Along the side of my garden their are the back of 3 other gardens rom houses in the next street and I have a issue at present with the middle one.
I have a small fence and he has a number of bushes which are a mess and too high seperating us. However between is a tall old fence that doesn't only look crap its totally rotten. Anyway I had a chat with him the other day and he said he was going to cut the bushes back which pleased me.
But he asked what I was going to do about the rotten fence, I said I thought it was his but he said it was mine. I offered to go half for a new fence but he didn't seem interested.
Anyway I wasn't sure because the fence was up before I lived here or him for that matter. I've since checked with my other neighbours at the other side of me (who have both been here 30 years +) and they tell me it was the previous owner of his house that put the fence up.
I've since told him this and still offered to go half but he now seems to be making things look ok at his side but leaving the crap at mine. Ok at present I'm giving him the benefit of the doubt to see if he sorts it, there is a bit of work to do. To me its the obvious and sensible solution to share the costs.
However I'm not holding my breath but am unsure of my rights, trouble is don't really one to get into a legal argument because he's a police officer and reckon I'm on a hiding to nothing.
Friday 30 April 2010
Sunday 25 April 2010
For Cactus
Following the comments from Cactusfreek following my last post suggesting that the Dragon was tied up due to some Aussie myth trying to put our patron saint down here is the true legend :-
According to the Golden Legend the narrative episode of Saint George and the Dragon took place in a place he called "Silene," in Libya; the Golden Legend is the first to place this legend in Libya as a sufficiently exotic locale, where a dragon might be imagined. In the tenth-century Georgian narrative, the place is the fictional city of Lasia, and it is the godless Emperor who is Selinus.[7]
The town had a pond, as large as a lake, where a plague-bearing dragon dwelled that envenomed all the countryside. To appease the dragon, the people of Silene used to feed it two sheep every day, and when the sheep failed, they fed it their children, chosen by lottery.
It happened that the lot fell on the king's daughter. The king, distraught with grief, told the people they could have all his gold and silver and half of his kingdom if his daughter were spared; the people refused. The daughter was sent out to the lake, decked out as a bride, to be fed to the dragon.
Saint George by chance rode past the lake. The princess, trembling, sought to send him away, but George vowed to remain.
The dragon reared out of the lake while they were conversing. Saint George fortified himself with the Sign of the Cross,[8] charged it on horseback with his lance and gave it a grievous wound. Then he called to the princess to throw him her girdle, and he put it around the dragon's neck. When she did so, the dragon followed the girl like a meek beast on a leash. She and Saint George led the dragon back to the city of Silene, where it terrified the people at its approach. But Saint George called out to them, saying that if they consented to become Christians and be baptised, he would slay the dragon before them.
The king and the people of Silene converted to Christianity, George slew the dragon, and the body was carted out of the city on four ox-carts. "Fifteen thousand men baptized, without women and children." On the site where the dragon died, the king built a church to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint George, and from its altar a spring arose whose waters cured all disease.[8]
Traditionally, the sword[9] with which St. George slew the dragon was called Ascalon, a name recalling the city of Ashkelon, Israel. From this tradition, the name Ascalon was used by Winston Churchill for his personal aircraft during World War II (records at Bletchley Park), since St. George is the Patron Saint of England.
I'll also point out this happend during the Crusades and as dinasors were extinct something like 30 million years earlier a dragon can't be a dinasor.
According to the Golden Legend the narrative episode of Saint George and the Dragon took place in a place he called "Silene," in Libya; the Golden Legend is the first to place this legend in Libya as a sufficiently exotic locale, where a dragon might be imagined. In the tenth-century Georgian narrative, the place is the fictional city of Lasia, and it is the godless Emperor who is Selinus.[7]
The town had a pond, as large as a lake, where a plague-bearing dragon dwelled that envenomed all the countryside. To appease the dragon, the people of Silene used to feed it two sheep every day, and when the sheep failed, they fed it their children, chosen by lottery.
