Loss or theft of IT equipment from Government departments;.
December 2008
Figures from the Ministry of Defence show that, so far this year,
59 memory sticks have gone missing and six have been stolen.
Their (the M.O.D.) 'Loss' of Laptops on the other hand has reached as high as 62!
This 'Loss' of laptops is said to be up on the 2005 figure of 18 and compare to a peak, in 2004, of 272.
The number of hard drives 'lost' peaked at 72 for 2008, up from eight last year.
However, it's reassuring to hear that only two were stolen.
Defence minister Kevan Jones has been reported as saying;
"We take any loss of media storage devices very seriously. We have put in place revised, robust procedures."
In no way could it be said that there is a contest is running between Government departments but,
at the Department of Health, 14 laptops were lost or stolen during 2008, against a peak of 35 in 2001-02.
It's not just computers and their hard drives that are going astray in one way or another.
Twenty-one mobile phones have vanished, although this is compared to a 2000-2001figure of 43.
During 2007-2008, total losses or thefts of IT equipment from the Department of Health reached just 35.
Added to this, is the figure of 11,000 military ID cards having been lost or stolen, in just two years, from Ministry of Defence personnel.
When you consider the fact that the theft of a computer, one computer, from a Royal Navy officer, in January of this year, meant the Ministry of Defence lost the details of over 600,000 people,
then the 'lost or stolen IT' figures can become quite frightening.
While finding these Government Ministry figures frightening,
it's only fair to point out that their are other forms of IT 'Loss'.
November of 2007 saw a major gaffe by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).
They managed to mislay computer discs carrying details of 25 million child benefit claimants.
In October of this year, an employee of the accountancy giant, Deloitte, had items stolen from her handbag that contained details of Deloitte clients including, amongst others, Vodafone, Network Rail and the British Transport Police.
Happily though, there is just a little light at the end of this rather scary tunnel...
Not everything stays 'lost'.
In January 2007, Dutch prosecutors sent a CD containing the DNA profiles of 4,000 suspected rapists to the Crown Prosecution Service in London.
The Dutch authorities were keen to see if any of their 'most wanted' were running free inside the UK.
However, the disc was "lost", ... only to unearthed in March of this year.
Footnote;
As of April 2008, data has been recovered in only three out of 94 known incidences ...
The HMRC discs referred to above are still missing.
And finally ... in relation to that HMRC gaffe ...
"Staff at the Whitehall department that lost the personal details of 25 million families have received a £19 million performance-related bonus.
The payout at HM Revenue and Customs, which has seen seven data breaches since April 2005,
was a 70 per cent rise on the £11 million shared by staff in the previous year."
Source; Christopher Hope, Home Affairs Correspondent Daily Telegraph 10 Jan 2008
General Source;Parliamentary written answers/ ZDnet / Daily Telegraph
Monday, 29 December 2008
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Spolied for Choice
From Rabbi Pete Tobias, of the Liberal Synagogue ElstreeTuesday 25 November 2008
...
The comedian Michael McIntyre makes an interesting observation about buffets.
When you order a meal in a restaurant, you just order one thing. But when you’re confronted with a buffet, you want everything – even things you’ve never thought of eating! And even though the buffet’s always replenished, you’re terrified it’ll all be gone before you’ve had a chance to eat it all.
I’m not sure all this choice is good for us. Remember when you went to get bread and milk from the local shop – you got a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk. Now it could be skimmed, semi-skimmed or full fat – and as for the bread... All those different types and shapes and sizes - if the buffet mentality took hold of you, you’d be eating nothing but bread for weeks.
There’s a lot of truth in the well-worn phrase ‘spoiled for choice.’ We’re spoiled in the sense that all our needs are indulged. But I think we’re also spoiled in the sense of being ruined: we seem to have lost a sense of how to value and appreciate things, because there are just so many of them.
It’s not easy to take a step back from our materialistic world when it perpetually encourages us to consume more and more. We imagine the whole world is a buffet from which we humans can take whatever we want.
But perhaps we should every now and then, try to learn some humility and understand our place in the world.
...
The comedian Michael McIntyre makes an interesting observation about buffets.
When you order a meal in a restaurant, you just order one thing. But when you’re confronted with a buffet, you want everything – even things you’ve never thought of eating! And even though the buffet’s always replenished, you’re terrified it’ll all be gone before you’ve had a chance to eat it all.
I’m not sure all this choice is good for us. Remember when you went to get bread and milk from the local shop – you got a loaf of bread and a bottle of milk. Now it could be skimmed, semi-skimmed or full fat – and as for the bread... All those different types and shapes and sizes - if the buffet mentality took hold of you, you’d be eating nothing but bread for weeks.
There’s a lot of truth in the well-worn phrase ‘spoiled for choice.’ We’re spoiled in the sense that all our needs are indulged. But I think we’re also spoiled in the sense of being ruined: we seem to have lost a sense of how to value and appreciate things, because there are just so many of them.
It’s not easy to take a step back from our materialistic world when it perpetually encourages us to consume more and more. We imagine the whole world is a buffet from which we humans can take whatever we want.
But perhaps we should every now and then, try to learn some humility and understand our place in the world.
Have you ever wondered what it is drives some people to come in to Bloggs and share their soul with the world?
I know I do.
I often wonder why I keep coming in here, albeit intermittently; why I keep getting 'the urge' to share how I feel about world events or things I've heard on the radio ...
This latest 'offering' is just that.
As soon as I'd hear the following I got that old feeling I 'had To' share it ...
It's taken from Terry Wogan's BBC Radio2 show on the first of December this year (2008).
From Reverened Ruth Scott, an Anglican Vicar in Richmond Monday 1 December 2008
Last night many churches around the country will have marked the start of Advent with special services. These begin in complete darkness, into which a single lit candle is carried. A small pinpoint of light. The flame is passed from one person’s candle to another until there’s no more darkness.
Today, with the news dominated by recession and the carnage of terrorism, I’m sure we could all do with a little heart-warming light to keep us going.
On my recent cycle ride from Cairo to Jerusalem, Jane was my particular inspiration.
