tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54643161161000149072024-02-07T01:51:34.714-08:00Loose ThinkerSome like to think of themselves as free thinkers. I'm not that structured. My beliefs are simple. Rugby is all there is.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.comBlogger76125truetag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-74077475610706327832014-11-14T14:31:00.001-08:002014-11-14T14:31:37.805-08:00Absent friend<div>
Sadly, the Paisley RFC family has lost another member. Dan Witchell left us far too soon. It's fair to say we're all devastated by his loss. It's always hard to recover from news such as we've just had. I'm sure we will, but right now it seems too hard. We loved Dan. I don't mean liked, we loved him. He was our brother. His life, though, is well worth celebration.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
A few years ago, after having coached junior rugby for about 15 years, I took a step back and, for a while at least, settled for being a Paisley RFC fan rather than being actively involved in the running of the club (that didn't work out for me, but bear with me. About this time, a bit of an oddity appeared on my horizon. The first time I saw Dan Witchell, the new Welsh prop at the club, I thought, "He looks a bit small for a prop." He was too, and not small as in short (he was) but small as in, well, typically props looked like me. OK, fat. Dan was slightly built. Never in my wildest dreams could I imagine him being useful in the front row. Well, I was wrong. The little bugger was strong as an ox. The first time I saw him play, he revelled all afternoon in absolutely pumping his opposite number, an ox in the real sense. Dan one, me nil. What a player. He tackled himself to a standstill. He nipped around the field like a scrum half, exhibiting a certain <i>joie de vivre</i>. He was just a great wee rugby player.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, as I got to know him better, I realised his scrummaging ability was the tip of the iceberg. He was an accomplished artist, and not in the conventional sense. His work was, is thought provoking and was often coupled with verse. I'm proud to say I own a couple of Witchells. Dan worked mainly in ink and just about everyone at the club has a favourite. His legacy to us is the huge mural he painted by our clubhouse door, a stylised version of the club shield. It's beautiful.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IQ6_VF4XYeJ6wLPIPm6EmwyM5gU30myQksz5lBvB_4NWPO3lh55oad5A_9utU0QB_HBa4ahGcxJl3MMllPrXovuz7v88UtqZ81DIivs-81Xc03FEwyIElDjpibL4dv9qywLrdArdDALs/s1600/Badge+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9IQ6_VF4XYeJ6wLPIPm6EmwyM5gU30myQksz5lBvB_4NWPO3lh55oad5A_9utU0QB_HBa4ahGcxJl3MMllPrXovuz7v88UtqZ81DIivs-81Xc03FEwyIElDjpibL4dv9qywLrdArdDALs/s1600/Badge+2.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Of course, Dan, like most of us, had personal demons, and he battled them most of his life. He didn't win every time, but he always bounced back. He was a man of faith, and while I'm not, I strongly believe that was part of what kept him going. Above all, he was a decent man. He would help anyone in any way he could. He had a streak of kindness a mile long. He was no saint. I know he wasn't proud of everything he did, but the good in him seems to dwarf any shortcomings.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What I wish for now, and what I'm sure will happen, is that those who loved Dan will not mourn, but will celebrate his life. We'll tell stories about him. We'll recall the funny side of him. We'll probably get drunk singing his name. But above all we'll think this of him; we didn't know him long enough, but just imagine if we'd never known him at all. We miss you Dan, but we won't forget you.</div>
Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-64669817261959783382014-09-15T07:46:00.001-07:002014-09-15T08:30:33.523-07:00Considerably more than tuppence worth...<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">I’m voting
Yes. I accept you might think everything else I say is coloured by this. That should
be fairly obvious, but it’s why I am that’s important. For that, you’ll have to
plough through my past life. Never one to use one word when ten will do,
nevertheless, I’ll try to keep it below epic proportions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">Since I was
22 years old, we’ve had one of two things; a Tory government or what amounts to
a Tory government. Between UKIP driving Tory European policy without the
inconvenience of having to actually win a Parliamentary seat, and New Labour making
it clear they’re not going to change much, least of all reverse the most
iniquitous of the Tories’ legislation against being poor, it’s hard to imagine
much is going to change about that any time soon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">I moved to
London when I was almost 22, in 1980. We lived there until 1987 and during that
time my admiration for Margaret Thatcher blossomed. Like most people living in
the South, and this hasn’t really changed to this day, my world view was
coloured by the media. When I saw people like Arthur Scargill, as I saw it,
trying to take on government, I was immediately driven to anger because ‘these
people’ (I talked like that then) were trying to destabilise the democratically
elected government of the day. Thatcher, of course, was defending the rights of
the public to own shares, to more easily buy a house, to be a part of democracy
in action. Oh yes, I was that pompous idiot. Even when she was stabbed in the
back by her own party, which she was, I was able to muster up real anger at the
manner of her removal, completely comfortably with ignoring the fact that she
did exactly the same thing to several of her colleagues.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-weight: normal;">After Thatcher
and the Grey Man, Major, came a breath of fresh air. Along came the new
generation of Labour’s Bright Young Things. The new era of Blair, Brown,
Darling, Two Jags et al. We were promised a new beginning. We’re still waiting.
What we got instead was a succession of body bags coming back from an illegal
war largely instigated by Blair and his colleagues, with the quiet acquiescence
of Parliament, very much against the wishes of the British people. Oh yes, we
got the minimum wage. That saved us from having to have a living wage. Other than
that, it was business as usual. Oh, and the Metropolitan Police were granted
virtual immunity from prosecution, having pursued an innocent man onto a Tube
train and put seven rounds through his skull. Possibly even worse, when a
Coroner’s Inquest was eventually held, and those of us who had come to believe
in the idea of real justice held our breath, the coroner instructed the jury
they may not return a verdict of Unlawful Killing. </span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span></span></span><br />
<h4>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">I think it
was round about that time I began to believe that something had changed about
our society. Something had changed about us. We were led to believe that there
were terrorists lurking behind every bush, waiting to kill us, take away our
freedoms. Freedom had to be protected at all costs. There was only one way to
achieve that; remove our freedoms, lock them up safely and start to militarise
our police services. Do you feel safer now?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">Our acceptance
of these restrictions on our freedoms was largely driven by fear, easily
achieved with the assistance of the media, particularly the tabloid press with
their blaring headlines. Words like ‘Jihad’ and ‘Al Qaeda’ and most recently ‘ISIS’
are guaranteed to pick up that old Bulldog spirit. Descriptions of Alex Salmond
as a communist and a fascist (with no apparent sense of irony) remind us of
happier days when the Soviets were the enemy at the door and we knew why we had
the worst weapons the world has ever known parked on our doorstep. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">It’s worth
examining at this stage what the words ‘independent nuclear deterrent’ mean.
Only the middle one has any real meaning in my view. We’re happy enough to claim
that monetary union would mean that we wouldn’t be independent, but at the same
time happy enough to think a weapon we don’t own, and which will never be used
without the permission of the USA (the only nation ever to have used a nuclear
weapon in anger), is. As for deterrence, well, let’s see. Did the possession of
nuclear weapons stop the Falklands, a British dependency, being attacked? Did
threats from several nuclear powers stop Iraq from invading Kuwait? Did it save
the lives of US citizens all over the world who were victims of constant
state-sponsored terrorist acts? Did not having nuclear weapons result in the
invasion of 184 plus nations? So, think about that next time you feel we’re
being protected by Trident.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">I could go on
all day but I’ll settle for stating some of the things I want no part of. I
want no part of a ‘democracy’ which has a second, totally unelected house,
populated by people who are simply born into the right family, make films,
donate money to political parties or are senior members of the Church of
England (so much for our secular democracy). I want no part of a government
which allows a member of the Opposition to make promises of new powers he
couldn’t guarantee even if he was in government, and then pretends he can. I
want no part of a government which signs an agreement, including a ‘purdah’
period it then ignores. I want no part of a government which defends its own
Treasury’s breach of rules when briefing the media on a decision by a bank
while that bank has not yet made that decision, and further, doing nothing to address
the issue of the media simply lying about what the bank actually said. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">You could be
forgiven for thinking what I’ve said so far has been uniformly negative, and
you’d probably be right. To balance that, I’ll try to finish on a few positives.
The important question to me is, given the rotten state of politics in the UK,
what can we, the people of Scotland replace it with?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">Scotland
already has a system of proportional representation I didn’t always believe was
the right way to go. I have seen, though, minority parties in Scotland get a
voice they didn’t have before, which can only be a good thing for democracy.
