Chicken flies in from Brazil

I've always been partial to a ready-made sandwich from Marks & Spencer, and when I was down at Bluewater in Kent recently, I bought a special "limited edition" chicken, avocado and bacon sandwich. M&S is an organisation that has recently put its environmental credentials clearly into the public domain with its 'Plan A (because there is no Plan B)'. So why the heck do they feel it is acceptable to fly in its chicken from Brazil? I admit that the label on the back of the pack does state "assured chicken from farms in the EU and Brazil", so it's not possible to tell how much of the chicken is sourced from South America. But why, when there must be literally thousands of chicken farms across Europe, is there a need to transport some all the way from Brazil?
I think I'll send them a letter and see how they justify it...

The War on Truth

During my recent holiday in Portugal, I managed to finish off an excellent book called "The War on Truth", written by the Sunday Herald's Neil Mackay. I had bought the book at the Edinburgh Book Festival during the summer, and was fortunate to meet the author. This book takes an in-depth look into the invasion of Iraq and exposes what really lay behind the decision to enter and occupy the country. The book took four years to complete - as a reader, you can immediately tell that everything in the book was very well researched, and is not simply based on hearsay or rumour.
As the author is happy for his work to be promoted around the world, I'm going to quote the following summary from the back cover:
"The War on Truth reveals: what the UK's spies really make of the war and Tony Blair; how Blair could be legally impeached; how the torture of Iraqis was sanctioned at the very highest levels; how the media manipulated the west into support for the war; how the allies used WMD against the people of Iraq; how two secret spying units were set up by the British and Americans to lie to the public about the threat from Saddam; how the invasion of Iraq was dreamed up by the Bush team long before they took over the White House; and how the US and UK tried to destroy whistleblowers who attempted to expose the lies of the two administrations."
The invasion and occupation of Iraq is an absolute tragedy - once you've read the book, you too will be able to decide whether Messrs Bush and Blair ought to be tried at the Hague for war crimes.

End of summer

Well, here we are at the end of another summer. I know that many people across the UK had to suffer from torrential rain and serious flooding. It wasn't too bad here in Scotland. I think we had a couple of days where the weather was perfect! Anyhow, on the basis of "Spring forward, Fall back", the clocks need to be put back an hour tonight, meaning an extra hour in bed. (Of course, with videos, digital tv boxes, central heating systems etc all around your home, you'll probably need the extra hour to make all the changes!). Enjoy.

A big bird

Today saw the inaugural commercial flight of the Airbus 380 - an amazing double-decked super jumbo. After taking off from Singapore's Changi airport, it took just seven hours to reach its destination of Sydney in Australia. Tickets were auctioned on eBay for charity, with passengers paying between $560 and $100,380 to be on the inaugural flight. I'm hoping to head out to the Far East at the end of next year, so maybe I'll get the chance to enjoy a flight on this incredible new plane.

Amid the alien corn

Just finished watching the Panorama special on BBC1 about the kidnapping of BBC journalist Alan Johnston. It was one story from the middle east that did eventually have a happy ending. Support from all around the world during Alan's captivity kept his plight in the news headlines, and probably helped towards securing his release. The programme tonight gave Alan the opportunity to share his thoughts about what happened to him. Clearly deeply affected by the experience, he showed no bitterness towards his captors. A good example to us all, and a valuable lesson on how we all need to keep our normal day-to-day lives in perspective.

For more details of Alan's story, click here: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/from_our_own_correspondent/7048652.stm#top

Shirobhyanga

This evening, I enjoyed the experience of a Shirobhyanga - which is the fancy term for an Indian head massage. After a busy day at the office, it was the perfect way to wind down. I was at the One Spa (part of the Sheraton Hotel) with thanks to good friends Jamie & Leanne Murray, who had given me a gift voucher for the treatment for my "big" birthday at the end of last year. Ever since that time, I'd been waiting to pick the ideal opportunity to use the voucher. Knowing that I'd be heading off on holiday in a few days' time, work was bound to be a bit more hectic than normal this week. So I booked a 6pm appointment with the aim of relaxing. I wasn't disappointed. The venue had a very calming atmosphere, with soft music and lit candles creating the right ambience - so relaxation was guaranteed. I'd had a head massage once before, although that was sitting upright in a chair in a Surrey hairdresser's! This was completely different. There was mention of "robe, slippers and towels" in the confirmation email, but I had assumed that this was standard wording and related to full spa treatments. Wrong. I assumed that the masseuse would just focus on my head. Wrong. The treatment also included the neck and shoulders (I thought I'd better clarify that!). I assumed I'd be sat upright in a chair. Wrong again. This was a proper treatment, with me laid out on the massage table (is that the right expression?) I also didn't realise that essential oils were to be rubbed into my scalp. Anyhow, I recommend the treatment to everyone. It's a great way to lose any tension, and left me feeling very content and calm. In fact, I'm now feeling quite sleepy....zzzzzz.

Stealth taxes

Here's an up-to-date and topical take on the classic arcade game Pacman. Enjoy!

http://taxmangordon.com/

Deep fried pizza

Having received a challenge from work colleagues to try out the Scottish delicacy of Deep-fried Pizza, I made a quick diversion to the local chippy this evening to purchase a pizza supper. I had been promised a memorable culinary experience... well, I can honestly say that this promise was fulfilled. Unfortunately, it will be memorable as an experience that I don't want to repeat. Maybe it was the toppings on the pizza, or even the type of cooking oil used?! However, it wasn't the most enjoyable dinner I've ever had. Sorry to all my Scottish chums. Oh well, I gave it a try. Some time ago, I tried the just-as-famous deep-fried Mars Bar - that was ok, as it basically tasted like a chocolate crepe. But the pizza soaked through with oil just didn't cut it. Coincidentally, as I was waiting in the chippy for my dinner to be cooked, in walked the two police officers who recently interviewed me over the disruptive plane passenger (see the 21 August 2007 post in this Blog for details). I thought for a moment that they would arrest the chip shop owner for crimes against healthy eating!

Some mothers do 'ave 'em

Following the recent death of composer Ronnie Hazlehurst, I found an interesting story today on the BBC news website. It relates to the signature music for the 1970s comedy "Some mothers do 'ave 'em" which, before the days of multi-media communications and hundreds of digital and satellite TV channels, was essential Saturday viewing for millions of the British public. It starred Michael Crawford as the accident prone Frank Spencer and Michelle Dotrice as Frank's ever-suffering wife Betty. Anyhow, it turns out that Ronnie Hazlehurst performed a really clever trick when he composed the theme music to the programme, and incorporated the morse code translation of "some mothers do 'ave 'em" into the music. Don't believe me? Well check out this picture:

Clever stuff! Check out the full story at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/7026637.stm