It happened that the lot fell on the king's daughter. The king, distraught with grief, told the people they could have all his gold and silver and half of his kingdom if his daughter were spared; the people refused. The daughter was sent out to the lake, decked out as a bride, to be fed to the dragon.
Saint George by chance rode past the lake. The princess, trembling, sought to send him away, but George vowed to remain.
The dragon reared out of the lake while they were conversing. Saint George fortified himself with the Sign of the Cross,[8] charged it on horseback with his lance and gave it a grievous wound. Then he called to the princess to throw him her girdle, and he put it around the dragon's neck. When she did so, the dragon followed the girl like a meek beast on a leash. She and Saint George led the dragon back to the city of Silene, where it terrified the people at its approach. But Saint George called out to them, saying that if they consented to become Christians and be baptised, he would slay the dragon before them.
The king and the people of Silene converted to Christianity, George slew the dragon, and the body was carted out of the city on four ox-carts. "Fifteen thousand men baptized, without women and children." On the site where the dragon died, the king built a church to the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint George, and from its altar a spring arose whose waters cured all disease.[8]
Traditionally, the sword[9] with which St. George slew the dragon was called Ascalon, a name recalling the city of Ashkelon, Israel. From this tradition, the name Ascalon was used by Winston Churchill for his personal aircraft during World War II (records at Bletchley Park), since St. George is the Patron Saint of England.
I'll also point out this happend during the Crusades and as dinasors were extinct something like 30 million years earlier a dragon can't be a dinasor.
Friday 23 April 2010
Wednesday 21 April 2010
Things are good for you
Interesting List, personally I give Nos 1 & 7 a miss and don't fancy 5, and chance would be a fine thing when it comes to No2. Still thats 6 things I can do to improve my health.
1. Marijuana It's medicinal, we swear! Marijuana, often associated with memory loss, is ironically now being hyped as a way to stave off the ultimate form of memory losseAlzheimer's. Recent studies on mice suggest that anti-inflammatories found in the drug prevent the clumping of brain proteins, one major cause of the disease. So when should you start preventative therapy? We suggest waiting for the human studies to wrap up.
2. Sex Scientists have found that the benefits of sex go beyond immediate, ahem, gratification and satisfying the goal of procreation. Besides the obvious evolutionary purposes, we can all take pleasure in the news that having sex is an easy way to reduce stress, lower cholesterol and improve circulation throughout the body. As if you needed another excuse.
3. Chocolate Chocolate lovers rejoice: study after study lately has touted the magical benefits of the indulgent treat, which is packed with the antioxidant flavonols that prevent certain cancers and keep your arteries from clogging. The most recent news? These powerful chemicals may even increase blood flow to the brain, warding off dementia. Just stick to the highest cocoa content possibleethe bars packed with sugar don't help your health one bit.
4. Red Wine A crucial ingredient in the diets of the world's heart-healthiest populationselike those Bordeaux-guzzling Frenchered wine has long been known to have potent anti-cancer and artery-protecting benefits. The key, some studies indicate, is an antioxidant found specifically in the skin of red wine grapes, called resveratrol. The latest studies even link resveratrol to greater endurance, a reduction in gum disease and Alzheimer's. White wine, which is fermented after the skins are removed, is less beneficial according to some studies.
5. Maggots They're creepy, slimy and altogether ooky, but maggots can save your life. These squirmy larvae are science's newest wonder-cure and were approved in 2003 as the Food & Drug Administration's only live medical device. Placed on serious wounds, maggots mimic their "wild" lifestyle and munch on bacteria and dead tissue, stimulating healing and helping to prevent infection.
6. Sunlight Exposure to the sun's rays is necessary to survive, but can also kill you in gross, cancerous quantities. Asthmatics, at least, could benefit from measured doses of ultraviolet rays, according to scientists. Sunlight suppressed the immune reactions that cause asthma in some lab studies with mice and could be used to treat humans afflicted with the disease in the future. And sunlighteeven if indirect, such as on a shaded porcheis known to boost the mood. Extra sunlight can help office workers avoid afternoon drowsiness, a recent study found. There's still no excuse to head outside and bake, however.