Inclusion, feeling included, must be the way forward if we are to engage people
politically, and it seems almost undeniable that people have been engaged in an
extraordinary way, an unprecedented way by this referendum. If we choose
independence, we choose it as a nation, together. I want nothing to do with the
idea that only those who vote for the winning side are the only ones who should
be involved in the next step forward. We should all be in it together.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">After
independence, if that’s what we choose, we will have a long hard period of
negotiation with the remainder of the UK. After that, probably a longer, harder
period of nation building. Should that deter us, the difficulty of it all? I
hope not. <span style="background: white; color: #181818;">I’d like to close with a
word about two people who are no longer with us, but who would have dearly
loved to be at this moment in our history. The first is Margo McDonald. Margo
in many ways reminded me of my mother. This was partly because she was loving,
kind, passionate and caring, but mostly because, when you got her mad, you got
a slap on the ear for it. Nobody can deny her love for her native land, and I
personally will probably shed a tear for her, especially if we vote Yes. The
second is my late father-in-law, David Jackson. David passionately believed in
Scottish independence, and it’s to my great regret that I didn’t come to the
realisation that he was right before he died. He would have been intensely
proud to have seen this day, so if it’s not too mushy, I’d like to think I’m
voting as much for him as for my children’s future. Please, vote. I’d like you
to vote Yes, but just vote.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="background: white; color: #181818;"><br /></span></span>
</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-weight: normal;">“<span style="background: white; color: #181818;">In any moment of decision, the best
thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.</span>”</span><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Teddy
Roosevelt</span></i><span style="background: white; color: #181818; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</h4>
</div>
Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-24767399380139549362013-12-08T08:52:00.001-08:002013-12-08T08:53:28.005-08:00Goodbye Rolihlahla<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My good friend Stef Lach, a South African journalist, had a piece published in the Herald yesterday entitled '<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2em;">I didn't understand the significance of what I was seeing'. Stef tells us he was 11 years old when Nelson Mandela was released from Robben Island. He didn't fully understand the significance of it all until much later. The point of telling you this is that I was 32 at the time, and I can't help but think I didn't either. I thought I did, but it took several years before I really knew he was more than a popular figure for others to latch onto to make themselves seem politically sensitive. It's possible that only now can I see him for what he really was, perhaps the single most important political figure of my lifetime.<br /><br />The end of apartheid appears to me to have been inevitable. I'm firmly of the opinion that any people pushed hard enough will eventually fight back and will in the end prevail. Madiba was a figurehead, a political focal point when in jail, but it was his life after that which emphasises how great he became. This was his finest hour, the building of the Rainbow Nation. Truth and reconciliation were so important. The end of minority power could, as in Zimbabwe, have become a bloodbath, but South Africa got lucky. They picked the right man. It was his insistence on everyone having a say which was the salvation of South Africa.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2em;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2em;">It's probably fair to say that one of the strangest experiences of learning more about South Africa was getting my head around the idea of whites, with their historical command of power, could actually look up to a man who was dedicated to ending their wrong-headed method of government. That was naive of me. I hadn't allowed for the fact that South African whites might have that keen sense of right and wrong I so obviously possessed, me being British. Now I see Stef talk about how his mother cried when Andile, the first non-white pupil at his primary school, was named dux. How could I not have known that people like Stef's mother existed?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2em;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2em;">Maybe Stef didn't know at the time what he was living through, but I'm deeply envious of him that he did. I have three good South African friends at my rugby club, all white and all deeply proud of their nation. That's the way it should be, and that's largely due to the foresight and understanding of Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. He was able to look his former enemies in the eye and forgive them. He will be missed but I'm as sure as I can be that it will be a long time before he's forgotten.<br /></span></span><a href="http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/i-didnt-understand-the-significance-of-what-i-was-seeing.22892178">http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/i-didnt-understand-the-significance-of-what-i-was-seeing.22892178</a>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-45764342365083042272013-10-24T13:57:00.000-07:002013-10-24T13:59:18.793-07:00Oh absolutely, yes.It's no surprise to anyone who knows me, but next September I'll be voting yes to Scottish independence. I think it's about time I laid out my reasoning. I'd hope, although I don't expect that every single person eligible to vote would take some time to examine their motives for voting whichever way they choose. I'm sorry, but if you are against independence simply because you're afraid of change, or because of some nostalgic idea of how great we are together, think about this. We fought in two world wars together, but we also fought alongside many other nations, none of whom we govern or govern us. It doesn't make any less impressive the feats we carried out together. While on the nostalgia trip, it's worth bearing in mind that we jointly carried out some pretty appalling acts too.<br />
<br />
The biggest problem I'm having with the impending referendum is the absolute dearth of real debate, and I'm looking at the no campaigners when I say this. We've had every kind of red herring from them, and an avalanche of personal attacks on Alex Salmond and Nicola Sturgeon. For God's sake, this vote is about us, not them. The SNP exists to fight for Scottish independence. It's their <i>raison d'etre. </i>They achieved an overall majority in the Scottish Parliament and are perfectly entitled to present a choice to the people of Scotland. Now, it's up to us. We either take our opportunity or we don't. The SNP naturally will take a lead, representing their constituency. What's the problem with that? I'm not sure I can understand the number of Scots who resent being given a choice.<br />
<br />
However, should we vote yes, then all bets are off. The First Minister, as the elected leader of the Scottish parliament will then lead multi-party negotiations to establish what share of the pot Scotland will take with it. A widely representative constitutional convention will convene to decide exactly what form our democracy will take. From the other side will emerge a fledgling nation. I can't describe how exciting a prospect that is to me. It's a chance to give our children something new.<br />
<br />
The most compelling argument of all for me is the idea of escaping from the incessant grind which is UK politics today. There are things we can know. Over my lifetime, and particularly since Margaret Thatcher came to power, the political landscape of the UK changed, very much for the worse. She dominated our lives for far too long. In her wake came a Tory party more dogmatic than ever. To replace them came another Tory, a self-confessed admirer of Thatcher and a war criminal. His name was Blair. Since then, the Labour Party has disappeared from view altogether and the Tories have reverted to type, a bunch of wealthy, public school educated Hooray Henries, with some very shady corporate connections. Look ahead. That's the prospect for you, your children and their children. A life with no welfare state, no NHS as we know it and with absolutely no feeling for those less fortunate than us. Please think about that when you make your decision. Think too of the idea that we can change things, but only if we're making our own decisions. Scotland contributes more than its share of revenue to the UK pot while having virtually no political influence. Let's change that.<br />
<br />
Finally, it's pretty obvious that I have an axe to grind here, but don't we all? All I'm asking is that you put some thought into the biggest decision you'll ever make. Are we too small, too poor and too stupid, as some would have us believe? Are we to be the first developed nation to turn down a chance of self-determination? Only you can make that call.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-64423346180853403002013-05-12T12:27:00.001-07:002013-05-12T15:02:50.719-07:00End of an end of an earache<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"Rugby is great. The players don't wear helmets or padding; they just beat the living daylights out of each other and then go for a beer. I love that."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Joe Theismann</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Me too, Joe, me too. Having just attended the Presidents' game, Paisley RFC's end-of-season fun day, now would seem the right time for the sequel to last week's blog, now that I've had time to think about some of the names I missed out, or they've had time to let me know I did. The aim of the game is to have a reasonably competitive eighty minutes play between the 1st XV and a mixture of the 2nd XV and 'visiting players', past players and some from other clubs, invited by our retiring President, Gordon Carswell. It was a blast as always and ended with plenty of smiles and not a little beer. After the usual formalities, the Paisley head coach, Grant Sweenie, asked the Paisley players to form a tunnel again to see off retiring 1st XV Captain, Al Brodie in style. Al's father, Jack, was also similarly applauded. For those of you who don't know him, Jack, or "A' B's Da" as he's affectionately known, is Paisley's Number One Fan. I plan to spend some time on the touchline with Jack next season, albeit at a distance great enough to ensure the integrity of my eardrums. Get this, though. They clapped me off too, and afterwards, Paul Mallam made me a presentation in the clubhouse. I don't feel as if my contribution to the club is all that great, but these guys made me feel like a king. I'll never forget that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now, in my last posting, I waxed lyrical about a number of Paisley players, but in the main, most of them were guys I've been involved with as manager of the 2nd XV over the last three seasons. To redress the balance a little, I'd like to talk about a few players who have tended to play 1st XV rugby during that period, but nonetheless hold a special place in my heart, as well as one or two who have moved on. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">To begin, let's talk about Al B. Our retiring 1st XV Captain is a one-off, from his high pitched voice to his unique dress sense, Al is an integral part of everything the team has tried to do. Travelling from Lanark, Al regularly makes a round trip of not much below 80 miles to train and play for us. He's nursed a body which he would probably admit is not in its prime and has worked through the pain to lead in the true sense of the word. I'll miss him. We'll miss him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Scott Sutherland. No, the other Scott Sutherland. Scott Robert Sutherland. Wait, the other one's middle name is Robert too. Well this one's tall. Nope, that won't do, the other one's even taller. Well this one's the older one. For a big guy, he's pretty quick though. He's very hard to stop when he gets up a head of steam, and he likes to do that. What is unique is that he has his own catchphrase. "You've been Big Scotted" means someone's just corrected some factual error or other. A Good Guy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ryan McCready, newly re-elected Club Captain, is a big lad with a certain grace about his movement which belies his considerable frame. There's no insult intended here, but Ryan's a decent sized lad. He's a hard broken field runner with a pretty good boot when he needs it. He's very much part of the social fabric of the club and takes his boozing seriously.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Euan Stuart, on the other hand, can't hold his liquor. He has, though, gradually developed into a player who is normally one of the first names on the team list. He's had to work harder than some to reach that stage, but has shown that he is prepared to do what it takes. You can't ask for more than that. He's also, like Ryan, a social mover and shaker.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Michael </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">'Chinz'</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Somerville, he of the recently remodeled nose, has been a regular fixture for quite a few years now. He's a voracious predator at the breakdown and gives coaches palpitations with his habit of carrying the ball 'Fijian style' in one hand. He's a pretty good lineout thrower and still has a fair burst of speed when called upon.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I tend to think of Gordon Powrie and Andy Judge as a pair, because they've been the best of pals for many years, but they're both very different players, not the least because Judgey's a forward and Powrie a back. Gordon has played this season at fly half with young Martin McKellar breaking his arm, but he's more than able to adapt to any position. He's quick, wiry and sometimes irascible, but he always gives us all he's got, as does Andy. He's variously a hooker, prop, or back row player and loves nothing more than the dark arts, scrabbling around on the ground fighting to gain advantage. Baby-faced, you'd never believe it if you met him away from the game.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stef Lach, lock, journalist and wag, is best described as a kind of South African Chic Murray, with a droll humour easily misunderstood by those who don't know him, but loved by the rest of us. A good lineout jumper, along with Al B and Murray Lowe, who has as much heart for the game as anyone I know, they form a fearsome challenge at the set piece.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevin Browne is unique. He was recently described as a 'gym junkie' and his physique bears that out. He's relatively small for a back row player, but anyone who thinks they can capitalise on that is in for a shock. He probably generates more gasps on the touchline than anyone, as a result of his uncompromising tackling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Marky Conroy, a winger who punches well above his weight, is worth a mention for his sheer bloody-mindedness alone, as are Ben Van Eyssen and Gavin Postlethwaite, two front row players with the right stuff. I coached Gav as a junior and have watched him blossom, along with the baby faced assassin that is Chris Lyall. Scary dudes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That's about it for the current crop, but a few of the older players, either retired or still playing, are worth talking about. If you're discussing role models, you could do worse than Colin Reekie. Creekie is now 60 years old and still actively pursuing squash, sailing, skiing and most importantly rugby. Of course, he comes from a rugby dynasty, one to rival that of the Harans (of whom young Gregor is the latest and potentially the best). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gavin Newlands was Paisley's first choice stand-off for several years before succumbing to a knee problem. Having been advised that he would need a new knee and that he should not play meanwhile, he just kept going. Although work gets in the way of his playing often nowadays, he still turns out occasionally for the 2nd XV. Whisper it quietly, but I think he had the sweetest boot kicking from hand I've ever known at Paisley. When it was firing it was a joy to watch.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">My own son, Iain 'Fester' Lewis, has suffered with serious knee problems over the last couple of years, but has never given up on the idea of a comeback. I hope he gets his wish, but if it doesn't work out, I know this amazing game has has given him some great memories and greater friendships. For the record, at his best he is far better than I ever was. A solid scrummager and ferocious tackler, he's even got a bit of speed about him. That's because he was listening all those years ago when I was doing sprint training with his team.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Neil 'Nelly' Ritchie, whose job keeps him away from us for too much of the year, is one of the players I once coached and I'm quite proud of my involvement with him. He's a bit oversized nowadays, but he still has a great mind for the game and pops up in situations in which you would least expect a burly prop. A couple of seasons ago, Paisley beat Mull away, at least partly because of a try saving tackle from Nelly. One of the Mull centres had broken though Paisley's back line and looked favourite to score under the posts. From nowhere emerged the train wreck that is Mrs. Ritchie's boy. I think the guy ended up on the nearby beach. I still can't really get my head around how Nelly did it, but he did it all right. I'd have bought a ticket to see that.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Seve Smith would be better to sleep at the club sometimes. Sometimes it seems as if he does. He works tirelessly for the club and for other causes (running 10k races for Yorkhill Hospital, for example), is President of the PRFC Junior Section and still finds time to play rugby regularly. Seve, Hilary, Rory and Zoe are an example of what a family unit should be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In terms of rugby stalwarts, the people who move around in the background at any club, we have a rich seam of them. In the past, guys like David Rodger, who now lives in Rio de Janeiro with his wife Connie, and Tom Blair, our late friend and President, were absolutely pivotal in the functioning of the club. More recently, Scott 'Ted' Glover, out Fixtures and Referees Secretary, has made endless phone calls, changing things at the last minute, using his network of contacts to keep things flowing. Oh, and he plays too. Jack McKechnie and Douglas Wilson, two very good friends to Brenda and I are integral to our club too. I've mentioned Malcolm and Kathy Dodd before. With their retirement, we've now got a small army of ladies making the transition seamless. Of course it doesn't hurt that Big Grant knows his way around a kitchen. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the bar, an area that has benefitted us greatly over the last two or three years, we now have June Kir running a tight ship along with Alison Perry and other helpers who serve to make this club a fun place to be.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Finally, I'd like to give a mention a certain player who will probably be more surpised than anyone at seeing his name here. We all know him as Davie the Jannie. His name is David Guthrie. He's relatively quiet and unassuming and took the game up very late. He's probably not going to get a phone call from Scott Johnson any time soon, but I for one love having him around, not least because he typifies the saying that rugby is a game for all shapes, sizes and abilities. He faithfully attends every training session he can always gives of his best. If asked to fetch water, he will. If asked to play any position on the park, he will. On occasion, like yesterday, Davie will even surprise you. He performed a gorgeous sidestep before being tackled after another few yards. In the last quarter, he made some real progress up the right wing, finally attempting a flip, which, had it come off, would have sent the support runner in for an almost certain try. We love Davie and he loves us. Does any of the rest of it really matter?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Well, I'm off to enjoy my summer if it ever arrives. Come autumn, it'll be time to dust off my waterproofs and wellies and get back to the place I love. Referees, I'm back. Bill McLaren, when asked what he'd loved most about 50 years of commentating on rugby, said "I've hardly ever had to pay to get in." Ye cannae whack it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;">"There are no great men. Just great challenges which ordinary men, out of necessity, are forced by circumstance to meet."</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"><i>Admiral William Frederick Halsey Jr</i>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;">"Sure there have been injuries and deaths in rugby - but none of them serious." </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: arial;"><i>Doc Mayhew</i></span>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-15291398824651748262013-05-05T06:45:00.001-07:002013-05-05T06:45:05.957-07:00End of an earache<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">"In our country, true teams rarely exist . . . social barriers and personal ambitions have reduced athletes to dissolute cliques or individuals thrown together for mutual profit . . . Yet these rugby players. with their muddied, cracked bodies, are struggling to hold onto a sense of humanity that we in America have lost and are unlikely to regain. The game may only be to move a ball forward on a dirt field, but the task can be accomplished with an unshackled joy and its memories will be a permanent delight. The women and men who play on that rugby field are more alive than too many of us will ever be. The foolish emptiness we think we perceive in their existence is only our own." - </span><strong style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; text-align: start;">Victor Cahn</strong></i><br />
<br />
<br />
It finally came around; the day I've been looking forward to and dreading for a while now. Today marked my last game as manager of PRFC's 2nd XV. We were up against GHA 2A at Braidholm, and we even got to play on the main pitch. The team have been pretty buoyant this week, with Frank Nitti, the team's new enforcer, insisting that the only acceptable result would be a win to see me off in style. Well, the win didn't quite emerge, but they certainly achieved the second objective. Stylish was exactly how I'd describe today's performance.<br />