Sport isn’t really her thing. A 1000km cycling challenge sounded like hell on wheels.
But it was in aid of a charity she supported, so she started serious training and worked hard to get fit. She raised lots of money and roped in her friends to join her in the challenge.
Nerves kept her awake the night before we started cycling and the first day felt almost impossible. Compared with the superfit among us, she felt inadequate. I know there were times cycling up the mountains of the Sinai desert when Jane was so tired and disheartened that she wanted to throw in the towel. But she didn’t. She pedalled away at the back of our column, often far behind the leading cyclists, and just kept going, no matter how long it took her.
That demanded great courage, determination and humour. Jane was way out her comfort zone, but she achieved so much, not only for herself but also for many others. Her example certainly lit my candle, and I want to pass on that flame to you today.
No matter how inadequate we may feel, each of us can be an inspiration to others, even when we’re struggling at the back of the crowd and everyone else seems so much better than us.
Inspiration doesn’t come from being super-talented or successful. It’s about having a ‘can-do’ approach to life whatever our circumstances or short-comings.
And (Terry) what better gift to give another person at Christmas than the light of inspiration to help them on their way?
I know I do.
I often wonder why I keep coming in here, albeit intermittently; why I keep getting 'the urge' to share how I feel about world events or things I've heard on the radio ...
This latest 'offering' is just that.
As soon as I'd hear the following I got that old feeling I 'had To' share it ...
It's taken from Terry Wogan's BBC Radio2 show on the first of December this year (2008).
From Reverened Ruth Scott, an Anglican Vicar in Richmond Monday 1 December 2008
Last night many churches around the country will have marked the start of Advent with special services. These begin in complete darkness, into which a single lit candle is carried. A small pinpoint of light. The flame is passed from one person’s candle to another until there’s no more darkness.
Today, with the news dominated by recession and the carnage of terrorism, I’m sure we could all do with a little heart-warming light to keep us going.
On my recent cycle ride from Cairo to Jerusalem, Jane was my particular inspiration.
Sport isn’t really her thing. A 1000km cycling challenge sounded like hell on wheels.
But it was in aid of a charity she supported, so she started serious training and worked hard to get fit. She raised lots of money and roped in her friends to join her in the challenge.
Nerves kept her awake the night before we started cycling and the first day felt almost impossible. Compared with the superfit among us, she felt inadequate. I know there were times cycling up the mountains of the Sinai desert when Jane was so tired and disheartened that she wanted to throw in the towel. But she didn’t. She pedalled away at the back of our column, often far behind the leading cyclists, and just kept going, no matter how long it took her.
That demanded great courage, determination and humour. Jane was way out her comfort zone, but she achieved so much, not only for herself but also for many others. Her example certainly lit my candle, and I want to pass on that flame to you today.
No matter how inadequate we may feel, each of us can be an inspiration to others, even when we’re struggling at the back of the crowd and everyone else seems so much better than us.
Inspiration doesn’t come from being super-talented or successful. It’s about having a ‘can-do’ approach to life whatever our circumstances or short-comings.
And (Terry) what better gift to give another person at Christmas than the light of inspiration to help them on their way?
Wednesday, 8 October 2008
October Ramblings ~ 1
How do you compensate for the plain unadulterated laziness of some people?
There's a lad not far from us who is going to loose his livelihood and possibly even his home because his boss
(or one of his fellow workers) is too darn lazy to get out of his van and use and intercom.
Evey day the van pulls up and while stationary, the horn is sounded ... Long and Loud ...
Waking up all sorts of folks ...
Folks who find sleep a rare and precious thing, folks who are ill and possibly worst of all, youngsters who should, by all rights, still be asleep for another couple of hours ....
In the past, these incidences of horn sounding have been reported and the person responsible was Thought to have been shown the error of his ways and that peace reigned. However, now winter is almost back with us, it would appear the van driver is simply too lazy to get out into the cold early morning and walk over to an intercom which would alert the lad concerned. This laziness is because, most probably, because it's 'too cold', at 12 Celsius, to 'get out the van'.
Previously, the housing manager was considerate enough to point out the the lad that he could be in court or out of his house if he was to be shown to be working while claiming unemployment (and the associated housing benefit) ... the morning horn ritual promptly stopped.
Perhaps the housing manager won't be as considerate second time around ...
Meaning the lad will possibly lose his home due to the actions of someone who is simply too lazy to care ...
There's a lad not far from us who is going to loose his livelihood and possibly even his home because his boss
(or one of his fellow workers) is too darn lazy to get out of his van and use and intercom.
Evey day the van pulls up and while stationary, the horn is sounded ... Long and Loud ...
Waking up all sorts of folks ...
Folks who find sleep a rare and precious thing, folks who are ill and possibly worst of all, youngsters who should, by all rights, still be asleep for another couple of hours ....
In the past, these incidences of horn sounding have been reported and the person responsible was Thought to have been shown the error of his ways and that peace reigned. However, now winter is almost back with us, it would appear the van driver is simply too lazy to get out into the cold early morning and walk over to an intercom which would alert the lad concerned. This laziness is because, most probably, because it's 'too cold', at 12 Celsius, to 'get out the van'.
Previously, the housing manager was considerate enough to point out the the lad that he could be in court or out of his house if he was to be shown to be working while claiming unemployment (and the associated housing benefit) ... the morning horn ritual promptly stopped.
Perhaps the housing manager won't be as considerate second time around ...
Meaning the lad will possibly lose his home due to the actions of someone who is simply too lazy to care ...
Friday, 8 August 2008
To Commemorate 08 / 08 / 08
Everyone in my house appears to be doing something to mark this auspicious date so thought I'd pop in here and do likewise.
Personally, ... don't know what all the fuss is about but there you go, each to there own as they say...
(typed the 'tehy say', ...what is it with the 'the' keys on this keyboard, they're forever getting themselves confused)!
LOL
Not been writing much on here but ... was reading just yesterday about 'positive triggers' and it's fair caught my attention.
And, better yet, so far, it appears to be working for me ...