7. LSD We're definitely not in the business of advocating drug use. But check out this interesting science: In heavy drinkers, small doses of LSD have been thought to help bypass the rock-bottom stage of alcoholism and prevent relapses. These studiesesome decades oldewere done in closely monitored, clinical settings; many patients haven't had a drink in the many years since. It's an interesting finding that needs a lot more investigation, and not a remedy that should ever be tried at home. Meantimeeand this may come as no surpriseea recent study of 36 volunteers who took an LSD-like drug in a lab setting had them reporting mystical experiences and behavior changes that lasted for weeks.
8. Coffee Java is one of the most debated substances around. Is it good for you? Is it bad for you? Both? The consensus, now anyways, seems to favor those who enjoy their morning jolteunrelated studies claim coffee is a major source of antioxidants in our diet and can help lower your risk of diabetes. Something in the beans is also thought to ease the onset of cirrhosis of the liver and pancreatitis, good news for those who like to party hard all night before their morning caffeine boost.
9. Anger f you're one of those people who tends to bottle things up, only to explode ... don't hold it in so long. Studies show that bursts of anger here and there are good for the health, and can be an even more effective coping mechanism than becoming afraid, irritated or disgusted. Anger, like the consumables in this list, however, is best in moderation: stay angry for long periods of time and you'll be plagued with a host of health issues, like blood pressure, sleep disorders and lung damage.
10. Beer The newest bad kid on the block, beer has long been overshadowed by its healthier alcoholic cousins. While no one's suggesting you switch that glass of antioxidant-rich Pinot Noir for a tall glass of lagerethere's still that beer gut to worry aboutenew research has suggested that moderate beer intake can actually improve cardiovascular function. Now if only a scientist will discover the health benefits of ballpark franks and chicken wings. Heaven.
1. Marijuana It's medicinal, we swear! Marijuana, often associated with memory loss, is ironically now being hyped as a way to stave off the ultimate form of memory losseAlzheimer's. Recent studies on mice suggest that anti-inflammatories found in the drug prevent the clumping of brain proteins, one major cause of the disease. So when should you start preventative therapy? We suggest waiting for the human studies to wrap up.
2. Sex Scientists have found that the benefits of sex go beyond immediate, ahem, gratification and satisfying the goal of procreation. Besides the obvious evolutionary purposes, we can all take pleasure in the news that having sex is an easy way to reduce stress, lower cholesterol and improve circulation throughout the body. As if you needed another excuse.
3. Chocolate Chocolate lovers rejoice: study after study lately has touted the magical benefits of the indulgent treat, which is packed with the antioxidant flavonols that prevent certain cancers and keep your arteries from clogging. The most recent news? These powerful chemicals may even increase blood flow to the brain, warding off dementia. Just stick to the highest cocoa content possibleethe bars packed with sugar don't help your health one bit.
4. Red Wine A crucial ingredient in the diets of the world's heart-healthiest populationselike those Bordeaux-guzzling Frenchered wine has long been known to have potent anti-cancer and artery-protecting benefits. The key, some studies indicate, is an antioxidant found specifically in the skin of red wine grapes, called resveratrol. The latest studies even link resveratrol to greater endurance, a reduction in gum disease and Alzheimer's. White wine, which is fermented after the skins are removed, is less beneficial according to some studies.
5. Maggots They're creepy, slimy and altogether ooky, but maggots can save your life. These squirmy larvae are science's newest wonder-cure and were approved in 2003 as the Food & Drug Administration's only live medical device. Placed on serious wounds, maggots mimic their "wild" lifestyle and munch on bacteria and dead tissue, stimulating healing and helping to prevent infection.