<br />
A word first of all about Alan Gibson, 2nd XV Coach. Alan had this team thrust upon him two seasons ago and I have to say he took it well. He works as hard as anyone at improving things and has something of an uphill task, as anyone involved with rugby outside the top echelon will testify. He's made my lot better and I appreciate that.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Rather than a traditional match report, I'm just going to waffle on about some stuff, and particularly some players, so be warned. It's a truism in rugby as much as anywhere that just when you think you've seen everything, life ups and proves you wrong.<br />
<br />
Such was true today when our first hero, appropriately in the number one shirt, one Italian Stallion, the ravishingly good looking Michael Di Duca, announced around about the 60th minute that he would need a temporary replacement (bear in mind this conversation was taking place at a distance, so it was conducted loudly). When asked if he was bleeding, he replied, " Naw, I just need a shite", and left the field of play without further ceremony. Luckily his emergency was resolved quickly, poor Sean Butterfield arriving in position just in time to come back off as a considerably lighter Michael arrived back. At this point, the tears were blinding me.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jingles, ah Jingles. GHA had just enjoyed a purple patch, scoring 5 tries in 6 minutes, when our heroic hooker spotted their modus operandi. He stepped up into their back line and beautifully intercepted a floated pass, taking off in a southerly direction as fast as his chunky legs would carry him. Unfortunately, he had around 70 metres to cover, with a GHA centre catching him fast. Jingles reached a position around ten metres short of the line, hesitated, waited for the centre to catch up and executed a beautiful hand-off to the face. Sadly, he didn't see the juggernaut arriving from his blind side. However, with Paisley on the front foot, the ball was quickly recycled and the move ultimately led to the last try of the game, finished by the man himself.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
TB. These are two letters which sum up my love affair with PRFC. Craig Thomson is his Sunday name, but he'll always be TB to me. He's spent the last couple of years since coming out of retirement lurching from one medical emergency to another, although his body never quite seems to get the better of him. Still recovering from a bad ankle injury, he nevertheless managed to score two tries today, so there's life in the old dog yet.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Spud. The illustrious, elderly, likeable, tough, irritating-in-a-way-that-only-scrum-halves-can-be, metal-detector-setting-off, Calum Walker played at full back today, which given how much metalwork he carries around with him is probably unfair of us, made his name a scrum half, and like the even older Grant Murney, has learned a few cute tricks along the way. It's always good to watch an opposition scrummy blowing off steam at the ref because Spud's pissed him off once too often.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Zane Grey. Only just returned to the fold, we've missed this Zombie Viking Vlad the Impaler. He's shaved the beard off and lost a shed load of weight, but he's still scary. Someone recently clotheslined him around upper lip level, and the immediate opinion of most Paisley spectators was , "Don't shoot Mongo. You'll only make him mad." The new, leaner version of Zane is having a ball. I'm not going to say anything about his style of play, except to say that he does it with the biggest cheese eating grin on his face I've ever seen. He clearly missed this sport, and it missed him.<br />
<br />
Colin May. Over the last few weeks, Colin has done more than anyone to make my life easier. He's been a maniac, badgering, cajoling, threatening and schmoozing players to make sure we've got a team for a Saturday. Oh, and he's played a lot of rugby too. So far this season, he's played at 9,10,12,13,14 and 15 to my recollection, although I have to say I like him best at scrum half. He captained the side for the first time today and did a great job. He also gathered the guys in for a post-match huddle in my honour and insisted on a tunnel just for me. That felt good.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
James MacRae, one of our islanders, had a ball today in the lineout. James is a flat out player, no nuances, no subtlety, just in-your-face toughness. Robbie Druce, back for a short holiday from Loonland, showed he's still got it. He's quick and he's a terrific tackler. Scott Sutherland, Lurch, the biggest Jean Valjean I've ever seen, has a weird running gait, but I shudder every time he runs into some poor bugger. John McLellan, the Galloping Giraffe. Like Scott, you suspect the seismometers at Paisley Observatory start making scratchy noises every time he collides with, or rather, runs over the top of, any defender not smart enough to run away or purchase an elephant gun. Ross Warden made what has become an all-too-seldom appearance today, up from Fareham for a visit. It's a joy to see this elegant runner, with his silky skills, finessing through the opposition like Mikhail Baryshnikov (Google it, you philistine). Who am I kidding? He's a big bastard who likes nothing better than doing steam roller impressions. You're beginning to see a pattern here perhaps? David Guthrie, or Davie the Jannie as he is known in polite circles. Davie took the game up late and has constantly surprised spectators. He attends training almost religiously and leaves everything he has on the field of play. He's his own biggest critic, and he needs to cut himself some slack now and then. Sean Butterfield, the social monster, party animal. After only two seasons in the game, Sean has become established as one of the first names on the team sheet. He's got some decent pace and he's strong. That'll do for me. Then there's Simon Keatley, the slightly built, elusive centre from Northern Ireland. He lines you up, cocks the hammer and pulls the trigger. Boom! Another tackle in the stat bank. Last, but by no means least, there's Shaun Brittain. He covered the width of the field today to make a try saving tackle. It was very impressive. The saying, "He puches above his weight.", could have been written about Shaun.<br />
<br />
Now these guys are just a sample of the players on the field today. Over the three years I've been in charge, I've worked with some great players. Youngsters like Calum MacLeod, a prop forward who's solidly built, strong, dependable, yet can run faster than most back lines; Colin McKay, flanker-turned-winger, with a burst of speed and an absolute desire to be all that he can be; Mark McKinnon, a back rower who is built of granite, with absolutely no fear and whose jumping in the lineout is as good as any lock's; Murray Sutherland, Lurch's wee brother (although I use the word 'wee' loosely in this case), who works as hard as any member of the team and is another one of those lads who displays an intense joy in his game; Martin McKellar, all silky skills and an excellent kicker from hand; Andrew Gibson, a scrum half still developing his trade but showing every sign of being a cracking player; combine these players with the younger ones yet to emerge from the junior ranks and the future is bright.<br />
<br />
Of those not quite in the first flush of youth, I offer a sample; Grant Murney, returning to playing in his forties, becoming a mentor for young players and the scourge of his opposite number in many games, is someone I owe a lot to. He knows why. Fraser Ross, Fraz, our regular captain until his trip to New Zealand to get married this year, has been a rock. He can play and has played in most positions on the field and appears to be able to handle any of them well. He is also one of the best on-field motivators I've seen. Paul Mallam, captain since Fraz went to NZ, has done a marvellous job. He takes the captaincy seriously and has done everything I asked him to. David Dodd, Mr Paisley, has helped us with some training and some of his usual brand of shoot-from-the-hip motivation this year. On the occasion of Doddsy dropping to the 2nd XV, there's always an air of expectation. That's the effect he has. If I've missed out anyone, it's senility rather than spite, honestly. Would I have played to watch these guys play. You bet.<br />
<br />
As for those who are not playing staff, but have helped or influenced me, I'd have to start with Malcolm Dodd, who offered me the post of team manager in the first place. Malky befriended me when I first brought my son Iain to the cub 20 years ago, and has remained my friend ever since. His wife Kathy, has been the mainstay of the kitchen, cleaner and enforcer of discipline as long as I can remember. Grant Sweenie, head coach for the last two seasons has done everything he can to help me and I appreciate that. Taz, Fairley, Worzel, Davie Jack, Nelly, Marky, Pascal, Max, drunks, degenerates every one, and every one my family, I've loved every minute of it. To my absent friends, Tom Blair and Craig Grumoli, I miss you and will do everything I can to ensure the continuance of the club you loved.<br />
<br />
I began with a quote from Victor Cahn, who summed up rugby as well as I might if I had his talent. I leave you with one from a great soldier and a terrible human being.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fcfccc; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>I don't know what effect these men will have on the enemy, but by God, they terrify me.</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fcfccc; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: #fcfccc; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington.</i></span></span></div>
Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-50858850338522226912013-02-19T09:30:00.001-08:002013-02-19T09:30:35.307-08:00We're lucky.Having just had the devastating news that we've lost Brenda's mother suddenly, you'd think that I'm all out of ways to make something positive of our lives right now. I'm going to try. I think I'll use a list of reasons to be grateful, if you'll bear with me.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful I knew Carol for around ten years. It wasn't all plain sailing, but we quickly warmed to each other and she showed me nothing but love and respect. Of course, we didn't agree on everything, but does anyone with their family? The point is, we didn't let any differences get in the way of that love and respect we shared for each other.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful that she looked on me as a son, and my sons as her grandchildren. She genuinely cared for them and always showed an interest in their lives.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful for her cheerful demeanour and the sheer exhilaration she seemed to find, especially in the last few years. She had an extremely engaging smile and a wicked laugh.<br />
<br />
I'm grateful for the generosity she showed us, right down to insisting that, when we called her, we hang up and let her call back. I suppose that's what mothers do.<br />
<br />