The priciples of Positive Triggering are based around conjuring up in your mind things that you experienced that made you feel good in order to help you through bad times or 'down' times or plain old 'bored' times ...
Not that I'm ever bored ... at least I don't think I am ..
Down, now 'Down' and me are on the most intimate of terms ...way too intimate if you were to ask me ...
but you won't as we don't know each other .. and never will as there's rules around here, rules which, for a Long time, I was happy to allow to hold sway over my life and the lives of those with whom I come into contact, so there you go, it's me that's to 'blame' ... not that I blame me of course, well, not out loud any way, always 'keep it all in' as the song says,....
Speaking of songs, I like to switch the radio on whenever I get up, it keeps me company and sometimes the first song or tune I hear can set my day off just right.
Llike this morning, it was Johny Walker on 'the Beeb', Radio 2 ...
Dancing Queen, it was, from the movie version of Mama Mia.
''Fabulous'' he called it and ''A great night out.'' and he, like me, saw it weks ago...
Well, he's spot on, anyone, no, in fact, Everyone who is reading this should go and see it.
It's such an 'Upper', ... lifts spirits like no movie I've ever seen before ...
Right now, where was I? Oh yes, Positive Triggers,
Well last night I got to sleep quite quickly (although that's rarity for me These days!) by recalling when we used to go to the east shore of 'The Loch', Loch Lomond to you, and we'd pull the car up on the 'beach' and there would be Total Silence and we'd swim and we'd picnic and we'd relax and we'd ... (Eat! What else would I mean?)
Ahhhhhh What lovely memories ...
Anyway, being 'back there in my mind let me drift off nice and smoothly ...
Must remember to read more about 'positive triggers' ....
They might just work other times too.
Personally, ... don't know what all the fuss is about but there you go, each to there own as they say...
(typed the 'tehy say', ...what is it with the 'the' keys on this keyboard, they're forever getting themselves confused)!
LOL
Not been writing much on here but ... was reading just yesterday about 'positive triggers' and it's fair caught my attention.
And, better yet, so far, it appears to be working for me ...
The priciples of Positive Triggering are based around conjuring up in your mind things that you experienced that made you feel good in order to help you through bad times or 'down' times or plain old 'bored' times ...
Not that I'm ever bored ... at least I don't think I am ..
Down, now 'Down' and me are on the most intimate of terms ...way too intimate if you were to ask me ...
but you won't as we don't know each other .. and never will as there's rules around here, rules which, for a Long time, I was happy to allow to hold sway over my life and the lives of those with whom I come into contact, so there you go, it's me that's to 'blame' ... not that I blame me of course, well, not out loud any way, always 'keep it all in' as the song says,....
Speaking of songs, I like to switch the radio on whenever I get up, it keeps me company and sometimes the first song or tune I hear can set my day off just right.
Llike this morning, it was Johny Walker on 'the Beeb', Radio 2 ...
Dancing Queen, it was, from the movie version of Mama Mia.
''Fabulous'' he called it and ''A great night out.'' and he, like me, saw it weks ago...
Well, he's spot on, anyone, no, in fact, Everyone who is reading this should go and see it.
It's such an 'Upper', ... lifts spirits like no movie I've ever seen before ...
Right now, where was I? Oh yes, Positive Triggers,
Well last night I got to sleep quite quickly (although that's rarity for me These days!) by recalling when we used to go to the east shore of 'The Loch', Loch Lomond to you, and we'd pull the car up on the 'beach' and there would be Total Silence and we'd swim and we'd picnic and we'd relax and we'd ... (Eat! What else would I mean?)
Ahhhhhh What lovely memories ...
Anyway, being 'back there in my mind let me drift off nice and smoothly ...
Must remember to read more about 'positive triggers' ....
They might just work other times too.
Friday, 16 May 2008
'Hidden Lives' ~ 'Sweaty Betty' ~ Channel Five 11pm Thurs. 15th May 2008
Hyperhidrosis is a condition suffered by over half a million people in the UK.
Channel Five, in its infinite wisdom, first used a derogatory term as the title for this programme and then followed through with what can only be described as a one sided look this immensely debilitating condition.
Having a family member who suffers from Hyperhidrosis, I decided to stay up late (11pm is late for me) and watch what I thought might be a serious approach to a serious condition and informative an piece of programming.
I was, to say the least, disappointed.
Throughout the programme women talked about their 'sweat problems'.
Film was shown of them going about their daily lives while (apparently) suffering from Hyperhidrosis.
We saw one young woman, in fashionably tight leggings and top doing her shopping ...
Anyone with this condition Knows only too well that they should Never wear man-made fibers!
Yet this person Chose to wear possibly the tightest of style leg-wear and ones of a kind made from possibly the most restricting man-made fibers there is!
In another scene we saw another young woman wearing a lose fitting tee-shirt with the tell-tale signs of semi-circular 'sweat rings' under her armpits ... they were about the size of a small tea plate ...
Someone with true Hyperhidrosis can accumulate that amount of sweat simply getting out of bed!
I agree with the program's makers, the operation said to help 'cure' heavy sweating, Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathetica (ETS) is a a significantly dangerous one and one that should only be consented to after a great deal of forethought and personal research.
I agree, many people suffer greatly for years from this condition.
I agree, there is a Need for this condition to be highlighted, mainly so people who suffer with it are less stigmatized, as they are in present day society.
I Do Not agree with;
This program's makers focusing purely on women sufferers ...
Was their use of the 'Sweaty Betty' title the only way they could obtain financial support to make their programme?
This programmes' portrayal of what its makers inferred were typical 'Hyperhidrosis sufferers' ...
I've seen more sweat on a Polar Bear's back!
Hyperhidrosis can be so bad as to be totally debilitating. Water can literally Flood down a person's face and leave whatever hair they have left on their heads soaking wet, like 'straight out of the shower' wet, withing a few seconds!
The subjects selected for this programme were either 'airbrushed' so their true condition did not show in the film or any film of a true Hyperhidrosis sufferer was left out of the finished programme, possibly left on the cutting room floor in case someone watching might have their sensitivities upset!