6. Sunlight Exposure to the sun's rays is necessary to survive, but can also kill you in gross, cancerous quantities. Asthmatics, at least, could benefit from measured doses of ultraviolet rays, according to scientists. Sunlight suppressed the immune reactions that cause asthma in some lab studies with mice and could be used to treat humans afflicted with the disease in the future. And sunlighteeven if indirect, such as on a shaded porcheis known to boost the mood. Extra sunlight can help office workers avoid afternoon drowsiness, a recent study found. There's still no excuse to head outside and bake, however.
7. LSD We're definitely not in the business of advocating drug use. But check out this interesting science: In heavy drinkers, small doses of LSD have been thought to help bypass the rock-bottom stage of alcoholism and prevent relapses. These studiesesome decades oldewere done in closely monitored, clinical settings; many patients haven't had a drink in the many years since. It's an interesting finding that needs a lot more investigation, and not a remedy that should ever be tried at home. Meantimeeand this may come as no surpriseea recent study of 36 volunteers who took an LSD-like drug in a lab setting had them reporting mystical experiences and behavior changes that lasted for weeks.
8. Coffee Java is one of the most debated substances around. Is it good for you? Is it bad for you? Both? The consensus, now anyways, seems to favor those who enjoy their morning jolteunrelated studies claim coffee is a major source of antioxidants in our diet and can help lower your risk of diabetes. Something in the beans is also thought to ease the onset of cirrhosis of the liver and pancreatitis, good news for those who like to party hard all night before their morning caffeine boost.
9. Anger f you're one of those people who tends to bottle things up, only to explode ... don't hold it in so long. Studies show that bursts of anger here and there are good for the health, and can be an even more effective coping mechanism than becoming afraid, irritated or disgusted. Anger, like the consumables in this list, however, is best in moderation: stay angry for long periods of time and you'll be plagued with a host of health issues, like blood pressure, sleep disorders and lung damage.
10. Beer The newest bad kid on the block, beer has long been overshadowed by its healthier alcoholic cousins. While no one's suggesting you switch that glass of antioxidant-rich Pinot Noir for a tall glass of lagerethere's still that beer gut to worry aboutenew research has suggested that moderate beer intake can actually improve cardiovascular function. Now if only a scientist will discover the health benefits of ballpark franks and chicken wings. Heaven.
Saturday 17 April 2010
Feeling Crap
No long post from me cos I'm feeling totally crap.
I got a infection in my elbow, this also happend a few years back and a great big angy lump appeared, the Doc put me on a course of anti-biotics an anti inflammetry tablets, taking so many I'm starting to rattle. Anyway the lump burst this morning and there was gunge everywhere, not a pretty site.
On top of that I've had a heavy cold the last few days, probably caused cos I was run down. I've now developped a nagging cough, coughing so much my ribs are starting to hurt.
As you can imagine I'm feeling grumpy so thats all I'm posting today.
Maybe I can blame the icelandic volcanic ash hanging over us, lol
I got a infection in my elbow, this also happend a few years back and a great big angy lump appeared, the Doc put me on a course of anti-biotics an anti inflammetry tablets, taking so many I'm starting to rattle. Anyway the lump burst this morning and there was gunge everywhere, not a pretty site.
On top of that I've had a heavy cold the last few days, probably caused cos I was run down. I've now developped a nagging cough, coughing so much my ribs are starting to hurt.
As you can imagine I'm feeling grumpy so thats all I'm posting today.
Maybe I can blame the icelandic volcanic ash hanging over us, lol
Saturday 10 April 2010
Aussie Rockstar, Boozy Billionaire & mystery Sports Legend
Just got over my Jet lag (& hangover) following my 6 nights in Chicago so I'll confess the diet took a bit of stick unless of course Deep dish Pizza, Bacon Cheeseburgers, giant steaks and lots of beer are good for weight loss.