Most of all, I'm really grateful that what turned out to be Carol's last few years were so filled with fun and happiness. I really think she was happier than she'd ever been and this is because she married Dick. They were immersed in each other and always found something new or exciting to do together. I've seen a picture of the two of them together at High School and it just seems right that they ended up together.<br />
<br />
We won't forget Carol, but if ever a life was to be celebrated, this was it. Of course, we'll miss her terribly, but I'm absolutely sure that, when we think of her, it'll almost always be with smiles on our faces. We love you, Mom.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-63171469997083254612013-01-30T10:38:00.001-08:002013-01-30T22:50:29.171-08:00Craig Grumoli<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.499999046325684px;"></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LEps_ZoQC0crsBtmd_KE1LG4ogImnSGlcR5SAfFg0SrXe4ksptD-rDu3oeUL8dyxwutvZCGeR0Q745qbXNewyjpHfuYSVxb6VaiC0rLmTMPJHPuCrzXT9lDomaBeRw6nRnbTHMCKS0hk/s1600/27961_442735020224_2919633_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9LEps_ZoQC0crsBtmd_KE1LG4ogImnSGlcR5SAfFg0SrXe4ksptD-rDu3oeUL8dyxwutvZCGeR0Q745qbXNewyjpHfuYSVxb6VaiC0rLmTMPJHPuCrzXT9lDomaBeRw6nRnbTHMCKS0hk/s320/27961_442735020224_2919633_n.jpg" width="233" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">On Saturday 9th February, Paisley RFC will mark the passing of the
year since our dear friend Craig Grumoli left us. It may sound like a cliché,
but it really doesn’t seem that long. We have a framed picture of Craig
grinning at us whenever we enter the clubhouse, looking smug, as only he could,
in his nice new club shirt. It serves as a suitable reminder, prompting as it
often does many tales of poor unfortunates who have been ‘Grumolied’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">It’s hard to take anything positive from the loss of such
a presence from your life but, having known Craig as we did, I we’re all
grateful for having known him. It </span><span style="line-height: 17.5px;">isn't</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> quite so difficult to celebrate his
life because it was such fun when he was around and every story sustains the
sense of fun. Occasionally I still visit his Facebook page and find that
someone has left Craig a message. Strangely, that makes perfect sense to me. He
still provides enjoyment for us, simply in the act of remembrance.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span><br />
<span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">So, if it’s all right
with you, Saturday night won’t be one of grieving for me. It’ll be a night of
laughter, chronically bad renditions of ‘Macho Man’, maybe a tear or two, but
above all it will be the celebration he deserves. Thanks Craig for the fun
you’re going to provide and thanks again for being our friend.</span>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-76551912194194540672013-01-12T22:54:00.000-08:002013-01-12T22:54:28.691-08:00Of course, it's our fault.I've just read the report by the Metropolitan Police Service and NSPCC into the abuses carried out over almost 50 years by Jimmy Saville and I find one reference particularly objectionable. That's the reference to Saville having 'effectively groomed the nation'. The reason for my ire is that this would imply that somehow we were taken in by Saville, and this can only serve to share culpability. Over the period of his abuse, Saville was in fact reported on several occasions by victims who were often dissuaded from proceeding with their accusations by a police service or CPS unwilling to go ahead based on lack of evidence, or, more worryingly, advising victims that they might unleash a 'media circus'. One of his last victims was told that Saville's lawyers would tear her apart.<br /><br />With this background, we, the public, were hardly 'groomed' by Saville. We weren't taken in because we didn't know. Nobody told us. Even the rumours failed to reach the media in large part. So no, don't lay blame at our door. Saville worked for the BBC, where allegations were rife about him and others accused of abusing their position and celebrity. What exactly did the BBC do? Yup, you guessed it. Saville's crimes were reported to different police services and to the CPS. What did they do? Right again.<br /><br />I'm not looking for blood to be spilled, just the truth, unvarnished, to be told. That doesn't start by attempting to spread the culpability. Time for some humble pie.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-24664084278599989522012-12-03T14:20:00.000-08:002012-12-03T23:14:06.863-08:00Gladys DelarmAn era ended this morning. Gladys Delarm passed at the age of 102 in South Carolina. She was my wife Brenda's maternal grandmother and had lived a long and fruitful life. I got the chance to meet her at last around eight years ago and wasn't disappointed. She was an amazing woman, full of surprises and had an impish air about her. When I met her, of course, she was merely in her mid-nineties, apparently showing some signs of deafness and dementia. Or so I thought, until I made a mistake playing a card game called Skip-Bo. Gladys was all over me like a rash. She was as sharp as a tack. From a French Canadian background, she hailed from Camden, New York and was something of a local celebrity having reached the age of 102 earlier this year. She had spent the last few years with her son Mick and daughter-in-law Kriss, latterly in Taylor, South Carolina, where the climate seemed to suit her.<br />
<br />
Brenda doted on her Gram, as did most of the family. Her daughter Carol, Brenda's mother, would always try to spend time with Gram when passing through going to or from Florida, where she spends her winters. I'm personally glad that Brenda spoke to her Gram on the phone only last week at Thanksgiving. I hope that in time Brenda will tell some of the may stories of her Gram, because they're worth listening to. Meanwhile, this is truly a life worth celebrating. Goodbye Gladys and thanks for the memories.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-28055380421070646582012-10-20T01:16:00.000-07:002012-10-20T01:16:45.747-07:00Cancer, schmancerI spent last night helping to man the phones at one of ScottishPower's call centres supporting the Channel 4 'Stand up to Cancer' campaign. the task was simple; to accept donations. I'm not sure what I expected, but it was an eye opener. By the end of the evening, I'd been through something of an emotional roller coaster, but I'd do it all again. One thing that did strike me was that an awful lot of help came from people who couldn't really afford to be all that generous, yet gave as much as they could. A large proportion of them were pensioners, and almost everyone had a story to tell about cancer.<br />
<br />
One gentleman of over 70 had just had the all clear after having 27 lymph nodes removed and having had a course of chemo. He was crying as he spoke of watching the programme. "Kids shouldn't have to suffer that.", he said. A lot of this was tough to listen to, but I console myself with this thought. If it was hard to hear, it's a damn sight harder to live. Thanks if you contributed. Be well.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-25689763839286623102012-08-29T11:22:00.002-07:002012-12-03T14:22:23.143-08:00Pie in the sky?<br />
Numbers. Just numbers, for now. The Earth receives around 12.2 million watt-hours per square mile per year. This equates, worldwide, to 274,000,000 gigawatt years. Another way of putting that is that we receive 8.2 million quads (quadrillion Btu). With me so far? Now, the earth's population, use around 400 quads to serve all our energy needs. So, is it possible that we could eventually serve all our energy needs from solar radiation alone? Yup.<br />
<br />
It's not easy. We're up against lots of problems. There are definitely some huge technological hurdles to be overcome, but we are a race which managed to put men on the moon using technology less powerful than your mobile phone. Of course it's possible and if we all want it badly enough, it's likely. Don't let anyone tell you it can't be done.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-8269114994313346472012-07-25T07:35:00.000-07:002012-07-25T07:35:57.791-07:00Proud to be Scottish - honest.<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It's been a while coming, but at last Scotland is to lead the way in the UK by enacting legislation to enable same-sex marriage. Another group of our citizens are to be given equal treatment and equal responsibilities. I for one am delighted, and I'm proud that the majority appear to be on board with the idea. Mind you, there are some nay-sayers. Philip Tartaglia, the new Roman Catholic Archbishop of Glasgow claims he's received letters and emails accusing him of homophobia after the statements he's made on the subject. Welcome to the world of the LGBT community Phil. You ought to try living in a society where those who ought to know better whip up all kinds of hysteria against minorities. Oh, wait, you do live in such a society, and you're doing a lot of the whipping. Live with it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">He went on to say he believed religious freedom was now under threat from undemocratic and intolerant forces. So, kind of like his church then? Tolerance and democracy aren't exactly the watchwords of Catholicism. Here's some more.</span><br />
<br />
"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A spokesman for the Catholic Church in Scotland said: "The Scottish Government is embarking on a dangerous social experiment on a massive scale.</span></i></span><br />
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"However, the church looks much further than the short-term electoral time-scales of politicians.</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"We strongly suspect that time will show the Church to have been completely correct in explaining that same-sex sexual relationships are detrimental to any love expressed within profound friendships.</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"However, in the short term and long term the Church does not see same-sex marriage as an appropriate and helpful response to same-sex attraction."</span></i></div>
<div style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A social experiment? Is that how this Neanderthal sees it? Equality is a dangerous social experiment. Remember that. That's the official church line. This from the organisation that won't countenance the use of condoms to counteract the effects of one of the world's worst epidemics, AIDS. The church doesn't look further, it looks back and yearns for a time when it ruled with a rod of iron.</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not that the RC church is alone in its opposition to progress. Many other churches take a similar stance. I'll repeat what I said before to a member of the clergy. Stand for election, get elected and make a difference. You don't get two votes, one for you and one for the club of which you're a member. Stinks, doesn't it?</span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px; outline: none; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, well done the Scottish Government, I was against devolution. I've already admitted I was wrong. Now I know I was right about being wrong.</span></div>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-79883637219083924422012-07-16T10:42:00.000-07:002012-07-16T10:43:37.037-07:00Keith, I'll vote for you. Aye, right.<div style="text-align: left;">