My overall opinion of this programe?
A Good Opportunity Wasted !
Channel Five, in its infinite wisdom, first used a derogatory term as the title for this programme and then followed through with what can only be described as a one sided look this immensely debilitating condition.
Having a family member who suffers from Hyperhidrosis, I decided to stay up late (11pm is late for me) and watch what I thought might be a serious approach to a serious condition and informative an piece of programming.
I was, to say the least, disappointed.
Throughout the programme women talked about their 'sweat problems'.
Film was shown of them going about their daily lives while (apparently) suffering from Hyperhidrosis.
We saw one young woman, in fashionably tight leggings and top doing her shopping ...
Anyone with this condition Knows only too well that they should Never wear man-made fibers!
Yet this person Chose to wear possibly the tightest of style leg-wear and ones of a kind made from possibly the most restricting man-made fibers there is!
In another scene we saw another young woman wearing a lose fitting tee-shirt with the tell-tale signs of semi-circular 'sweat rings' under her armpits ... they were about the size of a small tea plate ...
Someone with true Hyperhidrosis can accumulate that amount of sweat simply getting out of bed!
I agree with the program's makers, the operation said to help 'cure' heavy sweating, Endoscopic Transthoracic Sympathetica (ETS) is a a significantly dangerous one and one that should only be consented to after a great deal of forethought and personal research.
I agree, many people suffer greatly for years from this condition.
I agree, there is a Need for this condition to be highlighted, mainly so people who suffer with it are less stigmatized, as they are in present day society.
I Do Not agree with;
This program's makers focusing purely on women sufferers ...
Was their use of the 'Sweaty Betty' title the only way they could obtain financial support to make their programme?
This programmes' portrayal of what its makers inferred were typical 'Hyperhidrosis sufferers' ...
I've seen more sweat on a Polar Bear's back!
Hyperhidrosis can be so bad as to be totally debilitating. Water can literally Flood down a person's face and leave whatever hair they have left on their heads soaking wet, like 'straight out of the shower' wet, withing a few seconds!
The subjects selected for this programme were either 'airbrushed' so their true condition did not show in the film or any film of a true Hyperhidrosis sufferer was left out of the finished programme, possibly left on the cutting room floor in case someone watching might have their sensitivities upset!
My overall opinion of this programe?
A Good Opportunity Wasted !
Saturday, 3 May 2008
Moronic Musical Meanderings
From time to time I'll be posting links to some ('all-time', sentimental or current) favourite sounds.
Today's comes under the 'current' heading and is from a Scottish singer-songwriter
I love the lyrics and its laid back feel ....
Give it a listen ~ See what you think
Phil Campbell ~ Maps
Today's comes under the 'current' heading and is from a Scottish singer-songwriter
I love the lyrics and its laid back feel ....
Give it a listen ~ See what you think
Phil Campbell ~ Maps
Tuesday, 29 April 2008
Looking forward to ...
Looking forward to the Summer ... and hoping we actually get one this year ...
Looking forward to seeing the new Ray Mears series I just heard about today ...
Apparently the intrepid survival expert has been going 'Walkabout' in Australia ...
Sounds like good TV watching material ...
Looking forward to doing this more often, that's just coming in and typing whatever comes into my mind on any given day and then just popping out again ...
Looking forward to seeing the new Ray Mears series I just heard about today ...
Apparently the intrepid survival expert has been going 'Walkabout' in Australia ...
Sounds like good TV watching material ...
Looking forward to doing this more often, that's just coming in and typing whatever comes into my mind on any given day and then just popping out again ...
Monday, 10 March 2008
How to be a Good Wife ~ 1958 / 2008
One of the emails doing the rounds just now is the one with excepts taken from "The Good Wife Guide" (1955)... 'How to be a good wife'.
On reading it I thought how lucky 'young ones' are these days ...
It's almost like I was born in a different era, which I suppose I was ...
On digging further I found the following look at the guide's top tips along with some suggested modern-day comparisons.
Tell me you think... ?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
1955: Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. 2008: Go to the supermarket together and choose a load of your favourite meals to cook at home. Order take out at least once a week.
1955: Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking.
2008: Know that you are gorgeous and don't put yourself down, he loves you just the way you are.
1955: Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
2008: Make sure you both take time out to relax together and do things you both love doing.
1955: Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
2008: His goal: make sure you share the housework chores as otherwise resentment will build. Better still, if you can afford it, get some help around the house.
1955: Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
2008: Do lots of social things together, entertaining, going out for meals and getting dressed up.
If he stays out all night regularly,seriously consider a divorce!
1955: Catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
2008: Looking after one another and doing things that make each other happy will give you both immense personal satisfaction.
1955: Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.
2008: Honestly! Listen to each other - about all things. Communication is the key in every successful relationship. Keeping schtum will only mean feelings will boil over and cause more problems in the long run.
On reading it I thought how lucky 'young ones' are these days ...
It's almost like I was born in a different era, which I suppose I was ...
On digging further I found the following look at the guide's top tips along with some suggested modern-day comparisons.
Tell me you think... ?
~*~*~*~*~*~*~
1955: Have dinner ready. Plan ahead, even the night before, to have a delicious meal ready on time for his return. 2008: Go to the supermarket together and choose a load of your favourite meals to cook at home. Order take out at least once a week.
1955: Prepare yourself. Take 15 minutes to rest so you'll be refreshed when he arrives. Touch up your make-up, put a ribbon in your hair and be fresh-looking.
2008: Know that you are gorgeous and don't put yourself down, he loves you just the way you are.
1955: Be happy to see him. Greet him with a warm smile and show sincerity in your desire to please him.
2008: Make sure you both take time out to relax together and do things you both love doing.
1955: Your goal: try to make sure your home is a place of peace, order and tranquillity where your husband can renew himself in body and spirit.
2008: His goal: make sure you share the housework chores as otherwise resentment will build. Better still, if you can afford it, get some help around the house.
1955: Don't complain if he's late home for dinner or even if he stays out all night. Count this as minor compared to what he might have gone through that day.