Well to be honest it turned out to be one long party, of us went me and two TT team mates. Getting the late light from Heathrow given us the morning to drive the 200 miles we didn't arrive until 9pm at our hotel. Basically it was a quick Shower, shave, change of clothes and out for some food.
Of course we were tired when we left the hotel at 10 pm we'd been up well over 20 hours (it was 4am in the UK) so the plan was food and bed. The food was good a big steak and as we set off walking back to the hotel we called in a bar with live music on to swill it down with a couple of beers. However as we were finishing our first drink a bloke that we didn't know brought us some more over, didn't really understand why.
Anyway after we finished these we decided to have another round so we could buy him one back, however the barman refused our money telling us our Boozy Billionaire had already paid ours in. This continued for the rest of the time we were there then he came over with 3 CD's of the band performing and gave them to us, he had bought them for us. Eventually we did get to leave about 3am quite the worse for wear but hardly spent a penny.
So off to the hotel but on the way back to the hotel we passed a small bar and decided to call in or one more so we could use the facilities and relieve our bladders. As we finished our drinks one of my mates had convinced himself that another person stood not far from us was a Aussie Rockstar (the lead singer from Jet). Of course we told him he was talking bullshit and it must be someone that just looks like him.
However he was convinced but wouldn't go over and ask so I thought we'd be there all night unless I faced the embarrasment of asking, well what do I know it turned out to be the genuine article and was a good laugh,you guessed it more drinks bought for us.
Well with night one gone could it get better, thats a difficult one, Thursday it was a Pub meal followed by a visit to a Blues Club, yes sure we had a few more beers but on the way back we saw a bar with a TT table and went in. People were playing a game called "Beer Pong" which invoved throwing TT balls in plastic cups. A couple of locals asked if we wanted to join in so been competitive we thought why not. What they had failed to mention was when our opponent scored we had to drink a cup of beer. Not going to mention what state we were in when we eventually got away.
So two crazy nights and Friday we went to the Howl at the Moon duelling Piano bar after eating at a sports bar and playing some Pool. Lets just say the piano bar was certainly a place for fun nd a good laugh full of groups celebrating bithdays, hen nights, etc. Got chatting with quite a few people, in fact everyone was so friendly people were just there for fun. About 1am the server brought us 3 what can only be descibed as very strong drinks saying they had been bought for us, I looked around and there was our Boozy Billionaire from night one. We went over for a chat and when the place was closing at 2am he asked if we fancied going to another Club that opens later, he paid for our taxi and admission into the next Club plus our drinks fo the rest of the night, honestly we tried to buy him drinks but he wouldn't have any of it. He actually left before us but not before iving us his buisness card, turns out he is vice president of a worldwide upmarket hotel chain.
Saturday drinking wise was probably our quietest night, we got tickets to see international blues artist Robert Cray, so it was a meal then onto the concert which was really good.
Sunday night we visited a couple of well known Chicago Blues Clubs Kingston Mines & B.L.U.E.S. on Halstead street in the Lincoln Park area, one act in particular Toronzo Cannon was superb actually bought his CD, hadn't heard him before but he played some awesome guitar.
Our last night we did a bit of a bar/club tour before going back our hotel sometime in the early hours. As we walked along the street a very large coloured gentleman appeared from a building and came up to us. He asked "is there was a strip club in the area". I explained we were from England and weren't that familiar with the area.
He started laughing and asked if we play basketball in England "We told him no" wanted to say schoolgirls play a similar sport called netball but looking at his size didn't want to test his humour.
Still laughing he said "don't you recognise me ?" Nope we said, he was shocked and couldn't believe it but thought it funny.
He was a good laugh though and quite a charactor I thought he said he played for the Spurs (San Antonio assume) but gave his name as Andre Johnson or something like that and when we checked it out that name wasn't on their squad list. Maybe just having a laugh at our exspense or maybe didn't want it to become knowledge he was out in the early hours. He did have a big flash car though.