Cardinal Keith O'Brien hit the papers today, attempting to 'intensify pressure on Alex Salmond over same-sex marriage by calling for a referendum on the proposals...'. Uh huh. Apparently 'far more people' are concerned about same-sex ceremonies than independence. Uh huh. Apparently over 27,000 people have signed a petition against the government's plans. Out of a population somewhere south of 5 million. Uh huh.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Let's deal with the word marriage first. It's a word. Nothing more nor less. It's an English word, so reference to Biblical concepts are meaningless. The Bible wasn't written in English, so the word is irrelevant. Next, to the concept of equality. If heterosexual couples are given certain rights based on their formalised nature of their relationship, then those rights are bound by any laws of common decency to be afforded to all who form similar relationships, same-sex or not. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The Biblical arguments put forward by the RC and other churches are, of course, powerful anti-gay motivators. However, I do feel 'Christians' ought to be careful of what they wish for. If Biblical exhortations are to be used, how do we select which ones to be used and which ignored? Ought we to stone people for adultery? Ought we to execute gays? It's not exactly light reading, but try ten minuites or so of Leviticus. You might see things a tad differently.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Now we reach morality. I get mine from what I believe to be a well-grounded sense of right and wrong, instilled in me by a father who was not a believer, a mother who was but never once attempted to force her beliefs on me, and a lifetime of experience, observing as I went how cruel both the spiritual and secular organisations who loom so large in our lives could be in achieving their, ultimately, identical ends. Those ends are control and profit. You don't think the churches seek profit? Uh huh. Take a wee peek in the Vatican vaults.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Here's the deal. If Cardinal O'Brien will accept as binding a referendum on the RC church's attitude to birth control, I will canvass votes for him when he resigns his nice comfortable job to stand for election to the Scottish Parliament. Otherwise, my advice is, nice try. In a democracy, we value the whole of the people, not a narrow interest group, although I can't for the life of me understand what interest is served by a 'Christian' persecuting a minority group. You've probably noticed the inverted commas I've used around the word 'Christian' a couple of times. They were deliberate. Since Christ appears to me to have preached love and tolerance in his teachings, perhaps these people ought to use another name. Persecutionists perhaps?</div>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-78231197696077073432012-06-26T14:01:00.003-07:002012-06-26T14:01:32.962-07:00What if we called it Team England?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm British. I live in Great Britain. I'm told I should support Team GB in the Olympics, but I can't. The reason is that it isn't really Team GB. Northern Ireland isn't in Great Britain, but it is in the UK. Given that those who administer the UK effort know this, they are also aware that to call it Team GB is to insult the 1.7 million or so people who live there. If you're Scottish or Welsh, would you support Team England?<br />
<br />
Of course, there will be a lot of people who simply laugh this off. It's not important. So here's the deal. Have your say. Let's see how many people from NI say it isn't an issue. I'll watch the Olympics, but I won't take any pleasure in Team GB wins.</div>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-8436256150654628032012-03-24T23:54:00.000-07:002012-03-24T23:54:54.356-07:00Paisley RFC 2nd XV 31 - 10 Renfrew RFCPaisley 2nds played host to Renfrew on Saturday on what was a near perfect day in terms of weather. Paisley had had quite a few call offs, so found themselves with several players out of position, notably with center Andy Conroy in his first start at fly half. Conroy's kicking game was virtually non-existent, but he did well in an unfamiliar position, leading the charge with one or two line breaks and some sharp passing along the line to new centres Marcus Cooper and Pascal Nissen.<br />
<br />
Renfrew kicked off and immediately felt the pressure as Paisley set about camping in their half. For the next ten minutes, Paisley battered away at Renfrew's line until, after a flurry of quick rucks, scrum half Calum Walker made a break, feeding lock Gary Riddell for the opening score, duly converted by Paul Di Duca. Paisley were then guilty of a lapse in concentration as they allowed Renfrew to come back at them almost immediately, the home defence allowing a chip to the corner to be dotted down by the visiting winger.<br />
<br />
However, Paisley were quickly back in familiar territory, moving fluently through ruck after ruck, recycling with uncharacteristic efficiency. After 32 minutes they got their reward for all the hard work, as Nissen, spotting that the Renfrew blind side wing had gone missing, screamed for the ball, duly provided by Walker, allowing Nissen to canter in unopposed from around 35 metres out. With Di Duca again converting, the game turned around at 14-5.<br />
<br />
The second half saw more of the same, although a series of changes in personnel interrupted the flow somewhat. Five minutes in, the spectators were treated to what was probably the most dramatic moment of the afternoon as captain Gordon 'Flash' McPhee took the ball for a run starting at the half way line, sidestepping several flailing tacklers before rounding the corner and touching down under the posts. Nine minutes later, Number 8 Paul Di Duca had a fine individual run, committing the defence before releasing Euan Stuart to score in the corner. Shortly after that, paisley committed their second and final error in judgement of the afternoon, allowing the Renfrew 8 to pick up and trundle over for second try.<br />
<br />
However, Paisley were not quite done. Five minutes from the end of play, hooker Antonio Jimenez picked the ball from the ruck and barreled over the line for the final score of the game. As the score suggests, Paisley dominated this game, with the scrum suffering no real problems. Scrum half Walker made his opposite number's life a misery, causing some the put-ins to be taken against the head, with Jimenez having one of his best days stealing opposition ball. The line out functioned well and the back row made things very difficult for the visitors with Colin McKay, the under 18 open side, proving why his coaches wax lyrical about him. Matt John stone at full back didn't have an enormous amount to do, but covered his position with confidence. Late in the game Iain Milne replaced Walker at scrum half, a position he has very little experience in, but handled it well.<br />
<br />
After the game, team manager Jim Lewis said, " This is what makes it worthwhile putting in all the time arranging, worrying and organising it takes to get a game played. To watch the joy with which Paisley played the game today was wonderful. I'm very proud of every one of them. Even Craig Thomson, out with an ankle injury, showed how a team member behaves, running touch, delivering first aid and generally helping me to do the job. It's good to be King!" The Man of the Match award went to Pascal Nissen, player in his first season who has shown a real talent for rugby and played with intelligence and bravery while playing in a position which placed him outside his comfort zone.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-85380943644594580082012-02-23T06:52:00.000-08:002012-02-23T06:58:40.713-08:00Aren't we the lucky ones?I am deeply honoured that a man as busy and so deeply respected worldwide as the saviour of Aberdeenshire and its natural heritage, Donald Trump, has once more leapt to the defence of the Scottish environment. He's at war with that wicked Alex Salmond, whose only mandate is through a majority in the Scottish Parliament, so long the bane of the life of St. Donald of Trump Towers, over the said demon's determination to meet green energy targets by having all of Scotland's energy needs serviced by renewable sources by 2020. That seems a bit unrealistic, so we shouldn't bother trying, right?<br />
<br />
Saint Donald has wheeled his mighty organisation behind Communities Against Turbines Scotland. Cats (for such is their witty acronym) quite rightly voice concerns over the proliferation of admittedly ugly turbines, particularly in one spot it seems. From his spokesman:<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"All the great links golf courses, that people from all over the world have enjoyed for centuries, are now being threatened."</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Really? I really didn't know that people had travelled from all over the world to play golf, and for hundreds of years. Wow.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.1em;"> "Another proposal we were shocked to find is at Loch Ness. <span style="font-size: 13px;">If you stop 90% of the people in the street in New York they would associate Scotland with Loch Ness. It is an iconic part of Scotland.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.1em;">"We were shocked to find out there is a proposal to put 150 turbines above it. It is complete madness. What we found was there is tremendous local opposition to many of these proposals."</div><div style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.1em;">Quite right. And if you stopped the same people in the street and asked them what they would associate with Ireland, I'm sure they'd mention leprechauns and pots o'gold. You see, Americans are known to be world leaders in environmental protection. Just have a look around Alaska and the Gulf of Mexico.</div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 20px; margin-bottom: 1.1em;"><div style="color: #333333;">If you feel I'm being a tad cynical here, you're not that perceptive. I'm being very cynical. This guy, with his used toupee salesman appearance, doesn't give a toss about Loch Ness or "all the great links courses". He is, however, somewhat peeved that the view from his sizeable slice of Aberdeenshire will be marred by offshore turbines.</div><div style="color: #333333;"><br />