2008: Do lots of social things together, entertaining, going out for meals and getting dressed up.
If he stays out all night regularly,seriously consider a divorce!
1955: Catering for his comfort will provide you with immense personal satisfaction.
2008: Looking after one another and doing things that make each other happy will give you both immense personal satisfaction.
1955: Listen to him. You may have a dozen important things to tell him, but the moment of his arrival is not the time.
2008: Honestly! Listen to each other - about all things. Communication is the key in every successful relationship. Keeping schtum will only mean feelings will boil over and cause more problems in the long run.
Holding On To Your Partner
thought I'd post the following after', just the other day, a close friend asked my advice on 'relationships
Holding On To Your Partner
Even when you are settled in a long-term relationship or marriage you still need to make a concerted effort to keep seducing your partner, according to Persaud.
"Everyone has a favourite emotion, and what you need to do is to keep supplying that emotion to your partner so that they are experiencing it from you more than they do from anyone or anywhere else.
"For example, a psychiatrist might like to feel insightful - their partner doesn't have to go as far as to say, 'Gosh what an insightful person you are' every day, but if he or she can subtly make them feel like that on a fairly regular basis then they are very unlikely to stray.
"Indeed, the reason that people stray is that the favourite emotion of theirs starts to be supplied by someone else outside their relationship," he warns.
"Making a person feel that you are thinking a lot about them is also very seductive so, as exhausting as it may sound, if you want to keep an existing relationship alive you have to continue the seduction process that you adopted when you first fell in love throughout the entire relationship.
"There's no reason why you can't still dress up and go on dates with each other even if you are 10 or 20 years into marriage," he adds.
>>>>>
Simply Irresistible: The Psychology Of Seduction - How To Catch And Keep Your Perfect Partner,
Dr Raj Persaud
Holding On To Your Partner
Even when you are settled in a long-term relationship or marriage you still need to make a concerted effort to keep seducing your partner, according to Persaud.
"Everyone has a favourite emotion, and what you need to do is to keep supplying that emotion to your partner so that they are experiencing it from you more than they do from anyone or anywhere else.
"For example, a psychiatrist might like to feel insightful - their partner doesn't have to go as far as to say, 'Gosh what an insightful person you are' every day, but if he or she can subtly make them feel like that on a fairly regular basis then they are very unlikely to stray.
"Indeed, the reason that people stray is that the favourite emotion of theirs starts to be supplied by someone else outside their relationship," he warns.
"Making a person feel that you are thinking a lot about them is also very seductive so, as exhausting as it may sound, if you want to keep an existing relationship alive you have to continue the seduction process that you adopted when you first fell in love throughout the entire relationship.
"There's no reason why you can't still dress up and go on dates with each other even if you are 10 or 20 years into marriage," he adds.
>>>>>
Simply Irresistible: The Psychology Of Seduction - How To Catch And Keep Your Perfect Partner,
Dr Raj Persaud
Friday, 7 March 2008
TV Rescheduling ~ Do You Understand It?
I was just about to join a well known online discussion forum especially to post this 'item'
however, I discovered just in time, they won't accept my ever so humble Gmail addy so ...
have decided to start posting on here whenever I come across anything that gets my dander up ...
Topic ~ Last night's TV Rescheduling
ITV, in their wisdom and with zero notice, rescheduled Trial and Retribution for a movie staring Keely Hawes. That would have been fine for some I suppose but, the way I see it, rather than gaining Keely Hawes on BBC1 as DI Alex Drake in Ashes to Ashes and, at the same time mind you, ...
Keely Hawes playing the mother of an autistic child in the movie 'After Thomas' ....
we Lost an episode of Trail and Retribution ( plus No Ashes to Ashes on BBC Scotland ...)
Ashes to Ashes is apparently going to be shown on local TV on Sunday Next ... no mention of that in our TV listings and I'm sure BBC didn't tell us either so how are we supposed to find out these things?
You'll have recognised by now that we do not have ourselves a digital TV ...
We Should be getting one later this year or maybe later next year or maybe the year after ... by which time 'Blue Ray' will have taken over and all you folks who bought a digital TV will be in a fix and we will still not be able to afford a Digital TV!
LOL
I'm Guessing the rescheduling on BBC Scotland last night was due to ''the football but can Anyone tell me why ITV rescheduled 'Trial and Retribution' and when. if ever, they told us it was going to be rescheduled?
however, I discovered just in time, they won't accept my ever so humble Gmail addy so ...
have decided to start posting on here whenever I come across anything that gets my dander up ...
Topic ~ Last night's TV Rescheduling
ITV, in their wisdom and with zero notice, rescheduled Trial and Retribution for a movie staring Keely Hawes. That would have been fine for some I suppose but, the way I see it, rather than gaining Keely Hawes on BBC1 as DI Alex Drake in Ashes to Ashes and, at the same time mind you, ...
Keely Hawes playing the mother of an autistic child in the movie 'After Thomas' ....
we Lost an episode of Trail and Retribution ( plus No Ashes to Ashes on BBC Scotland ...)
Ashes to Ashes is apparently going to be shown on local TV on Sunday Next ... no mention of that in our TV listings and I'm sure BBC didn't tell us either so how are we supposed to find out these things?
You'll have recognised by now that we do not have ourselves a digital TV ...
We Should be getting one later this year or maybe later next year or maybe the year after ... by which time 'Blue Ray' will have taken over and all you folks who bought a digital TV will be in a fix and we will still not be able to afford a Digital TV!
LOL
I'm Guessing the rescheduling on BBC Scotland last night was due to ''the football but can Anyone tell me why ITV rescheduled 'Trial and Retribution' and when. if ever, they told us it was going to be rescheduled?
Thursday, 3 January 2008
Right, That was the Top Six ~ Now for 'The Top Ten !
The top 10 super foods
All foods, even battered Mars bars, can be said to have some nutritional value.
But there are 10 that are so beneficial to your health they are known as 'super foods'.
Check them out here:
1. Apples
Over 7,500 varieties of apple are grown throughout the world. They are packed full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C for healthy skin and gums - one apple provides a quarter of your daily requirement of vitamin C.