Thats about it
Well to be honest it turned out to be one long party, of us went me and two TT team mates. Getting the late light from Heathrow given us the morning to drive the 200 miles we didn't arrive until 9pm at our hotel. Basically it was a quick Shower, shave, change of clothes and out for some food.
Of course we were tired when we left the hotel at 10 pm we'd been up well over 20 hours (it was 4am in the UK) so the plan was food and bed. The food was good a big steak and as we set off walking back to the hotel we called in a bar with live music on to swill it down with a couple of beers. However as we were finishing our first drink a bloke that we didn't know brought us some more over, didn't really understand why.
Anyway after we finished these we decided to have another round so we could buy him one back, however the barman refused our money telling us our Boozy Billionaire had already paid ours in. This continued for the rest of the time we were there then he came over with 3 CD's of the band performing and gave them to us, he had bought them for us. Eventually we did get to leave about 3am quite the worse for wear but hardly spent a penny.
So off to the hotel but on the way back to the hotel we passed a small bar and decided to call in or one more so we could use the facilities and relieve our bladders. As we finished our drinks one of my mates had convinced himself that another person stood not far from us was a Aussie Rockstar (the lead singer from Jet). Of course we told him he was talking bullshit and it must be someone that just looks like him.
However he was convinced but wouldn't go over and ask so I thought we'd be there all night unless I faced the embarrasment of asking, well what do I know it turned out to be the genuine article and was a good laugh,you guessed it more drinks bought for us.
Well with night one gone could it get better, thats a difficult one, Thursday it was a Pub meal followed by a visit to a Blues Club, yes sure we had a few more beers but on the way back we saw a bar with a TT table and went in. People were playing a game called "Beer Pong" which invoved throwing TT balls in plastic cups. A couple of locals asked if we wanted to join in so been competitive we thought why not. What they had failed to mention was when our opponent scored we had to drink a cup of beer. Not going to mention what state we were in when we eventually got away.
So two crazy nights and Friday we went to the Howl at the Moon duelling Piano bar after eating at a sports bar and playing some Pool. Lets just say the piano bar was certainly a place for fun nd a good laugh full of groups celebrating bithdays, hen nights, etc. Got chatting with quite a few people, in fact everyone was so friendly people were just there for fun. About 1am the server brought us 3 what can only be descibed as very strong drinks saying they had been bought for us, I looked around and there was our Boozy Billionaire from night one. We went over for a chat and when the place was closing at 2am he asked if we fancied going to another Club that opens later, he paid for our taxi and admission into the next Club plus our drinks fo the rest of the night, honestly we tried to buy him drinks but he wouldn't have any of it. He actually left before us but not before iving us his buisness card, turns out he is vice president of a worldwide upmarket hotel chain.
Saturday drinking wise was probably our quietest night, we got tickets to see international blues artist Robert Cray, so it was a meal then onto the concert which was really good.
Sunday night we visited a couple of well known Chicago Blues Clubs Kingston Mines & B.L.U.E.S. on Halstead street in the Lincoln Park area, one act in particular Toronzo Cannon was superb actually bought his CD, hadn't heard him before but he played some awesome guitar.
Our last night we did a bit of a bar/club tour before going back our hotel sometime in the early hours. As we walked along the street a very large coloured gentleman appeared from a building and came up to us. He asked "is there was a strip club in the area". I explained we were from England and weren't that familiar with the area.
He started laughing and asked if we play basketball in England "We told him no" wanted to say schoolgirls play a similar sport called netball but looking at his size didn't want to test his humour.
Still laughing he said "don't you recognise me ?" Nope we said, he was shocked and couldn't believe it but thought it funny.
He was a good laugh though and quite a charactor I thought he said he played for the Spurs (San Antonio assume) but gave his name as Andre Johnson or something like that and when we checked it out that name wasn't on their squad list. Maybe just having a laugh at our exspense or maybe didn't want it to become knowledge he was out in the early hours. He did have a big flash car though.
Thats about it
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