</div><div style="color: #333333;">To quote from 'Benvironment':</div><span style="color: #333333; font-size: x-small;">"</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px;">Yep, according to this news story Donald Trump has expressed concerns that an offshore windfarm could spoil the view his guests will get from his new golf resort.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 15px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Awww. Personally, I’m having trouble caring. This, from an organisation that knowingly built on a protected area, erected dirt banks and trees around neighbours they didn’t like (and thus obscured their VIEWS)……and wanted to evict existing residents through compulsory purchase orders…..for personal profit."</div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 15px; margin-top: 10px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Is it all starting to make sense now? I thought so. Mr Trump, who still believes Barack Obama was born in Kenya, and is still attempting to buy the US Presidency, must not be allowed to buy Scotland to add to his portfolio. He's a bully,and bullies generally end up with a bloody nose. Let's give him one.</span></div>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-32556829623152830112012-02-10T10:15:00.000-08:002012-02-12T12:38:50.667-08:00Craig<div class="MsoNormal">A friend passed from our lives this week, a boy really, less than a year older than my own elder son. Some people enter your life fleetingly and leave a lasting impression. Craig Grumoli was one of those people. Craig played for Paisley Rugby Club for a relatively short space of time before moving to Ireland to start a new life. I didn’t really get to spend a lot of time with him, but the little time I did was highly enjoyable. When my wife Brenda was in Paisley’s Royal Alexandra Hospital, Craig took time from his own busy working life at the hospital to visit her and bring her some of his trademark cheer, just because that’s the kind of man he was. Such small kindnesses are long remembered.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><div class="MsoNormal">If I have one lasting image of this young man, it was his almost constant smile. As a rugby player he was uncompromising and never took a backward step, but above all else his sheer joy in taking part in a game he loved stood out. Of course, the social side of the game didn’t pass him by. He had a wild side to him which could be something to behold. Add to this a rapier wit (I can’t think of anyone better at the lightning reply), and you have a picture of a guy who was a lot of fun to be around.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br />
</div><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%;">Thanks Craig. Thanks for caring, thanks for the joy of watching you play and thanks for the fun and the kindness you spread around. Above all, thanks for being our friend. The boys at the club, Brenda and I will miss you terribly, but we’ll never forget you.</span>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-57605713581151614762012-02-01T11:51:00.000-08:002012-02-01T11:51:29.877-08:00Is it me?On a day when there are more important things to see on the news (Fred Goodwin having to change his stationery for one) isn't it just a tad wearying to watch Tweedledum and Tweedledumber spitting venom across the Despatch Box? We really need their mothers to march in there and march them right back out, to be grounded for six months.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-29581549309325887952012-01-21T22:04:00.000-08:002012-01-22T00:04:53.060-08:00Plus ça change...<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Colonel Robert Bowman flew 101 combat missions in Vietnam. At the time of writing the following (1998), he was bishop of the United Catholic Church in Melbourne Beach, FL. This was of course three years before the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">Sept</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;">. 11th, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.</span></span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: small;"> </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">'<i>If deceptions about terrorism go unchallenged, then the threat will continue until it destroys us.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>The truth is that none of our thousands of nuclear weapons can protect us from these threats. No Star Wars system no matter how technically advanced, no matter how many trillions of dollars are poured into it, can protect us from a nuclear weapon delivered in a sailboat or a Cessna or a suitcase or a Ryder rental truck. Not one weapon in our vast arsenal, not a penny of the $270 billion a year we spend on so-called defense can defend against a terrorist bomb. That is a military fact.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>As a retired lieutenant colonel and a frequent lecturer on national security issues, I have often quoted Psalm 33: "A king is not saved by his mighty army. A warrior is not saved by his great strength." The obvious reaction is, "Then what can we do?" Is there nothing we can do to provide security for our people?"<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>There is. But to understand it requires that we know the truth about the threat. President Clinton did not tell the American people the truth about why we are the targets of terrorism when he explained why we bombed Afghanistan and Sudan. He said that we are a target because we stand for democracy, freedom, and human rights in the world. Nonsense!<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We are the target of terrorists because, in much of the world, our government stands for dictatorship, bondage, and human exploitation. We are the target of terrorists because we are hated. And we are hated because our government has done hateful things.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>In how many countries have agents of our government deposed popularly elected leaders and replaced them with puppet military dictators who were willing to sell out their own people to American multinational corporations?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We did it in Iran when the US Marines and the CIA deposed Mossadegh because he wanted to nationalize the oil industry. We replaced him with the Shah and armed, trained, and paid his hated Savak National Guard, which enslaved and brutalized the people of Iran, all to protect the financial interests of our oil companies. Is it any wonder that there are people in Iran who hate us?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We did it in Chile. We did it in Vietnam. More recently, we tried to do it in Iraq. And, of course, how many times have we done it in Nicaragua and all the other banana republics of Latin America? Time after time we have ousted popular leaders who wanted the riches of the land to be shared by the people who worked it. We replaced them with murderous tyrants who would sell out their own people so the wealth of the land could be taken out by the likes of Domino Sugar, Folgers, and Chiquita Banana.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>In country after country, our government has thwarted democracy, stifled freedom, and trampled human rights. That's why it is hated around the world. And that's why we're the target of terrorists.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>People in Canada enjoy democracy, freedom, and human rights. So do the people of Norway and Sweden. Have you heard of Canadian embassies being bombed? Or Norwegian, or Swedish?<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>We are not hated because we practice democracy, value freedom, or uphold human rights. We are hated because our government denies these things to people in Third World countries whose resources are coveted by our multinational corporations. That hatred we have sown has come back to haunt us in the form of terrorism and in the future, nuclear terrorism.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Once the truth about why the threat exists is understood, the solution becomes obvious. We must change our ways. Getting rid of our nuclear weapons unilaterally if necessary will enhance our security. Drastically altering our foreign policy will ensure it.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Instead of sending our sons and daughters around the world to kill Arabs so we can have the oil under their sand, we should send them to rebuild their infrastructure, supply clean water, and feed starving children. Instead of continuing to kill hundreds of Iraqui children every day with our sanctions, we should help Iraquis rebuild their electric power plants, their water treatment facilities, their hospitals, and all the things we have destroyed and prevented them from rebuilding.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><i>Instead of training terrorists and death squads, we should close the School of the Americas [Ft. Benning, GA.]. Instead of supporting insurrection, destabilization, assassination, and terror around the world, we should abolish the CIA and give money to relief agencies.<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><i><span style="font-size: large;">In short, we should do good instead of evil. Who would try to stop us? Who would hate us? Who would want to bomb us? That is the truth the American people need to hear.'</span></i><span style="font-size: small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><i><br />
</i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">I came across this article by accident the other day and was immediately struck by how little things have changed. Now, this particular piece might have specifically targeted US foreign policy, but we in the UK aren't exactly innocent dupes. Our governments increasingly go along with the atrocious actions of the USA. In fact, you don't need to cast your mind back too far to when the Blair regime, ignoring the clear wishes of our people, and with the open cooperation of the opposition parties, went to war alongside America, a war based largely on lies propagated by Blair himself (The Niger yellow-cake uranium claims, the '45 minute' invention etc.).</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The difference perhaps is that it's a bit harder now for Western governments to keep the rest of us from knowing about it. Of course, we have to want to know what's happening under our noses and in our name. The Occupy movement and others might give some hope that at last citizens are beginning to wake up to what going on around them, but that kind of action needs not only to be maintained, but expanded. I'm not <span style="line-height: 115%;">naïve</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> enough to believe that anything I write will have more than passing interest to a handful of people. In fact, most won't even get to read it, but it's important nevertheless that those of us who feel strongly enough at least register that fact and this is my way of doing so.</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">If you take nothing more from this, please at least consider the question; why do they hate us? If you're content to buy the old line of horse doody that 'they' hate our democracy, our freedom, there's nothing I can do to change your mind. If, on the other hand, you do question conventional wisdom, you need do no more than to ask yourself just how much democracy and freedom we do have. They'd have to be pretty stupid to envy us what we don't have. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">Conservatives on both sides of the Atlantic love to tell us that 'freedom isn't free'. These dinosaurs, who almost always manage to keep themselves and their families out of any conflict, waffle on about how disrespectful of the war dead it is to use our freedoms for purposes other than those to which they would limit us. I say it is they who disrespect the war dead by trying to limit the freedoms for which these brave men and women fought. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;"><br />