Apples also contain a form of soluble fibre called pectin that can help to lower blood cholesterol levels and keep the digestive system healthy.
An apple is also a carbohydrate with a low glycaemic index (GI) type.
Low GI foods are digested slowly; once they are finally broken down in the intestine they are gradually absorbed into the bloodstreams as glucose, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
They may help with weight control, as well as improving diabetics' long-term control of blood sugar levels.
2. Baked beans
The humble baked bean is a nutritional powerhouse of protein, fibre, iron and calcium. It contains carbohydrate that, like that in apples, is of the low GI variety.
The tomato sauce covering baked beans is also a good source of lycopene, another powerful antioxidant shown to help prevent heart disease and prostate cancer.
The insoluble fibre in baked beans is not digested but moves into the large intestine, or colon, where bacteria act on it and produce short-chain fatty acids.
These fatty acids are thought to nourish the colon lining and protect it from carcinogenic (cancer-causing) invaders.
3. Broccoli
Just two florets - raw or lightly cooked - count as a veggie portion.
Not only does broccoli contain antioxidants including vitamin C but it's a particularly good source of folate (naturally occuring folic acid).
Increasing your intake of folic acid is thought to be of major benefit in preventing heart disease.
Broccoli also contains an antioxidant called lutein that can delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This affects 10 per cent of people over 60 and is a major cause of impaired vision and blindness.
Finally, broccoli also contains a phytochemical called sulphoraphane that has specific anti-cancer properties.
4. Olive oil
Several large studies suggest that the monosaturated fat in olive oil is good for the heart. Olive oil lower bad cholesterol levels and increases the good levels.
Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants - it's probably one of the key protective aspects of the so-called Mediterranean diet.
Watch out for the calories - a little goes a long way. A tablespoon of oil contains 120 kilocalories, which is the same as a large slice of bread and butter.
5. Wholegrain
Seeded Bread Breads containing a lot of seeds and wholegrain have a low GI, which can protect against heart disease, reduce hunger pangs, and help with weight control.
They are also packed with fibre, which keeps the gut working efficiently; and seeded breads contain essential fatty acids.
Studies show that including four flices of soya and linseed bread a day can give a does of phytoestrogens, through to relieve "hot flushes" in menopausal women.
The downside is that bread contains a lot of salt. However, the good news is that bread manufacturers have started to use less salt in their pre-packaged bread.
6. Salmon
All fish is a source of good-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, but oily fish such as salmon also contains omega 3 fats that reduce blood clotting and inflammation.
Studies show that eating oily fish dramatically recues the risk of having a heart attack, even in older adults.
Omega 3 fats also help to prevent depression, and protect against the onset of dementia. Yep, it's true, fish really is an all-round brain food.
7. Tea
The drink loved by all Britons has a range of useful properties.
The caffeine content is helpful for stimulating alertness, mood and motivation.
Tea counts towards the recommended eight cups of fluid daily, which is the minimum to avoid dehydration.
Tea, whether black or green, is a rich source of the antioxidant called catechins. Studies suggest that catechins protect the artery walls against the damage that causes heart disease and prevents formation of sticky blood clots.
Some population studies suggest as little as one cuppa a day seems to offer some protection.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is an easily absorbed source of calcium. It's also a useful milk subsitute for people who can't digest large amounts of the milk sugar, lactose.
Yogurt has long been credited with a range of therapeutic benefits, many of which involve the health of the large intestine and the relief of gastrointestinal upsets.
The bacteria Lactobacillus GG, added to some yoghurt, are not digested, and reach the large intestine intact where they top up the other friendly bacteria living there.
The friendly bacteria fight harmful bacteria, including Clostridium difficile that can cause diarrhoea after a course of antibiotics.
9. Bananas
It's a myth that bananas are fattening.
Bananas are slightly higher in energy than other fruits but the calories come mainly from carbohydrate; excellent for refuelling before, during or after exercise.
Bananas are also jam-packed with potassium that helps lower blood pressure, and vitamin B6 for healthy skin and hair.
All types of fruit and vegetables contain plant chemicals or phytochemicals known as antioxidants.
These antioxidants protect cells in the body against damage from free radicals that can cause heart disease and cancer.
10. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are one of the few good sources of selenium that may help protect against cancer, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
All nuts are generally full of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Recent studies suggest that eating a small handful of nuts four times a week can help reduce heart disease and satisfy food cravings.
(Printed in Daily Mail, 22nd December 2005~ Extract... from Nutrition for Dummies, (Wiley)
All foods, even battered Mars bars, can be said to have some nutritional value.
But there are 10 that are so beneficial to your health they are known as 'super foods'.
Check them out here:
1. Apples
Over 7,500 varieties of apple are grown throughout the world. They are packed full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C for healthy skin and gums - one apple provides a quarter of your daily requirement of vitamin C.
Apples also contain a form of soluble fibre called pectin that can help to lower blood cholesterol levels and keep the digestive system healthy.
An apple is also a carbohydrate with a low glycaemic index (GI) type.
Low GI foods are digested slowly; once they are finally broken down in the intestine they are gradually absorbed into the bloodstreams as glucose, causing a gradual rise in blood sugar levels.
They may help with weight control, as well as improving diabetics' long-term control of blood sugar levels.
2. Baked beans
The humble baked bean is a nutritional powerhouse of protein, fibre, iron and calcium. It contains carbohydrate that, like that in apples, is of the low GI variety.
The tomato sauce covering baked beans is also a good source of lycopene, another powerful antioxidant shown to help prevent heart disease and prostate cancer.
The insoluble fibre in baked beans is not digested but moves into the large intestine, or colon, where bacteria act on it and produce short-chain fatty acids.
These fatty acids are thought to nourish the colon lining and protect it from carcinogenic (cancer-causing) invaders.
3. Broccoli
Just two florets - raw or lightly cooked - count as a veggie portion.
Not only does broccoli contain antioxidants including vitamin C but it's a particularly good source of folate (naturally occuring folic acid).
