrong with making a political observation based on factual events, so here I go.
Since the leak in The Telegraph regarding Ms Spliff's reneging on the PAT decision, there has been some indignation amongst the rank and file south of the border. Cannot blame you guys to be honest.
Meanwhile the SNP, in the form of Justice Minister Kenny MacAskill, have honoured (and I use that word with just regard and respect for this Politician's decision) the agreement in Scotland.
Ms Spliff must be a tad miffed the Scottish Executive did not just roll over and agree to the UK Government position as hoped for in her letter to the scots Chancellor.
The SNP, however, must have been rubbing their hands with glee this morning when they had the opportunity to a) stick one right up Labour north of the border and 2) shove another wedge in the cracks in the Union and in their drive for Independence by highlighting the differences north and south of the border.
Personally, I'm glad OUR government had the decency to accept the 'award', pitiful though some might have regarded it in the first place.
For those down south, I wish you well with the double-dealers at the Home Office. Other public servants beware! OK that is political, but have you read that letter?
Finally, let's just compare notes.
Kenny MacAskill: "It's for the UK Government to settle with their police officers and the Scottish Government to settle with our police officers. All I'm saying is that we believe when you enter into an arbitration scheme, if it comes out with something then unless there's good reason you should implement it."
Joe Grant - Scottish Police Federation: "What it has done is restore a bit of trust and faith in the negotiating process here in Scotland that doesn't exist elsewhere in the UK."
Jacqui Spliff: "I am accepting their (PAT) recommendation for a 2.5% increase to the pay of police officers. However, I also have a responsibility to ensure pay settlements are affordable and consistent with government pay policy, including the maintenance of low inflation. I have therefore decided that the award should be implemented on 1 December, rather than 1 September."
Jan Berry - Police Federation (England & Wales): "This is contemptuous behaviour by the Home Secretary and has rightly angered the 140,000 police officers in England and Wales who have been waiting patiently for their pay award since 1 September. Police officers should either have full industrial rights or independent binding arbitration - currently we have neither."
Notice the difference?
2.5% may not be as much as we would have liked, but at least we can enter arbitration next year knowing it is morally binding north of the border..... or should that be north of the DIVIDE!
.... to the commonalityof the sudden deaths within the remit of the author of the as ever unintentionally amusing SPDK blog.
Well, there must be a simple answer to this and I would suggest that this is a very poor example of Problem Solving Policing, targets are clearly not being met and it's time for a visit from the the local Pink Community Support Officers.
On a personal note, whilst in India, I would advise sticking to bottled water. The local stuff can taste a bit foostie!
Far be it from me to suggest that there has been a bit of plagiarism over at Follyrood and the STB, but the new 'Corporate' banner for the bestest wee nation on planet earth does seem to be a bit familiar!
It certainly beats the Canadians' efforts vis-a-vis "Come see our beavers."
Meanwhile up here in Welcome to Toy Town™ land, the locals are in a huff over monoglot bendy-buses. Mind you, there is a need to be careful about things that you put on the backs of buses.We wouldn't want to get on the wrong side of the law now would we?
On another tack, I have to say I'm humbled to be the recipient of a Twining Oscar.