</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; line-height: 115%;">So, ask questions, take nothing as read. If you're reading this, you're sitting right on top of a vast repository of knowledge. Take a break from the latest online game and spend a little time, just a little, finding out things which are important. Don't take my word for it...</span></div>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-89791539106141927082012-01-07T13:46:00.000-08:002012-01-07T13:46:07.597-08:00Ooh, Matron!It's happened at last. A jury has seen sense and might force the ridiculous Obscene Publications Act to be reformed. Michael Peacock was acquitted yesterday of six counts of publishing obscene materials. The OPA defines obscene materials as that which 'tends to corrupt or deprave'. The DVDs marketed by Peacock might reasonably be said to contain images which would stretch the bounds of decency, but the likelihood of them corrupting or depraving anyone seems pretty slim to me. Given that the acts performed were some pretty 'out there' ones (gay fisting, urination etc.), it's fairly hard to envisage anyone renting the wrong DVD at Blockbuster and being scarred for life as a result.<br />
<br />
Now here's the problem I have with all this nonsense. The acts contained in the offending articles are without exception legal ones between consenting adults. Why then might it be considered illegal for anyone else to voluntarily pay to watch them? I find 'reality' TV repulsive, but would it be right for me to legislate against it? I was horrified to switch on my television one night to find myself staring in awe at that weasel George Galloway on all fours pretending to be a cat, licking his 'paws' and to clean his whiskers, all in an apparent attempt at impressing a Polish countess. I hate to think of this absolutely shocking waste of the gift that is television, but I absolutely stand by the right of anyone stupid enough to watch this stuff the right to do so without interference.<br />
<br />
In this case, the prosecution lawyer had the unmitigated gall to describe the likely audience for this kind of material as, "a man, in his 40s, married, whose wife doesn't know of his secret sexual tastes." So, are we to believe that, if this material were never published, this "man in his 40s" would continue to lead a perfectly 'normal' life? I imagine the jury was as unimpressed by this delusion as I am.<br />
<br />
The OPA was and is an attempt to legislate morality. I am sick and tired of politicians, that happy band of highly moral lawgivers, constantly telling me what's good for me. I'm a grown up and perfectly capable of making my own mind up as to what publications I invest my hard earned in. This was a victory for sexual freedom, but it was more than that. It was a warning to those who think they know better than us that it's time they had a rethink. I seriously doubt, though, that it will occur to them for one minute to pay the slightest attention.<br />
<br />
By the way, do you want to know what I think is obscene? Well, I'll tell you. I find footage taken from a smart bomb's onboard camera as it flies down the air vent of an air raid shelter, killing several hundred civilians obscene. Think we'll ever tire of showing that before the watershed?Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-91229956277957124372011-12-05T12:01:00.000-08:002011-12-05T12:32:15.524-08:00We'll just have to grin and bear it.Oh joy! Tian Tian and Yuang Guang are here! Of course, they are Edinburgh Zoo's pair of giant pandas, just arrived on 'loan' from China. Why the punctuation, you wonder? Well, 'loan' isn't exactly the word that seems appropriate to me, unless it makes you think of the phrase 'loan shark'. When you lend something to your friend, do you charge for the privilege? I thought not. Edinburgh is paying £636,000 per year for ten years for the 'loan' of the pandas. I'd suggest 'rent' is a better word.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, Big Eck is in China, thanking them for the 'gift' of the pandas. With Christmas fast approaching, that's given me an idea. "There you go son, Happy Xmas. Now, that'll be £50 please." Can't hang around. I'm off to the late night store for lots of Xmas 'gifts'. This time next year, Rodney, we'll be millionaires.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-31812513792841338902011-11-27T10:42:00.000-08:002011-11-27T13:04:32.372-08:00Liberally distributed<h1 style="background-color: #edf1f7; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">“As people do better, they start voting like Republicans - unless they have too much education and vote Democratic, which proves there can be too much of a good thing”</span></h1><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;"><br />
</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">This a well-known quote from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karl_Rove" target="_blank">Karl Rove</a>. Why, you might ask, would I of all people be quoting someone I detest so much? Well, it's simply that to some extent I agree with him. I believe that with education, and just as importantly with maturity come, for most of us, a kind of mellowing, a realisation that </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">acquisitiveness is not all there is to life. We begin to realise that the question "What should I give some of my hard-earned money to others less fortunate?" should immediately prompt the answer "Because you can." That ought to be enough. However, you'll often find that the right in politics ask the question slightly differently. They ask, "Why should I give more of my heard-earned money to those too lazy to make their own fortunes?" This is based on the American Dream, more properly known as the American Myth. In this scenario, anyone willing to work hard is practically guaranteed wealth. I like this idea. It seems to me that if this is correct, I can work like stink for a few years and then retire to Florida and soak up the rays.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wait a minute though. If this is right, how come so many Americans are working at three jobs and still unable to hold body and soul together? Conversely, how come a lot of the wealthiest can sit on their fat cans in the country club, soaking up the gin and getting richer by the minute? Allow me to enlighten you. The American Dream propagated by the right is based on the notion that wealth is infinite. It isn't. We all get a share and some of us, for whatever reason (let's go along with them for a minute and call it hard work), get a bigger share. This means that some of us get a smaller share. It's an inescapable consequence of most economic systems. Nowhere is there the smallest shred of evidence that everyone can get wealthy. Nowhere, unless that is you know differently. I won't hold my breath.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meanwhile, I'll stick with the idea that being mature means among other things letting social injustice bother me, sparing a thought for those less fortunate and helping when I can. It doesn't make me a saint, it just makes me human. Try it Karl. What am I saying?</span></div>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-82487455953825144082011-10-22T14:14:00.000-07:002011-10-22T14:20:06.140-07:00Me? Disruptive? Oh, I hope so.<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">This blog has been prompted by an article I've just read, written by Naomi Wolf in the Huffington Post, in response to Mayor Bloomberg of NYC's stated intention to legislate against the Occupy Wall Street campaigners. Apparently, Bloomberg is upset that the lives of residents are being disrupted. It's a very good article which states plainly and concisely why the First Amendment to the US Constitution forbids him from doing that. Good for her.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Now, while we over here in God's country might think we would never see the kind of abuses of power that being governed by corporations brings, but the truth is we see them every day. The very idea that just because a group of citizens decide to occupy a public space, which they part own, the police might feel the urge to give them a little prod now and then, questioning their right to be there, tells us that. We employ government, they don't employ us. It's their job in a nominal democracy to represent each of us to the best of their ability and equally. It seems, sadly, that not too many politicians see democracy that way, so now and then they need to be reminded in no uncertain terms of their obligations to their employers. I'm one of the 99%. Are you?<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">The First Amendment: "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; <i>or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances." (My italics)</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13.5pt;">Naomi's excellent article can be found <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/naomi-wolf/occupy-wall-street-bloomberg-free-speech-right-to-disruption-_b_1026535.html">here</a>.<o:p></o:p></span></div>Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5464316116100014907.post-67681788745873637542011-10-15T04:10:00.000-07:002011-10-15T04:12:24.195-07:00Encore, nous allonsOnce more, the lawmakers and the officials they appoint have conspired to spoil the game. I refer, of course, to the disgraceful decision by Irish/French referee (whose idea was it to think we'd all buy into his non-partisanship?) Alain Rolland. Welsh captain Sam Warburton, guilty of, at worst, over-enthusiasm, went low into a tackle, drove upwards as we're all trained to do and misjudged by inches how far to go. In steps the overly dramatic (aren't they all?) Rolland and issues a red card. This changed the entire course of the game. Wales lost their talisman, a man who will easily get into most people's RWC 2011 Dream Team. He has been Wales' player of the tournament and I would have thought would at least be considered for the major prize. The end for him, when it came, must be tragic. I can't begin to imagine how he feels.<br />
<br />
Despite this massive setback, Wales played out of their skins, outplaying the French for a large part of the game. They came very close to winning this game, a victory which would have been talked about for years. I for one am sad they didn't, although I'll now gladly throw my not inconsiderable weight behind their campaign to bring the cup north of the equator.<br />
<br />
I strongly believe that this RWC must be the turning point for lawmakers, officials, unions and players alike. It's time we started to take our game back. It seems to me that we as the bedrock of the game have to let these people know that they don't work for the media or the sponsors. They work for us. It's our game and we're pissed. So, start to agitate, complain, let your regional officials know what you think. If they don't listen, boycott international and professional rugby until they do.<br />
<br />
I'm not a luddite. I'm for change where it obviously improves the game. However, having 35 year old forwards below a certain league level play Under-19 rules is hard to fathom. Persisting with scrummaging laws which actually cause collapses is moronic and does nothing to allay the fears of conspiracy theorists like me who believe the powers-that-be are trying to depower the scrum to the level of negating it as a contest, thus turning Rugby Union into Rugby League, seen as a more commercially viable sport. When that happens, prop forwards can all pack up and find another sport. Tinkering with the laws to the extent of making defence harder and harder does nothing to improve the game. If you want to watch the Jessicas sprinting up the wing and diving over the line for 80 minutes, Rugby League awaits you. If you truly love this game of ours, wake up and smell the Kenyan Fair Trade coffee.Jim Lewishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18376601847070535780noreply@blogger.com0