Increasing your intake of folic acid is thought to be of major benefit in preventing heart disease.
Broccoli also contains an antioxidant called lutein that can delay the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). This affects 10 per cent of people over 60 and is a major cause of impaired vision and blindness.
Finally, broccoli also contains a phytochemical called sulphoraphane that has specific anti-cancer properties.
4. Olive oil
Several large studies suggest that the monosaturated fat in olive oil is good for the heart. Olive oil lower bad cholesterol levels and increases the good levels.
Olive oil is also rich in antioxidants - it's probably one of the key protective aspects of the so-called Mediterranean diet.
Watch out for the calories - a little goes a long way. A tablespoon of oil contains 120 kilocalories, which is the same as a large slice of bread and butter.
5. Wholegrain
Seeded Bread Breads containing a lot of seeds and wholegrain have a low GI, which can protect against heart disease, reduce hunger pangs, and help with weight control.
They are also packed with fibre, which keeps the gut working efficiently; and seeded breads contain essential fatty acids.
Studies show that including four flices of soya and linseed bread a day can give a does of phytoestrogens, through to relieve "hot flushes" in menopausal women.
The downside is that bread contains a lot of salt. However, the good news is that bread manufacturers have started to use less salt in their pre-packaged bread.
6. Salmon
All fish is a source of good-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals, but oily fish such as salmon also contains omega 3 fats that reduce blood clotting and inflammation.
Studies show that eating oily fish dramatically recues the risk of having a heart attack, even in older adults.
Omega 3 fats also help to prevent depression, and protect against the onset of dementia. Yep, it's true, fish really is an all-round brain food.
7. Tea
The drink loved by all Britons has a range of useful properties.
The caffeine content is helpful for stimulating alertness, mood and motivation.
Tea counts towards the recommended eight cups of fluid daily, which is the minimum to avoid dehydration.
Tea, whether black or green, is a rich source of the antioxidant called catechins. Studies suggest that catechins protect the artery walls against the damage that causes heart disease and prevents formation of sticky blood clots.
Some population studies suggest as little as one cuppa a day seems to offer some protection.
8. Yogurt
Yogurt is an easily absorbed source of calcium. It's also a useful milk subsitute for people who can't digest large amounts of the milk sugar, lactose.
Yogurt has long been credited with a range of therapeutic benefits, many of which involve the health of the large intestine and the relief of gastrointestinal upsets.
The bacteria Lactobacillus GG, added to some yoghurt, are not digested, and reach the large intestine intact where they top up the other friendly bacteria living there.
The friendly bacteria fight harmful bacteria, including Clostridium difficile that can cause diarrhoea after a course of antibiotics.
9. Bananas
It's a myth that bananas are fattening.
Bananas are slightly higher in energy than other fruits but the calories come mainly from carbohydrate; excellent for refuelling before, during or after exercise.
Bananas are also jam-packed with potassium that helps lower blood pressure, and vitamin B6 for healthy skin and hair.
All types of fruit and vegetables contain plant chemicals or phytochemicals known as antioxidants.
These antioxidants protect cells in the body against damage from free radicals that can cause heart disease and cancer.
10. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are one of the few good sources of selenium that may help protect against cancer, depression and Alzheimer's disease.
All nuts are generally full of essential vitamins, minerals and fibre.
Recent studies suggest that eating a small handful of nuts four times a week can help reduce heart disease and satisfy food cravings.
(Printed in Daily Mail, 22nd December 2005~ Extract... from Nutrition for Dummies, (Wiley)
Six super foods every woman needs (and they won't harm the menfolk either!)
Six Foods which help fight against cancers and other illnesses
Nutritionists say the following six "super foods" should be included in every woman's diet as often as possible;
1. Low fat yogurt - Nutritionists say yogurt has the potential to decrease the risk of breast cancer and can reduce problems associated with digestive tract disorders and stomach ulcers.
2. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel - Fatty fish is packed with two types of omega-3 fatty acids. It helps protect women from heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, and may even Alzheimer's disease.
3. Beans - Beans are a good source of protein and fiber. They're low in fat and help protect against heart disease and breast cancer.
4. Tomatoes (or watermelon, red grapefruit, red navel oranges) - All these fruits contain the nutrient lycopene, which may protect against breast cancer and fight heart disease.
5. Vitamin D fortified low fat milk or orange juice - Recent studies show vitamin D could help prevent up to one-half of all breast, colon, and ovarian cancer ...
6. Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries) - These berries are packed with anti-cancer nutrients and anti-oxidants, which help cell repair, decrease risk of several cancers, protect the heart, and also may protect against skin aging.
Source; ABC News (Local)Monday, December 10, 2007
Nutritionists say the following six "super foods" should be included in every woman's diet as often as possible;
1. Low fat yogurt - Nutritionists say yogurt has the potential to decrease the risk of breast cancer and can reduce problems associated with digestive tract disorders and stomach ulcers.
2. Fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel - Fatty fish is packed with two types of omega-3 fatty acids. It helps protect women from heart disease, stroke, hypertension, depression, and may even Alzheimer's disease.
3. Beans - Beans are a good source of protein and fiber. They're low in fat and help protect against heart disease and breast cancer.
4. Tomatoes (or watermelon, red grapefruit, red navel oranges) - All these fruits contain the nutrient lycopene, which may protect against breast cancer and fight heart disease.
5. Vitamin D fortified low fat milk or orange juice - Recent studies show vitamin D could help prevent up to one-half of all breast, colon, and ovarian cancer ...
6. Berries (blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, cranberries) - These berries are packed with anti-cancer nutrients and anti-oxidants, which help cell repair, decrease risk of several cancers, protect the heart, and also may protect against skin aging.
Source; ABC News (Local)Monday, December 10, 2007
I was fascinated to read today of how Stagecoach, a large bus operator here in the UK, has cast doubt on whether it will be using a newly built £4m bus station.
The bus station is viewed by local people and politicians alike as an integral part of a regeneration project based in the centre of Dunfermline in Fife. Stagecoach has been quoted as saying that it is
" ... currently working out whether its timetables could be altered so that services could stop at the bus station".
The Queen Anne Street bus station is part of a £100m investment project in the town centre.
As the single biggest operator of buses in the town, if Stagecoach decide not use the bus station, it has been suggested there would be significant lack of the new bus station. Councillor, Willie Sullivansaid today,
"I think it's ridiculous these private monopolies holding the citizens of Dunfermline to ransom."
On the other hand, holding out hope that the station would not become an expensive 'White Elephant', Councillor Tony Martin, chair of the environment and transportation committee, said:
"... a significant number of out-of-town and intercity services and all services from the west of Fife will be using the bus station."
SOURSE
As a non-driver, I feel Strongly that bus companies should be made to serve the public and not simply their share-holders.
It should be virtually 'written in stone' that, whenever such facilities are built, whether or not they are a as part of any regeneration project, that Public Transport services are neither withdrawn or re-routed simply to suit an operator's owner's whim.
Surely the intervening period between the date when the old bus station was closed and the opening date for the new bus station, said to be approx. three months from now, should have been sufficient time for any Traffic Manager to have trialled any potential running times and had everything ready for the opening instead of chilly shallying around in such a amateurish fashion?
The bus station is viewed by local people and politicians alike as an integral part of a regeneration project based in the centre of Dunfermline in Fife. Stagecoach has been quoted as saying that it is
" ... currently working out whether its timetables could be altered so that services could stop at the bus station".
The Queen Anne Street bus station is part of a £100m investment project in the town centre.
As the single biggest operator of buses in the town, if Stagecoach decide not use the bus station, it has been suggested there would be significant lack of the new bus station. Councillor, Willie Sullivansaid today,
"I think it's ridiculous these private monopolies holding the citizens of Dunfermline to ransom."
On the other hand, holding out hope that the station would not become an expensive 'White Elephant', Councillor Tony Martin, chair of the environment and transportation committee, said:
"... a significant number of out-of-town and intercity services and all services from the west of Fife will be using the bus station."
SOURSE
As a non-driver, I feel Strongly that bus companies should be made to serve the public and not simply their share-holders.
It should be virtually 'written in stone' that, whenever such facilities are built, whether or not they are a as part of any regeneration project, that Public Transport services are neither withdrawn or re-routed simply to suit an operator's owner's whim.
Surely the intervening period between the date when the old bus station was closed and the opening date for the new bus station, said to be approx. three months from now, should have been sufficient time for any Traffic Manager to have trialled any potential running times and had everything ready for the opening instead of chilly shallying around in such a amateurish fashion?
Wednesday, 2 January 2008
A Poem ~
For Anyone Who is Missing Anyone This New Year
Close Your Eyes
Author Unknown
I can't be with you today
but if you close your eyes and think
I'll be beside you in the kitchen
wearing your shirt - standing by the sink.
I'll be with you in the bedroom
waiting quietly on your bed
Just close your eyes and think of me,
relive those memories in your head.
I'll stand by you in the bathroom,
an unlikely place to meet
I'll smile at you so playfully
as I brush my teeth.
I'll be your light in the darkness,
shining steady through and through
You only have to watch it glow
to know I think of you.
I'll be the music that you listen to,
I'll be there in every song
I'll laugh with you and sing with you,
and comfort you when your day's gone wrong.
I'll be the wind that ruffles your hair,
I'll be that warm embrace;I'll be the hand on your shoulder,
I'll be the tender touch on your face.
I'll be the clock gently ticking,reminding you of the times;
We've shut the rest of the world outsidewe're in our own world - yours and mine.
I'll be the moon as it dances
on the water cold and still
For I have loved you always
and I know I always will.
Though you may not see me physically
as you live your life today
Just close your eyes and think of me
I will not be far away.
Close Your Eyes
Author Unknown
I can't be with you today
but if you close your eyes and think
I'll be beside you in the kitchen
wearing your shirt - standing by the sink.
I'll be with you in the bedroom
waiting quietly on your bed
Just close your eyes and think of me,
relive those memories in your head.
I'll stand by you in the bathroom,
an unlikely place to meet
I'll smile at you so playfully
as I brush my teeth.
I'll be your light in the darkness,
shining steady through and through
You only have to watch it glow
to know I think of you.
I'll be the music that you listen to,
I'll be there in every song
I'll laugh with you and sing with you,
and comfort you when your day's gone wrong.
I'll be the wind that ruffles your hair,
I'll be that warm embrace;I'll be the hand on your shoulder,
I'll be the tender touch on your face.
I'll be the clock gently ticking,reminding you of the times;
We've shut the rest of the world outsidewe're in our own world - yours and mine.
I'll be the moon as it dances
on the water cold and still
For I have loved you always
and I know I always will.
Though you may not see me physically
as you live your life today
Just close your eyes and think of me
I will not be far away.
The Future of This Blog ~ or ~ The Future & This Blog
Well, this is it, the day I start using this blog in a whole new way!
From here on in I intend to be adding 'articles' about things I Care about.
The Environment, Aging, the Gender Gap, Consumerism, Threats to Society etc etc etc.
OK, I know, all that sounds more than a little Dull, and you'd be quite right in thinking that.
Much of what I feel strongly about can be considered dull and much of what I write here will have originated in the form of 'news stories' and such. However, they will have been edited (by me) before reaching your eyes and more than a little of this blog's content will be in the form of witticisms,'funnies', lateral thinking, and sometimes just plain Daft thoughts.
So, let's get on with it, shall we?
From here on in I intend to be adding 'articles' about things I Care about.
The Environment, Aging, the Gender Gap, Consumerism, Threats to Society etc etc etc.
OK, I know, all that sounds more than a little Dull, and you'd be quite right in thinking that.
Much of what I feel strongly about can be considered dull and much of what I write here will have originated in the form of 'news stories' and such. However, they will have been edited (by me) before reaching your eyes and more than a little of this blog's content will be in the form of witticisms,'funnies', lateral thinking, and sometimes just plain Daft thoughts.
So, let's get on with it, shall we?